FIne Lifestyles Halifax Spring 2014

FineLifestyles APRIL/MAY 2014 | VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

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FineLifestyles HaLIFax (HRM)

WITH FINE LIFEstyLEs EDItOR LOrI McKay

W

elcome to Fine Lifestyles HRM’s spring edition. After this long winter, warm weather is on many Nova Scotians’ minds. In the following pages you will find tips for starting your garden, a wide variety of fresh spring hat styles, and tips for mixing perfect seasonal cocktails — soon you’ll be prepped for a new season.

Our cover story showcases homebuilders Taleb Abidali and Hossein Mousavi of Cresco, builders of this year’s $1.2 million QEII Lifestyles Lottery showhome. The company, which is celebrating 25 years in business, is currently focused on some of the city’s largest developments, including Russell Lake West, The Ravines of Bedford South, and The Parks of West Bedford.

Blue Rodeo paid a visit to Halifax’s Metro Centre back in January. One of our writers caught up with frontmen Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, to reminisce about the band’s early days playing Halifax bars.

People sometimes close their eyes to savour a bite of food, but few have consumed an entire meal that way. That’s the point of Dining in the Dark, an annual fundraiser for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, where patrons enjoy a meal while blindfolded. Check out our story about this unique local event.

If 70s fashion is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s “Carnivale,” a one-night recreation of Studio 54. We cover the fundraiser’s fifth year… and first event with a disco beat.

Whether you are seeking the latest “superfood” and alternative health trends, or information on the Halifax Mooseheads, this issue of Fine Lifestyles has something for you.

Advertising Consultants

Spring 2014 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 www.finelifestyles.ca Editor Lori McKay

lorim@finelifestyles.ca

Art Direction Amber Moon, Senior Lisa Redden, Associate

Design Brittany Pickrem Natasha Burkholder

Staff Writers Rebecca Schneidereit Trina Annand Tobie Hainstock Tori Stafford Tonya Lambert

Henny Buffinga Alyssa Rudyck Courtney Tait Brandi Parnell Henny Buffinga

Cover Photography Bruce Jollimore

Photography Bruce Jollimore Kailey Mander Stephen Jess Natasha Poirier Matt Kozera

Mike Dembeck Scott Munn Wally Hays Geoffrey Creighton

Contributing Writers Sarah Vermette Shell Busey Angela Campagnoni Lisa Drader-Murphy

Matthew and Mark Harris Meredith Heron Emma Tysick Fran Underwood

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FineLifestyles HRM is published five times a year by FineLifestyles Atlantic 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 Atlantic Canada Ltd. publications are copyrighted 2013 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to FineLifestyles HRM, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of FineLifestyles Atlantic Canada Ltd. or its writers. The name FineLifestyles HRM, 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 Atlantic 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.

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contents SPRING 2014

Style 10

AGNS Recreates Studio 54

14

LiSA DrADer-Murphy Brimming with Love for Hats

HealtH and WellneSS 18

The VAST WorLD of Alternative Health

30

hArNeSS your heALTh with Superfoods

artS, dining & entertainment 48

BLue roDeo’S Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor

60

hoMe BAr Stardom

64

DiNiNG in the Dark

SportS, recreation & travel

92 60

97

75

hoW To LoVe New Orleans

78

MooSeheADS Hit their Stride

80

TrAVeL iN STyLe with Luxury Yachts

HouSe & Home 90

eNTerTAiNMeNT uNiTS: Finding the Perfect Piece

92

CoVer STory: Cresco Creating Communities and Community Spirit

97

MereDiTh heroN: Dressing the Fifth and Sixth Walls

WHeelS 134 royAL riDe 140 STArS iN CArS

BuSineSS 152

W. BreTT WiLSoN on Capital Appreciation

annapoliS valley 164 GrAND pré National Historic Park

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A STUNNING SUMMER EVENT WITH

a Disco Beat The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Recreates Studio 54

BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT

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Usually, you’d have to travel through time and cross the border to get in on a party like this.

Look the Part When you walk through the doors of “Studio 54,” you want to pay homage to the 70s decadent, distinctive dress sense, while maintaining your own style.

Mills’ Lisa Gallivan advises readers on a look that will turn back time, while turning heads.

N

ot so on June 6. That’s when the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia conjures up an epic one-night recreation of star-festooned 70s club Studio 54 — at the gallery’s waterside headquarters, right here in Halifax.

The summertime fundraiser is the fifth iteration of AGNS’ yearly “Carnivale,” and organizers say they’ve been laying the groundwork for the soiree for the better part of a year [led by co-chairs Jane Machum and John Volcko].

They say the event will feature a DJ, an auction, the marvellously motley talents of Halifax Circus — and perhaps even more surprises waiting for guests to discover.

The gallery’s retro “night on the town” comes after a year of challenges [renovations] and gifts [the Annie Leibovitz collection]. Such fundraisers are vital to reinforcing the gallery’s vibrant local presence: Ray Cronin, AGNS director and CEO, indicates that responsibility for nearly half its annual budget falls to the gallery each year. “It’s a constant. Fundraising never stops,” he says.

What else is the AGNS up to this summer, besides a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ nighttime bash? For one thing, summer exhibit Rock Show, which is described by Cronin as “an exhibition looking at art about music — many from our collection.”

In addition, the AGNS is scheduled to show work by artists including Emily Falencki, Mary Pratt and Marion Wagschal, as well as a winter 2015 exhibit titled “RAM – Rethinking Art and the Machine.”

For tickets, visit www.carnivalestudio54. eventbrite.ca. The chance to time travel doesn’t come twice.

< The Clothes A few characteristically 70s styles are back on the rack, says Gallivan. She names miniskirts and “wide-legged pants” as two current pieces of Mills merchandise, which are simultaneously vintage-esque and fashion-forward.

The Colour > If you’ve settled on your silhouette and are just trying to choose a shade, Gallivan indicates that “blue-and-orange type colours” and classic monochrome ensembles are both 70s-suitable.

< The Shoes “The first thing that comes to mind is a trend that’s been in for a little while now,” says Gallivan: platform shoes. “It’s something that we certainly saw in a bit more dramatic fashion in the 70s.”

The Finishing Touches > Gallivan suggests an embellished clutch, plus jewellery by a brand like Lionette NY, which she says offers “significant pieces” with “some beautiful colour.” For a manicure to enhance your ensemble, Gallivan points out Deborah Lippman hues: “There are some fantastic pastels right now […] that would be very nice.”

ABOVE Dress provided by Mills

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Brimming WITH LOVE

FOR HATS

BY LISA DRADER-MURPHY NATIONAL FASHION COLUMNIST PHOTOS GEOFFREY CREIGHTON

recently had the pleasure of exploring my “hat personality” with famous Canadian Milliner, Edie Orenstein.

Imagine my surprise to stumble upon her opulent display of hand-made hats while wandering the Seaport Market in Halifax! I had first become familiar with Edie’s work years prior at her iconic Granville Island, Vancouver store, which I made a point of visiting every time my travels led me to the west coast.

I

woman will find one of these to suit her lifestyle and aesthetic.

With Edie’s creative genius guiding me, I had so much fun exploring the variety of looks and styles for spring. We narrowed the vast hat-wearing opportunities down to five different looks. Surely every

“Iconic hats and clothing connect us with our history. Collectively, personally, books, movies, world events... We attach our dreams and alter egos to stories of history.” – Edie Orenstein, Milliner

Iconic—I loved wearing this style! The Panama-style hat exudes confidence, yet the brim is wide enough to provide a hint of privacy. This style conjurs visions of the English manor house, surrounding gardens and nearby stables. It exudes taste, sophistication and elegance.

By Lisa Drader-Murphy, photo Jenn Gregory

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RIGHT Lisa Drader-Murphy, wearing Gatsby hat BELOW Romance hat

Gatsby—The flapper girl of the roaring 20s is the independent, unattached, unrestricted, flamboyant woman, not having to adhere to the rules. The “cloche” that topped the sweet pin curls and finger waves of the girls of this era has been a style that has endured the test of time and to this day is the most popular selling shape in women’s hats.

It’s one of my favourite sassy silhouettes to pull off the “I’m sweet, and a little bit mischievous” look!

Romantic—The romantic hat harkens back to an innocent time. Pure, lovely, uncomplicated, these hats are everything feminine, natural, and emotionally driven. You may don a romantic hat whenever you’re in the mood for it, not just for the garden party.

Wear this look when shielding oneself from the harshness of life.

“Romantic fashion and hats transport us to a gentler, magical place, where things are simpler.” – Edie Orenstein, Milliner

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occasion-style hats mark formal events of any sort.

“Fashion is the non-verbal language of humanity (society) past and present.

Hats are the accent, the flourish, and the poetry of that language regionally and globally.” – Edie Orenstein, Milliner “Fashion, like any language, and the use of it, is affected by culture, religion, politics, education, station, experience, personal identification of “tribe.” It all adds up to expression — personal, collective, conscious and unconscious. It says, “I belong,” “I am different,” or even “I’m trying to hide or disappear.” – Edie Orenstein, Milliner Lisa Drader-Murphy is one of Canada’s preeminent fashion designers, and presides over one of the few remaining fashion houses in the country to design, cut, and sew all of their own garments. Proudly self-described as “an entrepreneur who happens to design women’s clothing,” she has been the creative and driving force behind the celebrated “Turbine” label for more than 17 years, as well as the new and exclusive “Lisa Drader-Murphy” line.

ABOVE Travel & Leisure hat RIGHT Occasions hat

Travel & Leisure—The fedora is one of the easiest styles to wear. It is casual and comfortable, yet chic with its multinational flavour. It’s pack-ability and versatility transforms day to night looks. The style is light-hearted, playful, and somewhat androgynous. I love the juxtaposition of the masculine structure adorned with feathers, flowers and ribbon.

Occasion—Some hats “rise to the occasion,” like a tuxedo or uniform. There is no mistaking that this is a special event.

Imagine horse races, weddings, bar mitzvahs, elegant luncheons, cocktails;

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The

VAST

WORLDof Alternative Health Part 1 of 3

I

BY SARAH VERMETTE

n recent years, the landscape of health has changed. As more people explore options outside of traditional western medicine, the benefits of alternative health modalities become more wellknown and accepted. Just as western medicine is an umbrella term that encompasses diďŹ&#x20AC;erent types of doctors, such as physicians, specialists, optometrists and so on, alternative medicine is an umbrella term that encompasses a large variety of modalities.

This three-part series is a summary of some of the more popular and readily available forms of alternative modalities. In this issue we'll review those modalities that are considered complete systems, each in their own right.

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BodyTalk The BodyTalk system was developed in the 90s by an Australian doctor. This modality addresses the whole person, overlooking no aspect of the human psyche, be it emotional, physical or environmental. With the use of a variety of non-invasive techniques, BodyTalk practitioners refocus the body's natural healing response to establish better communication within the body to bring about lasting changes.

BodyTalk techniques provide insight to the areas of your body that need attention. What might seem like an obvious problem to you is not necessarily the one your body wants to address first. Ultimately, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;bodymindâ&#x20AC;? knows best how to heal itself in a holistic way.

Ayurveda

BodyTalk is designed to integrate all fields of healthcare

Ayurvedic medicine, first recorded in Sanskrit 5,000

This includes referring a client onto another healthcare

years ago, is considered to be the world's oldest healthcare

practitioner or field of healthcare when necessary. While

system, and is India's primary healthcare system. The

the BodyTalk system is relatively new, there are already a

Sanskrit word Ayurveda means the "science of life."

few insurance providers that recognize the system under

Ayurvedic medicine is entirely holistic and strives to create harmony between the body, mind and spirit,

to create a complete approach to health and well-being.

their health coverage plans.

maintaining that this balance prevents illness, treats acute conditions and contributes to a long and healthy life.

Ayurveda is tailored to each person's unique needs, taking into account nutrition, exercise, personal hygiene, social interaction and other lifestyle elements.

Following daily and seasonal regimes helps users of Ayurveda attain robust physical health, as well as mental and spiritual harmony.

Ayurvedic treatment begins with a consultation and treatment can include dietary advice, herbal detoxification, toxin elimination, yoga and meditation, Ayurvedic massage and shirodhara, and a treatment of herbal oil dripped on the forehead to regulate the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physiological equilibrium.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), rooted in the

in which the various organs, tissues and other parts have

ancient philosophy of Taoism, originated in ancient China

distinct functions but are all interdependent. In this view,

and dates back over 5,000 years. TCM treats the individual

health and disease relate to balance of the functions.

and has a theoretical framework that includes the yin/

TCM practitioners use a variety of therapies in an effort

yang, as well as the vital energy or life force, qi.

to promote health and treat disease. Herbal remedies and

TCM views are based on the ancient Chinese perception

acupuncture are the treatments most commonly used

of humans as microcosms of the larger, surrounding

by TCM practitioners. Other TCM practices include

universe — interconnected with nature and subject to its

moxibustion, cupping, massage, mind-body therapy and

forces. The human body is regarded as an organic entity

dietary therapy.

Be sure to check the next issue for part two of this series, where we will discuss alternative therapies that are more commonly used as complementary forms of healing.

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EXPERTAdvice Permanent Hair Removal – Q&A the hair follicle to target the cells. Laser uses laser energy, which is like a beam of light that attaches to the pigment in the hair bulb, which then becomes hot and destroys surrounding hair growing cells and papilla.

With electrolysis, we can treat any area of the body, no matter what colour the skin or hair is. This fact makes it the gold standard for permanent hair removal.

With laser, the skin cannot be too dark, yet the hair must be dark enough for the laser to “see” it.

Susan Alward The Summit Skin Care & Hair Removal 5495 Spring Garden Road, Suite 101 Halifax, Nova Scotia 902.423.3888 www.summitspa.ca

Q: A lot of treatments seem to offer permanent hair removal — which ones really work?

A: Electrolysis and laser hair removal are the only two methods recognized and approved for permanency.

Q: What is the difference between electrolysis and laser?

