FineLifestyles Edmonton Vol2 Iss4

FineLifestyles VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 2015

WOMEN OF

ACHIEVEMENT

EDMONTON & AREA

Aradia Fitness R.S.V.P. Design The Extensionist Group Baby J and Elite Jewelry Iron Goddess Kickboxing Inc.

Has Addiction Got Ahold of You?

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If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction and you need help NOW - we are here!

Every hour is important.

Please take action and contact us today.

Leipzig Serenity Retreat 888-519-4445 | 306-658-4767 | Leipzig, SK leipziginfo@sasktel.net | www.leipzigserenityretreat.com

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CONTEMPORARY DESIGN, TIMELESS COMFORT Contact your Loewen Window Centre to see how we can help you realize your vision.

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EDMONTON · SASKATOON · REGINA · SOUTHWEST SK · PARKLAND · WINNIPEG · HALIFAX

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FIRST WORD With Fine Lifestyles editor BRANDI PARNELL

A

fter a slow start to autumn, we look towards a season of decadence adding layers to our bodies and our cakes. This issue is a reminder to follow your heart in a manner that honours both your sanity and aspirations — whatever they may be.

Former Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir once said, “Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”

I urge you to light a fire and sit beneath your favourite blanket as you devour a homemade meal alongside our delicious Women of Achievement feature.

These pages highlight women who push themselves to the limits in their mental capacity, physical goals, business ventures and personal lives. Often, we impress upon you the latest in trends from home decor to dining trends. For now, just sit and be inspired.

Happy season of layers, Edmonton.

Brandi

FineLifestyles EDMONTON & AREA

www.finelifestyles.ca Volume 2 Issue 4 Editor Brandi Parnell brandip@finelifestyles.ca Art Direction Candace Haiko Ghislaine Moffitt Lisa Redden Staff Writers Courtney Tait, Melanie Furlong, Tobie Hainstock, Tonya Lambert, Trina Annand Cover Photography Christophe Benard Photography Photography Christophe Benard Photography, Cory Johnn Photography, Jinsei Photographics, KTB Photography, Ply Photography, Sandy Weatherall, Jinsei Photographics, Justin Grimm, PREP, Raimondi Photography Contributing Writers Brandi Parnell, Henny Buffinga, Tori Stafford Contributing Advertising Consultants Ryschell Dragunov Aaron Cranton Distribution & Subscriptions: kellym@finelifestyles.ca

finemags

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Brice Folden

780.504.0044 bricef@finelifestyles.ca

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Janet Olson

780-863-6562 janeto@finelifestyles.ca

@finemags

FineLifestyles Edmonton is published five times a year by FineLifestyles Canada 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 FineLifestyles Canada Ltd. publications are copyrighted 2015 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to FineLifestyles Edmonton, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of FineLifestyles Canada Ltd. or its writers. The name FineLifestyles Edmonton, 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 FineLifestyles Canada Ltd. or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060 Return undeliverables to: 3440 Balsam Grove; Regina, Saskatchewan; S4V 1H1

Sweating is Sexy – Trū Story The first and only dedicated cycle studio in Edmonton, TrūRide welcomes all ages, fitness and experience levels.

Guided by a simple goal to make fitness fun, owner Dana Rajotte and her team of instructors, TrūLeaders, inspire their clients to BeTrū to themselves.

Stadium seating in the studio ensures every rider has a perfect view of the instructor amid a dimly lit room.

With spa-like amenities in the full-service change rooms such as professionally lit makeup mirrors, luxurious showers, Comfort Zone spa products and signature scented grapefruit Archipelago candles.

TrūRide is an ideal place to stop for a class before work or a night out. By providing the tools to make fitness work for their clients, TrūRide proves there is always time for a healthy lifestyle. Rajotte is so sure guests will love TrūRide that your first TrūRide is always on them.

trūride cycle studio inc. | 780.469.4020 | 3825 99th Street, Edmonton betru@truride.com | truride.com

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60 CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS STYLE...................................................7 HEALTH & WELLNESS...................23 ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT............................ 40

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SPORTS, RECREATION & TRAVEL..........................................46 HOUSE & HOME..............................50 BUSINESS.........................................53

80

WHEELS........................................... 80

FEATURES Scott McGillvray: Maximize Your ROI with New Appliances................................. 50 Women of Achievement...........................60

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HEADQUARTERS:

Experience the Joy!

By Tonya Lambert Photos KTB Photography

H

eadquarters Salon Spa Laser is a place of joy, whether it is the thrilling delight of a flattering new cut and colour or the slow, spreading pleasure of a relaxing massage. From the smiles that greet you when you walk in the door to engaging conversations with your stylist or aesthetician to small kindnesses such as their umbrella service to keep you dry while walking to your car, the owners and staff at Headquarters always go the extra mile to bring joy to your day.

Owners Mark and Lindsay Buhler with the assistance of Salon Coordinator Araby Stephens have created a work culture that is about personal growth and mutual support. At Headquarters, they believe that a happy staff translates to happy customers. They care about their employees and it shows. Donna, a stylist with the salon since 1981, says, “The owners are very supportive and have created a great work environment. It’s a testament to them that so many stylists have been with the company a long time.” Janelle,

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another stylist, agrees. “There is such a good buzz here at Headquarters.”

again for this combination of environment and service.

At Headquarters, clients can immediately sense they are part of something special.

“Headquarters’ staff treats me as a welcomed relative,” explains Patricia.

“From the front desk staff to the stylists, they assure a first-rate experience. Extra effort seems to be the norm. The bar is high for positive attitude and TLC.” Every one of Headquarters’ 53 employees is an expert in their field, regularly undergoing additional training, both locally and internationally, to keep up-to-date on the latest trends. Clients return again and

Headquarters is the perfect place to revive your senses, relax your mind and reawaken your spirit. Offering a comprehensive selection of salon and spa services in a beautifully renovated space, the Headquarters experience is about enhancing your natural beauty.

Their stylists use only the best products, Bumble and bumble and Matrix, to help you achieve your desired look.

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Headquarters is Sherwood Park’s exclusive Bumble and bumble salon

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with their stylists traveling to New York City to train at Bumble and bumble University. Ask your stylist about this amazing product line, particularly their new Full Potential, which helps reduce the shedding and breakage of hair, as well as the new Don’t Blow It for perfect air-dried style and texture.

Indulge in a refreshing respite at Headquarters’ spa, where they recently added shellac manicures and pedicures to their already extensive menu and installed nine new, top-of-the-line pedicure chairs with shiatsu massage.

Headquarters offers a range of skincare

treatments from microdermabrasion, lifts and peels to laser treatments which help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars, stretch marks and spider veins.

Their targeted lifts can aid those with acne, rosacea or wrinkles. Their Signature Facial is highly recommended for its ability to ‘tighten, lighten and brighten’.

Headquarters’ aestheticians use Image Skin Care and Jane Iredale cosmetics products available for purchase.

For an all-encompassing restorative experience, treat yourself or someone you love to a massage or spa package.

Headquarters has a variety of massage treatments from which to choose - therapeutic, relaxation, hot stone, cupping, full body exfoliation and pregnancy massages. They also have an incredible selection of spa packages.

One particularly fun is the Mom & Me

package. Bring your young daughter in for an afternoon of bonding and beautifying.

Mom will receive a professional pedicure while daughter enjoys a mini-manicure and mini-pedicure.

Headquarters is a high-end salon without the high-end prices making them the ideal spot for your next group excursion.

Headquarters also hosts corporate parties, girls’ nights out and weddings.

Their quality service and upbeat atmosphere make them a popular choice for group events so be sure to book well in advance. “I came with a group of ladies to Headquarters for pedicures and we were treated like queens,” says Jen Leigh. “The service and atmosphere is so classy.”

At Headquarters, clients leave their worries at the door and immerse themselves in an atmosphere that is at

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once blissful as well as beautiful. Once their visit is done, clients find that their cares are fewer and their ability to cope with life’s challenges has increased.

Follow Headquarters on Facebook and Instagram to see amazing before and after pictures, style ideas and special offers. Book an appointment by phone, online or using their app and experience the joy that is Headquarters Salon Spa Laser.

Headquarters Salon Spa Laser 10D Main Blvd (Millshaven Shopping Centre) Sherwood Park 780.464.4247 info@headquarterssalon.ca headquarterssalon.ca headquarterssalon @hqsalsonspa

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Downtown is for the cool - pop your collar and layer over different textures for a casual yet elevated look. Leather moto jacket (Barbara I Gongini) from Sustain Lux (sustainlux.com), denim shirt (worn under sweater) (GUESS), knit sweater (Forever21), woven belt (H&M), & skinny jeans (Diesel).

two-way street Uptown or down, the leather jacket is a two-way street to great, versatile style this fall.

Produced by Swish Productions Photos by Ryan Wibawa

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A posh evening uptown? Ditch the jeans, slide into your go-to LBD, accessorize accordingly, and don’t forget the leather.

Classic leather zip-up jacket (Barbara I Gongini), black twist dress (Study NY), & black matte whistle necklace (Falling Whistles), all from Sustain Lux (sustainlux.com), high suede boots (424 Fifth Lord & Taylor) from Hudson’s Bay Polo Park. // Styling & Creative Direction: Lekan Tijani @ Swish Productions; Hair: Emily Huang; Beauty: Grace Stewart; Models: Sheridan Cronk @ Swish Model Management.

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Jeweler Brings Extraordinary International Designs to St. Albert

By Melanie Furlong

W

hen you step into St. Albert’s Concept Jewelry Design, prepare to be dazzled by a diverse array of original designs. The collections of rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings owner Carmen Bokenfohr carries showcases her own work along with that of 22 international designers from around the world.

While Bokenfohr specializes in helping clients create unique, custom jewelry, many enjoy being able to find

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extraordinary pieces in a wide range of styles and budgets. With today’s market flooded with mass production pieces, Bokenfohr is pleased to present the work of small international designers who create innovative, high quality designs.

Each piece offers something completely different from the other, whether it’s the type of stone, metal, cut or colour. “I carry what I feel is a good representation of what each collection is trying to express,” says Bokenfohr.

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One of the most popular lines at Concept Jewelry Design is Jamie Joseph Jewelry, created by a young couple in Seattle.

They offer unique coloured stones at an affordable price. “Instead of having gemstones with perfect clarity, colour and cut,” explains Bokenfohr, “they purchase imperfect stones with interesting inclusions, crystals or shapes and set them in gold bezels and sterling silver.”

Winnipeg’s Johanna Brierly is also making a splash with the pebbles she collected on her province’s lakeshores.

Stones with holes in them are considered lucky and Brierly studied silversmithing to find a way to wear the porous pebbles.

She’s created pieces that can be worn forever and meant to bring the wearer good luck.

Personalized collections such as the one from Concept Jewelry Design’s newest designer, Cassandra Erin, are also very popular at the moment. This skilled metalsmith based in Missouri allows clients to preserve handwriting and simple drawings on beautiful, high quality silver. All pieces are custom designed, so clients can choose to keep their mother’s words, in her handwriting, close to their heart or a child’s favourite drawing of his or her family preserved for a lifetime.

and current trends to create a unique collection that complements modern fashion. The use of unique diamond cuts and colours gives each piece its own individuality and character while making this collection genuinely vintage with modern appeal.

After 30 years in the business, Bokenfohr’s passion for jewelry still shines. Whether she’s seeing the latest

creations from the international jewelry designers or helping clients bring their original concepts to life, she loves every bit of it. “When we’re making a custom piece, we show the clients sketches and digital matrix images, but nothing speaks like the moment we hand it over,” she says. “I love seeing the expressions on their faces.”

Concept Jewelry Design serves clients across Canada and meeting their needs will soon become easier as they launch online shopping from their website this fall.

Check them out for yourself or for birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift ideas. After all, there’s always a reason for another piece of jewelry!

Bokenfohr offers her own collections, of course, which include Classic, Modern and Contemporary styles along with the most popular, Modern Vintage — a seamless combination of vintage styles

Concept Jewelry Design 120-20 Perron St., St. Albert 780.458.4660 carmen@conceptjewelry.ca conceptjewelry.ca

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HAIR, FASHION & FUN at Mirror Image

By Courtney Tait Photo Jinsei Photographics and Phuwadet Pas-arj Photography

T

he first time you step into Mirror Image Hair and Body Studio, you might think you’re seeing double. Twin sisters and salon owners Tracy Cameron and Treena Chiu are not only identical; they wear matching outfits and the same hairstyles. This similarity in taste has led to both success and harmony in their business, which won St. Albert’s Best Home Based Business Award in 2007 and celebrated its 10th anniversary this summer. “Tracy and I have a special bond because we’re twins,” says Chiu. “With hair, fashion and styling techniques, we are on the same page.”

Third-generation stylists, Cameron and Chiu started gaining skills at the age of

13 while working in their mom’s salon.

Having received their training at MC College in Edmonton and with Maurice Fiorio in Toronto, the sisters opened their first salon in 1998, operating for seven years prior to launching Mirror Image.

Their expertise shows in every service they offer, from hair cutting and colouring to facial waxing and eyebrow tinting.

Clients appreciate not only the service, but also the atmosphere of Mirror Image, which blends wood textures, brick and warm neutral tones, creating what they describe as an “antique rustic feel.”

Cameron and Chiu live side by side, and Mirror Image is located in the lower level of one of the sister’s homes. A separate entrance with patio area and beautifully

designed finishings make it a world of its own. “People say it’s amazing, so warm and cozy,” says Cameron. “Best friends will even book appointments at the same time. We have a lounging area with a fireplace where clients can sit and enjoy a coffee or chai.”

