FineLifestyles Saskatoon Winter 2010

FineLifestyles

SASKATOON

WINTER 2010/2011

BETTY ANNE

L AT R AC E HENDERSON

TATTOOS SASKATOON IN

2050

Visit us at 8th & Arlington, Midtown Plaza and Centre Mall

The World of Holiday Gifts

Available Exclusively at

Garden Architecture & Design 315 Avenue A South . 306.651.2828 . www.gardenarchitecture.ca

The compliments I receive throughout the day on my clothing are a direct result of the education I have received atThe Dresser. – Ryan Before stumbling upon The Dresser, I was unaware that such a tasteful fashion shop like this existed in Saskatoon. I acquired my first suit from The Dresser. I felt confident working with Rodger and Dennis after seeing some of their stunning suits as well as other great clothing they had at The Dresser. I will definitely be returning after my great experience. – Jesse

Dressed for Success Education | Quality | Service

Ryan and Jesse are wearing black suits from the Paolo Lastrucci Collection woven in Biella, and hand-stitched in Florence. The White shirts are from the Giordano Firenze collection produced with 450 thread count cotton for superior quality and luxury. All paired with various pink ties and pocket squares from the Brand Q line, hand-stitched and produced in Italy. The outfits are finished off with hand-crafted shoes from the Brand Q collection as well.

The Dresser Fashions For Men 608 Duchess Street, Saskatoon 306.222.3095 www.thedresser.ca

FirstImpression

The latest trend in wedding memorabilia, trashing the dress, came to the City of Bridges in October. Fine Lifestyles stalwarts Gina’s Portraits and Grant Romancia Photography, along with Memories by Mandy, Stuart Kasdorf Photographics, David Stobbe Photography, Divine Images and Danielle Stasiuk Photography shot eight brides in the inaugural Trash the Dress fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, bringing in $3,500. The brides arrived in style with Living Skies Limousine service to the backdrop provided by Affiliated Auto Wreckers. Hairstyling services were donated by Unique Look Hair Design and Uyen Huyh. Chrysta Coats did the makeup and Simply Posh provided the vintage jewellery.

Pictured: Rachel Dyck by Gina Yesnik

FirstWord

By Thom Barker, Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon Editor

In the summer of 1982, I dragged myself off a Via bus at the corner of 23rd Street and Ontario Avenue weary and dishevelled from a long train ride from Ottawa and a short bus jaunt from Regina.

I spent my days butchering old Neil Young and Paul Simon tunes on downtown street corners to scrape together enough change to buy lunch and pay for a campsite. Evenings would find me at Holiday Park. Supper was usually a takeout box of steamed rice covered in lots of soy sauce washed down by a few shots of tequila. My entertainment was watching the fastball games at the nearby diamonds.

After a couple of weeks, I packed up my tent, slung my guitar over my shoulder and set out in search of the Yellowhead and destinations west. As I stuck out my thumb and looked back at the City of Bridges, I thought: “I could live here.”

Nearly three decades on, via Toronto, Ottawa, Texas, Ottawa again and northern B.C., a beautiful woman from Newfoundland I now count myself very lucky to call my wife brought me back to the province of my birth. Living in Fort Qu’Appelle, we had occasion to find ourselves in Saskatoon for work-related conferences and pleasure-related activities, particularly the jazz festival.

As we wandered around downtown, strolled on the campus of the university or just gazed out over the Bessborough Gardens and river from our room on the sixth floor, one of us, and sometimes both, would invariably say, “I could live here.”

Now we do.

I am thrilled to be the new editor of Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon magazine. I was born to make magazines. I created my first when I was six years old. I called it Now Magazine and it had one subscriber: my mom. At seven, I started making superhero comics with two friends under the imprint U.C. (United Cartoonists) Comics. I have a framed copy of the first cheque I earned as a freelance writer.

My personal history in Saskatoon is limited to that long ago stopover and the last few months, but the city feels very familiar, probably because I am surrounded by family history. A block west and two blocks south of my home office, my mom worked as a librarian at the main branch of the Saskatoon Public Library before she met my dad. Just up 25th Street and over the University Bridge is the house where she lived while they both attended U of S and a little further up College Avenue their graduation class photos still hang in the hallway of St. Thomas More College.

Two buildings over, my father’s parents had an apartment after Granddad retired from the CNR. And from my window, I can just see the edge of the geometric tile mosaic on the outside of the Second Avenue Lofts (formerly the Bay department store), which my other grandfather and great uncle created long before I was born.

With this, my inaugural issue of Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon, I am very much looking forward to getting to know my adopted city inside and out. I am always open to email and letters to the editor.

You can also find me, and please do, on Facebook (Fine Lifestyles Magazine) and Twitter (@skfinelifestyle).

www.finelifestyles.ca has undergone a facelift!

Now Featuring: Weekly editor`s blog and poll Web-exclusive content Comprehensive events calendar Find us on Facebook (Fine Lifestyles Magazine) and Twitter (@skfinelifestyle)

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What’sInside

225 22 Postcards From the Future 25 The Truth About Tattoos 88 Entertainment Calendar 108 Big Brothers Big Sisters 08 Business 24 Style 64 Wheels 74 Dining, Entertainment and Arts 84 Health and Wellness 164 Sports, Recreation and Travel 180 House and Home

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OurCover Winter 2010 Volume 1, Issue 4 www.finelifestyles.ca Editor Thom Barker editor@finelifestyles.ca Graphic Design and Layout Gary Blaney gary@finelifestyles.ca In-house Design Audrey Roskewich Joni Gaudette

Cover Photography Grant Romancia | www.grantromancia.com Photography Lisa Landrie | www.shutterbugphoto.ca Gina’s Portraits | www.ginasportraits.com Contributing Writers Ian Goodwillie Sheena Koops Jackie Kripki Les Lazaruk G.H. Lewmer Penny McKinlay Lissa Robinson Karin Melberg Schwier Meagen Thomas Carol Todd Alexandra Walld Edward Willett Darryl Yasinowski

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Office Manager Tracy Shaw | 306.539.8779 | tracy@finelifestyles.ca Advertising Consultants Natasha Solvason | natasha@finelifestyles.ca Colleen Jacobucci | colleen@finelifestyles.ca Peter Kahenya | peter@finelifestyles.ca Jason Booker | jason@finelifestyles.ca Crystal Reich | crystal@finelifestyles.ca Heather Fritz | heather@finelifestyles.ca Publishers Randy Liberet | 306.540.3320 | randy@finelifestyles.ca Wayne UnRuh | 306.541.3365 | wayne@fineLifestyles.ca 3440 Balsam Grove Regina, SK S4V 2S4 Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon is published four times a year by Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement. All contents of Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd., are copyrighted 2010 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles Regina, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles Regina or its writers. The name Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Lifestyles of Regina or the companies they represent. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

A Message from Betty Anne Brian and I are so pleased to be featured in this edition of this wonderful magazine. At the Mayor’s Gala in September, Howard Stensrud said: “Saskatoon shines because of the 200,000 and change who polish it just a little every day.”

We are both excited to help polish Saskatoon along with so many others featured in this magazine and as citizens of Saskatoon.

It is a fantastic city!

Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon is a high quality magazine and we enjoy reading about the many businesses and services that are presented.

Enjoy the magazine!

Betty Anne Latrace Henderson

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Local Knowledge, Internationally Known

By FLS Staff. Photos by Gina’s Portraits.

Saskatchewan is a province of tremendous wealth and potential. We have phenomenal resource riches from the agricultural crops grown atop the soil, to the minerals and hydrocarbons beneath it. Saskatchewan is currently in the midst of a generational economic boom that has insulated us from some of the ravages of the world wide recession. Over the past several years there has been billions of dollars in mergers and acquisitions focused on Saskatchewan assets. While the economic growth is tremendous, many individuals have little exposure to their home province when it comes to their investments.

MGI Securities Inc., a boutique investment

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firm with offices in Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Calgary, London and Toronto, is fulfilling a need for local investment opportunities.

Since opening in Saskatoon in the spring of 2009, MGI has been quietly filling our office with experienced professionals.

Our philosophy is quite simple: “We exist to generate profitable investment opportunities for our high net worth clients,” says Mark Smith-Windsor, Vice President.

One of the unique features of MGI Securities is its local Investment Banking presence.

Investment Bankers act as intermediaries between companies seeking capital and investors looking for opportunities. Since

2009, the Saskatchewan office has been directly involved in raising in excess of $119 million, largely for Saskatchewanfocused investments, including a number of investment funds.

“We are unique in that despite the vast resource wealth in Saskatchewan, MGI Securities is the only active investment dealer with a local investment banking staff, focused on junior issuers for these sorts of investment opportunities,” says Jeret Bode, Investment Banker.

The success of any new venture is significantly dependent on the people, and at MGI Securities, we are no exception. We

LOCAL PROFESSIONALS GAIN INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION

Mike Bone

are looking to add the most talented people in the industry. In that vein, Investment Advisor Mike Bone, a 20-year industry veteran and his associate Kelli Meckelborg joined our Saskatoon office in January of 2010. We also have grown our investment banking department with the addition of an associate, Kevin Thompson. “The opportunity to participate in the gestation of stronger capital markets within Saskatchewan is something we are all proud of,” says Thompson.

The people in the MGI Securities Saskatoon office are beginning to receive national and international attention for their expertise on Saskatchewan resources and the Saskatchewan economy. Publications such as the Wall Street Journal have sought the views of our local team on economic and investment matters in the Province.

Jeret Bode

Kaelen Both

investment opportunities available through MGI Securities, you are encouraged to contact one of our advisors.

If you are an entrepreneur or business person contemplating a transaction of $2 Million or more, you are encouraged to contact our investment banking team.

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

MGI Securities 224 - 4th Ave S, Suite 600 Saskatoon, SK 306.385.6563 www.mgisecurities.com

“An article in the Wall Street Journal has the power to move national and international markets like no other publication on earth.

I know we’re doing something right when they care what we have to say,” says Mark Smith-Windsor.

Mark Smith-Windsor

Our clients receive the opportunity to participate in some unique Saskatchewanbased ventures. “Local investors should be keenly aware of what’s going on around us, there are some pretty interesting opportunities,” comments Mike Bone.

If you are interested in learning more about

Kelli Meckelborg

Kevin Thompson

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SASKATOON FIRM BOTH CURRENT AND EXPLORATORY Henry Downing Howlett Delivers Innovation Based On Sound Principles

By Lissa Robinson.

Anyone who lives in Saskatchewan will be familiar with many of the distinct buildings created by Henry Downing Howlett Architects (HDH Architects) and their predecessors. The architectural firm, based in Saskatoon recently went through a name change (previously known as Friggstad Downing Henry). The change reflects the practice’s ongoing evolution and vitality as a progressive and well-established firm.

With roots that trace back to the1960s, the firm is well known for its contemporary

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and sophisticated handling of complex building projects in Saskatoon and across the province.

It’s not just the functionality of the buildings that have made them such a distinct part of landscape of Saskatoon and the province. The firm is well respected for their attention to detail and the unique and innovative approaches they take to their designs, aesthetics and construction of the projects.

Among the hundreds of buildings they have designed and managed through construction are a string of new projects that include the Meadow Lake Courthouse, Humboldt District Health Complex, the Cathedral of the Holy Family, Tommy Douglas Collegiate/Shaw Centre and the Academic Health Sciences D Wing.

Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan is also a major contract the firm is very excited about.

CONTEMPORARY AND SOPHISTICATED ARCHITECTURE

Henry Downing Howlett Architects provides a comprehensive service with a present staff complement of twenty-three that includes architects, interior designers, architectural technologists, construction supervisors, administrators and clerical personnel. By thoroughly involving clients in the process of design, the firm has earned a reputation for innovation and careful adherence to client needs.

Henry Downing Howlett Architects The new Meadow Lake Courthouse is situated on a corner in the centre of the town.

Due to the limited size of the lot, the building was conceptualized using a three floor plan that houses a lobby, courtrooms, detention area and offices . That may seem like a pretty standard approach to courthouse design, but after learning just how compact the building really is, visitors will be struck by its efficiency and the contrast between the open and bright spaces within the modernist setting The lobby space was pivotal to the overall design set against the modern compositions of soft grey masonry, sleek blonde wood and large panels of glass.

Many in the firm are currently immersed these days in overseeing the construction of the Academic Health Sciences D Wing project and the Humboldt District Health Complex. Both projects are immensely complex and integrate public spaces as part of the functional fabric of the buildings.

The expansion to Academic Health Science is one of the largest undertakings in the University of Saskatchewan’s history. The completed building complex is a multi-stage and multi-year construction and renovation project. The D Wing will be a large four

story addition on the East side and six story addition on the North side of the existing B Wing. The majority of the new space will accommodate open laboratory space for collaborative research.

Over the years the firm has won numerous awards including an Apostolic Blessing, by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, Vatican for the Holy Spirit Church in Saskatoon, International and American Institute of Architects Awards in Health Care Design for the Saskatoon City Hospital, CEFPI International Awards for both Spruce Ridge School, Estevan and M.C.Knoll/ St. Michael’s Schools in Yorkton, an Award of Excellence in Interior Design and Restorative Use for the College Building, U of S Campus Rehabilitation project and

more recently in 2008, Architectural Masonry Design Awards for the Tommy Douglas Collegiate/Civic Centre in Saskatoon, Central Park Learning Centre in Nipawin and Vincent Massey Community School in Prince Albert.

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CONTEMPORARY AND SOPHISTICATED ARCHITECTURE

Continuing education and staying in tune with technological innovations and demands is at the root of why HDH Architects continues to evolve so successfully as a firm. HDH Architects were the first in Saskatchewan to successfully initiate a large computer-aided design and drafting installation. They continue to enhance their operations by moving into the use of Autodesk’s Revit Architecture, a Building Information Modelling (BIM) software.

The firm is very committed to sustainable design principles. A fascinating principle was used in the planning of the Tommy Douglas Collegiate and Shaw Civic Centre. With such a large complex, the environmental and mechanical aspects needed to be considered over the longterm for the sustainability of the connected complexes. The cooling needs of the

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schools and heating needs of the aquatic facility were linked so each could feed off the other. Unwanted heat from the schools is channeled into heating the pool, which reduces its boiler usage. In turn, chilled water is delivered back to the schools and integrated into their cooling systems.

A heat pump forms the backbone of this heat recovery system, which will realize significant energy savings over time.

From design through to construction, Henry Downing Howlett Architects experience and skills compliment the sophistication and expectations of their clients. Design work sessions, explore and challenge concepts with users in shaping unique solutions. Henry Downing Howlett Architect’s technological expertise is both current and exploratory, delivering sound buildings based on years of good building practice.

The history of the firm is one of progressive evolution, responding to changing personnel, ownership, technology and the market place. By being responsive to the market place, maintaining youthful energy and continually seeking new opportunities, the firm has successfully built one of the largest and most respected architectural practices in Saskatchewan.

Henry Downing Howlett Architects 2233 Avenue C North Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Phone: (306) 652-5044 Fax: (306) 665-0082

Polar Refrigeration has been serving Saskatoon for 58 years – and we’ve been at the top of the industry since the beginning.

We provide unparalleled HVAC/R service, design and building expertise for all unique applications.

We focus on refrigeration service for the commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors. We also offer solutions for all of your heating, cooling, ventilation and air conditioning needs.

Polar Refrigeration Service – Recipients of the 2010 Celebrate Success “Strategic Alliance” Award sponsored by the Saskatoon Community Foundation

POLAR REFRIGERATION SERVICE

402 - 21 Street West | 652-3150 | www.polarservices.ca

CISV is a peace education organization that “educates and inspires action for a more just and peaceful world” by hosting international, national, and local crosscultural educational opportunities for children and youth.

CISV Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s chapter, is excited to have the received the following international invitations for Saskatchewan children, youth, and adults. Most of these programs take place in July and August of 2011.

11 year olds: 28-day Villages in Telmark, Norway and Sao Paulo, Brazil 12 - 13 year olds: 4 week Interchange with the Netherlands 13 - 14 year olds: 5 week Interchange with Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania, USA 14 year olds: 23-day Summer Camp in Sheffield, England 14 - 15 year olds: 6 week Interchange with Stockholm, Sweden 15 year olds: 23-day Summer Camp in Aarhus, Denmark 15 - 17 year olds: 34-day cross-Canada experience on the C2C Peace Bus 16 – 17 year olds: 28-day Villages in Bogotá, Colombia and Victoria, Australia as

Junior Counsellors

17 - 18 year olds: 21-day Seminar Camps in various locations around the world 19+ years old: 18-day Peoples Project in Germany 21+: Adult leaders for the Village, Interchange, and Summer Camp programs

For more information, please see the City of Saskatoon Winter Leisure Guide, or go to www.cisvsaskatoon.ca, or email: info@cisvsaskatoon.ca

EXPERTADVICE on Donations Charitable Giving and Creating a Legacy with Kevin Hegedus and Kevin Haakensen “In charity there is no excess.” Sir Francis Bacon Charities play an important role in society and as a result tax incentives have been created to encourage gifts to registered charities.

certain exploration expenses which results in a tax deduction for the investor. Once all the tax deductions have been claimed, normally 18 to 24 months, the Partnership is converted into a mutual fund.

Charitable giving is becoming more popular in Canada as recent amendments to the Income Tax Act have eliminated capital gains tax on donations of certain securities to a registered charity.

If these investments are donated, the investor can reap even further tax benefits. The flow through of expenses noted above reduces the adjusted cost base of the investment significantly. Therefore, if the units were sold the proceeds would trigger a large amount of capital gains tax. However, if units of this particular mutual fund are donated to a registered charity then the tax on the capital gain is zero.

Special Types of Charitable Gifts Gifting Publicly Traded Securities: CRA offers an additional tax incentive to donate publicly traded securities such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds rather than the equivalent cash amount. When you donate in kind, the donation is considered a disposition for Canadian tax purposes.

In other words it results in a capital gain or a capital loss to the donor. However, there is an incentive that eliminates the need to claim a capital gain when securities are donated to a registered charity.

Donating Flow-Through Limited Partnership*: The tax benefit of donating securities is further enhanced when donating units of a mutual fund that was originally purchased as units of a Flow-Through Limited Partnership. Flow-Through Limited Partnerships own and manage a portfolio of flow-through common shares issued by Canadian mining and energy companies to finance exploration activities. These companies pass

For example, at a 44% marginal tax rate, 10,000 donation of units of flow-through mutual funds has an out of pocket cost of $1100 versus a cost of $3300 if the same amount was sold and then donated in cash.

Creating a Living Legacy Canadians can be very generous when it comes to charity. But very few use a strategy of “planned giving” to maximize the benefits to their charities of choice — and their own tax savings. Many planned giving strategies offer benefits over and above the charitable tax credit associated with a simple donation of cash or assets.

Bequests in a will – Through your will, you can direct assets go to specific charities.

The resulting charitable tax credit can be used to offset taxes payable by your estate, or carried back to the year preceding death.

Donations of life insurance – Naming a charity as beneficiary of a life insurance policy is an effective way to leave a sizeable sum for a relatively small monthly premium.

The premiums also qualify for a charitable tax credit in the year you pay them.

Wealth Charitable remainder trusts – In this arrangement, an irrevocable trust holds investments marked for charity on your death. You get the investment income in the meantime, plus charitable donation tax credits now, based on your life expectancy.

Charitable residual trusts – These are similar to remainder trusts, but they cover real property such as a cottage or artwork.

You get full use until death, when the charity takes possession.

Donor-advised funds – Several mutual fund companies offer these specialized arrangements that resemble private foundations, but are generally inaccessible to those of more modest means. Your donation goes into a charitable foundation, which issues a tax receipt. The foundation invests the money. A withdrawal is made every year and donated as you’ve directed.

It’s best to explore these and other planned giving opportunities with the help of a qualified professional. For more information on this or other wealth management topics, please call our office at 975-9500 for your free consultation.

­*Important information about flow-through limited partnerships is contained in their relevant Prospectus/Offering Memorandum. Please obtain a copy and read it carefully including the associated risks and tax consequences before investing. This article is solely the work of Kevin Hegedus for the private information of his/her/their clients. Although the author is a registered Senior Investment Advisor with Dundee Securities Corporation a DundeeWealth Inc. Company, this is not an official publication of Dundee Securities Corporation and the author is not a Dundee Securities analyst. The views (including any recommendations) expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and they have not been approved by, and are not necessarily those of, Dundee Securities Corporation.

Kevin Hegedus, Senior Investment Advisor, Branch Manager Kevin Haakensen, Investment Advisor

cfp ®

bcomm, cim, fma , cfa , fcsi

| khegedus@dundeesecurities.com

| www.kevinhegedus.com

Left to right: Heather Doell (Site Manager of Systemic Therapy, Saskatoon Cancer Center), Kevin Haakensen, Kevin Hegedus, Dr. I. Dan Dattani, Caroll Thain, (Site Manager, Outpatient Services, Saskatoon Cancer Center)

Chandra Dattani

Chandra Dattani Leaves a Legacy to Live by

By FLS Staff.

“With just a warm smile, loving hug or her contagious laughter, Chandra always had a bubbly energy that drew people to her and brought everyone together.” This memorial tribute from Chandra’s dear friend, Leela Sharma is typical of the posts left at www.chandradattani.org. Pictures tell a similar story: a family holiday, children home for the weekend, community events.

For Chandra, life was about relationships and making her community, and her world, better places.

On November 17, 2010, Chandra Dattani would have celebrated her 57th birthday had she not lost her courageous battle with breast cancer seven months earlier on March 20. At the time of diagnosis, she was given a fifty percent chance of survival for one year. She beat the odds, however, and lived energetically for five years after enduring several methods of conventional, experimental and palliative lifelong chemotherapy treatments.

Through this experience, the Dattani family met several fellow breast cancer patients/ families who were struggling with the disease. Before passing away, Chandra expressed the desire to give back. “Our

Mom left us with the job of carrying out her legacy, and we couldn’t think of a better way to so than to fulfill her wish and demonstrate her teachings by giving back to the breast cancer community that so generously and lovingly supported our Mom and family throughout her battle,” said Chandra’s children, Seema, Sheev & Tara.

The Chandra Dattani Fund was created and is administered by the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. The goal of the Fund is to help improve the quality of life in patients with advanced breast cancer and to support the initiatives of the chemotherapy facilities at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic.

Kevin Hegedus, Senior Investment Advisor and Kevin Haakensen, Investment Advisor with Dundee Securities Corporation, Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund, is a DundeeWealth Inc. Company, are pleased to support the inaugural Chandra Dattani Walk-a-Thon with a gift of $10,000. With this donation they would like to also acknowledge the memory of Jean Abtosway (1933-2010) who was DundeeWealth Senior Administrator Aleshia Dawal`s grandmother and who had also succumbed to breast cancer this November.

The Dattani family also wishes to thank Dynamic Funds for their matching donation.

As Chandra`s son-in-law, Saurabh Jain writes, “A person`s self-worth is not determined by wealth, fame or fortune.

Rather, one`s true success in life can be measured by the personal touches one has made in other people`s lives. Mom, in that regard, was tremendously successful. She extended her hand to everyone.” www.chandradattani.org/donate To make a donation

By Mail: Saskatchewan Cancer Agency Attn: The Chandra Dattani Fund 204-3775 Pasqua Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 6W8

By Phone: Call 306 791 2763 DundeeWealth Dundee Securities Corporation 1016 8th Street East Saskatoon, SK S7H 0R9 306-975-9500 (ph) 306-975-9503 (fax) www.kevinhegedus.com

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EXPERTADVICE on Business Profit Centres and Budgets with Marg Forbes and Peter Uchacz Many small businesses start without a plan. This may be sufficient during the first few years, while the business is establishing itself and innovating to find its niche.

However, as the business grows the entrepreneur often continues to keep most of the information in his or her head, adjusting and changing as necessary, while trying to keep employees up to speed.

As more divisions are added and employees are hired, the owner-focused management style of the first few years becomes more and more difficult to sustain. It’s at this point that some structure, in the form of job descriptions, budgets and regular reporting become not only helpful, but crucial for continued success.

Job Descriptions Job descriptions represent a contract between the employer and the employee regarding expected performance and achievements. Without them, employees have to continually ask the owner what they should do next and how they should do it.

A well-written job description focuses the employee on their areas of responsibility, their priorities, and the most effective ways to achieve what is theirs to do. It clarifies expectations for both parties and, if used regularly, can be a measuring stick for performance outcomes.

Budgets Along with a job description, a budget is an excellent tool for employees who are directly responsible for financial results, be

The Forbes Solution Inc.

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they sales or expenditures. A budget quantifies expected performance outcomes for a specific period of time, typically a month, quarter or year. The process by which the budget is created is critical to its success; if both employee and employer are involved, they are more likely to agree on and support realistic targets. On the other hand, when an employer creates and imposes a budget there’s less buy-in from the employee, and outcomes are often perceived to be unrealistic—even if they are feasible.

Solution Inc. can help you set up effective management systems, including profit centres and budgets. We have the experience and knowledge to quickly and effectively set up processes in an organization that can make a significant difference—not only to the bottom line, but to the employees’ clarity of purpose and satisfaction with the job. Motivated, engaged and focused employees do a better job of meeting expectations, performing within set guidelines and, ultimately, insuring client satisfaction.

Profit Centres

If your employees aren’t as effective as you need them to be and not producing the results you’re looking for, it’s very possible they don’t know what to do or what your overall expectations are. It’s time to let them know – in writing and with numbers – what you expect and how they can successfully achieve that. It’s time to call The Forbes Solution Inc.

In a company that has more than one division, creating profit centres is the next step toward clarity and documentation of the owners’ plans. Typically profit centres will be based on activities, such as sales, production and administration. The idea here is that each profit centre team be held responsible for only those parts of the company that are within their control. Sales can be held responsible for generating and following up on leads and closing deals, where production is responsible for quality control, employee safety and efficiency, and delivery deadlines. The profit centre budget measures performance not only in dollars but in number of leads and closed deals for sales and quality, safety and efficiency percentages for production.

At The Forbes Solution Inc. we work with the business, not just the books.

The Forbes Solution Inc. Unsure where to start with job descriptions, budgets and profit centres? Or, as an entrepreneur, are you too busy focusing on a new target market or expansion? The Forbes

213 – 2366 Avenue C North | 306.979.0294 | www.forbessolution.com

photography by Pete Lawrence, hair by Untangled Hair Group

Contemporary Portrait & We d d i n g P h o t o g r a p h y

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Saskatoon B’nai Brith stays true to its roots.

They have been doing it in Saskatoon for 56 years. This year they sold 786 $200-aplate tickets. More than 800 men, a veritable who’s who of the business community, sipped fine wine, sampled fine Scotch and sat down to the finest meal TCU Place has to offer. They donated nearly $30,000 to a dozen local community organizations.

“It’s not charity,” said David Katzeman, chair of the 56th Annual B’nai Brith Silver Plate Dinner. “It’s justice. In Judaism, the concept of giving is not so much a choice as an obligation to make things right.”

In that way, B’nai Brith Lodge 739, the Saskatoon chapter of the Jewish men’s service organization, stays true to its roots. B’nai Brith was founded in New York City, October 13, 1843, for the purpose of providing support, particularly to widows, orphans

and the sick, roles traditionally performed

by Jewish societies in Europe.

The climax of the annual shindig is honouring one of their own for unsung service to the community. Craig Peterson, long-time Promotions Manager for the Saskatoon Star Phoenix was this year’s recipient of the We’re Proud of You Award.

“Craig has the ability to leverage a huge amount of resources and relationships right across this great city,” said Todd Peterson (no relation) a B’nai Brith member who presented the award. “Both him and his wife do so much and it’s probably long overdue that he received this award.”

“Craig volunteers and doesn’t ask for anything other than to make Saskatoon a better place,” Atchison said. “I don’t think they could have picked a finer person than Craig Peterson to be the recipient tonight.”

For his part, Craig remained humble in accepting the honour spreading the credit among all the people and organizations he works with during a brief, but heartfelt, speech.

And how would he celebrate the following day?

“I’m going to sleep very well,” he said.

Mayor Donald Atchison thinks Peterson epitomizes what the We’re Proud of You award stands for.

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Craig Peterson speaks after receiving B’nai Brith’s We’re Proud of You Award November 10 for his tireless dedication to the Saskatoon community.

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Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have been fascinated by what the future may hold. Over the next two issues of Fine Lifestyles, award-winning science fiction author Edward Willett prognosticates what Saskatoon might be like 40 years from now with

POSTCARDS FROM THE FUTURE

SASKATOON IN 2050 Transportation Wednesday, November 2, 2050 Dear Laura, Arrived in Saskatoon from Toronto last night on the airship. Very smooth flight, and George and I had a lovely time at the midnight dance in the ballroom, celebrating our 10th anniversary. What a civilized way to travel! Much better than being packed into a metal tube like so many fishbits, even if we could afford the carbon tax to fly in a jet. And I must say I’m glad that old-fashioned postcards have made a comeback. I feel so connected to my grandparents since I took that adult university class and learned handwriting!

We took a robo-taxi downtown to the Bessborough. We love old hotels and we made sure to get a room in the original part, not in the big addition, even though I hear the view is amazing from the 27th floor.

Very smooth roads in this city! I’ve been reading a lot of historical accounts of Saskatoon (research for my new novel) and they talk a lot about potholes, but of course modern paving materials don’t crack and let in water and are much more flexible than the old asphalt mixes.

I was surprised to see there are still a few roads here dedicated to people who drive their own cars. Pretty deserted, though, except for the occasional antique (which are doubly surprising to see, since of course they’re gas-burners instead of electrics; you have to pay a pretty penny in permits and penalties to get one of those on the road!).

It did take us a lot longer than it should have to get from the airport to the hotel.

There’s construction on five of the eight bridges and on both Old Circle Drive and New Circle Drive! (The desk clerk told us a very funny joke: How is Saskatoon better than Dante’s Inferno? Because Dante needed seven circles to create hell, and Saskatoon manages it with just two!)

We’ll be taking the high-speed train to Regina in a few days. It’s only an hour trip, but it takes an hour and a half because you have to stop in Chamberlain. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the countryside then.

More later!

Love, Annie

The City Thursday, November 3, 2050 Dear Laura, We had a whirlwind tour of the sights today! Saskatoon is a lovely place, just as you always told us. Very cosmopolitan, but of course that’s true everywhere these days, isn’t it, especially since all those refugees flooded into Canada a few years ago during the Troubles in Europe and the Middle East?

I’m told Saskatoon topped 400,000 last year. Still less than a tenth the size of Toronto, of course, and I had to laugh when the guide on our tour bus boasted about Atchison Tower, the city’s tallest building.

Tower? It’s only 40 stories! Our condo building is taller than that!

The river valley is just as pretty as you told me, and the old University Buildings are lovely, but those gophers are a bit much, aren’t they?

We had a lovely dinner at the new Cree restaurant that’s opened up on Spadina Crescent not far from the hotel. Saskatoon is world-famous for its First Nations cuisine, of course. (Well, it’s famous for its First Nations everything: 40 years ago the population was 10 percent First Nations, and now it’s almost 40!) The meal was delicious. Tonight I think we’ll go with Persian, though.

All in all, the Bridge City is living up to its reputation for being just big enough without being too big, offering everything and yet small enough to get around in easily. And it has the best water I’ve ever tasted. Thank nanotechnology for that!

All those microscopic robots in the filtration plant, nabbing every molecule that isn’t wanted. It’s amazing when you think about it.

Got to run. Say hi to Fred for us!

Love, Annie

Shopping Friday, November 4, 2050 Dear Laura, We hit the shops today: there must be two dozen mom-and-pop businesses within two blocks of our hotel, all selling unique things designed by the owners that you can’t get anywhere else.

It was a lot different in the old days, I’ve read. Driving north of Old Circle Drive on Clarence to do a little shopping we saw a few “big boxes” —isn’t that what they used to call them?—being renovated to accommodate many smaller stores.

Of course the “big boxes” all went away when fabbing really took off. No point in going to a store to buy something massproduced when you can make it yourself with your home fabricator... well, assuming you can afford the raw materials and the software. All the money now is in designing new products. It’s all about individuality and originality. And there’s lots of originality to be found here, as you’d expect for a world centre of fabbing innovation, ever since those four university students...you know, the “Fab Four”?...built a better fabricator back in 2025. I think it’s funny they demonstrated it by fabbing a better mousetrap. The world has certainly beaten a path to their door!

I bought a dress design for an evening gown I can’t wait to fab when I get home, and George got a hat custom-fabbed while we waited: one with a Saskatchewan Roughrider logo on it. We also had a great time poking around a retro “Brand-Name” store that specializes in reproductions of all those crazy brand-name items people put so much stock in in the old days: you know, Nike, Gap, Versace. I still remember some of them from when I was a kid.

I’ve given you a hint about what we’re doing tomorrow. Can you guess?

Love, Annie P.S. George asks you to be sure you remember to feed the fish. Otherwise the big one will eat the little ones.

Part Two of Postcards from 2050 will be published in the Spring 2011 edition of Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon.

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Think you know by looking at people who may be sporting body art and who’s not?

Think again.

In this issue of Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon, Meagen Thomas uncovers the

truth about tatts

Photos by Gina’s Portraits Tattoos have been around for centuries.

Although their meaning and context has shifted over time, the tattoo’s most enduring use has been to define membership.

The Nazis used them as prisoner ID. Warriors have always been fond of tattoos; soldiers the world over proudly display the artwork or number associated with their units to prove their esprit de corps. The ink lexicon that gang members and criminals publish on their skin reads, to those in the know, like a demon’s resume, or Help Wanted ads from the seventh circle of Hell.

Visible tattoos said ‘we’re different’, ‘we’re tough’, ‘we’re scary’ – as they have for centuries – but not in the ‘Trust me – I’ll keep the village safe’ sort of way.

The brand itself got branded, but the same visibility that sank it might be saving it.

A-list celebrities are showing off their body art on the red carpet, and a growing number of TV and movie characters’ tattoos aren’t make-up either. And honestly, now that Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus has one, are tattoos really counter-culture anymore?

Got tatts?

We all have secrets, but Dwight Atteberry is particularly proud of his.

“I admit to a feeling of empowerment that comes from sitting here in a shirt and tie and the guy across the table from you has no idea,” said Atteberry, general manager of Saskatoon Hyundai. “I guess it’s a bit like giving society the finger.”

His secret is out now, though. During the week preceding Halloween, the fun-loving businessman came to work in a different costume each day. In a sleeveless shirt and vest for his biker look, the staff got an eyeful of their boss’s body art: a shoulder-toelbow half-sleeve tattoo on his left arm of a rattler embellished with a pair of crosses and a dove and rose on his right arm.

One of the ladies in accounting freaked a bit and told Atteberry she’d never expect to see tattoos on someone like him.

A little surprised, Atteberry replied ‘Like who?!’

prowess in battle, holiness, leadership, membership. Today’s uptake is a reboot of that same sensibility minus the protocol and ritual.

person who likes high fashion and funky clothes,” Stilwell said. “Tattoos have become fun for me, like interesting clothing.

I’m not a different person in society.”

Having a tattoo these days is about as unique as having a credit card.

Acquired over many years, Stilwell’s tattoos mark passages, losses, achievements – one she even acquired for a role; why wear stage make-up when you can have the real thing? Knowing someone with tattoos or who does tattoos is as normal as knowing someone with glasses in her sphere. As she names off tattooed friends, her list is a who’s who of Canada’s most celebrated performers.

‘Someone respectable. Like you.’

‘So I’m not respectable?’

“She didn’t have an answer to that one,” Atteberry said.

If Atteberry isn’t respectable, chances are your investment fund manager isn’t either.

Neither is your bank teller. Or your dentist.

In fact, just about everyone you know, work with or are related to might be one of these self-mutilating freaks.

Putting opinion aside, let’s talk facts: Tattoos were once the bona fides of respectability, the outward proof of status,

Mezzo soprano Jean Stilwell is hailed on three continents for her vivacious turns in the title role of Bizet’s Carmen and is cohost on Toronto’s 96.3 FM’s Good Day GTA: Classical Breakfast. She makes her home in Toronto, the bright centre of Canada’s vibrant arts community.

Ask her about any of her seven tattoos and you’re in for a treat. Story, memory and reflection merge into a fascinating narrative.

Ask her if she thinks tattoos aren’t for ‘respectable’ people and you’ll get a polite ‘come again?’ look.

“I don’t do them to be different, I’m just a

“They aren’t a rebellious act and I don’t see them as ugly or angry; they’re all very beautiful and remind me of a lot important things in my life,” she said. “It’s so vogue too, but I live in a big city.”

What’s no biggie in TO can raise eyebrows in smaller, more conservative centres. The

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TRUTH ABOUT TATTS trend that has everyone from secretaries to CEOs etching tributes to their pastimes, spouses and affiliations into their skin hasn’t quite overtaken the stereotypes and myth of who gets inked and why, but the gap is closing with each doctor, university professor and barista who join the ranks of the tattooed.

The bare truth Danny Berehula, former executive director and CEO of Regina’s Better Business Bureau, has tattoos on both forearms. A dress shirt might even cover them, if he wore shirts with long sleeves.

“It’s been mentioned to me that I should wear long sleeves – one time, before a TV appearance, and I wouldn’t – but I don’t wear long sleeves, even in winter. I’m proud of myself and if someone else doesn’t like what they see, it’s their problem not mine,” he said.

The corporate account executive for K Line admits that the dagger with two hearts and a ribbon on his right arm, a tribute to his daughters, and the emblem of the Masonic Motorcycle Association in Saskatchewan (of which he was the first president) on his left, raise the odd eyebrow. He also has every confidence his clients will get over it.

“I’m not worried about what people think. If I was, I wouldn’t have gotten them. They’re great, they’re art, and the body is nothing but a canvas,” Berehula said.

Gary Cox, his wife Debbie and his daughter Nicky operate 333 Half Evil Tattoo Shop in Saskatoon. Gary has been doing tattoos professionally for nine years and opened the family-run shop in 2006. The former airbrush artist and painter, who got his first tattoo 35 years ago, says he has witnessed how tattoos have evolved from counter-culture to mainstream must-haves.

“We get everyone, from 18 to whatever; I think one lady was 84. It’s opened up

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completely, partly because of the younger generation’s uptake, but partly because it’s on TV so much,” said Cox. A Pew Research Study found that the most educated generation in history, the Millennials, are the number one market right now. Of the 38 per cent who have tattoos, half of those have more than one, and nearly one in five have six or more.

The prevalence of tattoo parlours in cities large and small has something to do with the rise in consumer interest. Most operate as a service-oriented business, with an emphasis on education, consultation, cleanliness and comfort. The majority of high-end shops, like Gary Cox’s, only do custom artwork.

Back when Cox got his first tattoo (a generic piece he soon regretted), tattoo artists weren’t always artists, unless paint-bynumbers is art. Cox trained for years before putting needle to skin.

“The industry trend is toward personalization so artistic ability is part of the discipline now,” said Cox. “I’ve gotten tattoos that I picked from the selection on the wall and I regretted it. I’d rather talk to people, come up with something they like and can be proud of and that means something to them on a personal level.”

Deeper meanings Tattoos are the scars we choose for ourselves. Typically, they tell a story.

Some of Berehula’s tattoos are easy to translate; Crab on the left calf = Cancer = Berehula’s zodiac sign. Atteberry’s most private tattoo, a wolf that appears to be emerging from his chest, is symbolic of another side of his nature. Stilwell’s Picasso dove embellished with splashes of colour reflects a loving nature, a desire to comfort others.

British nurse Frances Polack’s tattoo tells a story, too. She was 85 when she had ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ tattooed onto her chest in 2003, permanent insurance that her endof-life-care wishes would be carried out to the indelible letter.

Cox is also no stranger to the pragmatic applications of tattoos. “You can’t lose a Medic Alert tattoo while doing laps at the local pool and it still has the benefit of saying something about the wearer,” he said.

Practical or fanciful, these decorative scars serve a purpose. Sometimes it takes a scar to fix a scar – or to restore normal appearance after a trauma.

“There are doctors in town that do reconstruction surgery for women who’ve had mastectomies; some doctors colour in the nipple and some don’t,” said Cox. A client who came to him to get her nipples coloured in was so pleased with the realistic result she showed her surgeon. Cox has been taking referrals ever since.

“She said afterward that she felt complete,” said Cox. It’s not likely that many people will see Cox’s restorative work but they don’t need to. Outward confidence from restored femininity is the only visual display that matters.

“Just because people don’t show them doesn’t mean they aren’t there,” said Gary Cox. “Some people with high-up jobs don’t want the world to know, but you’d be amazed who, and how many people, have them.”

“I admit to a feeling of empowerment that comes from sitting here in a shirt and tie and the guy across the table from you has no idea.�

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Keeping our balance

By Carol Todd.

Dr. Linda Duxbury has them rolling in the aisles at her presentations. Literally. She asks everyone to stand then raise a hand if they work outside the home and raise the other hand if they have children. Participants with both arms in the air start to teeter when asked to lift a leg if they are caring for elderly parents, and they all begin to fall, laughing, as she tells them to raise their other leg if they also have responsibilities for housework or other duties around the house.

Point made. It’s a struggle to juggle all of our responsibilities. More and more of us find ourselves caught between our jobs and our families. Like trying to stand with both feet in the air, it leaves us teetering on the brink of collapse. Many of us are also part of what’s become known as the “sandwich” generation—we’re caught between caring for our children and coping with the sometimes difficult needs of our aging parents. Add to that the necessity of making a living, and it can be overwhelming.