A: They are similar in many ways — they both use heat to destroy hair-growing cells and the papilla, which acts as a food supply to the hair.

Electrolysis uses electrical energy to heat up a fine wire filament inserted into

With electrolysis, we target each hair individually. With laser, we shoot a beam of laser energy at an area that captures many hairs at one time. For this reason, the individual laser treatment is faster than electrolysis, making it ideal for larger body areas if the hair and skin colour are right.

They both take the same length of time to achieve permanency in an area — approximately six months to a year and a half.

Q: Which is better?

A: One method is not better than the other, but certain situations will make one method a more desired choice.

Laser is great if the area is larger; this makes appointment times shorter. This only applies if the hair and skin is the right colour. Often for facial hair, such as upper lip and chin, electrolysis is more convenient. For areas with few hairs, electrolysis is more cost effective and efficient.

Q: Does one hurt more than the other?

A: No, the sensation is similar.

Q: What should I look for when deciding on treatments?

A: Go to a professional that is both an electrologist and laser technician and have a thorough consultation. This allows you to make an informed choice with a professional that will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you – not simply sell the machine that they use.

Q: How many treatments before it is permanent?

A: This depends on many factors. With laser, it is easier to estimate; on average, desired results can be achieved in roughly five to 10 treatments. If there is a combination of grey and dark hair, that would not be accurate because we may start treatments with laser, but need to finish with electrolysis to capture the hairs the laser cannot get.

Q: Which is more popular — laser or electrolysis?

A: Although laser has gained popularity, electrolysis still takes the lead because it can be done on any skin colour, hair colour and area (such as eyebrows).

For more answers to your hair removal questions, book a 45-minute permanent hair removal consultation with one of the professionals at The Summit-Skin Care & Hair Removal.

Susan Alward, an electrologist and laser technician with more than 30 years experience, is the founder and owner of The Summit-Skin Care & Hair Removal, a multi-award winning skin and hair removal clinic that has been creating great results for its clients for over 23 years.

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AN ORGANIC SPRAY TAN THAT TRULY DELIVERS

BY ALYSSA RUDYCK PHOTOS BRUCE JOLLIMORE

T

here is something about sun-kissed skin that makes us feel sensational.

However, although many of us embrace bronzed skin as an emblem of health and beauty, it is no secret the methods we sometimes use to achieve tanned skin are far from beneficial.

“There is more and more media out there regarding the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays,” says Suzanne Boudreau, OrganicTan franchise owner in Halifax. “[People] are looking for a healthy alternative.”

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As unprotected overexposure to UV rays — whether natural or artificial — is proven to cause skin damage and premature aging, sunless tanning has become a popular alternative to a safe, natural looking tan. However, Boudreau explains that not all sunless tanning is without risk, as the harsh chemical components that comprise many spray tan solutions on the market can be absorbed into the body through the skin.

OrganicTan provides a solution, offering clients a line of organic sunless tanning

products that will leave them feeling great inside and out.

“I fell instantly in love with this product,” says Boudreau. “There are no dyes, or chemicals, nothing that is harmful to the skin.”

As a 100 per cent all-natural product, OrganicTan is not only free of harmful parabens, preservatives and colorants, but is composed of skin-enriching ingredients, such as essential oils, aloe vera, green tea and bark extracts,

Echinacea, rosemary, and antioxidants that has healing ingredients. “You’re not only getting a tan, but a skin treatment as well,” notes Boudreau.

Along with being offered in studio, OrganicTan is a mobile service. “The beauty is that we can come into your home at your convenience,” says Boudreau.

A typical airbrush session goes something like this: after determining the client’s skin tone, Boudreau makes a recommendation as to the right colour for them, choosing from a range of 12 different formulated shades. She expertly preps the client’s hands, nails, elbows and feet with a protective lotion, before airbrushing them by hand. The process takes around 15-

20 minutes, and is followed by a headto-toe blending, to assure a perfectly even application. Boudreau then follows up with a post tanning consultation, regarding tan maintenance, and advises clients on how to get the longest life possible out of their tan, which typically lasts seven to 10 days.

Boudreau explains that one of the things she loves most about OrganicTan is that clients are not only happy with the product, but are always satisfied with their results.

“Because there are no chemicals in the solution, it doesn’t react to your body’s chemistry… we don’t worry about your skin turning orange… Every time I follow

up after I give someone a tan and they say things like ‘I really love the colour, I look so healthy, I feel thinner,’ it just gives me such a great feeling.”

Visit OrganicTan online for more information on their exclusive SunnaTan skincare line, as well as a more in-depth look on the health benefits associated with organic tanning.

OPPOSITE PAGE L-R Suzanne Boudreau and Selena O’Connor

OrganicTan Halifax 2594 Agricola Street, Studio 5 Halifax 902.225.8913 halifax@organictan.ca

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EnhancE Your LifE with a BEautifuL nEw SmiLE Photos Bruce Jollimore

D

o you have chipped, crooked, discoloured, or even missing teeth? Are you apprehensive or embarrassed to smile? Would you like perfect teeth and a dazzling white smile that will make you feel confident and look great? Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A beautiful, radiant smile can take years off your overall appearance and boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Dr. Ryan Thomas, founder of Smile Innovations Dentistry in Fall River,

understands the desire for pictureperfect pearly whites. “While many of our clients prefer a bright, white smile with straight teeth, we recognize the importance of creating beautiful and natural-looking smiles.”

At Smile Innovations, Dr. Thomas performs “smile makeovers” to optimize the appearance of your smile in addition to a wide range of dental services. “A smile makeover usually consists of cosmetically enhancing the appearance of a client’s smile — focusing on the teeth

that are visible when we are speaking, smiling and laughing. It’s not always just our upper teeth involved in a smile makeover, as we tend to display our lower teeth as well, especially in conversation.”

“Cosmetic dental clients can have diverse concerns, and our client-centered ‘onechair’ policy provides each with undivided attention. Cosmetic procedures begin with a one-on-one smile consultation during which we take photographs, perform a thorough smile analysis, address concerns and explore various treatment options.”

ABOVE Dr. Ryan Thomas, founder of Smile Innovations Dentistry

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A beautiful smile can be the result of minimal treatment such as reshaping teeth and gums, filling gaps, direct bonding or simple whitening procedures. More extensive cosmetic enhancements may involve the placement of multiple porcelain veneers or crowns, dental implants or full mouth reconstructive procedures.

Invisalign orthodontic aligners are also available from Smile Innovations.

“Invisalign is a great way to perform orthodontic movement of teeth without traditional braces,” notes Dr. Thomas.

“The transparent aligners are virtually invisible, and hygiene becomes much easier because you can remove the aligners to brush and floss.”

“There’s no one ‘right way’ to make over a smile,” says Dr. Thomas. “We recognize that each client is unique, and numerous treatments are frequently available. It’s not all-or-nothing at Smile Innovations.

We want to make sure that people are given options.” Furthermore, the benefits of a smile makeover aren’t necessarily limited to cosmetic enhancements — functional improvements may occur as well, including “strengthening weakened teeth that have been worn down or heavily restored, re-establishing an optimum bite position and eliminating symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, such as headaches and jaw pain,” Dr. Thomas says.

Whether you’re motivated by aesthetic or functional factors, Smile Innovations is open to you. “Self-consciousness about your smile can have a huge effect on confidence,” says Dr. Thomas. “Taking that step to change something for the better can be life-changing. One of the biggest things I’ve heard in doing this treatment over the years is, ‘I wish that I’d done this sooner!’ Call now to book your smile consultation — you won’t regret it!”

Smile Innovation 104–3301 Highway 2 Fall River 902.576.4537 info@smileinnovations.ca www.smileinnovations.ca smileinnovations

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Revel in

A RENÜ’D SPRINGTIME PHOTOS BRUCE JOLLIMORE

B

are trees abruptly aflutter with green leaves, lakes — once icecovered — now sunlit and blue: spring arrives, and everything suddenly looks brighter, younger. Fine Lifestyles hopes readers feel vital and vibrant, too. But if “vibrant” is a stretch right now — if your appearance (and, by extension, your inner state) isn’t as fresh and unblemished as you’d hope — Fine Lifestyles suggests a visit to renü.

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From its elegant Spring Garden Road location, renü is dedicated to helping patients blossom. The clinic (established by surgeons Louis Bourget and Philip Cyr, and now in its fifth year) integrates various treatment levels and options to improve appearance and well-being.

That’s what makes renü an unparalleled resource for locals striving to feel and look the best they can. At one time,

taking full advantage of renü’s varied resources would have required multiple trips to separate specialists citywide.

Through renü, however, the same breadth of services can now be accessed quickly, simply, and at a single location.

Renü patients may purchase medicalgrade skincare products, drop by for a zero-downtime appointment, or have the clinic lay groundwork for a total surgical

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transformation — whatever suits their needs. For any number of patients with any number of questions, renü is the answer — a multifaceted facility capable of providing numerous treatments, some of which we’ll explore below.

Nonsurgical Treatments Many of renü’s nonsurgical treatments are minimally invasive. Treatments utilizing laser technology, for example, require not so much as a needle to create dramatic improvements. The clinic provides clients with a host of laser treatments via various machines, including the LightSheer DUET®, Lumenis® and Sciton®. Laser treatments can facilitate hair removal, improve skin complexion and consistency, diminish undesirable veins, and more.

Meanwhile, renü’s wide variety of injectable “fillers”— including Teosyal®, Juvéderm® and Sculptra® — are among the quickest routes to an ageless appearance. Renü also offers neurotoxins such as Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®,

We try to make the patients’ experience as comfortable as possible, and it starts from the very front desk… You have to be personable, and I think we strive to do that — to give a patient-centred care.

– Dr. Philip Cyr

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capable of whisking years away with a few well-placed injections. Neurotoxins aren’t limited to cosmetic applications — hyperhidrosis sufferers may see results with Botox, renü’s website notes.

Renü’s medical-grade skincare products (by makers including Colorescience®, Environ®, SkinTx®, and Vivier®) can enhance the results of treatments, or prove an effective “treatment” in their own right. Renü also offers Latisse®’s innovative eyelash-enhancement treatment; the serum’s ability to coax out luxurious lashes is breathtaking.

Surgical Treatments Concerns sometimes cannot be treated solely by nonsurgical means, and renü is an invaluable resource for anyone requiring surgical intervention to obtain ideal results. Throughout the initial consultation, the procedure itself, and the routine follow-ups while healing, renü’s patients enjoy unsurpassed cosmetic surgical care.

Surgical treatments offered through renü include facial procedures such as eyelid, jaw or nose reshaping/alterations; allover “facelifts”; specialized surgeries, such as hair restoration; and shapeenhancing procedures. Some surgeries are purely cosmetic, while others may benefit patients’ physical health — but all are intended to help patients claim, or reclaim, the face and body they want to live in each day.

To provide clients with the best care, especially intricate or demanding surgeries arranged through renü may be performed at another location, such as renü’s Dartmouth surgical suite (part of Scotia Surgery). But regardless of the logistics of the procedure itself, renü’s Spring Garden Road premises is the place to plan cosmetic surgery of any scale.

The Renü Team Many renü staff possess a single, specific surgical concentration (see website for a list of staff names). Therefore, patients

can access numerous surgery types through renü, yet also feel confident in each individual surgeon’s expertise.

Furthermore, many surgical staff members remain involved in the community. Despite the high demand for their skills, these dedicated, compassionate professionals find the time to treat patients in other locations, as well as refresh and refine their skills through continued international training.

Take renü co-owner and practicing surgeon Louis Bourget, who travels the globe with family charity the Bourget Foundation, assisting the Foundation in providing medical tools and manpower to undersupplied regions worldwide.

Renü’s website thoroughly reviews the available treatments and surgeries, as well as financial information and testimonials — invaluable for future patients currently weighing their options.

A loyalty program offers substantial perks for those who return to renü. The clinic provides a $50 gift (for nonsurgical application) to patients who collect 10

The renü goal is to offer, with multiple specialists, a head-totoe, one-shop service.

– Dr. Louis Bourget

loyalty stamps; stamps are accumulated according to patients’ investments at renü. In addition, clients who direct “referrals” towards renü are thanked in the form of a “VIP Referral Card” worth $50. Referrals might include anyone from friends to family to co-workers.

As we said, there’s something wondrous about the springtime: the natural landscape — thoroughly renewed — is itself once more, clean and bright. And if you’d like to follow nature’s example, well, there’s truly no time like the present.

Forever Young BBL™ Want stunning skin from head to toe?

That could be as easy as booking renü’s new “Forever Young BBL” treatment (performed with the clinic’s Sciton® laser). Forever Young BBL™ requires minimal recovery time, and causes minimal to no pain. It’s capable of treating everything from youth-connected skin issues like acne and freckles, to mature patients’ anti-aging requirements.

Schedule a consultation to find out more.

Renü Cosmetic + Reconstructive Surgery 5943 Spring Garden Road, Halifax 902.492.1586 www.feelrenud.ca

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Harness Your Health with

SUPERFOODS

BY TRINA ANNAND

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T

he real key to a healthy body and mind isn’t a quick fix or crash diet, but an overall lifestyle shift. The best superfoods are the ones that have been around for centuries and prove that eating healthy doesn’t have to taste bad.

“What you eat directly correlates with how you feel,” says Brittany Fletcher, registered dietitian with True Beauty Spa and Wellness Centre. “If you fill your body with junk food you are going to feel sluggish and tired. Healthy food energizes you; it also affects your appearance. A healthy, balanced diet is the best way to looking and feeling great.”

Fletcher works on the science behind food — helping clients make the right choices for their diet and lifestyle.

Treating oneself is inevitable, the key is to not completely throw a healthy diet out the window. When going out with friends or family, pick one thing that will be a treat rather than binging.