Clients of Mirror Image receive a personal consultation with every appointment.

“We feel the density of the hair, talk about likes and dislikes and go from there,” says Chiu. The sisters explain what they’re doing step by step so people feel comfortable throughout their appointment. “We cut the hair dry, wet it, cut the perimeter, style it some more. We move the hair a lot to see how it’s falling.”

ABOVE Tracy Cameron and Treena Chiu

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Clients also learn tips and tricks on how to style their hair themselves. “We let them feel the product, show them how much to use and how to blow dry – it’s part of the service!” says Chiu. Mirror Image offers high-quality paraben free, sulfate free and even some gluten-free hair products as well as a mineral-based makeup line.

Along with salon services, Mirror Image features a boutique with clothing, jewellery, accessories and home decor.

Many of the boutique’s lines are Canadian made, and most are exclusive to Mirror Image within St. Albert. Clothing ranges from casual to business attire and accessories include handbags, belts and watches. “We have always loved fashion,” says Cameron, “and provide our best service on both sides of the business.”

Appointments for new clients of Mirror Image are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“There is nothing better than making people feel great and putting smiles on their faces,“ says Chiu. “While they are here, it’s all about them.”

Mirror Image Hair and Body Studio 41 Norman Court, St. Albert 780.418.4221 mirror_image@shaw.ca

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BOUTIQUE SHOE STORE

Steps Into Edmonton

By Melanie Furlong

T

his September, Edmonton’s Currents of Windermere will welcome boutique shoe store Modern Sole to their outdoor shopping village. The store, which has had an enthusiastic Edmonton clientele at its Sherwood Park location for the last three years, is opening a second store to bring convenience as well as the same

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great selection of shoes, boots, jewelry and accessories to the city.

Best of all, the store specializes in fitting women in all sizes. “Whether you have a wide foot, narrow foot or any other foot issue, we can guide you into the brands that will fit you,” says co-owner Lauren Willms. “We’ve had many customers

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come in and be fitted. It’s nice to see women able to wear tall boots for the first time and it’s very exciting for them.”

Modern Sole’s Edmonton store will have great brand names such as MJUS, Vince Camuto, Franco Sarto, Miz Mooz, Michael Kors and Sorel as well as some unique brands like Fly London.

Whether you’re looking for dressy or casual, shoes or boots, the staff at Modern Sole will give you personalized attention in their unique and relaxed environment to help you find exactly what you need. Their goal is to have everyone walk out in a new pair of shoes or boots that not only fits them well, but footwear they love. Customers often tell them how much they appreciate their helpfulness, wide selection of products and honest opinions.

Whatever look you’re going for this fall, Modern Sole will have it covered. Willms says one of the huge trends we’ll see this fall is booties. “They’re more of a yearround fashion staple now,” she says. In tall boots, they’re seeing a more rugged, outdoorsy look with a vintage feel.

Although Modern Sole is mainly a women’s shoe store carrying both big name and boutique brands, they also carry gorgeous bags and the latest accessories to complete your look. In fact, they sell the popular Edmontondesigned Eliasz and Ella jewelry, as well as Vancouver-based designer Melanie Auld’s jewelry. At the moment, Modern Sole is carrying Fossil and Vince Camuto handbags and is working on bringing in other lines.

While both of the locally-owned and operated Modern Sole stores offer a modern esthetic, great service and a tremendous selection of high quality footwear, customers can also order all the brands on their website.

Visit Modern Sole’s online store or stop by either of their locations to see what’s hot for fall and winter. You’ll want to make it your first and last stop when looking for new footwear this season.

NEW LOCATION Modern Sole Currents of Windermere 5228 Windermere Blvd., Edmonton 780.758.2969 info@modernsole.ca www.modernsole.ca

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Our Experience. Your Vision.

By Henny Buffinga Photos KTB Photography

F

rom Russia’s diamond mines to Brazil, Bangkok and even South Africa, Ralph Vandenberg has traveled the world to find the most interesting gemstones to sell in his store. Vandenberg is a graduate gemologist – someone who is certified to identify, evaluate and appraise gemstones. He is the longest standing gemologist in Edmonton, and one of the most experienced in the country.

His interest in gemstones first arose with the family company. His father owned a small gift store, and when they realized how well their little costume jewellery section was selling, the owner of the mall offered them a small retail space. After

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completing his degree, he worked fulltime and used his expertise to find the best gemstones for the shop.

Vandenberg’s Jewellers is a family business started almost 40 years ago.

“We like to think of ourselves as old school jewellers,” he says. They design and make most of their jewellery in the store. With extensive showcases that each show jewellery and feature different stones, visiting Vandenberg’s is a learning experience. The sections feature rough stones to demonstrate where the precious stones came from, and they are set up with conversation in mind, so customers don’t have to speak to the employees over a counter.

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Vandenberg’s custom designs jewellery as well as selling their own collection.

With an in-store diamond cutter, they are able to cut a stone for you if you can’t find what you’re looking for. Because they have all the tools available, they are also able to fix last minute problems for clients, such as a broken chain, before going out for the evening.

When customers come in they can chat with the professional staff of designers, goldsmiths and gemologists to find exactly what they are looking for. The staff is able to sketch an idea for them on the spot, and then they can talk about different stone options. Before creating the final piece, they will paint a full colour likeness using watercolours on a translucent velum to show the client what it will be like when they wear it.

Once the client has approved the design, the staff will create the final product.

“It’s actually a really easy process, and people love that the jewellery is really theirs, based on their own design,” says Vandenberg. “We don’t take deposits on the designs and there are no obligations.

If the customer doesn’t like it at the end, we’ll just sell it in store. If we didn’t like the design, we wouldn’t have made it in the first place.”

Materials account for most of the cost of jewellery, so their custom designed pieces are actually a comparable price to pre-made pieces. Customers are also able to choose the materials every step of the way, so they can design the jewellery around their desired price point.

With Vandenberg’s experience as a gemologist and the shop’s 40th anniversary coming up next year, Vandenberg’s Jewellers is the real deal.

Combining old school service and a comfortable atmosphere encourages learning, Vandenberg’s Jewellers offers unique designs at competitive prices.

“When you have a job where everything you do is intended to make someone happy, how can you do better than that?” says Vandenberg.

Vandenberg’s Jewellers Manulife Place #235 10180-101 Street Edmonton 780.423.0890 www.vandenbergsjewellers.com

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COVER FEATURE

Creating Businesses That Give Back to the Community

By Henny Buffinga Photos Christophe Benard Photography

L

eann Hawley is a busy woman.

As a mother of three, a registered nurse and the owner of three businesses, she works hard. In every venture, she tries to find ways to give back to her community and help likeminded entrepreneurs along the way. Hawley has always been known for her tireless work ethic. In the past, she was a single mother working as a registered nurse. Now, with the help of her husband, Gordon Vetro, and her family, she has embarked on new

challenges with companies offering value, honest business practices and social consciousness.

The first business, Baby J Inc., began as the only consignment store of its kind for maternity and children’s clothing in Edmonton. The idea for the store came about when Hawley and her husband had a later in life, miracle baby, Jordyn, who also brought the shock of buying kid’s clothing again after 15 years.

Hawley is changing the focus of Baby J to include more maternity clothes, with everything from casual to designer and formal wear. The front of the store is a boutique, selling items like Baltic Amber, which has natural healing properties that help people with anxiety and pain, as well as crocheted hats, leggings, designer bedding and more. “Our Baltic Amber teething necklace worked so well for Jordyn we didn’t even realize she was teething,” says Hawley.

PHOTO ABOVE Leann, owner and her daughter Jordan

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“I source our preemie clothing from across North America to have it readily available at cost; it’s just a way I like to try to give back to the community.”

Even with the change in focus, Baby J will continue to offer preemie clothing, which is a great help to new parents. “No one plans for a preemie, and new parents often get stuck paying premium prices for their new baby’s clothing,” says Hawley. “I source our preemie clothing from across North America to have it readily available at cost; it’s just a way I like to try to give back to the community.”

Hawley runs the store with her mother, who she says is her hero. Their family is often recognized in the area as her father’s close resemblance to Santa has led her parents to regularly make appearances in the store and at Londonderry Mall as Santa and Mrs. Claus. “We always get people in the store looking at my mother really closely trying to place her,” Hawley explains. “When they figure it out, they’re like ‘Oh! You’re on my fridge!’”

Among Hawley’s many interests, jewelry has been one of her passions for years.

“I’ve been custom designing jewelry for family and friends for more than 10 years, and now I’m finally getting to expand that passion into a store,” Hawley says. Her new business, Elite Fine Jewelry, will be assuming a retail space previously occupied by another well-respected jeweler/goldsmith this September. They will be maintaining a working collaboration to service existing and new customers.

Elite Fine Jewelry will offer custom work specializing in engagement and wedding rings, as well as offering repairs and consignment. “There are not many places

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COVER FEATURE

Hawley will be offering one-of-a-kind jewelry designs, including memorial pieces, pendants and rings containing the ashes of loved ones. Elite Fine Jewelry is also an exclusive dealer of Carlo Biagi Jewelry in Edmonton.

individuals and businesses save money on the services they already use and show them how they can turn them into revenue,” she explains. “As a single parent many years ago, being able to save any amount on a monthly basis was huge – this company is near and dear to me for that reason. We are able to make such a difference in people’s lives, whether it’s helping them start their own business or saving them some money on their bills, even getting their services for free; it’s very rewarding.”

Finally, Hawley and her husband are independent business owners with ACN, which is the world’s largest direct seller of telecommunications and other essential services. “Simply put, we help

Hawley is passionate about working with ACN largely because of the company’s social responsibility. In addition to being one of the largest corporate donors to Ronald McDonald House charities, ACN

where you can safely sell jewelry, and if you take it to a pawn shop you get a minimal return on your item,” explains Hawley. “At our store, we will appraise the jewelry, refurbish it as needed and pay a fair portion to the consignor.”

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has a program with Food Banks Canada to end childhood hunger.

Hawley’s perseverance has helped her along the way, and she is grateful to her husband for always believing in her ideas.

“We’re just hardworking people who want to help others,” she says.

Baby J Inc. 10120 127 Avenue NW, Edmonton 780.476.6702 www.babyj.ca Elite Fine Jewelry Inc. 16420 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton 780.328.4686 elitefinejewelry2015@gmail.com ACN leannhawley1@gmail.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Relax & Rejuvenate with

RESTORATIVE YOGA

By Courtney Tait

P

icture this: you lay face up on a yoga mat in a dimly lit room, while your legs rest against the wall. A sandbag is placed gently over your feet to stabilize the pose. You breathe slowly in and slowly out as tension releases throughout your entire body. Growing more relaxed with every breath, you lose track of the minutes passing. Eventually, the sound of your teacher’s voice guides you into the next pose. You aren’t here to power through a vigorous sequence of postures or fine tune your alignment, you’re here to rest and restore.

Derived from Iyengar Yoga — a style that uses props to perfect postures — modern Restorative Yoga integrates props to help deepen stretches and make poses more comfortable. Pillows, bolsters, blocks, sandbags and blankets may be used to support you in the postures, eliminating unnecessary strain and thus enabling you to stay in the pose for several minutes. This allows

your muscles to stretch gradually, when they are naturally ready.

The result is a deep opening of the body and a calming of the mind.

As with other forms of yoga, Restorative offers a myriad of physical and mental benefits. When the body is deeply relaxed, blood pressure is reduced and the central nervous system is at rest. Following a Restorative Yoga class, you will likely feel more focused and attentive. If you have sleep challenges, a this yoga practice will help, as the relaxation you experience makes it easier to transition to sleep, even several hours later.

If you’re accustomed to forms of yoga or other exercises that are fast-paced or physically demanding, a Restorative class will likely feel radically different. Ease into each pose with an open mind, and if the pace feels too slow, remind yourself to simply breathe and let go.

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Making a Difference

ONE CUP AT A TIME

By Tobie Hainstock

J

oe. Dirt. Java. Rocket fuel. Brew. Liquid energy. Whatever you choose call it, we all love it! Did you know your coffee break could make a resounding difference in someone’s life? By taking part in a Coffee Break fundraising event you help people in your area who are dealing with dementia.

For 20 years Coffee Break events have served as an integral part of raising funds for the Alzheimer Society to support local programs.

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The season kicked off September 17th and this year is expected to be one of the most successful yet. Organizers are able to host Coffee Break events up until November.

Not only are Coffee Breaks designed to bring in much needed funds for dementia programs, services and research, they also raise awareness and encourage discussion about the disease.

Reducing stigma and misinformation is an important step in

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improving the quality of life for people with dementia and prolonging their independence and sense of well-being.

“This is our 20th season hosting Coffee Break events and every year we’re amazed at how the community rallies to support us. It takes team work to tackle this disease and it’s great to see so many people wanting to make a difference in the lives of those with this disease,” says Jessica Twidale, Director, Revenue Development and Community Relations, Alzheimer Society Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Everyone in the community is welcome to come out to a Coffee Break event. Hosts of these enjoyable occasions are asked to offer a cup of coffee to participants for a donation to the Alzheimer Society. Fun and originality is encouraged. Organizers are told that the sky’s the limit on how big or creative they want to make their event.

The Alzheimer Society encourages local businesses and other community groups to take part in this fun opportunity to raise money for a great cause.

There is no known cause or cure for dementia and age seems to be the biggest risk factor with the risk of getting the disease doubling every five years after the age of 65. In 2011, 747,000 Canadians were living with Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia; that’s 14.9 per cent of those of us over the age of 65.

If nothing changes in Canada, if there is no further research or new treatments developed, that number will rise to 1.4 million by 2030.