And, it’s not just us poor working stiffs—our employers feel the bite, too. In a 2004 report, Statistics Canada estimated that stress-related disorders due to overwork cost Canadian businesses $12 billion a year. And, a big factor is the increasing need for us to juggle our family and work responsibilities. Increasing economic pressures on both individuals and corporations, technological change, and

the growing percentage of working families who are caring for both children and elderly parents have combined to put increased pressure on our lives. Whether you’re an employee trying to juggle both job and family, or an employer looking to maintain a productive workforce, work-related stress can and does affect you. Yet, not only do we need to keep ourselves in balance, many of us have management or supervisory responsibilities that impose additional pressures as we try to do what’s best for the employees under us and the employers who pay our salaries. So, here we are, caught in the middle again.

nificantly to role overload in the decade since her research. “We now have all this portable technology, which means that we can be in touch anywhere, and many organizations expect that we will do just that. Email has gotten out of control—it’s a whole other task that we have to do, but nothing has been taken away from us,” she says. At the same time, many corporations have responded to the recent financial downturn by trimming staff, creating even more work for those who remain. “They’ve cut people, but they haven’t cut work; in fact, they’ve added to it,” says Duxbury.

Duxbury, who juggles home responsibilities with her day job at the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, is considered one of Canada’s leading researchers in the area of work-life balance. She believes worklife stress has become much worse since the 2004 StatsCan survey and her own seminal research back in 2001. The resulting report she co-authored with Dr. Chris Higgins in 2003, Work–Life Conflict in Canada in the New Millennium: A Status Report, found that at least one in four Canadians working for medium and large organizations experienced high levels of conflict between work and family. The number soars to 60 per cent when role overload data (not having enough time to get everything done) is factored in.

One of the other elements that Duxbury believes has caused the balance to tip even further since the start of the new millennium is that men are now also feeling the stress as they take on more responsibilities at home.

And, Duxbury points out that the issue of elder care was just emerging back in 2001.

“It is now front and centre. We’re seeing a growth of the sandwich generation, and all of those things (emerging issues) are making balance more, rather than less, problematic,” she says.

Duxbury says technology has added sig-

The juggling act gets even more complicated around Christmas and other holidays, when people look forward to getting the entire family together and enjoying the parties and celebrations that come with a holiday. “It gets worse at Christmas,” Duxbury says. “You’ve

still got your work demands, but you’ve got a whole lot more family demands and you’ve got a whole lot more social demands. The pulls on your time increase dramatically.”

Duxbury is in the process of researching a 2011 update to the 2003 report, and invites Saskatchewan businesses to participate.

“We’re using a lot of the same indicators and measures, so we’ll be able to really see how things have changed over time,” she says. The data collection is underway and she expects the report to be out some time in 2012. Given the relatively strong provincial economy here, she is especially interested in getting input for the study from Saskatchewan businesses, and encourages any that are interested to contact her at Carleton.

As Saskatchewan and other Canadian businesses look to the future, Duxbury advises that it is critical for them to take steps to address the issue of balance, especially given the changing nature of the workforce.

“Recruitment, retention and succession planning, all of those are related to work-life balance,” she says. Being able to keep both feet on the ground is a good start.

EXPERTADVICE on Style Fabutan Sun Tan Studios with Jamie Peterson Jamie has been part of the Fabutan family for 13 years. She manages the 8th Street and 2nd Avenue locations and has a wealth of knowledge regarding tanning which she loves to share with her staff and customers.

We guarantee you will notice the high standard we set for ourselves right from when you walk in the door.

Our trained and certified Customer Experience Officers (CEOs) analyze your skin type, create a personalized tanning schedule for you and answer your indoor tanning questions. We pride ourselves on our level of cleanliness. Our CEOs sanitize the tanning beds after each tan. We change the bulbs every 500 hours and do regular maintenance to ensure you get the best tan possible. Our beds are low-pressure and mimic natural sunlight producing UVA and UVB rays. If a tanning bed emits only UVA it will not provide the benefits of Vitamin D production.

“How long should I tan and how often?”

That decision will be based on your skin type and your schedule. We recommend tanning every second day to get a base tan and leveling off to one or two times a week to maintain your colour. Tanning every day slows the tanning process and can cause premature aging. We strive to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks of too much or too little UV exposure.

Winter months at Fabutan We look forward to our winter clients coming back! Some clients come to get a base tan for their vacation in a sunny climate. We recommend starting six to eight weeks before you leave. While on vacation we do advise using sunscreen, applying frequently throughout the day to prevent sunburn.

Others come to tan for Christmas parties, family gatherings and New Year’s Eve. We have clients that tan through the winter to get Vitamin D and there are some that just come to enjoy the time alone in a warm tanning bed, free from the stresses of life.

Whatever the reason, our CEOs at Fabutan look forward to helping you choose the tanning package and products that work for you.

Mystic HD Sunless Spray tanning The most often asked question about Mystic HD Sunless Spray tanning is, “Will it turn me orange?” Older technology developed this reputation.Mystic HD’s New Formulation Technology features a blend of Paraben-free ingredients that deliver a superior, long-lasting, more natural looking tan. There are four colour shades to choose from. The Mystic HD booth is heated to body temperature; it has four spray positions and a heated blow dry session at the end.

www.finelifestyles.ca has undergone a facelift!

Now Featuring: Weekly editor`s blog and poll Web-exclusive content Comprehensive events calendar Find us on Facebook (Fine Lifestyles Magazine) and Twitter (@skfinelifestyle)

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If your lifestyle is such that you have no time for UV tanning, Mystic HD is the answer!

Our CEO’s will help you make the right colour choice for your skin type. They will explain all aspects of your Mystic to ensure great results.

We invite you to come for a tour, meet our staff, try our Tanning beds with a complimentary tan or our introductory offer of $19.99 for the Mystic HD. Fabutan Sun Studios: Saskatoon – Downtown 380C 2 Ave. N Saskatoon, SK (306) 244-1001 Saskatoon – 8th Street 3521 8th St. Saskatoon, SK (306) 934-7181 Saskatoon – Erindale 8 - 410 Ludlow St. Saskatoon, SK (306) 956-3094 Saskatoon – Millar Avenue 2 - 833 51 St. Saskatoon, SK (306) 665-0002

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SASKATOON TATTOO SHOP IS HALF EVIL, BUT ALL HEART

When you love your job, it shows in how you do it. Nowhere is that more apparent than at 333 Half Evil Tattoo. As seriously as they take the business and the health regulations around it, the core of Half Evil is fun. They want you to enjoy the experience of getting a tattoo in the same way they enjoy creating them.

Gary, Debbie and Nicky Cox built upon their work experience and artistic passion to start a shop of their own. Each has a day job with Cameco, Potashcorp and the Saskatoon Health Region respectively, but work hard to run a successful local business. The result is 333 Half Evil Tattoo, Saskatoon’s family-run tattoo shop.

Truly Original Job one at Half Evil is customer service, something that is obvious the moment a potential client walks in the door. The space is warm and inviting as is Krisi, who greets clients as they enter and handles the shop’s piercing business. The waiting room houses the portfolios of all three artists, Gary, Sean and Sylvia, giving potential clients a chance to peruse their artwork and think about what they want done.

But make no mistake; these are not catalogues with a limited number of selections to choose from. The artists at Half Evil prefer doing custom work, images that mean something to the person getting the tattoo. Both those looking to plan a piece well in advance and walk-ins are always welcome.

They are also very ethical about their work. When staff sit down to meet with a client, whether new or returning, to discuss artwork, the artists take the time to educate. Gary, Sean and Sylvia always encourage their clients to think about what

the tattoo will mean, how its placement will affect their lives and make sure that the art suits them. After all, a tattoo is a very serious and personal decision.

Fixing Old Mistakes 333 Half Evil Tattoo is the only shop in town to offer in-house laser tattoo removal, a service valued greatly by an everincreasing number of Saskatoon’s residents.

Many of these customers are people who got tattoos when they were young and have come to regret the tattoo, or where they have it placed.

Your body is a temple.

But, really, how long can you live in the same house before you redecorate?

Half Evil Tattoo laser removal service works because they understand tattoos and what it takes to create them. This gives them an insight into tattoo removal that other service providers simply cannot match. They put the same level of craft and effort into tattoo removal that they do in to creating them. 333 Half Evil has also worked together with other tattoo shops when their clients require these services.

You Want It, You Got It Growth at Half Evil comes organically from the needs and wants of their clients.

This includes their laser tattoo removal service, piercing and stock of jewelry.

It is for their clientele that they continue to maintain rigorous health safety standards, including participating in the University of

Saskatchewan Infection Quality Assurance Program and ensuring their staff is Bloodborne Pathogen Certified.All members of the Half Evil family take pride in the shop and their care of it. This shows through with their complete transparency to the public.

Anyone entering the shop is welcome to take a tour, being shown all the rooms, cleaning processes and chatting with clients that are willing.

“Their shop is beautiful, clean and cozy. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.” - Dar That level of service is how 333 Half Evil Tattoo is able to appeal to such a wide variety of clients. Their clients are people from all walks of life who run the gamut of ages

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SASKATOON TATTOO SHOP IS HALF EVIL, BUT ALL HEART from 17 to 84. Half Evil has done work for anyone and everyone. That said, they rarely do work on someone under the age of 18.

More Than Just A Business There are two things that say volumes about a business. The first is repeat customers and positive word of mouth, both of which Half Evil has in spades. The many returning clients are consistently recommending to their friends and family the services of 333 Half Evil. But the love does not stop there. They proudly display on the walls of their shop art given to them by very satisfied clients.

I’ve been going to Half Evil for almost two years now and I have never stepped into a business that I felt more comfortable dealing with. – Ryan.

The second is the work Half Evil does to give back to the community. They sponsor and participate in a number of community events and causes, one being the annual Walk for MS. The family expands every time a new artist joins the shop and a new client comes through the door. Clients will often come by with coffee for a visit with staff to discuss life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Staff functions, such as Christmas parties and summer BBQ’s are constantly growing to incorporate clients and their families. Their clients are as much a part of the business as the Cox family.

333 Half Evil 130A Idylwyld Drive Saskatoon, SK 652-3332 www.333halfevil.ca

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EXPERTADVICE on Style Undergarments for Evening Wear with Angela Scully How many times have you been to a party or social event where women have worn a spectacular dress or outfit and ruined it with horrid undergarments or lack of proper undergarments or literally lack of the undergarments? Just because women have money does not mean they have taste. That has been evident at so many of the events I have had the privilege to attend over the years. It is all about what you put under the little black dress that really does count.

So what is our trusty change room fly hearing around the cocktail tables this season? ”Is she wearing a bra? She’s swinging a little low.” ”Gee, the seam of that dress should be under the bust.” ”Wow, does that dress need a little smoothing out, I count 4 - 6 lumps and bumps down that dress.” ”Muffin top in the pant suit alert.” ”Better not move or she might pop a nipple.” ”Seriously, do I see duct tape peeking out on that strapless dress?” ”Oh yuck, I see cellulite under that flimsy fabric, avert your eyes.” ”Oh no, her dress is caught between the cheeks, did not wear the right panties, oops.”

Well, our fly may have nightmares if he saw this all in one evening. One of my hot buttons, or pet peeves, is the lack of education in what makes the outfit from the inside out.

Last edition, I talked about the basics on the fit of the bra. Now let us apply that basic information to evening or party wear.

Every woman should own at least five bras consisting of a white, a nude, a black, a

Bodacious Bustlines Bras & Lingerie

convertible bra and a sports bra. These can be fancy or basic whatever your heart desires. Let us focus on some wardrobe first- aid items that will get you through a special occasion, from weddings, to company parties, to a night out on the town.

The convertible, or 5-way bra, can be made strapless, low back, halter, criss-cross or choker style. This and a proper panty leg shape worn with a silicone gripper top are two items that are a must in your wardrobe! If you go for a bra that can be criss-cross or halter, go with a lower arm pit, plunge neckline and a bit of a bump pad or unpadded push-up style. These are nicer for cocktail dresses or tops. The U-Bra style front is great for your plunge necklines or wrap over styles, plus they make the boobies look spectacular and round even after babies. These range from a 30 to 44 band.

Stick on cups we do have, but are more of a last resort item.

The hot new item is the Overbra Slip Dress with breathable back panel. This little item will suck it all in and move it on up to make you look sleek and boobalicious. It will limit you to a full back dress or cut away shoulder as it has a racier style back to get the lift and support in the front. These come in a medium to 2XL. Corsets are always a very popular item for a sexier, more exotic flavour as they come in a multitude of colors and fabrics to match an outfit. On the more practical side a traditional corset lace up style is very comfortable, can take the waist down two inches and support a J-cup bustline much

more easily than many other items.

A cupped corset is another option and comes in various styles with a nice low back styling and push up cups. These are easier to add the cookies or gel pads to, to give more lift and shape to a dress or top.

Our corsets range from an XXS to 6XL in traditional styling and in the cupped sizing 30 to 52 bands.

Strapless bras are always popular and they can be pretty and dainty or simple and smooth. Most come with detachable straps and in sizes 28 to 46 bands. Strapless and cupped corsets are a strange animal and do not follow the normal rules in cup sizing and fitting. Always go up a band and drop a cup in a strapless or corset style to start with.

Some of the other Wardrobe first aid items are; body glue, body tape, clear straps, stick-on silicone nipple covers and discs for criss-crossing your bra straps.

Bringing in the garment or dress you are planning to wear is always greatly appreciated, as it makes the fitter’s job much easier.

If you cannot bring in the outfit we do loan out corsets and bustiers for fittings.

Working about three months in advance of your big event is the general rule, if ordering a specific item is required. We do have a lot of stock in year-round with destination events becoming more popular.

Have a boobalicious day and look forward to meeting all the new interesting people every day.

520 Central St. W, Warman | 249.6239 | bodaciousbustlines@sasktel.net

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EXPERTADVICE on Style Building A Wardrobe with Rodger Jeffrey and Dennis Carson Gentlemen, your closet is your toolkit.

There is, perhaps, no better time of year than the holiday season to evaluate whether your toolkit is up to the task or missing a few essentials.

The starter kit When we first met Jessie, he had the great job, the nice condo, the big-boy truck, the Harley, but he didn’t have a thing to wear. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be welldressed; he just didn’t know where to start or who to ask.

Let’s start with the essentials. Every man should have a couple of suits, a couple of casual jackets, two or three pair of trousers per jacket, some belts and five shirts per suit. What is important here is not that you have every situation covered, but that your basics are situation-appropriate. You can, and should, add on over time.

You don’t see carpenters on the job wearing business suits, nor should you see businessmen looking like they just came off a construction site. Remember, your suit is your introduction. So, if you’re just starting to build your wardrobe, make sure it is something appropriate, comfortable and, perhaps most importantly, memorable.

And don’t forget about shoes. Your shoe is the anchor of your look and the wrong shoe is the easiest way to ruin the look of a suit.

There is no need to be intimidated by the shopping process, find a professional clothier who can help you. Our concern is

not so much what you look like when you come in as when you leave.

Adding on Life doesn’t wait for you. All too often, we see men rushing in at the last minute to shop for important events. Whether it is a wedding, funeral, formal gala or just a cocktail reception after work, don’t put yourself in that position. Be prepared.

The easiest way to add on is with shirts and ties. As we have recommended in previous columns, you should keep a couple of extra shirts and ties at work. Freshening up your look not only gives you the extra punch for a social setting, but feeling fresher and cleaner gives you a boost of confidence.

Once you have the essentials covered, it’s time to start building some variety. You don’t have to get it all at once, but a functional wardrobe should comprise about five suits. A good mix should include a black, a lighter grey, a blue and maybe a pinstripe, although this is not written in stone.

Remember, appropriate. The bottom line is, you don’t want to be that guy in that one single suit.

Holiday Flair These days, and especially during the holiday season, there are many more social engagements and they are coming more quickly. It certainly does not hurt to have a tuxedo in your closet, but remember, a tux should be bought, never rented. Owning a tuxedo not only ensures proper fit, but is, of

The Dresser Fashions for Men

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course, cleaner, and you will never be caught in that awkward position of not having one when you need it.

A tuxedo can also be worn at themed functions in place of a full costume by adding a mask, gloves and cape. It’s very European.

There are formal events, however, where the full satin shawl of a classic tuxedo is not necessary. This fall we introduced, by special agreement with our Italian supplier, a one-button suit that can be used in place of a tux in formal settings. It’s a really refreshing new look that can be worn with tie or bowtie.

Whatever you wear to go out, it is very important that the leather of your shoes and belt match and that your tie says “hello” in a manner appropriate to the situation.

And if you want to add just that little bit of extra pop, choose cufflinks that may contrast.

The mature wardrobe By the time a man’s wardrobe is wellestablished, he has 8 to ten suits that are current within five years; 40 to 50 shirts, not including his whites; approximately 20 pairs of shoes; a variety of casual jackets and trousers; and numerous ties and belts.

This amount of variety covers very casual, corporate and formal. It also allows for the flexibility to have some vintage and other unique items as your confidence grows.

608 Duchess Street, Saskatoon | 222.3095

The number of shoes allows for a selection of slip-ons and lace-ups in both black and several shades of brown; plain leather and detailed; buckled and non-buckled; and dress boots.

In addition to the non-white shirts, which are generally paired with your suits and jackets, you should have approximately ten white shirts. They can be plain or textured— preferably you would have some of each.

They are versatile and can be worn in formal or corporate circumstances. What we do is wear them to three or four formal occasions before incorporating them into our corporate wardrobes.

Intelligent Style We live in a competitive economy and men are dressing for success again. When it comes to style, many men, especially

younger men like Jessie, are building confidence and just have to be intelligent about it. With education, it can be developed.

That intelligence starts with asking the question: What image best represents me?

Then, get out there. Try things on. See how they look, how they feel. Develop an understanding of the difference quality makes. Where did I get the best service, the most educated advice? Who is going to take care of me?

it’s at and if a man has real style, it remains with him always.

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

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can build your style. Express your personality with ties, pocket squares or cufflinks; stay current by blending old school and new school, east coast with west coast; or tweak the everyday ordinary with a flash of flair.

Anyone can buy trendy, but classic is where

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EXPERTADVICE on Fashion All I Want for Christmas with Janie Rose My name Janie Rose and I am a Personal Shopper and Fashion Wardrobe consultant in Saskatoon, Regina and areas. The services I offer to both male and female clients are The Closet Detox; A Customized Wardrobe & Shopping Guide; and Personal shopping. For prices, inquiries or if you would like a free consultation, I can be contacted by phone at 306.261.6814 or via email at janierose@sasktel.net. I look forward to hearing from you!

Here is a list of all the super finds around Saskatoon and high fashion trends of the season. Feel free to take items from my list and add them to you own, or perhaps a great gift idea or two for someone you love.

• Sparkly cardigan sweater – I love a hint of sequin glitz on a long cardigan for this season. The look is great over a little black dress for a Christmas party or paired with jeans to spice up a casual look. I found mine at Paramount Boutique at 255 – 2nd Avenue South.

• Statement jewelry – Layers of pearls wrapped in ribbon or chains of crystals pinned with broaches are huge this season, and one company who does it well is Stella and Dot. Check out their website at www.stelladot.com or contact me and I can direct you to a local Stella and Dot Stylist. Note: Be sure to choose a piece that best suits your size and structure.

• Jeweled pumps – Add a little wow factor to a monochromatic look with a pair of sexy jeweled pumps. Hot for this party season, we are seeing embellished heels all over

the top fashion magazines. Styles by Kenneth Cole available right here in Saskatoon at Durand’s Fine Footwear & Accessories.

• Oversized scarf – Super chilly weather is just around the corner, especially during the holidays. What is better than to receive a cozy winter weight scarf to wrap around your head and shoulders? It can be stylish by picking a colour that compliments your eyes or opt for something vintage like a bright red plaid. Hats & That on Broadway does it best.

• Stylized mobile phone case – Everyone needs one and you can never have too many. One for every day of the week! Go to the Cellularis kiosk in Midtown plaza or check out www.iphone-cases4u.com for the widest selection with everything from Swarovski crystal to real bamboo cases for both the iPhone and Blackberry.

• Sorel Boots – Believe it or not, Sorels have become very ‘high fash’ and I love it! That is definitely great news for us, as sometimes looking stylish in -40C is hard to do. The women’s short Caribou boot looks really cute with a skinny jean tucked or a legging.

Check them out at Swank Shoe Lounge in the King George on 2nd Avenue South.

• A super stylish waist belt – Very flattering for almost all body types and über-trendy, waist belts are a hot ticket item this season. Worn over a dress, tunic, or even a shapeless cardigan sweater to keep it together and make it sexy. The one place in Saskatoon that has the most selection and variety of colours is The Dutch Growers

Janie Rose Personal Shopper

Boutique on Central Avenue.

• Posh make-up bag – Travel size or everyday size, a girl could always use a new and bigger toiletry or make-up case. I came across a couple which are quite pretty with European designs and particularly liked the Union Jack bag as the U.K. is one of my favourite places in the world. Check them out in the window at Skin Deep on 2nd Avenue North.

• Black-patterned hose and tights – Forget last year’s coloured pattern, this season we are seeing mostly black and grey, boldpatterned hosiery. The number one place to find such an item is American Apparel on 21st Street East as they have a huge selection of styles and sizes. Pair them up with your classic little black dress and get a current new look.

•B andeau tops – Along with socks and underwear in the stocking this year, the latest staple piece in every woman’s undergarment drawer should be a bandeau top— or two. Bandeaus are a perfect alternative to camisoles and create a lot less bulk. I suggest having both a lacy style for a fancier look and a solid black to go with everything else. There are many colours and styles available at Tonic on 2nd Avenue North.

Happy holidays to you and yours with a special shout out to all businesses mentioned above as this is my gift to you, letting people know how wonderful I think you are!

Season’s best, Janie Rose

306.261.6814 | janierose@sasktel.net

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POSI T I V E PASSIONS Promoting positive sexuality and healthy lifestyles in Saskatoon We’re a classy, comfortable and informative boutique specializing in lingerie, jewelry, books, games, bath & beauty products, massage, condoms and lubricants, toy and assisted devices.

Visit us and experience our Art Gallery, book a “Passionate Playthings” party (in our space or yours), or sign up for ongoing healthy lifestyles classes.

300 - 3rd Avenue South, Saskatoon SK

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∙ Studio rentals ∙R esource/referral centre ∙ Gifts of love ∙H ealthy Lifestyle Classes

306.651.7227

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∙P ositive Sexuality workshops ∙ “ Passionate Playthings” parties

www.positivepassions.com

EXPERTADVICE on Style Tahitian Smoothie with Jacquelyn Marquis The results are in and they are incredible.

“My hair has never felt so smooth!”

“I can finally get rid of all those straightening products!”

“I can’t stop touching my hair! It’s so soft!”

How does it work? This revolutionary product is a papaya enzyme keratin therapy.

The papaya-rich amino acid makes a keratin coating that creates a healthy, strong hair fibre allowing for lasting effects, smoother hair and less maintenance. Just imagine, now you can cleanse, colour and straighten your hair all in one afternoon without any damage.

Write this down: The Tahitian Smoothie by Vida of Canada. It’s the next big thing for your hair and it’s only available at J. Marquis Salons in Saskatoon and other Vida of Canada salons.

It’s the next big thing for your hair and it’s got people talking. You asked for it and Vida has delivered. It’s the latest smoothing technique from Vida of Canada and it’s here at J.Marquis Salons and other affiliated Vida of Canada Salons.

Through cold fusion chelation, Vida Systems allow stylists to achieve the same results as many chemical services without damaging hair fibre and now, they are proud to introduce their latest breakthrough. By the name you would think it’s a delicious treat and it truly is. It’s a delicious treat for your hair, the Tahitian Smoothie by Vida of Canada. It does exactly as it implies.

The Tahitian Smoothie smooths hair, leaving it manageable and unbelievably shiny. And here’s the best part; it’s good for your hair.

Welcome to the science of safe beauty.

Vida products tread as lightly on your hair as they do on the environment and the Tahitian Smoothie is no exception. It uses no harsh chemicals that are present in most hair straighteners and waving solutions. It contains no sodium hydroxide, no Thio, no calcium, no lithium and no formaldehyde. There’s no nasty odour and the whole process is done in 90 minutes— start to finish.

J Marquis Hair Salon

48 FineLifestyles SASKATOON

Before Tahitian Smoothie)

After Tahitian Smoothie

#7 – 405 Circle Dr. East | 306.978.2411 | info@j-clips.com

EXPERTADVICE on Beauty Celebrate the New Year with a new look! with Courtney Janz and Sheila Wiebe What better way to celebrate the New Year than with a new look! Treat yourself to a professional makeup application for special occasions; for the latest seasonal trend; to experiment with a new or trendy look; or to discover how a certain colour or product feels and looks on your skin. With an expert holding the brush, you can experiment with and drastically change your look, or be more subtle with a slight update to your beauty routine and collection.

A professional can focus on tailoring your makeup to suit individual needs while putting their own creative spin on your new look. Makeup is an art and applying a new or trendy look can be tricky on the first go.

Even the most high quality makeup might not look right if it is applied with too much uncertainty. To ensure a knockout new look you need to consider the proper application, technique, tools and learn about the range of cosmetics best suited for your skin type, colouring and desired look.

For some women, makeup is a tool for enhancing their best features while for others it is a means of self expression. The key for both is to experiment and have fun. If you’re a natural beauty, try intensifying your look by adding rich metallic shadows and red lipsticks. If you always wear a smokey, do the opposite-go bright and bold on the lips and cheeks, accentuate the brows and use a light hand on the eyes. You can try as many looks as you want to find out what you feel most fabulous in. The beauty of experimentation is that it’s not permanent!

The makeup trends for winter are dramatic

The Make-Up Studio

with smokey eyes, bold lips and a matte, translucent finish on the skin. Make your eyes really pop with individual false eyelashes and powdery metallics like pewter, bronze, silver or gold. For daytime, opt for bolder lip colours and use only mascara, and a strong brow to accentuate the eyes, then add a wash of colour over the cheeks.

If you have had a professional makeup application and want to ramp up your own techniques, you can also book a makeup lesson. This is the perfect gift to your self. Clients will learn basic to more advanced professional makeup application techniques. Whether you are looking to master the art of concealing imperfections or if you are looking for creative use of shadows and liners, a makeup artist can teach you how to look your best. And don’t be afraid to let go and just let your makeup artist use her expertise and flair to create a whole new you!

tightens the under eye area while concealing imperfections.

Lipstick: Audrey Morris lipsticks’ luscious colours are richly-pigmented, mineralbased, paraben-free and the perfect balance between hydration and lasting-power.

Lip Gloss: The Balm is the bomb when it comes to lip glosses. Available in a range of fun and sexy colours like tutti my frutti, spike my punch or squeeze my lemons, this special gloss is formulated with a mix of menthol, Maxi-lip and vitamin C. Soothing and hydrating, they are made to create fuller lips and reduce the look of fine lines.

Eye Primer: Just a touch of Cinema Secrets Eye Primer creates a neutral surface to triple the pigment intensity of eye shadow colour, is longer lasting and ensures a smooth application and blending of powder.

Eye Shadows: The Cosmetic Company’s eye shadows are triple-milled for the finest powder, heavily pigmented and available in more than 250 shades. The powder has a silky texture that goes on smoothly.

Courtney’s Must-Haves for 2011: Foundation: Cinema Secrets’ foundation is waterproof and formulated for sheer to full coverage. A favourite of entertainment industry professionals, the product contains no mineral oils or lanolin and comes in either cream or powder form. Also oil-free, the ERA Face Spray by Classified Cosmetics is a water-based foundation that is gentle and feels weightless on the skin with a medium to sheer coverage.

Amy Butler Makeup Bags: Store and carry all your fabulous products in the highly crafted bags by artist and designer Amy Butler.

Printed on organic cotton, her patterns and colour palettes are as delightful as they are unique.

Liquid Concealer: SST Signature Series concealer is a mineral based, blendable formula that is enriched with vitamin E and sweet almond extract. It both smooths and

To request a booking, email us at bookings@ themakeupstudio.ca. Please include your phone number so we can call you back to confirm your requested time.

432 - 21st St E | 306.244.4554 | makeupstudio@themakeupstudio.ca

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Family And Service Matter at Atch & Co

By Suzanne Paschall. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

Frank Atchison had been an engineer with CN Railroad for a quarter of a century when he decided to return to an earlier interest he’d always had in fashion menswear. He had done well in the rail business, but he decided to start his own retail menswear business in Saskatoon in the early 1970s.

He would stay in the rail business for 13 more years, a total of 39 all together, and his engineer days included the opportunity to drive the Centennial Train in 1967.

He opened his first menswear business, Atch & Sons, in 1971 at Grovesnor Park Shopping Centre.

The first store was soon followed by four more through the 1970s in Saskatoon and North Battleford. These included Atch & Sons and The Keg, which became Gladrags.

The only remaining store is now Atch & Sons, opened in 1977 at its current location on 21st Street and Second Avenue.

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For decades, Atch & Sons has been a family business. In addition to Frank, his wife Martha was for many years the bookkeeper and ran one store herself. All their kids, Doug, Don and Debbie, and their spouses worked in the business for years.

so there is very little alteration needed.”

For example, they currently have 1,000 suits in the store.

“People think it’s quaint when they walk in,” says salesman and clothing buyer Terry Beaulieu. “And it does look small when you first walk in, but people don’t realize there are actually three floors.”

Although there is definitely the air of an old-world men’s tailor shop, Atch & Sons also provides hip, high-style fashion for the discerning young man. Some innovative items are dress pants that sit lower than the waist, in accordance with current casual fashion; as well as trim-fit dress shirts. A line of unique “engineered” shirts made by Francesco Rudolfi take more than 100 people to make, and a stunning new line of ties have a black border that causes the tie pattern to “pop” off the shirt behind it.

“We have an old-fashioned approach when it comes to very personalized customer service,” says Frank, “but we balance that with keeping ahead of the game on fashion trends, and on having innovative features, like an enormous stock on hand

A collection of business casual wear rides the fashion trend for the workplace as well.

Says Terry: “The style for most workplaces now is for a shirt that doesn’t need a tie and a sport jacket that can be worn with jeans, cords or dress pants.”

Old-Fashioned Service Meets Cutting-Edge Innovation

FAMILY AND SERVICE MATTER AT ATCH & CO

There is a large collection of attire for young men graduating as well, and here the customer service is key, Terry explains.

“Most graduates have been mostly in jeans their whole life and they really have no idea what they want. Most come by themselves to pick out what they want, and we really help them.” For grads this year, there is a special line of very affordable and wellmade microfibre suits that are light, comfortable and look great.

Women Rule Frank says he went into the menswear business because “I love seeing the change in a man from the time he comes into the store until he walks out with an outfit that he loves, and that I know will get him compliments.”

And Frank knows that often the way to get there is through the women that accompany men on the shopping experience. “Women have such an influence on men when it comes to buying clothing. They’re every bit as much my customer as their boyfriends, husbands, sons and brothers are.” Frank says all the salespeople at Atch & Sons understand this, and respect the role women play in making sure their men look sharp.

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Our staff are wearing Holiday wear by Sarah Pacini, Nueva, and Supertrash. Footwear styles by Sarah Pacini, Franco Sarto, BCBG & Marinelli.

DENA’S ON 21ST: High-End Personalized Service, Quality For Range Of Budgets, Tastes

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Grant Romancia.

A visit to Dena’s on 21st isn’t like most shopping experiences. Not only is there a range of desirable lines in women’s fashion like Hugo Boss, Sarah Pacini, Lida Baday and Guess, and unique Hillberg & Berk jewellery, there is also a high-end offering of personalized service that makes a first-time visitor a loyal repeat client.

service is our number one objective,” insists owner Joan Cline. “We go right from Guess, a more widely accessible line in which you can find a blouse for $50, all the way to Hugo Boss and Lida Baday, who is a Canadian designer. We carry quality, but we offer it in a spectrum of affordability so there is something for everyone.”

“When our clients walk in the door, we make a point of greeting them. Quality customer

Many men who find themselves floundering as holiday gift-giving approaches will

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appreciate Cline’s commitment to individualized service. Dena’s offers its annual Men’s Shopping Nites and Cline and her staff will guide men in their search for gifts the women in their lives will cherish.

“Because a lot of men don’t like to shop or don’t have a good idea what their significant other would like, we provide this bit of guidance,” Cline explains. Dena’s staff will even model pieces to help with the decision.

DENA’S: WHERE FASHION BEGINS

Cline says sometimes the women are already customers and because their preferences and details are kept on file, selections will fit and be appreciated.

“Another service we offer is the Christmas wish list. Women can come in and we record what they like on a card we keep and they take the other half home. We can’t guarantee particular items on their lists will be here, but it does make it a surprise and so much easier for the gentlemen.”

something for everyone,” Cline explains.

“We have some clients who will select one investment piece per season or year. A higher end suit, like a Jacqueline Conoir or Lida Baday, both Canadian designers, or a Hugo Boss is something the client will be wearing for years.”

If clothing doesn’t fit the bill, Dena’s offers the exquisite, one-of-a-kind Hillberg & Berk line jewellery from Regina designer Rachel Mielke, whose creations were selected for 2008 Oscars swag bags, and who was a successful guest in “The Dragon’s Den.” Joan laughs, “If all else fails, we have gift certificates!” Private appointments can also be arranged by request, something rare in retail. Dena’s “wonderful staff” includes Cline’s two daughters. Cline herself has had a love of style ever since she was small. “My mother loved fashion and she had an Aunt Dee who was always dressed to the nines.

Even in her 80s, she wore heels. Fashion is in the family genes.”

“We try to have ladies feel comfortable in what they wear. They ask us our opinion. If we feel it doesn’t look right, we are honest and we’ll instead guide them in their selection,” says Cline. “We want them to be happy with the style, quality, price and we want to see them again.”

Right up there with high-end service is the insistence upon quality in the lines Cline carries. Italian designers are featured as well as Hugo Boss from Germany. Lines from Los Angeles, Amsterdam and Canada are in demand. There are fashions that younger girls will enjoy and also more mature women will find a wide selection.

Men’s Shopping Nites December 15 & 22nd (Wednesdays)

Seasoned shoppers and first-time buyers alike appreciate the support they receive at Dena’s.

Upcoming events One of a Kind Fridays: Last Friday of each month featuring special discounts on one-of-akind Hillberg & Berk Jewellery.

Watch for the new Holiday and Valentine’s collections coming early December, midJanuary respectively.

Dena’s 5-105 21st St E, Saskatoon Ph: (306) 373-6966 denas@sasktel.net

“Not everyone can afford every price point so we carry a range to be sure we have

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Chel Salonspa: Unique and unforgettable

By Alexandra Walld As Saskatchewan’s premier Aveda concept salon, Chel Salonspa was destined to be different from other salons in Saskatoon.

The high level of professionalism, combined with the vibrant personalities and teamoriented mindset that Chel’s members bring to the salon, is what makes Chel a unique place.

Chel is a family comprising 14 stylists, three spa therapists, two registered massage therapists, and two front-end managers who work together every day to create a fun, warm and inviting environment for their guests. Extensive training from all over the

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world, not only gives Chel staff the ability to give you a stunning haircut or a glowing facial, but creates a one-of-a kind experience that will leave you wanting more.

“We’re an actual team-based company, which is special in itself,” says Chel Salonspa’s artistic director, Kim Regier, who co-owns the salon and spa with his wife Dianne. We work very closely together and we play together, too. We do different things to get that environment—we train and travel together throughout Canada, the United States and even Europe.”

As a team, the group at Chel participates in different activities throughout the year, from mini stock racing, to soccer, and their newest venture, hockey. It is the willingness to get out there and have fun that makes Chel Salonspa such a great place to work.

FUN-draising This past October, the team created and designed 14 different wigs—from shaping, colouring and styling—to match the individual costumes they were going with for Fright Night, a fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation. Between events like Fright

UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE

Night and different training competitions Chel’s staff members attend throughout the year, the team continues to grow and reaches new goals together.

“We were just voted the Best Hair Salon in Saskatoon by the readers of Planet S magazine, and for the last 10 or 15 years, we’ve done very well with national competitions,” Regier says.

Chel Salonspa has been working with both men and women, young and old, for the past 20 years. Chel is an Aveda concept salon and carries the natural and organic

lines of Aveda products. In 2002, Chel added a spa to its salon.

In the spa, you will find two highly-qualified registered massage therapists who offer a perfect blend of relaxation and therapeutic massages. There are also three spa specialists who provide guests with waxing, spa manicures and pedicures, make-up applications and rejuvenating facials. The spa also offers body treatments and complimentary steam baths for guests.

Chel spa has created a relaxing environment for guests to unwind physically, mentally and spiritually.

“People know we take what we do very seriously,” Regier says. “We always strive for excellence, but have fun while doing so.

Every day, we bring the perfect mixture of professionalism and fun and that resonates with our guests.”

Chel Salonspa 477-6200 #8A - 3110 8th Street East www.chelsalonspa.com

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She was born, raised and still lives in Saskatoon.

There is an arena and street named after her legendary father. She has a don’t ask, don’t tell policy when it comes to her private life, but you don’t get to be Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneur without attracting some attention.

In this issue of Fine Lifestyles, Thom Barker gets Up Close and Personal with the Duchess of Saskatoon hotels, Betty Anne Latrace Henderson.

Photography by Grant Romancia

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL On the far northeast edge of Saskatoon in a “gated” community still waiting for its gate, neat executive houses line an immaculately-kept private road. The area has the aloof atmosphere that new housing projects often do as they nurture the generations of families who will transform them from real estate developments into neighbourhoods.

But as guests arrive at one of these sterilelooking units, all aloofness disappears.

Before the door even opens, guests are greeted by the enthusiastic yapping of Brando and Bree, a mini schnauzer and a shitz-poodle cross who graciously share the house with Betty Anne Latrace Henderson and Brian Henderson.

Brian, tall and lean with an easy grace and engaging smile, immediately makes newcomers feel at home with his more softspoken, but equally welcoming greeting. In the spacious, open-concept living/dining/ kitchen area with a floor-to-ceiling back wall of glass overlooking pastoral parkland, Betty Anne is in her element. Entertaining family, friends, colleagues and even complete strangers is what she loves to do best, befitting for the Duchess of Saskatoon’s hospitality industry.

Brian tells the story of Christmas 2009 in Palm Springs, California, where the couple owns a condo and spends part of the winter: “We were having dinner [at a restaurant] and Betty Anne gets talking to the server,” Brian said. “He’s from Cuba, he’s a landed immigrant American and [she asks], ‘so your folks are back there, your family’s all back there? What are you doing for Christmas?’ So we had Rocky over for Christmas dinner.”

Betty Anne’s and Brian’s home in Willowgrove is elegantly furnished with modern, quality pieces in white leather, rich wood and lots of glass. Original art adorns the walls. Brian proudly shows off the Al Weitzel painting of a tiger in their large ensuite bathroom. The table is set with fine china, crystal and flatware.

Despite all the nice things, Betty Anne does not have a most-prized possession. “They’re just things,” she says almost dismissively. If she has a favourite, though, it might be the electric grand piano in the corner. “I’m a piano plunker,” she declared modestly, but with obvious glee. “I did take lessons as a child but hated them because Mum made me do it and I would have to practice while all my friends played. Now I wish I would have practiced more.”

In private moments, you might find Betty Anne plunking out popular songs from the 1970s and 80s; or engrossed in a good whodunnit with Brando curled up beside her; or watching “Pretty Woman,” her favourite movie because, “it’s just such a wonderful fairy tale, isn’t it?”

You might also catch her watching Oprah— the one person, living or dead, Betty Anne would most like to meet. “You talk about the power of media,” she said. “[Oprah] has taken that power and done so much good with it. There will always be those who say, ‘oh but she’s this and that,’ but on the whole, if you look at the programs she’s started and the literacy; I mean, how many people read because of Oprah’s book club? That’s real power.”

Most likely, though, you would find her reading business books, but this night was about properly welcoming Lana Doke, the new Chief Executive Officer of Airline Hotels and Resorts. For Betty Anne and Brian—who is chairman of the board—a proper welcome means getting out of the board room and into the dining room.

That personal touch has gotten them a long way in business. When Airline was bidding for its Saskatoon Hilton property, they naturally invited the executives from the famed hospitality giant over for dinner.

“They said it was the only time they had ever been asked to an operator’s home,” Betty Anne said.

Betty Anne inherited Airline from her legendary father, Harold Latrace, who built a hotel on a slough by the airport long before

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL the rest of the city caught up. “People thought he was crazy,” Betty Anne admitted. “But he was a visionary.” And, she added, the most influential person in her life. “He would see people in need and do something about it. He was always quiet and unassuming and when you needed something done, you never had to ask twice.

He taught us a lot of good lessons. Mistakes were accepted as something to learn from and not make the same one twice.”

Her mother was also a major influence.

“Mum was very strong. She probably would have been a good business person, too.

She managed the household and no matter how busy dad was, she made sure Sundays

were for family. She was our morals and family values.”

Betty Anne was born August 11, 1952 to Vilda (Cole) Latrace and Harold, the third of four daughters. She spent her early years on the family dairy farm north of Saskatoon adjacent to what is now the Auto Clearing Motor Speedway. That experience provided her with business lessons that are still with her today. “I was involved in 4H,” she said.

“When you’re responsible for an animal that relies on you, it doesn’t matter whether you’re feeling good or not feeling good, or whatever, you’ve got to participate, you’ve got to be responsible for it.”

Four sisters (clockwise from bottom left) Betty Anne, Joyce Latrace-Lundquist, Adell Pfeifer and Sharon Robert.

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By the time Betty Anne was nine, the family had moved to a home on 8th Avenue North and her eventual calling was starting to become evident. “She wanted to be a teacher from day one, I’m sure,” said Sharon Robert, Betty Anne’s younger sister. “We had a playhouse and, I’m six years younger, so all my friends [and I] would have to come to school every day, and she taught us.”

The youngest sister doesn’t remember what Betty Anne taught, but she does recall her older sibling as a shy, organized and dutiful girl. “She would never cross mum,” Sharon said. “She was very obedient, not like her younger sister.”

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Betty Anne and Brian in 1994 with Licorice (poodle-cross) and Benji (Lapso Apso)

Betty Anne and mother Vilda (Cole) Latrace.

That is not to say there was never any mischief in the young Betty Anne. “We were at a Kiwanis convention and we were with this other family,” Sharon said. “They had boys and I just remember jumping back and forth on the beds and we ended up breaking a bed, in a hotel.”

involved. “We had a nice dinner together,” Brian, then a pharmacist, remembered.