Flax seeds have been in superfood news for some time now. Flax is an amazing plant not only providing health benefits, but the fibres from the plant are currently being grown in the Maritimes as a sustainable clothing fibre alternative. Flax supplements have been proven to reduce cholesterol and even menopause symptoms. High in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a source of omega-three, as well as soluble and insoluble fibres, and vitamin E, adding flax to a diet is a great step to help improve overall health.

“Ground flax is far more effective than whole seeds, but they go bad faster.

You can solve this problem by using a coffee grinder or blender to grind small batches at a time. Their lifespan can also be maximized by storing them in the freezer,” notes Fletcher. Flax has a slight nutty taste, so when it starts to taste bitter it is time for a fresh batch.

The beauty of flax is that it can be added to anything from cereal and baking to salads and smoothies. To make flax and healthy seeds an easy addition to any meal, create a special seed blend that can be kept in a shaker on the counter and added to food every day.

Another superfood that Fletcher recommends is kale. High in antioxidants

like flavonoids and carotenoids, kale helps reduce the risk of cancer and is also high in ALA. The vitamin K in kale makes it an effective anti-inflammatory.

“For me, kale is the superfood,” says holistic nutritional consultant Penny Ormsbee of Ocean Heart Wellness Centre. “It has every vitamin, mineral, as well as phytochemicals and protein.”

Colour is a key part of healthy food; dark green leafy vegetables are packed with good nutrition. A general rule of thumb is the darker or richer the colour of the vegetable or fruit, the better it is for you.

Though a gluten-free diet has been making headlines, professionals are still at odds about it. The main reason to have a gluten-free diet is celiac disease, which only one per cent of the population has; they cannot tolerate gluten and it provokes an immune system reaction. Going completely gluten-free is something Fletcher doesn’t recommend unless you have the disease, although she does recommend expanding your diet with the variety of gluten-free grains available. For those that don’t need to go completely gluten-free, there are options to lessen the amount eaten to balance their diet — rice, buckwheat, oats, quinoa and ancient grains are all gluten-free options.

As a holistic consultant, Ormsbee counsels her clients to avoid genetically modified foods and foods with excess chemicals. “The fewer the ingredients a food has, the better. It is important to focus on the quality of foods you eat. When you choose foods that are high quality, our bodies don’t need as much of it,” remarks Ormsbee. There is no blanket solution to eating healthy, the Canada Food Guide is simply that: a guide. Finding the perfect balance of foods is different for everybody, so it is best to speak with a professional when enacting changes to a diet. As always, portion size and exercise are fundamental.

“What truly works is diet, exercise and reducing stress levels,” notes Fletcher.

“When I say diet, I don’t mean short term, crash or trendy diet. It is about creating a habit of eating healthy foods over the long term.”

Top 5

Superfoods FOR 2014

KALE High in antioxidants and numerous vitamins. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef, and more calcium than milk.

FLAX Rich in omega-3, a blood sugar normalizer, it also helps remove toxins from the body and is an excellent source of fibre.

CHIA A tablespoon of this nutty seed can contain as much fibre as a bowl of oatmeal and also contains calcium, omega-3 and iron. Like flax, it can be added to anything.

SPROUTS The vitamin content in sprouts is dramatically greater than their larger counterparts. Studies have found that three-day old broccoli sprouts can contain up to three times more cancer-fighting agents than broccoli itself.

GREEN TEA Contains more cancer fighting antioxidants than other teas. High in polyphenols, this powerhouse can reduce body fat and boost metabolism.

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Fletcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Kale Chips 1 Medium bunch of kale 1 Tbsp. olive oil Salt and pepper to taste For a spicy treat, add cayenne powder Wash thoroughly and dry kale.

Cut into small pieces, removing the stems. Toss with olive oil in a bowl until coated and add seasonings to taste. Spread on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 F for 10 minutes, or until crispy.

Grain Free Granola 1-1/2 Cups sliced almonds 1/2 Cup peanuts (unsalted) 1 Cup sunflower seeds 1 Cup pumpkin seeds (raw and unsalted for healthiest approach) 3/4 Cup unsweetened coconut 3/4 Cup dried cranberries (can substitute any dehydrated diced fruit) 1/2 Cup sesame seeds 1/2 Cup ground flax 1/4 Cup honey 1/4 Cup butter 2 Teaspoons vanilla Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a saucepan, combine butter and honey, heating until melted. Add vanilla extract to the butter and honey and pour over the rest of the ingredients.

Mix well. Spread granola onto a large baking sheet and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Let the granola cool and then break into small clusters. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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EXPERTAdvice Wrist Pain: Is It Really Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

but this is not always the case. Many people even have the surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome and report no relief.

There are various reasons for this, which I outline below.

Dr. Tasia Lazaros B.Sc.(H), D.C. Healthy Link Chiropractic Practicing chiropractor since 2000 Certified in Webster Technique Certified in Thompson Technique 201–362 Lacewood Drive Halifax 902.446.5465 drt@healthylinkwellness.ca www.healthylinkwellness.ca

N

ow that spring is finally here, people want to get out and enjoy outdoor activities like golfing or gardening. Unfortunately, for those suffering from wrist and hand pain, this isn’t always possible. People often automatically think hand and wrist pain is carpal tunnel syndrome,

A description of carpal tunnel syndrome: The hand has three main nerves, and only the median nerve along with the tendons and ligaments runs through a space encased by a sheath — hence the name carpal tunnel. The median nerve supplies the thumb, the first finger and half of the adjacent finger. For many reasons, such as swelling and repetitive stress to the area, the nerve can be compressed, and the sheath doesn’t stretch. Pain is present in the wrist area as well. If conservative treatments and avoidance of the offending activities do not resolve the pain, medical intervention — such as surgery — is often the next step.

Many are unaware chiropractic care is an excellent option to help carpal tunnel syndrome. Care is aimed at aligning the little bones present in the wrist and reducing the pain and swelling. Other care may be added, such as soft tissue therapies and electrotherapy, such as laser, to help speed up the healing. Home care is another option — consisting of stretches, night splinting and re-evaluating the daily activities to avoid repeating the cause of the problem.

So if that wrist and hand pain isn’t carpal tunnel syndrome, what can it be?

There are many other conditions that can cause pain similar to that of carpal tunnel.

Remember, there are three nerves that are running down your arm on both sides, from your neck to the hand. The median nerve can actually be “compressed” from the spinal level, the shoulder level, the elbow area, as well as the wrist level. The other nerves — the ulnar nerve and radial nerve — can be affected in the same way.

If you are having pain in the wrist and/ or hand, it is worth going to a Doctor of Chiropractic for an assessment of the neck and upper back area, the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand areas. The first step to try to resolve the issue is to find the source of the problem. If the affected nerve is pinched at the neck, then just focusing on the wrist will not help to fully clear up the problem. Neck and wrist pain can be linked, so make sure whomever you’re seeing about your problem listens to all your complaints. More often than not, many primary healthcare practitioners are too pressed for time to listen fully. A Doctor of Chiropractic is here to listen, trained to help with carpal tunnel syndrome and other related musculoskeletal issues, and help get you ready to enjoy your spring activities!

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Making HealtHier SmileS every Day

By Trina annand PHotos STephen JeSS

M

aintaining oral health is easier when partnered with the right healthcare professionals. At Anchor Dental, doctors Ken Rhodenizer and Stuart Kirby — along with their team — help patients maintain great oral health for a lifetime.

From a patient’s first step inside the well-appointed clinic, the difference is clear. The close-knit staff greets each patient by name with a familiarity born from the relationships built there every day. While the clinic cares for, in some cases, generations of patients in a

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particular family, new patients are always welcome. “We don’t hurry through the process, whatever process that may be, and we insist on seeing our patients on time. After all, their time is every bit as important as ours,” says Dr. Rhodenizer.

an added “green” bonus: no more photographic chemicals going down the drain. Rather than looking at a tiny x-ray on a viewer, they can display a large image on a screen, magnify, and even draw on the images.

Anchor Dental has invested in numerous forms of advanced technology, including digital radiography and a state-of-theart instrument handling and sterilization system. Digital x-rays allow for minimal radiation exposure when capturing images, as the sensor is more sensitive than conventional film. There is also

“We want a patient’s opinion on our work,” says Dr. Rhodenizer. “We educate them on colour, symmetry, fit, materials and proportions — making them better critics. An important part of our work is building relationships. Here, we treat everyone like they are family. Comfort isn’t just a comfy chair; it’s the ability

to give a dental professional an honest opinion. Our treatment plans are tailored to each individual and not tied to daily production goals.â&#x20AC;? The execution of those treatment plans is first rate as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do our best work for those that appreciate it the most, all day long.â&#x20AC;?

Photography is used extensively to allow patients an appreciation of what is possible, as well as to create before and after records. CAT scans are also part of the repertoire, when three-dimensional imaging is needed. This is especially important when planning an involved implant case.

Focusing on comprehensive dentistry, Anchor Dental ensures work done now will last well into the future and not have a detrimental effect on other areas of the mouth. Proper planning and discussion are essential to the longevity of dental restorations. Patients help develop a treatment course after a full assessment of the entire mouth, including muscles,

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the relevant information so that they may make informed decisions about their oral health,” notes Dr. Kirby.

Anchor Dental’s services include both the placement and restoration of dental implants, crown and bridge procedures, partial and complete denture therapies, root canal procedures, everyday restorative treatments such as fillings, as well as hygiene services and periodontal treatments. The doctors are also quick to make a referral to a dental specialist, if one is required.

“

Testimonial

Many thanks for the big help you have been to me and the great service you have provided with regards to taking care of my mom’s dental issues. With her living in a seniors residence, and me living some distance away, your help and care has been invaluable. A special thanks to Penny, who always seems to be able to move heaven and earth when needed.

— Louise Ready

joints, and a soft tissue examination, not simply their teeth. A treatment plan is determined to allow the patient to achieve what it is they have determined to be their goals. That may be simply maintaining a good situation, or it may involve a full mouth reconstruction.

Patients are unique and so are their care plans. These experienced dentists

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”

plan in a thorough fashion rather than treat problems on an emergency basis.

“At Anchor Dental we take the time to ensure our care plans are developed and executed properly. We believe that the patient should be in control of their own healthcare and that we are here to help guide them along a path to better health.

It is our job to provide the patient with

Anchor Dental’s new facility is conveniently located in the Mumford Road Professional Centre, which has ample parking. The open and airy space was designed with comfort in mind, and most of the treatment rooms feature large windows so patients can enjoy natural light and the view in a low stress environment. “Dr. Rhodenizer and his staff are always friendly and compassionate.

I continue to be impressed by their professionalism and positive attitudes. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Rhodenizer since 1999 and can honestly say that I have found a practice that I can depend on and trust for many years to come,” says Linda Furze, an Anchor Dental patient.

Dr. Rhodenizer and Dr. Kirby are always learning more to provide the best possible care for their patients. They participate in, and encourage, every member of the team to seek out educational opportunities.

“We feel it is our responsibility to seek out education continually, so as to truly offer our patients the very best treatments available,” says Dr. Rhodenizer.

Anchor Dental 195–6960 Mumford Road Halifax 902.453.0060 www.anchordental.ca

THE FIVE COMMON SIGNS Your Child Might be Struggling in School

S

ometimes the warning signs of school trouble are not always obvious. In fact, most parents may not realize things may be off track until a bad mark comes home, until the report card, or worst yet, the teacher phones.

Open communication about school is critical, but it goes much further than simply asking the child how their day went. The most common answer to that question is “okay,” and when it comes to school, okay isn’t good enough.

Because children themselves might not even be aware that they are struggling, it’s important for parents to know what signs indicate things might not be on track academically.

Here are some of the more common indicators of school struggles: Frequent comments such as, “The teacher picks on me,” or “Do I have to go to school today?” or “This assignment is pointless.” These sorts of comments are signs there may be a comprehension issue at play. These are usually easier for a child to articulate than, “I don’t understand.”

Daily homework is not being completed.

While this can point to a comprehension issue, it can also indicate a struggle with

motivation. Even when kids understand all their work, they may not understand the point of it, and that feeling can permeate all aspects of school, leading to procrastination.

sooner parents and students get help, the easier it will be to get back on track and put an end to school troubles.

Assignments and projects are missed completely or submitted late. Forgotten assignments are an indicator of poor organization skills. An agenda can help.

Make sure to use it every day.

Poor test scores and poor grades on projects and assignments. Even the most well-adjusted, bright students can bring home disappointing grades. Improved study skills and some test-taking tips can help. Parents should talk to the teacher to identify what could be happening.

Your child is uninterested in school and school-related activities. A good school attitude is key to school success, both in and out of the classroom. When a child is unmotivated, it can affect all areas of life. Parents can encourage their children to discover their own personal school motivations.

Not all these signs of school trouble have to happen at the same time, but when one or more happens frequently, it’s a sign things may be getting off track. The

ABOVE Lorelei Burgess

Oxford Learning Halifax & Hammonds Plains 902.423.4484 halifax@oxfordlearning.com Bedford 902.405.4116 bedford@oxfordlearning.com oxfordlearning.com

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Ashley “This is a whole new beginning for me.”

M

y decision to undergo surgery came during the summer, when I was feeling really down about myself because I couldn’t find anything to wear to a function with my husband. I shopped and shopped, but it was hopeless. I had been looking at family photos earlier that same day and realized that there were no pictures of me with my kids, because I dreaded being photographed. Suddenly, all of these emotions just hit me. I realized I had to make a change. I had already wasted so much time and money exhausting other options, and began considering surgery.

As a nurse, I wanted to make sure that I was getting appropriate care from a professional, and Dr. Pompa was the only one I could find to my satisfaction. When I arrived at the hospital I was delighted to find that it was a superior facility with up-to-date equipment. I knew what to look for, and was confident that they had the skills and expertise to perform the operation.

Since my surgery, my confidence has soared. I no longer dread going swimming with my kids and am excited to be in family photos. I can be more involved with my kids and love to shop now — maybe a little too much! It’s amazing what you can do when you feel good about yourself. I have experienced so many moments of firsts, of things that I would not or could not do before. This is a whole new beginning for me.