Participating in the Coffee Break fundraisers is a great way to help a worthy cause. Volunteering and sponsoring are other excellent options to help make a difference. Coffee Break hosts and participants can go one step further in changing the lives of people with dementia for the better by joining Dementia Friends Canada. So pour a cup ofA java THEME IN BOX: and support the Alzheimer Society Coffee Break 2015 at a Coffee Break function near you.

Alzheimer Society Alberta and Northwest Territories 308 – 14925 111 Avenue, Edmonton 780.761.0030 alzheimer.ca/en/ab | dementiafriends.ca Developed by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario August 2015

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Brisbin Family Chiropractic: Turning the Power On!

By Tonya Lambert Photos Christophe Benard Photography

B

risbin Family Chiropractic is a family-focused facility dedicated to helping patients build longterm health by ensuring proper spinal alignment and nerve function.

Dr. Dave Brisbin, Dr. Michael Morrical and Dr. Jason Ellis are well-respected chiropractors who understand the nervous system is the motherboard of your body’s computer. Connected to all

the other systems, nerves irritated by improper joint movement can have farreaching consequences.

Chiropractors help their patients attain relief from a wide range of ailments, not just back, neck and shoulder pain. Such diverse issues as ADHD and asthma to carpal tunnel syndrome, colic and many more can be significantly improved with

treatments by a chiropractor. “I used to think waking up with pain every morning was normal,” explains Mary. “Since being referred to Dr. Brisbin, I am feeling 90 per cent better than when I started. I can’t believe what a difference starting my day pain free makes in my life!”

A visit to Brisbin Family Chiropractic clinic is a great experience for the whole family.

top photo l-r Dr Jason, Dr Dave, Dr Mike

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The atmosphere is professional and positive, punctuated with a supportive, happy ambience. But the best part of the experience is the relief you feel after receiving an adjustment.

Patients are seen by a chiropractor in a private examining room where a full medical history is taken and examinations are done to ascertain muscle strength, joint motion and spinal alignment. This may include the use of digital infrared, x-rays and a computer analysis of posture. Gentle but effective treatment is then provided in the open-concept adjustment room. Together, Dr. Brisbin, Dr. Morrical and Dr. Ellis are skilled in a variety of techniques - Diversified, Gonstead, Activator Methods®, Thompson and Webster’s Technique and will choose the one best-suited to the patient’s needs. These methods vary from quick, targeted thrusts to slow, constant pressure or even the use of an instrument to apply directed energy.

Best of all, people of all ages can benefit from chiropractic treatment. Infants can suffer spinal misalignment during the birthing process or injure their tailbone when learning to walk. Anyone can get hurt playing sports, lifting heavy objects or even sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time. Dr. Morrical has special instruction from the Titleist Performance Institute that enables him to help golfers improve their game through a combination of swing analysis and chiropractic adjustments. Dr. Ellis has received additional training in Webster’s Technique to assist pregnant mothers with the stresses of pregnancy.

The entire Brisbin Chiropractic family – chiropractors, staff and patients – work to make the world a better place.

All the chiropractors have undertaken humanitarian missions to developing countries to provide chiropractic care, taking monetary donations, clothes and soccer balls donated by patients

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and staff. Assistance is also provided to the Strathcona Christmas Bureau. Food drives are held for the food bank and sock drives for the homeless. Brisbin Family Chiropractic is proud to provide jerseys to local minor sports teams. As well, once a year, the clinic hosts a themed Patient Appreciation Day, featuring funfilled activities, costumes, decorations and prizes!

No referral from a physician is required to visit Brisbin Family Chiropractic. Call and book an appointment today.

Brisbin Family Chiropractic #186 – 150 Chippewa Road Sherwood Park 780.449.6636 brisbinfamilychiro@shaw.ca www.brisbinfamilychiro.com /brisbinfamilychiropractic

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Feel Your Best Everyday

Is Chiropractic care good for all ages?

Dr. David Brisbin Chiropractor Brisbin Family Chiropractic 186-150 Chippewa Rd Sherwood Park www.brisbinfamilychiro.com 780.449.6636

Is Chiropractic care for overall health, not just pain?

T

he ultimate goal of chiropractic care is not solely to treat pain, but rather to improve the full function of the body. Proper function and a healthy body occur when every muscle, organ and tissue is receiving 100 per cent of its intended messages from the brain and spinal column. If there is pressure or pinching on these vital nerves, everything attached to the nerves will not be getting the proper signal such as static on a bad phone connection. This dysfunction can lead to pain, stiffness, weakness and poor health.

Chiropractors help to take the pressure off nerves and allow the body greater potential to heal itself.

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This is an absolute yes. There is no age limit to receive the full benefits of chiropractic care. As a family chiropractic practice, we see patients of every age from birth to geriatrics, adolescents to adults. By removing pressure from the nerves we help the body work at its highest potential. Even pregnant moms receive immense benefits from chiropractic care including less pain during pregnancy, decreased labour time, faster recovery post-delivery and healthier babies. Every age group can benefit from chiropractic care.

Why do so many parents bring their children to your clinic?

When it comes to children, early detection of misalignments is key. We have been treating newborns, infants and children since our clinic opened in 2003. Our adjustments are safe, gentle and effective for all ages. When a mother sees the huge benefit after starting chiropractic care, they usually can’t help but tell their friends. I believe these results are the reason we see so many children!

How can chiropractors help my schoolaged child?

Children are sitting longer than ever before. Between the commute to and from school, time at their desk and homework as well as computer time, kids

HEALTH & WELLNESS

can spend more than 12 hours of their day sitting.

Back to school can also be a very stressful time on their small bodies, but especially on their spines and nervous systems. The stress of poor posture while sitting and wearing heavy or poorly fitted backpacks, chronic viruses and bacteria floating in their environment, and the mental stress from test anxiety and peer pressure can weigh heavily on a child. The combined effects of these stressors can have detrimental effects on their health, both physically and mentally. A specific, gentle chiropractic adjustment will remove the nerve interference from their stressed bodies and help restore their natural healthy state from the inside out.

My children are active in sports, should they see a chiropractor?

Chiropractic and sports performance go hand in hand. World-class professional and Olympic athletes seek sports chiropractic care because it is a drugfree way to maximize health and physical performance, and to prevent injuries. However, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to get the benefits of chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is for anyone who enjoys living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Your body is made to move, so make sure it’s moving well with chiropractic care.

PUT YOURSELF ON THE FRONTLINE

of Fitness, Competition, Self-Defense and Fun! Frontline Academy #73 Sioux Road Sherwood Park 780.868.4495 info@frontlinebjj.com www.frontlinebjj.com /FrontlineAcademyCanada

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Fun, Friends & FiTness

By Tonya Lambert Photos Christophe Benard Photography

R

espect, discipline, confidence and courage are the underlying principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art, sport and lifestyle developed nearly a century ago in Brazil from the Japanese martial art of Kodokan Judo. Combining traditional judo with ground grappling, BJJ effectively removes the advantages conferred by size. A key component of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), the practice of BJJ has spread across the globe. Last year, residents of the greater Edmonton area were fortunate when Pedro Lott, a second degree black belt and 2012 International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation European Champion, opened his studio in Sherwood Park.

Lott has been studying BJJ his entire life, winning his first tournament at the age

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of four. Growing up in Brazil, he trained under such renowned instructors as Paulo Guillobel, Renzo Gracie and Eduardo ‘Teta’ Rios. Lott has taught BJJ around the world, including Thailand, Australia and United Arab Emirates, where he helped developed a BJJ public school program and was the personal trainer to members of the UAE royal family. Now, Lott has brought his extensive experience to Canada, opening Frontline Academy in September 2014.

students.” The beginners’ class is slowpaced and technique based, featuring position-specific drills and controlled sparring. The advanced class, which includes active sparring, is open to white belt students with three or more stripes.

Beginners and more advanced students often train together with the more advanced students serving as mentors — inspiring those just starting out. “The studio is like a brotherhood,” explains Lott. “We’re a family here.”

Frontline accepts students ages five and up, offering children’s, women’s, beginners’, advanced and no-gi classes.

Lott instructs all classes so students are guaranteed to receive world class coaching, with plenty of personal instruction. “I no longer compete,” says Lott. “My focus is entirely on my

Unlike the tedious monotony of going to the gym, BJJ is an exciting way to get fit and make friends in a family-friendly atmosphere! Studying BJJ at Frontline, you will enjoy a great full-body workout that helps with weight loss, cardiovascular fitness, self-confidence and self-discipline not to mention learning a highly effective

HEALTH & WELLNESS

“Pedro Lott is the kind of master who can inspire students to give their best and make them feel like they’re part of a big family.” method of self-defense. “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is like playing chess, active chess,” explains Lott. “You have to pay attention to what your opponent is doing, and watch his moves. It takes a lot of thought.

It’s a smart game.”

“I have considered myself an athlete my entire life, and I have played a large number of sports,” says Lauren Granberg, a Frontline student. “I have pushed myself

to all sorts of physical limits throughout many years, but nothing has quite tested my stamina, strength and intelligence in unison like this has. I would recommend Frontline Academy to anyone and everyone who is looking for a challenge either physically and/or mentally. Once you step into this gym, you will never regret it.”

Pedro Nogueria Duarte agrees. “Pedro Lott is the kind of master who can inspire students to give their best and make them feel like they’re part of a big family.”

Join the Frontline family today and discover fun, friends and fitness with BJJ!

Frontline Academy #73 Sioux Road Sherwood Park 780.868.4495 info@frontlinebjj.com www.frontlinebjj.com /FrontlineAcademyCanada

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photo Pedro Lott, owner

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FL

Experience the Benefits of Pilates Equipment Training at

inCentre Pilates

By Tori Stafford Photos Christophe Benard

W

“Mirella and I really enjoyed working with the students in Sherwood Park, so we had some conversations about how we could use our training and experience to start something brand new.”

“It would have left a pretty big void in this part of town… I don’t think all of the students would have gone to Edmonton regularly,” Madsen explains, noting while there were gyms and studios that did offer Pilates mat classes, none of them offered Pilates equipment classes.

Although Madsen and Zadkovich didn’t know each other all that well at the time, their shared passion for teaching Pilates and combined 18 years experience bonded them quickly. Most importantly, both women had experienced the benefits of Pilates firsthand and wanted to continue sharing those benefits. With brand new equipment and two additional instructors, they set up shop in a local

ith the only studio in Sherwood Park specializing in Pilates equipment training about to close, and those in the area without a facility for their practice, it was a situation instructors Cindy Madsen and Mirella Zadkovich didn’t want to see happen.

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gym to offer a full range of Pilates and movement classes: inCentre Pilates was born.

As enthusiasm for Pilates in Sherwood Park grew, Madsen and Zadkovich sourced the ideal location to open up their own studio; inCentre Pilates moved to Pembina Road earlier this year. It’s a place where people of all ages, shapes and sizes make up a warm, inviting community of those experiencing the benefits of Pilates.

“The great thing about Pilates is it’s really good for everybody because core support

is important for everyday living,” she says, noting Pilates can be beneficial for those with injuries or health concerns, helping to strengthen and heal, as well as for athletes and dancers wanting to improve their performance.

“You’re working the deeper abdominal muscles rather than just the surface ones.

It gives you that internal core support that makes you stronger and less prone to injury, no matter what you’re doing.”

A low-impact yet hugely beneficial mind/ body workout, Pilates focuses on core strength, balance, flexibility, breathing and movement. Each class at inCentre Pilates focuses on core plus upper and lower-body muscle groups.

Intimate class sizes ensure students are practicing safely and effectively, and inCentre Pilates offers private instruction for new students or those experiencing issues or injuries. The studio offers a variety of different classes, with new classes introduced this season including: Suspend (which uses fourpoint suspension straps), Movement Re-Patterning, and HIPE (High Intensity Pilates Exercise).

For Madsen and Zadkovich, being able to offer Pilates classes and specialized Pilates equipment training in Sherwood Park is only one aspect of what makes their work so enjoyable.

“The feedback we get from clients is really fantastic. The way people respond is so rewarding,” she says.

“Pilates is more than exercise — it changes and strengthens the body, betters mobility and really makes a difference for people.”

inCentre Pilates #230, 120 Pembina Rd. Sherwood Park 587.338.2368 incentrepilates@gmail.com www.incentrepilates.com

photo bottom right L-r Mirella and Cindy, co-owners

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Get Fit. Stay Safe.

By Tonya Lambert Photos Christophe Benard Photography

I

srael’s International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) has developed a defense system that is widely recognized as the best in the world.

Krav maga techniques are built upon the body’s natural movements and instincts.

This makes it quicker to learn the basics, though it still requires regular training to be able to respond effectively when attacked. It is this foundation in the body’s natural movements as well as the ability to constantly evolve and incorporate the discovery of more effective techniques that makes krav maga different from other forms of self-defense.

Krav Maga, which is Hebrew for ‘contact fight’, is used by the Israeli Defense Forces, the Israeli National and Military Police as well as Israeli special operations and security units for hand-to-hand

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combat. Many police units worldwide have also begun to train officers in krav maga, realizing its superiority to other forms of defense.

David Crane, founder of Krav Maga Solution in Edmonton, is one of the foremost practitioners of krav maga in North America. Crane discovered it after spending decades training in a variety of other self-defense systems, including Tae Kwan Do, Kempo, wrestling and boxing.

He holds black belts in judo, MMA and kickboxing. With his experience and expertise in so many forms of defense, Crane was quickly able to ascertain the advantages inherent in krav maga.

“Krav maga is not a sport,” says Crane.