“Then she kept coming over to the drug store pestering me for donations for Big Sisters. She just had this great smile and these great eyes and she was always animated; she always had something to say.”

Betty Anne was rarely in trouble, though, and when she graduated from City Park Collegiate in 1970, she dutifully followed through on her early career aspirations earning her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan. “My father was very proactive in a lot of things,” she said. “However, we were orchestrated to go and either become a nurse, a teacher or a receptionist, the traditional roles. And of course, we never dreamt of anything else. It was just the way it was.”

“He finally broke down and we went on a date,” Betty Anne interjected. They were married in 1984.

Getting married was just the way it was for women, too, as was having kids. In 1974, Betty Anne completed the first part of that equation, but the union did not produce any children. “We were the wrong people together,” she said. “Thank goodness we were smart enough to realize we needed a foundation before we brought children into the world.”

But she was restless. In the late 1980s, she took a leave of absence from teaching to open Brianne’s Lingerie. She eventually went back to school part-time, but trying to teach and run a business at the same time took its toll.

When Betty Anne met Brian at the wedding of mutual friends, both were recently divorced and neither was in any hurry to get

In all, Betty Anne spent 20 years in the Saskatoon public school system teaching at inner city elementary schools and working with at-risk kids. “I could just relate to those kids better,” she said. “I don’t know why. I guess maybe a need; you could see a need; you thought maybe you could make a difference in their life.”

“I thought, ‘this is crazy, either I quit teaching or I don’t do the store’,” she said. “So I quit teaching. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t love what you’re doing in teaching—I mean absolutely love it—get out, because those kids don’t deserve to have you there.

I was to the point that my love was waning.”

Betty Anne ran Brianne’s for 10 years, demonstrating her business prowess by making the store into one of the top retailers in sales per square foot in the country.

She sold the store—which is still in business on 2cnd Avenue—and joined Airline as vice president when Harold became ill in 1994.

She assumed control of the company when he died six years later.

Having inherited the president’s desk and, in part, because of her gender, Betty Anne foresaw a rough road ahead with respect to steering the company in the direction she wanted to go. She had to make some very hard decisions, the first of which was disbanding a board of directors largely made up of Harold’s friends and business associates.

“There were some of those second and third generation families on that original board and I think she wisely recognized that to take the company forward it was time for some new ideas, some new perspectives,” explained Mike Stensrud, a current member of the board.

Firmly at the helm, and with a new board in place, Betty Anne rapidly expanded the company from a successful, local family enterprise to a small empire with six prop-

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL erties across the country, more than $45 million in annual revenue, a 109 per cent three-year growth rate and almost 700 employees. It was a feat that earned her honours as Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneur for 2009 as recognized by Profit 100 magazine.

If you ask Betty Anne, that success is a tribute to her people, but Stensrud gives her credit even for that. “If there is one absolute wonderful characteristic of Betty Anne Henderson, it is her ability to analyze the character and skill set of the individual in her presence,” he said. “She really has a way to attract trustworthy, kind people to her midst and what a tremendous skill that is.”

One of those people is Lynn Flury, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Saskatoon. She says Betty Anne’s people skills are unrivalled.

“It’s not unlike her just to come over to the hotel, wander around, chat with people, give people hugs, thank you notes, just ongoing encouragement and recognition and it really inspires you to want to make sure you meet her expectations.”

For most people who meet Betty Anne, it is hard to imagine her being anything but confident, outgoing and dynamic, but she insists that’s not always the case. “There’s a shy part to me too,” she said. “That part that still has vulnerability.”

Brian elaborated: “There are certainly lots of decisions that come down to her and her decision alone,” Brian said. “She struggles with it, as everyone does who’s in that position.”

“They say it’s lonely at the top,” Betty Anne said. “That’s really true sometimes.”

Wilma Halstrom, a high profile Saskatoon businesswoman in her own right and longtime friend says it is extremely important for women in their position to have people they can just kick back or cut loose with. For that, they go sailing. “It’s probably the one

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place we can all relax and not think about business,” Halstrom said.

But don’t ask Halstrom, or anybody else for that matter, what goes on out there on the open water. “What goes on the boat stays on the boat,” Wilma said, a sentiment echoed, verbatim, by Betty Anne and Sharon.

Halstrom does give up one little tidbit, though. “[Betty Anne] talks all the time.

Even at golf. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Even in your backswing? “Absolutely!”

But that is hardly a state secret, even to Betty Anne, who tells this story about herself: “When you’re hiking you’re supposed to talk because it’s the sound of voices more than anything else that scares bears away,” she said. “One time, we were hiking in the mountains and nobody else was talk-

ing, except me. I finally said I’d had enough and everyone was shocked when I actually stopped.”

Like her father, there is little doubt Betty Anne Latrace Henderson will leave a legacy, but what does the woman herself hope that legacy will be?

“If there is one thing I would like people to say about me, it’s that I was a person of my word, followed through and was somebody they could trust.”

That might have to be the second thing people say about her though, right after thoughtful and compassionate.

“I’d never been to a job interview where I had a hug,” Flury recounted. “That sort of sums it up.”

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JAMES BOND’S NEW RIDE?

New AutoTech for 2012

By Brian Bowman

The future looks green, even in the luxury car segment. As compact hybrids and electrics are starting to appear with exclusive nameplates, Brian Bowman reviews the new eco-offerings for 2012.

The future of luxury cars isn’t what it used to be. Due to the global recession and

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pressure to make cars more efficient, consumer preference in this market segment is changing. As well, hybrid and electric power is becoming more practical, at least for urban use, and while it is still inadequate for long distance travel, it is pressing hard on the appeal of traditional power plants. Consequently, many

manufacturers are re-thinking their luxury offerings for 2012 and will be introducing smaller, more compact models often based on entry level platforms.

One example is Audi’s A3. This vehicle is still based on the Volkswagon Golf, but Audi is expected to offer it on this side of

the pond as a four-door sedan, with a slightly longer wheelbase, a bump in power and more premium features. The car should have an edgier look as well with obvious reference to the A3. This model may also signal the introduction of a modular architecture called MQB, an acronym for Modularer Querbaukasten, or modular transverse matrix, which allows a mixing and matching of component sets like transverse engines and all-wheel drive.

Audi has been facing stiff competition from such brands as BMW and Cadillac lately and this innovation is an attempt to lower manufacturing costs by allowing conformity of engineering across their product line.

BMW’s 3-series may also see a makeover as a premium compact designed for increased fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions while retaining its performance characteristics. New for this line, and expected to hit our shores soon, is the A3 Grand Turismo, a four-passenger model that will be similar to the A5GT. Hatchbacks aren’t the big sellers in North America that they are in Europe, but BMW hopes to mitigate that with a two-piece end gate combining a separate trunk lid and trunklike compartment with the hatch. This car may also feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, which includes a fuel-saving idle-stop system similar to that on most gas/electric hybrid vehicles.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class for 2012 will be a four-seat vehicle with a rear console that separates folding rear seats. This should increase comfort for rear passengers and add functionality since it may permit room for longer items in the trunk. But the biggest innovation will be in the headlights.

These will combine LED with Xenon technology to increase viewing range and more closely resemble natural light to reduce eyestrain. Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist technology will also be included.

Not to be outdone, Cadillac may introduce a version of its European-market BLS sedan as a lower priced companion to the CTS. The new car will likely be badged as the 2012 Cadillac BTS. Since it is based on the current European version, this is likely to be a rear wheel drive model and may appear as a four-door version. Consider it an entry level compact luxury car, positioned as a rival to the BMW 1-series.

But the big news for Cadillac is the proposed 2012 launch of the long anticipated ATS. Cadillac has been coy about technical and dimensional details, but it’s likely to be similar to the CTS, albeit in a smaller, lighter package, and appear in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. It should be priced lower and positioned as a direct challenge to the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series. If so, it will be a serious contender since the bigger, heavier CTS can already hang with these cars on just about any road they travel.

Lexus may also enter the luxury compact ring in 2012 with a new hybrid four-door hatchback dubbed the Lexus CT 200h. This car premiered at the Geneva and New York Auto shows last spring and is the smallest Lexus so far. The firm is offering it as a “dedicated” gas/electric hybrid, meaning that conventional gas or diesel power will not be an option. Lexus is marketing the CT 200h as eco-friendly and fun to drive, and hyping it as symbolic of “urban luxury living” in an effort to attract younger, upwardly mobile buyers.

Infinity will introduce a hybrid for 2012 dubbed the M35 Hybrid, claiming it will get double the mileage of the current M35 conventionally-powered version.

The 3.5-litre gas engine will be supplemented by an electric unit that generates about 76 horsepower. While the car will be a competitor for such company as BMW’s 5-series, it may realize the same economy as a smaller compact.

Lincoln, too, may offer a compact luxury model by 2012 as the Lincoln C-hatchback.

This one is also aimed at the “urban consumer” who the company claims is ecoconscious but luxury car-oriented. Details are sketchy, but the vehicle should perform in “Lincoln-like” fashion with a 180hp fourbanger developing about 180 foot pounds of torque. Fuel economy should be high and creature comforts and electronic toys will abound. As an indication of developing trends, Lincoln’s full-sized Town Car may have its last hurrah in the next year or so.

And if you need further confirmation of the direction the luxury car segment is heading, consider this: Aston Martin is developing a compact for release in 2012 called the Cygnet. This one is based on Toyota’s frontwheel drive iQ mini-car, restyled to flaunt Aston-Martin’s distinctive grill plus luxurious appointments and all the caché of the DB9. The power train will be front-wheel drive powered by the Toyota iQ’s 1.3litre engine generating a whopping 98 horsepower—good enough for city use, but, because the car will likely be heavier than its Asian cousin, its 0-100km times likely won’t be more than about 13 seconds— hardly “Casino Royale” performance. The Cygnet is coming Canada too, a major shift in the Scotland-based company’s marketing focus, and, from a company whose traditional offerings are in pretty tall company, it’s a real indicator of the way things are headed throughout the luxury segment. That said, there is a dark and disturbing side to this. If this signals a change in performance benchmarks for Aston, what does it mean for the future characterization of 007?

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65

Winter accidents happen, and when they happen you want your vehicle fixed fast and right. You want great customer service from a business that cares about you and your vehicle. Maaco has an outstanding customer satisfaction rating of over 95%. At Maaco they strive to make their customers experience as hassle free as possible.

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By getting your vehicle in sooner and back to you quicker so that you can get back to your life.

As an added bonus, Maaco offers free rental vehicles for any work over $500.

FUN HAS NO LIMITS: THE NEW MINI COUNTRYMAN. On January 12th, MINI launches a brand new model, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. The optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive for the Cooper S Countryman is the first MINI offering of a permanent all-wheel-drive system.

The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, the MINI Center Rail, and a premium six-speaker audio system complete with a CD player and AUX IN. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-

end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone® and even the new iPad and other smartphones in the car.

For more details and to participate, please visit www.facebook.com/MINI.canada.

Find your local MINI Retailer at www.MINI.ca

Even before the official launch date, you have the chance to win one of the first new MINI Countryman model’s for a year!

How does it work?

On Facebook, pick up your own virtual MINI Countryman. Then invite your Facebook friends, to “hop in”!

The more friends you have in your virtual MINI Countryman, the more chances you have to win a real one for a year.

The winner will be announced on the Canadian MINI Countryman launch date, January 12th.

For more information, contact: MINI Saskatoon 607 Brand Court, Saskatoon 665 MINI (6464) Toll Free: 1-866-522-MINI(6464) www.MINI.ca

Bema Autosport BMW

The Ultimate Driving Experience.®

CERTAIN COMPETITORS DO THINGS WELL, BMW DOES IT BRILLIANTLY! Thirty years ago, Audi became the first manufacturer to deploy a permanent all-wheel drive system in volume cars – before that, all-wheel drive was almost exclusively reserved to off-road vehicles. Audi was actually using its quattro all-wheel drive system to counteract the conceptual disadvantages of its normally front-wheel-drive models, which suffered from traction issues in wet weather and torque steer problems.

As a manufacturer of rear-wheel drive vehicles, BMW introduced its first permanent all-wheel drive system later than Audi and took longer to develop its all-wheel drive range. However, with the introduction of xDrive in 2003, BMW offered an electronically controlled system which reacts faster than its Audi and Mercedes counterparts. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system uses a purely mechanical centre differential, and the 4Matic system by Mercedes-Benz is basically also a mechanical system.

All three systems provide permanent all-wheel drive with improved traction over conventional vehicles and – depending on the design – more or less improved handling, especially when the wheels have differing levels of traction. While early all-wheel

drive systems provided a fixed power distribution between the front and rear axles, with disadvantages such as understeer, noticeable build-ups of tension and considerably increased fuel consumption, today’s all-wheel drive systems are fully variable (BMW) or at least partially variable (Audi, Mercedes). These modern all-wheel drive systems operate very inconspicuously, and are much more effective and fuel-efficient than earlier generations.

Safe, neutral handling thanks to xDrive.

When cornering or driving at speed, the proactive, fully variable xDrive power distribution ensures neutral and stable handling, even on dry road surfaces. The driver simply feels an absence of oversteer or understeer, and superlative stability. xDrive also operates at higher road speeds, optimising the torque split to minimise friction. In this way, xDrive delivers more customer benefits than its competitors: • Optimum traction thanks to fully variable torque split, with almost 100 per cent of drive power available to go to either axle.

Bema Autosport BMW

The Ultimate Driving Experience.®

•S afe, neutral handling thanks to lightning-fast responses; when cornering too fast, oversteer and understeer are effectively suppressed even before they can develop.

• xDrive – reacts more quickly than quattro and 4Matic. xDrive, the intelligent BMW all-wheel drive, is a permanent all-wheel drive system. A transfer case with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch distributes drive power to the front and rear axles. The system is proactive and fully variable. This means that the electronic control unit uses the DSC sensors to detect any potential risk of wheel slip – even before the wheels have started spinning! The system responds within fractions of a second to channel more power to the axle that has the best traction – up to almost 100 per cent in extreme cases.

At the same time, xDrive uses the DSC sensors to detect any tendency to oversteer or understeer when cornering, and counteracts this tendency by redistributing drive power accordingly.

Unlike the partially variable systems made by Audi (quattro) and Mercedes-Benz (4Matic), xDrive performs these actions with lightning speed, in a way that is not even perceptible to the driver.

For more information, contact: BEMA AUTOSPORT BMW 607 Brand Court, Saskatoon 905 0900 Toll Free: 1 866 695 4BMW (4269) www.bmwsaskatoon.ca

Bema Autosport BMW

The Ultimate Driving Experience.®

5 Series

X3

Exterior design.

Driving performance.

Interior design.

Exterior design.

“If a vehicle doesn’t look dynamic, how are we supposed to believe that it drives dynamically? You have to be able to both see and feel its character. It’s the same with talent. It’s not enough just to have it, you have to be able to use it.” Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.

“In the interior, dynamics and elegance are represented in one flowing movement from the instrument panel to the door. This can instantly be felt. All of the high-quality control elements are ergonomically positioned for a perfect fit as soon as you take a seat.” Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design

Eight-speed automatic transmission Steptronic.

The most comfortable way to save: the eight-speed automatic transmission Steptronic not only ensures incredibly soft changes and reduces background noise at high speeds, it also significantly reduces fuel consumption.

Sports. Activity. Vehicle. These words define what sets the BMW X3 apart from the competition. It is an automobile that gives you room to move, and lets you revel in the pure joy of driving – in every situation, on every type of road, and always safely and comfortably.

“My goal was to create for the all-new BMW X3 a ‘dramatic vibrancy’ of light and shade emphasizing the form and definition on the surface with new bold X-ness.” Erik Goplen, BMW X3 exterior designer.

Functionality.

Don’t just take what you need. Take what you want. The BMW X3 has the room to accommodate your life and the way you choose to organize it.

For more information, contact: BEMA AUTOSPORT BMW 607 Brand Court, Saskatoon 905 0900 Toll Free: 1 866 695 4BMW (4269) www.bmwsaskatoon.ca

What BEMA Autosport BMW clients have to say…

I am driving my second 3 Series BMW and continue to enjoy the experience. Bema Autosport is always there during the infrequent occasions of requiring help. Just recently, my radio was misbehaving. I arrived at the store and immediately had the service manager and technician in the car. Within seconds the problem was resolved.

The staff is always responsive to any concerns and always expedites the quick and efficient resolution of my needs. Thank you Bema Autosport.

Steven Goluboff MD, CCFP, FCFP Family Physician

I have been a loyal customer of Bema Autosport for more than a decade now. From my first experience with their staff, from top to bottom, I have been treated with considerate regard for my needs and wishes. They are an example of a truly refined productive and sensitive machine, much like the exceptional products that they represent and make available for purchase.

Most impressive to me is the ability of the exceptional staff who possess an ability to recognize, appreciate and accommodate the needs of the client. I’ve looked at many competitive products and services on the market, but would have great difficulty leaving Bema’s proven record of customer service and product reliability.

I ventured into the world of BMW now over 30 years ago, and little did I know at that time what an experience it would be. The cars I have owned have indeed lived up to being a driving experience. BMW’s attention to design, detail and engineering are exhibited thoroughly, and as an architect these are important qualities that enable the car to sell itself and re-engage you each time you drive. Over the years the BEMA Autosport sales and service group have provided me a responsive, professional, and personal attitude that indeed truly compliments and rounds out my BMW experience. In all respects driving and owning a BMW has been my pleasure.

Derek Kindrachuk FRAIC Principal Architect Kindrachuk Agrey Architecture

Suzanne has been very happy with her Mini Cooper and the service excellence at Bema Autosport. We were looking to purchase a new family SUV this fall. We drove the X5, loved it, and knew it would handle all of our needs. We have been treated like family at the dealership and appreciate all the excellent service provided. Thanks Les, Jarrett, and team!

Doug and Suzanne Toovey

Kent Archer Director/Curator Kenderdine Art Gallery | College Art Galleries University of Saskatchewan Art Collection

Since 1989, I’ve had seven BMWs and four of them are still in the family. It’s kind of like the competition, only they’re a lot more fun to drive.

Ron Holmes Investment Advisor

Seven years ago, I came home one day raving about this adorable little car that I saw (MINI). My kids were certainly a little shocked by it and I recall their collective comment: “Mom, you’ve never been excited about a car”. A few months later, the MINI was a surprise milestone birthday present. I still love it. It’s cute to look at & fun to drive…. when the kids let me borrow it!

Sharon Ceslak Homemaker and Volunteer

JOY IS POWERED BY PASSION, NOT FUEL.

The new BMW X5 family of vehicles proves you needn’t sacrifice efficiency for an unforgettable driving experience. The BMW X5 xDrive50i combines 400hp of pure performance with innovations like Brake Energy Regeneration that significantly lower fuel consumption. Breakthrough diesel technologies in the BMW X5 xDrive35d produce a class-leading 425 lb-ft of torque while establishing new standards of fuel economy. Regardless of which you choose, rest assured that the new BMW X5 will make your heart pound and put your conscience at ease.

THE NEW BMW X5. BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY.

For more information, contact: BEMA AUTOSPORT BMW 607 Brand Court, Saskatoon 905 0900 Toll Free: 1 866 695 4BMW (4269) www.bmwsaskatoon.ca

©2010 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and/or trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence.

The new BMW X5 X5 xDrive35i X5 xDrive35d X5 xDrive50i

bmw.ca

The Ultimate Driving Experience.®

JOY IS POWERED BY PASSION, NOT FUEL.

The new BMW X5 family of vehicles proves you needn’t sacrifice efficiency for an unforgettable driving experience. The BMW X5 xDrive50i combines 400hp of pure performance with innovations like Brake Energy Regeneration that significantly lower fuel consumption. Breakthrough diesel technologies in the BMW X5 xDrive35d produce a class-leading 425 lb-ft of torque while establishing new standards of fuel economy. Regardless of which you choose, rest assured that the new BMW X5 will make your heart pound and put your conscience at ease.

THE NEW BMW X5. BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY.

©2010 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and/or trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence.

The Evolution of Saskatoon Cuisine Story and photos by Penny McKinlay.

Growing up in Saskatoon in the 1960s and ‘70s, my idea of a fine dining experience was pancakes at Smitty’s or Tahiti Treat with my fish and chips from Gibson’s. Two and a half years in France in the late ‘70s changed my expectations, but Saskatoon hadn’t caught up. I longed for good-quality cheese and a full range of deli products, but I was out of luck. That’s no longer the case.

Saskatoon’s food scene is expanding rapidly in many different directions.

Embracing Diversity It used to be difficult to find sushi in Saskatoon; not any longer. The archetypal prairie restaurant offering Asian and Canadian food has been replaced by restaurants specializing in Szechuan, Cantonese, Laotian or Thai food. “People are travelling more,” says Beemal Vasani, co-owner of Saskatoon Sous Chef. “They want authentic international cuisine.”

Souleio is a fascinating combination of

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restaurant, deli, wine bar and grocery store.

They offer local food with European flavours. Artisan cheeses from Quebec sit side by side huge wheels of Comté from France. There is fresh seafood every Thursday, and Chefs Rémi and Uwe plan to expand their meat counter to include housemade pâtés, sausages, ham, and rillettes.

Souleio sources as much as possible locally, with foragers supplying unexpected delights – wild strawberries, pine mushrooms, lingonberries, and more. The chefs are also making a wide range of products on site, including roasted and pickled cauliflower, crème fraiche, and green tomato and cardamom jam.

Supporting the Local Economy More and more consumers want to know what they are eating and where it came from. People take pleasure in shopping at

the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market where they can develop a relationship with the person who grew or made the food.

Trent Loewen of Earth Bound Bakery buys almost all his certified organic ingredients from just two local suppliers. “There is nobody in between,” says Trent. “I like to maintain that conversation with the local producer and support them.”

Local chefs, such as Lee Helman of Truffles and Daniel Walker of Weczeria’s, purchase as many ingredients as possible locally.

Chef Simon Reynolds, who is originally from England, believes that the trend will continue. “In England, the menus are now like a geography lesson,” he says.

Food and Wine “Wine was created for food,” says Cameron Rizos, Managing Partner of Cava Wines & Spirits. “As we expand our food, we want the wine to go with it.” As Saskatoon’s first

private liquor store, Cava has two key missions. The first is to demystify wine.

“Wine isn’t complicated,” says Rizos. “It’s what you like. It should be fun.” The store offers frequent tastings and dinners so that people can explore what is available and define their tastes.

Secondly, Cava works closely with restaurants to provide training and help them enhance their offerings. Rizos believes that the food scene is ahead of the wine scene in Saskatoon, but that’s changing. In September, Saskatoon Station Place received an Award of Excellence in the Wine Spectator 2010 Restaurant Awards, the first restaurant in Saskatoon to be recognized in this way. The restaurant’s wine list includes 150 wines stocked by Cava Wine & Spirits, including many different wines by the glass.

Celebrity Chefs “In the UK, the chef is a highly-respected professional,” says Simon Reynolds. “Food is trendy, and chefs are like rock stars.”

That’s not yet the case in Saskatoon where students pay their way through school by working in restaurants but don’t see the restaurant industry as a career option. This frustrates Reynolds who has 22 years experience running kitchens with four million dollar budgets. “It takes a lot of skill and responsibility to cook food properly,” says Reynolds. “If I cook for 50,000 people a year, I’m responsible for that many people’s health.”

Rizos agrees and looks forward to the day when young people are inspired to choose the food industry as their chosen career.

They will become professional sommeliers

because they want to learn and talk about wine, or they’ll become professional servers, providing increasingly knowledgeable and inspired service to their customers.

Haywood’s Grill Saskatoon’s newest neighbourhood restaurant – featuring Grandma’s recipes with a ‘kick’!

High-End Dining at Home Operating out of Wild Serendipity Foods, Chefs Simon Reynolds and Brent Lloyd, along with Michelle Zimmer, offer a wide range of popular cooking classes. The chefs emphasize how much they enjoy sharing their knowledge. “If I teach someone how to make bread or soup, I’ve given them a gift for life,” says Reynolds. “So few people cook at home, and that’s sad. In England, the Sunday roast is a big thing with good food and the family around you. It’s the one time you’ll all be home together.”

Lloyd and Reynolds are also noticing a growing demand for personal dining, particularly for special events. The menu is completely customizable, and you can dine in the comfort of your home without being interrupted by waiters, but a professional is taking care of the preparation and clean-up.

Saskatoon Sous Chef offers ready-made gourmet meals for busy professionals. With one chef from Peru and another grounded in local comfort food, they supply an endless variety of salads and meals in a bag.

McKeown’s Ready Made Meals and Catering has just started offering weekly specials using local foods, putting an upscale spin on old favourites. Each dish is a generous helping for two people, and you can pick it up or have it delivered.

As Saskatoon grows, so does its food scene.

What a feast!

Healthy menu options

Friendly lounge

$16.95 Prime Rib Saturdays

$5.95 Breakfast

(including coffee)

And ask us about our Ukrainian nights!!

3016 Arlington Avenue

(inside the Eastview Shopping Center)

242-7699 www.haywoodsgrill.ca FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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EXPERTADVICE on Tea Ask the Tea Ladies with Nicole and Jule Nicole and Jule, owners of Cuppa T in Regina and Cuppa T II in Saskatoon, would like to welcome you to our “Ask the Tea Ladies” articles on tea. To start off our début we would like to feature a very popular tea. Raspberry Leaf or Rubus ideaeus is what most of us know as Raspberry Leaf Tea. This tea is hugely popular amongst expectant mothers. It is said to have many beneficial properties before, during and after pregnancy. Even with all the benefits you should always consult with your doula, midwife or OB/ GYN prior to any additions or changes to your diet during pregnancy. It is believed that if you drink Raspberry Leaf tea it may help with menstrual issues and fertility. If

Cuppa T (Jule) Cuppa T II (Nicole)

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taken during pregnancy, combined with a little peppermint, you may get some degree of aid with morning sickness... what a relief!

A cup of tea taken on the advice of and with the approval of your care giver, throughout, may help prevent miscarriage; aid in lactation; lessen the chance of a c-section; strengthen the pelvic muscles and uterine walls to help with an easier labour and delivery; and assist the uterus in its return to normal after the birth.

Now, there are many benefits of this tea for those of us who are not pregnant. Red Raspberry leaf tea contains many vitamins and minerals beneficial not only to expectant moms but to all of us! A few of

those advantageous vitamins and minerals are flavonoids, tannins, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron and magnesium. All of these plus the great taste of the tea are believed to help with leg cramps; relief of cold and flu symptoms; canker and cold sores. If applied topically it may help with many minor skin conditions!

Whoooda thunk it? Tea may do all those things? You bet, and it tastes way better than most medications we have encountered in our lifetime.

So have a cup of Raspberry Leaf tea and enjoy all the benefits. WISH IT, DREAM IT, DO IT… WITH TEA! …until next time.

2732 - 13th Ave, Regina | 306.352.4411 | www.cuppateas.com 134 - 13th Primrose Drive, Saskatoon | 306.979.6816 | www.cuppateas.com

Build your own winter wine cellar – We can help you!

Wide selection of red, white, blush and fruit wine kits to suit your tastes and budget.

Decadent winter treats: White chocolate white port, orange chocolate port, apple tatin white port, cream sherry, ice wine.

Gift certificates available.

#260-2600 8th Street East (across from the 8th St. Co-op Marketplace) • 955-4455

www.wine4you.ca

The Willetts on Wine Exploring the world of wine at Canada’s iconic Castle in the Rockies

By Margaret Anne & Edward Willett

Where can you hear the Director of Heritage and Hospitality from preeminent luxury Champagne maker Moët & Chandon, an over-the-top stand-up comedian discuss fabulous but unfamiliar Italian varietals, and the son-in-law of Fess Parker, a.k.a. Davy Crockett of Walt Disney fame, all on the same weekend?

Just a day’s drive west, at the Fairmont Banff Spring’s International Festival of Wine and Food.

Imagine a weekend in Canada’s iconic mountain castle hotel, where every view has spawned a million postcards, royally fed by the hotel’s executive chef, learning about and sampling some of the world’s finest wines.

It may sound like a weekend to be pampered, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

Tastings start at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, and you can expect to taste at least 16 wines in two sessions before lunch, where you can actually drink the six wines on offer—before, on Saturday, heading off to another tasting after that. (How much tasting is involved? The 170 guests went through some 11,000 wine glasses in total.)

But the best part is being with engaging and knowledgeable winemakers from around the world.

This year’s emcee, Anthony (Tony) Gismondi, Wine Access magazine editor and

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Vancouver Sun columnist, said, “Wine is all about family, and the more interesting the winemakers, the more interesting the wine!”, and the winemakers proved it all weekend long.

Consider Bernard Sparr from Alsace’s Pierre Sparr winery, who brought nine very food-friendly Rieslings, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminers. His family has owned Pierre Sparr winery for 10 generations, since 1680.

Fess Parker Winery may only date to the 1980s rather than the 1680s, but it’s also a family-run business: Fess’s son-in-law, Tim Snider, led us through a tasting of several minerally, food-oriented Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. (Tony, our emcee, gave us a great rule of thumb: Pinots are all about the up-front mouth feel of the wine, rather than the long, lingering aftertaste of fine Bordeaux.)

Australia’s De Bartoli employs hundreds of people and exports to 70 countries, but it has its roots in the classic immigrant story of Vittoria De Bortoli, who immigrated to Australia from Northern Italy and established the winery in 1928. The third generation now runs De Bartoli, and among their wines is Australia’s answer to a dessert Sauternes, Noble One, a botrytis-affected Sémillon with caramel and orange overtones that is bright and acidic enough not to cloy, as so many sweet dessert wines do.

One of the festival’s most dynamic wine gurus was Maurizio de Rosa from Feudi di San Gregorio. Born, raised and still living in Naples, Maurizio recounted the migration of wine from Greece to Italy. The Greeks planted vines on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. (These days, they’re grown a respectful distance away from the still-active volcano). From his home, Maruzio looks out at Vesuvius every day, a constant reminder of wine’s ancient history.

Our first San Gregorio wine was made from the Greco (Greek) grape, which produces a lovely floral-scented-yet-crisp white with notes of lemon and orange, in both sparkling and still formats. Next, we tasted red wines with strong berry and licorice notes made from the Primitivo grape, recently genetically identified as identical to California’s signature Zinfandel.

However, Maurizio saved the most interesting wine until last. Teasing his audience with a photo of a distinctly Mediterranean-style tree, Maurizio finally explained it wasn’t a tree at all, but a 140-year-old grapevine that survived the phylloxera infestation that destroyed most of the vines in Europe late in the 19th century. This and other ancient vines still produce wines of exceptional flavour: Robert Parker has given them a 98-point rating, near perfect!

Rounding out the tastings were wines from much closer to home: the Okanagan Valley’s Sandhill, named Winery of the

Year at the 2009 Canadian Wine Awards.

Winemaker Howard Soon gave us a mini vertical tasting of three different vintages of Sangiovese, Barbera, and the red blend Two.

Like to know more? Contact the Banff Springs Hotel at bsh.wineandfood@Fairmont.com...and maybe we’ll see you there in 2011!

That covers the wine. Throw in two incredible lunches, the overwhelming Vintner’s Reception on Friday night (wine and numerous food stations offering everything from seafood to lamb to risotto to fabulous cheeses and desserts), and the black-tie gourmet gala dinner and dance on the Saturday night, and you’ll understand why we go back to the Banff Springs International Festival of Food and Wine every chance we get… and keep urging our wine-drinking friends to do the same.

Margaret Anne and Edward Willett drink wine, buy wine, taste wine, write about wine, conduct wine tastings, belong to three different wine clubs, and have more corkscrews than they can count.

Contact The Willetts on Wine at ewillett@ sasktel.net.

Our Readers Recommend Dr. George Carson & Sheila Carson Osoyoos Larose Grand Vin & Petales d’Osoyoos Osoyoos Larose Grand Vin and its little brother, Petales d’Osoyoos, are wonderful siblings.

The Larose is substantial and balanced with a nice enduring finish. Grown, produced and bottled in Oliver, B.C., the Grand Vin is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The little brother is also a Bordeaux blend of the same varietals. We recently invited two friends for a dinner and a blind tasting of these two wines. The unanimous favourite was the more expensive Grand Vin, but all agreed that if one had only the Petales to taste it would be more than acceptable. At SLGA stores, the Grand Vin retails for $47.99, while the Petales is available for $25.99.

George Carson is an obstetrician on the prairies who would rather be sailing and/or drinking wine.

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The Wine Kitz Story

By Kae Mann Before the next edition of “Fine Lifestyles” arrives we will have celebrated Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day and a move to our new location in the Louis the 8th Mall (1625A 8th St. E), just across the street from our present location. The growth spurred by the advent of the U-Vin has made it necessary to relocate allowing us to better serve our customers.

A general overview of our company at this time seems to be in order.

“Since its inception in 1959, Wine Kitz (originally known as Wine-Art) has been the leader in the consumer winemaking industry and today is one of the world’s largest and most respected winemaking retailers.

Since Wine Kitz manufactures its own wine kits, we can confidently stand behind the quality of our wines and say you’ll love the wines you make with us.

Wine Kitz ensures every aspect of the wine kit production process will result in high quality wines for your enjoyment. Grapes are sourced from top vineyards and wineries from around the world. Then, combining traditional procedures and technical mod-

1625A 8th Street East

(new location!)

8th Street East

#110 – 1526 8th St. E

(current Varsity Common location)

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Sobeys

McDonalds

Louise Avenue

Louis the 8th Mall

ernization with evolution of tastes, these grapes are made into quality concentrates.

At their state-of-the-art facility, through innovative product development, Wine Kitz develops wine kits that meet exacting standards and make wines that have characteristics and taste profiles comparable to commercial wines.”

If you took a tour through our store you would find Sommelier Reserve and Ultimate Estate Reserve kits. These full-bodied wines are of the highest quality, providing rich, bold, powerful red wines and white wines of great flavour and depth. The Traditional Vintage kits are medium-bodied wines with excellent varietal quality and character. A perfect alternative to your favorite commercial table wine. For those who prefer a light-bodied wine you can choose from a large variety in our classic Wine- Art collection. We also feature a supurb selection of Limited Releases that equal or surpass the world’s best commercial wines.

With the Holiday season fast approaching come and see how easy, convenient and fun winemaking can be!

MOVING SPECIAL - 10% off all products starting Dec 15 through Dec 31!

Stop in for great deals at our old store and visit us across the street at our NEW location – 1625A 8th Street East (in the Louis the 8th Mall).

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Photos by Joshua Klingenberg

Tequila continues to be a world class night club importing acts from around the world.

UPCOMING EVENTS: DJ SKRIBBLE, DAVE NAVARRO, BEASTIE BOYS DJ MIX MASTER MIKE, BIG WRECK Tequila is now serving lunch Monday through Friday.

Join Tequila for the biggest New Years Eve Party in Saskatoon!

TEQUILA NIGHTCLUB 1201 ALBERTA AVE. WWW.TEQUILANIGHTCLUB.CA

The Clubhouse: CLIENTS CAN FEEL AT HOME Photos by Gina’s Portraits.

With Saskatoon under a blanket of snow for seven months of the year, The Clubhouse offers the perfect winter escape for those who just can’t squeeze in enough golf during the short summer months. However, immediately upon stepping foot in the front doors of the north end establishment, it’s obvious that there’s more to the facility than meets the eye.

Four years ago, local entrepreneur Chris Harris stumbled upon a brochure for a golf simulator company and one year later, after some planning and plenty of research, The Clubhouse Indoor Golf Centre was born offering golfers a refuge during the winter months. But as Harris quickly points out, it’s not just about the golf.

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“We’re a hybrid,” he stated explaining the business concept, “We’re half sports bar, and that’s where the simulators and TVs come in, but we’re also half modern lounge, with a cozy, trendy atmosphere that has its own feel. The two complement each other very well.”

Harris added that the lounge aspect of The Clubhouse was equally important when it came to the design and concept of the business, which is located on bustling 51st Street (next to Tim Horton’s on Millar), straddling the border of the Lawson and Silverwood residential areas and the North Industrial business region. With only a few other licensed establishments in that part of the city, Harris felt the location was a

natural choice for the demographic and, once coupled with the golf simulators, The Clubhouse would also be a destination point from the other areas of Saskatoon.

wanted to make it a place where people feel comfortable and welcome and to have them leave feeling like, ‘This is a place I can see myself coming back to again and again.’”

“It’s a place where you would come any day of the week,” Harris suggested. “We offer everything that you can get in any other lounge in the city, but we also tried to make a few additions that you won’t get anywhere else. When you put them all together, we feel we have something that’s unique, something that has to be seen to be appreciated.”

Of course, aside from the lounge and mouth-watering appetizer-style menu, the simulators themselves have proven to be a big draw in the golf-crazed region. Each private booth offers golfers the latest in computer technology to help them work on their game or to simply get out with friends and keep swinging the clubs.

Harris, who’s an avid golfer himself, added people are always surprised when they walk in for the first time with the most common response being, “This isn’t what I expected it to look like.” Harris added he takes that as the ultimate compliment. “We

Employing the aboutGolf software (www. aboutgolf.com), The Clubhouse’s six fullswing simulators offer golfers the chance to tee it up on more than 40 painstakingly rendered golf courses. From Pebble Beach to The Old Course at St. Andrews, every hill, bunker and green has been mapped,

plotted and charted to produce the most realistic golfing experience on the market.

Among other features, the simulators also chart club head speed, launch angle and spin factor of every shot to offer the most realistic ball flight possible, a point Harris backs up by adding, “I hit the same clubs inside that I do outside on the real course.”

“That said,” Harris continued, “at the end of the day it’s just about being out with friends or playing the game you love all year long.”

Thanks to its stylish and welcoming atmosphere, The Clubhouse also serves as the perfect meeting place for after work drinks, a quiet night out or a nightcap after one of the many concert or sporting events hosted a short distance away at Credit Union Centre. This is “the hybrid factor,” as Harris referred to it: the fact that with a

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high definition TV in perfect view from any seat in the house, the lounge is also a sports viewer’s paradise for NHL hockey, NFL football or any other televised event.

The Clubhouse also benefits from being a very diverse space. It has hosted large business conferences, which utilize the big screen projector capabilities for presentations, then switches back to golf for the afternoon. Birthday parties transform the simulators into full screen Nintendo Wii and Play Station 3 booths. Christmas parties, stags and stagettes are also popular in the establishment.

“It’s a very diverse space,” Harris pointed out. “We can use the space to work with just about any size of group for whatever you want to use it for.”

And, with more women taking up the game than any other demographic group, The

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Clubhouse also offers a ladies night on Tuesdays during which the simulator rentals are available for a reduced rate.

Kids, seniors, men, women, young and old, there is something for everyone at The Clubhouse.

Swing by today and discover this diamond in the rough for yourself

The Clubhouse Indoor Golf Centre 29 - 844 51st Street East Saskatoon, SK Phone: (306) 955-CLUB (2582) www.clubhouseindoorgolf.com Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 a.m.

d Receive a $20 complimentary Gift Card on every $100 Gift Card you buy.

d Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season d

306.955.5555 #200 - 1820 - 8 Street E www.manos.ca

EntertainmentCalendar Mendel Art Gallery

Persephone Theatre

Saskatoon Blades

TCU Place

Mainstage Productions

Hockey Games

Sid Buckwold Theatre

UNTIL Dec. 15

Dec. 10

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

Everett

UNTIL JAN. 9 The Optimism of Colour: William Perehudoff, a retrospective Guest Curated by Karen Wilkin

Based on the classic English legend Adapted by Jeff Pitcher

UNTIL Jan. 9 Under Skirt: A peek at the institution of art Curated by Jen Budney The Cedar Tavern Singers, Nicole Cherubini, Dagmara Genda, Garry Neill Kennedy, & Heather Nicol.

UNTIL Jan. 9 Artist by Artist: In Sun and Snow A Mendel mentorship program Lorenzo Dupuis and Steph Krawchuk

Jan. 19-Feb. 2 Lawrence and Holloman

By Morris Panych

Kootenay

Dec. 17

Dec 10 Rita MacNeil’s Spirit of Christmas with special guest Frank Mills

Swift Current

March 16-30

Dec 17 - Dec 18

Rabbit Hole

Dec. 18

By David Lindsay-Abaire

Edmonton

The Deep End

by Daniel Macdonald

www.persephonetheatre.org

The Fireside Singers

Prince Albert

Velocity

Wonderment Curated by Sandra Fraser

Wizard of Oz

Dec 21 - Dec 22 Dec. 30

Feb 16-27 Jan. 21 to April 3, 2011

Dec. 12

Dec 7 - Dec 8 Knights of Columbus Carol Festival

Jan 20 Jan. 1

Great Big Sea

Red Deer

Mar 4 - Mar 6 Jan. 21 to April 3, 2011

Jan. 4

Variations: Lee Henderson / Louise Noguchi / Berni Seale Curated by Jen Budney

Calgary

Mar 16 Jan. 11

Jan. 21 to April 3, 2011 Koshasin: The Hall Collection of 19th-century Photographs of Japan

Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Brandon www.tcuplace.com

Jan. 15 Swift Current

www.mendel.ca

Jan. 22 Calgary

Jan. 28 Swift Current

www.saskatoonblades.com

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Kinsmen Telemiracle

Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra

University of Sask.

Huskies

University of Sask.

Huskies

Master Series

Men’s Hockey Games

Women’s Hockey Games

Jan. 8 Jan. 15

Cougars

Martin Leung (the YouTube pianist), piano

Jan. 7 Cougars

Russian Romance Victor Sawa - conductor

Jan 14, 15 Bisons

Feb 4, 5

Saskatoon’s thriving artistic heritage: the Mendel Art Gallery The Mendel Art Gallery is part of Saskatoon’s thriving cultural and artistic heritage. The Mendel helps develop pubic understanding and appreciation by collecting, exhibiting, preserving and interpreting works of art.