ASHLEY MURDOCH Lost 80 lbs. from highest weight.

Ashley

before

67 lbs. from prep to now.

www.wlfmedical.ca TOLL FREE: 1-877-306-8891 | patientservices@wlfmedical.ca Calgary | Edmonton | Kingston | Fort St. John | Saskatoon | Regina | Fredericton

Cris

Happier and healthier

W

hen my husband and I were first dating we went to our local fair for a romantic ride on the ferris wheel. I fit in the seat, barely.

The operator tried several times, but finally apologized. We were too heavy for the ride.

You can’t imagine the embarrassment.

I thought I would never consider weight loss surgery.

I was skeptical, but when I heard of other people’s success with Weight Loss Forever and the vertical sleeve, I decided it was time to change my life.

I had been able to lose 100 pounds but was never able to maintain it on my own. I just turned 40. I didn’t want to be stared at anymore. I wanted to feel better and be a better wife and mom.

The support from WLF was fantastic. The facilitator on-site at the hospital in Mexico was amazing and put me at ease and answered all my questions. All arrangements were made so the whole experience before, during and after has been phenomenal!

Criste

n Wa lker – Pre-V S

Now I have more energy and greater self-confidence. I am active and can keep up with my family and friends. I am not self-conscious walking into a crowded room. And I can cross my legs! It sounds silly to be so happy about that, but there was no way I could ever do that before. I feel more feminine.

Life is just simply more fun. I laugh more. I feel great about myself and what I have accomplished. My husband lost 70 pounds on his own since my surgery. He’s changed his eating habits too. He’s been by my side throughout this journey. Both of us are so much happier and healthier.

Cris

befo

re

www.wlfmedical.ca TOLL FREE: 1-877-306-8891 | patientservices@wlfmedical.ca Calgary | Edmonton | Kingston | Fort St. John | Saskatoon | Regina | Fredericton

G Pho

tos –

June

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Landing SurgicaL centre Enhancing Beauty on the Inside and Out

By Tobie HainsTock

W

hen the time comes to take care of some of those little imperfections, you want someone you can trust.

A Centre of Experts Landing Surgical Centre is the foremost centre in Atlantic Canada for cosmetic surgery. Board certified as plastic surgeons and medical doctors, Richard BendorSamuel and Louis Boileau each offer more than 20 years of expertise in their field.

“Our entire team works together to give you the best treatment plan,” says Bendor-Samuel. He goes on to note that

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the staff are highly qualified professionals who have a great deal of expertise in their individual fields.

As clinic director and nurse injector for Landing Surgical Centre, JoAnne Whynott is a strong asset to the centre. Her 25 years as a registered nurse have attributed to her skill and medical knowledge, which is invaluable when injecting dermal fillers and Botox. Tricia Dauphinee-Bishop offers medical esthetician services. As a clinic professional, she has a broad knowledge of both medical and holistic methods that will enhance the true beauty of skin.

Known for their expertise, professionalism and extensive surgery experience, Landing Surgical Centre offers the best care available. With top-of-the-line technology and an expert staff, clients feel confident that they’re in excellent hands.

A Centre of Giving There are plenty of needs and worthy causes out there, and the team at Landing Surgical Centre are trying to do their part. “We are privileged to work in a field that offers the means to give to causes that are important to us,” says Bendor-Samuel.

LEFT Richard Bendor-Samuel ABOVE JoAnne Whynott and Tricia Dauphinee-Bishop

Over the years, Landing Surgical Centre has been a major supporter of a number of causes, including Laing House, which is a facility for youth suffering from mental illness. “For the last few years, we’ve been involved in the annual Masquerade Ball,” Bendor-Samuel adds.

On a personal level, there are a number of causes that Bendor-Samuel contributes to because of what they mean to him.

“I look for worthy causes that are

underfunded and underappreciated,” he says, “those are the causes that are very important to me.”

The Brigadoon Children’s Camp Society provides wonderful summer camp experiences to children who suffer with chronic illnesses. Located in Winnipeg is Jocelyn House Hospice, offering a comfortable home environment for terminally-ill residents who are living their final days.

Bendor-Samuel’s charitable trust provided funding to Innovative Communities Organization; a library was needed in the community of Bondo Kenya, and he stepped up to the plate to assist. Humbly stating that he doesn’t have the ability to do the physical work himself, Bendor-Samuel felt the next best thing was to provide much-needed finances. “All the money donated to this wonderful charity goes directly to the charity, not to administration,” he notes.

He continues by describing the feeling of assisting with the project. “The greatest thing to see is the smile on a child’s face in Africa opening a book in the Library for the first time.”

Landing Surgical Centre 7A–1477 Lower Water Street Halifax 902.492.2007 www.landingsurgery.ca

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AGING WITH

GRACE

BY DR. CHRISTIAN HACKSHAW

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Dr. Christian Hackshaw

Now when women came to our offices with severe menopause symptoms, we had to tell them, “Sorry, you’re going to have to deal with them.”

A growing group of doctors, however, pointed out that the results did not make sense. If our hormone levels are at their highest at a time in our lives when we were the most resistant to the diseases of aging, then replacing them back to those levels should make things better, not worse. The doctors then pointed out that what we were calling hormone replacement [Premarin and Provera] was not in fact replacement with human hormones, but rather pregnant horse hormones and a chemically modified molecule that ‘acted’ like progesterone but wasn’t [and we wonder why they caused problems]!

A

fter hitting their highest levels in our late-teens-to-early-20s, our hormones decline for the rest of our lives. By the time we reach 50, some of our hormone levels are less than 25 per cent of what they were at their peak. Ask any 50-year-old woman if they notice any unwelcome symptoms at this time…

We have all heard about hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. But there are a myriad of other low-hormone related symptoms that plague us. Sleep disturbances are probably the top issue.

Weight gain, depression, loss of libido, loss of energy, and exhaustion are just a few of the main symptoms related to loss of progesterone and estrogen. Did you know that there is a male version of menopause? It’s called andropause. For men, loss of muscle mass, loss of libido, weight gain and grumpiness are highly correlated to a loss of testosterone.

These all sound terrible. And for many people, they are. But even more importantly, there are a number of disease processes that also arise at the same time as our hormones are decreasing. The onset of osteoporosis, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, etc., also coincides with a loss of hormones. It is no coincidence that we are generally at

our healthiest and fittest in our teens/20s when our hormones are at their peaks.

Consider this. The average age women reach menopause is 51. This also happens to be the average life expectancy of a woman 100 years ago. So you did not lose the majority of your hormones until you were near the end of your life.

With modern medicine and advances in hygiene, etc., the average life expectancy is now pushing 85 and will soon be 95 to 100. This means that, as a woman, you will be living for close to half your life with little to no progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. Looking at the symptoms and signs of low hormones discussed above, this does not bode well for the second half of our lives.

But didn’t we used to do hormone replacement therapy, and were then told that it was dangerous? Yes, for many decades we gave women Premarin and Provera as “hormone” replacement.

Many women were thrilled to have their menopause symptoms alleviated, and know that they were protecting themselves from osteoporosis. Then in 2002, the Woman’s Health Initiative Study showed that these drugs were in fact causing a significant incidence of cancer and heart disease. Doctors were told that we could no longer give them.

The doctors went on to postulate that if we simply replaced the low hormones with biologically identical ones [BioIdentical], meaning we simply gave women back exactly what they were missing, it would make much more common sense. When they did, low and behold, three things happened: 1) Their menopause symptoms went away and they felt much better. 2) The studies showed that there was NOT an increased incidence of cancer and heart disease. 3) Most importantly, the women receiving bio-identical hormone replacement showed less of the diseases of aging than women receiving no hormone replacement! Now it all made sense.

Having healthy and properly balanced levels of hormones was associated with lower incidence of disease, as expected.

Anti-Aging physicians around the world prescribe Bio-Identical hormones for their patients going through menopause and andropause, with great success. We do so with the knowledge that our hormones are associated with almost every biochemical and metabolic process that goes on in our body, and that by rebalancing them to physiologically healthy levels, we can optimize our patient’s ability to age in the healthiest and most vital way.

Dr. Christian Hackshaw MD CCFP ABAARM is a double board certified Anti-Aging Physician, and the director of AdvanceMD Anti-Aging Clinic in Bedford, N.S.

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“LOVE and FEAR are antonymous. One must learn to love themselves more than they fear quitting smoking. We would not do this if it didn’t truly work.”

—Patrick Fredette Quit Smoking Halifax, Laser Clinician

Quit Smoking Halifax Preserve Your Health!

• Smoking cessation using a low-level laser • All-natural and non-invasive • Easy, painless, relaxing and quick!

• Competitively priced and highly successful

• 77% success rate • Approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) • Also offering pain management and stress reduction treatments

Patrick fredette, Laser Clinician

Quit Smoking Halifax SPECIALIZING IN SMOKING CESSATION

Passionately serving the HRM since 2013 210–295 Main avenue, Halifax | 902.210.7848 (QuiT) | patrick.QSH@gmail.com | quitsmokinghalifax.ca

EXPERTAdvice How a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Can Help You

Angela Mercier, cdfa™ Black Star Wealth Partners 210–3600 Kempt Road Halifax 902.830.7511 902.446.4661 angela@angmercier.ca www.angelamercier.ca

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f you or someone you know is in the process of dissolving a marriage, you are painfully aware of the stress divorce places on everyone involved. From the personal perspective, divorce is a tragedy that can be emotionally devastating. If you’re in the middle of a separation, it seems as if there are no winners.

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) accredited by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts is an experienced financial professional who is trained to analyze the specific financial issues surrounding divorce.

The financial ramifications of divorce can be overwhelming. Financial expertise is often missing from the divorce process. A CDFA can forecast both the short-term and long-term effects of the settlement. By using a CDFA, both spouses have a clearer view of their financial future. One of the biggest hurdles when going through separation and divorce is managing cash flow and expenses. In order to avoid the financial struggles that can come with a divorce, developing a realistic, accurate budget in consultation with a CDFA will help you see what your financial situation is, how to manage it, and how to reach your future financial goals.

Separation and divorce require you to structure a new financial plan.

CDFAs confidentially examine your personal property, retirement assets, investment accounts, current earnings, future earning capacity, cash flow and expenses. CDFAs work with your family lawyer and/or mediator and analyze your equitable distribution proposals.

Through the use of unique divorce software, they are able to illustrate to you, your spouse, lawyers and/or mediator, the short-term, and more importantly, the long-term financial effects of the settlement proposal. They illustrate all asset divisions and cash flow projections until you reach age 90.

CDFAs are extremely important when dealing with spousal support. Your lawyer will be calculating your spousal support and child support. It is important to understand that Spousal Support Guidelines are just that — guides that

provide very broad ranges from low or medium to higher amounts based on the income of your spouse. A CDFA can show you different scenarios based on varying income ranges to allow you to make an informed decision, rather than an emotional one. Spousal support is considered income to the recipient and therefore income tax must be addressed when imputing the amounts into your monthly cash flow/budget. The person paying spousal support can deduct those payments when calculating their income tax.

Specializing in personal financial planning and divorce planning, it is my goal to educate and encourage my clients to be involved in the financial decisions that impact their lives and the lives of their children.

Upcoming Events Divorce Workshop for Women May 9 Workshop deals with the legal, financial, family and personal issues of divorce.

Ideal participants are any women who are about to or are going through a separation and/or divorce.

Presenters Include: family lawyer, collaborative lawyer, family counsellor and certified divorce financial analyst.

Women’s Well-being Expo May 23-25 Workshop: “Control Your Cash Flow, Control Your Life”

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EXPERTAdvice Retainers: Keeping Your Smile Perfect

Hawley removable retainer

Clear removable retainer

Dr. Magda Barnard B.Sc., D.D.S. (with distinction), M.Sc. (orthodontics), F.R.C.D(C) Bedford Orthodontics Suite 206, Sunnyside Mall 1595 Bedford Highway Bedford www.bedfordortho.com

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magine you just got your braces off and your teeth look absolutely perfect! Your teeth feel smooth, look amazing and everyone tells you they love your new smile. Now if you want to keep these amazing results, you will need retainers. You may ask, what are retainers and why are they so important?

At Bedford Orthodontics, we talk about retainers every day.

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Retainers come in two basic varieties â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fixed and removable. Fixed retainers are made up of a string of orthodontic wire that is perfectly adapted to the backside of the newly aligned teeth and bonded to these teeth with smooth spheres of tooth adhesive. Fixed retainers do not get removed by the patient and may be preferred by patients who do not want to have to remember to wear retainers.

Removable retainers are ones that can be removed easily, as they are not glued to teeth. There are two types of removable retainers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ones that are made of totally clear, thin plastic, and ones that are a combination of orthodontic wire and acrylic. The latter, called Hawley retainers, are available in a large variety of colours and tend to last much longer than clear plastic ones. However, clear plastic retainers are definitely more aesthetic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you can hardly see them.

All retainers are custom-made to fit each patient. You and your orthodontist will decide which type of a retainer will work best for you, your lifestyle and your new smile.

When braces first come off, removable retainers are worn full time, except for when eating, brushing, flossing and playing contact sports. Full time wear is very important during the first six months after braces come off. Studies

have shown that during this time period, the fibers in the gums that hold teeth are re-organizing and healing in their new positions. If retainers are not worn enough during this time, teeth will be very prone to relapse back to their malaligned positions. After the first six months, retainers can be worn less, and eventually can be worn only overnight.

Once you receive your retainers, you will require periodic checkups with your orthodontist to make sure that your retainers continue to fit well, that you are using them correctly, and that the retention protocol is working well for you. If you lose your retainer(s), then you will need to contact your orthodontist right away, as teeth will begin to move immediately during the first six months after braces come off, and within a day or two anytime thereafter.

Studies show that without retainers, not only do teeth try to shift back toward their original positions, but crowding also increases due to the ageing process.