“It is a defense system designed for the streets. As such, it needs to be instinctive

HEALTH & WELLNESS

and flexible; it cannot be limited by rules and regulations.” Crane goes on to explain krav maga is an excellent form of fitness.

“A one-hour class in krav maga, which combines interval training and stress drills to stamp the various movements into the muscles’ memory will burn up to 800 calories. This is substantially more than working out for an hour at the gym and it provides a practical skill set. Krav maga strengthens, tones and trains the body but also the mind.”

Men, women and teens can all learn the art of krav maga at Crane’s studio. Classes are an hour two times a week and run all year. Private training sessions are also available. This past year, Dave Suffern has joined Crane as an instructor. Suffern is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) with 25 years of experience. He is also

the owner/instructor of Tip of Spear Inc., a company that trains first responder security personnel. Krav Maga Solution also brings in IKMF experts from Israeli three to four times per year for advanced training.

Krav Maga Solution students will find all the equipment, training aids and apparel they need at Supply Sergeant in West Edmonton Mall near entrance 58.

“Krav maga is a great way to get fit and stay safe,” says Crane. “I’ve been doing martial arts and practicing other type of self-defense my whole life and I have never encountered anything more natural or more effective than krav maga.”

Krav Maga Solution 4912 93 Avenue Edmonton 780.264.8449 kravmagasolution@shaw.ca www.kravmagasolution.com

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Count on Us to Listen

By Trina Annand Photos Cory Johnn Photography

“Blindness separates people from things; deafness separates people from people.”

—Helen Keller.

C

ommunication is vital to all aspects of our lives, and hearing is key to this process.

Living Sounds Hearing Centre Ltd. is much more than a hearing aid provider. The expert team of 14 audiologists and practitioners has been helping Albertans hear better for more than a decade.

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With 24 locations in Alberta, Living Sounds is the largest hearing group in the province, but owners Tim Goshulak and Greg Nedelec have been careful to keep the family feel of their business as they expanded. “This business is all about people. You need a dedicated team that truly cares about each and every patient,” says Greg, “Every client

HEALTH & WELLNESS

is important to us.” With exceptional product knowledge, as well as products from top manufacturers like Oticon and Starkey, Living Sounds can cater to any hearing concern from childhood through to senior years.

The duo is quick to point out hearing loss is not a senior problem anymore. “We are seeing more younger people coming in with noise induced hearing loss. It’s a noisier world than it was in the past,” says Tim. As a result, Living Sounds offers a range of hearing protection including earplugs for musicians and custom

ABOVE Greg Nedelec and Tim Goshulak, owners HEALTH & WELLNESS

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37

moulded ear defenders. After all, early detection of a problem is key. “Often when you lose hearing it’s something you can’t get back. You can’t simply get a new ear, but you can prevent further loss and augment your hearing. It does however take some time for your brain to adjust to changes in your hearing, it’s not like flipping a switch,” says Tim. Living Sounds does more than sell hearing technology; they offer a support structure for their patients that goes far beyond the point of sale with complete servicing solutions, repairs, a large selection of personal hearing devices to supplement hearing aids as well as counselling services.

Technology is making leaps and bounds in the way we live our lives. Living Sounds takes pride in offering cutting edge technology such as hearing aids that connect to smart phones. These unique systems can sense your speed when in a vehicle and adjust to filter out unwanted noise. They will even remember your settings from a specific location, like your favourite restaurant. It seems the latest

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“Hearing loss can be very isolating for people; they can become quite introverted.

We get our clients back into the world. With the right technology you can feel like yourself again,” —says Greg.

frontier in hearing technology is intuitive design options to afford wearers the freedom to be themselves.

Whether you’re looking for a hearing assessment, the latest hearing technology or repair services, Living Sounds treats every client like family. “We love helping people get the most out of their hearing. It’s amazing how much we can change a person’s life. This is more than a job; it’s our passion,” says Greg.

Living Sounds Hearing Centre Ltd. 12310-105 Avenue Edmonton 780.488.8100 info@livingsounds.ca livingsounds.ca

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ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

The Stickman Drum Experience 2015:

Living the Passion

By Tobie Hainstock Photos courtesy Stickman Drum Experience

F

or the past four years, the Stickman Drum Experience has been touching the lives of musicians from across Western Canada. The event offers an opportunity for drummers of all ages and skill levels to gather together and learn from their idols and each other.

This year’s Stickman took place July 1 to 5 at the Cedar Lodge which overlooks beautiful Blackstrap Lake, south of Saskatoon. “We were excited to have about 32 attendees at this year’s event,” comments event co-host, Chris Dimas.

Fellow co-host Jayson Brinkworth adds the event has seen a slow but steady growth over the years. This year

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participants came from as far away as Ontario and California.

Every year, the event consists of a line up of eight highly prestigious instructors who perform, share experiences and talk about different techniques. This year’s staff featured some of the most talented and respected drummers in the music industry including: • • •

Mike Johnson: Simon Says/Warner Bros. recording artist Gergo Borlai: preformed on more than 100 albums of various styles Chris Johnson: Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Seal, Nelly Furtado

ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

• • • •

•

Daniel Glass: Brian Setzer, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli and Gene Simmons Ronn Dunnett: professional drummer and Canadian drum manufacturer Chris Dimas: Surf Dads, Bermuda Love, YouTube Jayson Brinkworth: Aaron Pritchett, One More Girl, Modern Drummer Education team Young Pete Alexander: Rachelle Farrell, Lloyd, Jully Black, Janelle Monae, William Murphy and more

1

The entire event is based on participation and interaction between the drummers and the participants. “It’s always amazing to see the exchange between the players and the attendees,” states Brinkworth.

“Many times after meeting, they go on to become friends long after Stickman is over.” Drummers often reconnect personally and professionally through social media and other means.

2

Brinkworth credits the success of the Stickman events to the organizers. “It’s really nice to work together and keep everything in perspective. We are able to balance the business side of the event with the drumming. It’s just really great teamwork.”

What’s happening next year? Brinkworth and Dimas are thrilled at the possibilities.

“I’m super excited! Year five is going to be even bigger than year four,” expresses Dimas. He adds next year’s participants can look forward to more great drummers including Kevin Churko, who will share his knowledge of the industry from a production perspective.

Internationally renowned drum builder, Ronn Dunnett, will teach attendees how to build their own snare drum. Dimas emphasizes participants should register early because this optional workshop with Ronn has limited capacity. There will also be Master classes and clinics with Emmanuelle Caplette (Stephane Rousseau, Troop Cavalia), Brent Fitz (Slash, Alice Cooper) and more artists to be announced soon.

Now is the time to register for next year’s event which takes place from June 29 to July 3, 2016 at Cedar Lodge. If you live, eat, sleep and breathe drumming, this is the event for you! stickmandrumexperience.com info@stickmandrumexperience.com

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4

5

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OPPOSITE TOP Clinic with camp co-host, Jayson Brinkworth BOTTOM All attendees get an opportunity to perform onstage THIS PAGE 1. Group photo on the ridge 2. Mike Johnston, Gergo Borlai, YoungPete Alexander, Jayson Brinkworth & Chris Dimas 3. The practice “room” on the deck 4. Co-hosts Chris Dimas and Jayson Brinkworth-great teamwork! 5.

Attendees enjoy delicious home-cooked meals 6. Finale night jam with a live band

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A Grown Up Twist on Childhood Traditions

D

unking an Oreo cookie into an ice-cold glass of milk may seem childish, but as adults we continue the tradition by dipping crisp biscotti into our $5 lattes, relishing in the instantaneous change in cookie texture and the resulting sweetness left behind in the drink.

Bill Medak Expert Sommelier UnWined: Fine Wines, Spirits & Ales 203 Edmonton City Centre, Edmonton 780.421.0015 #2 512 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert 780.458.4777 info@unwined.biz unwined.biz

Why not take the dunking tradition to new heights? Do we dare to dip that crunchy cookie into a glass of wine, a snifter of brandy or a dram of whisky?

In this issue, we threw caution to the wind and asked our good friends at Cookies By George to provide us with some delectable baked goodies prime for dunking into our favourite libations.

We started with the Chewy Oatmeal Raisin — soft, punctuated with sweet raisins and redolent with oats. We matched grain for grain by dipping into the Royal Lochnagar 12-year single malt.

The butterscotch and spice from the scotch perfectly complemented this chewy cookie.

of bittersweet Belgian chocolate and a sweet, yet judiciously dry wine.

We continued the theme of red wine and chocolate by sampling the Double Trouble Chocolate Chunk alongside the decadent Susana Balbo Late Harvest Malbec. The spice of this beautifully complex dessert wine provided a perfect foil for the doubly delicious chocolate cookie. This was by far our favourite pairing.

After eating all those cookies, we looked toward the scratch baked squares also offered at Cookies By George. Our eyes were immediately drawn to the moist and earthy Carrot Cake, lightly frosted with wonderfully balanced white chocolate and cream cheese icing. To pair, we chose the lovely Recline Ridge Ortega, a cool climate grape lush with spicy notes and great acidity that provided a balance to the creamy icing and cake.

Next was the Zaya 12 year-old rum from Trinidad, a perfect partner for the Macaroon Chocolate Chunk; the coconut and cocoa blended seamlessly with the slight molasses tang of the rum.

Having room for just one more pairing, we moved on to George’s Gone Bananas Cake; the dense, moist texture of the cake found a friend in the toasted oak and tropical fruit of the Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay. Both the cake and the wine benefited greatly from their unlikely meeting, much like the other combinations we encountered.

Continuing with our love for all things chocolate, we grabbed a Classic Chocolate Chunk cookie, spilling over with Belgian dark chocolate and paired a red wine infused with chocolate — aptly titled, The Chocolate Shop. Our craving for chocolate was only partly met by the astute pairing

Our advice: gather a group of childhood friends or friends you wish you knew when you were a kid, stop by Cookies By George and try out our pairings for yourself. It’s guaranteed to bring back warm memories and make new ones. Remember, you’re never too old to dunk.

PHOTOS Courtesy of Cookies By George

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ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

OctOber 17 The YYComedy Festival Gala 2015 Jubilee Auditorium OctOber 22 Girls Night: The Musical Jubilee Auditorium

events E D M O N TO N

Vol 2 Iss 4

OctOber 24 Laugh for Life Gala 2015 Winspear Centre

NOvember 1 – 3 Barenaked Ladies – Silverball Tour Jubilee Auditorium NOvember 7 6TH Annual Latino Awards Gala The Radisson Hotel Edmonton South

NOvember 11 – 15 Canadian Finals Rodeo Rexall Place

NOvember 12 Fantastico! The Sounds of Spain Winspear Centre NOvember 21 – 27 The Calgary Opera Presents: Lakme Jubilee Auditorium NOvember 27 The Celtic Tenors: Greatest Hits & Holiday Songs Winspear Centre December 4 ESO & Winspear Overture Tour Winspear Centre December 10 – 24 Alberta Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker Jubilee Auditorium December 29 – JaNuary 10, 2016 Dirty Dancing Jubilee Auditorium

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N

othing quite encapsulates the comfort of home quite like fresh baked goods, but with the increasingly busy lives we lead, there is rarely time to bake. For nearly 50 years Artistic Bake Shop (ABS) has provided the very finest European baked goods to Edmonton residents.

Authentic

EUROPEAN BAKING

By Trina Annand

in the Heart of Edmonton 44

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Under the careful guidance of the Schwabenbauer family ABS has not only thrived but also created a loyal customer base for generations winning over new customers with tasty treats and excellent service. Brothers Anton and Joseph founded ABS in 1966, they were later joined by their brother Rupert, all master bakers from Bavaria, each member helping to build the successful and strong family business. Anton and his wife Marianne continued with the bakery while the brothers went in different career paths. The business is now stewarded by Anton’s son Perry and his wife Katherine. This continuity of family has ensured customers receive the same high quality traditional recipes as when the shop first opened.

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Since he was just 12 years old Perry could be found in the bakery learning the tricks of the trade. Now a master journeyman baker himself, he can be found in the wee hours of the morning crafting recipes committed to memory and experimenting with new traditions. “He is really an extraordinary baker. I couldn’t do this without him; he is the heart of this business. It has always been his dream to run the family business,” says wife and co-owner Katherine, who discovered her own passion for baking after following her husband to the kitchen from a business background.

From Bavarian beer pretzels and decadent tortes to traditional and more modern rye breads, ABS is known for both heritage items and their creativity with heritage recipes, making everything from scratch.

“We will never sacrifice quality or consistency for quantity. It’s rare to have a place where you can still talk to a baker.

We actually have a lot of customers who bring in Grandma’s recipe from Europe for us to recreate,” says Katherine. A proud proponent of supporting local independent business the owner notes locals should celebrate the uniqueness the shops embody, “Buying local not only benefits our economy, but allows for unique products and more personal service.”

With a classic menu of baked goods ABS still introduces creative new items such as their antioxidant rich purple wheat bread and dark chocolate blackberry torte. “We have a philosophy if you can’t pronounce it you shouldn’t be eating it. A lot of mass produced foods have preservatives and chemicals in them,” says Katherine, “People are becoming more aware of what they are eating and are trying to get away from processed foods. All of our ingredients come to us in their raw form. This produces a healthier and more flavourful product for our customers.”

Whether looking for traditional European baked goods or more creative interpretations for special events a visit to Artistic Bake Shop is the beginning of every great meal.

Artistic Bake Shop 780.434.8686 6820 104 Street, Edmonton www.artisticbakeshop.com

Katherine and Perry (Centre) with ABS staff

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SPORTS, RECREATION & TRAVEL

DAYS DOWN UNDER Top 5 Ways to Discover Australia

By Courtney Tait

While Australia’s cities are rich with culture and cuisine, exploring the country’s spectacular nature — from rainforests that grow out of sand to a sacred sandstone monolith — is an essential part of any trip down under. Here we share five highlights, including a tour that blends sipping with scenery.