Thunderbirds

Feb. 26

Jan 28, 29

Heroes

Dinos

Victor Sawa, conductor George Gao Erhu, Chinese violin SSO POPS Series

Feb 11, 12 Golden Bears

Feb. 5 ABBAmania Victor Sawa, conductor SSO Chamber Series

Women’s Basketball Games Dec 28, 29, 30, 31 TBD

Men’s Basketball Games

Jan 21, 22 Wolf Pack

Dec. 8

Jan 21, 22

Handel’s Messiah Victor Sawa, conductor

Wolf Pack

Feb. 4, 5

Jan. 29

SSO Sunday Afternoon Chamber Series

Doors opened October 16, 1964 with an exhibition of the Mendel family art collection. The following year he donated 13 paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries from his private collection.

Pandas

Feb. 4, 5 Bach and Beyond Victor Sawa, conductor Guy Few, trumpet

The gallery was founded by businessman Frederick (Fred) Salomon Mendel. He fled Nazi Germany in the 1940s, and set up Intercontinental Packers Limited in Saskatoon. His donation to the gallery was a way to celebrate his success, and it was matched by the province to initiate the gallery.

Golden Bears

Feb. 12 Cougars

Feb. 12 Cougars

huskies.usask.ca

Today, the gallery boasts the largest art collection in the province, with 5000 works of art by local, regional, and national artists. The gallery reached 150,000 visitors in 2009 - one of the highest percapita attendance figures nationally – and it’s considered a vibrant part of the local art scene.

huskies.usask.ca

Mar. 6 Harald Saeverud, Georges Onslow, Reinhold Gliere, Jean Sibelius

With a prime location on the South Saskatchewan River, the Mendel is also a heritage landmark, and a $51 million new facility development will help it continue to grow in the future.

Dec.11 SSO Special Events Victor’s Holiday Special Victor Sawa, conductor

Compiled and written by Marie Powell

www.saskatoonsymphony.org

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Life’s Little Luxuries: Harden & Huyse Chocolates

By Christina Shah. Photos by Gina’s Portraits.

Chocolate—rich, dark, and sensuous—it has the power to induce rapture in so many of us. A little taste and the eyes roll back, the lips curl into a smile. Claude Hardenne, proprietor of Harden & Huyse (pronounced ‘house’) Chocolates, has seen this particular expression every day for the nearly three decades he’s been an artisan chocolatier.

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“It’s a privilege working in this business,” he says. “It’s wonderful to share something that makes people happy.”

Upon entering his shop, one realizes that the rich Baroque architecture and cobblestone streets of Brussels live here, half a world away in Saskatoon. The aroma of

warm caramel permeates the air, and the atmosphere is cool, quiet—even reverent.

It’s apropos—Theobroma cacao, the scientific name for the cacao tree, means ‘food of the gods’.

Glass showcases gleam, revealing perfect pyramids of cocoa-dusted truffles and

CHOCOLATE: LIFE’S LITTLE LUXURIES

Claude Hardenne, owner and chocolatier

molded chocolates in distinctive shapes and flavours. Among them, horses’ heads with a hazelnut crunch layer, hearts with pink cassis (blackcurrant) crème, and maple leaves with a rich surprise—strawberry crème. Gold and coffee-coloured boxes adorn the display and seasonal specialties line the tall shelf. Sweet indecision.

Seasonal Inspiration Abounds Business is brisk this season—these chocolates are a preferred gift among the city’s business elite. Corporate clients can choose a private label option or customized solution that reflects a personal touch.

Christmas features classic novelties: chocolate snowmen, Santas and Christmas

trees. The highlight is a stunning white chocolate yule log filled with assorted chocolates. It’s easy to find the perfect gift for business—and pleasure.

Old World Tradition, New World Innovation Chocolate’s fascinating history spans three millennia and originates in Central and South America. Upon conquering the Aztecs, the Spanish brought cacao back to Europe and added sugar and milk to enhance its flavour. During the Industrial Revolution, processing techniques evolved to create the solid chocolate treats we enjoy today.

The story of Harden & Huyse has its own transatlantic flavour. John Hardenne, a

Belgian immigrant, was a successful businessman with a head for numbers and a sense of adventure. He also wanted to create a legacy for his three children. From the beginning, Claude, his brother Anthony and sister Jennifer have had a hand in the creative process. In 1981, the family test-

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CHOCOLATE: LIFE’S LITTLE LUXURIES

marketed the idea of a high-end chocolate business in Vancouver. They returned to Saskatoon to open the flagship location in 1983, and in 1985 moved it to its present location on 2nd Avenue. Today, Claude and his wife Charlene oversee operations at three locations—Saskatoon, Regina and Cobourg, Ontario—and have developed relationships with 35 resellers across Canada.

Loompas—with Ng singing and dancing to the energetic pop tunes emanating from the sound system. After his short karaoke set, he demonstrates his masterful technique of filling the molds by hand. He fills a mold with liquid milk chocolate, tapping it to remove the excess chocolate then levels it off with a flourish. Later, the forms are filled and packed carefully by hand.

The Creative Process: Serious Fun

One of Hardenne’s joys is introducing the pleasure of dark chocolate to customers who are avowed milk chocolate fans.

“It’s fun to get people to step outside their comfort zone and try something new—chocolate’s exciting!” adds Hardenne enthusiastically. The health benefits of dark chocolate are well known: it’s rich in antioxidants, magnesium and Phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound which releases endorphins in the brain.

Harden & Huyse chocolates are crafted here in Saskatoon. They’re made exclusively from top-quality imported ingredients: pure semisweet Belgian chocolate, Italian liqueurs, French Morello cherries and German marzipan.

In the production room, tempering machines churn the dark and milk chocolate.

Tempering is the process of recrystallizing the chocolate molecules, which gives high-quality chocolate its naturally shiny appearance and creates that melt-in-yourmouth experience.

Harry Ng, the company’s lead chocolatier, has spent 22 years ensuring these confections taste as enchanting as they look. Despite his seriousness when it comes to maintaining some high standards, our tour resembles a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—minus the Oompa-

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Two Generations Of European Craftsmanship Although Anthony was classically trained by master chocolatiers in France, the family had the bright idea of importing their expertise. “We invited the master chocolatiers to Saskatoon so they could train us on our own equipment.”

The Hardennes’ dedication to quality craftsmanship has inspired the same devotion among their clientele, many of

whom have become their friends. One customer has been coming every week for his favourite assortment since opening day in 1983. “You make friends in this business,” says Hardenne, smiling.

Through their visionary approach to the business, the family has cultivated an international appetite for Harden & Huyse’s award-winning products. These sweet treats were featured in The Report on Business, Chocolatier Magazine and Canadian Living. During the 1990s, they graced the displays at Dean & Deluca, New York City’s renowned specialty food emporium.

An Artisan’s Passion After all these years, Hardenne’s passion for great chocolate still burns brightly.

His philosophy is simple and elegant: “I’ll always be amazed by this product’s ability to offer us something sensual and to take us away—even if just for a moment.” Perhaps Lucy from Peanuts said it best: “All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!”

Harden & Huyse Chocolates 718 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon (306) 652-6663 www.greatchocolate.com

EXPERTADVICE on Food Fresh Fish and Seafood with Charlie Wong At Charlie’s Seafood Market, we take great pride in providing the people of Saskatoon with the best quality fish and seafood in the city and have been doing so since July of 1985. Considering how many people enjoy shopping here and how consistently they do so, we must be doing something right.

The first step at Charlie’s is listening to our customers, part of our commitment to service. We listen when they tell us how much they love something we stock and we listen when they let us know when something just is not working. And if there is something they are interested in trying but we don’t currently have it in the case, we will do our best to find it and bring it in to the shop. Our customers are a big part of the reason we started making sushi back in 1989 and we have no plans on stopping. Our selection of takeout sushi is one of the largest in Saskatoon, with every roll made fresh each morning.

The second step is always stocking the best quality product possible. This means doing a lot of taste testing, and constant inspecting of all our products to insure that they are of good quality before it goes out on our shelves. Sometimes our fresh case may be a little bare, but we will not fill our case for the sake of a good appearance. We know our customers appreciate the commitment to quality that is at the core of this business.

When defrosting fish or seafood for sale, there is a chance for it to deteriorate rapidly and that is just not acceptable. Also refreezing previously frozen fish is bad for the fish, as it is with any meat. If it arrives fresh, it stays fresh in the front case. And when we say fresh, we mean it is of exceptional quality and flavour and has never been frozen nor is it stale.

Always remember that step three works as well at home as it does here at Charlie’s. If you buy a frozen piece of fish, do not thaw it until you are ready to use it. And once it is defrosted, use as soon as possible. The same is true for fresh fish. Buy the fish the day you want to cook it to get the best taste possible.

One of the most common questions we get asked here at Charlie’s is how to tell if something is fresh. The answer is simple; smell it. Fresh fish has no smell. The bad smell that fish is often accused of having comes from age. The worse it smells, the older it is and it’s going to taste like it. We can’t speak for anyone else selling fish but at Charlie’s all you have to do is ask and we are happy to let you smell anything in the fresh stock case. You might look a little strange smelling a piece of fish in the middle of a store but that is a small price to pay to know that you are getting the best quality possible.

The third step is to leave the fish in the state it arrives in. If it is frozen, leave it frozen.

Charlie’s Seafood Market

8th Street & McKercher Drive | 306.955.7127

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UNIQUE BUSINESS TAKES THE RUSH OUT OF DINNER

make the magic in your kitchen, but leave the mess in ours

By FLS Staff. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

A retail concept never before tried in the Saskatoon area. Two childhood friends each with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare decide to explore the adventures of business.

Has opening a business been all they imagined? The sleek, glass SABEX (Saskatoon Achievement and Business Excellence) trophy for Best New Business Venture of 2009 perched prominently on the front desk at Dinner Rush, attests it has been worth their efforts.

Krista Koller-Klimosko, a healthcare professional, knows healthful eating and the importance of taking care of yourself and your family. “People end up eating processed food, not because they want to, but because it’s convenient,” Krista says.

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“We use fresh, whole, quality ingredients,” adds her business partner Kathy Sadler.

And that is what Dinner Rush is all about.

Krista and Kathy, like many of their clients, are busy professionals who would, of course, prefer to eat healthy, home-cooked meals, but who has the time?

Enter Dinner Rush. There are three ways to get convenient, delicious and wholesome home-cooked meals at the store on Nelson Road in Willowgrove. As you first enter the clean, open space, you can take advantage of the Grab and Go option. These are already-assembled family-sized meals with all the ingredients and simple-to-follow cooking instructions needed to prepare a meal in a few minutes that tastes like it took hours.

If you’ve got a little bit of time though— during Dinner Rush’s flexible business hours from 9 a.m. to midnight-you can book into a meal assembly session and put the recipes together yourself in packages of five, 10 or 12 different meals. “In less than two hours, the time it takes to prepare and clean up after just one meal, most of our customers can leave here with 10 familysized meals,” Krista says. “Imagine the time our customers have to enjoy other pleasures in life instead of meal planning and preparing food.” Krista and Kathy have been told by customers that they save between 30-40 hours a month by using Dinner Rush.

“We can’t thank you enough for making our totally insane lives more manageable,” says Alison Pickrell. “I knew that we’d struck gold

UNIQUE BUSINESS TAKES THE RUSH OUT OF DINNER

when my daughter said, ‘Mom, it is so nice to have a real-food dinner for a change.’

Thanks for making real food so easy to shop for, prepare and cook!”

The assembly area—painted in mellow earth tones, decorated with tasteful art and featuring all-stainless steel surfaces and appliances—is organized into recipe stations. At each station, all of the ingredients are fully prepped and ready to be quickly assembled into meals that serve four to six people. Kathy explains that not only does this make the process easy, but it also allows clients to customize their meals by splitting the 4-6 serving recipes into two meals of 2-3 servings to accommodate smaller households. If a family member has an allergy to an ingredient, it can be left out, or replaced with another ingredient.

Dinner Rush is also the perfect destination, Krista says, for private parties where friends and family can assemble their meals together while having some fun socializing

and taking care of their families’ needs at the same time.

Kathy says, saving customers even more precious time.

All of the perishable ingredients are stored in monitored, industrial-quality refrigerators for safety and Dinner Rush has a spotless record with Saskatchewan’s health inspectors. And the greatest advantage of all? In between recipes, you can sit and have a complimentary beverage and snack while the professional and friendly staff clean up behind you, and sanitize the recipe stations.

“After I prepared a meal using Dinner Rush, I purchased the ingredients and prepared it myself,” says Maja Redekopp. “However, you could not beat the value. And Dinner Rush adds a great benefit of not having to shop several stores for ingredients.”

“Our clients can make the magic in their kitchen, but leave the mess in ours,” says Krista.

The final option is to have Dinner Rush assemble the meals for you, again in packages of five, 10 or 12 meals. Krista says that even though most customers primarily use Dinner Rush for the convenience, they also tell her they are saving money. Once they realize this, they become repeat and loyal customers. Dinner Rush also delivers,

“There’s no waste,” Krista says. When you consider Canadians throw out approximately seven million tonnes of food per year at a cost of $3 billion, Dinner Rush customers are definitely saving money.

“How many times have you bought 200 dollars-worth of groceries and ended up spending another 30 dollars on a pizza anyway, because you still had no idea what to make or didn’t feel like starting from scratch?” Kathy asks.

The convenience, quality, flexibility, costsavings and atmosphere of Dinner Rush has

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UNIQUE BUSINESS TAKES THE RUSH OUT OF DINNER allowed the business to develop a very diverse clientele.

“It’s for everybody,” Kathy enthuses.

Meal assembly centres are not new. In fact, it was Krista lamenting that Saskatoon didn’t have one that led to the idea. “I wanted one for myself after reading about the concept in MacLean’s magazine and hearing about the benefits from a friend in Edmonton,” says Krista. That friend encouraged Krista to open one herself to bring the concept to Saskatoon. Krista floated the idea to Kathy and Dinner Rush was conceived.

Krista, Kathy and their staff test all the recipes: how easy they are to assemble; how they taste; how well they freeze. “The menu changes monthly and we love that people get to enjoy new recipes at their dinner table,” says Krista. “We do the trial and error so the customer doesn’t have to.”

Dinner Rush Meals are perfect for everyday eating convenience, to serve at dinner parties or to purchase for someone as a “thinking of you” gift, Krista says.

The business concept is working so well, clients are assembling (or picking up) nearly 1,000 meals per week. Dinner Rush preps more than 500 kilograms weekly of only the finest quality AAA meat, custombutchered by Costco. And they anticipate the business will continue to grow as the surrounding neighbourhoods fill in and word gets out.

The irony that a business designed to save them time has made them busier than they ever could have imagined is not lost on Krista and Kathy.

“It’s true, but we love it,” Kathy says drawing a nod from Krista. “Our customers are wonderful and our staff is incredible. The difference it is making in the lives of our clients makes it all worth it.”

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EXPERTADVICE on Dining Nutritious Families with Tiffany Banow, Registered Dietitian Today’s fast-forward lifestyle has many families struggling with the basics when it comes to good nutrition. Hectic family schedules, lengthy to-do lists, and a myriad of other reasons have dropped nutrition to the bottom of our priorities. Meals away from home, “fend-for-yourself” meals, and eating in front of the television have become the norm. We tend to rely on quick fixes, convenience foods, and whatever is easiest to fuel us up.

It’s clear that we are leading our families into nutritional destruction. However, a few simple changes can make a big impact on your family’s overall nutrition and well-being.

Quality Foods Emphasize wholesome, quality foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, reduced-fat dairy, and lean protein in your family’s meals and the foods you stock in your home. These foods are nutrient-dense, disease-fighters that promote health. Cut back on the total amount of processed and convenience foods that your family eats.

Foods that come in packages, cans, or from fast-food places have fewer nutrients and

more of the “bad stuff” such as fat, salt and sugar, along with added preservatives, colourings, and flavourings. By making sure to include wholesome foods in every meal you will encourage and strengthen positive food habits for everyone in the family.

Eating Together Eating meals together provides an opportunity for your family to connect and communicate, pass along traditions, and practice healthy food habits. Studies link family mealtimes with overall better food choices, higher nutrient intakes, and healthier body weights. Family meals have even been shown to help encourage greater success in school, and decrease teen substance-abuse and disordered eating.

Eating together every night may not be an option for your family, but even setting aside one or two meals a week is beneficial.

Planning Ahead

are eating quality foods or sitting down for family meals without some prior planning?

Planning ahead can mean different things for every family, but being proactive always pays off. Meal planning creates efficiency and streamlines what goes on in the kitchen.

Even simple things such as creating a grocery list, putting together the kids’ lunches the night before, or having readyto-go meals in the freezer are time-savers and nutrition-preservers.

Although time may seem non-existent most days, don’t sacrifice healthy food habits.

Prioritize family nutrition by planning ahead, sitting down to meals at the dinner table, and making wholesome foods part of your regular eating repertoire. Simple changes can go a long way!

Tiffany Banow is a Registered Dietitian and owner of Happy Pantry Nutrition. She coaches individuals and families in creating healthy food habits and improving their nutrition.

She offers a variety of services, including one-on-one coaching, pantry raids, weight management, meal planning,

Planning ahead is central to making nutrition a priority. How can you ensure you

and grocery shopping trips. She can be found online at www.happypantry.ca or at (306) 380-1008.

Eating well just got easy!

Let Dinner Rush be your supper solution!

Visit www.dinnerrush.ca for our Monthly Menus, Christmas Dinner packages, and Holiday Appetizers!

Gift cards are available.

Tiffany Banow: (306) 380-1008 | tiffany@happypantry.ca | www.happypantry.ca #8, 527 Nelson Road, Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 244-RUSH (7874)

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Make it Moka this season

By Alexandra Walld.

Photos by Lisa Landrie.

With flurries flying and temperatures plummeting the way they tend to in our fair city, you may want nothing more than to close the curtains and cozy up with the wonderful warmth and decadent flavours of a nice, steaming mug of your favourite gourmet tea, latte or hot chocolate. And thanks to a variety of gift baskets filled with your favourite goodies from Moka Coffee Bar, you can do exactly that.

“We offer assorted gift baskets for every budget, ranging from $10 to $45,” says Lynn Derksen, who co-owns Moka Coffee Bar with long-time friend and business partner Vickie Fulawka. “Last year, people were buying them up left and right as soon as we made them. It was the first time we had done it and we actually ran out and had to make some more.

“If people come in and want to put together a basket with something else they had in mind, like gift cards, for example, they make great stocking-stuffers or can be put into custom-made baskets if that’s what they want to do. We have found that gift baskets are a great gift for any reason during the holiday season.”

SEASONAL SIPPING AND DELECTABLE DESSERTS

Seasonal Sipping and Delectable Desserts Whether you are enjoying Moka Coffee Bar’s relaxing, Wi-Fi-enabled atmosphere

or taking your treats to go, you are sure to be in the holiday spirit as you sip on any of the coffee bar’s seasonal drinks. For a limited time, season favourites, like white chocolate moka, peppermint moka, gingerbread latte and egg nog latte, are available at the coffee bar and will keep you nice and warm as things cool down this season.

If you are looking for the perfect addition to the tabletops for your holiday parties this year, pick up some of Moka Coffee Bar’s freshly-baked, never-frozen delectable desserts. With just 24 to 48 hours notice, the coffee bar will do everything it can to ensure your soirée hits the perfect endnote when it comes time to unveil dessert. Moka Coffee Bar has a variety of whole cakes available for parties, from rich chocolate mousse and chocolate carrot cake to delicious shmoo torte and berry lemon dacquoise.

can take them to your parties, school or work. You can just leave the baking to us and enjoy your company.”

Moka Coffee Bar 382-MOKA (6652) 411 – E Herold Court www.mokacoffee.ca

8 Street E Boychuk Dr

Moka Coffee Bar has a variety of gift baskets available for the holiday season, so whether you’ve got moka madness, a taste for tea or a crush on coffee, the coffee bar has something for everyone this holiday season. If it’s a taste of Britain you or your loved ones are looking for, the London Fog basket could be right up your alley; it features Earl Grey tea, vanilla syrup and a mug. For those who enjoy entertaining guests, the Tea for Two variety basket may be the best choice; it has two mugs, eight samples of tea and imported sugar swizzle sticks from Germany. The Moka Coffee Lovers basket is perfect for any coffee lover, coming with two mugs and spoons, napkins, a pound of coffee and Monin chocolate sauce for drizzling atop your gourmet pick-me-up. Or, if all of those gift baskets sounded like a little taste of heaven, you can pick and choose your favourites to make the ultimate, personalized gift basket for the holidays.

Taylor Street E Slimmon Rd

“We have whole cheesecakes available for purchase, too. We have Oreo, Mars bar and toffee cheesecakes, and we have Christmas baking, like chocolate shortbread, snickerdoodles and other Christmas favourites,” Derksen says. “If you want, we can make up assorted platters and you

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Great Buffet Is Diner’s Choice In Saskatoon

By Suzanne Paschall After 25 years of hard work in the labourintensive family restaurant business, Susan and Andy Kwan have finally been rewarded, collecting the Consumer’s Choice Award of Canada (CCAC) this August for their iconic Saskatoon restaurant, the Great Buffet of China at 22nd Street and Avenue C. Son Michael Kwan, who also works in the business, explains. “It’s the first time the awards have been held in Saskatoon, but they do it in every major city in Canada,” he said. “We won in Saskatoon for Best Chinese Restaurant. They do polls in every

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city, and it’s meant to be an unbiased perspective. There are a lot of categories, and the gala at TCU Place in August was really exciting.”

The CCAC web site explains the award’s significance: “The symbol of the Consumer Choice Award is considered a seal of excellence and the coronation of local businesses’ efforts and achievements.”

Recognizing and promoting business excellence since 1987, Consumer Choice Award is the only organization to determine

the best service providers by conducting independent market research that is statistically accurate. Its purpose is to publicly identify those establishments which have been voted by consumers as being their choice for excellence.

Michael says his family is very grateful for the support of their patrons. “Earning the trust and loyalty of our customers is the greatest compliment we can receive, and we would like to thank them for making us their number one choice!”

GREAT BUFFET IS DINER’S CHOICE IN SASKATOON Owners Susan & Andy Kwan started in the restaurant business after Andy went to chef school in China to learn the art of Chinese cooking. They opened Kwan’s Cuisine on Central Avenue in Sutherland, which they ran for 10 years before moving into Saskatoon in 1995 to open the Great Buffet of China, which has now been in business for 15 years.

“It was very small at first, just the two of us,” Susan says. “A very small store. We’ve come a long way in 25 years.”

In 2005 they did a major redecorating project to the interior of the building, which had previously been a chain restaurant. In addition to the well-known buffet, which the CCAC award noted is the most extensive in Saskatoon, they have changed the combination Chinese and Canadian menu frequently, most recently adding sushi.

But Susan hastens to explain that the restaurant offers much more than only the buffet service. “We have catering, take out, delivery and a banquet service.” A 100-person party room frequently hosts weddings, anniversaries and many other special events.

The Great Buffet of China is also known for its long-term employees, who are knowledgeable and friendly.

The Great Buffet of China lives up to its name both in terms of the quality and choice in cuisine, as well as, the dining-out experience it provides.

Great Buffet of China 302 – 22nd Street West 306.978.8883

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L.O.R.D. Funk and Friends

By Ian Goodwillie. Photos by Gina’s Portraits.

Going to the same place for dinner every Thursday evening is boring. Why not go somewhere else? Or, to be more precise, why not go to Somewhere Else Pub & Grill?

Located in the Avalon Shopping Centre on Broadway Avenue South, Somewhere Else has been serving excellent food in a comfortable location under the ownership of the Darwin and Nissa McMaster since October of 2008. A favourite of the

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locals, Somewhere Else is on the verge of becoming a full-fledged phenomenon in the city of Saskatoon.

Busy People Make the Best Food The McMasters are no strangers to the restaurant industry. Darwin’s brother Dale had been a part of other restaurants and enter-

tainment venues in the city. So, in October of 2008, Darwin and Nissa made the decision to follow Dale’s legacy and took over Somewhere Else Pub & Grill. The business has grown steadily since they purchased it, keeping them very busy. And if that isn’t enough, the husband and wife team continue to run their paint contracting business, Shades Above the Rest, and also care for their two young girls, Dale and Casey.

LOOKIN’ FOR A GOOD TIME?

Darwin and Nissa with their great servers

Setting a Standard and Sticking to It If someone was to ask what sets Somewhere Else apart from other restaurants in Saskatoon, there are four things that come to mind. First is their location in the Avalon Shopping Centre on the corner of Broadway Avenue South and Cascade Street just off Wilson Crescent.

The Avalon Shopping Centre is a mainstay in that area of the city and is home to many services and businesses. Somewhere Else has called the Avalon area home since 2001, and has brought in an ever-increasing number of Saskatoonians living in and around Broadway Avenue South, including residents of nearby Stonebridge.

But if you do not get to that end of town very often, try looking for Somewhere Else at the Taste of Saskatchewan Festival held each summer here in Saskatoon. The 2010 edition of the Taste of Saskatchewan marked

the first time Somewhere Else attended the event with the McMasters as owners and it was hugely successful for them. If you try them out at Taste of Saskatchewan, you are guaranteed an enjoyable and delicious experience.

The second defining factor is the staff.

Darwin and Nissa are very fortunate to have strong, experienced staff in both the front of house and in their small but very functional kitchen. Their staff members have all been in the industry for many years and several of them have been with Somewhere Else since the day the McMaster’s took over. In the restaurant industry, which has such a high employee turnover, staff retention like that says a lot about the business and its owners.

The key is maintaining a work environment that is not just enjoyable, it is outright fun.

Number three on the list is the venue itself. Since taking over the space, Darwin

and Nissa have completed numerous renovations. These renovations have not only updated the 150-seat space and made it more modern, they have made it a warm and inviting space. You feel it as soon as you walk in the door and it is definitely one of the things that keeps you coming back.

The final defining factor is the parking. As simple as it sounds, a big issue that many businesses have is parking. This is not an issue for this restaurant and pub. Most of the businesses in the Avalon Shopping Centre are open only during the day, leaving the bulk of the parking lot available for Somewhere Else in the evenings.

Change is Key While the renovations to the venue were vast, they will continue into the future.

Currently, the entire bar area is scheduled to be gutted and replaced by a modern and

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LOOKIN’ FOR A GOOD TIME?

more efficient space including a ten tap keg system. The stage and dance floor are also scheduled for upgrades and expansions. But the biggest project will be the addition of a second level that will house a VIP lounge that overlooks the entire restaurant.

One of the biggest renovations that took place was to the menu. When they first took over, the menu was too large in both size and number of items, and it had no focus.

Darwin and Nissa trimmed the menu down drastically, and instead chose to focus on quality and presentation. It has all of the favourites, which includes an impressive variety of vegetarian dishes.

But one of the biggest changes on the horizon is the upcoming change to their hours. Since opening, Somewhere Else has only been open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. Starting in January of 2011, Somewhere Else will be open on Sundays. And there is always a game on, be it the Riders in the summer or the Habs in the winter.

There’s Always Something Happening Somewhere Else One of the biggest successes for Somewhere Else has been their no cover charge,

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live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Somewhere Else connected into the local music community early on and continues to bring in some of the best Blues, Jazz, and Easy Rock acts that Saskatoon has to offer. This is in addition to other events such as the Tuesday Jam Session nights, Thursday Karaoke nights, and regular comedy evenings.

Family Run, Family Frequented The most common misconception about Somewhere Else is that it is strictly a bar.

This is certainly not the case. Somewhere Else is a destination for families, a crowd they are hoping to be able to further serve on Sundays in 2011. The clientele are primarily a mature crowd of people 30 and over, giving the restaurant a calm vibe that can be hard to find.

For Darwin and Nissa, running Somewhere Else is all about maintaining their vision and keeping the experience fun for their staff and customers alike. “I know I’ll always be among friends at Somewhere Else Pub & Grill, great food, great people, great music,” says Kelly, who covers pretty much all the bases as a former staffer, friend and regular customer.

While Somewhere Else Pub & Grill might still be in its early stage of growth, it has already left its mark on its neighbourhood and Saskatoon as a whole.

Somewhere Else Pub & Grill 2605 Broadway Avenue Saskatoon, SK 306.652.3233

THE GREAT

BATE

by Carol Todd As winter wraps its chill around us, Canadians, like other folk living in northern climates, lose not only the joys of summer, but also the health benefits that are carried on the rays of the sun, especially vitamin D. We all know vitamins are good for us, right?

Or are they? The last year or so has seen numerous news stories on the subject, with almost as many opinions voiced as stories on the pros and cons of supplements, in general, and the amounts needed, in particular.

Dr. Susan Whiting, Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan, is one of Canada’s leading experts in the field of vitamin research and is in the process of conducting a new study on supplements with StatsCan. Whiting believes the overall concerns about supplements are overblown. She points out that stories saying that taking high doses of vitamins cause health problems are based on research using 20 to 30 times the recommended upper levels of dosage, way more than any of us could possibly ingest.

Health Canada describes vitamin D as a nutrient that helps the body use calcium and phosphorous to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Too little can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia (softening of the bones) or osteoporosis (fragile

bones) in adults. The relationship between calcium and vitamin D is the main reason the vitamin is often included along with calcium supplements. And, recent research has also linked Vitamin D deficiency to a host of serious conditions including cancer, influenza and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Health Canada recommends adults 19 to 50 years old, including pregnant and lactating women, need 200 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day. Everyone over the age of 50 is advised to take a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D. In addition, Health Canada and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health recommend that breast-fed infants also receive supplements because the mothers may be deficient. But stay tuned, these numbers could all change in the not too distant future, as numerous agencies, including Health Canada, are in the process of reviewing all the numbers.

Whiting says Canadians are definitely deficient in this essential nutrient.

“Absolutely we are,” she says. The reason has a lot to do with where we live. Humans get most of our Vitamin D from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. “In a perfect world, let’s call it a tropical island, you would get to that [adequate level] just by exposing your skin to the sun. But, we’re in Canada and we’re not able to make Vitamin D in our skin for at least six months a year. So, starting

now and probably going to about mid to late April, we’re totally dependent on diet to obtain Vitamin D,” says Whiting.

Small amounts of vitamin D are found in fortified foods, such as milk, margarine, orange juice, yoghurts and some breakfast cereals. For example, two cups of milk will give an adult the full daily requirement of 200 IU. Other foods containing vitamin D are oily fish such as sardines, kippers, salmon, pilchards and trout. Meat and eggs also naturally contain some vitamin D. The ability for our skin to make vitamin D is even worse for those with dark complexions, because naturally dark skin or even a tanned light skin is the body’s way of guarding against those UV rays. Men, too, seem to be at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, especially those between the ages of 20 to 39—about seven per cent of this group was considered vitamin D deficient by the StatsCan study. She recommends that anyone concerned about vitamin levels, speak with a pharmacist about supplements.

Until Whiting, Health Canada and all the others checking into our needs for vitamin D and other supplements have completed their studies, hopefully before another winter, we should all just sit back and relax.

Oh, and don’t forget to take a pill.

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Having the resources to match children and youth to a volunteer mentor sends a clear message that they are valued and important members of our society, writes Lissa Robinson, and not on the outside looking in.

Photography by Lisa Landrie

Credence, a polite and jovial 11-year-old arrives wearing a stylish bowler hat and a brightly striped golf shirt. When his Big Brother Brady arrives, it is immediately apparent how fond they are of each other.

There is lots of laughter and teasing, and the delight they take in each other brightens up the room and puts everyone at ease. Their natural rapport and shared smiles are hard to miss and impossible to fake.

It took a year-and-a-half before Credence found an older brother to call his own. Only nine years old at the time, Credence had grown up in a single family home with his mother. That was until his mother signed him up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon (BBBS) to match him with a male role model who could be an active and positive force in his life.

Becoming a Big Brother was something Brady had considered for a long time. “Becoming a Big Brother was appealing,” says Brady, “because I could devote one-on-one time to one boy and develop a relationship where

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I could see positive changes first-hand.”

Upon graduating from university with a biology degree Brady worked for Golder Associates doing field work in the mines.

The job took him out of town frequently and made it difficult for him to become a mentor. In 2008, Brady accepted a new position as an Environmental Scientist with the Cameco Corporation. The new position kept him close to home and finally gave him the chance to fulfill his dream of becoming a Big Brother.

After his intake process was complete, Brady was matched with Credence. From that day on, the two have bonded over sports, ice cream (Double Fudge Cookie Dough seems to be the favourite) and taking long walks at Cranberry Flats. Their first meeting took place at Credence’s home with his mother and a caseworker on hand. In Credence’s words, “that day was pretty cool.”

It is truly to the credit of the BBBS intake process that this match is so spot-on. The interests, personalities, family histories

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and needs of both parties are taken well into consideration before making a match.

For the mentor, the process also includes an orientation, a list of references, an information session on child safety and a police record check.

The concept of Big Brothers Big Sisters is quite simple and asks that its mentors think back to a time when they were a child: “Was there someone other than your parents— maybe a neighbour, a family friend, an aunt or uncle, or coach—who shared time with you and made you feel special? Becoming a mentor means doing just that for a child. It’s about sharing your time with a young person playing sports, reading a book, watching movies or just hanging out.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters also encourages its mentors to share in activities that are low cost. This encourages the focus to be on the shared activity and ensures that all the families can participate within their means.

Many of the places that Credence and Brady visit offer discounts and complimentary activity passes for those who participate in the BBBS programs.

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Credence’s mother Janice is very happy with the match. Janice signed him up for the program because she wanted her son to participate in fun activities with a positive male role model. In fact, she tells all of her friends about BBBS and how wonderful it has been for Credence to be matched. The program has given Credence a chance to have a male friend in his life that is there just for him two or three hours a week. The commitment expected by mentors is only one year, but many matches can and do continue on until the Little reaches the age of seventeen.

“One of the reasons that Credence is doing so well is because Brady is in his life,” says Janice. “He talks about Brady a lot and always looks forward to seeing him. Credence takes a lot of pride in having a Big Brother.”

Her own feelings toward the Big Brother program are equally positive. “It’s awesome.

I’m happy Credence has the chance to learn from a great guy like Brady.”

Janice, Brady and the BBBS caseworker, Jennifer, all explained that the power of this friendship has greatly increased Credence’s

self-esteem and transformed him into a young man who is much more outgoing, trusting and carefree. His mother has noticed he is much more willing to let go and allow himself to be goofy and have lots of boyish fun—something that was missing in his life prior to meeting Brady. And what does Credence want to be when he grows up? “A gold miner.”

Brady says that the experience of becoming a Big Brother “far exceeded any expectation I had initially.” He couldn’t stop talking about how much fun he has and how valuable their friendship is to his own life. “I get to be a kid again and Credence gets an older brother who he can confide in and share fun experiences with.” It’s hard to argue against the value of that.

Studies such as Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers/Big Sisters by Public/Private Ventures, a social research and program development non-profit organization, have shown that positive role models make an important contribution to a youth’s life and to the community in which they live. Given that many BBBS clients are

A PROGRAM THAT BENEFITS EVERYBODY in a high risk category, it is quite remarkable to learn that 46 per cent are less likely to use drugs and 27 per cent less likely to use alcohol than their counterparts without a Big Brother or Big Sister. Also, 80 per cent will complete high school and 30 per cent of those who do complete high school will go on to post-secondary education. Studies also show that mentors help break the cycle of multi-generational welfare in 78 per cent of the cases. With high percentages like these, it is hard to deny the significant impact that mentoring has on youth.

“I can’t emphasize enough how valuable the program is to the youth and future generations of Saskatoon,” says Wayne Weins, BBBS executive director. Even after 29 years with the organization, Wein’s passion is contagious and he has accumulated a multitude of inspiring stories to share such as the tale of one Little who grew up to became the first person in his family—over multi-generations—to graduate from high school. A momentous event indeed for him and his family, the Little made sure to share in the celebration by inviting his Big to his graduation ceremony. A common thread that runs through

many of Weins’ stories is that the Bigs and Littles often remain a significant part of one another’s lives for years to come.

Over the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters Saskatoon has matched 419 children to volunteer mentors through matches and group programming. With more than 200 children on the waiting list—up to two years for boys—to be paired up with a big brother or big sister, Saskatoon’s chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters is in definite need of more volunteers and more funding.

The key to their success is built on establishing and nurturing strong and positive relationships between children and adult volunteers. BBBS promotes in its campaigns that “although the voices of the children and families they serve are not the loudest, they are a voice that needs our attention and support.”

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters Saskatoon, visit www.bbbssaskatoon.org If you would like to make a donation to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon please contact (306) 244-8179 or send an email to office@bbbssaskatoon.org Want to become a mentor?

Discover how you can make an impact as a mentor, visit www.bbbssaskatoon.org/ involved Or call us at (306) 244-8197.

Weins expresses this sentiment with a simple but very profound statement: “These kids are not looking for Superman, but someone who just wants to spend time with them.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon would like to thank our top 16 Supporters of 2010: Air Canada Dreams Take Flight Anonymous Donor Avon Best Buy Canadian Western Bank City of Saskatoon CJS Coiled Tubing Supply Ltd. Estate Donation Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon Ministry of Social Services

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Community Foundation Sask Energy Tim Horton Children’s Foundation United Way Urban Aboriginal Strategies

182 Wall Street ∙ 244-8197 ∙ www.bbbssaskatoon.org

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Satisfy your hearing needs with Satisfaction Hearing

By Alexandra Walld. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

Anybody following technology advancement over the last 25 years knows it’s made leaps and bounds. But because technology isn’t perfect, those leaps are bound to come with some sort of warranty.

Sophisticated microelectronics are used in hearing aids, making them susceptible to moisture and physical damage. Most hearing instruments have an average functional lifespan of five years as manufacturers stock repair and replacement parts for five years from the time of purchase.

Gerard Marcoux, registered hearing aid

practitioner and owner of Satisfaction Hearing Systems, provides clients with manufacturer extended-warranty, a way of protecting clients for the lifespan of their hearing aids and ensuring they’re always satisfied with their hearing ability.

“Part of my goal when establishing was offering a lifetime warranty on the product that protects clients for the entire time they have the hearing aid,” says Marcoux.

“Hearing aids are very sophisticated and a lot of times it comes as a surprise to many when they’re faced with an $800 hearing aid repair bill after three years of use and

then possibly having to purchase new ones in two years. It’s a tough pill to swallow—something they don’t think of when purchasing—so I wanted to provide that peace of mind.”

Protecting his clients doesn’t mean Satisfaction Hearing’s products are sub-par. On the contrary, its hearing instruments come from the world’s leading manufacturers, GN ReSound, Phonak and Oticon, which has topped the entire industry with a fiveyear manufacturer repair warranty; this superior option is available only at Satisfaction Hearing Systems here in Saskatoon.

PEACE OF MIND FOR HEARING AID CUSTOMERS

With The Times Satisfaction Hearing stays current with all of the newest products available, embracing wireless Bluetooth technology so clients have the most current options available to them—TVs, cell phones, stereos and MP3s can all be sent to the hearing aid wirelessly and clearly.

Marcoux goes the extra mile because he’s in the same situation as his clients. After working the potash mines, Marcoux experienced noise-induced hearing loss, even though he wore protective equipment. Because technology was less progressed, Marcoux was told his hearing had to worsen before instruments would help.

“If your eyes get to the point where you need glasses, most people take care of that right away; whereas hearing loss happens so gradually they don’t notice, but people around them will. You’re missing words and asking people to repeat—it can make you embarrassed in social situations,” Marcoux says. “People adapting to hearing aids used to feel like their head was stuffed up when they spoke and when they went into loud

environments because the background noise was overpowering. Their hearing aid would end up in a drawer because technology wasn’t there to address those problems. These days we’ve come so far with technology, the only problem I can’t help my clients with is the one they don’t tell me about. It’s come a long way in 25 years and now even mild hearing loss can be aided successfully.”

An Individualized Experience Clients get a personalized, state-of-the-art audiometric hearing evaluation within a week of calling Satisfaction Hearing, which establishes their social and environmental auditory needs. Someone who is homebound has different auditory demands than someone who needs to communicate effectively in a noisy workplace.

Then clients go through a four-week process, adapting to wearing hearing aids and getting any necessary adjustments. During this time, they do things that get their hearing systems accustomed to different situations

so threshold and background noise levels can be properly set.

What sets Satisfaction Hearing apart from other companies is its professional and ongoing auditory care. Marcoux ensures his clients are getting the best quality of sound possible and provides them with quarterly hearing aid cleaning, performance checks, adjustments and annual hearing tests at no extra cost.

“When you see a clinician, it makes a world of difference when the person across from you has been through the same situation,” Marcoux says. I understand what it’s like to have hearing loss and it motivates me to ensure clients have a high quality of hearing satisfaction and conversational ability; I know it’s attainable. You do everything possible so they don’t have to struggle or read lips and it really enhances their quality of life.”

Satisfaction Hearing Systems 979-4543 #16 – 1945 McKercher Drive info@satisfactionhearing.com

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PEACE OF MIND FOR HEARING AID CUSTOMERS

Gil’s Story Hearing was always an issue for 51-year-old Gil Etcheverry, a corrections and public safety officer from North Battleford. After putting up with years of humming in his right ear, Etcheverry was tested and fitted for a hearing aid through a subsidized program. Five years later, tests on his other ear revealed he had Tinnitus and Meniere’s Disease, which chews away at ear hair roots and makes you feel dizzy.

After deciding he needed a hearing aid for his left ear to help him know which direction people were calling him from at work, Etcheverry tried to make an appointment through the program, but growing tired of the waiting list—someone he knew waited for over a year—he phoned Satisfaction Hearing in April and got in immediately.

to turn the volume up for my wife,” he says, laughing. “One day, my daughter came over and said, ‘You can hear that? Turn it up so I can.’”

Mervin’s Story After three years in the military, Mervin Nordness’s exit medical exam showed the beginnings of upper frequency hearing loss.

That, followed by many years of working in the steel industry and its continuously noisy environment left Nordness with hearing issues.

In the early 1990s, Nordness took part in an occupational health and safety survey at SIAST, where he’d been instructing and found difficulty using hearing aids in a school setting.