Without retainers, teeth will continue to shift unfavourably; therefore retainers need to be worn overnight indefinitely, or as long as we want teeth to be straight.

Retainers are the key to keeping the wrinkles out of your teeth!

This is your life…

make it beautiful

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Blue Rodeo’s

Jim Cuddy & GreG Keelor on Halifax MeMoRies, PastoRal insPiRations, and MoRe

By Rebecca SchneideReit Photos duStin Rabin

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usical headliners touch down in the Maritimes more and more frequently these days, and it’s gratifying to watch megastars discover the East Coast. Still, it’s also important to remember that some musicians acknowledged their Maritime fans well before the bandwagon rolled in — Blue Rodeo, for example.

“As soon as you get to the Maritimes — Halifax and St. John’s being the two biggest examples, but other places, too — those are the most musical audiences,” Cuddy says. “Those are the ones that clap on time, they sing, you can hear them singing harmony, they are super enthusiastic about all different dynamics — absolutely, one of the best places to play.”

“We’ve been coming to Halifax for a long, long time,” reminisces guitarist Jim Cuddy, noting that “Halifax is one of the first places you could go outside of Toronto, because it had a lot of these big bars.” He can still name now-defunct venues where Blue Rodeo performed: the Misty Moon, Crazy Horse. “That was a great place for us, because it was very exciting,” says Cuddy. “There were all these students around.”

More than one Blue Rodeo member has personal, as well as professional, ties to the area. “I had a daughter that went to King’s College for four years, so Halifax is, you know, big in my world,” says Cuddy. Bassist Bazil Donovan’s BlueRodeo.com bio likewise reveals his early Haligonian roots.

Those students weren’t forgotten once Blue Rodeo struck rock ’n’ roll gold. “When we sort of got big enough for theatres but still liked playing in bars, we used to play the Rebecca Cohn, and then we used to … literally wheel the stuff across the street,” Cuddy says, in order to deliver “sort of a drunken university student thing” at the adjacent Student Union Building.

Blue Rodeo’s lyrics tend toward earnest and haunting, but in conversation, Greg Keelor’s pithy sense of humour is striking. “Quit reminding me, would you?” he says at the mention of Blue Rodeo’s two-anda-half-decade pedigree. Of Cuddy, he quips, “Jim and I have been friends since high school, and, you know, there’s sort of an adolescent hangover in our friendship because of that.”

It’s been some time since Blue Rodeo made Misty Moon memories, but Halifax remains a touring destination for the band — most recently, at Jan. 31’s Metro Centre show. Cuddy and fellow guitarist Greg Keelor still seem to relish Maritime crowds. “I think most musicians in Canada recognize that on the East Coast, there’s a musical sophistication to the audience that escapes a lot of Canada,” says Keelor. “They can actually sing and clap.”

My favourite Keelor-ism comes during a reflection on In Our Nature’s much-discussed darker undertones: “I’ve made a pretty good living from melancholy,” he observes.

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“I’m definitely a vinyl guy, if I can be,” says Jim Cuddy. “I love the fact that it’s come back… There’s crinkle and warps, and, you know, there’s something kind of human about vinyl.” Three albums are available as LPs on BlueRodeo. com’s online store at the time of writing: Outskirts (Remixed), The Things We Left Behind, and In Our Nature.

What occupies Blue Rodeo’s time outside the studio? Do they have other interests?

“Music takes up a large part of my life,” Keelor acknowledges, but adds “I live about an hour outside of Toronto on a little farm, so, you know, I love being in nature. I go for long walks every other day, and I do five to 10 kilometres of walking.”

Cuddy, meanwhile, is a serial globetrotter whose recent destinations have included Japan, Myanmar and South Africa. “My wife and I travel a lot,” he says. It’s a perk of the job, in a way: “I have so many airline miles from just — all the flying, and my work — so all we have to do is pick a place and, you know, figure out how to do it.”

Keelor is able to surprise me. “Do you know that I’m an original Cape Bretoner?” he asks, and I’m forced to admit that I didn’t. “Yeah, my original name was Francis MacIntyre, before I was adopted from Flip Cape, in between Mabou and Inverness.

My birth father still lives in Mabou, and I’ve got lots of relatives up there … I didn’t discover all this connection until I was — I think I was around 40 or 45, and God, that was so exciting.”

Blue Rodeo’s 2014 tour follows 2013’s In Our Nature, one of only three Blue Rodeo albums (Five Days in July, Nowhere to Here, In Our Nature) put together at Keelor’s Ontario farm. In Our Nature’s first single, “New Morning Sun,” is laidback, proficient but not ostentatious, and after

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decades, Cuddy’s vocals remain heartfelt.

When it comes to In Our Nature’s deeper cuts, “There’s a couple on there that I really like,” says Keelor. “’Tara’s Blues’ and ‘Wondering,’ I think, are two of the better songs I’ve written in my life.”

At the time of our interview, Cuddy says he expects touring to continue into summer. “Ninety per cent Canada, during the summer,” he anticipates, although he does mention potential U.S. and European dates. What starts when touring finishes?

That seems to be anyone’s guess; Keelor doesn’t hazard one. “I don’t really think that much ahead,” he says of posttour plans. “Blue Rodeo has a certain momentum of its own.”

Cuddy evinces similar feelings when I ask about his future ambitions, saying “The clear goals of a band are usually about popularity, and you know, we’re a bit old for that.”

Reluctance to define a roadmap doesn’t mean Blue Rodeo won’t be going places — they tend to have plenty on the go. Keelor provided music for 2010’s Western/Canadiana fusion flick Gunless, and has additionally branched into producing. Cuddy went solo for 2011’s Skyscraper Soul, and remains involved with charitable causes like Gold Medal Plates and MusiCounts. Fans are advised to keep a close eye on Blue Rodeo, because there’s no telling what’s next.

TreaT Your TasTe buds To a Trip To France

By Tonya LamberT Photos bruce JoLLimore

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all River’s new restaurant, La Cave de Strasbourg, brings a touch of the wonder and romance of France to the heart of Nova Scotia. From the twinkling lights adorning a miniature Eiffel Tower near the entrance, to the photos of Strasbourg lining the walls — as well as the chef’s custom of visiting each table to see how the guests enjoyed the food — the entire establishment has a very European atmosphere.

Located in northeastern France, close to the border with Germany, Strasbourg’s cuisine combines the sophisticated flavours of French fare with the rich offerings of the German kitchen. A wonderful example of this exquisite cultural blend is the restaurant’s pork schnitzel, which combines this German favourite with a savoury French mushroom sauce that simply makes one’s taste buds leap with joy. Another popular dish is onion pie Alsace, named Appetizer of the Year for 2013 by food critic Bill Spurr.

Since opening the restaurant in November, chef Michel Mangin and his wife and co-owner, Patrice, have gone the extra mile to ensure that each of their guests has a wonderful evening. Guests are welcome to bring their own special bottle of wine with them and for only a small corking fee can enjoy it with their meal. Customer J. Gilby notes, “The

RIGHT Patrice Mangin, co-owner and chef Michel Mangin

experience from the time of booking our reservation to the time we were served our meals, was exceptional.”

La Cave de Strasbourg French Restaurant 3104 Highway 2 Fall River 902.860.0315 lacavedestrasbourg@gmail.com www.lacavedestrasbourg.com

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White Wine

Sipping

Season

By Emma Tysick

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he anticipation of warm summer days ahead is high, and yet we all know Mother Nature has at least a few curve balls to throw our way before we reach those balmy temperatures. Despite the weather in this unpredictable season, there is always one thing we can look forward to: the return of fresh produce. And with the promise of new asparagus, arugula, spinach, pea greens, and of course fiddleheads, we can also look at taking a break from the big red wines that go so well with hearty winter fare, and instead look at integrating vibrant, herbal whites at the dinner table.

Green vegetables have a reputation for being difficult to pair with wine, as the chlorophyll levels — which make them taste delicious — can clash horribly with some wines, making them taste metallic.

However, armed with a little knowledge and a sense of adventure, a vast array of possibilities can be available to you. sauvignon Blanc is most often a safe bet when it comes to any sort of green vegetable. Its high acidity partners nicely with vinaigrettes on salads, and can help to cut through the compound found in asparagus that can make other wines taste metallic. Stylistically, you have many options you can explore. You could go the route of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, which in addition to the high acid aforementioned, often has notes of green pepper, gooseberry and fresh cut grass.

It can be a nice accompaniment to many vegetable dishes. You could also choose to go with something a bit more clean and crisp, like a Sauvignon Blanc from the Sancerre region in France. These wines provide great minerality, which can act as a refreshing and neutral canvas for

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flavours that may be overwhelming to other, more robust wines. grünEr vElTlinEr is also a wonderful option. This Austrian wine is both affordable and food-friendly. It contains the acidity of Sauvignon Blanc, but is also often described as having notes of white pepper, wax beans and lime. These more savoury characteristics make it the perfect match for foods known to kill other wines [think the dreaded asparagus, or even artichokes]. If you wish to go with a really simple preparation, like say shaved raw asparagus with lemon Parmesan vinaigrette, Grüner would be a good choice.

It could also stand up to the really green, earthy, and sometimes bitter flavours that can be found in fiddleheads. riEsling can also be a great partner for a vast array of vegetables. Its high level of acidity works wonderfully with spicy flavours, which can often make other wines taste “hot” and just plain awful. The natural peppery flavour found in arugula can make it difficult to pair with wine, and yet here Riesling would be a lovely option.

It’s also great with creamy dressings, as it is able to cut through the fat, acting as a palate refresher with every sip. Choose a dry or only slightly off dry wine when pairing with vegetables. An easy way to tell the level of sweetness in Riesling [or any wine] is to look at the alcohol percentage, if it is low, say eight per cent, you know the Riesling is going to be sweet.

If it is around 11 per cent or 12 per cent you know that you’re more likely going to experience a drier style of wine.

There are many other wonderful options; don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. After all, no matter what, a shared meal and bottle of wine can never really be considered a failure.

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SHAVED RAW ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH PARMESAN AND LEMON DRESSING • 2 dozen asparagus spears, tough end removed • 1 small shallot, minced • 1⁄2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1⁄2 lemon, juiced, zested • Parmesan, grated • 4 tbsp olive oil • 1⁄2 cup cubed pancetta • Salt and pepper to taste

1. Shave the asparagus spears lengthwise with a vegetable peeler. Create long thin strips.

Place in a bowl.

2. Place the shallot, Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest and Parmesan in a bowl.

3. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make a vinaigrette.

4. Meanwhile cook the pancetta in a pan over medium heat. When the pancetta is crispy on all sides, remove from pan and place on paper towels to remove excess fat.

5. Add the pancetta and vinaigrette to the bowl of asparagus; toss and serve.

Emma Tysick is a certified sommelier and manager at Bistro Le Coq on Argyle Street in Halifax.

About Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers – Atlantic Chapter (CAPSAC) CAPSAC is the only active professional wine and spirits training and industry educator in Atlantic Canada. The association holds regular tastings, which are open to all members. Membership [$75] also provides discounts at private wine store retailers in HRM, discounts on wine publications and much more. To join, email Ann Miller at annemiller@ns.sympatico.ca or to learn more about wine education opportunities, email Carman Mills at cmills2@dal.ca.

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For the love of music and great food

Visit staynerswharf.com or our FaceBook page to view our Menu and Entertainment Calendar for Spring.

Call us at 902.492.1800

TEMPO FOOD + DRINK Exemplifies Top-Tier Downtown Dining PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEMPO FOOD + DRINK AND BRUCE JOLLIMORE

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f the Maritimes were a target, downtown Halifax would be the bull’s eye. The blocks between the Citadel and the waterfront teem with business people, artists, tourists, partiers and performers. If downtown Halifax has a centre, you’ll likely find it at the crosshairs of Barrington and Duke, at TEMPO Food + Drink.

TEMPO provides some of Halifax’s best dining — no matter what kind of dining you’re looking for.

The sleek, orange-accented interior is segmented into a culinary triptych: a “Grab + Go” counter, modern dining area, and lounge space. Each area has its own atmosphere, but all feature a menu from executive chef Bradley Bowden’s “open” [that is, visible] kitchen.

The “Grab + Go” department features transportable goodies including beverages, “energy bites,” salads, snacks, Starbucks coffee, and more. Healthy choices are easily found, including selections for non-gluten, soy-based, and

vegan dietary needs. To look after postgym clients coming from their workout at the newly installed nearby GoodLife Fitness, whey protein smoothies are also being added.

The lounge and dining room share full menus: breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, sharing plates, and dessert are all covered. “Local” is paramount, says Bowden. “There’s a lot of different flavours,” he notes, and indeed, the menu includes ingredients like “bacon jam” and “drunken strawberries.” You

OPPOSITE L-R Pastry Chef Laura Vienneau, Chef Brad Bowden

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PRIME

PARKING. Seeking downtown parking?

Tempo has you covered. Evening and brunch guests receive two hours of free parking, with optional, no-charge valet service.

can take a peek on TEMPO’s website: at Fine Lifestyles, we’ve already fallen for the fish tacos, “lobb cobb” and “pretzel brownie.”

The drink menu includes a bevy of tempting cocktail creations. [We’ve been tipped off that the vodka-based, cherry-laden “Tempo” and tropicaltasting “Chant” are favourites.] A frequently rotated selection of wines [bottles and glasses] includes the best Nova Scotian offerings.

“Specials” at TEMPO run from selected lunch offerings, to 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.’s “happy hour,” to a week’s worth of rotated features — for instance, “Seafood Saturdays,” when diners can snag two seafood courses [with dessert] for $20.

Don’t worry about special requests. As with the “Grab + Go” counter, TEMPO’s menu lists vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-

free choices [the latter are restricted to a separate prep area, reducing crosscontamination risks].

Nocturne Halifax–Art at Night saw TEMPO set up their own exhibit, while serving spectators coffee and hot cocoa.