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Drive the Great Ocean Road From the limestone rock stacks known as The Twelve Apostles to legendary surf breaks and seaside villages, the Great Ocean Road features the kind of spectacular scenery designed for road-trip loving travellers. Stretching 300 km along Australia’s southeast coast, the road offers dramatic views of the southern ocean and an array of activities. Explore the dormant volcano of Tower Hill, a wildlife haven with freeroaming koalas, emus, black swans and other species. Surf, dive and sea kayak all along the coast, replenishing with some of the country’s finest dining.

Prefer walking to driving? The Great Ocean Walk shadows the Great Ocean Road, passing through lush national parks and coastal landscape. Guided walking tours offer single or multiday hikes, complete with historic shipwreck sites, deserted beaches, and from June through September, the chance of spotting whales.

Watch the Sunset Over Uluru Rising 348 metres out of flat desert, this monolith sandstone formation is one of the most photographed sites in Australia, drawing people from around the world to capture its stunning beauty and shifting colours. Located close to the centre of the country, Uluru is a deeply sacred place to the local Anangu people, who consider it home of the Earth Mother. The best way to tour the site is with an Aboriginal guide, viewing caves at the base with petroglyphs taken over tens of thousands of years. At sunset, the rock transforms in colour as the light shifts, creating a dazzling natural display. Uluru is a World Heritage Site and the centrepiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also features spectacular dome-shaped rocks.

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Explore the World’s Largest Sand Island Massive dunes, towering rainforests and more than 100 freshwater lakes make World Heritage Site Fraser Island a must-see Australian destination. The world’s largest sand island, Fraser spans 120 kms along the coast of Queensland and is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, including dingoes, snakes, bats, wild horses, sugar gliders and more than 300 bird species.

Named for its length, 75 Mile Beach features coloured sandstone cliffs, the famous Maheno shipwreck and Champagne pools, bubbling rock pools that, unlike the ocean, are safe for swimming.

Rocky outcrop Indian Head is a popular viewing spot for seeing turtles, dolphins, sharks and other sea life. Inland, explore freshwater lakes, creeks and rainforests that grow on sand dunes. With no sealed roads, island excursions must be done with a 4WD, either on your own or with a guided tour.

ABOVE Uluru

Take a Wilderness Safari in Daintree National Park One of the most ancient ecosystems on the planet, Daintree National Park is in the far north of Queensland, and like Uluru, sacred to the local Aboriginal people. With more than 18,000 plant species and a variety of animal species — including the Bennett’s tree kangaroo, cassowary, crocodile, giant blue Ulysses butterfly and the eastern water dragon — Daintree draws nature lovers to its astounding biodiversity year round.

The park features two main sections: Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets white sandy beaches, and Mossman Gorge, where rock pools, granite boulders and the clear waters of the Mossman River are surrounded by lush forest. Guided safari tours are the best way to experience Daintree, as your guide can share details of the park’s significance, both biologically and culturally.

Tour the Wineries South Australia’s wineries produce more than half of the country’s wine, with a wide range of varieties made possible by the area’s diverse climate and geography. With 18 wine regions and a multitude of vineyards accessible from Adelaide, wine touring is an excellent way to discover what makes these wines world famous while experiencing the beauty of the south.

Vineyards such as Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra are highlights of South Australia, as well as the Barossa Valley, which boasts some of the world’s best Shiraz, and the Clare Valley, where you can follow the ‘Riesling trail’ by bike.

SPORTS, RECREATION & TRAVEL

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Take a Shot at Archery

By Tonya Lambert Photos KTB Photography

S

ince the turn of the century, the sport of archery has grown by leaps and bounds. Men and women, boys and girls have been inspired from watching The Lord of the Rings and Hunger Games trilogies to pick up a bow and arrow. In Edmonton, the place to go to channel your inner Katniss or Legolas is Wyld Archery on the Yellowhead Trail.

Owner Justin Watson notes there is no shortage of people wanting to come

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and shoot on Wyld Archery’s 20 lanes.

“We have skilled hunters, role players and absolute beginners of all ages,” he says. “We are especially popular with those just learning the sport because we take time to show them how it’s done.

Teachers and camp leaders bring their students to us for instruction.”

“We took our two grandsons to Wyld Archery,” says Brian P. “We all enjoyed a couple hours of fun. The instructions at the start were helpful, and several of the

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more experienced people on the range were, as well.” Wesley S. agrees, “The friendly and participant-focused staff made it very easy for a first-time archer.”

Individual and family memberships are available for the shooting range on a three, six or twelve-month basis. You can rent equipment to use or bring your own.

Current members of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as Police, Ambulance and Fire Department personnel receive a 10 per cent discount with ID, on the use of

ABOVE Justin Watson, owner

women and girls need and want to practice the sport, from the Prois line of clothing for female hunters (made by women for women) to lighter-weight hunting points and even pink arrows!

Watson introduced his wife Milena to archery several years ago. “My wife tells me shooting is a major stress relief for her; it forces her to focus and concentrate on one thing rather than having her mind everywhere at once.”

the shooting lanes as well as on products in the store. Those who purchase a bow from Wyld Archery get free shooting time so they can practice — 15 transferable full-day lane passes for bows under $500 and 30 for bows over $500.

Wyld Archery carries a wide range of bows and arrows as well as related gear, such as hunting wear and backpacks.

Edmonton’s exclusive dealers for Canada’s APA bows out of Biggar, Saskatchewan, they also stock Hoyt, PSE,

Bear, Martin and Samick, and will soon be carrying the new line of innovative Obsession bows. They are also able to order in most other brands. “We have all types of bows — horse, long, recurve and compound,” notes Watson. “Traditional forms of archery have become especially popular and we are known for our large section of traditional archery gear.”

As well, an ever-increasing number of women and girls have taken up the bow and arrow. Wyld Archery has everything

SPORTS, RECREATION & TRAVEL

Archery exercises the body and the mind, requiring both strength and endurance.

It is a challenging yet calming activity which can be equally enjoyed alone or as part of a group. Visit Wyld Archery today and try out the fastest-growing sport in North America.

Wyld Archery 14805 Yellowhead Trail NW Edmonton 587.524.3838 info@wyldarchery.ca www.wyldarchery.ca /WyldArchery @wyldarchery

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HOUSE & HOME

MAXIMIZE YOUR ROI WITH

New Appliances

By Scott McGillivray Photos Richard Sibbald

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HOUSE & HOME

open wide enough to even pull out the drawers properly because there’s a wall in the way. Double door (or french door) fridges require even more space, so keep that in mind. Other things like counter height and depth need to be considered (especially for dishwashers), as well as counter allowance for slide-in ranges.

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ppliances can make or break the look of a room. Replacing ’70s appliances with shiny, stainless steel models can bring a kitchen into the 21st century more effectively than any other upgrade.

Go Pro Just because you’re not a professional chef doesn’t mean your kitchen shouldn’t be professional grade.

Lines like the new Frigidaire professional suite come in standard sizes (minimizing or even eliminating the amount of renovations needed to install them) and are priced so the average homeowner can afford them. The great part about the aesthetic of professional style appliances?

They have a truly classic look that can seamlessly fit into any kitchen style.

Last But Not Least Jumping the gun on appliance purchases can cost you in the long run if you haven’t properly planned the space. Make sure you extensively plan the layout of your kitchen. If an 18-inch dishwasher just won’t cut it, make sure you delegate space for a full 24-inch model. Don’t get stuck with appliances you don’t like just because you didn’t plan properly.

Do sweat the smaLL stuff There are many small details that can slip your mind, or you don’t even think of in the first place. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen fridge doors that can’t

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It’s easy BeING GreeN Old appliances have a financial and environmental cost. A new, energy efficient fridge can save you up to $200 a year, meaning you recoup the purchase price in a couple years. ENERGY STAR compliant dishwashers not only use 50 to 75 per cent less energy than older models, but also much less water – as little as three gallons for a full cycle. If three gallons sounds like a lot, keep in mind you can use almost 10 times that by washing dishes by hand. Front load washers can cost as little as $20/year to operate, and since 90 per cent of the energy used to wash clothes is spent heating the water, switching to cold water can make a noticeable difference.

DoN’t Let the eLectrIc sLIDe Appliances eat up a lot of the electrical bandwidth in your home.

Laundry and kitchen appliances alone can take up a big portion of your panel, and when you add in things like air conditioning, it can get tight. This is especially true if you have an income suite in your home, which means two kitchens and often two washers and dryers.

We recently shot an episode of Income Property where the homeowners ended up having to upgrade their electrical panel to accommodate the addition of a dishwasher and upstairs laundry.

This was above and beyond what they had planned to spend because it never occurred to them that their current electrical panel wasn’t sufficient. If you have a newer home, chances are this won’t be an issue. However if you’re buying an older home (like many in the core areas of most major cities), it’s something you may need to consider.

Check out the new season of Income Property Thursdays at 9 p.m. & 9:30p.m. ET/PT on HGTV CANADA. /EverythingScottMcgillivray @smcgillivray @scottmcg @scott_mcgillivray www.scottmcgillivray.com

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Monumental Design, One Dream Home at a Time preferences are paramount, of course, but the designer’s interpretation of the community’s architectural guidelines plays an important role as well. At Augusta, we are experts at weaving both into warm, inviting, timeless exteriors with traditional features proven to stand the test of time.

Nicholas Carels assistant general manager Augusta Fine Homes 3203 – 93 Street, Edmonton 780.289.6899 www.augustafinehomes.com

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hen envisioning your dream home, do you just see the inside or do you envision a home that beckons as soon as you turn onto your street? What would this masterpiece say when welcoming your guests?

The exterior of a custom home can be just as alluring as the inside and is determined by two key factors: your personal

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The first decision when building a new estate home is to select a location.

At Augusta, we handpick lots suited to our impressive homes throughout Edmonton’s finest communities. After all, where you choose to build will influence the exterior elevation of your new home. Neighbourhood styles are determined by an architectural control agent who is a representative of the developer, a system that protects the value of an estate community by ensuring the highest expectations for home design.

This stringent set of parameters outlines the community’s desired building styles – for instance, French country, Prairie Modern and Craftsman are some of the current styles.

To begin we start with a framework where we strip the exterior of all discernable features and begin with a blank slate.

The structure of the home remains, but elements such as windows, roof styles and architectural accents are modified and added. For instance, to achieve the horizontal exaggeration of a Prairie Modern home, the designer will utilize large overhangs, lower sloped roofs, and windows that are wider than they are tall. At the opposite end of the design spectrum, a French Country exterior emphasizes the vertical, drawing the

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eye upward with steeper rooflines and arched features.

There are functional considerations that weigh in on the curb appeal of a home, too - garages being perhaps the most significant. In Alberta, it’s a priority to allow plenty of garage space for evergrowing truck and large SUV models as well as drive-thru designs ideal for storing speedboats, ATVs or snowmobiles. As it relates to the home’s elevation, the garage should disappear into the front of the house as a design feature instead of an accent. With the homeowner’s input, we carefully select Wayne Dalton garage door designs to compliment the overall curb appeal of the home.

High-end exterior materials are the standard in estate communities, ensuring a low-maintenance home that looks amazing. Upgrading to El Dorado Natural Stone as an accent makes a real impression; natural stone is far more striking than man-made stone. We often clad our homes in James Hardie® fibre cement siding.

In an estate community, each house will have its own identity – a unique appeal that speaks privately to the homeowner while subtly projecting their ethos. A Prairie Modern home whispers subtlety and understated style, a French Country exterior emphasizes opulence and grandeur, a Craftsman home philosophizes about the dignity of the handmade and unique.

Estate home design is a collaborative effort. At Augusta, we’re honoured to be a part of that process.

The home office

is the Way of the Future

By Henny Buffinga

FL BUSINESS

as reduced traffic and the resulting lower carbon-emissions. As an example of the savings for individual businesses, the report estimates a company that has 250 telecommuting employees would save $3 million a year.

Telecommuting saves employers more than just overhead and rent money; employees who work from home are happier, and thus more productive.

According to Globalworkplaceanalytics. com, 36 per cent of workers would prefer working from home to a pay raise, and 80 per cent of employees consider working from home a job perk.

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ith most jobs needing only a computer, phone and Internet connection, more people are working from home than ever before. Work/life balance is a hot topic when it comes to business trends, with millennials and Gen-Y workers stating it’s one of their main priorities when choosing a job.

According to Smallbiztrends.com, 69 per cent of U.S. entrepreneurs start their businesses from home, and many have employees who work from their own homes as well. For entrepreneurs, starting a business costs an average of $15,000, and cutting the overhead by working from home allows more freedom for the business owner in those important first few years.

According to the WorkShift initiative, led by Calgary Economic Development, there are about 4.3 million Canadians with jobs that are compatible with working from home.

Allowing these people to work out of office, the report states, would have a bottom-line economic benefit of $53 billion across the country, as well as community perks such

When it comes to planning a home office, Chris Medeiros, co-owner of Response I.T., advocates doing your homework before you commit to the electronics in your home office.

“Getting the proper foundation for the office is the most important thing,” Medeiros explains. “You need to make sure you cover the basics, such as the right computer for your needs, anti-virus software, surge protectors, that kind of thing. Pricing everything ahead of time is a good idea.

Software such as Skype, Microsoft Word and Google Docs are invaluable to creating a cohesive virtual work environment for employees. And for people just starting up, Medeiros recommends getting your own domain name to give a professional first impression via email.