“The other place said the hearing loss in my right ear was so severe they couldn’t help me, but when I went to Gerard, he fitted me with the Oticon Agil Pro and I found a big difference,” Etcheverry says. “I had the Oticon Epoq, which was four-year-old technology, but after trying the Agil Pro, I said I wanted the latest technology, no matter the cost, because hearing is so important. Even though hearing aids aren’t perfect, they’re so close there’s no way I’d go without them.”

“I found them difficult to use when teaching because they caused me to hear myself if I was swallowing or coughing—it would be amplified tremendously from the inside and if anything was going on around me, I couldn’t pick up on it,” says Nordness. “That was the best technology at the time, but it didn’t help in a social situation because what I didn’t want to hear was amplified and what I did want to hear was buried under the noise.”

Etcheverry says the Agile Pro is so advanced it learns the situation you’re in and automatically adjusts its volume, bringing loud noises down to the appropriate level.

“Now when we watch TV at home, I have

Tired of old technology and of his wife thinking he wasn’t paying attention, 57-year-old Nordness investigated the advancements of technology. Finding a variety of ads for auditory clinics, he chose Satisfaction

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Hearing last May when he saw they carried the same manufacturer he had experience with—Oticon.

“The new Oticon aids give a much more normal kind of hearing experience,” Nordness says. “Higher frequencies, like speech, are amplified and background noise comes in at a normal level. And they’re so comfortable I almost walked into the shower the other day without taking them out because I forgot they were there. If anyone is putting off going because they’re not happy with their hearing aids, they should go in and at least get a demonstration of what new technology can do for them. It makes things a lot easier.”

Complete Health Services: A New Solution to an Old Problem

By Ian Goodwillie. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

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A NEW SOLUTION TO AN OLD PROBLEM

If you struggle with your weight, you probably feel like you have tried everything.

Fad diets, exercise regimens, and specialty food product lines make big promises, but are low on deliveries. Have you tried Complete Health Services? If not, it is probably because they have only been in Saskatoon for a couple of months. But do not be fooled; this is not a fad that just popped up last week. The concepts this company uses have been around for a while.

One Man, One Idea Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine in Paris, France started his career as a general practitioner and sports physician, then moved on to nutrition and obesity-related issues more than 25 years ago. He found that so-called “balanced diets” did little to address the issues related to obesity, particularly the issues unbalanced diets represent.

Bucking the accepted trends, Dr. Tran highlighted the key roles played by insulin and pancreatic dysfunction in relation to weight

issues. He understood that numerous health issues were strongly associated with being overweight and realized that weight loss is essential for treating such illnesses as Type II Diabetes, Hypertension, and more. A huge issue created by pancreatic dysfunction is an overproduction of insulin from the pancreas, creating constant sugar cravings and weight gain.

Insulin’s primary function is to regulate blood sugar levels but it is also the hormone that facilitates the transport of fat into fat cells. It can even completely lock the fat in the fat cell and prevent it from being used as a source of energy. When blood sugar drops and fat cannot be accessed as a fuel source, sugar cravings that perpetuate this vicious cycle are born.

Your Last Diet Where a balanced diet is necessary to maintain the body, it does little to fix problems developed by an improper diet and lifestyle. The essential premise of Complete Health Services and Ideal Protein

is that an unbalanced diet is required to heal the body’s unbalanced issues before a balanced diet can be adopted. It is a radical process to put the body through, but it is a necessary one to correct the course your health is on.

From this basic premise sprung Ideal Protein, an international company that manufactures and distributes products to health professionals such as Complete Health Services. Ideal Protein is the only company in the weight loss industry that provides continuing education, development workshops and private and public lectures on weight loss, nutrition and the application of its products.

Alongside Dr. Tran, Olivier Beniloulou, president and CEO of Ideal Protein, has grown this company into the international success it is. At the core of that growth is the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method, a four-phase system designed to help stabilize the pancreas and blood sugar levels as well as rehabilitating the ability of the pancreas to properly produce insulin.

The Ideal Protein method helps the body burn fat while maintaining muscle and other lean tissue, a core failing of most other weight loss systems that, unintentionally, or otherwise, encourage the body to burn

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A NEW SOLUTION TO AN OLD PROBLEM muscle before fat. This method has grown to the point that it is used in well over 2,500 professional medical establishments in North America by more than 3,000 health professionals.

As part of its overall weight loss methodology, Ideal Protein offers an impressive variety of gourmet products to clients. As a company, it is continuously researching and developing new products to enhance its line, working on exceptional quality products made with only premium ingredients.

These diverse products are carefully designed to meet all your nutritional and dietary needs while fitting into the overall program and still being delicious.

Your Personal Support System While science is the key to the Ideal Protein method, Dr. Tran also emphasizes the psychological aspects of weight issues that often get overlooked in other programs. He has written three books on dieting and weight issues, personally consults with patients at his clinic in Paris, and regularly gives lectures in various countries. But here in Saskatoon, Deb Barsaloux is your consultant and ally on the Ideal Protein journey.

As a member of the Complete Health Services team, Deb will guide you through the four phases, from assessing your weight loss needs to picking out the right food products for you. Your satisfaction with the products you choose is so important that you can exchange something you are not happy with, regardless of whether you have finished it or not. Mixing and matching the products to create the best meal options possible for you is also highly encouraged, Not only is Deb someone trained to guide you, she is someone who knows about the success Ideal Protein can offer from firsthand experience. Since May 2010, she has lost almost 70 pounds on the Ideal Protein program. Those are impressive results by anyone’s estimation.

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Advice You Can Bank On Like any other weight loss system, Complete Health Services and the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method might not be for everyone. The idea of adopting an unbalanced diet to correct internal imbalances can be scary, but the concepts used by Ideal Protein are carefully monitored by healthcare professionals. The Ideal Protein method is only meant to be used for a short period then leads into an ongoing regimen of healthy eating and a balanced diet to maintain your health.

Even if the ideas that Complete Health Services uses are different, they are worth investigating. And if you are someone who has battled weight issues for a long time, almost any approach is worth thinking about.

Complete Health Services 279 – 2366 Avenue C North 306.665.7343

Melina Saskatoon, SK

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By Lissa Robinson. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

Going away and need a place for your pet to stay? Or maybe you want to give your pet a day of play and pamper in style? Happy Dog Acres Urban Center is a one-of-a-kind, onestop-shop resort for pets. The business offers everything you could need for your pet including overnight dog and cat accommodation, deluxe cattery, doggie daycare, a pet boutique, grooming salon and an onsite veterinary clinic.

Owners and avid pet lovers Brent Arstall and Lynsay Haanstra pursued their dream to build a dog boarding facility in 2000.

They built their original dog boarding facility on their 80-acre parcel of forested land, located just west of Saskatoon. It is in a beautiful country setting with plenty of trees, trails to walk on, and wildlife.

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Within a short period of time, Happy Dog became the number one boarding facility in Saskatoon and surrounding area. “It’s always been our dream to own a pet care facility where people can feel assured that their pet is happy and well cared for while they are away or at work,” Brent says. “Most dogs go home completely exhausted after having so much fun and attention.” And the couple has a lot of experience in pet care.

“We’ve always been active in the dog community.” Due to strong customer demand, they expanded, and opened their second location in 2007. Happy Dog Acres Urban Center is located in the Sutherland district of Saskatoon. In addition to their quality pet care and grooming services, the couple are strong advocates for animal rights and run a pet rescue program alongside their business.

Herman is one of their most recent rescues.

His story, although shocking, is truly one of survival and love triumphing over tragedy.

Herman, (newly named after Herman Munster) is an adorable amber-coloured, corgi-basset-collie mix who is learning how to run and play on three legs rather than four. Herman was rescued by Northern Animal Rescue in October six weeks after dragging his leg around behind him through the bush.

Once he was finally rescued, he was surrendered to the Happy Dog team. The X-ray taken shortly after arrival and reviewed by onsite veterinarian Dr. Christine Smetschka revealed an astonishing fact.

Little Herman had been shot. The humane solution was to remove Herman’s leg permanently.

BEST FRIENDS TO MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Meeting Herman only two weeks after the removal of his leg was quite astonishing. A loving and affectionate dog, he is very friendly and quite content to be in his new surroundings. Herman is an enthusiastic tail-wagger, likes his tummy rubbed and is adapting very well to his new home and the challenges of a missing leg.

Like Herman, all of the dogs who are rescued are given new names and nurtured back to emotional and physical health. All of the dogs are vaccinated, micro-chipped, dewormed, and spayed or neutered. Aswell, most of them are introduced to doggie daycare where they learn how to become more sociable with other dogs and people before the adoption process begins.

Brent and Lynsay both had rescue dogs

growing up. “It’s a coincidence that when we met, we both owned a border collie cross each, and both were rescues,” Lynsay explains. “Over the years of owning Happy Dog Acres, we have encountered many unwanted dogs. Some were abandoned at our boarding facility by customers, and some just showed up at our acreage.” The couple managed to find homes for almost every single one of the rescues, and those for whom they didn’t, the couple kept.

In the last couple of years, the two have been contacted by the Saskatoon SPCA and a couple of local rescue groups, to help foster and rehabilitate dogs. They have been so successful in the past with helping dogs, that the rescue groups have given them their most difficult cases: dogs that

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were considered “unadoptable” because they were timid, aggressive, or suffered unbelievable abuse and needed veterinary care, physical therapy and to learn how to trust and respect humans. Brent and Lynsay cover the costs with earnings from Happy Dog Acres and donations they receive from individuals for the pet rescue. This amazing work would not be possible without the success of their business and their determination to save animals that are

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being neglected or abused. Happy Dog Acres is a VIP boarding centre and daycare, and is the largest facility of its kind in Saskatchewan (and one of the largest in Canada!) Brent and Lynsay set up shop in Sutherland in 2007 because a majority of their clients were from the city’s east side and wanted the facility closer to home. The daycare includes three parks for different sized dogs (teacup, small and large). Each park has indoor and outdoor play areas with

features like grass, fire hydrants, tires, slides and pools.

The cattery is located on the second floor on the south side of the building where cats can play in a room with big windows and lots of towering scratch posts. They each have their own private room and are allowed out to play several times throughout the day.

BEST FRIENDS TO MAN’S BEST FRIEND For the dogs, Happy Dog Acres boasts themed ‘bedrooms’, such as a jungle room, and prince and princess rooms. The Happy Dog’s King or Queen for a Day Package is a spa favourite and includes a bath, nail trim, blow dry, thorough brushing, massage, vigorous exercise and perfume. It’s a day of luxury and pampering for your pet! The spa makes Happy Dog Acres Urban Center a special place, but it’s a staff of 40 pet lovers who make the daycare so much fun with their continual cuddles, play time and attention. In addition to offering a doggy daycare, dog and cat boarding and pet grooming, the new facility has a pet boutique and the Happy Dog and Purring Cat Veterinary Clinic. The clinic is owned and operated by Dr. Christine Smetschka who has extensive experience working with small and large animals. Her clinic is a new addition to the facility, and helps Brent and Lynsay ensure there is proper care on site in case of injury or illness.

A visit to Happy Dog Acres Urban Center would not be complete without browsing through their unique pet boutique. They have a great selection of anything you may need for your pet, including toys, leashes, collars, training aides, and exclusive clothing lines like Ruff Wear. This amazing line of products for dogs includes everything you and your pet might need for an outdoor adventure including doggie shoes, back packs, harnesses, leashes, collars and safety gear. Ruff Wear offers comfortable and fashionable dog wear such as coats and winter boots, designed to handle our cold and harsh climate.

Happy Dog Acres is the only approved dealer of Ruff Wear in Saskatoon. Other must-haves include adorable dog clothing from Chloe’s Canine, the leader in super chic doggie clothing and accessories.

The Happy Dog Acres Boutique carries a selection of the company’s designer dresses, hoodies, jackets, t-shirts and sweaters.

Accessories include footwear, belly bands, bandanas and bling personalized collars.

All of the clothing and accessories are for pet owners who want their pets to stay

warm or just to be stylish. Of course, a trip to a pet boutique would not be complete without a selection of toys suited perfectly for your furry friend. Tuffy Toys are made with the highest quality materials and are the most durable and unique dog toys available. Happy Dog Acres carries a wide variety of doggie toys, and they are tested by the staff or in the daycare.

The boutique also carries a variety of nutritious snacks including Benny Bully’s, Zuke’s, Wagatha’s, and a line of homemade dog treats that will be devoured happily and all in one bite. All the homemade treats are baked with care by Lynsay’s mom! The store also offers earth-friendly and organic products and carries only premium pet food that is exclusively Canadianmanufactured, such as Horizon, FirstMate, Orijen and Acana. The only exception is ZiwiPeak, made in New Zealand. Raw meat diets and raw and smoked bones are also available.

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BEST FRIENDS TO MAN’S BEST FRIEND

When you take a tour of this unique facility and experience the warm, rustic cabin feel of the front reception and store, it becomes obvious how much thought and effort Brent and Lynsay have put into their one-of-akind pet hotel. Also the love and attention they give to all of their four-legged (or three-legged!) friends is apparent and rings true considering all clients can talk about is how excited their dogs are when they arrive at Happy Dog Acres’ door. There is a reason it’s called HAPPY Dog Acres!

Happy Dog Acres Urban Center - 140 - 105th St. E Telephone: 1 306 978 7278 Fax: 1 306 978 7726 happydogacres@happydogacres.com www.happydogacres.com Rural location: (Call for directions)

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Hiding from the camera at family get-togethers this holiday season will leave you with photos of you shielding yourself, but what they won’t shield is how unhappy you are with your situation.

Whether you suffer from health issues—diabetes, high blood pressure, back pain, sleep apnea or depression—or have lost weight only to gain it back again, you are bound to be frustrated and desperate for a solution that works.

Instead of making another New Year’s resolution you can’t keep, take control of your health and make a permanent change.

Melanie Wildman President, CEO Weight Loss Forever Ltd. “Mrs. Canada 2011”

New Year’s Resolution: OUT WITH OBESITY, IN WITH CONFIDENCE Melanie in ‘04 at over 220lbs.

By Alexandra Walld

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OUT WITH OBESITY, IN WITH CONFIDENCE

An interior shot of the LIMARP Clinic If you suffer from obesity, you might be a candidate for the new, innovative program with Weight Loss Forever. Based in Saskatoon, Weight Loss Forever is the only company of its kind in Canada and offers a permanent solution to obesity.

It specializes in a procedure called the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), or the “Sleeve.” Currently the simplest, most-effective weight loss surgery available, it’s safety and success rates are making it the fastest-growing bariatric surgery in the world.

“Our program offers pre-operative and post-operative care and support, including support groups, patient facilitators and nutritional guidelines. Our team includes nurses, psychologists and nutritionists in order to ensure our patients have the support they need each step of the way,” says Melanie Wildman, CEO of Weight Loss Forever.

Wildman started Weight Loss Forever after having the procedure in April, 2009 and losing over 100 pounds from her highest weight. Melanie chose weight loss surgery after talking with her family about options and heard about the Sleeve from her sisterin-law, Dr. Marla Lujan. As a professor of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University, Lujan studies women and obesity and was

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familiar with the procedure and its successful results.

After losing her weight, Melanie became Mrs. Saskatchewan and is now Mrs. Canada, representing our country in the prestigious Mrs. International Pageant this summer.

“It’s incredible what you can achieve when you have the tools you need to succeed,” Wildman says.

From A Doctor’s Perspective Before Weight Loss Forever patients can be approved for the surgery, they receive an in-depth pre-operative information package and are required to attend an information session on the risks and benefits of bariatric procedures. Patients also go through a medical assessment to ensure they’re healthy enough to undergo surgery and must correct any issues before approval.

Doctor Carl le Roux, who practices out of Blairmore Medical Clinic in Saskatoon, first heard about the Sleeve when a patient brought Wildman to an appointment to discuss the possibility of getting the bariatric surgery.

“By the time patients see me, they’re in a high-risk group because of obesity. In my opinion, the surgery is almost lifesaving

Dr. Liza Pompa because of the risk reduction and health benefits,” le Roux says. “Many patients have problems with diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure or heart disease, but because of the weight loss, those things improve significantly. And the way patients change psychologically is unbelievable.”

At first, le Roux was concerned patients wouldn’t receive proper care in Mexico, but was relieved when he learned the hospital has intensive care. He says every patient he has followed-up with is impressed with the facility and care they received.

“I haven’t had one patient come back with problems yet and they’ve all done really well with recovery,” he says. “I’m very impressed with the post-operative care and support provided by Weight Loss Forever.”

OUT WITH OBESITY, IN WITH CONFIDENCE

past the thought of going to Mexico for surgery, there’s nothing to be afraid of. The healthcare and surgeon down there were amazing.”

Since the surgery, Lauren has lost 112 pounds, but says the best thing is going to support group meetings and helping newcomers.

“I have answers for people who are wondering because I know how it feels to be completely freaked out and unsure of what you’re getting into. I want to scream from the rooftop every time someone asks me how I lost weight because it completely changed my life.”

Spreading The Word

Lauren before

Lauren’s Story Nineteen-year-old Lauren Johnston had always been the biggest girl in her group of friends. She was only 14 when she tried Herbal Magic and then Weight Watchers with her mom. Neither worked very long, but it didn’t bother her… at first.

“I went to an all-girls high school in Prince Albert and was sheltered—I didn’t worry about fitting in and buying the right clothes—it wasn’t the focus of every day,” Lauren says. “But then I graduated high school and knew I had to make a change.”

Her parents, who had always been support-

Lauren today!

ive, learned about Weight Loss Forever at a trade show. They talked with Melanie, then with each other and decided to approach Lauren. For three months, she researched the Sleeve, unable to find any “horror stories” convincing her not to do it—she found several about the Lap-Band—and decided to do it. So did her mom.

Lauren, at 296 pounds, and her mom both got sleeved Jan. 15 in Mexico while another mother/daughter duo had Lap-Band surgeries.

“They both had problems, had to get it reversed and ended up getting sleeves,” the U of S Psychology major says. “Once you get

The procedure is performed by only a few bariatric surgeons world-wide, including Weight Loss Forever’s chief bariatric surgeon, Dr. Liza Pompa, who was educated at the Mayo clinic in the United States and the European Institute of Telesurgery in Strasbourg, France. As a board-certified bariatric surgeon both the United States and Mexico, and as the director of the LIMARP Surgical Unit in Mexico, Pompa has often been designated as a professor of laparascopic surgery training programs, teaching others novel surgical techniques and performing live exhibition surgeries.

Dr. Pompa will be in Saskatoon December 16 and 17 to speak to local physicians and specialists and will also meet with many Weight Loss Forever patients who have had the procedure. The sessions are free and if you’d like to attend, call Karen at (306) 665-8891.

While the clinic is one of the world’s best, Wildman says it is constantly upgraded to ensure it maintains its high quality of safety and cleanliness and is currently at stage eight of 10 in becoming an International Bariatric Centre of Excellence. There are only 400 facilities around the world that

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meet the criteria of efficiency, efficacy and safety. Wildman says 95 per cent of United States hospitals and bariatric centres do not meet the criteria and that right now there are no qualifying centres in Canada. They expect to get designation in the Spring.

“The level of care our patients receive is second to none,” Wildman says. “There is no such thing as a doctor on call—they are there every moment and so are the patient facilitators. It’s a very different level of care than you might expect in Canada because we don’t have enough bariatric surgeons in Saskatchewan. We have patients who have waited for seven years on bariatric surgery waiting lists and we simply don’t have enough funding or bariatric surgeons in Canada. The average surgeon in Canada does between 40 and 60 surgeries annually and in a dedicated bariatric clinic in the United States or Mexico, surgeons will do almost that many in a month. They are true specialists in bariatric surgery and that’s why we have so many health professionals that choose to work with us.”

Hands-On Support Karen Valentine, a RN and specialist with the Infection Prevention and Control department at the Royal University Hospital, got sleeved last April and says having a Weight Loss Forever patient facilitator by her side made all the difference.

“At first, I was disappointed I couldn’t find a friend or family member to come with me, but then I found out how helpful it was to have someone who had gone through it because they understand what you’re going through,” Valentine says. “It was so helpful to have a familiar face because it’s a very profound thing to be going for a major surgery so far away from home and your support systems. To have someone who really intimately understands what you’re going through and has facilitator training is irreplaceable.”

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As a healthcare worker, Valentine was extremely impressed with both the clinic and the high level of care she experienced while there. She says the hospital was beautiful and very well-maintained and that the quality of care from all of the healthcare workers on site was absolutely genuine— they made sure she knew she was their number one priority.

“Being a healthcare worker, I understand all of our healthcare issues—with budget and staffing—and down there, those issues aren’t apparent. The staff was very concerned, not with just my physical health, but with supporting me in every way they could,” Valentine says.

“And I know they’ve been very supportive of other patients that way—ensuring their mental state and emotional well-being are a priority. I know Dr. Pompa has worked closely with Melanie to develop comprehensive support services for when patients come back. It’s very holistic care in the very definition of the word and I wouldn’t have done it in any other way.”

Karen before

Weight Loss Forever 665-8891 or (877) 306-8891 Suite 15 – 901 1st Avenue North www.weightlossforever.ca

Karen before

Karen today!

OUT WITH OBESITY, IN WITH CONFIDENCE

A Crowning Achievement Saskatoon Resident Named Mrs. Canada International Melanie Wildman, 38, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was crowned Mrs. Canada International this month and will go on to compete for the title of Mrs. International 2011 during the final competition in Chicago, Ill, USA, July 19-23, 2011.

International and Miss Teen International pageants. It is the only platform-based pageant system dedicated to highlighting women’s accomplishments through community support.

three categories of competition, including interview, evening gown and fitness wear. For more information, visit www.mrsinternational.com.

Mrs. International showcases married women 21 to 56 years old and features

Wildman is an active mother of three children who’s earned many career achievements, including illustrating a 50-cent coin for the Royal Canadian Mint and founding Canada’s largest private bariatric company, Weight Loss Forever Ltd. Wildman also is a dedicated volunteer and board member for many organizations including the Investment & Growth Committee with the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and Camp Hoodoo, a science-based family summer camp.

During her reign as Mrs. Canada International, she will support and promote her platform, Go Red for Women, which supports heart health awareness through the American/Canadian Heart Association.

“Heart Disease is the number one killer of Women in Canada. As a woman who suffered from obesity and struggled with my weight, I am excited to be able to share my story to help others. Being crowned Mrs. Canada International is both an honour and an opportunity to raise awareness of heart disease in women.“ International Pageants, Inc. also supports the National Heart Association’s Go Red for Women program through volunteer and financial support. The Go Red for Women movement is dedicated to fighting heart disease among women.

The Mrs. International Pageant is owned and operated by International Pageants, Inc., which also operates Miss

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COME IN OUT OF THE COLD FOR A SPA-VA-CATION IN SASKATOON

By Sheena Koops You step off the windy winter Saskatoon Street into Tammy’s world at Angles SalonSpa, located at the main doors of the Midtown Plaza. Your breath deepens, your shoulders relax, and the clock slows right down. You’re on SalonSpa time, and you are the priority. You’ll find that Tammy and her staff embody her salon philosophy captured in five simple words: Service, Professionalism, Attitude, Value, and Ambiance: SPAVA. At Angles, every day is a SPA-VAcation.

It’s no wonder Tammy’s world is a little dreamy – with its European design and cozy spaces – Angles began as a seed-of-adream in Tammy’s heart. She has been a licensed cosmetologist for sixteen years; however, she had a ten year plan to own and manager her own salon business. She is now celebrating four and a half successful years.

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Tammy is not content to rest on this early success. She is literally building a “world of experience” in her Saskatoon fingertips, touring the globe to check out the latest in design, product, and testing research on skin, hair and styling products.

She’s also active on the Canadian scene, judging, competing, as well as teaching in both colour and aesthetics. For Tammy, the beauty industry is not just a job, it’s a calling.

Angles SalonSpa is the only “TOTAL BEAUTY CONCEPT” in the province and it is the only full-service salon and spa in downtown Saskatoon. Angles has specialized services including a medical-grade laser removal machine, exclusive 3D inprint skin and scalp analysis, hydrotherapy treatments, photorejuvenation, and a variety of massage and pampering packages.

“The packages are time and money savers, because the more you spend, the more you save with the package rates and you aren’t running all over town for the services which are all found in one place at Angles SalonSpa,” Tammy says.

Angles now gives back to their guests with Loyalty points, rewarding your services and product purchases.

In fact, many people choose to have their parties at Angles: staff parties, girlfriend parties, mother-daughter bonding parties, and don’t forget bridal parties. For those who want to share some pampering with their partner, Angles has a couple’s retreat room.

And Tammy knows it’s not just the ladies who deserve the SalonSpa experience; men are a big part of Angles everyday clientele; she even has specialty services just for the

COME IN OUT OF THE COLD FOR A SPA-VA-CATION IN SASKATOON guys. Not only is Angles a place for you, but it’s a place you can send your friends and loved ones by using an Angles gift card available in any denomination.

Angles SalonSpa carries over 60 different product lines with 100 per cent guarantee.

They also carry La Biosthetique Paris with the guarantee “that you will receive the highest quality products and the most current fashion trends in hair, skin care and make-up.”

Forty staff at your beck and call, seven days a week… this is the quality service patrons have come to expect at Angles. Tammy hires career minded, team players, and then focuses on teaching and educating, which may be one of many reasons she enjoys a low percentage of turn-over in her staff.

She sums up her hiring mantra: hire for personality and train for skills. Tammy’s philosophy is working; Angles was an award finalist at the 2007/09 Saskatchewan Business Excellence Awards, and even more importantly, word on the street is that Angles is the real thing. Seeing is truly believing. It is definitely more than just a hair salon.

Many folks pop into Tammy’s world on-line, too, for a little relaxation visualization and planning. Just looking at the website www.anglessalonspa.com in reds, chocolates and sage is dreamy, especially letting your eyes rest on phrases like “Candlelight Hydro Jet Soak,” “Healing Ritual,” “The Spirit of Adam,” or “The Soul of Eve.” With booking right on-line, it’s the perfect coffee break SPA VAcation.

Angles SalonSpa 201 – 1st Avenue South (306) 653-4247 www.anglessalonspa.com

HAIR DESIGN & COLOUR • Scalp Analysis • European Hair Design • Custom Colouring • Keratin Straightening • Special Occasion Styling BODY TREATMENTS • Hydrotherapy • Scrubs • Body Wraps • Cellulite Treatments SPA PACKAGES • Special Occasion • Couples • Corporate LASER • Perm. Hair Removal • Skin Tightening • Photo Rejuvenation • Acne AESTHETICS • Manicure/Pedicure • X-treme Lash Extentions • Waxing • Gel Nails • Make-Up MASSAGE • Registered • Relaxation • Healing Stone • Many More SKIN CARE • 3D/Skin Analysis • Custom Facials • Microdermabrasion OUR PRODUCTS • LA BIOSTHETIQUE™ • Over 60 Other Product Lines • Professional Equipment Main Doors - Midtown Plaza 201 - 1st Ave South, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1J9 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday & Tuesday 9:00am - 6:00pm Wednesday - Friday 9:00am - 9:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 5:30pm Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm Check website for holiday hours

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EXPERTADVICE on Health and Beauty The Right Angle on Snowflake Season with Tammy McLean With the drop in temperature and snowflakes falling outside, scalp care is a burning topic. Tammy McLean, owner and manager of Angles SalonSpa, is not afraid of sitting in the hot seat to answer a few questions.

Q: What’s the difference between dry scalp and dandruff and how do I get rid of it?

A: Here’s the lowdown on dandruff. Every healthy scalp has micro-organisms. If the healthy environment is impaired–something our Saskatchewan winter specializes in– these microbes may multiply. Some people just get dry, scaly scalp. However, too many microbes on the scalp may lead to a yeast dandruff giving the classic dry flaky effect.

Both conditions can be stopped with prescriptive scalp care from La Biosthetique Paris, available exclusively in Saskatchewan at Angles SalonSpa. Q: What are other types of dandruff?

A: Aside from the classic “dry flaky,” we have dry scalp with dandruff,” which is usually tiny, grey or brownish dandruff on dryer scalps. It tends to be mostly loose and occasionally sticks to the scalp in patches.

In extreme cases, there may be a thick white-grey layer that loosens with difficulty when washing.

Loose flaky dandruff is made of fine powdery flakes which are sometimes found on the scalp, but more often in the hair, often with flyaway electro-statically charged hair.

Angles SalonSpa

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Greasy or wet dandruff is made from large flakes of dandruff which are mostly stuck to the scalp, forming a greasy layer. It is often yellowish in appearance and can be loosened by combing or scratching. This often leaves redness, inflammation and marks on the scalp. This can sometimes come with a mild odor and may plague teens and preteens.

Dandruff on toxified scalp with poor circulation is yellowish and thumbnail-sized.

It is greasy or dry-looking and appears in patchy layers. The scalp appears sluggish and thickened.

Q: But what is the cause?

A: If the natural immune function of the body is weakened, the scalp environment deteriorates. Some possible causes are stress, too much fibre or poor breakdown of fibre, metabolic disorders, tension, addictive drugs, medications, nicotine, alcohol, lack of vitamins, malfunctioning sebaceous glands, insufficient circulation, or simply an incorrect hair care regime.

Q: Can treatment really work?

A: At Angles we treat scalps individually; La Biosthetique can combat the spread and multiplication of microbes and activate inactive sebaceous glands. This corrective two-step program frees your scalp from flakes and alleviates itching, tightness and irritation. Your natural resistance improves and the protective barrier on your scalp normalizes.

Q: What if I just ignore my dandruff?

A: Don’t do it! Your healthy scalp leads to healthy happy hair! Any scalp disorder left untreated can and will lead to premature hair loss.

Q: Do you treat any other scalp disorders?

A: We treat oily scalp, perspiration or “damp scalp,” preventative, irregular and hereditary hair loss, and sensitive scalp conditions including eczema and psoriasis.

Q: What else do you do at Angles?

A: With forty staff and a “world of experience,” open seven days a week, our shop is a one-stop-destination for all hair, aesthetics, beauty products and tools.

The luxury spa upstairs specializes in European skin and body treatments.

Besides skin and scalp analysis, we do laser hair removal, skin and scalp analysis, hydrotherapy, photo rejuvenation, and offer a variety of registered massage, gift cards and pampering packages. Angles SalonSpa is the only total beauty concept in the province.

Q: Would you humour us with a little “flake” joke; after all, it is snowing outside and we’re talking about dandruff?

A: At Angles SalonSpa, we are onehundred-percent Saskatchewan, so we love our snowflakes, but take warning all other flakes, we know where you live and we know how to treat you.

201 - 1st Ave. South, Saskatoon | 653-4247 | anglessalonspa.com

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AWARENESS: Mind meets body through intense focus. Regal, walk with pride.

“Strengthen that core, fortify that core, toughen that core alphas”

ACCEPTANCE: Where u are today is where u are supposed to be. Thy shall not judge urself.

Surrender all deprecating reflections.” Watch ur thoughts, clear ur psyche, get ur mind right.”

TRIUMPH: “ Stress relief at its finest, who needs a shrink.

Get ur Muhammad Ali on.”

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JOY: The happiness prescription, run urself into bliss.

“GO HARD OR GO HOME!!!!!!!”

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AMBITION: Success is not a faithful girlfriend, keep your mind on your hustle and thou shall enjoy the fruits of thy labour

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dog Moses. Dennis took a light-hearted approach discussing PPC and spoke openly about his philosophy: “When a client doesn’t come back we think that’s a good thing.”

Therapy Doesn’t Have To Be A Long And Arduous Process The therapists at PPC believe that counselling doesn’t have to be a long and arduous process. Rather, it should be approached thoughtfully with the aim of bringing timely and positive change to the client. The PPC team accentuates the value and worth of their clients rather than focus solely on the often overwhelming problem. The counselors and staff work together in a discreet, thoughtful and professional manner to clarify the client’s concern and then create practical and positive solutions.

PPC Celebrates 30 years

By Lissa Robinson. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

PPC – Professional Psychologists & Counsellors (Prof. Corp.) is celebrating thirty years of working with people problems.

Owner and Therapist Dennis Coates (R. Psych., RSW) has been providing counselling assistance in Saskatoon since 1977. His unique and thoughtful approach to therapy focuses on outcome rather than process, which is supported through PPC’s welcoming and collaborative environment. I met with Dennis over Skype to discuss his com-

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pany’s approach to counselling. It was a warm and humorous encounter that provided a lot of insight into the man behind the “therapeutic” curtain.

These days Dennis is taking a bucket list approach to his own life. When I spoke with him he was fulfilling his dream of travelling around the rim of the United States, and was currently in the Appalachian Mountains with his wife Lou and their Boxer

PPC specializes in effective approaches that bring about both personal and professional change. Their expertise and skills not only assist individuals with their own personal pursuits, but assist employees, employers and organizations in identifying, addressing and resolving difficulties in the workplace.

Regardless of the focus, the intent is to maximize everyone’s potential so they can have the quality of life they desire.

A variety of approaches are used to help clients achieve their goals and include individual counselling, personality assessment, family therapy, relationship-building, conflict resolution, coaching and organizational consultations. Some interventions include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Heimler Method, Systems Theory, Quantum Biofeedback and Somatic Experiencing. The approaches vary from therapist to therapist, and client to client depending on the client’s particular issues and long-term goals.

Contrary to what people may think, the role of a therapist is not to give advice. Instead, the best approach is to help clients question the way they look at things, their behavior or reactions to situations or people, and

SHARING AND SUPPORTING CLIENTS IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE JOURNEYS then help them to develop personalized strategies to deal with their situation.

In Saskatoon, a group of twelve Psychologists, Social Workers and Certified Counsellors work independently under the umbrella of PPC. There are also two therapists in Prince Albert and two in Yorkton.

The Décor Is Warm & Inviting The surroundings at PPC reflect the caring and positive approach the therapists and staff take in serving their clients. The décor is warm and inviting, and was inspired to help clients feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome. The office is located in a beautiful heritage home on College Drive and was built in 1912 by Yorkshire merchant Richard Bottomley. The exterior of the house is distinct and carries the features of the Queen Anne Revival style with its bell-cast turret, elegant columns and wraparound veranda.

Renovations to both the interior and exterior were completed with the building’s colourful history and distinct character in mind.

Hardwood floors, pleasant furnishings, wood-burning fireplace and an eclectic array of fine accessories like bookshelves, rugs, pillows, clocks and lamps make the offices cozy and homey.

different area of expertise is required. The goal of finding the best match is often possible within the agency due to the number of highly trained and accredited therapists.

able and empowering. Early intervention can often mean the difference between solving a problem quickly and experiencing a long period of struggle due to a difficult situation.

On the Profiles section of their website, you learn quite a bit about the individual people who offer services at PPC. The profiles provide information about specific areas of interest and a detailed list of professional experience while also revealing a bit about their personalities. Each profile includes a favourite book, favourite quote, and a description of what they love most about working at PPC.

To learn more about PPC’s approach and access to their services, please visit their website at www.peopleproblems.ca.

What shines through in all of the profiles is a deeply felt desire to share in and support clients in their own unique journey and to find solutions that are personalized, achiev-

Yorkton office: (306) 783-0711

PPC – Professional Psychologists & Counsellors (Prof. Corp.)

1118 College Drive, Saskatoon, SK Saskatoon and Prince Albert offices: (306) 664-0000

Toll-Free to Saskatoon: 1-888-425-7721 Email: office@peopleproblems.ca

What Shines Through Is A Desire To Share In And Support Clients In Their Own Unique Journeys The key to PPC’s thirty-year success is the way in which therapists work together. It starts with creating a relaxed environment and continues by building strong relationships that evolve as the therapist and client work together. It is very important to have a good therapeutic match between a counsellor and client, and personalities also play a role. Dennis suggested that clients should feel at least 70 per cent happy with their therapist after their first visit. Therapists are open to facilitating transition to another counsellor if a match is not made, or if a

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Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic: TEN YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

Everyone can relate to the search for a doctor, hairstylist, or day care provider with whom they are comfortable. Similarly, anyone with a pet is always looking for a veterinarian. Since 2000, the Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic has been providing their clients with veterinary services that have kept the same faces coming through their front door for the last ten years. For this reason, celebrating the clinic’s tenth anniversary in October of 2010 became not only a celebration of a long-standing community business, but also a celebration of the customers who helped build it.

Local Beginnings Doctors Wanda Burbridge and Liane Kramer are both graduates of the Western

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College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. They met while Wanda, a WCVM 1984 graduate, was practicing at a local clinic and Liane began as a student volunteer. Liane’s goal was to gain experience in the veterinary field before applying to the WCVM. Little did she know that the volunteer experience needed for the application would lead, after she graduated in 1998, to a position at the same clinic alongside Dr. Burbridge.

In October 2000, Wanda and Liane decided to strike out on their own and open a new practice in the Forest Grove area of Saskatoon. At the time, it was a growing area with few services outside of Central Avenue in Sutherland. Since then, the entire Northeast corner of the city has exploded

SMALL PRACTICE, BIG HEARTS

with development and, naturally, more veterinary practices have opened. Thanks to long-standing clients and many new clients, the Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic continues to grow and thrive.

Word of Mouth is Key For most people who choose to bring a dog or cat into their lives, finding a veterinary clinic is as important as finding a family doctor. A pet becomes a member of the family and that is something the staff of the Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic understand very well. Over time, the relationship between clients, their pets, and the veterinary team becomes very strong. The Forest Grove staff takes pride in being able to greet clients by name, share memories of past pets, and chat about the client’s family milestones. The entire staff strives to maintain a personal relationship with

their clients in an environment where that relationship can flourish. This sense of personal connection has been the key to the clinic’s success.

What brings in new clients is word of mouth. The Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic continues to grow because of referrals made by satisfied clients. A personal recommendation from someone you know and trust is highly regarded by most. When someone is looking for a good daycare, they go to a friend with kids and ask where their children go to daycare because nothing says more than personal experience. The biggest compliments a business can receive are these kinds of recommendations.

From the doctors to the veterinary technologists to the administrative staff, the whole Forest Grove team is genuinely compassionate and caring when it comes to

the health needs of your pets. They take the time to call and follow up on visits to their clinic. This includes checking in to find out how medications are working out as well as following up on a pet’s progress after surgery. Balancing efficient and effective service with that personal touch makes you feel like they care about your pet as much as you do. And they truly do.

Small Practice, Big Hearts The Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic is a one and one-half doctor practice staffed by three veterinarians who job share. In December 2007, Wanda and Liane were pleased to have Dr. Sue Tedesco, a 1988 University of California Davis graduate, join their veterinary team. Being a part of a smaller practice offers a greater opportunity for all members of the team to become familiar with each client and patient. In a large,

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SMALL PRACTICE, BIG HEARTS

multi-doctor practice, seeing the same veterinarian on a regular basis is not always possible. For many clients, the continuity of care a smaller staff allows is reassuring.

Client education is extremely important at the Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic. The staff counsels clients on many topics including their pet’s diet, behaviour, vaccination requirements, and parasite control needs.

Information is provided to help clients make the best decisions they can for their pets.

Preventive health care, a big focus in human health, is equally important for pets. With puppies and kittens, training and behaviour management is often discussed. Advice on how to housetrain a puppy, teach a kitten to use a scratching post, and have a pet become comfortable with basic grooming chores, like nail trimming, can be key to living happily with them as an adult. Many, many dogs and cats are euthanized every year for preventable behaviour issues.

Obesity and dental disease are two of the most common issues adult pets face.

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Obese animals suffer from many of the same problems as obese humans, such as an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, joint disease, and premature death. Pets with advanced dental disease can suffer from malnutrition as it simply hurts too much to eat, and they can be prone to secondary kidney and heart valve infections.

With advice from a veterinarian, owners can have a tremendous impact on the overall health of their pet by ensuring the pet is at an ideal weight and by maintaining good oral hygiene.

Senior pets also have special needs. Being aware of what signs might signal arthritis or heart disease, and utilizing preventive blood screens that pick up diseases like kidney failure and hyperthyroidism, will directly impact the quality and quantity of a senior pet’s life.

Celebrating Ten Years During the month of October, the Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic celebrated its tenth

anniversary. In any business, reaching the ten-year anniversary is a major achievement and this is especially so in the busy Forest Grove area. For Wanda and Liane, it is hard to believe that ten years have already gone by. On opening day, appointments were few but the staff worked hard at building the client base. Ten years later, they are celebrating their success. It is through the support of their clients that the Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic continues to thrive.

For that, Dr. Wanda Burbridge, Dr. Liane Kramer, and the staff of the Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic would like to thank their loyal clientele!

Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic 415 115th St E Saskatoon, SK (306) 955-6111

Beverly Ashdown Day Spa Whether you want a tranquil spa experience, a corporate gift, girlfriend get-together or the ultimate accessory boutique, Saskatoon’s Beverly Ashdown Day Spa is the ideal destination.

New to Saskatoon! Introducing: Thai Herbal Stem Facial & Thai Herbal Stem Massage

Beverly Ashdown Day Spa Services Facial Treatments Microdermabrasion Microcurrent Treatments Cold Laser Body Wraps & Body Scrubs Jade Stone Massage Lava Shell Massage Relaxation Massage Makeup Lessons Makeup Applications Eyelash Extensions Eyelash Tinting and Perming Waxing Threading

Pedicures Manicures Gel Nails Gel Toe Pedicures Shellac Pedicures Shellac Manicures Teeth Whitening Spa Packages Bridal & Group Spa Parties Accessory Boutique Pamper Gift Cards

Grosvenor Park Centre 17-2105-8th Street E. Saskatoon, SK (306) 955-5400 www.beverlyashdown.ca

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home

By FLS Staff

Funerals, burials, memorials, nobody likes to talk about it or even think about it. And the occasion of the loss of a loved one is no time to have to start. Most people do not even know where to begin at the best of times, much less when they are going through one of the most traumatic events in life.

At Hillcrest Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, they understand. They have been helping families through difficult times since 1952. They have even developed the Family Registry Estate Planner™, an invaluable tool designed to take the stress, expense and decision-making out of funeral planning.

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Why It’s Important To Pre-Plan?