Chris Mosher, director of sales and marketing, says that, “at TEMPO, we’re fortunate to be connected, through the pedway system, to the downtown financial and business core.” TEMPO’s status as a professional hub means that the kitchen not only allows for customization — “we’ve actually put a few custom orders on the menu,” notes Bowden — they will also cater office meals, delivering within downtown’s pedway “neighbourhood.”

TEMPO has another focus: charity, with causes ranging from Spin4Kids to Habitat for Humanity. “We’ve raised, year after year, approximately $100,000 with the help of Delta Hotels in Halifax that goes toward building homes,” reports TEMPO’s Tan-Nee Ng. “We’ve supported breast cancer research… we also did a bake sale during the Gay Pride parade.” Deliciously uniting philanthropy, work and play, TEMPO exemplifies toptier downtown dining.

The TEMPO Food + Drink team believes in “play” as well as “work.” The hotspot’s Friday evening “TEMPO Beats” event pairs a martini special with a local DJ’s mix. City-roving social event “Guerilla GayFare” recently dropped in, and 2013’s

1875 Barrington Street Halifax 902.428.3676 www.tempofooddrink.com

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HALIFAX

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR April/May 2014

APRIL/MAY

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Mary Poppins Neptune Theatre April 1 – May 25

Backstreet Boys Halifax Metro Centre May 4

Canada’s Ballet Jorgen: Romeo and Juliet Rebecca Cohn April 16, 17

Symphony NS Beer & Beethoven (19& over) Halifax Forum May 9

Halifax Comedy Fest Various Locations April 23 -26

Kim Mitchell Schooner Showroom, Casino NS May 10

Stars on Ice Halifax Metro Centre April 25

Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon Dartmouth-Halifax May 16-18

Gordon Lightfoot Halifax Metro Centre April 30

BUGS: Outside the Box Museum of Natural History Until May 19

City and Color Live!

Halifax Metro Centre May 3

George Thorogood Halifax Metro Centre May 24

WHAT TASTE ARE YOU IN THE MOOD FOR?

CRISP & LIGHT

VILLA MARIA

Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, 1005024. $19.99

SALE $18.99

LES JAMELLES TRAPICHE

Pinot Noir 1013810. $16.50

Finca Las Palmas Malbec 1009646. $19.99

SALE $18.99 Limited time offers start March 31st and end May 4th. Available at select NSLC stores.

PASSIONFRUIT BELLINI 1 oz Aperol 3/4 oz passionfruit puree or juice 4 oz Prosecco Add Aperol and passionfruit puree to shaker with ice. Shake hard, strain into flute glass and top with Prosecco. Garnish with piece of orange peel, squeezing zest over top of drink to add to aroma.

Home Bar

Stardom YOUR FINE LIFESTYLES HOW-TO

BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT PHOTOS BRUCE JOLLIMORE

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Once you have some knowhow under your belt, tending your home bar will be a breeze. Still learning the ropes? Don’t worry. Fine Lifestyles recently rang up Halifax bartender Jeffrey Van Horne, and he generously provided advice on cocktail creation and presentation. For the skinny on his bartending philosophy —and a few of Fine Lifestyles’ own tips — read on.

Although the drink menu at Van Horne’s restaurant brims with unexpected flavours like agave, basil, jalapeño, and sage, he doesn’t spend our interview dissecting complementary flavours and secret ingredients. He does discourse adamantly on what he calls “the main ingredient in all the cocktails” — ice.

“Nice, clean ice is really important to making great cocktails,” says Van Horne, who is head bartender at The Bicycle Thief. “The more surface area you have on an ice cube, the faster it’s going to melt... the bigger the cubes, and the more solid the cubes, the better.”

The standard plastic ice tray may suffice when it comes to chilling soft drinks and smoothies, but many bartenders up the ante when building cocktails, says Van Horne. “A huge trend now in bartending is clear ice. It’s very dense, because there are no impurities… It melts very, very slowly, and it looks beautiful.” The “secret” of clear ice is revealed in plenty of internet tutorials, but if you’d prefer a faster, fuss-free option, whiskey stones needn’t be confined to a glass of scotch.

You can even use the cup itself to chill concoctions, notes Van Horne: “I like to keep a lot of my glassware in the freezer.”

Speaking of glassware, it’s obviously integral. Drinking vessels define the character of the bar and its tender. Take Van Horne: he sometimes sticks with tradition [“the stemless stuff, I don’t get,” he says bluntly] but his playful side is evident when he mentions “fun ceramic glasses with pirate faces, different animals, and that sort of thing.”

Savvy bar stylists can purchase glassware strategically to create their chosen “feel.”

Beverage culture [from rum-running to kitchen parties to microbreweries to Valley wineries] has played an integral role in Maritime history, so incorporating local details is an especially nice touch.

Such details could be added to bar construction, or restricted to barware:

you might discover souvenir glasses at winery boutiques, or one of Nova Scotia’s many pewter craftspeople could help anchor your bar with gleaming pewter.

When it comes to spectacular glassware, not much holds a candle to crystal. “When you pick up a crystal glass, you can just tell,” says Van Horne. “Crystal glasses have a great weight to them, so they feel luxurious, and they’ve got a nice thin lip.”

For locally-themed glassware, NovaScotian Crystal on the waterfront is a good source.

“We’re the only mouth-blown, handcut crystal company in North America,” notes spokesperson Larissa Law. “We’re very proud of that.” Many NovaScotian Crystal designs are themselves regionally influenced: motifs bear names like “Margaree,” “Annapolis” and “Citadel.”

You needn’t purchase a complete set immediately. When naming “essential glassware,” Van Horne mentions a “nice tumbler or a rocks glass,” cocktail glass, and champagne flute. Drinking vessels can be versatile: Law points out that NovaScotian Crystal’s water and beer glasses are both suitable for certain cocktails, and that some wine glasses can accommodate various vintages. [To get an idea of a flexible shape, take a glance at NovaScotian Crystal’s Bordeaux glass: “you can use it for white as well,” Law says.]

Although Van Horne acknowledges that “a nice glass can really add to a drink,” it only shows off your taste — it’s mixing that shows off skill. “I still, to this day, follow recipes quite precisely,” says Van Horne. “I think that’s important if you want to make consistent cocktails. If you’re off on one measurement, it can change that drink pretty drastically.” For larger groups, Van Horne recommends “pre-batching” — combining stable cocktail ingredients [i.e., nothing carbonated, no ice] ahead of time, so only a few “finishing touches” are necessary to create a fleet of cocktails.

As you create your bar and hone your skills, remember that even an expert bartender like Van Horne doesn’t get too caught up in bells and whistles. “Making cocktails is just one facet of bartending,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s about being a gracious host.”

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Bartending at Home You don’t need to arrange major renovations to bartend at home: portable options exist [“I’m in love with antique liquor carts,” says Van Horne]. Still, there’s no denying the je ne sais quoi of the builtin home bar. Below, we list pointers for those considering the splurge.

Glasswear provided by NovaScotian Crystal. bartender, Jeffrey Van Horne

• Various bar shapes exist: corner, L-shaped, straight, and more. If you have the space, consider a round bar – an unusual, eye-catching shape reminiscent of classic Hollywood.

• Metal, stone, wood, manmade materials… your choices for bar material are endless, and that’s not taking accents into account. If you’re incorporating the “local” theme we suggested for glassware, bar material is another excellent opportunity to showcase Nova Scotia’s talented woodworkers, stoneworkers and craftspeople.

• Authorities waver over acceptable bar width: we’ve seen lower estimates dip below 20 inches, while other sources have recommended almost 25. However, most experts specify the perfect height as being slightly over 40 inches.

• You may notice “dry bar” options while choosing a home bar. In this context,

“dry” refers to a bar without a sink.

These can look attractive, but since Van Horne specifies that “proximity to a sink is always a huge plus.” We recommend installing a full wet bar.

Why go halfway?

• Homeowners with kids should thoroughly childproof their bar, especially if it’s part of a multipurpose space like a rec room or basement.

Bottles and glassware should be well beyond their grasp; locking beer taps and wine refrigerators are extra helpful.

Scout your bar for other hazards.

• Be reserved with permanent decorations. You could wind up entertaining anyone from prospective clients to your parents-in-law in this venue. “Neutral” isn’t necessary [tasteful art prints are fine], but versatility is.

Cocktail RECIPES Bartender Jeffrey Van Horne provided Fine Lifestyles with these fabulous cocktail recipes. Shake one up and get guests gossiping about your mixological prowess.

Lemongrass Drop 1 1/2 oz citrus vodka 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur 1/2 oz lemongrass syrup Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker with ice. Shake hard for 10 seconds.

Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel, squeezing zest over top of drink to add to aroma.

Diplomatico Old Fashioned 2 oz Ron Diplomatico Reserva rum 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) 2 dashes Angostura bitters 1 dash cherry bitters Add all ingredients to mixing glass. Add ice: stir for 30-45 seconds until cold and diluted. Strain over ice into rocks glass.

Garnish with cherry and orange zest, squeezing zest over top of drink to add to aroma.

Black Isle 2 oz Black Grouse blended Scotch 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz black tea syrup 2 dashes orange bitters egg white Spray of smoky Islay Scotch (optional) Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker. Shake without ice to emulsify egg white. Add ice and shake hard for 10 seconds. Strain into rocks or highball glass over ice. Spray with Islay Scotch for smoky aroma. Garnish with pinch of loose black tea leaves.

Black Tea Syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup hot water 3 black tea bags Steep black tea in hot water for 30 minutes. Remove tea bags. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 two weeks.

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COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT

Dining in the

DARK

BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT AND NICOLE LAWRENCE PHOTOS BRUCE JOLLIMORE

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

It’s not unusual to close your eyes to savour a bite of some favourite dish. But have you ever consumed an entire meal that way — replacing sight with touch, taste, texture?

T

hat’s precisely the point of Dining in the Dark.

This CNIB fundraiser began in 2011, inspired by a metropolitan restaurant trend: “Eating your meal when you can’t actually see the plate,” explains CNIB communications specialist Nicole Lawrence.

Since the initial Charlottetown dinner, Lawrence says Dining in the Dark has grown into a CNIB signature event.

In 2014, six similarly themed evenings will take place in Nova Scotia, part of more than a dozen Atlantic Canadian Dining in the Dark events. However, the daMaurizio iteration (now in its second year) is the “only one in the Maritimes that’s happening at a restaurant.”

When daMaurizio co-owner Tanya King participated in 2009’s NYC Marathon, it was her “first exposure to blind runners.” Inspired by what she’d witnessed, she called CNIB. “Long story short, Shelley Adams at CNIB and I ended up running together,” says King, who served as Adams’ sighted guide. “We participated in the Blue Nose Marathon weekend by running the 5K.” Adams soon suggested hosting a Dining in the Dark at daMaurizio to King. “I was on board,” King says simply.

Dining in the Dark requires plenty of prep work. “You have to try to plan a menu that’s going to be accessible,” King says. Restaurant employees must also prepare for the event. “Our CNIB specialists work to provide some key training to the servers,” says Lawrence, including teaching staff best practices for serving blindfolded diners and guests with vision loss.

Lawrence says the first daMaurizio Dining in the Dark was a tremendous success, with Shelley Adams (King’s running partner) speaking to guests and sharing her experiences of growing up, and also parenting, with vision loss. Now the restaurant is doing it all again. On May 29, blindfolded guests will depend on just four senses while devouring

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three courses prepared by daMaurizio’s first-rate chefs. They’ll enjoy the guidance of a master of ceremonies, as well as a silent auction and a message from a CNIB ambassador, alongside the meal.

white cane education to social support, and stand to touch thousands of lives.

“There are more than 34,000 individuals in Nova Scotia living with blindness and partial sight.”

“Some people even comment that they find the food tastes better when they’re blindfolded, because they’re focussing more on the meal itself,” says Lawrence.

“It’s more than just a sit-down dinner; it gives them a different perspective.”

Dining in the Dark isn’t merely entertaining; it also supports a worthy cause. “All funds raised from the evening will go toward our vision rehabilitation programs and services in Nova Scotia,” says Lawrence. Those programs and services cover extensive ground, from

Judging by past events’ reception, seats at daMaurizio’s Dining in the Dark may go fast. “There’s something to be said when people are coming to us and looking for the next year’s date,” says CNIB’s community giving manager Cheri Cole.

Dining in the Dark venues across Atlantic Canada include restaurants, hotels, universities and culinary institutes. To learn more about hosting an event in your community, or to purchase tickets for the daMaurizio experience, call CNIB at 902.453.1480, extension 5703.

TOP LEFT L-R Shelley Adams and Tanya King TOP RIGHT L-R Jim Chamberlain with Laura Kennedy BOTTOM L-R Cheri Cole with Catherine Kieran

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

ARTIST Spotlight

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Awe-Inspiring Artwork by

MICHELLE ST. ONGE

and Pottery Barn. In 2005, she moved home to Halifax where she opened a textile design studio. Two years later, she was named one of Progress Magazine’s “Young and Fearless.”

In recent years, St. Onge’s handillustrated and silk-screened artwork and handbags have repeatedly been featured in galleries, magazines, films and television shows… and the buzz only continues to grow. So much so that St. Onge was even flown to New York City to appear on the Martha Stewart Show, where she taught the matriarch of house and home how to create her own piece of screen print art.

BY ANGELA CAMPAGNONI

E

ach and every morning I wake up, pour myself a cup of freshly ground coffee and hazily make my way onto my living room sofa. And each and every morning, no matter what the weather is doing outside, I’m greeted with an impeccable view of Bedford, Dartmouth and Halifax… all thanks to the awe-inspiring artwork of Michelle St. Onge.

Through her unique artistry that now adorns the walls of our home, St. Onge has captured the beauty and vibrancy of some of my favourite places in HRM. A graduate of Sheridan College’s famed School of Craft and Design, St. Onge has created commercial textile designs for top U.S. retailers, such as Victoria’s Secret, Nautica, Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren

St. Onge’s work is so unique that you can easily identify it from across any room.