With a major hindrance to productivity being workplace distraction, working from home in an environment workers can control helps them raise productivity levels while giving them the work/life balance they crave.

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Taking Care of You

When You Need It Most

By Henny Buffinga Photos Cory John Photography

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n 1941, Tod Smolyk was a funeral director with a dream of starting his own business. Because he didn’t have the startup money on his own, he knocked on doors to find investors for his business. By the time he was ready to open his own funeral home, he had 12.

One of those investors would become his wife.

The same day Park Memorial Funeral Home opened its doors, Tod and Lucy Smolyk were married. Now the business is in the hands of the third generation of Smolyks. Along with the original Edmonton location, Park Memorial also has four rural locations in Mayerthorpe,

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Lamont, Vegreville and Smoky Lake.

While they have grown in scope, the business continues to involve their close and extended family.

Park Memorial is a full-service funeral home and crematorium with a large chapel, several visitation rooms, an inviting reception centre where families can have a gathering with food and an onsite crematorium.

“Organizing a funeral often happens behind closed doors, so many people don’t know much about the process beforehand,” explains Kirstie Smolyk, vice president of Park Memorial and

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granddaughter of Tod and Lucy. “We are caring and compassionate while educating families about their options.

We don’t push decisions, as every family’s wants, needs and financial situation is different. We just try to make this stressful and difficult time a little easier for them in any way we can.”

Whether families are pre-planning for their own funeral or planning a service for the death of a loved one, directors at Park Memorial spend hours with the family to help with everything they need, from writing the obituary to finding a celebrant, choosing a casket or urn, sourcing flowers, creating a video

“I could honestly feel in my heart, see with my eyes and hear with my ears your staff felt my loss and worked together with me to do everything and anything to make sure I would be happy with the final outcome. I highly recommend Park Memorial to people who wish to be treated with professionalism and respect.” The McMullan Family tribute and more. The staff is trained to work with many different religions, ethnic customs and traditions, hosting everything from Ukrainian Orthodox to Buddhist ceremonies.

The staff at Park Memorial also enjoys helping families personalize the service to reflect the interests of their loved one.

“We’ve had a building full of HarleyDavidsons, created garden displays, decorated with airplanes – the options are nearly limitless,” says Smolyk. “It makes the service unique and truly about the deceased and helps the family to have a good funeral experience to start them on their healing journey.”

In a world of corporate funeral homes, this family-run business stands out.

Winning the Consumer Choice Award for Best Funeral Home in Edmonton for six years in a row proves Park Memorial provides professional, compassionate and caring service. “We want families to know how proud we are to be in this profession, helping them during a time of loss, and are honoured to walk with them through their grief,” says Smolyk.

Whether you are a pre-need client who wishes to plan ahead or an at-need client, Park Memorial is there to take care of you.

Park Memorial Funeral Home 9709-111 Avenue, Edmonton 780.426.0050 www.parkmemorial.com

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Preplanning Your Funeral

Kirstie Smolyk Vice President Park Memorial Funeral Home 9709-111 Avenue, Edmonton 780.426.0050 www.parkmemorial.com

of mind to not have to make important decisions and major monetary purchases during a period of great stress and grief.

The good news is preplanning can be very informal and as simple as sharing your wishes with a family member or executor so that someone knows what to do in the event of an unexpected death.

More formal arrangements in the form of a preneed contract can be set up with a funeral director and funded through insurance or a bank trust agreement.

By creating a formal contract and prepaying the associated costs, you also control the future cost of your funeral and are protected from inflation, while ensuring your life insurance provides for your survivors instead of paying for funeral expenses.

What are some of the decisions I can make in advance?

Some of the things you can make decisions about include:

What are the benefits to preplanning?

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o one likes to think about his or her own death. In many families, discussing one’s mortality is extremely uncomfortable, and can be an uneasy topic. But it is one that should be discussed and planned for well in advance of your death.

Preplanning your funeral offers great emotional and financial security for you and your family. You can make your wishes known and your family will find comfort in knowing the funeral reflects your wants. It also gives loved ones peace

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•

Whether you will be buried or cremated

•

Whether you’ll have a visitation or wake before your service

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The type of service and location

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The type of casket or cremation container and urn

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Where you would like your body buried or cremated remains placed

•

Who will officiate your service

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Which photo of yourself you’d like to have on memorial cards or in your obituary

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•

Who will deliver the eulogy or special speeches

•

Which readings, prayers or poems you’d like read and songs or hymns to be played

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Which memorabilia you’d like to have displayed or special items given to attendees

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What type of post-service reception or gathering you’d want and its location

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Whether or not you’d like guests to donate to a charity in your honour

How detailed can I be with preplanning?

Virtually every element of your funeral or memorial service can be personalized as much as you like. Imagine the service, the flow and feel. You can personalize your service with special music, flowers and inspirational readings. Some people want their funerals to reflect certain personal interests and achievements, which can be done through a eulogy, a video tribute, photo boards and special memorabilia displays.

How do I get more information?

If you are considering prearranging a funeral, Park Memorial would be honoured to answer your questions and provide further assistance with no obligation. Our funeral directors will educate you about all your options and work with you to create a plan to suit your unique needs and budget. If you choose to formally preplan, we will walk you through the prearrangement process step by step.

Be Proactive About Your Hearing

Hearing Loss and Social Isolation

Tim Goshulak and Greg Nedelec Owners Living Sounds Hearing Centre Ltd. 12310-105 Ave, Edmonton 780.488.8100 info@livingsounds.ca livingsounds.ca

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or the most part, hearing is automatic. We process a wide range of noises and sounds each day and people with typical hearing are wired to handle it because their ears are on and alert at all times.

Our ears and the brain make a great team.

Each day we engage with wide range of people and are challenged with complex communication scenarios. Our ears and brains work in tandem to handle and manage any hearing situation, so you’re able to interpret the intended message. In order to manage your hearing, we must be proactive and by understanding how our brains and ears work together, we are taking the initial steps in doing so.

Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit amongst our older population and is becoming a major social and health problem. Up to 27 per cent of adults have some degree of hearing loss and this statistic only increases with age.

Because hearing loss is a social loss, research has shown a link between untreated hearing loss and depression, isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, anger and fatigue. All of which cause stress and strained relationships with others. This goes to show the importance of having your hearing checked on a regular basis.

Not only are you making your hearing a priority, but you are also taking steps to a better quality of life.

Remove, Reduce and Rest Strategy A full third of hearing loss is noiseinduced and has become more present in today’s teen and young adult populations.

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable by using the remove, reduce and rest strategy. The first line of defense is to remove as much noise as possible from the environment and then reduce the amount of noise entering your listening space. When put in a noisy situation,

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you should always allow your ears to rest so your hearing system can recover.

Statistics are showing a trend in hearing loss at a younger age and because hearing loss isn’t associated with pain, it is often left unnoticed. It’s easy to take hearing for granted and ignore symptoms of hearing loss until it’s too late, so make sure to be aware of the signs, no matter what the age.

Early Detection and Prevention The good news is that 90 per cent of those with hearing loss can improve their communication with properly fitted hearing instruments, rehabilitative counselling and education. It’s been reported individuals with hearing loss often wait six to 10 years before they seek help. This means that the impact of hearing loss increases and could’ve been prevented by a simple screening. Once identified, annual retesting is a great idea because hearing loss usually progresses with age.

Hearing helps us stay connected to each other and to the world around us. Be proactive—take care of your hearing and find a hearing professional that will take care of you!

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A Day in the Life of a Barkers Dog

By Brandi Parnell Photos KTB Photography

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oday, I have decided to tell all, come clean, fess up. My owners have gone on vacation. Before they left, they gave me a couple of McDonald’s cheeseburgers — an old family trick that calms me down when I’m feeling uneasy — and told me to have a wonderful stay. I’m a Great Dane and I am boarding at Barkers Pet Motel.

Because dogs sense energy, I immediately knew my owners had done their research.

Alex Aldred, one of the owners of Barkers, greeted me when I arrived and introduced me to one of his staff, who would later

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“We can judge the heart of a person by their treatment of animals.”

– Immanuel Kant

become one of my best buds. She helped me get settled and she even set up my oversized kennel complete with my favourite toy, which I brought from home.

Right away we were off to the yard to meet what my caregiver called, ‘my

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group.’ You see, at Barkers, they assemble dogs according to needs. Senior dogs go out together because they tend to need less exercise and require more care; they even offer special memory foam beds for older dogs with sore hips. There are groups for puppies, small dogs, large breeds, which is my group, and even nervous or antisocial dogs.

I heard Alex say on one of the tours he gives to all owners that the grouping concept helps his staff tailor their offerings to match our canine needs.

Pretty cool, hey? Best of all, the amazing

staff members are everywhere — scratching our ears, throwing a ball and cleaning up our, ahem...waste.

Out in the yard, it is clean and well maintained with a large section of brand new artificial turf to help keep our paws clean. I started out on my leash, but my caregiver quickly let me roam free.

Because the staff members are all animal lovers, they sense intuitively what we need. In fact, I witnessed a staff member take action when she saw one of my fellow canines was quite bloated. She immediately escorted him out of the yard to examine his stomach. I later heard Alex say she saved the dog’s life by rushing him to the vet for emergency surgery.

We are allowed to play in the fresh air with our group for 30 – 45 minutes at a time, several times a day, weather permitting. Everything at Barkers is flexible — especially for small or anxious canines; and other than food, they provide it all. The reason we bring our own kibble is because switching foods can upset our tummies. This week one of my new friends wasn’t feeling well so Alex’s mom, Sandi, cooked some ground beef and rice, a sure-fire remedy for a nauseous dog.

friends. In fact, I can see my tail wagging the next time I’m out on a walk and bump into someone who cared for me while I was here.

I can’t imagine just how much work goes into keeping a dog healthy, happy and clean while their owners are away, but I’m doggone happy to stay at Barkers.

I’d recommend Barkers to any of my

Barker’s Pet Motel & Grooming 27 Riel Drive St Albert 780.460.0505 barkerspetmotel.ca

BUSINESS

With a park-like yard full of trees, trails and wide-open spaces and kind-hearted, dedicated staff, your dog will barely notice you’re gone. Oh, I almost forgot, Alex, his family and staff also care for cats, birds and reptiles. Take it from me, this place will have your pet begging you to go away again.

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I n s I g h ts I n to

Women of Achievement

By Henny Buffinga

“People don’t take opportunities because the timing is bad, the financial side unsecure. Too many people are overanalyzing. Sometimes you just have to go for it.”

– Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder of CloudFlare

E

ntrepreneurship was once considered a man’s game, but more women are starting their own businesses and excelling in business than ever. After all, these are the “lean in” times, where women are encouraged to lean into their careers and where campaigns like #banbossy are taking over the conversation, encouraging everyone to avoid using the word bossy around young girls to encourage their ability to lead and narrow what has been termed the confidence gap between young boys and girls.

According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey there were 950,000 selfemployed women in Canada in 2012, which accounts for 35.6 per cent of all self-employed persons (up only 4.4 per cent since 1990). Yet, the proportion of women-owned businesses that plan to expand is generally higher than men.

And when a woman does decide to open her own business she tends to stay in business longer, meaning her survival rates are higher.

Success often begins with education, and the percentage of young women with a postsecondary degree or diploma has

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“Dear optimist, pessimist, and realist — while you guys were busy arguing about the glass of wine, I drank it! Sincerely, the opportunist!”

- Lori Greiner, inventor and television personality

increased from 43 per cent in 1990 to 71 per cent in 2013. However, while significant leaps in women’s education and business success have been steadily on the rise, there are still many barriers facing women in the workplace. Women-owned startups often receive significantly less investor funding, and fear of failure is listed as one of the biggest concerns among women starting their own business. Women also have to deflect the perception of many employers that family responsibilities will interfere with their competence at work.

Women are still learning to use what are perceived as feminine qualities (nurturing, relationship focused) to their advantage

in the workplace, while others are fighting the idea that they need to “act like men” to succeed.

Despite the many challenges women face in business, there are great role models to look to for motivation. These women range from Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post, who is frequently cited as one of the most influential people in the media today, to Sheryl Sandberg, the chief operating officer of Facebook, whose work in the male-dominated tech field with Facebook and Google has proven inspiring to many, to J.K. Rowling, author of the best

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selling book series in history and who was originally told to write under her initials because boys wouldn’t want to read books written by a woman.

But what does it take to get to the top?

Some of the common traits of successful women are assertiveness, confidence, strategy, opportunity recognition and the ability to handle stress. While there’s no one recipe for success, Fine Lifestyles plans to ask women about their motivations, success habits and interests to see what helped them get to where they are. Our Women of Achievement series is sure to inspire.

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Chantelle Beasley Grabbing Life by the Pole

By Trina Annand Photos Christophe Benard Photography

C

hantelle Beasley discovered pole fitness while searching for a fun and challenging way to spice up her workout routine. After just a few classes she was hooked, now at just 23 years old she owns three Aradia Fitness locations.

“A great entrepreneur is someone who’s willing to learn from their mistakes.

Everyone makes them, they’re an important part of making your business stronger,” says Beasley. “Owning a business is a 24-hour a day, seven days a week job, it’s important to have a great team backing you up. No one’s

superwoman, you simply can’t do it all. A lot of my success is due to my incredible team.” With her first child on the way Beasley will be depending on her team members more than ever, as her main focus will be family.

Even the most dedicated business owner needs to disconnect and get away once in a while, for Beasley her escape is camping, “The best way for me to unwind is to find a camping spot with no cell service. As small business owners we put a lot of ourselves into the business, it becomes an extension of who we are. It’s important to develop a

sense of balance in every aspect of your life,” says Beasley.