Most people are well-versed in the reasons to have insurance coverage, a long-term financial strategy and a retirement plan.

But when it comes to the issues involved when a family member passes on, people are often unprepared when the unfortunate moment arrives.

The professionals at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens can help. The best way to begin understanding the relevant issues and the benefits of pre-planning is to book an appointment with a pre-arrangement specialist. The specialist can provide you

with the details of Hillcrest’s exclusive Family Security Benefit Plan™, a proven plan designed to ensure Canadians can take advantage of the best protection, real savings, and the peace of mind they deserve.

“Pre-arrangement takes the stress away from the family and allows them to concentrate on their grief and the celebration of their loved one’s life,” said Sean Peters, the cemetery manager at Hillcrest.

You can also be sure that your pre-planning specialist, as with all the professional staff at Hillcrest, will take care of you and your family in the time of need. “We treat families the way we would want to be

COMFORT AND PEACE OF MIND

treated, with respect, dignity and the knowledge we will care for their loved one in the warm and caring environment they deserve,” Sean said.

If you prefer do to research a little before speaking to one of their specialists, you can visit Hillcrest’s website, found online at www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. You can request free pre-planning tools and resources that can assist you and provide useful information. You can also request the Family Registry Estate Planner™; the 87 Decisions, Choices and Things to Do™ list; and the Family Security Benefit Plan™.

Once you decide to take the next step, there is no need to leave home. If you prefer, a

pre-planning specialist can visit you in the comfort of your own home.

Peace Of Mind Of course, you may wonder if you prearrange and pre-pay, will your investment be protected. Yes it will. Legislation requires funeral and cemetery companies to put advance payments in trust with financial institutions that carry Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation depositors’ insurance and can only be withdrawn to pay for delivery of the pre-arranged product or service.

The benefits of pre-planning are many, but perhaps the most important reason of all is

removing the undue financial stress and the many decisions that your family members will have to make while coping with loss.

Also, pre-planning your final arrangements will eliminate any uncertainty about your last wishes and the risk of emotional overspending. Your estate will also benefit, by making the investment in today’s dollars and at today’s prices, you could save thousands of dollars. Pre-planning also guarantees that your own personal wishes are carried out. An important part of the pre-planning process is deciding what kind of service you would like, where and how you would like to be laid to rest, and how you would like to be memorialized. Hillcrest can help with all of these details. As

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COMFORT AND PEACE OF MIND

Saskatoon’s only comprehensive cemetery, funeral home, cremation and reception centre, Hillcrest covers all the options in a serene, beautiful location. The cemetery is located on protected green space and is immaculately maintained. Amenities abound including personalized services for all faiths and cultures, modern facilities with seating for up to 200 in the Memorial Chapel, a visitation room and a reception room with full kitchen facilities and outdoor patio. Finally, Hillcrest offers a full range of caskets and urns.

After Care Perhaps the most frequently overlooked aspect of the grieving process is after the funeral and services are finished. The first few days following a loved one’s passing are often full of activity, family and friends.

But after this hectic period and when the shock fades, is when the real healing starts.

For many, this is a time of difficult recovery and a time where Hillcrest’s experience really shines.

AfterCare is a completely free program that provides practical guidance, literature and emotional support anytime it’s needed.

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“We understand how difficult recovery can be for surviving loved ones, especially if they are responsible for finalizing the estate,” said Sean. “Our AfterCare professionals can provide insight and help with that process.”

They also understand that the process is a very individual one and AfterCare specialists are trained to provide comfort, resources and referrals to local bereavement services. Hillcrest also offers its spacious community room free of charge to non-profit organizations. With ample space for 30, this convenient, comfortable room makes an ideal meeting place for creative clubs, spiritual groups, political parties, social organizations and more. Hillcrest even supplies complimentary coffee, tea and juice.

Trusted Reputation Hillcrest Memorial Gardens has long been entrusted with one of the most important services most people will ever require and you can see it for yourself. The doors and gardens at Hillcrest are always open.

Sean and the rest of the staff are proud of what they have created here and are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call 306-477-2236 for a free list of the 87 Decisions, Choices and Things to Do™.

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home 8th St. East (1st right past Briargate Rd.) 306.477.2236 www.hillcrestmemorial.ca

Love & Toast

Created by Margot Elena, with a passion for the highest quality formulations married with the most beautiful design. Luxurious handcreme, lip balm and perfume products are made with 97% natural and organic ingredients and are free of parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, phalates, GMO’s, triclosan, petrochemicals, with no animal testing or synthetic dyes. “Pretty is as pretty does.”

$9.95 to $32.95

Tokyo Milk

A beautiful, decadent and delicious fragrance collection with pampering, triple-milled French Soap, Petit Perfume Solide, Eau de Parfum, Handcreme and Bon Bon Lip Balm.

“Objects to Desire.”

$10.95 to $37.95

Pure Living

An inviting home ambiance is created with Lucia: an enticing fragrance collection of Reed Diffusers, Room Sprays and Soy Candles. All of the fresh and natural scents are custom created and made in Canada, using organic grade 100% pure essential oils, 100% natural vegetable and botanical oils, vegetable based colors, and are never tested on animals.

$9.95 to $47.95

Lollia

Lollia is a world created with lovely details, blushing fragrances and flirtatious touches by designer Margot Elena, an innovator of luxurious formulas and signature packaging for over a decade. Fragrance collections feature hand cremes, perfumes, bubble baths and bathing salts.

$7.95 to $49.95

Tashodi

A Canadian brand committed to fairly-traded ingredients, eco-friendly practices, genuine purity, and ‘globally conscious self indulgence’. Aromatic bath and body care products, containing therapeutic grade essential oils and organic ingredients that are100% natural and free of parabens and sodium laureth sulphate.

$3.95 to $29.95

Black Pearl

Cleansers, exfoliants, masks and moisturizers all contain Black Pearl Powder, known to brighten the skin, balance skin tone and maintain collagen production. A concentration of 27 exclusive Dead Sea minerals detoxify, balance moisture and replenish essential minerals. Seaweed, a source of active proteins, vitamins and minerals, energizes the skin and rejuvenates cells. “Dive into your beauty.”

$17.95 to $75.95

(306) 955-5400 www.beverlyashdown.ca FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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EXPERTADVICE on Animal Health Pet’s Oral Health with Dr. Wole Adeniran “Brown” was a Pekingese-Pomeranian mix, 6.5 kg, 10.5 year old neutered male dog presented to our clinic with star gazing posture, trembling, mouth odor, nasal discharges, swollen face, shallow breathing (abdominal breathing), overgrown coat and toe nails. The owner said that the dog had not urinated for about a week and was not eating, too. On physical examination, all the above-stated observations were confirmed with severe periodontal disease (most severe disease of teeth and gum I have ever seen). He had severe irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and lots of unusual breathing sounds. Many teeth were abscessed and discharging to the nose and the mouth. He has opisthotonus (star gazing gait).

From the initial assessment of this lovely, loyal and cute-looking dog, he had very severe dental, respiratory, heart, urinary (possibly kidney) and nervous diseases.

The dog was already going into shock. But even in his severe, debilitating state, he was still very loyal and loving to his mom, because each time the mom called he would gently wiggle his tail and lift up his head in acknowledgement. The chances of this dog surviving his condition was extremely low or none. The question is which problem came in first: dental or others? It is difficult to say because it was the first time we were seeing the dog and, of course, the last time we saw the dog. But what was obvious from the presentation was that the periodontal disease observed had a major influence on the dog’s condition.

In our practice, over 80 per cent of all cases we see have at least one dental problem

or the other. And this is also true of most practices in Saskatoon.

Signs of Dental Disease Warning signs may be vague or obvious; these signs may include refusal to eat normal meals, chew food halfway through and dropping it off from the mouth; refusal to open the mouth and inability to chew; increased salivation; preference for wet or soft food; mouth odour; mouth bleeding; swelling around the face or mouth; vocalization; and discharges from the mouth or nose. Broken (fractured) tooth or teeth may also be observed, as well as, other signs.

Causes of Dental/Oral Health Problems: Causes of oral health problems are numerous and are lifestyle related: Food type; exercise type (e.g. pulling tug-of-war); housing (those who stay in cages or iron fence cages may chew iron fences and fracture their teeth); some diseases; some nutrient deficiencies; genetic causes; and others.

What to do Most pet dogs do give their owners thank you kisses. Even some cats do too. I recommend that once any of the warning signs are observed, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian immediately for examination and possible treatment.

oral health for dog and cats should start with daily brushing with soft brush (the type you and I can use, baby soft brushes are good for small puppies and cats).There are special flavored tooth pastes made especially for pets that can be found in most veterinary clinics. We carry chicken, beef, seafood, vanilla-mint and malt flavored pet tooth pastes in our hospital, for example.

The brushing should be supplemented with use of oral rinses, oral gels, dental chews or treats. Special dental diets (prescription diets) are available in some veterinary practices. We carry some in our practice.

Most importantly, I strongly recommend annual visits to your veterinarian for checkups, which will include thorough oral health checks. Twice-a-year visits to your veterinarian for health checks for older pets (six years and over) and those that are prone to dental problems (short, flat-faced dogs and cats especially) are equally recommended. We owners of pets pay such visits to our dentists, don’t we? An enquiry visit to your veterinary hospital or clinic is highly beneficial and rewarding in getting detailed information on this topic.

If you are able to do all the routine preventative care for your pets, they will, in turn, give you healthy thank you kisses.

Stonebridge Veterinary Hospital 306-244-2815 stonebridgevets@sasktel.net

Routine Prevention Care Proactive home care to ensure excellent

Stonebridge Veterinary Hospital 306.244.2815 | stonebridgevets@sasktel.net

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Hollywood Fashion Tape

The star’s secret to looking perfectly put together is available to everyone! Prevent all those pesky wardrobe malfunctions with ease. Purse-sized solutions include fashion tape, lint and deodorant removers, bra collections and fresh face solutions.

$9.95 to $44.95

Bling Hangit

Triple C Designs

Unique award-winning jewelry hanger keeps earrings, necklaces and bracelets separated, untangled and easy to access. Hang in your wardrobe, back of a door or wall hook – it’s up to you!

Categorize your jewelry into day, night and fun using different hangers for your own collection.

Express yourself with personal accessories including purse hangers, mirrored compacts, I.D. holders, manicure kits and much more. Glam is a chic and smart accessory line with a fun and functional attitude.

$16.95

$10.95 to $31.95 Passion

Current style and color, handbags for women of all ages and at a price that will entice you to have one for every season!

$29.95 to $49.95

Nine West

Check out the fabulous trends: Animal Print, Utility, Lacing or Lady-Like...

Nine West has it all. Choose from a vast selection of totes, handbags, clutches and wallets.

$45.00 to $135.00

Cherry Handbag Organizer

Place the Cherry Handbag Organizer inside your empty bag and use its main compartment and multiple pockets to keep all your things in order. When you want to change your bag, simply lift the Organizer out of your current bag and place it into the new one. Available in three sizes and colours.

$27.95 to $32.95

(306) 955-5400 www.beverlyashdown.ca FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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EXPERTADVICE on Pets Pet Food With Mike and Rochelle Heebner If your dog or cat asked you what’s for dinner, could you answer? Ads for pet food show pictures of real meat, fruit and veggies but you must be very careful. Most pet foods in grocery stores contain ingredients that have been rejected from the human food chain. Considering the low quality or even toxicity of some commercial pet foods, how do you select one? Start by reading and understanding the label.

All pet foods must list the ingredients present in the food. The ingredients must be listed in order of weight. This is one of the best ways to determine the quality of the food. With a little knowledge of the ingredients, you can choose a food that is highly digestible and free of unwanted products. As a consumer, you must read and understand all of the ingredients carefully.

What you need to look for is the first seven items in the ingredient list. Anything listed in that range are the main ingredients of the food. Any other items are present in much smaller amounts to add flavour, function as preservatives, help with the manufacturing process or provide dietary benefits (e.g. probiotics, vitamins and minerals).

Protein, in the form of quality meat ingredients, is the most important component of most dog or cat diets. As animals with a carnivorous background, their digestive tract is designed to utilize primarily meat and fat. It is also the most expensive ingredient for a manufacturer to buy and the profit margin on a product is drastically affected by the amount and

Pet Planet

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quality used. This is why many cheaper foods cheat by substituting quality meats with some form of soy, corn, or by-product.

Doing this increases profit but can drastically decrease your pet’s health and well-being. Ideally, the first ingredient should be either a specified meat meal, or a specified fresh meat type followed by a meal. Chicken meal, lamb meal, fish meal and eggs are higher in quality than soybean, corn germ, bone meal and by-products. A high concentration of these cheaper ingredients provides only marginal nourishment for our pets.

Quality carbohydrates such as vegetables or whole grains are also very important to our pets, but should not be listed above the main protein source. While some plantsourced carbohydrates are necessary, high concentrations in many foods can cause allergies and health problems. Some carbohydrates such as corn husks, wheat mill run, rice by-products and soy grits provide absolutely no nutritional value to our pets and should be avoided.

Although the bulk of ingredients in pet food should be meat, vegetables and sometimes grains, fillers are common. Most filler is leftovers from the human food industry and its nutritional value is questionable. Avoid ingredients like peanut hulls, soybean mill run, cellulose, brewer’s rice and corn gluten meal.

Below are the actual first 10 ingredients in a common food on the market today.

On the bag is a picture of a fresh chicken surrounded by fruits and vegetables, but

what’s actually inside, is a completely different story.

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Powdered Cellulose, Peanut Hulls, Chicken by-product meal, Chicken Liver Flavour, Soybean Meal, Soybean Mill Run, Dried Egg Product, Soybean Oil, Corn Gluten Meal.

As you can see, it offers very little nutritional value.

First we see corn instead of meat, which is a difficult to digest grain, second is powdered cellulose also known as sawdust—filler.

Third, we see peanut hulls, which are ground outer casings of peanuts—filler. Finally, we see some sort of meat, but it’s a by-product.

This is a very low quality protein with minimal nutrition. Flavour has no nutritional value; mill run is filler; and, lastly, corn gluten meal is also filler. This looks more like hamster food than dog food.

In comparison, a good quality food such as Acana has the first 10 ingredients we all recognize.

Lamb Meal, Sweet Potato, Raw De-boned Lamb, Peas, Fresh Whole Eggs, Sun Cured Alfalfa, Sunflower Oil, Fresh De-boned Walleye, Pumpkin, Fresh De-boned Northern Pike.

When you begin to understand what goes into your pet’s food, it becomes easier to make healthy choices for them, because there really is a difference and it is important to the health of your pet!

1501 8th Street East | 306.956.2245 | petplanet.ca

Divana Jewellery

Canadian designer, Vered Lavi, designs and handcrafts her exquisite pieces in her Toronto studio, using only the finest quality materials, including Swarovski crystals, leather, and semi-precious stones. When a special ocassion requires special jewellery, Divana Jewellery is pure elegance.

$84.95 to $319.95

Xantra Accessories

Handmade fashion jewelry, designed and made in Greece by Canadian designer Kiki Tsiliakos: always created with the latest materials and hottest colors of the season. Swarovski crystals, semi-precious gemstones, pearls, glass beads, various metals and leather are just a few of the materials used. “Be yourself, stand out from the rest!”

$29.95 to $124.95

Beit Nir Jewelry

Unique, silver-made jewelry collection by award-winning designers and inspired by the beautiful textures and shapes of the Negev desert region of Israel where they are created.

$69.95 to $105.95 Toca

A Montreal-based company offers handcrafted jewelry from around the world.

Each piece is unique and created with care and dedication: featuring USE, a unique, sophisticated and hypoallergenic jewelry collection.

$47.95 to $109.95

White Lotus Design

Jewelry designer, Edina Racz, creates individually handcrafted pieces using unusual combinations of semi-precious gemstones, classic sterling silver and other rare stones from around the world. The design and production of White Lotus’s jewelry happen in her luminous studio located in Toronto.

$22.95 to $99.95

C. Pak & Company

Design integrity, modern aesthetics and collections as eclectic as your lifestyle: fashion jewelry from a fresh, innovative company whose mission is to provide to accessory essentials at affordable prices.

$11.95 to $169.95

(306) 955-5400 www.beverlyashdown.ca FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Fitness Solutions: Saskatchewan’s Premier Fitness Centre

By FLS Staff. Photos by Grant Romancia.

As the co-owner of Saskatchewan’s premier fitness centre, Gary Banerd has dedicated himself to a life-long love affair with personal fitness. “Growing up, I was always playing sports. Every chance I had, I was either out on the hockey rink or on the softball field. For me, sports was a religion.” It is no accident that Gary has embraced his love of fitness into a successful and thriving business. Owned and operated with his wife Carrie and friend Dennis Boyle, Fitness Solutions is rightfully recognized as your number one stop for all your Fitness needs in the Saskatoon area.

Now celebrating their 21st year of business, Gary has been closely involved for the past

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10 years with the day to day operations of the store. Having a one-to-one relationship with every individual who enters the store is paramount to Gary. “Our number one goal is to ensure that every customer is given personalized attention. It’s important to us that everyone who shops at Fitness Solutions receives the quality equipment they need to help them reach their goals. We pride ourselves in treating our customers as individuals, not numbers.”

Equipment Fitness Solutions has built its respected reputation within the health and fitness community by dealing with companies that

conduct business exclusively with specialty fitness stores. Carrying only the highest standard of equipment from suppliers such as Power Plate North America, Vision Fitness, BH Fitness North America, Body Solid and Ultimate Fitness (only to name a few) ensures that when you shop at Fitness Solutions, you will purchase the highest quality exercise machine that you will use in the comfort of your home for years to come.

Through experience, Gary understands that to be a top-level fitness centre, it’s important to offer choice. “Our motto is to offer fitness equipment tools to meet our customer needs. That’s why we sell treadmills, exercise bikes, spin bikes, ellipticals and

SASKATCHEWAN’S PREMIER FITNESS CENTRE

rowing machines. We also carry home gyms, functional trainers, weight cages and racks, as well as, weight benches. We also sell a large variety of aerobic and weight accessories. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our store, we’ll go out of our way to order it for you.”

that need to be asked, we can answer.

There’s no substitute to trying out the equipment to see if you enjoy it.” It’s no surprise that the majority of individuals who frequent Fitness Solutions has either been satisfied repeat customers or referred to by satisfied customers.

Showroom

Service

A popular destination for anyone who enters the store is the showroom. According to Gary; “It’s our number one stop.

[Customers] get to see all the equipment demonstrated or have the opportunity to demonstrate it themselves. Any questions

Fitness Solutions has two experienced service technicians to help maintain and repair equipment. “You will always see our service technicians walk through your door to help get you up and running ASAP!” Gary says. If their service technicians cannot find

the answer to the problem, then they will contact the manufacturer directly to find it.

Gary says: “We are always here to help in any way, so if there is any problem big or small with your equipment, we can have someone out to you in one to two days. We pride ourselves in excellent customer service!”

Power Plate Vibrational Training Vibrational training has been embraced by thousands because it offers a comprehensive and extensive workout program at your own pace, and at your own time, in the

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SASKATCHEWAN’S PREMIER FITNESS CENTRE

comfort of your own home. After careful consideration and thorough investigation of the marketplace, Gary highly recommends Power Plate Vibrational Training.

By committing to three 15-minute workouts a week, vibrational training has been proven to increase movement preparation, stability and co-ordination, and core and pillar strength. It also assists with increasing metabolism which in turn aids in weight loss.

More than 90 professional CFL, NFL and NHL teams include vibrational training in their year-round training programs.

The multitude of benefits that come from vibrational training include increased blood

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circulation; increased muscle strength and flexibility; increased explosion strength and power; improved range of motion; decreased cellulite; increased bone mineral density; reduced pain and soreness and faster recovery; relaxation and massage; lymphatic flow.

Gary and his staff at Fitness Solutions are true believers in what the Power Plate can do. As avid users, they strive to inform all their customers on the latest information Power Plate has to offer. Gary frequently brings into Fitness Solutions, Power Plates’ Head Educator and Trainer, Tony Swain, to further educate staff, help inform customers and certify trainers on Power Plate.

For further information on the Power Plate and other high quality fitness equipment, visit the website at www.getfitathome.com or, better yet, drop down to Fitness Solutions to test one out in person. You’ll be one of the many, who, according to Gary; “Once they enter the store it’s tough for them to leave. People forget how exciting it is to be fit. The greatest satisfaction I have is helping people become healthier and happier.

It’s extraordinarily rewarding!”

Fitness Solutions 308 Circle Dr. E., Saskatoon, SK. 306-933-3310 www.getfitathome.com fitnesssolutions@sasktel.net

EXPERTADVICE on Health Technology in Vision Care With Dr. Jim Kerr If you could look back to 1930 when W.W. Forsyth began what would become Atrium Eye Care, you would see a very different profession. W.W. would certainly determine your need for eyeglasses and attempt to determine that your eyes were free from disease. His tools for doing this were primitive by today’s standards. He utilized staff mostly to book appointments.

He would collect all the data himself and did most of the fitting and delivering of glasses.

His mission was to provide the very best vision and eye care available. He would no doubt be amazed at how technology has evolved in vision care and how it would integrate into the practice of optometry that he began.

Today, Atrium Eye Care is at the forefront of integrating technology into the eye examination and there is now no part of the eye exam process, from checking in, to manufacturing of the eyeglasses that is not affected by computerization and advances in technology. Electronic medical records have been used by Atrium Eye Care since the mid-1990s and lay the groundwork for storing the incredible volume of data that is now collected.

Your 2010 eye examination will include auto refractors and topographers for determining your refraction, retinal scanners (optomap) which help detect diseases at the back of the eye like macular degeneration, retinal detachments and numerous other pathologies. Your eye examination will include electronic measurement of eye pressures (tonometry) and visual fields, and may include optic

Atrium Eye Care

disc scanning (Heidelberg Resonance Tomographer) for progressive changes in glaucoma and macular scans (Optical Coherence Tomography) for the detection and monitoring of macular degeneration.

All this happens before you see the eye doctor who now, in addition to determining the final refraction, will examine your eyes from front to back for disease, and analyze all the data collected both by himself and his assistants. Your eye doctor will determine a course of action for your treatment which may include eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. He or she will also determine what actions are needed to maintain or preserve your eye health which may include more testing, monitoring or referring you to an appropriate health care provider for treatment. If you are fortunate enough to have good vision and healthy eyes, you will be advised on what frequency you should have regular eye health examinations.

lens and a prescription that is customized by your doctor for the tasks you require, in the frame you chose.

Atrium Eye Care has been able to adopt this technology at a cost far below other providers, thanks to joining a national network of eye doctors called FYidoctors.

W.W. Forsyth would indeed be amazed at what technology has brought to vision care, and to Atrium Eye Care, and I think he would be proud of the way the practice he began has integrated technology, but maintained his original mission of providing the very best eye and vision care available.

Technology has similarly affected the process of manufacturing eyeglasses. In fact, they are rarely manufactured with glass, as computerized generators using plastic, have elevated the optical properties of modern eyeglasses to levels never achievable in the past. Your eye doctor can now personalize your prescription to allow for different tasks and different frames. The new “free form as worn lenses” are available in single vision and progressive lenses and reduces distortion across the entire lens, by compensating for numerous variables such as frame size, tilt and curvature. The result is superior optics across the entire

407 1st Avenue North | (306) 652-4374 | www.atriumeyecare.com

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SUGAR ME UP…

By Lissa Robinson. Photos by Grant Romancia.

Body hair removal continues to be a hot topic. Surf the net and you’ll find lots of women and young girls expressing anxiety over too much body hair, particularly in areas like the face, legs and arms. Lori Aileen Pressacco, Sugarist/Esthetician and Owner of Aileen’s Sugar Studio, knows first hand just how embarrassing unwanted body hair can be to a young adolescent girl.

“I was teased relentlessly in elementary school for the hair on my face and arms,” she says, recalling how painful that time was and how negatively it affected her body image. “I remember standing at the bus stop one winter when I was 11-years-old feeling the chin stubble rubbing against my scarf. If you are the only person in the

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room and embarrassed by your own body, that’s a problem.”

“Sugaring and laser are fast becoming the preferred alternatives to shaving or waxing.”

Meeting Pressacco today, you would never know of her painful past. Confident and stylishly dressed, the Saskatoon Italian is warm and outgoing—and her smooth glowing skin says it all. Her early struggles have been the driving force behind the success of her studio and the care she has for her clients. “It’s a great feeling when I can make people happy about their hair removal and the progress they make using my services.”

Sugaring is not new. As early as 1900 BC, Egyptian women used sugaring to achieve a smooth and hairless look.

According to Pressacco, both men and women have to deal with unwanted hair on parts of their body that is unappealing, embarrassing and a pain in the butt to remove.

Sugaring has many benefits over traditional waxing. Firstly, it’s an all-natural form of hair removal that uses ingredients like water, sugar and lemon. Rather than make her own, Pressacco prefers to use a professional product called Alexandria Professional. “The advantage of using a professionally prepared product,” says Pressacco, “is that it ensures consistency, and is much more efficient than cooking your own recipe.”

SUGARING AND LASER BECOMING PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES

Sugaring is a lot less painful than traditional waxing because the paste doesn’t stick to the skin. With traditional waxing only small areas of wax can be applied due to the wax drying on the skin. With sugaring, the mixture will not dry out and can be used two or three times on the same area without causing any irritation. Due to the water soluble ingredients, the sugaring residue can be washed away, making clean up quick and simple.

Sugaring is sanitary because bacteria will not breed in sugar. Once a ball of paste is used it’s tossed out, which means no double dipping or cross-contamination.

Unlike waxing, the sugaring paste is applied lukewarm and will not accidently burn the skin. The Sugar paste is then applied in the opposite direction of the hair growth and removed by pulling it in the direction of the hair growth. This is gentler on the skin and much less painful. The paste only attaches

to dead skin cells and will not remove your skin or leave it burning red.

The greatest benefit of regular sugaring treatments is that it can lead to permanency.

Sugared hair can be removed at a much shorter length than waxing hair. Hair length can be as short as 1/16th of an inch (which means no more unsightly grow out). Because the hair is extracted at its most active growth stage it causes more damage to the hair root, which inhibits re-growth.

“If you are planning on using Body Sugaring to soften or reduce hair,“ says Pressacco, “it is important that your first three Sugaring sessions be booked fairly close together.

Those are your most important bookings as they will more quickly reduce the amount of overall hair and soften coarse, stubborn hair.”

In addition to sugaring, Pressacco also offers IPL Laser Treatments to her clients,

which she sometimes uses in combination with the sugaring. The IPL Laser treats undesired hair growth using the principle of photo-thermolysis. The product is based on the revolutionary GEM-PL technology and is also used for skin rejuvenation, acne, vascular treatments, and aging spots. The treatments are completely painless and comfortable.

One of Pressacco’s clients can’t say enough about what the sugaring and laser treatments have done for her own body hair issues. “I have very dark coarse hair and whenever I got my lip waxed I ended up with awful red bumps. But not with the sugaring!” She also combines the sugaring and laser for under her arms. “I get both on the same day and it’s quite painless. Not only have I noticed the hair has thinned out but I no longer have troubles with ingrown hairs. It’s amazing!”

And if all of this doesn’t seem like enough to

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SUGARING AND LASER BECOMING PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES keep Pressacco busy, she offers monthly sugaring classes and sells a selection of her handmade glass-fused jewellery in her upstairs studio. Pressacco loves creating oneof-a-kind fused glass jewellery and watching the magic of fused glass. Like sugaring, the process of glass making and fusing was discovered in the times of Ancient Egypt and re-emerged in the 1960s as a popular form of jewellery making.

Aileen’s Sugar Studio is located in the Chrome Salon Spa on Broadway and is an oasis of modern comfort. To make an appointment with Pressacco or learn more about her Sugaring method please visit her website at www.aileensugarstudio.com or contact her at loriaileen@hotmail.com.

Aileen’s Sugar Studio 824 A Broadway Avenue 306.380.8855 www.aileensugarstudio.com

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Wind down into bliss

By Alexandra Walld. Photos by Grant Romancia

After a long day of running around, you’d probably like nothing more than to sit back, relax and be pampered. At Lisa’s Esthetic Studio, you can do exactly that.

With nearly 10 years’ experience in the industry, Lisa, who was educated at Marvel Beauty School, knows her clients on a personal level and says a day’s work is filled catching up with friends.

“It’s not work; I like visiting with people and helping take time to just wind down,” she says. “I provide professional services with reasonable prices in a personal, one-to-one atmosphere without the distractions of a busy spa.”

Lisa pampers her guests with manicures and pedicures, paraffin treatments, toenail and heel grooming, waxing and tinting in her comfortable studio and uses hospital-grade disinfectant on her esthetic implements.

She is excited to spread the word about Skincerity, a new anti-aging product that is dermatologist-recommended and has

been clinically-proven to help with fine lines, wrinkles and skin issues, like rosacea, eczema, acne and rashes.

Lisa’s Esthetic Studio 270-5221 www.mynucerity.com/lacameron

Skincerity, the world’s only nightly, breathable masque, is safe for men and women, all skin types and ages. Funded by the National Institute of Health, Skincerity is new to Canada and nourishes, exfoliates, tightens and improves sun-damaged skin without clogging pores. It can be applied anywhere you have skin issues and will enhance a moisturizer’s effect by four times.

“Skincerity has skin-coating polymers, which create a thin, flexible and breathable barrier,” Lisa explains. “It has Vitamin E, grape seed oil and pharmaceutical-grade acetone, so you can’t cross-contaminate if you share the bottle. I haven’t heard of anyone who reacts to it and it’s great for people who are low-maintenance; if you don’t want to be doing seven steps every night, it’s as simple as washing your face, rolling it on and washing it off in the morning.”

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Non-Invasive

Contouring Shapes Saskatoon

By Sheena Koops. Photos by Gina’s Portraits.

When you walk into Ultrashape Saskatoon, located within Saskatoon’s Lakeview Medical Clinic, you will notice a difference from other clinics offering cosmetic services. Sandy Foord, certified technician and office manager says: “We aren’t one of those places that offer teeth whitening and a pedicure on the side. We decide up front what procedure might benefit clients, if any.

“We don’t try to sell people a bunch of creams and things that don’t work to achieve a youthful look, but offer the newest, proven technology that will improve your face and body. In August of 2009 we started a cosmetic extension to the clinic offering non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

It is a separate business called Ultrashape

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Saskatoon that is run by me in partnership with Dr. Cynthia Nave. Our cosmetic machines are the newest technologies in non-invasive cosmetic procedures and can only be run in a physician’s practice and are often only found in a plastic surgeon’s office.

We are the only clinic in Saskatchewan with the Ultrashape and Endymed machines.”

Ultrashape Saskatoon is located in a small family practice with Dr. Nave (owner of the clinic) and Dr. Patricia Smith. Dr. Nave has been in practice for over 10 years and has just been honoured as Doctor of the year

by Planet S, Saskatoon’s City Magazine.

Although the doctors cannot take on any new patients, Ultrashape Saskatoon is

prepared to perform upwards of 500 procedures for clients, many of whom will be new to the office. Foord adds: “We will also be offering Botox injections in time for Christmas. Dr. Nave and I just returned from Vancouver from our training from one of the top injectors in Canada. Botox has become very popular and we will be happy to offer this service as well.”

Ultrashape is intended for body contouring trouble areas, and not intended for weight loss in obese people. The three main areas treated are the stomach, outer thighs (saddle bags) and flanks (love handles). However, they have also treated enlarged male breasts with very satisfying results. Foord says: “The patients I have treated have seen

PROVEN TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR FACE AND BODY

an average loss of about five centimetres and up to 12 centimetres in my best case.”

Ultrashape is a machine that uses focused ultrasound waves to penetrate fat cells, break them down and then flush them out of your body. Foord adds: “The amazing thing about this machine is that once the fat is gone, it is gone for good. Ultrashape Saskatoon recommends a series of three treatments, two weeks apart, to achieve these results. Of course, a person needs to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to maintain these results.

With technology this new, clients often ask, “What can I expect in the treatment?” The Ultrashape website explains: “During treatment, a handheld device delivering ultrasound energy gently glides over the marked area. The treatment does not require anaesthesia. The majority of treated patients consistently report a painless and comfortable experience. The entire treatment is guided by an advanced tracking technology to ensure smooth and even contouring results.”

Another common question is, “What happens to the fat?” “During the Ultrashape Treatment, the membranes of the fat cells are disrupted. The fat cell content, primarily comprised of triglycerides, is dispersed into the fluid between the cells and then

transported through the vascular and lymphatic systems to the liver. The liver makes no distinction between fat coming from the Ultrashape treatment and fat originating from consumed food. Both are processed by the body’s natural mechanisms.”

The Ultrashape Corporation recently upgraded their machine to incorporate a skin tightening attachment using radio frequency. Since Ultrashape Saskatoon’s machine was less than a year old, it didn’t make sense to upgrade an already new machine. They decided to research the newest technologies in skin tightening and wrinkle reduction and found the Endymed machine, which has only been available in Canada less than a year. Ultrashape

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PROVEN TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR FACE AND BODY Saskatoon’s Endymed is one of a small handful currently operating in Canada.

Foord says: “The Ultrashape upgrade only offered skin tightening to the larger body parts, but with the Endymed machine, we can offer skin tightening and wrinkle reduction to any area of the body including the face (non-surgical face-lift). I offer my clients complimentary skin tightening on the treated areas with the Ultrashape treatments, if it would be of benefit to them.”

The Endymed machine uses radio frequency waves that penetrate the dermis and produces heat. This in turn, remodels the collagen and produces new collagen in the body and tightens the skin. Endymed treatments are recommended in a series of three treatments, two weeks apart, for best results. Dr. Nave says: “The Endymed machine is the next generation in radio frequency (RF) Technology. It is virtually painless and effectively tightens skin and reduces wrinkles on the body, face and neck. RF treatments are not new, but the Endymed difference lies in the use of multipolar heat distribution. This goes deeper in the skin’s dermis than other technologies but without the extreme pain and is a huge advantage. Older RF treatments require topical and oral pain relievers.”

Foord says: “Clients can have up to six treatments, depending on the age of a person. Older clients will often need more than three treatments as the collagen is more depleted. We have only had the Endymed since June of this year, but I am seeing some amazing results already. It works great on reducing the look of cellulite, anywhere on the body. It also works really well on post-natal abdomens, facial wrinkles and sagging neck lines. Some people may see a difference with only one treatment.”

Foord is proud of the improvements made to the technology, remembering the first skin tightening machine in 2004, the Thermage, and the second machine, the Accent. Foord says, “With the Thermage, patients often needed sedation for treatment; likewise, the skin was often red,

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almost burnt, for days.” Thankfully those days are over.

Dr. Nave says: “Both Ultrashape and Endymed technologies are time-efficient as clients can usually be treated in less than an hour. Sandy performs both procedures and has developed quite a talent for quick and effective treatments. Clients should also educate themselves and do their research before investing in a procedure.”

Foord says: “I am very fortunate that I have a job that I really enjoy. Our clinic is like a

second family with all of our staff being long-term, most over 5 years. It’s also a good feeling knowing that we have the ability to help people, whether it’s on the medical or cosmetic side of the clinic.

Ultrashape Lakeview Medical Clinic #13–1945 Mckercher Drive Phone: (306) 244-5100 www. ultrashapesaskatoon.com

Hockey Nomad Molleken Settles Down

By Les Lazaruk. Photos courtesy Saskatoon Blades.

Lorne Molleken chuckled when he was asked if he knew how many teams he has played and coached for in his hockey career.

However, a second stint behind the bench in Saskatoon is proving to be the longest one of all.

“Not really,” said the Saskatoon Blades’ general manager and head coach. “It’s been quite a journey and it’s something I’ll cherish forever!”

Lorne Molleken first came to Saskatoon as head coach of the Blades in 1991. He led the franchise to four consecutive, winning seasons recording 170 victories in total. He also guided the Blades to a pair of Game 7 losses to Kamloops in the Western Hockey League final in 1992 and ‘94. That stretch was the springboard into pro coaching in 1995.

The short answer is 17 teams between major junior and the professional ranks, eight as a player and nine as a coach, for the 54-year-old Regina-born product. His travels took Molleken from as small a hockey market as Swift Current all the way to Chicago! There were second stints as a goaltender in such places as Springfield, Massachusetts, Indianapolis and Toledo, Ohio.

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Molleken led the Edmonton Oilers’ American Hockey League affiliates in Cape Breton and Hamilton for a total of three seasons before graduating to the NHL in 1998 as an assistant coach in Chicago to fellow Reginanative Dirk Graham. When Graham was

fired 59 games into the 1999-2000 campaign, Molleken became bench boss of the storied Blackhawks’ franchise. That lasted 47 games, over parts of two seasons before he was “promoted” to a senior advisor role.

He came home to Regina to coach the WHL Pats as they hosted the Memorial Cup in 2001, but returned to the NHL as an assistant coach for one season each with the San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins.

It was at the end of the 2003-04 season that Molleken decided it was time to make another move.

“My last (NHL) stint in Pittsburgh, we were heading into the lockout. I had conversations with some different people and there was going to be an opportunity in Saska-

toon,” explained Molleken. “I sat down with my wife (Patsy) and said, ‘this is a chance for us to come back to Saskatchewan, to Saskatoon, and make Saskatoon our home.

“I still had two years left on my contract (in Pittsburgh) and (the Penguins) were going to add another year because of the lockout. But, the decision was made to come back here for a lot of reasons, family being number one and number two was getting the chance to work for the Brodsky family again.”

A third reason was the dual role of General Manager and Head Coach—the man responsible for all things to do with the Blades’ on-ice performance—that team president Jack Brodsky offered Molleken. Outside of back-to-back non-playoff seasons in 200607 and 2007-08, the Blades have been a winning team. In fact, Molleken has piled up another 225 victories going into this current season. He is the Blades’ franchise leader in games coached and victories and is fifth on the all-time WHL list for coaching victories at the time of this writing.

The good news is: he has no desire to go back to the NHL one more time.

“I’ve been in situations as a head coach in the National League and as an assistant coach,” explained Molleken. “The Western Hockey League is near and dear (to me). From a player, to a fan to now a coach and general manager, it’s something that is very dear to my heart. An opportunity to come back and work for the Brodsky family, coach the S askatoon Blades, be a part of this community, is something that I thought that towards the end of my career, if I ever had that opportunity again, I would jump at it. And here we are!

Officially, two Western Hockey League teams have announced intentions to bid to host the 2013 Memorial Cup. Unofficially, it’s three!

Cougars have declared they will submit a bid when bidding opens in April, 2011. Back on May 20, the Saskatoon Blades made their interest in hosting known.

“We’ve talked about this in the past,” said Jack Brodsky. “But 2013 is certainly on our radar.”

“There’s been opportunity to leave and move on again, but we have a goal here that we want to try to accomplish and we feel we’re headed in the right direction.”

The Canadian Hockey League’s seasonending championship tournament alternates venues between the three major junior leagues. In 2010, the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League were the Memorial Cup hosts. This season, the Ontario Hockey League’s Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors will be the host team with the 2012 tournament to be held in Saint John, New Brunswick, home of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Sea Dogs.

Indeed, a hockey nomad has settled down, and the city of Saskatoon and the Blades’ organization are much better because of that.

That means the 2013 Memorial Cup will be hosted by a WHL team again. So far, the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Prince George

The Blades hosted the Memorial Cup in 1989… and the feeling is it may be their turn to do so again!

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THE REGENT EXPERIENCE

Unsurpassed luxury on all-inclusive, worry-free cruise

By Karin Melberg Schwier

All cruises are not created equal. The Regent Seven Seas Cruise line has once again added a jewel to its impressive and lengthy championship belt by winning the 2010 Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Award for the Best Large-Ship Cruise Line. This comes as no surprise to Sharon Kaendo, owner of Leisure Travel 2000, who recently reveled in the ultra-luxury that is Regent’s all-inclusive, best-of-the-best cruise experience. Having previously experienced the luxury of a Five-Star cruise, this was Sharon’s first Six-Star trip.

Regent has long been considered the pinnacle of cruising with its elegant ships; exceptional service and pampering; and provocative destinations. With three ships at this upper-end: the Seven Seas Navigator, offering a more intimate sailing experience with just 450 guests); the Seven Seas Voyager and the Mariner (each carrying 700 guests). That’s in comparison to other mass-market ships sailing with up to 5,000 guests.

“On a Six-Star Regent ship, you want

for absolutely nothing,” explains Sharon, whose most recent 11-day sailing on the Mariner took her from Istanbul to Athens, and included port calls in Cypress; Israel; the Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes; and Kusadasi, Turkey. The Seven Seas Mariner is the world's first all-suite, all-balcony ship, as well as the first to offer dining by the famed Le Cordon Bleu® of Paris in Signatures, one of four single, open-seating restaurants.

Because it caters to only 700 guests, she is one of the most spacious cruise ships afloat, and, offers the highest level of personal service in the Six-Star tradition of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

When selecting a cruise, there are several variables to consider. Sharon, who appreciates that clients are not all looking

for the same experience when traveling, strives to match her clients up with the right cruise product for a quality cruise experience.

“Destination is obviously important. Why would you like to go there and what would you like to experience?” Sharon says. “Are you looking for a relaxed sailing or are you adventurous and plan to take advantage of the excursions to explore the various ports along the way? And, one of the most important things to consider is the all-inclusive aspect of the Regent luxury cruise experience. If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates the non-intrusive aspect of all-inclusive, then this is for you.”

All-inclusive means just that, Sharon says. “The airfare from Canada; transfers; the cruise; open seating and alternate

dining; shore excursions; drinks; gratuities. It’s all included. We took friends and clients on this sailing. Our friends came back and booked again on Regent because they recognized and appreciated the value. We also met people who were first time cruisers who wondered, ‘Where do we go from here?’ My response was ‘Another Regent!’”