Next time you’re dining at Baton Rouge in Halifax, keep an eye out for her enormous pieces that depict the historical Morse’s Tea building. You can also spot her distinctive work while grabbing a bite at Morris East, or sipping a coffee at Two If By Sea Café. Her artwork in available online at www.michellesaintonge.com.˜ Angela Campagnoni www.angelahaliland.com

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This

Life

IS THE

BY THE TASTEMAKERS, MARK AND MATTHEW HARRIS

It all started with a surprise first-class trip from LAX to JFK to host the official celebrity gifting experience for the 2013 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. The blustery first day started with a champagne brunch on the rooftop terrace of the Hudson Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. It was chilly, but refreshing. We started the brunch with interviews and photos with Storage Wars fans. The first day was a huge success right out of the gate, as one of the first guests was Martha Stewart! Other celebrities soon followed, including Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, Andrew Zimmern and Emeril Lagasse.

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D

ay two brought more celebrities and gifting, and then the evening found us at the Burger Bash, which gave us a sampling of all the burger joints in Manhattan. It was hard to choose a favourite. The final day included the New York Jets tailgate party, where we met New York Jets legend ‘Broadway Joe.’ From New York we were off to Palm Beach, where we were producing the official celebrity gift bags for the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic.

Once we arrived, we were off to a breakfast meet-and-greet with Evert and the other celebrities at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, which was followed by a quick visit to Worth Avenue. No visit to Palm Beach is complete without a trip down Worth Avenue!

The afternoon was spent at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, where we sipped on Stella Artois and Patrón tequila. Oh, and we did catch some tennis while we were there. Next, we were off to the grand gala at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

This was a star-studded event where we

got to meet American Idol David Cook, comedic icon Jon Lovitz and bumped into master of ceremonies Alan Thicke in the men’s room. We asked Thicke what he thought of his son Robin’s success with Blurred Lines and he quickly replied, “The best song I ever heard.” The night raised more than a million dollars for charity and our journey continued to our second favourite city in the world: Chicago.

Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum — sunny warm Palm Beach, to cold and snowy Chicago. The first stop after checking into the hotel has been a Chicago staple since the 30s, and is one of our favourites, White Castle burgers.

The day seemed to move swiftly as we had big plans for the evening to hit all the new Chicago nightclubs, including The Underground and Three Dots and a Dash.

Our ‘celebrity’ status got us in ahead of the line at both clubs, and with waived entry fees! Boy, it pays to have been on eight episodes of Storage Wars.

Sunday was pageant day and it was our job to pick a new Miss Illinois and Miss

Teen Illinois. After a long day of watching these beauties walk the stage, we picked two winners: Alexis Atkins Miss Illinois USA 2014 and Miranda Fenzau Miss Illinois Teen USA 2014.

We returned to Hollywood in time to ride in the historic Hollywood Christmas Parade, a Hollywood tradition for 82 years and a lifelong dream of ours. Thanks to Storage Wars for giving the Kings of Swag the opportunity to ride alongside this year’s grand marshal, astronaut Buzz Aldrin. What a parade. What a night.

What a year for the Harris Brothers.

The Harris Brothers, also known as The Kings of Swag, are founders of WOW! Creations Media, an L.A.-based creative marketing and publicity company specializing in celebrity/VIP gift bags filled with high-end consumer products. They are also reality television personalities on the hit A&E show Storage Wars, where they hold roles of auction bidders. The identical twin brothers also act as ongoing beauty pageant judges under the Miss USA pageant family.

ABOVE L-R Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, and Mark Harris with Miss Teen Illinois and judge (right) FineLifestyles

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Vile Passéist

THEATRE

SHEDS LIMELIGHT ON THE PAST

BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT

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“If you consider yourself a fan of Shakespeare, then you have to come and see these plays.”

Dan Bray, artistic director

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t seems fitting that Vile Passéist Theatre, although established in Toronto, now calls Halifax home. After all, Nova Scotia is rich with piratical history, buried-treasure tales and seafarer’s yarns. Digging through the remains of past centuries in pursuit of theatrical gold is the current quest of the Vile Passéist team.

“After the Renaissance… a lot of the plays were censored,” explains Vile Passéist’s artistic director Dan Bray, who dreamed up the company while studying at the University of Toronto. After a single Ontario show, he transplanted Vile Passéist to Nova Scotia, where the team began staging plays with titles like A Chaste Maid in Cheapside and The Revenger’s Tragedy. “The theatres were shut down, so a lot of the plays just kind of disappeared.”

Victorian audiences eventually reclaimed Shakespeare’s work, Bray says, but the Bard’s colleagues frequently weren’t as lucky. He partly attributes their omission to the “racy” plotlines, which often pervade the plays. “It’s easy to see why that didn’t get through the Victorian dragnet.”

Now Shakespeare dominates festivals and main stages worldwide, while his peers are seldom produced; an injustice that Vile Passéist Theatre strives to rectify. As scandal-laden as the company’s texts-ofchoice can be, Bray and executive director Colleen MacIsaac adamantly defend their artistic value. “These other playwrights… tapped into different ways of looking at the human condition,” says MacIsaac.

“The reason Shakespeare is as good as he was, is because of the people he was writing with,” says Bray. “I think to truly appreciate Shakespeare, you need to take in the wider picture… that’s the rare opportunity that ‘VPT’ affords its audiences.” Clever staging and costuming are characteristic of the company, and productions typically boast

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CloCkwise Maid's Tragedy., photo: Ashley Marie Pike, Roaring Girl, photo: Ashley Marie Pike, directors Colleen MacIsaac and Dan Bray, photo Colleen MacIsaac.

overflowing ensemble casts. “Our shows have all been between seven and 23 people, I think,” MacIsaac notes.

Five years have now passed since Vile Passéist’s inception, and 2013 proved a significant season for the company.

The Roaring Girl—which premiered in February 2013—was the group’s first musical, as well as their first show at Neptune Studio Theatre. The following November, The Maid’s Tragedy “had a sold out run,” notes MacIsaac. Vile Passéist’s

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successful streak has continued in 2014: spring’s Doctor Faustus, co-starring a coterie of puppets, was colourful in every sense of the word.

Gallathea, the company’s next production, is currently slated for November performance in Gottingen Street’s Bus Stop Theatre. “It’s a very playful, very cheeky little play,” says MacIsaac, who will take the show’s reins in her directorial debut with the company. “We’re going to be having a lot of fun with it… we have a

designer on board, and we’ve already been talking about doing some things with shadow puppets.”

Bray notes the parallels between Gallathea and Shakespearean masterworks like As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Twelfth Night. “[playwright] John Lyly… I think, inspired a lot of Shakespearean comedy,” he says. “It’s very similar, but it’s much fresher.”

HOW TO

LOVE NEW ORLEANS

BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT PHOTOS NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

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M

usic, food and drink, history and nightlife reach their North American zenith in New Orleans. The city’s Mardi Gras revelries are famed worldwide, but there’s no need to wait for February or March to visit — New Orleans offers an assortment of amusements anytime.

“Spring is really great, because there’s basically a festival every weekend,” says New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Lauren Cason, noting that autumn is also popular with tourists.

Louisiana summers may prove too hot to handle if you’re a fan of Canadian climates, but Cason’s description of a New Orleans Christmas (reveillon menus, “Papa Noel” room deals) could transform anyone into a temporary snowbird.

And New Orleans is hardly the exclusive province of partiers and under-30s. “There’s so much more than Bourbon Street to the city, and there’s so much art and culture,” says Cason. “New Orleans is a really great family destination. We have an incredible zoo. We have an aquarium, an insectarium — we even have tours in the French Quarter that specifically are for kids.”

New Orleans “prides itself on being walkable,” says Cason; if you tire of pounding the pavement, there’s always the streetcar. However you’re getting around, the French Quarter is home base for many tourists. “Most people probably start with the French Quarter and venture off.” Be sure to stroll Frenchman Street, which is “lined with music venues… there’s an art market set up on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.”

When it comes to weeknights, Cason’s personal picks include Tuesdays nights on Oak Street — grabbing a bite at Jacque-Imo’s Café, then heading to the neighbouring Maple Leaf Bar for Grammy-

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back after dinner, Strenge suggests Artmosphere Bistro or the open-air Blue Moon Saloon.

Although day trips into Lafayette are possible, it’s “probably easier to do at least one or two nights,” says Strenge.

Luxury chain hotels exist in both Lafayette and New Orleans, but local, independent accommodations can be just as enjoyable and perhaps more authentic. The Buchanan Lofts and The Juliet number among Strenge’s recommendations in Lafayette, while Cason’s list includes New Orleans’ Audobon Cottages, International House Hotel, and Soniat House. But don’t linger in your room too long — not when there’s this much to see.

winners Rebirth Brass Band’s weekly show. (We’d love to recommend more restaurants, but you could fill a phonebook with New Orleans’ culinary hotspots, so you’ll have to discover them in person.)

Magazine Street may be New Orleans’ most famous shopping stretch, but it’s only a starting point for dedicated bargain-hunters. “Royal Street is great for boutiques and antique shopping,” says Cason, noting that NYC icons Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. are tucked not far away at Canal Place. Be sure to check out the Riverwalk Marketplace’s makeover; it’s slated to become “one of the first urban outlet malls,” says Cason, with a projected 2014 opening.

Nova Scotia is historically linked to Louisiana, since displaced Acadians birthed the state’s renowned Cajun community. “The biggest [Cajun] influence is in Lafayette,” says Cason.

There, visitors can “experience live Cajun or Zydeco music and authentic Cajun food, and we have historic attractions and swamp tours nearby,” says the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission’s Kelly Strenge. To historically-inclined visitors, Strenge recommends the Acadian Cultural Centre in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, as well as Acadian Village and Vermilionville.

She directs gastro-tourists toward Charley G’s, Social Southern Table & Bar, and Café Vermilionville, where “the chef has taken fresh, local ingredients… and created a menu that pays homage to our traditions.” When it comes to kicking

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Mooseheads

Hit Their Stride as the Race to the MeMoRial cuP heats uP

By Trina annand Photos Mike deMbeck

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ABOVE Jonathan Drouin and Zach Fucale

I

t’s the time of year again when Halifax’s hopes and dreams are pinned on how the Mooseheads do in the race to the Memorial Cup. After some player shifting at the beginning of the season, the team has pulled together, becoming just as strong as they were going into the playoffs last year. For the second year in a row, the team is one of the top two teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League [QMJHL].

“In some ways, coaching a junior team is more challenging than coaching an NHL team. In the NHL, you’re responsible for wins as a coach, but in the juniors, you have the job of developing the players as well,” says Bobby Smith, Mooseheads owner and former NHL player. Through the unique partnership between coaching staff and players, the Mooseheads have created world-class players over the years. This year an international player has come to the forefront as a leader, Nikolaj Ehlers (24). Scoring a total of 49 goals and registering 55 assists, Ehlers won the rookie scoring race with 104 points, gaining the nickname of the “Super Sniper” from various news outlets.

“There are challenges every season, as every year you have a different team,” says Smith. “Teams always love beating the Halifax Mooseheads and they really love doing it when we are the defending champs. We had to be ready for them right from the beginning of the season.”

Mooseheads fans have been treated to a display of inspiring talent by veteran

players and 2013 NHL draft picks Zachary Fucale [Montreal Canadiens] and Jonathan Drouin [Tampa Bay Lightning].

Fucale set a QMJHL record becoming the first goaltender to win 100 games in less than 150 games played, reaching 100 wins in just 145 games. Fucale’s presence between the pipes certainly bolstered the team along their way to winning 17 straight games in the later part of the season. Fucale also spearheaded a fundraising effort this year, auctioning off a specially painted goalie mask to raise funds for autism research. Drouin led the Mooseheads in scoring, with 108 points. Drouin was a finalist for the QMJHL’s Most Valuable Player Award for a second straight season — something last achieved by Sidney Crosby.

“Coach Ducharme has been preparing the team all year for the playoffs. He doesn’t have a weekly plan, he has a yearly plan and knows where he wants the team to be every step along the way,” notes Smith. The Mooseheads fans have displayed their passion for the team yet again with 23 of their home games garnering close to 10,000 attendees, with three completely sold out games at the end of the season. “From the time I was able to walk until now I have loved hockey, whether my parents were pushing me out onto the backyard rink, I was playing in the NHL or watching the Mooseheads win the Memorial Cup. It’s the best game on earth, combining speed, skill and courage. Clearly our fans agree and we are truly blessed to have them,” says Smith.

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TRAVEL IN

style

WITH

Luxury Yachts

BY TRINA ANNAND

Five star accommodations travel with you when you board a luxury yacht. These vessels can provide the ultimate sense of freedom for the avid coastal explorer or a traveller of the seven seas.

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he 48 Cantius offers a perfect getaway with family and friends, whether the order of the day is diving, swimming off a newly discovered island, basking in the sun, or fishing and then grilling the catch of the day.

Two salons, 360-degree windows and a retractable sunroof create a great entertaining space for smaller groups.

A 435 horsepower Volvo Penta Diesel engine means the Cantius has no shortage of performance ability. These features combine to create the ideal small vessel for exploring coastal inlets and remote shores, which larger vessels simply cannot enter.

If travelling between continents and traversing oceans is more appealing, there are a wide range of larger crafts available, like Princess Yacht’s V85-S. The English company’s three-story yacht features an upper open-air helm or flying deck, which allows the wind to whip through a professional skipper’s

hair at 37 knots, even when not enjoying the lounge atmosphere on the vessel.

This ship sleeps seven guests and two crewmembers. The V85-S even has a true entertainment space, complete with all the conveniences of home, including a garage to store other watercraft, for those who enjoy water sports or simply exploring on their own.