“Staying on track can be challenging when you don’t have a boss breathing down your neck. It’s important to set weekly, monthly and yearly objectives to stay motivated,” says Beasley. The entrepreneur’s recipe for success includes a genuine passion for her job, something she notes is infectious for her clients too. “When I started pole fitness I went from saying I could never do the more advanced tricks to feeling so accomplished and believing I could do anything I set my mind to. It really INSET Chantelle Beasley

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boosted my confidence and self esteem.

It’s even more rewarding to see that shift in our clients.”

Fitness also offers contortion, bootcamps, booty and body shaper classes to suit every interest.

“Everyone thinks you need to be fit to try pole dancing, but it’s great for all shapes, sizes and sexes. It’s just a really fun workout, we help you achieve your fitness goals,” says Beasley. Pole fitness targets upper body and core muscle groups, increasing both strength and flexibility. With more than 20 instructors at each location focused on fitness, the art of pole dancing and the sensual side of pole; every client can find the right fit and challenge level for them. Aradia

With a membership that can be used at all locations, Aradia Fitness clients will be able to fit a workout in wherever they are. “We want to make our clients excited to come workout. If you’re just dragging yourself to the gym you’re not getting the full effects of fitness,” says Beasley.

Aradia Fitness #102 977 Fir Street, Sherwood Park 780.819.0977 sherwoodpark@aradiafitness.com aradiafitness.com |

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Hands-on Knowledge and a Flair for Design:

MEET NICOLE BIRD

By Henny Buffinga Photos Christophe Benard

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W

orking in a maledominated industry can be a challenge for women, but Nicole Bird has flourished. Bird started in the construction industry at a young age, working in a lumberyard on the weekends from the age of 14. Then she worked in a furniture store before accepting an opportunity to work with Loewen, a premiere provider of windows and doors in Edmonton, where she worked for over 10 years.

Nicole now owns RSVP Design and is a dealer for Loewen along with other companies that provide windows, doors, kitchens, closet organizers and more. “I had been working for Loewen for over 10 years, and I saw an opportunity to better serve the market in Edmonton,” she explains. “I wanted to take it to the next level by offering products Loewen alone couldn’t supply.”

She works closely with builders, architects and homeowners to find the right products for each home. Her network of contacts helps her source local talent, unique products from arts and crafts style architects to the right windows for your home. Her showroom displays high-end products from Loewen, Wood Inc., Stow Storage and more.

Nicole is excited by the projects she works on, skilled at what she does and passionate about her work. “This business is pretty demanding,” she says. “You need to keep track of all the details. Sometimes setting a project aside and working on something else for a while is a good thing;

when you return with fresh eyes you see things you may not have noticed before.”

Nicole’s plan is to expand her showroom into a high-end design centre for custom builders – something Edmonton doesn’t yet have. “I want to create something someone else can take over eventually, whether that be my kids or someone else,” she says.

Her advice for women in the industry?

“When you encounter challenges, just push through,” she says. “Hard work does pay off. Sometimes things don’t come easily, but you have to persevere. When it came to starting this company, there

are a lot of things I wished had happened earlier, but in hindsight I know I wasn’t ready. Opening my own business has been a huge accomplishment.”

“Just listen to your customers, and stay focused on what your target audience is,” she adds. “If you don’t listen to them and keep them happy, you won’t have customers.”

RSVP Design 9203 28 Avenue Edmonton 780.452.3753 nicolebird@rsvpdesigninc.ca www.rsvpdesigninc.ca

Getting to Know Nicole Bird: Is there anything people may be surprised to learn about you?

a I’m pretty girly and I dress up for work, but people are sometimes surprised to learn that I love fishing and being outdoors.

If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be?

a Sarah Richardson, Toronto designer of HGTV fame.

If you could be doing anything other than what you are doing right now, what would it be?

a Anyone who knows me knows I’m passionate about what I’m doing.

I’m not someone who is driven by money; I’m driven by success (and money follows!). I’m completely satisfied doing what I’m doing right now.

Who is your mentor?

a Wayne Walz hired me at Loewen and has been my friend and mentor ever since.

OPPOSITE Nicole Bird ABOVE Justine Born WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FEATURE

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A Luxury SALon ExtEnsion ExpEriEncE

By Melanie Furlong

I

n less than two years, 26-year-old entrepreneur and owner of The Extensionist, Megan Ledarney has opened two full service salons and a hair extension academy in downtown Edmonton. The young, local woman is following her dream of helping women who are suffering from hair loss undetectable, natural-looking extensions in a safe and positive environment.

The newest location on Jasper Avenue, which opened in June, is connected to The Extensionist Academy and is dedicated to becoming their main Hair Replacement Centre. The facility features individual rooms with washing stations where hair loss clients remain during the whole procedure, maintaining their privacy - the first centre in Alberta to perform hair replacement services of this calibre.

The hair school graduate opened her first location, The Extensionist Consultancy Inc. on Whyte Avenue, one-and-a-halfyears ago. The salon grew so quickly, Ledarney had to build another one to accommodate the demand.

Her close-knit staff, who she calls #teamextensionists, all use the gentle VOGUEPEARL technique Ledarney developed five years ago, guaranteeing the extensions will not cause any damage whatsoever to existing hair.

Megan Ledarney, instructor/creator/owner of the Extensionist consultancy.

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While many clients are people who feel they want more hair, others suffer from serious hair and scalp disorders such as alopecia and trichotillomania, both cause hair loss.

“We have studied extensive research on trichology and hair loss - that sets us apart,” says Ledarney. People in the community have taken note. The company already has 107,000 followers on Facebook and served more than 4,000 women in 2014. This year, they’ve already surpassed that number.

The rapid growth of The Extensionist Consultancy Inc. has meant Ledarney has to follow her intuition when making

business decisions. Focused on creating a luxury salon experience that pampers clients, The Extensionist makes people feel beautiful and confident again.

“One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is having the ability to improve the economy and give awesome people amazing careers,” she says. “But helping the women and hearing the feedback from them and how what we’ve done changed their lives, is very moving.”

Ledarney has also set up the Megan Ledarney Hair Replacement Foundation to sponsor the giveaway of one hair replacement transformation every quarter. To apply, the potential candidate

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or a loved one can fill out an application form on The Extensionist’s website. “At the end of every quarter, we award one person who we feel really needs and deserves it,” says Ledarney.

She hopes one day The Extensionist will have locations in every major city across Canada. Ledarney says, “My dream is to see best practices and proper training for all extensionists because every woman deserves to feel her best.”

The Extensionist Consultancy Inc. Whyte Ave - 780 705 8363 Jasper Ave - 780 705 6636 www.theextensionist.ca /theextensionist

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Kicking the Boring Workout Blues

By Trina Annand Photos Christophe Benard Photography

R

honda Karisse has always been a dedicated fitness and sport enthusiast. Understanding the importance health and positivity plays in a woman’s life, she was inspired to open Iron Goddess Studios Inc. With a holistic approach to fitness, the all women facility encourages clients to push their limits every day.

offering 39 classes a week Karisse and her team provide women with a vast variety of fitness options including kickboxing, weight training, Zumba, yoga, selfdefence, stretch therapy and everything in between. This comprehensive menu of classes allows clients to achieve a more balanced level of wellness by combining classes to reach their fitness goals.

“Having worked extensively in the fitness industry I realize there is a distinct difference for clients when you provide an all female environment,” says Karisse. “Women have a different set of communication skills when we’re together. There is a different level of comfort, support and inclusivity.” By

Karisse believes successful entrepreneurs dream big, “A great entrepreneur is not scared to dream or to shoot for the stars.” However, she acknowledges it’s important to stay grounded, “Not every dream or idea works out, you need to be adaptable.” The business owner is also quick to point out a major

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challenge for entrepreneurs is spreading themselves too thin. Karisse has created a veteran team of fitness experts with over 114 years of combined experience.

The dedicated team helps clients stay motivated and challenged. “I would like to be able to spend time with each of our clients, but it’s just not possible. So I have assembled an amazing team to provide the closest thing to personal training in a class setting,” says Karisse.

New this fall, Iron Goddess is offering Athena classes for those who have a significant amount of weight to lose.

With Athena, the studio creates an environment that caters to the client’s limitations, injuries, fitness and comfort

ABOVE Rhonda Karisse and Lois Scheerschmidt, owners WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FEATURE

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the studio together, allowing them to achieve goals together and strengthen their bond. “At Iron Goddess we treat everyone like family, we call our clients our fit family. People get to know each other and encourage one another to do their best,” says Karisse.

levels. By providing a supportive group environment and a personalized nutrition plan, Iron Goddess helps women to take control of their health and fitness goals whether they are 10 or 80 years old. “I love to see a change in women, to see them become stronger, more confident.

It’s truly inspiring to see my clients live like they mean it,” says Karisse.

Behind all of Karisse’s success is a strong sense of family. “Family is extremely important to me, with a great husband and four amazing kids. It’s important

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to me to make them proud and vital to develop a work and family balance as a business owner. You need to make sure when you are home you are truly there with your family, you need to unplug from work,” says Karisse. This sense of family inspired both the Iron Goddess’ couples night and the Demi Goddess programs. Twice a month couples are welcomed into the studio for a fun and engaging date night. The Demi Goddess Kickboxing Yoga and Self Defense program provides girls ages 10-15 and their moms an opportunity to come to

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At the core of Iron Goddess is its kickboxing program, modeled after the traditional martial arts system of gaining fitness through setting goals and achieving level advancement. Each level of advancement is referred to as ‘Blading up’ with the goal of becoming an Iron Goddess and achieving ‘black belt’ status. The owner is truly committed to creating a better community by including a community service component to the Kickboxing and Demi Goddess programs.“ Iron Goddess emphatically encourages balance in life. We want to make our clients stronger, as well as our community,” says Karisse.

Karisse has discovered in her years in the fitness industry that the most challenging part for her clients is the actual act of going to the gym. “My biggest advice to people is don’t worry about how you look or what you’re wearing. Showing up to the gym is the most important step to

better health and achieving your goals,” says Karisse.

“Achieving fitness through a healthy lifestyle is most attainable when it’s approachable. We have developed a welcoming environment and a series of classes that make fitness fun. If fitness is boring you’re not going to want to put the effort in,” says Karisse.

Another key to Iron Goddess’ success is the wide range of services that can be found under the same roof allowing clients to make the most of the time they have for personal care. The Prius Clinic can be found just inside Iron Goddess offering clients an alternative to the traditional family practitioner. Nurse Practitioners Deserae Davis and Lisa Pulak decided to open their own clinic to provide a dynamic level of healthcare for their clients.

Iron Goddess Kickboxing Inc. #152 134 Pembina Road Sherwood Park 780.449.0968 www.irongoddesskickboxing.com

A Solid Connection -

The Prius Clinic

A

blend of general medical care and medical rejuvenation, Prius offers a wide variety of services from basic medical exams to more unique and cutting edge Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments. “We both wanted to create a service for clients who fall through the cracks of the traditional medical system. Here the client comes first, we don’t rush you we take the time to get to know you and your concerns,” says Davis.

Prius offers clients a variety of rejuvenation procedures such as PRP joint injections to relieve the problems associated with arthritis and sports injuries. PRP can also provide facial and hair rejuvenation by accelerating tissue regeneration.

Another of the business’ signature service is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, which combats the symptoms of menopause, andropause and adrenal fatigue. “It’s really rewarding to be able to provide personalized service and know we are making a difference in people’s lives,” says Davis.

The Prius Clinic 780-800.4439 | www.thepriusclinic.ca

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Dr. Lisa Clements, ND Naturopathic Doctor at Vital Health Naturopathic Clinic

I

am honoured to have been asked to participate in this column, “Women of Distinction.” To be included among other inspiring women is truly incredible. I must be honest though; when I was asked to participate, I felt a little worried that I didn’t have enough to contribute, which got me thinking about what I feel it really means to be a “woman of distinction.”

Just as any experience offers perspective, writing this article was an opportunity for self-reflection and learning. Immediately I jumped to the conclusion that I couldn’t possibly have enough to offer. In fact, I felt quite “behind” in life. I am in my thirties and am not yet married, I don’t have kids – two things that are very highly valued by society. I don’t have a huge list of awards to put on my resume and I have not started any charities. The more I thought about what I’m not, the more I felt like I shouldn’t be included in this article.

I’m not sure what shifted, but eventually I started to focus on the things that I

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love about myself and the things that I’m proud of. I grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone. There, I learned the importance of confidentiality and community, and I developed an immense love and respect for nature. I have been fortunate enough to do some traveling and volunteering in developing countries. Through these experiences I learned that material possessions are not the epitome of happiness and that all people are people. We all share the same emotions, aspirations and the need for love. I became a naturopathic doctor and, through the process, grew so much as a person and learned the value of empathy and compassion. I love my job and feel so privileged that, all day long, I get to hear people’s stories and work with them to improve their quality of life. After all, living life is what really matters. Having friends and family to share experiences with – the good and the bad – is the greatest gift we could ask for.

Once I started thinking about all the things that I am, I was frustrated by how easy it was to immediately focus on all

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of the things that I “should” be. Society has a way of making us feel like we are constantly needing to measure up – whether it’s being the best mom or the star athlete, getting the promotion or the top of the class. If we don’t meet these targets, all too often we sell ourselves short. Life can be hard enough at times; we don’t need to make it harder on ourselves. Instead, I’ve decided to be proud of the person that I am and of what I can offer others. In my opinion, what really makes me a “woman of distinction” is my ability to listen to, and empathize with, those around me. So, be gentle on yourself. Love yourself a little bit more because you have much more to offer than you might think.