Even at the premium end of mass market cruising, you can find yourself on a sailing with 1,700 to 2,000 passengers. But with the reduced guest capacity on a Six-Star Regent ship, sailings are entirely more

trying to up-sell you anything; there is no pressure to buy the cocktail of the day, a more expensive bottle of wine, or a more expensive shore excursion. The list of excursions is varied and unlimited. It’s simply a very, very nice experience.”

Leisure Travel 2000 is now accepting bookings for a Six-Star Regent sailing next year (see sidebar). Call for information on the By Invitation Only evening with Regent Seven Sea Cruises to be held in the New Year.

Sharon serves on the Advisory Council for Vaction.com Western Canada (North America’s largest vacation-selling network). She is the Saskatchewan Council Chair for the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) and is on its National Board of Directors. She is also a Certified Adventure Travel and Sandals Resorts Specialist. Along with Sharon, the staff at Leisure Travel 2000 has gained expertise in a variety of areas and types of travel, through both study and experience.

Accompany Sharon on this six-star Regent sailing next year: Seven Seas Mariner October 31–November 10, 2011

intimate with exquisite attention given to everyone.

There are never lineups for anything. “It’s all very civilized!” Sharon laughs. “But it isn’t pretentious. The clientele tend to be well-traveled people who appreciate unsurpassed quality service. No one is

Oct 3 Nov 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Barcelona, Spain embark Provence (Marseille), France Monte Carlo, Monaco Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Amalfi/Positano, Italy Taormina (Sicily), Italy Corfu, Greece Dubrovnik, Croatia Venice, Italy overnight in port Venice, Italy debark

#1 – 325 Third Avenue N. (306) 956-3000

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Turkey a real delight

By Karin Melberg Schwier.

To stand at the birthplace of civilization is a humbling experience; sometimes words can fail. Sharon Kaendo, owner of Leisure Travel 2000, says to call Turkey “old” is a slight understatement. “Breathtaking” better suits. What was once an obscure travel destination has become increasingly popular, and not just for people who want to absorb the historical significance of this ancient land. With cosmopolitan cities, gorgeous beaches and varied landscape, this destination has something for everyone.

With such an array of past and present, Sharon is able to work with clients to individualize their itinerary. “Turkey and Greece is where it all began, so you’re going to be exposed to a great deal of history. But it’s a really good idea to have a sense of what you’d like to do,” she says. “If someone tells me they want to go to Turkey but they don’t want to see too many rocks and ruins, then we can help tailor your travel experience.”

Among Sharon’s most recommended stops on a Turkish itinerary are the volcanic Cappadocia (home of several World Heritage sites including the Goreme Museum and Underground Cities), Bodrum (the starting point for the Blue Cruise, which is on her “must do again” list), Istanbul (the largest city in Turkey, formerly known as Constantinople, divided by the Turkish Straits, and separates Europe from Asia).

And also not to be missed are the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

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Being open to a new, albeit ancient, culture and land presents endless possibilities.

Leisure Travel 2000 can help with all details to ensure the most memorable and enriching travel experience.

Getting there and around • Direct 10-hour non-stop service Toronto to Istanbul • Travel by ocean cruise, private Englishspeaking guides/drivers and cars available, also escorted tours, public transportation

• Summers very hot, up to 45°C. Winters -5°C to -25°C in some areas. Best travel time: April–May, and September–early November.

• Turkey a stable, secular and pro-western Democracy, which guarantees freedom of worship.

Turkish treats Turkish carpets: purported to be of very high quality. Authentic carpets can be found in the bazaar, but also Chinese imports. Beware.

• Range of accommodation

Talking Turkey • The Turkish lira is a great value for Canadians. Seventy cents buys 1 lira • Major credit cards widely accepted • ATMs abound; your debit card works at a good rate of exchange • Passports, visas required by Canadians.

Purchase visa at airport for $60 USD • Travel insurance recommended • Water chlorinated and safe, but use bottled water for drinking, inexpensive and widely available.

• Muslim predominant religion, mostly Sunni, with small Christian community.

Turkish delight: really is delightful, quite different from what is most commonly available elsewhere.

Turkish coffee: whether sade, orta or sekerli, it involves intricate ceremonial preparation with particular copper pots and demitasse cups. Tea is also a must to see and sample.

Turkish bath: featured in 1000 Places to See Before You Die. Not to be missed for a true Turkish experience.

Leisure Travel 2000 Inc. #1 – 325 Third Avenue N. Ph: (306) 956-30000 Toll free: 1-877-956-3030 www.leisuretravel2000.ca

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Viva la Cuba… Viva la Cuba Libre!

By Thom Barker Cuba has always been a bit of an oddity. In the cities and towns, its colonial Spanish origin mingles with remnants of its capitalist heyday and the industrial monuments of the revolution that shocked its giant neighbour to north. Despite the ensuing decades of repression from within and oppression from without and the resulting shortages in just about everything, Cubans enjoy exceptionally high rates of literacy, universal healthcare and remain some of the friendliest people anywhere. They are always eager to share a song and their own indiosyncratic toast: Salud, dinero y amor (health, money and love).

In the 1960s through the 1980s, Cuba’s tourism industry was pretty much defunct.

The gorgeous beaches and opulent hotels that had been the playground of rich American businessmen, movie stars and gangsters, basically became a private getaway for the eastern bloc elite. But with the collapse of the Soviet Union, which was Castro’s only economic Ace in the hole for nearly 40 years, the Cuban government started refurbishing its aging resorts and opening up the country’s tourism prospects to foreign investment.

And Canadians, ever eager for a break from the deep freeze, were not surprisingly among the first to embrace the new opportunity for vacations in the sun. Easy to get to, cheap and characterized by beautiful beaches, friendly people, safety and vibrant culture, Cuba quickly became a hot destination for winter-weary Canucks.

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Like the duality of the country’s history, there are two distinct sides to the Cuban vacation coin: The cultural and historic and sun, sand and sea. For the former, Havana is the place to be. The sightseeing is fascinating with the colonial architecture, historic sites, museums and the living tribute to Marx and Lenin that is Cuba’s own brand of socialism. And Havana is still renowned for its culture. It has a thriving music scene, nightclubs, live entertainment and unique craft markets in the heart of the old city.

The latter is best experienced in the tourist areas, such as Varadero. Cuba offers some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. And really, for so many Saskatchewan residents, the best winter getaway simply means lazy days in the sun, tanning, reading and, of course, sampling the local spirits. Viva la Cuba Libra! If you must drag yourself away from your beach chair, though, most of the all-inclusive resorts have plenty of activities to participate in onsite. If you want to go sightseeing, though, plan to make a day out of it. And nightlife is limited in the island’s beach destinations, so if you crave aftersundown action, make sure it is provided at the resort.

Getting There Cuba is closer than it seems. There are direct charter flights and direct scheduled flights to Havana from Saskatoon or indirect ones via Toronto or Montreal. Choose carriers carefully though. As derided as

Air Canada is by Canadians, Air Cubana, Cuba’s national airline, does not have the most stellar record in terms of safety and punctuality. Passengers do rave about the hospitality, though, but aging Russian equipment does not always make for the most comfortable or reliable transportation.

Entry Requirements Every tourist should have a valid passport issued in his or her name and a tourist card available from the airline at the airport.

It is important for you to know that the Canadian passport should be valid for at least one week after the return date. If you want to work, do business or study in Cuba you need a visa available through the Consulate General of Cuba in Toronto.

Staying there These days, there are plenty of accommodations to choose from on the island, but it’s a good idea to research carefully where you stay. Gitmo notwithstanding, much of the Cuban tourism infrastructure suffers from having been government-controlled and run for too long and two- or three-star accommodations can be kind of sketchy.

The newer foreign-owned properties are much more likely to give you the pampering experience you crave while your friends and neighbours back home are shovelling their driveways in a -35C wind chill.

EXPERTADVICE on Travel Technology and Travel with Barbara Crowe Today, technology plays a hugely significant role in all of our lives. Other than walking my dog, I can’t really think of a situation that technological advances have not had an impact. Self-serve checkouts at the grocery store, direct charge gas tags, ATMs and of course, an app for almost anything on your mobile phone. All this in the name of convenience.

Without question, technology has had an impact on the travel industry. What once took painstaking time can now be done in a much more timely and efficient manner. The amount of information readily available to travel agencies is endless. Facts, figures, products and places—everything is a click away.

So too is all of this available directly to the consumer. This is a good thing. Consumers can now search out information on any destination they want. They can search out comments from people who have travelled to these destinations. They can book directly with airlines, hotels or tour companies.

Consumers are more knowledgeable and this too is a good thing.

Tour operators, such as Transat Holidays or Signature Vacations book blocks of rooms at finer hotels and package them with flights. Because of their buying power, they typically get the best available rooms in the hotel. Oceanfront rooms and ocean view rooms are generally secured by these operators. The rest of the hotel becomes available to general bookings, such as walkins and direct bookings. Also selling some of the remaining rooms are on-line companies which could receive the remaining rooms at a discounted rate.

I often think that I wouldn’t buy a house without using the expertise of a realtor. I am not paying for that service; the seller is paying for that service. The same applies to travel agents and agencies. Those with the product pay for our services, not our clients.

So when I go through self-serve checkouts with my groceries, I know this is but a convenience, not a cost saver.

However, there is one misconception out there that booking on-line is cheaper than dealing with a bricks and mortar travel agency. While on occasion there may be a small saving, in the majority of situations this is not true. The prices, which are set by the airlines and tour operators, are the same whether you book on-line or through an agency. Additionally, these companies do not allow discounting of product by online companies or travel agencies.

Ixtapa Travel

114 – 3501 8th Street East | 306.664.3233 | ixtapatravel.ca

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Il Salici Ristorante: A Taste of Tuscany in Saskatoon

By Alexandra Walld. Photos by Grant Romancia.

It’s often in the winter months we think about packing our bags, jumping on a plane and flying thousands of miles to an exotic destination—Spain, France, Italy—to warm things up and get a taste of something you just can’t find in Saskatoon. Except now, you don’t have to fly halfway around the world; you can find your taste of Tuscany just a few minutes down the road at Il Salici Ristorante.

Formerly The Willows Dining Room, Il Salici Ristorante at The Willows Golf & Country Club, is open year-round to the public and has recently undergone several minor enhancements to the decor.

“It’s classic Italian dining with a modern twist,” says Guy Beatty, general manager of The Willows. “Our chef has created many dishes from time-tested family recipes and prepares them passionately by adding his own special touches. His inspiration is everyday Italian food prepared simply with local ingredients whenever possible.”

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Both the lunch and dinner menus offer a smattering of classic Italian dishes that have been re-styled for the discerning diner.

The lunch menu offers a diverse selection of standbys, such as burgers and steak sandwiches, and is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.

Welcoming staff members are wellequipped to help you select that perfect bottle of Chianti to go with your meal.

A well-rounded wine list, including an ample selection of reds from Italy is the perfect complement to an evening of dining at Il Salici.

Every Tuesday, the dining room offers Tastes of Tuscany nights, during which diners can enjoy the chef’s choice of a three-course Italian dinner for $30. An affordable optional wine pairing is always available for these special nights, as is the regular evening menu. Sunday brunch is another weekly Willows tradition and if you’ve never experienced it, there’s no

better time than the present to start your brunch tradition here.

Located on Cartwright Street, just off Lorne or Clarence Avenues, in The Willows Residential Golf Community, you’ll find The Willows Golf & Country Club and Il Salici Ristorante. Don’t be fooled by the term “Golf Community” as the Willows offers much more than just golf.

“There are all kinds of misconceptions out there—people think it’s a private club, but we’re fully open to the public and are a facility that also does special events all year round, Christmas parties, business meetings, team-building seminars, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. We offer the complete package, something we feel is above and beyond our competitors.”

The lounge is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11p.m. Friday through Sunday. Il Salici Ristorante, which means The Willows Restaurant in Italian,

A TASTE OF TUSCANY IN SASKATOON offers lunch from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Sunday brunch runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and has become a great family tradition for many regulars.

Decorated for the holiday season, The Willows looks exquisite with festive wreaths, twinkling Christmas trees throughout the foyer and the natural setting of the golf course, dotted with wintery willows and wildlife scampering through the snow.

“It’s like being out in the country, but you’re in the city and anyone can come out here and enjoy this serene setting,” Beatty says.

“With the relaxing ambiance of the clubhouse, spectacular sunsets and fourseason view of the surrounding golf course, it’s a really romantic and special spot.”

Everyone is invited to check us out, either in person or at www.willowsgolf.com.

The Willows… More than just golf…

All year round!

Il Salici Ristorante 382 Cartwright Street 956-1100 willowsgolf.com

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Horsing Around the Holidays

By FLS Staff. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

For city-dwellers, the snowy grip of a wintery morning doesn’t necessarily scream horseback riding. But for the folks out at Sandhills Stables it’s just another day on the ranch.

Sandhills Stables, celebrating its 25th year, is just 10 minutes south of Saskatoon. Roger and Bonnie DeWitt, along with their daughters, Karletta and Tyrelle, don’t let a little frost ruin the party; they get out and ride all year long.

The Western-style riding facility, which boasts a large heated indoor riding arena complete with mezzanine and ground-level

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viewing areas, is situated on 80 acres of rolling grasslands. The DeWitts also have access to 160 acres of land along the river, which is only a mile away.

The DeWitts offer lesson programs for all skill levels and for ages five and up. Even over the holidays. From December 28 to 31, Sandhills is offering Holiday Camps. At the Pee Wee camp their youngest cowpokes, ages six to nine, will start the day off riding and spending time having fun on their horses. A snack will be provided as they continue to learn about their four-legged friends.

SADDLE UP IN THE SNOW

The Tweens & Teens camp is a little more intense, befitting the age group with three hours in the barn following by 90 glorious minutes on horseback. The DeWitts promise that not only will the cowpokes in both groups have fun, but they may actually learn something, including how to take care of your mount and even a little horse psychology.

when the full slate of programs geared to all ages and experience levels start to swing into full gear again. These include: • Boots and Saddle Club • Horse Course • Horsemanship 101

Neither camp requires any experience as the cowpokes will be split into groups based on riding level.

• Rodeo class

The family members at Sandhills share a deep love for horses and the country lifestyle. “Our passion is to pass along that love to other people,” says Bonnie. In 1985, she and her husband, Roger, bought what would become Sandhills Stable. In the coming years they began offering horsemanship programs, trail rides and lesson packages, and their daughters were “born into the business.”

They even have adults-only classes.

Of course, a little mid-winter diversion for horse-lovers—or even those who don’t already know if they are—can only whet the appetite for the upcoming spring season

• Performance Class

horse and being able to put it through its paces is very empowering.”

Working with animals also teaches children empathy, patience and the ability to “think about something other than themselves.

The horse comes first… effort and discipline now will equal reward down the road— something that is missing from a society based on instant gratification,” says Bonnie.

Sandhills Stables 14 km south on Highway 219 477-3508 www.sandhillsstable.com

The coaches and trainers at Sandhills are firm believers in proactive horsemanship in order to develop a trusting partnership with a horse: “It takes a brain, not whips or spurs, to think like a horse, and it involves working together as a team.”

Bonnie feels that developing a relationship with a horse and learning how to ride is a wonderful experience for young and old alike and also provides people, particularly women and girls, with confidence. “The feeling of developing a relationship with a

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Getting snookered has never been more popular

By G.H. Lewmer. Photos by Grant Romancia

Once known as the sport of kings, billiards has undergone a tremendous transformation in popularity over the past decade, becoming a frequent (and reasonably priced) social meeting place for friends and families of all ages. Here in Saskatoon, anyone with even a remote interest in the sport is a regular at the city’s premier billiard and full recreational establishment: The Snooker Shack Located at 3421-8th Street East, winner of the Consumer Choice Award as The Best Billiard Lounge and Supply Shop in Saskatchewan in 2010, The Snooker Shack offers 24 tables to comprehensively satisfy your billiards cravings. Whether your interests are tournament, recreational or amateur, with two full-size snooker tables and four Diamond Pro-Am tables, along with 18 other tables, the Snooker Shack has it covered.

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The Snooker Shack offers Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Vegas Leagues—on Monday to Thursday respectively—that offers any individual the opportunity to advance their skills and enjoy the camaraderie and community that comes with snooker.

By becoming a member, an individual can access reduced rates, invitations to members-only events and additional exciting perks and freebies. Even if your interests aren’t cue related, The Snooker Shack offers Foosball, dome hockey, widescreen TVs and even chess boards to become the perfect venue for your organization’s party or fund-raiser.

The Snooker Shack is also renowned for its expert and professional table and cue services for the home billiard aficionado.

It offers table moves (in house, house-tohouse or to and from storage), table assembly and disassembly, re-clothing, slate

repair and replacement, cushion repair and replacement, table leveling, cue repairs and re-tipping. In other words, any service or repair you may need.

Open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. You can get further information by visiting their website at www.snookershack.ca.

The Snooker Shack 3421 – 8th Street E 374-2100 www.snookershack.ca

HUSKIESCelebration

Huskies fans celebrate the University of Saskatchewan men’s basketball team’s first national championship during the banner raising October 29.

Photography by Grant Romancia

capturing visions of nature

By Lissa Robinson. Photos by Gina’s Portraits.

AL WEITZEL – AN EXTRAORDINARILY VERSATILE SASKATOON ARTIST

At The Weitzel Gallery visitors will discover the unique creations of award-winning artist Al Nelson Weitzel. Though he is recognized for his highly realistic wildlife creations that use distinctive combinations of scratchboard and acrylic painting techniques, ...his gallery displays a remarkable array of works ranging from detailed wildlife and equine portraits to painterly landscapes and cityscapes… all the creations of one extraordinarily versatile artist.

Weitzel’s interest in art began as a child. He grew up in North Battleford and was taught to draw by his elementary school principal, Julian Sadlowski. Many of his boyhood days were spent on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River where he would sketch the scenery as his friends fished the shores.

During one visit to the river, while playing on a sandbar with friends, Weitzel looked up to see a cougar sitting on the bank watching them. The encounter left him breathless and became, in part, the inspiration for his future career as a wildlife artist. The cougar has become one of Weitzel’s favourite subjects. “If there is any truth to the concept of animal totems, mine would have to be the cougar. I definitely feel a connection to them and as I paint one I imagine I can feel its strength and energy.”

In anticipation of becoming a professional artist he continued to spend his days sketching. However, upon entering the University of Saskatchewan to study fine art he discovered its strong leanings towards abstract expressionism and found there was very little appreciation for the realism he preferred. He shelved his study of art for more practical employment and didn’t pursue his dream for almost two decades.

Then, in 1994, Weitzel learned of a century old clay-based process called scratchboard.

Something about this medium clicked with his love for detail and high realism.

After finding some dust-covered pieces of scratchboard at a local art supply store, he

began experimenting.

Scratchboard, or scraperboard as it is called in Europe, consists of three layers: a paper or hardboard support covered with a layer of white clay or chalk, which is then covered with a fine coat of India ink. The artist uses a sharp knife-like tool to scratch through the black layer to reveal the white clay below.

An accumulation of meticulously placed scratches are used to form an image.

“I’ve always felt very strongly that an artist’s work must evolve and grow in order to remain art. When an artist paints the same subjects in the same style over and over without change, he or she ceases to be creative and the art becomes a craft.“ With that in mind, Weitzel experiments with other styles of art and other media. “Working with other subject matter and media I learn new techniques and discover new ways to view the world around me. This new input

Weitzel credits his success as an artist to the unique approach scratchboard inspires.

Creating a work in scratchboard requires the artist to work from dark to light, rendering the light of an image rather than shadow.

The deep shadows and bright highlights of a scratchboard make for very dramatic creations; and given that the engravings are well-suited to capturing fine detail and the textures of fur and feather, it was the perfect medium for Weitzel to capture his visions of nature. Blending his scratch techniques with more traditional acrylic painting has resulted in the creation of an entirely new and uniquely “Weitzel” style of nature art.

Weitzel’s ability to capture the personality of his subjects goes beyond the effect of scratchboard or acrylic paint. This ability has been recognized by art collectors across North America and Europe and the artist has been commissioned to paint many of the top “Jumpers” and dressage horses that have competed at Calgary’s world famous Spruce Meadows.

As interest in Weitzel’s work increased, other artists expressed an interest in learning his techniques. He began teaching classes and workshops and developed a series of art instruction kits that he also sells at his gallery. The last couple of years have found him too busy to teach, but Weitzel plans on getting back to teaching again in January. “Teaching is a great way to learn and grow as an artist.

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AL WEITZEL – AN EXTRAORDINARILY VERSATILE SASKATOON ARTIST invariably affects and alters my work and forces a kind of artistic evolution.”

Weitzel’s most recent series of works are an example of this evolution. Titled “Everything’s Looking Up,” the series is uplifting and inspirational in theme though unusual in perspective. “I’m very excited about this new series!” says Weitzel.

“The loose expressionist style allows me to create larger, brighter works than what I’ve become known for. I’m also able to adapt the scenes to a wider variety of colour schemes, so I can accommodate the needs of the interior designer.”

In the summer of 2000 Weitzel opened a gallery in the Centre at Circle and Eighth Mall and two years later a second location in The Cornwall Centre in Regina. These galleries were to be the first of many Weitzel Galleries in Western Canada. However, the artist and gallery owner soon realized that the business of art can overwhelm the creation of art and elected to curtail his business growth in favour of greater freedom to travel and create. His current gallery/studio allows him the freedom to come and go without the pressures that multiple galleries and employees entail.

“I’ve been fortunate to have really excellent staff when I had my larger galleries, but I’m much happier having only myself to keep track of.”

People interested in learning more about the artist, his technique and his art classes can visit www.weitzelart.com. There you will see a selection of Weitzel’s works as well as videos showing his creations coming to life. Visitors to his Saskatoon gallery will see a large variety of original works and reproductions ranging in price from $55 to several thousands of dollars. To arrange a viewing, please call 306-956-0606 or email Al at aweitzel@weitzelart.com.

The Weitzel Gallery 904 Central Avenue Saskatoon SK S7N 2G8 306-956-0606 1-866-956-0606

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www.weitzelart.comA

EXPERTADVICE on Landscaping A yard for all seasons: landscaping for winter with Luke Rempel, b.sc. horticulture, b.comm A well-planned landscape enhances the beauty of your home with its green and blooming plants, shrubs and trees. But equally as important as the look in spring, summer and fall is that so-called ‘dormant’ phase: winter. The winter garden isn’t just a boring phase you have to wait out. Whether you have a very small green space around your condo or townhouse, or you have a large yard or acreage, consider the look and purpose of your selections and how they will add interest, colour and texture as the snow falls.

We are Zone 2 Everyone likes to use the winter months to plan for next spring’s growing season, so talk to a horticulturalist, a landscaper or do your own hunting on the Internet. In Saskatchewan, we are Zone 2. On the North America hardiness scale, Zone 1 is the coldest; the warmest is 11. That’s Hawaii, southern California and southern Florida. Depending on placement and your property microclimate, you might get away with a Zone 3 plant outside its comfort zone, at least for a while.

Top smaller shrubs to consider It seems sort of obvious to say don’t put a larger plant in front of a small one. But it pays to find out about growing rates and mature sizes for different plants. Here are my top picks for compact plants that will still be showy in the snow. These are chosen for hardiness; for shape, colour and texture of needles; and colour of bark.

Dwarf Mungo Pine Dwarf Bird’s Nest Spruce Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce Weeping Spruce Arctic Fire Dogwood Yellow Twig Dogwood

Top larger shrubs and trees to consider These are a few of my favourites for spaces that can accommodate the big boys. These are chosen not just for size, but shape; texture; colour of needles and bar; and fruit that hangs on to attract birds during winter.

Scots Pine White Spruce Blue Spruce Bristlecone Pine (slow growing) Amur Cherry Mountain Ash

Care and maintenance

services of someone who’s trained in how and when to prune.

Adding interest Tall ornamental grasses like Karl Forester (feather reed grass) look great against the snow. Don’t forget feature rocks and boulders to add visual points of interest.

Outdoor lighting can add quite a dramatic effect (refer to my last advice column in the Autumn 2010 issue of Fine Lifestyles, page 148.)

At City Gardens, we provide our customers with quality workmanship in a prompt, professional manner. Beautiful landscapes involve many decisions regarding design, plant selection, use of space and quality of construction. At City Gardens we have the knowledge and experience to do the job right, from the planning stages through to the final product.

Many people want to line their driveway with shrubs, but what happens in winter?

Salt or snow-melt drains into the soil around plants, not to mention the damage to the plant itself when snow gets dumped on top.

Many assume wrapping cedars with burlap simply prevents damage from heavy snow.

It helps, but it’s really a sun hat to protect from UV damage. Brown cedars come spring is usually due literally to sunburn.

Pruning is an art and we’ve all seen trees and shrubs damaged and disfigured by bad butchering. Ask the advice or get the

City Gardens Landscape, Construction & Irrigation (306) 280-6609 | luke@city-gardens.ca | www.city-gardens.ca

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improve your vision with

SGO Designer Glass

Photos by Lisa Landrie

There’s something about a beautiful piece of glass that takes your breath away. You can complement your décor with a stunning signature piece of art glass and transform your space. This was Janet Parkinson’s principle and the vision that guided her to open SGO Designer Glass in early 2008.

Decorative glass is an extraordinarily versatile and beautiful architectural element for the way we live today, enhancing the elegance and style of any home and office, restaurant or hotel. SGO Designer Glass studio is a fully equipped production facility

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and its team of highly skilled artists are committed to impeccable craftsmanship and innovative concepts.

Glass art and design concepts can be transferred to one of a kind backsplashes, shower enclosures, glass railings, kitchen cabinet inserts, and window and door modifications to match the client’s vision.

SGO Designer Glass 840 47th Street East, Saskatoon 306.477.0098

GLASS ART AND DESIGN CONCEPTS

As an interior design professional, it is my accountability to take your design goals and utilize my skills and resources to exceed your expectations for service, value, functionality and beauty. The design will reflect your personality, taste and budget and will be functional, planned to your specific needs with future needs taken into consideration.

With the ability to offer designs in glass to complement your interior design needs, a unique and personal touch to your home will be created.

Janet Parkinson, Owner

Anita Mack, iddp, pmp

For more information, contact Janet Parkinson, Saskatoon (306.477.0098) or Anita Mack, Regina (306.540.2281) email: apmack@sasktel.net

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Turning places into adult spaces Designer reclaims, refreshes bedrooms to keep homes updated

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

When homeowners find themselves with a dated bedroom, or the vacated dark lair of a teenager who has moved out, they realize even a small investment in freshening up the space pays off. Days Interior Design Consultant Michelle Rowlett recently tackled different bedrooms for three clients: a master for a couple at the end of a major renovation, and two spares that needed some light and air.

BEDROOM 1: From teenage to cozy feminine When Michelle’s own teenage son moved to a bigger basement space, she wanted to

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convert his old room into a pretty, airy spare bedroom that would be a warm, welcoming home away from home for guests, and also a comfortable, serene reading room. Taking the inspiration of her great-grandmother’s handmade quilt, Michelle painted the walls white, then incorporated greens and golds.

White wallpaper with a tiny leaf design provided the wow factor.

“At Days, we’ve got probably the biggest selection in the city of fabrics and designer wallpaper. Wallpaper is such a great way to add some punch and pattern to a space.” A new valance treatment tied in with pillows and decorative shams. An antique dresser

that Michelle literally found in the ditch was sanded, painted white and adorned with new knobs. Another literal “find,” a small antique chair, was recovered.

“Now this room is my favourite in the house,” she says. “It’s very serene and peaceful; sometimes I just go in and read. When family or friends come to stay, I’m proud to give them that space.”

BEDROOM 2: From dark dated spare to ‘bed and breakfast’ bright Louise’s home is the “hub” for family all over

RECLAIM AND REFRESH YOUR BEDROOM

the province, so having a comfortable and welcoming place for people to stay was important. When Louise talked with Michelle, she wanted a change from the dark navy and other heavy colours. Bright and airy was her goal, so Michelle selected raspberry, pale yellows and greens. “We used four different patterns for the bedding with inspiration from the duvet and used trims and cording. She said to me, ‘Find something you know I will like!’” and Michelle knew from experience since the pair had worked together before.

around it. Sometimes you can repurpose a piece you can’t part with, or use it in another room. It helps to have an outside eye come in to see things from a fresh perspective.”

Michelle used Hunter Douglas room darkening blinds and a valance treatment.

“The room is now quiet, serene and comfortable,” Michelle says. “It’s like her little bed and breakfast spare room.”

“The furniture is quite vintage, with a wrought iron bed, and we worked our way out from there. Sometimes a sentimental piece of furniture needs to stay, even if it’s not ideal for the new look, but we work

After five years of renovations that saw their Ewart Avenue home gutted, walls repositioned and an addition put on, Franki Stuart was thrilled to finally focus on the master bedroom. She enlisted Michelle to

BEDROOM 3: The master bedroom as the finishing touch

create an elegant space that would tie in to the “sophisticated ski lodge” feel of the rest of the home. “We have so much ‘strong’ in our house,” explains Franki. “Granite, slate, bold colours, hardwood, fir. Michelle was able to add the décor, the fabrics and colours that all work so well together. She

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RECLAIM AND REFRESH YOUR BEDROOM

was even wonderful at staving off potential marital discord,” Franki laughs, “when my husband and I just couldn’t make a decision about what would work! She was a huge help in tying everything together.”

“We wanted their bedroom and ensuite to be classy, elegant and mature,” Michelle says. Using the duvet, a black jacquard, as the inspiration, Michelle used blacks and chocolates to create a rich palate. “The duvet has a swirly pattern and the drapery is a bit of a plaid so this was an interesting exercise in mix of patterns. The lamps, tying in chocolates and blacks, worked very well.” The end result is a sophisticated, contemporary classic look. Franki is more than pleased: “I know it’s our bedroom, but

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I keep saying I love my bedroom!”

MICHELLE’S SOURCE GUIDE Window coverings: Hunter Douglas room darkening blinds, Country Woods, Alternative Woods Fabric and trims: Robert Allen, Maxwell, and Joanne Fabrics Michelle Rowlett, IDT, Interior Design Consultant Days Paints & Design Limited 701 2nd Avenue N. Saskatoon, SK Design inquiries: 306.244.4721 info@dayspaints.com www.dayspaints.com

Dreaming of having a theatre in your own home?

Before you begin building or start renovating, bring us your blueprints. We’ll connect you.

Our in-house installation experts are professional, highly-trained and have a wealth of knowledge in building your ultimate home theatre experience.

108 Avenue D South

(306) 244-1300

www.krazykileys.ca

Old-Time Concept Becomes Brand New Vision

By Karin Melberg Schwier.

Photos by Lisa Landrie, AirScapes International Ltd.

We all have our favourite escapes—places where we can relax or witness the beauty of nature: a shimmering pond in the morning sun, a concerto of ducks or the smell of wildflowers and grass. “Imagine all this blissful nature amidst the hustle and bustle of city living,” says Kelly Schroeder, the marketing and design manager for Boychuk Investments Ltd. After spending most of the day in an office building, wouldn’t most of us relish the chance to simply step outside and enjoy nature?

Located south of Briarwood, the new subdivision of Rosewood is enjoying the fruits of its planning in creating the first green-themed subdivision in Saskatoon.

Located on 722 acres of prime southeast sector land that includes an adjoining 65-acre wetlands conservation area, the

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neighbourhood will be home to more than 11,000 people when it is completed.

For the past three years, lead developer Boychuk Investments Ltd. worked in partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Casa Blanca Holdings, Lakewood Estates and Rosewood Land Inc. with the vision of creating distinctive homes surrounded by nature trails, open spaces, a village square and green conservation areas.

The new community captures the spirit of country living and has gained national recognition for the conservation of natural wetlands. The entire subdivision is bordered by a series of linear parks. Walking and bicycle paths will provide access to numerous lakes within the wetlands area.

The linear parks will also link directly to

a centrally located village square where residents will be within walking or biking distance of stores, schools, a community centre, soccer fields and ball diamonds.

At the heart of Rosewood is a return to principles of design and construction that include inclusiveness, respecting nature, craftsmanship, artistry and the incorporation of architectural elements that ensure longevity as well as beauty.

“A large number of lots offer tremendous views of the natural wetlands and linear park development,” says Ron Olson, general manager. “And we incorporated all aspects of housing from affordable to middle to upscale properties in our development plan.

The vision of the neighbourhood is to create a community where residents can enjoy the beauty and serenity of living close to nature

SASKATOON’S FIRST GREEN-THEMED SUBDIVISION

while being in close proximity to all the big city amenities.”

Indeed, most of us know from experience that having tree-lined streets and nearby parks make urban neighbourhoods much more liveable and sustainable. But green oases aren’t just pretty. They have real and lasting social and environmental benefits.

Rosewood was designed specifically to promote and encourage interaction and intimacy between families and neighbours while enhancing and preserving natural features. This has been achieved by using carefully researched techniques in road building, sidewalk construction, greenspace landscaping and a village square.

“Particular attention was paid to the planning of traffic flow and the design of the roadways for a calming effect for vehicles traversing the neighbourhood,” says Olson.

The residents of Rosewood will enjoy easy access to the main thoroughfares of Boychuk Drive, Taylor Street and a future interchange onto Highway 16 to the South.

Rosewood is a walking community that will provide pedestrian safety, comfort and ease of access to amenities and the planned village square and a retail centre.

The “crown jewel of Rosewood,” says Olson, “is the conservation wetlands area.” Both Ducks Unlimited and the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation committed funds and expertise toward developing and conserving the wetlands. One of the conditions of their investment was that the natural features of the green space be maintained. The wetlands area also serves as a natural drainage system that diverts storm water-not only for Rosewood itself, but for some of the neighbouring areas.

Even before the Rosewood concept plan could be formulated, extensive studies were conducted by a variety of experts. Boychuk and their partners hired consultants who

did groundwater, traffic and sound-level studies. In fact, according to Olson, they have done the most exhaustive water study ever conducted in Saskatoon. The team at Boychuk Investments has drawn on the experience of more than six decades of neighbourhood development in Saskatoon.

Rosewood is the first green space community in Saskatoon and once it is completed will also be one of the largest residential subdivisions in the city.

Green spaces are about people, communities and quality of life. They are breathing spaces amidst city bustle. They are inviting spaces and encourage people to get active and outdoors. They are attractive.

They are safe places where children can adventure, explore and imagine. They are communal places where people have time to stop and chat and come together.

“The green theme is resonating with new home buyers,“ says Olson, who attributes its success to a variety of factors like the larger-than average lot sizes and their proximity to the wetlands. The view alone will make waking up a visual pleasure – not to mention heading to bed as dusk settles lazily over the water and native grasses nearby.

Seeing is Believing Be sure to stop in and speak with one of the Associates (or you can visit us online at www.boychukhomes.com) and discover first-hand “what country life should feel like!”

Boychuk Construction Corp. and Boychuk Investments Ltd. is located at 8th Street East and McOrmand Road, Saskatoon, SK. Phone: (306) 374-3939 The Rosewood Sales Centre is located at 834 Ledingham Crescent.

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The restyled living room area.

From Private Serenity To Higher Traffic Spaces NEXT PHASE OF BRIARWOOD RESTYLE FOCUSES ON ENERGY AREAS

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Grant Romancia.

Designer decorator Chantelle of Funktional Space and homeowner Sheila have developed a great rapport since restyling the second-story bedrooms and baths in Sheila’s 2,600 square foot home. When Sheila knew she bumped her head on the ceiling of her decorating capabilities and met Chantelle Butterfield, she felt she found a decorator she could relate to.

After helping to breathe new life into the children’s bedrooms and bath, Chantelle created a serene and airy master bedroom and ensuite spaces. Sheila and husband Brent were so thrilled with the

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results that they asked her to move on into the more active, high traffic areas of their home.

“I love working with Sheila,” laughs Chantelle.

“I understand her tastes and what she’ll love.

Now she simply sends me out to shop as we tackle the next phase of her restyling. She tells me, ‘I’ll just slow you down!’” Chantelle grins. For a busy professional couple, Chantelle is a godsend.

A house is divided into three areas: private, semi-private and public, Chantelle explains.

The first phase involved the private: her children’s bedrooms/bath, and the master bedroom/ensuite. On now to the public face and the areas that make the first impression on visitors. The rich reds, smoky charcoals and white will complement the maple flooring in living/dining rooms, mudroom/laundry, and the kitchen to make these areas pop.

Chantelle says sometimes refreshing one area of the home leads into the next.

“It’s sometimes a bit like putting on a new top with an old pair of jeans. Suddenly

PRIVATE SERENITY TO HIGHER TRAFFIC SPACES

Living room area before restyling.

the jeans look out of style. When you get new jeans, then the shoes look kind of ratty!”

It was Sheila’s intention to have someone consult on the whole house. When she saw how beautiful the upper level was, she knew Chantelle was the right decorator. Sheila says there was a momentum to the refresh project, but there was never any pressure to do more than she was comfortable doing.

“I found the more Chantelle fixed up the parts of my house I wasn’t crazy about or had specifically asked for her assistance with,” she explains, “the more I wanted her to keep going so I’d feel as good about our entire space as I felt about the areas she had already done.”

As a professional decorator and designer, Chantelle suggests an initial sit-down to do a long-term plan. A wider view will help ensure spaces will look pulled together and

purposeful rather than thrown together in a confusing collection of stuff and combination of styles.

“During an initial consultation, we come up with a shopping list,” Chantelle explains. “You don’t want to overwhelm or underwhelm your spaces. I can see scale very quickly. I write down the sizes for people so they know what to think about, what will work where and why.”

Having that initial work plan is something Sheila appreciated as the pair worked through the look and feel of each space.

Chantelle creates an overall plan and it all flows, Sheila says.

“She knew this was a big job, but wasn’t intimidated by it, although I certainly was!” she laughs. “We didn’t get halfway through it and simply stop because it was time to move on to the next project.”

The inspiration to think about all the spaces in her home came from the results Sheila was seeing as the project progressed. “For me, there was no stopping once we started and the parts Chantelle had worked on were so beautiful. I knew I would never get the results she does so we just kept on going, but she absolutely lets you move at your own pace.”

Chantelle recommends buying “the bones” first—the larger pieces, the furniture. Make sure they’re neutral—white, black, cream, grey, light brown, beige, ivory. “Don’t get caught with expensive pieces that don’t go with anything and you can’t get rid of,” Chantelle advises. “Add colour with inexpensive pillows, a throw, the fluff and baubles. Go back to that basic, classic Chanel suit. Get that right and you can dress up in different ways and changes will be inexpensive.”

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PRIVATE SERENITY TO HIGHER TRAFFIC SPACES Recent shopping expeditions on Sheila’s behalf have sourced out vases, an area rug, pillows, fabric to recover dining and kitchen chairs and stools, and accessories to add rich colours and an elegant feel to the spaces. Custom Venetian paintings, created by LeeAnn at Urban Wall, are striking and incorporate the rich red of the dining room draperies.

Then there are the draperies. What to do with a two-storey, 17-foot bank of vertical windows—each set of windows is six feet— to ensure privacy, but also an open and well-lit entry to the home?

“We needed the option of privacy at certain times,” insisted Chantelle, “and it occurred to me that movie theatres have motorized curtains. Why couldn’t we do that? We found Dianne at Custom Drapery Shoppe and she made it work.”

“Oh, the draperies!” says Sheila. “Ah, yes, the initial consultation that led to everything else. The drapes Custom Drapery Shoppe installed based on Chantelle’s design just make the living and dining room! They absolutely changed those spaces.”

The drapes themselves are sheer, smoky charcoal organza with panels of a subtle grey that allows light through. But a small,

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discreet, motorized unit draws the privacy blackout blinds on the two levels.

Sheila admits finding Funktional Space was like lifting a weight off her non-decorator shoulders.

“The best part of what Chantelle has done is that I didn’t have to do it!” she grins. “I don’t have to worry that she isn’t conscious of maintaining a reasonable cost or that she was picking things she liked and then convincing me to like them. She has an uncanny ability to know our tastes and what works.”

Chantelle Butterfield Funktional Space Ph: (306) 227-3008 www.funktionalspace.com

We Wish You Happy Holidays from all of us here at

DDD+ Construction Ltd. Carmen & Vickie • Paul & Erin • Rory Shawn & Tracy • Thomas • Katie Jessica • Rudi • Jamie • Luke

You’re Only Ten Minutes From Home!

529 Antler Cres, Warman Features: CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING, VAC. BLT IN/ATT, VAC POWER NOZZLE, GARAGE DOOR OPENER/CONTROL(S), DISHWASHER (BI), SUMP PUMP Inclusions: MICROWAVE, DISHWASHER Outdoor Area: DECK Tons of upgrades and extras included in this new construction on this 1361 sq ft raised bungalow with a view of the golf course in Warman. This new home on a large lot features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and main floor laundry.

The master bedroom has a large walk in closet as well as his and hers sinks in the ensuite. Both bathrooms have in floor heat. Hardwood, tile, and carpet flooring throughout the home. Slate tile entryway. The large kitchen has pewter stained maple cabinets, granite countertops, under cabinet lighting, black graphite sink, slate backsplash, and a corner pantry.

The 9’ basement is partially developed with a 28’ x 18’ family room and has oversized windows for extra sunlight. The basement is built with steel beam construction and an ICF foundation.

Additional upgrades include a finished concrete driveway, central air conditioning, central vacuum, a 12’ x 20’ rear deck with aluminum railings, and upgraded trim and door package.

Stainless steel microwave and dishwasher included. New home warranty included.

MLS Listed by Margaret Baker with Century 21 Conexus Realty Ltd 341-1021.

FineLifestyles DDD Construction Ltd | 630 Wollaston Bay | 955-3310 | www.ddd-construction.ca

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Ridge Crest Developments: Your First And Last Call For Home Renovations

By Ian Goodwillie. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

Everyone is always on the lookout for a contractor who is trustworthy, reliable, and reputable, not to mention good at what they do. But when it comes right down to it, all we can go on are references from people we know who have found somebody they trust and no one has better references than Ridge Crest Developments.

In business since 2001, Ron Rhode started Ridge Crest, a Saskatoon-based remodeling company, after being in the construction

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industry for a number of years. He had a vision of starting up a home remodeling and construction company that specialized in doing premium work, no matter the size of the job.