Lisa is a naturopathic doctor at Vital Health Naturopathic Clinic. To learn more about Lisa and naturopathic medicine, please visit the website www.vitalhealthclinic.ca.

Vital Health Naturopathic Clinic 136 2755 Broadmoor Blvd., Sherwood Park 780.449.4047

Dr. Nooreen Sumar, ND A Proactive Approach to Life With Naturopathic Medicine

M

y fascination with unique approaches to healing finds its origins in my grandmother’s cupboard, where traditional herbs or recipes could be retrieved whenever a symptomatic friend or family member appeared.

Since those days spent watching herbal concoctions being brewed on the stove, I developed a curiosity about the causes of illness and the healing process. I sought a career that would enable me to guide a patient through the experience of illness with dignity, first by empowering them to understand the root cause of their symptoms, and then equipping them with the insight, confidence, support, and knowledge to restore a state of balance and inner peace. Naturopathic medicine captivated my interest because it combines an understanding of biomedicine and other diverse modalities with the underlying knowledge that the patient’s own history and experiences often hold the clues to their healing journey.

After pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary with a minor in Management, I completed the four-year Naturopathic Doctorate Program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

I undertook rigorous training in the areas of anatomy and physiology, pathology, medical diagnosis and treatment, as well as other modalities such as botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy and hydrotherapy. Through my work with patients under the guidance of teachers and mentors, I began to engage with the determinants of a patient’s health. I witnessed significant transformations in a patient’s quality of life when he or she was inspired to make a dietary substitution, lifestyle modification, or do the “inner work” that led to a shift in thought process and behavior. I explored my passion for the study and practice of naturopathic medicine in diverse environments which included the Anishnawbe Health Center in Toronto, and rural clinics in India and the West Indies which broadened my scope and understanding.

Over the course of my four years of clinical practice, I have observed that physical symptoms often present concurrently with significant emotional life events– trauma, a move, car accident, loss of a valued job or family member – and that finding peace with these events can be critical to the healing journey.

I seek to provide a safe space where patients can share their stories and

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emotions free of judgment and where we can explore solutions together. I employ nutrition, mindfulness, acupuncture, counselling and other methods with the goal of restoring a sustainable state of mental and physical strength, peace, and confidence. Whenever possible, I emphasize a preventative approach and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

I am also passionate about facilitating a collaborative approach to health, working closely with likeminded physicians and specialists, psychologists, and craniosacral therapists.

My current practice involves the care of people of all ages and stages in life. I am humbled by the willingness of my patients to share their stories with me and invite me to play a role in their journey to healing. Watching patients find inner strength to overcome the adversities in their lives and find peace and love is my inspiration. I am continually exploring different fields of knowledge in psychology, energetics, and therapeutics which offers fresh insight into the challenges and solutions that patients seek.

Written by Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Nooreen Sumar, BSc. ND.

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Your Holistic Earth When DeeAnne Riendeau set up Your Holistic Earth, the first online holistic directory of its kind, one year ago, her goal was to remove barriers to finding alternative or holistic healthcare options in the Edmonton area. Her goal was to bring holistic practitioners together and help people in need find solutions.

In just 11 months, more than 250 holistic practitioners, from acupuncturists and chiropractors to BodyTalk practitioners and integrative body therapists have partnered with Your Holistic Earth.

While Riendeau has created exciting networking and marketing events for the practitioners, she’s also provided a Whole Health Assessment for people who do not know where to start. Your Holistic Earth offers an online assessment with a holistic professional who recommends a treatment plan for their individual needs. Also available for purchase is a savings card that provides discounted services from most practitioners. Your Holistic Earth even offers subsidized programs to those who don’t have access to this type of care.

This October 23-24, Your Holistic Earth is thrilled to present the first Awaken Whole Health Conference & Expo in Edmonton.

The event will host an array of alternative/ holistic healthcare providers showcasing their amazing services and products. In addition, they will also have a full day of speakers who will profoundly impact your life.

In the following pages, you’ll get to know some of Your Holistic Earth’s unique members. To see a complete list of their holistic practitioners and learn more about them, please visit their website!

780.619.7209 | yourholisticearth.ca info@holisticearth.ca

DeeAnne Riendeau

FLOAT

rest relax

Laara Delain

After Float Therapy helped Laara Delain recover from painful rheumatoid arthritis she decided to open Float Wellness, Sherwood Park’s premiere float studio.

In the year since opening, people from all ages and walks of life have experienced the myriad of benefits float therapy offers; relief from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, injury recovery, improved sleep, diminished depression and anxiety as well as an opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of life.

Experienced Float Hosts introduce new clients to the art of floating. The post-float lounge offers guests comfortable seating on an original 1950s turquoise vinyl sofa, a library of books, water or tea and relaxing music.

One hour in the i-Sopod Float Tank, which is filled with water and 1,100-lbs. of dissolved Epsom salts, is equal to four hours of your deepest rest. Floating also helps to eliminate fatigue and reset your internal clock from shift work and jet lag.

Laara says guests emerge from their Float Therapy sessions with a post-float glow. “Everyone feels amazing after a float,” says Laara. “I’m honoured to have created a sacred healing space for clients to let go and disconnect from their hectic worlds for little while. It’s a place to allow their bodies to heal and their minds to slow down.”

Float = Rest, Relax & Renew!

108-85 Cranford Way | Sherwood Park | 780.570.2222 | info@floatwellness.ca | floatwellness.ca

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Dr. McLeod Chiropractic At Dr. Nathalie McLeod’s chiropractic practice, helping patients live to their potential is the goal. Dr. McLeod provides wellness care and practices torque release, a chiropractic tonal technique. “We are sensory beings so you need your nervous system to function as well as possible in order to have the best quality of life,” she says.

“I introduce different tonal-based adjustments to your nervous system every time so you’re more adaptable to the changes life throws your way.”

Dr. McLeod is certified with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association in pediatrics and pregnancy, and runs a family-friendly practice, which welcomes all generations of patients.

No matter your age you can Live Your Potential!

Call for an appointment or to ask any questions today!

Dr. McLeod Chiropractic | 15 Lewis Estates Blvd., Edmonton 780.756.9506 | info@DrMcleodChiropractic.ca | DrMcLeodChiropractic.ca

EFT Your Life Imagine that moment where you feel completely at ease in your own skin... For most, in the busy-ness of daily life, this is a fantasy.

But what if it were possible? What if it is as real as it sounds?

At ease...

Emotional Freedom Techniques or “Tapping” is a simple yet powerful tool, which enables you to release emotional blocks and limiting beliefs to reveal the peaceful place within you. It is a quick, easy and gentle means to effectively neutralize negative emotions yielding amazing results, often when nothing else has worked.

Transform pain and feeling overwhelmed into acceptance, contentment and inner peace.

Tammy Hahn, BScN 1.866.630.7474

Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner and Coach www.eftyourlife.com | tammy@eftyourlife.com

y for your free 20-minute con sultatio Call toda n.

Certified

BodyTalk

Liandrah

“I love that BodyTalk reminds our body, mind and spirit that all the tools for balancing exist within us.”

“Clarifying your life’s purpose helps you make the greatest decisions.

Mastering your intuitive abilities helps you take successful action.”

Practitioner

BodyTalk practitioner Debbie Faul first discovered the cutting-edge modality after a serious ankle injury four years ago. One session brought swift results and she knew she had to learn more.

The body has the ability to heal itself at all levels in the same way it heals a cut or a wound. However, dayto-day stresses, emotions and traumas interfere with this natural process by breaking down the natural communication links within the body. BodyTalk sessions can locate & restore these links for overall health.

Every BodyTalk session is unique and specific to the person experiencing the session. Debbie says, “I love that BodyTalk reminds our body, mind and spirit that all the tools for balancing exist within us.”

Debbie Faul, CBP

780.488.9779 | 780.668.8120 innateforhealth@gmail.com

10548 115th St., Edmonton | healing-connections.ca

Liandrah is known for her remarkable, laser-sharp, intuitive abilities. She has spent 2 decades helping companies, organizations and individuals use their intuitive abilities to win court cases, achieve their goals and make profound changes in their lives.

Liandrah believes in teaching her clients to use their intuition as a practical, verifiable tool to successfully navigate tough situations, clear burdens from the past, and present themselves powerfully to get their dream jobs and relationships.

Liandrah 780.990.9472 | liandrah.com info@liandrah.com

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FEATURE

Freedom in Expression, Singing & Life Sing. Pray. Love. Find freedom and release through singing with Voice and Body Awareness Facilitator Anna Beaumont at The Voice Connection.

Anna has been studying the voice and it’s powerful connection to life, harmony and expression for twenty years.

Anna Beaumont facilitates people toward freedom in their lives through developing deeper connections to their voice, body & spirit. The result is increased levels of energy, strength, joy, deeper connections with others and freedom.

Anna says, “When we connect to our singing voice, we connect to what is alive inside of us.” Find your freedom through singing and express yourself! Anna offers individual, group and retreat sessions that will take you there.

The Voice Connection 780.499.6707 | annabeaumont.com anna.beaumont@gmail.com

Anna Beaumont

WBWHS

Women’s Balance Wholistic Health Services

780-919-6870 www.womensbalancehealth.ca

NADIA HOULE has a passion for women & children’s health. She uses her extensive knowledge to support many families with alternative health in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park area.

• Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture • CranioSacral Therapy • Professional Birth Services • Babywearing Education

SUPPORT.NURTURE.EMPOWER.

9505 163 St Edmonton | 152-134 Pembina Rd Sherwood Park 780.919.6870 | WomensBalanceHealth.ca | info@womensbalancehealth.ca

Dr. Liliana Barbu’s Natural Health and Beauty

D

r. Liliana Barbu’s leadingedge anti-aging clinic offers a unique combination of medical esthetics and bioregulatory medicine to help clients find natural health and beauty from the inside out.

“We take care of the skin using laser cosmetology,” says Dr. Barbu, “but we also treat patients with natural medicine.”

Trained both as a traditional and homeopathic doctor in Europe, Dr. Barbu

came to Canada 15 years ago and passed her Canadian medical exams. However, instead of doing her residency again, she decided to focus on a holistic approach toward health and anti-aging. Trained in laser technology, she is now the MediSpa director and instructor at the European Institute of Esthetics and Laser Centre; Dr. Barbu is also a member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and of the Canadian Society of Bioregulatory Medicine.

At Natural Health and Beauty, Dr. Barbu offers a comprehensive menu of medical aesthetic services including pixel laser resurfacing, which is an ideal treatment for skin sagginess, acne scars and fine wrinkles, and IPL photo rejuvenation - an extremely effective treatment for hyper-

WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT FEATURE

pigmentation, sun damaged skin, rosacea, broken capillaries and skin tightening.

She also offers bioregulatory medicine, a relatively new branch of natural medicine combining energy and organ testing with a REBA device, applied kinesiology, complex homeopathy, reflexology, detoxification and treatment using medical grade supplements.

Make an appointment to discover your own natural health and beauty!

Natural Health and Beauty Clinic Meadowlark Professional Building #212, 8702 Meadowlark Road Edmonton 780.665.1375 liliana.barbu@nhabclinic.com www.nhabclinic.com

FineLifestyles

EDMONTON

79

FL

WHEELS

Mercedes-Benz

Explores New FroNtiers

By Trina Annand

80

FineLifestyles

EDMONTON

WHEELS

W

hile driving is often an expression of freedom, it is also commonly associated with the drudgery of the commute. Not wanting driving to be relegated to a chore, Mercedes-Benz has sought new ways to infuse drivers with passion.

Since the creation of their first automobile — a three wheeled “motorwagen” in 1886 — Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of innovation. Breaking barriers in technology and culture is second nature to the company; Bertha Benz is heralded as the first female driver to complete a 120 mile solo tour as publicity for her husband’s automotive creations. Over the last century, Mercedes-Benz has become a household name signifying high quality luxury.

Though Mercedes-Benz didn’t develop its trademark three pointed star until the early 1900s, the shape has become a mark of distinction. “We are a brand that is synonymous with

leadership. We have lead the way through 125 years of development and evolution of the automobile. Innovation is the engine that will keep us at the forefront of redefining the automobile for the next 125 years,” says Stephen Cannon, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its most recent glimpse into the future of the automobile: the F 015 Luxury in Motion.

“Quality time and private space are the true luxury goods of the future and this car offers you both,” describes Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Google and Apple are not the only companies developing autonomous vehicles; it is a concept that has been around since the 1950s. The Luxury in Motion is Mercedes-Benz’s automotive opus, a self-driving machine that considers not just its passengers, but the people outside its doors as well. Safety is top of mind. Not merely a self-contained capsule, the car interacts with the world around it. Those crossing in front of the vehicle will notice the LED grill, which acknowledges their presence and follows their path across the road. The Luxury in Motion also projects a lit crosswalk for pedestrians to signal to them when it is safe to walk after appraising other vehicles’ movements. “The car of the future is good looking, smart, polite and helpful,” says Zetsche.

At present, Mercedes-Benz also continues to create more down-to-earth leaps in technology, such as PRE-SAFE®, which senses impending accidents, alerts the driver, closes the sunroof, and adjusts seat belts and headrests before impact. Attention Assist measures a driver’s reactions through a series of over 70 indicators, sensing whether they are becoming drowsy and audibly alerting them to take a break, thus reducing accidents caused by fatigue. Through integrated safety technology, MercedesBenz has created one of the safest cars on the road today.

Driving is often seen as necessity, but it is also a luxury and a privilege, something the design team at Mercedes-Benz is fully conscious of by designing safe, fun and luxurious cars for whatever the future may bring.

WHEELS

FineLifestyles

EDMONTON

81

Bungalows...

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