Making A House A Home Unless you custom build a house yourself, it is virtually impossible to find the perfect house ready and waiting. The search is often long and difficult, but when you find

MAKING A HOUSE A HOME that special house that has the right feel to it, you do not want to leave it behind when life changes come along.

The primary goal of Ron Rhode and Ridge Crest Developments is not only to make that transformation happen but to make it as smooth and seamless as possible. From bathroom jobs to full home makeovers, the members of team Ridge Crest are general contractors who specialize in personalizing your space.

The focus of Ridge Crest Development is on taking an existing space and redefining it or adding square footage as required to suit the home owner’s needs. Older character homes present special challenges and the professional tradespeople Ron works with are always up for those challenges.

For Ron, it is always about making someone fall in love with a space all over again, no matter the size of the job.

Reinventing A Space Thanks to the proliferation of home improvement television shows, magazines and websites, clients are better informed than ever. And thanks to that proliferation of information, people who come to Ron and Ridge Crest Developments often have a good design already in mind.

In those cases where someone does not have a design in mind, Ridge Crest offers full design services to all of their clients.

Even if they are only putting the finishing touches on your designs, Ridge Crest’s expertise is absolutely invaluable to any job.

Their help in the planning stages ensures that the end result is nothing short of perfect, that it is exactly what you envisioned.

One such project is a 1920s character home Ron and his team is currently working on.

They took a house in need of upgrading and gave it a huge overhaul. This included some functional changes such as replacing the existing boiler with a new energy efficient model, replacing all the windows and doors

with energy efficient units, removing the old stucco, adding rigid insulation and new maintenance free siding as well as stone to the front of the home, a change that is still underway.

This remodel process also included a number of aesthetic changes. A wall was removed between the kitchen and dining room to create an open feel. New kitchen design and cabinets with granite counter tops made the space functional and appealing.

The highlight of these upgrades is the office/ solarium. An office with all new fixtures includes a gas fireplace and a loft area with a gas stove. The accent piece is a glass roof covering the main and second story that floods the room with natural light.

The overall transformation of the home is an excellent example of the quality of work Ridge Crest is known for with the office/ solarium being nothing short of a signature piece of work for the company.

Transition Is Rewarding Job one at Ridge Crest Developments is customer service, plain and simple. Ron Rhode and his team never take on more work than they can handle. This means that no matter what the job, Ridge Crest is on site and getting that job done. A new job is never an excuse to walk away from a current one.

But it is not just the Ridge Crest team on site. It is a point of pride for Ron personally that he is on each job site, making sure that all aspects of the renovation are up to his high standards.

Ron understands that a lot of people do not realize the options available to them in their existing space simply because it is not functional. It is surprising how much can be done to transform a space by removing a wall or two. His greatest satisfaction on a job is knowing that the transition of a space is fulfilling someone’s dream. The reward is hearing from former clients after a job is

Ron Rhode

complete who have fallen in love with their house all over again, thanks to the Ridge Crest transformation.

Future Company Renos…

For Ron and Ridge Crest, the plan for developing the company is simple; maintain the high standard of quality and service for every project. They are the best at the services they offer and always want to be able to offer the personal level of customer service that has made them a success.

Ridge Crest Developments is a member of the Home Builders Association, Reno Guide and the Better Business Bureau.

Ridge Crest Developments 306.230.1999 www.ridgecrestdevelopments.ca

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Realty Executives Saskatoon give “Tag, you’re it!” a whole new dimension

By Lissa Robinson. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

Realty Executives Saskatoon is launching its new Tag program that incorporates unique graphic codes into their marketing materials such as property signs, print advertisements and brochures. If you don’t know what Tag technology is then get online and check it out. It’s smart. It’s cool. It’s go now!

erty listing information or e-registration forms. Can it get any simpler? For Realty Executives Saskatoon, a service like this is not only a smart sales tool, but one of the many unique ways that distinguishes them from other real estate brokerages in Saskatoon.

Tag technology allows consumers to react and respond immediately by scanning a unique code using their smartphone. For individuals who are interested in buying property, all they have to do is scan the Tag and the phone’s browser will drive them to a unique landing page. Once there they can view content such as virtual tours, prop-

In conjunction with the unveiling of their newest sales tool is the launch of a new website that has a direct feed to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and is updated hourly. With approximately 75 per cent of consumers doing their searches for real estate online, Realty’s new website is a onestop shop where interested browsers can

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have fast and easy access to new listings, a directory of executives, updated list of open houses and other information about the company and its services.

Broker/Owner Wayne Zuk has been a key player and witness to Realty Executives’ innovative approach to real estate and its phenomenal growth. With an adaptive business model that is executive-centric rather than top down, the brokerage firm is constantly evolving in its approach to real estate, incorporating the newest software, Internet, mobile, and communications technology in its day-to-day business practices. Realty Executives delivers its services

REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES EMBRACE NEW TECHNOLOGY

through a network of 68 executives—rather than agents—who are committed to delivering outstanding professional service to clients in and around Saskatoon.

What’s so compelling about this model is that it values the individual agent as central to the organization’s success rather than a model driven from the top down.

The centric model allows the agent to be independent while having access to the tools and services of the brand (i.e. marketing materials, software, training). Unique to the company is a year-long training program which is the foundation of the growth of new executives in Saskatoon and is

widely recognized as the premier real estate training program of its kind in the Province The local affiliation with the Realty Executives name dates back to 1995, when it was decided to take Ashford Realty, one of Saskatoon’s leading independent Real Estate companies, international. This association took a local company long recognized as a deliverer of quality real estate services and melded it with an international franchise committed to professionalism and leadingedge technology. The Realty Executive franchise first drew attention in 1965 with its founder Dale Rector who is the originator of the 100 per cent commission concept.

Since those dramatic beginnings in Phoenix, Arizona 45 years ago, the company has become one of the fastest growing franchises in the industry and now boasts offices in over twenty countries around the world.

What has fuelled Realty Executive’s success? In a word: people. At the heart of the company is the idea that real estate is really a people business. If an executive focuses on servicing her clients well, the property becomes a by-product of that professional relationship. This philosophy of people serving people is key to the company’s success and substantial growth because it makes the real estate process enjoyable,

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productive and successful for both parties involved. For Zuk, the brokerage is “a conduit of information that ensures that the clients are in a position to make the best and most informed decisions about buying or selling their properties.”

The company’s executive-centric model is delivered successfully with a team that supports all aspects of the company’s operations and growth. This team includes a Training Manager and Coach, Sales Manager, Office Manager, Communications Department, Conveyance Department and an IT expert. From here, the company branches out through all 68 of its independent real estate agents to serve the community.

Although Zuk has many years of experience as an agent under his belt, he now focuses entirely on recruiting and providing education and coaching for all the executives. The training and education program is at the root of the brokerage’s substantial growth in Saskatoon. The fact that the local affiliate has retained agents for up to 30 years speaks volumes about the quality of their operations and what they are able to deliver.

The company’s commitment to using the latest technology, 100 per cent commission and providing education to a younger generation of agents brings a highly professional, positive and ever-evolving dynamic to the company.

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In addition to its superb services offered to clients in Saskatoon, Realty Executives is also very committed to serving Saskatoon by participating in several communitybuilding programs aimed at giving back to the community. Whether it’s supporting the HUSKIE Athletic Programs, or partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Care and Share Program and Meewasin Valley Authority, the team at Realty Executives Saskatoon is dedicated to giving valuable hours and dollars in donations through the work of our organization and devoted individuals.

For more information about Realty Executives Saskatoon please visit their website at www.rexsaskatoon.com or visit their office at: Realty Executives Saskatoon 3032 Louise Street Saskatoon, SK S7J 3L8 ph: 306.373.7520 fax: 306.955.6235

TAG, YOU’RE IT! Go to http://gettag.mobi on your Smartphone and download this free app to get started...

EXPERTADVICE on Homes Following a Build Through the Stages with Peter Bue, Pegasus Homes Building a home you’ll love living in and sharing with family and friends is something you need to think a lot about before contacting a contractor. Coming up with a clear vision of what you want will help tremendously when it comes to building, which is exactly what Bernie and Linda Laroque did before getting in touch with us at Pegasus Homes.

We’re following the construction of their two-storey home in Willowgrove over the next couple of issues, getting their thoughts as their home unfolds so you can better understand how the process works and what you should consider when building a house.

The first and most important step is thinking about the big picture. Before you get distracted by details, visit show homes, look at different plans and think about the style of house you want. Consider what is important to you, whether that means having a two-storey home with exotic finishes or an energy-efficient bungalow with smart wiring. Once you’ve done that, you can set a budget that works for your situation.

Knowing how much you can afford to spend is the key to developing a realistic plan. If you require financing, avoid frustration and save yourself time by getting your lender involved as early as possible.

Perhaps the most significant way to avoid stress during the process is to find a reputable builder you trust and feel comfortable working with. You should talk to more than one builder and always check their references. Because they’ll be working for you on an extremely important project, they should be interviewed as thoroughly as anyone else applying for a job. Find out

whether they’re open to building custom plans and see how flexible they’ll be with making changes to plans as construction progresses. Inquire about restrictions to the available finish selections and find out if they’ll provide you with preliminary budgets as your home plans evolve, because while there are always budget constraints, you should never be constrained by a builder’s unwillingness to build your home your way.

Most importantly, decide if you can work with the builder for a long period of potentially stressful time. Make sure they are Energy Star certified and find out if they belong to the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association and a home warranty program. Your builder should provide you with a preliminary estimate based on your descriptions and plans; if it’s reasonably close to your budget, your designer will transform your ideas and sketches into a preliminary floor plan and front elevation.

Careful, room-by-room evaluation of these plans allows you to consider and request revisions until the plan matches your vision and budget.

The design process should never be rushed, so sleep on ideas, use the builder and designer as resources for new or different ideas and make sure you love your plan— even if that means starting over. It may lead to extra drafting and design costs, but building a plan you don’t like is futile and frustrating and your satisfaction with the home will not get better as construction proceeds.

Dream Home Becomes A Reality Bernie and Linda Laroque were wellprepared when they contacted Peter.

The idea of their dream home was in the back of their minds, and last May, they contacted Pegasus Homes to turn that dream into reality. “We contacted Peter because of the lot location. The secondary reason was the instant rapport we had with him;” Linda says.

“There were definitely other lots available, but the number one thing was trusting the builder; if you don’t have that sense of trust, it’s not going to work well and can be stressful. But for us, it’s been very positive.”

After meeting with their banker and visiting a number of show homes, the Laroques invested time working on house plans with Cadvantage and on a final budget with Peter. The designer offered suggestions the couple hadn’t even considered. Together, they worked out a plan that incorporated the Laroques’s desired features—a heated garage, a bonus room with a fireplace, a feature staircase, additional square-footage—and it was still more than two per cent lower than their planned budget.

“It came in under what Peter’s original ballpark was with the preliminary plans,” says Linda. “That’s with hardwood, tile and granite, so we were very pleased.”

Pegasus Homes 306.230.3004 | pegasushomes@sasktel.net

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The Royal Family Treatment

By Sheena Koops.

High above Cathedral Bluff, Leo Morrison of Sutton Realty takes in the South Saskatchewan River as it streams through the heart of snowy Saskatoon. At his back is a 7,000 square-foot mansion which his company, Leo Morrison and Associates, lists at a cool-as-ice $2.7 million. “The house has everything you can imagine, including a nanny’s quarters and fully landscaped yard; you can see why we call it the ‘Castle on the River’,” Morrison says.

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Morrison hasn’t always been selling castles.

He says: “I was born and raised on the farm in St. Isidore de Bellevue, a Saskatchewan Francophone community. I worked for the neighbours; worked on our farm. I really enjoyed working with people.” With his farm-boy work ethic and people smarts, Morrison bought his first house at 18. “I was my first client,” he says. “And now, here we are.” That was 24 years ago, in 1987. He says: “I’m happy to say that I have

maintained the same clients I’ve had since day one, and 95 per cent of my current clients are either repeats or referrals.” He adds: “There’s no trick in the game, you just have to enjoy helping people out.”

Morrison has always managed his “family list” to ensure he and his team facilitates real estate portfolios as they would care for their own families’. Micheal and Kristen wrote: “We were so impressed with the services of Corinne and all the staff at Leo Morrison and Associates. Even though it was our first home with a smaller price tag, they treated us as if it was a million dollar transaction. Corinne was so accommodating, explained everything, and put us totally at ease during this big step in our lives. We will definitely be back when we move up into our next home.”

A house is most often the greatest family investment, Morrison says. “We are looking after our clients’ best interest, giving advice, guidance and facilitating every real estate transaction. We try not to complicate things, but simplify things.” Morrison and Associates believe in follow-up. He says: “Once they move in, our deal is not over. We check in on the day after the move, then seven days, then in a month, and hopefully we stay connected forever. There’s always something, like a missing latch, so we go and get one.”

Lisa and Dean write: “Leo and Associates were referred to us through a mutual friend who told us we would not be disappointed and we could not have been happier to be in touch with this office. For those who do not know much about real estate, like ourselves,

these are the people you need to look for.

They will help you with all of your questions, instill confidence in your purchase, and make the process very smooth.”

Morrison is quick to emphasize that he doesn’t take care of everything himself; he has a team. Corinne Lokinger is Saskatoon’s first buyer’s agent. She works exclusively on the buyer’s behalf to protect their best interests. Leo, who is also fully bilingual, is the listing agent. He explains: “The listing agent and buyer’s agent are two very different jobs. Real estate focuses on looking after clients with due diligence. I look after the vendor’s best interest, and Corinne looks after the buyer’s needs. For us and our clients, it works very well.” He adds: “We’ve also hired another person in the office to take care of client care. When

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I’m moving on to a new client, she’s doing follow-up with the last client.” As well, Justin Morrison, the new kid on the block and also fully bilingual, brings enthusiasm and energy to the team.

Leo Morrison and Associates employ a team philosophy of keeping things simple and taking care of their people. Morrison takes this challenge seriously and eight years ago hired a business coach from Vancouver. He credits his coach with helping him stay on top of his performance, physically and mentally, as well as making innovations, like hiring Corinne as a buyer’s agent and learning to differentiate between customers and clients. He says: “A customer is anyone who walks in, but a client is someone we are in relationship with.”

Morrison also stays current, going as far as San Francisco to a real estate school and sitting in sessions with Donald Trump, Anthony Robbins, and even Dr. Phil.

Morrison says, “It’s about fresh ideas.”

Case and point: He has recently begun working with the Immigration Department, helping Hong Kong clients invest in Saskatoon.

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Leo Morrison is not afraid to think outside of the box. Ten years ago he bought a Super Duty One Tonne Cube Van for his clients.

He says: “That truck is being very well used.

I’ve never even driven it because it’s always being used. And once they’re a client, they can always use it… for free.

“It’s the many things—like a courtesy moving van—that make clients feel like family,” Morrison says. “The bottom line is we want to make our clients happy. The client is number one.” And whether that client is a first time home owner or a king in a castle, the folks at Morrison and Associates treat everyone as part of their very own royal family.

Leo Morrison and Associates 1265B 8th Street East 306.651.6155

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306-242-7550

Modern Country Interiors

By Penny McKinlay. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

If you’re looking for furniture or accessories for your home, be sure to visit Modern Country Interiors at 810 Broadway Avenue.

Modern Country is a locally-owned business that offers personal service, solid construction and a wide range of design options. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, or if you’re not sure what you want, the store’s interior decorators can help you out.

Family-Owned Business The Shockey family started an antique dealership on Vancouver Island 30 years

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ago. They started replicating some of the antique furniture and found that the new pieces outsold the old, so they set up a factory to build their own line of furniture.

The furniture, based on Ukrainian, Mennonite and Shaker styles, has a really clean line that works well with modern design. The pieces are all solid wood with dovetail joints and face-frame cabinet construction.

There are now four stores in Saskatoon, Duncan, Calgary and Kelowna. Dave and Heidi Shockey, who grew up in Saskatoon,

opened the Saskatoon location six years ago. The factory and the other stores are operated by two of Dave Shockey’s cousins.

The upholstered pieces are purchased from other small family businesses across Canada. “Nearly all the furniture can be customized,” says Dave. “You can choose a different wood; a different fabric or leather; or a sectional instead of a sofa.”

In-Home Consultations Modern Country’s interior decorators can help you design a specific piece of furniture

CLEAN LINES AND MODERN DESIGNS

or advise you on colours and furniture placement in a specific area of your house.

They will help you customize the kitchen island with a spice rack or a sliding drawer for pots and pans, or design a flat-screen entertainment unit that will complement your living room.

Christine and Cristle will sit down with you at home to understand your needs. Once you’ve designed a piece, they liaise with the factory to come up with the perfect furniture for your family and your home. And the cost of the consultation is put toward the price of any furniture you purchase from the store.

“I love the people I work with,” says Christine.

“Custom orders are a long process and we get lots of repeat customers, so we can build a relationship and become friends.”

Wealth Of Accessories The 6,000 square foot store showcases a large assortment of accessories from bed linens to rugs to vases. You can browse through the catalogues and fabric samples

for even more options. A Saskatoon woman provides the store with custom-designed cushions.

Pandora Jewellery Modern Country’s focus on customizable furniture is now matched by a full range of customizable jewellery by PANDORA. You can build your own bracelet by choosing one of the many bracelet styles and adding glass beads, gems and detailed silver and gold charms. The beads are held in place by a unique clasping system, so you can add to it or redesign it to suit your mood.

want to be on any other street in the city,” says Dave. Art by local artists is proudly displayed, and there is a range of CDs by local musicians.

Modern Country is proudly local and proudly Canadian. And they believe in helping you to design and customize the perfect piece for your home. Be sure to drop by and visit.

810 Broadway Avenue 306.382.2373 www.moderncountryinteriors.com

“Modern Country is proud to offer a wide selection of PANDORA’s traditional charm bracelets,” says Dave. “We have recently expanded our collection to include PANDORA rings, necklaces and customizable earrings.”

Proudly Local The staff of Modern Country love their Broadway Avenue location. “We wouldn’t

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TMG Mortgage Group Prairies, Inc. Experts in your best interest

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Lisa Landrie.

Comparison shopping is a familiar concept to most people, whether you’re financing a home or commercial property, or leasing equipment. This is a major investment that requires the knowledge of a professional to provide you with good financial advice.

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Mortgage brokers study all the banks’ products and offer their clients the best possible option. That’s what Lori Emde is all about.

Her company, TMG The Mortgage Group, does your research for you and matches you with the best lender offering what you

need. Getting the right mortgage can, she says, save you thousands in interest.

Lori has worked in the banking industry since 1989. She discovered that making her customers happy by helping to get a

EXPERTS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST

mortgage approved was her niche in the banking industry. But she “really struggled” about the restrictions to sell only that bank’s products.

“I knew there were other options,” she explains, “and when I worked out the math to compare a mortgage of $200,000, for example, at the posted bank interest rate, to that of a broker’s interest rate, it was 1.5 per cent lower for the same mortgage with the same payments,” she says. “That means, in five years alone, the client would save almost $20,000 in interest and shave up to 10 years off the life of the mortgage. I wanted to work in the best interest of my clients and knowing these savings were available, it was an easy decision.”

“The banks are important lenders in the financial spectrum,” Lori adds, “but as an independent broker, I pass on the savings to the consumer.” Banks are a business and are accountable to their shareholders to make a profit. A mortgage broker does not cost the banks anything as a broker pays for their own expenses like infrastructure and phone lines. The borrower gets the lowest interest rate. The broker receives a commission from the lender and the lender gets the mortgage. So, she adds, it’s a winwin arrangement for everyone.

“One of the most common ways that a bank makes a profit on a mortgage is at the time of renewal. We have noticed that some banks will issue their renewal documents based on a posted interest rate emphasizing what the new payment will be. Many mortgage holders will concentrate on the new payment rather than on interest rate.

Before you check mark the renewal box, check with us first,” Lori advises.

TMG brokers in Saskatoon pool their mortgages and fund hundreds of millions in mortgage money to the banks. “Lenders are eager to have our mortgages placed with them,” Lori says, “so they often offer our

company a lower interest rate which would not normally be offered even to other mortgage broker companies here.”

TMG The Mortgage Group Canada is one of Canada’s largest privately owned mortgage providers. Lori was impressed with their reputation for excellence and integrity.

After 15 years in the banking industry, Lori started TMG Prairies with business partner Bud Jorgenson, incorporating in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in 2005 as TMG expanded into the prairies. She was the only broker in the beginning and now there are over 100 brokers in the two provinces with an annual mortgage volume of over half a billion dollars. In 2007, TMG purchased, renovated and opened the Queen Street office. A top-to-bottom refurbish maintained the homey feel of the 1914-era character home-cum-office while providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

In addition to helping people find the best possible interest rates, Lori says her company also offers solutions to people who are struggling with bad debt, who may have “impaired credit” and can’t qualify for a loan from their bank. “We understand that sometimes bad things happen to good people,” Lori explains. “We want people to

know that we will explore every possible angle to find assistance.” TMG doesn’t just use local banks, but can go anywhere in Canada to find an alternative.

“We’ve been the best kept secret,” she smiles. “We’ve gone from a small segment to domination in the market as people find

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EXPERTS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST

value in what we can offer them. Gone are the days of 23 per cent interest rates; we’re down to three and four per cent, so home ownership is very possible,” she says. “You just have to know who to ask and we’re just one question away.”

TMG partner, Bud Jorgenson, hires and mentors new brokers who join the company.

No other brokerage house offers one-onone training to brokers to ensure they receive the Accredited Mortgage Profession (AMP) designation. “There’s a huge learning curve in this business and knowing that you have a helping hand will put you on the road to success,” Lori says. Jorgenson provides local mentoring and also travels between Saskatchewan and Manitoba for TMG’s out of town brokers. He is always open for discussion to those who may be interested in getting into this business.

“Whether you are looking for the best rate on a mortgage, lease or just advice on how your financial picture could be better, please call us for your free consultation,” Lori invites. “This is a no-hassle environment.

Come on in, come sit down. We are your national neighborhood mortgage company.

The coffee is always on.”

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TMG offers: •A dvice on how to buy a home with no money down •A dvice on how to repair impaired credit •D ebt consolidation scenarios, how to reduce payments or shorten the amortization •T ips on building a home and financing with a progress draw mortgage • L easing: anything from office equipment to a quonset to an airplane • Commercial financing • Online applications or in-office meetings, same day pre-approvals and rate holds • Professional work environment • Accessible on our cell phones seven days a week.

Lori Emde TMG Mortgage Group Prairies 506 Queen Street Saskatoon Ph: (306) 477-3987 www.loriemde.com

Trust the difference Oaksmith quality makes

By G.H. Lewmer. Photos by Grant Romancia Quality must never be underestimated. In a day and age when most furniture is poorlybuilt, of cheap quality, and designed to fall apart, why would anyone want to compromise on such an important purchase for your office or home? Oaksmith Interiors understands how important quality is to you and that’s why they’re one of the leaders in offering quality-driven, Canadian-made solid wood furniture throughout western Canada for over 25 years and here in Saskatoon for over 15 years.

Located at 819-2nd Avenue North, Oaksmith Interiors offers a comprehensive inventory of artisan-made furniture for every room of your home or office space.

Oaksmith’s knowledgeable and experienced staff can offer a variety of options and models to assist you in choosing the perfect piece to compliment your décor.

With western Canadian quality craftsman suppliers as varied as Sahara Manufacturing, Woodworks Solid Wood Furniture, Purba Custom Furniture and Hotzon Furniture Manufacturing, Oaksmith Interiors

is all about choice and selection. For additional choice and supplier information, just go to the Oaksmith Interiors website and click on links.

Using time-proven techniques like English dovetailed drawer boxes and tongue and groove constructions, you can select from a variety of wood built oak, maple, birch and pine furniture that are quality approved.

Complementing this diverse selection is a choice of various stain colors from natural wood tones to dark modern colors. One can also choose hardware and handles that match your home or office décor or additional options such as decorative glass and lighting. On their sideboards, bedroom furniture and home office furniture they have upgraded, ball bearing-driven, full extension metal drawer glides, which can even be upgraded to no-slam, self-closing drawer glides. When you select a piece from Oaksmith Interiors you’ll be rewarded with furniture that is of the highest standard and that will look great and stand the test of time!

Oaksmith Interiors specializes in a large selection of the new and exciting platform beds with storage drawers and multicoloured, Parson leather chairs. Creating trends as opposed to following them, Oaksmith Interiors remains committed to offering you true craft in precision to ensure beauty and quality that will last for generations.

Hours of operation are from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday (9:00 p.m. on Thursdays).

Oaksmith Interiors 819 - 2nd Avenue North 306.934.1733 www.oaksmithsaskatoon.com

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Building Portfolios: Are Your Retirement Investments At Risk?

By Darryl J. Yasinowski cfa, cmt The act of investing is at best complicated.

Add to this process an ever-growing list of investment products, services, new financial markets, securities regulations, tax laws and you have confusion at its greatest! Coupled with extreme economic situations it is no wonder investors do not know what they should do next. For many, the answer lies in seeking advice from someone else to help them make investment decisions, be it an investment advisor, a friend or even the media.

Unfortunately, the past ten years have seen the retirement plans of many investors short of achieving their original investment objectives under a ‘buy-hold’ strategy. The reason; a failure to properly apply conventional theory; specifically Portfolio Management Theory!

Focused on creating an efficient portfolio, the theory attempts to construct a portfolio of securities with the greatest return for a given level of risk. What many do not understand is the theory is based on the individual return and risk expectations of each individual investment and not simply the requirement to have cash, bonds and stocks in a portfolio.

Recently I had the pleasure of being introduced to a new client. Upon reviewing her investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial goals it became apparent how misrepresenting some investment related literature can be. Specially, the terminology associated with certain pension plans, managed portfolios, and mutual funds. This client’s particular pension plan provided her with the choice of selecting from a conservative portfolio, a balanced portfolio or an aggressive portfolio. The primary difference across the available choice of predesigned portfolios was the percentage allocation of her pension that would be invested in bonds (fixed income) versus stocks (equities).

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Ironically, upon a closer look at the portfolio choices it became apparent the naming of the portfolios (for example, ‘conservative’) did not match the potential risk of the portfolio and in most cases it was the complete opposite. The result could yet again see many investors running head first into another major market disruption and many more years of working to make up the losses!

With market interest rates at some of the lowest levels in the past 50 years, bonds and debentures may present some of the greatest price risk since the asset back commercial paper crash of 2007, the income trust meltdown of 2006, and the technology crash in 2000 (remember Nortel?).

The Case Against Mindlessly Holding Bonds and Bond Funds The relationship between bond prices and market interest rates is similar to the effects of a teeter totter in which one end goes down as the other end goes up. In the case of bonds and market interest rates, bond prices will fall as market interest rates increase. A basic law associated with the principles of time value of money. However, the degree of price change in the bond is correspondingly affected by several different factors including the coupon rate, term to maturity, and any special features of the bond.

At a time when economies in both Canada and U.S. have bottomed or are near the bottom already and market interest rates are at some of the lowest levels in the last half century, bond and bond fund investors are likely to experience significant pain as bond prices decline following a continual advance in market interest rates. A pain similar to the one felt when your friend jumped off the teeter totter with you at the top on the other end.

Furthermore, why would you buy a bond or debenture to lock yourself into an interest rate of 3 per cent per year (a rate near alltime historical lows) for the next 10 years when you can earn 1.5 per year through a cash account, yet have the ability to access your money at any time, and not be subject to any price risk?

Finally, it is true there have been rumours of potential deflation in the horizon, but consider this: even during historical periods of deflation, market interest rates did not fall below current levels. In fact, post-deflationary periods have seen market interest rates significantly higher than they are currently.

Conclusion Market interest rates are at historical lows and may present significant price risk to those investing in bonds and bond funds.

Continue to follow the crowd in selecting the ‘conservative’ portfolio within the pension plan, a predesigned managed portfolio offered by large financial institutions, or mutual funds and you are likely to be hurt during the next major potential correction in the bond market. Follow the basics of portfolio management theory as it was originally intended to be used and your retirement portfolio will likely happily surprise you!

The opinions, estimates and projections herein are those of the author and may not reflect that of Mackie Research Capital Corporation (member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund) nor the University of Regina. The information and opinions contained herein have been compiled and derived from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to their accuracy or completeness.

Darryl J. Yasinowski is Vice President & Portfolio Manager with Mackie Research Capital Corporation and Sessional Lecturer, Finance, for the Paul J Hill School of Business at the University of Regina.

Contact: dyasinowski@mackieresearch.com

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EXPERTADVICE on Mortgages Choosing Mortgage Brokers with Corey Klassen and Marla Slater, Dominion Lending The mortgage industry in Canada has changed tremendously in the last few years and it is not by accident that the Mortgage Broker channel now accounts for well over 35 per cent of all mortgages originated in Canada. With more than 1,800 DLC mortgage professionals in over 200 locations across Canada, it’s a trend that continues to grow at a very rapid pace and the every sophisticated Canadian mortgage consumer is reaping the benefits.

When making the most important decision of your life, namely the purchase or refinance of a home, the interest rate you pay is absolutely paramount, but almost equally important is that the person you deal with is educated and professional in securing the proper mortgage and terms that go with that rate.

Corey Klassen, Mortgage Expert Marla Slater, Mortgage Expert

Some simple points to consider: • Your banker represents the retail side of the mortgage industry and your DLC represents the wholesale side. Our objective is to secure the absolute best interest rate commanded on the merits and strengths of our applicants.

• Your banker only has access to their employer’s mortgage products, whereas your very own DLC mortgage broker is an accomplished advisor when it comes to dozens of lenders’ products. And remember, not all lenders have the same guidelines in qualifying mortgage applicants.

•W hile your banker only offers you limited product choice starting at their higher posted rates, you are benefiting from the fact that DLC funds billions of dollars each year to Canada’s foremost and larg-

est mortgage lenders and brand name schedule “A” banks. As a result, our clients benefit from this volume of business by getting the absolute best rates of the day and products to match every one of their mortgage needs.

Whether you are buying a home or re-writing your existing mortgage because you currently have a higher interest rate, the math is undeniably a key factor. With broker rates as much as 1.9 per cent below the banks’ posted rate, interest savings could equate to thousands of dollars over the term of the mortgage. Even if you are in a higher fixed mortgage term at your current lender, it may make sense to refinance now with today’s interest rates at all time lows.

If breaking your term prematurely doesn’t make sense at this time, your Broker can establish rate holds for up to 6 months.

250–1820 8th St. E | 306.612.BEST (2378) | cklassen@dominionlending.ca 200–227 Primrose Drive | 306.261.0858 | mslater@dominionlending.ca

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EXPERTADVICE on Home Selling What Sellers Should Know About Selling In This Market With Ron Baliski Real estate in Saskatoon is varied: commercial, residential (including single new and existing), condominiums, apartments and townhouses. Historically, Saskatoon is divided east and west, depending on which side of the river you reside.

There are many choices of housing styles and prices vary according to the style, physical location and amenities. The past number of years the City of Saskatoon has serviced and released more land and developers have been quick to buy lots and build either spec homes or custom-designed homes to suit the buyer. To date this year, contractors have built 40 per cent more houses (permits taken). This has dramatically affected the resale market and gives the consumer many more options. Many buyers do not want to do renovations and turn to new houses for their housing needs.

There are approximately 1,300 listings on the resale market and this has affected the sale time and pricing.

How much your house is worth depends on supply and demand. Key factors as well in making this determination are location, square footage, housing style, interior/ exterior features, access to services/ amenities, but are only a few of the considerations. A Realtor® is in the best position to assist with pricing and marketing your home, as market conditions are ever changing. Many home owners think their home is worth more than it is and a Realtor® is in the best position to price your home accurately and have the resources and market

Clark Dziadyk Ron Baliski Reagan Baliski 218 FineLifestyles SASKATOON

knowledge to assist you in making one of the most important decisions that you will undertake.

If you are unable to sell your home, there are various reasons for this. Some of the main reasons for a home not selling are: the pricing, need to declutter, pet odour, location, having unique features such as the house plan itself, a swimming pool (out of season). These are but a few of the more obvious factors. A Realtor® can pinpoint the property value, market conditions and timing.

If you don’t get a showing per week, then the price may be off. If on the other hand, 50 plus people come through in a month and no offer is brought to the table, then other factors may come into play. The reasons are varied (some of these are covered in the context of establishing the pricing on your home). Some other reasons may be the flooring needing replacement, strong or vibrant colors, housekeeping, dated cabinets/fixtures. This is another area wherein your Realtor® will obtain feedback on viewings so that you are informed as to what the potential buyers’ thoughts are on your property, compared to other properties they are looking at.

the less attractive it is to potential buyers and the seller has less bargaining power.

Your options may be to withdraw the house from the market and wait until conditions improve or rent the property out for a period of time. Again, your Realtor® can assist you in weighing out the pros and cons of either of these options.

At the present time there is a very good housing selection for buyers and very attractive mortgage rates, in some cases less than 2.5 per cent (for a variable mortgage or a one year term).

Talk with a Realtor® for professional advice and guidance tailored to your personal needs.

Any way you look at the situation, the issue is current market conditions or pricing.

If you don’t want to change the price, you may have to give people more for the money or make changes to your home.

The longer your home is on the market,

(306) 227-2036 | www.homesbycd.com | clarkdziadyk@shaw.ca (306) 221-0421 | www.teambaliski.com | ronbaliskirealty@sasktel.net (306) 290-7377 | www.homesbyrb.com | reagan.baliski@sasktel.net

Your home has unique lighting and decor that cannot be duplicated in a showroom.

Invite us to your home and we can provide wonderful opportunities to Enhance your view‌ From the inside

2104A St. George Avenue, Saskatoon phone: 477-1251

220 FineLifestyles SASKATOON

www.prairiedrapery.com

Available at SLGA outlets and select wine specialty stores.

Blended Jive Paint & Décor is Saskatoon’s PARA Paints dealer; a paint boutique that was created to be a trendy, fashionable atmosphere. Blended Jive features PARA Paints and Home Décor accessories. Other services Blended Jive offer are In-Store/ In-Home Colour Consultation, Colour Matching and helping clients with design dilemmas.

PARA Paints is a Canadian based company who proudly manufacture all their paints in Canada. They offer VOC (volatile organic compounds) compliant products that meet the newly revised government standards including a zero VOC paint product, Essence by PARA. As part of their ongoing commitment to be ahead of the curve, PARA Paints launched over 2000 fabulous colours to dress your walls with and has numerous lines of paint products that are built to meet each individuals needs.

A product that stands out in the paint industry today and that is well liked by designers & homeowners is PARA’s Elite line, available in two finishes. The Elite Suede Designer Finish is a 100% acrylic latex formula that performs like a semigloss, but with a matte finish. This product is gloss-free, washable, durable and stain resistant which makes it ideal for any room in the home or business. The Elite Ceramic Eggshell Finish is a 100% acrylic latex formula. This product has ceramic microsphere technology that is durable, high hiding, scrubbable and stain resistant making it ideal for walls, doors and trim.

To make colour selection easier, PARA Paints has developed a unique way for your walls to try on colour(s). The “Samples of Style” is a non-limiting wet-sampling program.

Samples of Style offers perfectly petit quart sized paint samples custom tinted to any colour in PARA’s colour system. Samples of Style quarts come in a flat finish which can be used for either interior or exterior projects and includes a $5 off coupon towards the purchase of a gallon of PARA Paints. PARA is making it fun and easy by putting colour choice and painting pleasure back in the hands of the consumer.

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Recently, PARA Paints has struck a deal for a specialty palette with designer and TV personality Sarah Richardson. The Sarah Richardson Designer Palette consists of 75 colours and some of these colours can be seen on the current show “Sarah’s House” which airs on HGTV. The colours will be available soon.

At Blended Jive we recognize that wall coverings (wallpaper) has made a comeback with more bold and geometric patterns that particularly suit smaller spaces such as bathrooms or feature walls. The current hottest trends are Blacks, Whites & Grays accessorized with a punchy colour resembling a “taxi” yellow, a “fire engine” red or a “slimy swamp” green. Another type of wall covering that has become very popular is the “Wall Tattoos.” These are unique in the sense of easy application of peel and stick which are reusable. The Wall Tattoos come in various shapes, designs and colours.

In 2010, we saw the trend moving toward consumers choosing vibrant punchy colours to reflect their quest for a brighter future. Colourful hues such as deep reds and rich purples, vivid blues, spicy burnt oranges, and unstoppable greens. Captivating these vocal colours by mixing them with pastel shades or sophisticated dark tones, next to complementing them with neutrals; this helps to make a room look striking and elegant. Neutrals include blacks, browns and grays to motivate and make a statement and add a touch of luxury to a space.

Let the paint colour names intrigue you to express yourself. Take that favorite “sweater” or “pair of pumps” and throw it on the wall. Remember painting is inexpensive and the most effective way to make the largest impact/change in a space and most rewarding. Being fashionable doesn’t have to be costly when choosing quality PARA Paints product.

Blended Jive #3 – 2210 Millar Ave. 306.384.5483 www.blendedjive.ca

LastingImpression

Norm Wallace: Roots of a Renegade Excerpted from Birth of a Boom: Lives & Legacies of Saskatchewan Entrepreneurs (2009) by Suzanne Paschall (Saskatoon: Prairie Policy Centre).

As a 19-year-old immigrant from Tipperary County, Ireland in 1957, Norman Wallace landed in Vancouver looking for what he and his pals had been promised by the Canadian government–work aplenty. But what they found was just the opposite, especially for anyone tagged with the label “immigrant.”

One Sunday, after searching endlessly the previous week for a job—any job—he returned to his boarding house room and broke down in tears. The next day, while walking down Denman Street in Stanley Park, he finally saw a sign in front of a bank that said: “Tellers needed.” He went to the head office on Granville Street, sweated through, and passed, a 100-question written test, then the manager asked to see his Grade 12 completion certificate, a requirement for the position.

Having only completed Grade 8, the penniless and hungry Norm desperately searched his mind for a solution. Missing out on this job was not an option.

“I don’t have the certificate with me,” he said.

“Well bring it in and the job is yours,” the manager replied.

Norm returned to his room, thinking he

might be beaten. Then, he remembered something. He rushed back to the bank office with a piece of paper and handed it to the manager. “It’s in Gaelic,” Norm said.

“Let me translate it.” He read off an officialsounding bit of text indicating that he had completed Grade 12.

In actual fact, the beautiful, scrawling calligraphy acknowledged his proficiency in swimming, not school. But the bit of blarney did the trick and Norm Wallace had his first job in Canada. *** This experience, and others like it in the following years, helped shape the young immigrant into one of Saskatchewan’s and Canada’s most colourful, controversial and successful entrepreneurs.

“In those days, it was dead easy to immigrate to Canada,” Norm says. “Not like today.”

After six months at the bank in Vancouver, he heard from a friend that there were jobs selling roofing and siding in Saskatchewan, so he moved to Regina.

Later, he moved to Winnipeg and had a job with National Cash Register (NCR).

But soon he found a challenge that would keep him occupied for a number of years, at Winnipeg Supply and Fuel, who wanted him to manage a branch in Saskatoon. He remained at Winnipeg Supply and Fuel for 15 years, and learned a lot about managing and building products, which set him up for his next step—running his own business.

Now with a wife, Agnes, a public health nurse, and two young sons to support, Norm felt the need to build more than just

ROOTS OF A RENEGADE

an income. He wanted to build a future for his family.

He opened Wallace Construction in 1972 with $100,000 in inventory.

Then, within six months, he opened the Regina branch. “He barely had Saskatoon up and running when he opened Regina,” Wallace controller Dale Boothman says.

“He had lots of ambition.” Norm’s faith in the Regina branch and its staff would be well rewarded in the future, but there was no way to know that at the time. It was the kind of early expansion that has felled more than one business in the start-up stage.

“We risked everything we had,” Norm says.

“It was go-for-broke. Canadians are very comfortable and used to getting supported by their government. That wasn’t our experience growing up in Ireland, so we didn’t expect hand-outs. We just worked.”

The fiery and passionate business owner was embroiled in his first issue (a lawsuit) within six months, but when that was resolved in the company’s favour, he moved on. Within a few years, he’d developed a small but highly capable and loyal staff.

Though tough and opinionated, Norm turned out to be a great boss. “He’s very generous and loyal to his employees,” says Dale, one of his earliest and longest serving employees of 33 years. “There are a number of people who’ve been with him for 20 to 25 years. He lets employees do their own thing. He’s very trusting of people working for him.”

Wallace Construction became known for being a “renegade” in the construction industry by launching new ideas gleaned from international travel and Norm’s constant search for new and better ways to do things.

“We brought steel studs to Saskatchewan,” Norm says. “Boy, that was a tough sell. But now they’re being used.”

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“Steel is cheaper than wood, the walls are straight, it goes up faster, and can be shipped in smaller packages,” he says.

Other innovations included developing an egg-crate like cardboard product (called the Wallace Void Form) that, when fitted between soil and a cement floor, keeps the cement from cracking. The cardboard eventually collapses, leaving the soil six inches lower than the floor, so the cement surface isn’t affected when the soil shifts and settles.

Another innovative product was a blanket for insulating pipes in the cold, northern oil fields, which was inexpensive, lightweight and easy to ship.

Today, Wallace Construction employs 35 people in Saskatoon and Regina; has ex-

port experience in Ukraine, Mexico, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States; and lists annual sales in excess of $20 million. They distribute more than 70 construction product lines in 36 categories for more than 80 suppliers in Canada, the U.S. China, Mexico, Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland and Japan.

“I hope to continue starting many new businesses with young entrepreneurs, and I’d like to help people market patents,” Norm says. “I’ve always loved seeing young people I’ve worked with make successes of their companies and have their children grow up to follow in their footsteps. It’s very rewarding.”

It’s a legacy of creating something from nothing that sits very well with the brash kid from Dublin.

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The Dresser Fashions For Men 608 Duchess Street, Saskatoon 306.222.3095 www.thedresser.ca

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