Sunseeker’s newest flagship, which will be available this summer, is the 155foot ‘superyacht.’ The tri-deck ship from the United Kingdom features full-sized amenities, combining all the luxurious comforts of home with the thrill and majesty of intercontinental travel — whether you are in the middle of an ocean or anchored off the coast of Italy. Without the gentle rocking of the ocean, it would be hard to tell that this vessel was not a luxury condo in Manhattan. A dinner table that seats 12, lavish bathrooms with soaker tubs and cavernous showers, natural stone and supple leathers make

the ship a true ‘luxury’ home away from home. The yacht’s vast size limits it to travelling 22 knots an hour, and with a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles, it is the journey that matters, not the destination. Offering space for 12 guests and 10 crewmembers, the yacht provides the ultimate in global travel while providing an uncompromising lifestyle.

Price tag: approximately $32 million.

Whether looking for the perfect vessel for short day trips and long weekends, or a yacht that can make you a world traveller, the important part is to be realistic about your goals for the vessel. If travelling while enjoying all the luxury amenities that our culture has become accustomed to is the goal, a luxury yacht is the perfect choice.

If spending most of the time moored to a dock drinking wine close to a home base is the plan, smaller is the perfect option — you don’t need a floating city to enjoy a nautical life, but it is fun to dream.

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Making Waves With Luxury Boats and expert service

By Trina annand Photos Courtesy of Schooner cover Marine

L

iving in a province almost completely surrounded by water gives Nova Scotians a unique tie to the sea — it’s where we find food, industry, relaxation, and have some fun.

As a result of this love of the sea, leisure boats have become the perfect way to enjoy our scenic coastlines. After more than 30 years in the boating industry, the Schooner Cove Marine team can help find the perfect boat to suit any lifestyle.

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“Our winters can be daunting, so there is nothing better than being in the right boat out on the water on a warm sunny day in the summer,” says Wayne Hoskin, founder and owner of Schooner Cove Marine. “We’re great at our jobs because we are boaters too. We have the personal and industry experience that clients are looking for.”

Schooner Cove Marine’s lineup includes products from Striper, Triumph, Cruiser

Sport Series and Cruiser Yachts, as well as engines from Evinrude and Volvo. Over the last year, Schooner Cove has expanded its already robust line of boats to include the Rampage line of yachts, of which it is the exclusive Canadian retailer. The luxury offshore vessels are up to 56 feet long and provide an oasis of creature comforts.

Striper boats have been made an allweather boating icon in Nova Scotia by the Schooner Cove Marine team, having

carried them for more than 17 years. There really is something for everyone.

Schooner Cove also carries a wide inventory of parts to ensure a quick turnaround time and can service any make or model. “We pride ourselves on superior customer service. In the unlikely event that you experience a problem with a new boat purchased from us, we will at least identify the issue within 24 business hours. With a short boating season, it’s important to make the most of it and not have your boat sitting on dry land.

It won’t be sitting for days waiting to be serviced,” notes Hoskin. With a closeknit staff of seven, when a client visits the business they will always see a friendly familiar face. “Buying a boat is really about building a relationship; it’s never a one-time purchase. People get hooked on the lifestyle. We have clients who have been with us almost as long as we have been open,” says Hoskin.

service and winterization, to storage and detailing, the business is a one-stop shop for all your boating needs. Whether a client is looking for a new yacht or an entry-level pre-loved boat, Schooner Cove Marine has something for everyone.

“We are the business that introduced the offshore style boats to the province, we are the experts who can find the perfect boat for all your needs.”

Schooner Cove Marine 7208 St. Margaret’s Bay Road Boutiliers Point 902.826.2278 www.schoonercovemarine.com BELOW Thane, Mike, Bill, Wayne, Virgina and David. PhOtO by Bruce Jollimore

Schooner Cove is much more than a job for Hoskin. Like boating, it’s his passion.

After a devastating fire in 2010, the owner decided to reinvest in the business rather than simply retiring. This is the same dedication that his staff pours into every day at Schooner Cove. From engine

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Nova Scotia’S Hidden Charms

Unearthing

By Rebecca SchneideReit PHOTO Scott Munn nova Scotia touRiSM agency

I

f the word “wilderness” calls to mind the Armdale Rotary, it’s time for you to shake things up. “Getting out into nature is something I think a lot of people have been craving, and they’re starting to act on a little bit more now,” says Hike Nova Scotia’s Janet Barlow.

A hike is a chance to drink in Nova Scotia’s woodlands and greenery — and to work up a sweat in the process. “Every corner of the province represents something completely unique and different,” says Jan-Sebastian La Pierre, recreation therapist. Unearthing Nova Scotia’s hidden charms may require legwork, but below, you’ll find beginners’ advice and potential destinations to kick off your en pleine air adventure.

The Clothes Dressing the part is fundamental. “A lot of your success as a hiker comes down to what you’re wearing,” says La Pierre.

Obviously, you’ll need to know the forecast, but there’s more to keep in mind than rain versus shine: for example, Barlow and La Pierre both warn against suiting up in cotton. “Cotton has very little insulation value,” La Pierre says. “If it gets wet or if it gets cold, then it doesn’t do anything in terms of insulating the body.”

“Especially in the colder weather, anything cotton is a bad idea,” agrees Barlow, who instead suggests “wool and synthetics.” La Pierre also mentions wool, advising hikersto-be to seek out “something that’s going to have some insulated value, and some moisture wicking properties to it as well.”

As for your shoes, “foot care is one of the most essential parts to making sure

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you’re doing a good hike,” says La Pierre.

That doesn’t mean just purchasing suitable shoes, then forgetting them until the ‘day of’: it also means “making sure that they’re broken in appropriately, so that you can… not have to walk a couple of hours and then feel as though your feet are ready to fall off.”

The Gear The hiker’s pack is as iconic as the chef’s hat or the knight’s sword. But what goes in it?

Janet Barlow suggests stowing the following. “A first aid kit, water and snacks, extra clothing, sunblock, and emergency gear. You’d probably also want to bring a headlamp or flashlight, garbage bag, or something that could be used as a little shelter, along with extra food, in case you get lost and need to spend the night.”

Also, Barlow adds, there are certain areas where you’re legally obligated “to bring matches, a knife and compass, so you can figure out where you are and fend for yourself if you become lost.”

La Pierre likewise advises packing adequate food, water, and clothing — plus, if travelling around vehicles, a reflector or light source. He acknowledges that cell phones can “come in handy,” but cautions against overdependence on technology: “There’s the reality of having an electronic device in the wilderness… It could get wet, it could run out of battery.”

Furthermore, La Pierre notes, navigational technology (i.e., GPS) depends on user proficiency. He suggests having a compass and map on hand, “but even then, they’re only as helpful as people are familiar with them.”

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The Destinations

No Time

To Commute To Your Hike?

Check out these HRM parks: • Hemlock Ravine Park • Point Pleasant Park • Sir Sandford Fleming Park • Charles MacDonald Park

“Unfortunately, there’s no one website where you can go to see all the different trails in Nova Scotia,” says Barlow. No worries for Fine Lifestyles readers: below, Barlow and La Pierre describe a few destinations that might just get you started on the ‘right path.’

The Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail is made up of “three separate loops, each one becoming a little more challenging than the last,” notes La Pierre. “The outer loop is probably the most wildernessesque. It’s an over 20-kilometre loop, which is either a big day or, you know, a fairly gentle overnight.” photoS BELoW top–BottoM Wally Hays & Dale Wilson, Nova Scotia Tourism Agency

The Cape Breton Highlands — just a short car trip for locals — boast serious landscape cachet. “People come far and wide to see the change in the leaves, the foliage colours,” says La Pierre, who also calls the Highlands “the crown jewel in the province” in terms of hiking.

Fall in the Highlands mean radiant scenery, he notes, adding that autumnal temperatures are also better suited to vigorous hillside treks.

Cape Split finishes with a flourish: an incomparable Bay of Fundy “look-off.”

And it offers additional rewards if tackled early in the season. “If you go around the May long weekend, about halfway in, you’ll see tiny little spring beauty flowers that just carpet the forest floor,” Barlow says. “In addition to that, you’ll see beautiful purple, pink and sometimes white trillium.”

Crystal Crescent/Pennant Point is the site of “a really lovely loop hike,” says La Pierre. Instead of parking in the sand next time you visit, try exploring the coast instead — you can finish your day with a saltwater swim.

McNabs Island provides gorgeous hiking just minutes from the city core. “There are boat shuttles that you can get to McNab’s. You can arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up,” says Barlow. “That makes for a lovely day.” La Pierre is just as enthusiastic: “McNab’s Island… has wonderful hiking trails, lots of access to nature, beautiful beaches, and lovely, beautiful, old mature forests.”

Cape Chignecto’s Refugee Cove offers history as well as hiking, as “a former Acadian community which was involved with shipbuilding right up until the turn of the last century,” says La Pierre.

Meanwhile, Cape Chignecto itself features “the highest hills in mainland Nova Scotia.”

Rogart Mountain is a hike to entice Fine Lifestyles readers with a sweet tooth.

“That’s close to Sugar Moon Farm, where you can go and get a pancake breakfast or brunch; if it’s late March, you can watch them do the sugaring off, and then you can go for a nice hike,” says Barlow.

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www.WHITEWATERMARINE.ns.ca

Entertainment UNITS FINDING THE PERFECT PIECE

BY TRINA ANNAND

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A

s our culture advances so does our methods of entertainment. It seems like every day there is a new bigger and better TV: 20-inch floor model TVs have given way to 50- and even 80inch 3D smart TVs that come with all sorts of different accessories. As a result of all the technology we need better ways to organize it; it is no longer simply a matter of plugging in a TV. When an entertainment system has been completely customized to your every need, why shouldn’t the unit that houses it?

“Storage is very important in the modern open plan home because you can see any clutter from multiple spaces. A custombuilt unit can be versatile and funky, and with the right craftsman at your side the piece can become a timeless heirloom,” notes Chantelle Butterfield of Funktional Space. Butterfield also points out that it is important to design a custom unit intuitively.

In recent years we have had a very steep technology shift. Use adjustable shelves where possible when designing your piece for a more one-of-a-kind look.

Units can have custom-sized lit shelves that can hold precious mementos or decorative items for display.

With today’s larger TVs and homes, a completely built-in entertainment wall can often be the solution for accommodating even the largest TV. With wall-to-wall shelving, home owners can keep a home neat and tidy; whether enclosed or not, shelves can store anything from electronics and DVDs to books and toys. Butterfield has a simple tip for anyone looking to buy or build an entertainment unit: always remember to measure your electronics. A large TV on a small unit can look top heavy or be unstable, and electronics don’t often fit in standard-sized shelving.

Custom units don’t need to only inhabit the family room, they are equally at home in a bedroom or even the patio with TVs made to last outside. Just imagine catching your favourite show under the stars.

For those with a more restricted budget, Butterfield notes there are a number of great ready-made options. “Custom isn’t the only option. A lot of people are opting for store-bought pieces or mounting their TVs on the wall. You can achieve a modern, sleek look or a rustic, cozy look with this option. A long low glass piece

or even a wood antique piece can create that perfect style to fit in your home.”

A common trend for the last few years has been to mount a TV above a fireplace so that a room’s focal points are not split.

The problem with this is that it is not comfortable for prolonged periods; the right layout can accentuate both your fireplace and a beautiful entertainment unit.

In 2014 homeowners can expect to see more white tones, warm greys and

real wood, Butterfield notes. She also emphasizes that it’s important to not get stuck on trends. “People often pick very trendy styles and finishes, but it’s important to remember that trends have a shelf life. Something that is fantastic now might look cheap and dated in a few years. Buy pieces that you truly love and that are high quality. An entertainment unit can be one of the best investments you make for your décor,” she remarks.

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CRESCO Creating Communities and Community Spirit 90

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BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM KOHOOT MEDIA PHOTOS BRUCE JOLLIMORE

ABOVE Hossein Mousavi and Taleb Abidali

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aleb Abidali’s kids may be grown up now, but they still come home for dinner. After all, cooking together is a treasured tradition in the Abidali household. Every week, all 11 members of the Abidali family gather to share a meal and quality time — a habit none of them plan to break anytime soon. According to Abidali, he’ll continue to host these communal dinners until everyone’s married.

These strong family values are obvious in all areas of Abidali’s life, including his relationship with Cresco co-founder Hossein Mousavi. Besides the shared business, the partners are connected by the marriage between Abidali’s daughter and Mousavi’s nephew, a literal family bond that emphasizes the values that Abidali and Mousavi have built into their business from the very beginning.

In fact, Mousavi and Abidali have stretched the borders of their family to include their Cresco staff — and they’re grateful they did. They’ve cultivated a warm, caring atmosphere that echoes Cresco’s mandate. “We don’t build houses, we build communities,” says Abidali. These genuine, passionate words have served as a guidepost throughout Cresco’s impressive 25-year journey.

Building Cresco’s Character Mousavi, a graduate of St. FX University, co-established Cresco in 1989, with one-time teacher Abidali coming on five years later in 1994. Since those early days, Cresco has helmed numerous noteworthy building projects throughout Halifax [including seven condo complexes]. Cresco’s skills have been applied to residential and commercial enterprises, with finished

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projects visible in Clayton Park West, Kingswood, Glenn Arbour, Papermill Lake, Portland Hills and more.

When asked what characterizes Cresco from project to project, general manager Joseph Daniel responds with a single word: “quality.” As a concept, “quality” itself covers a number of Cresco initiatives — from the new home warranty [by the Atlantic Home Warranty Program], which accompanies each new build, to the company’s belief in natural beauty [Cresco’s development designs feature “between 18 to 25 per cent green space,” Abidali notes]. Energy efficiency, likewise, is of paramount importance. Daniel notes that the ENERGY STAR program has found enthusiastic support at Cresco: “I would suggest that we are Nova Scotia’s most energy-efficient builder,” he says.

Cresco has been repeatedly acknowledged by its professional peers; the company and/or its leaders have received more than 40 awards and commendations. Cresco’s leaders seem especially moved by a few awards within this collection: Daniel points out that the company’s efforts toward R-2000

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status led to their receipt of the national “R-2000 Builder of the Year 2010” award, bestowed by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, and that they’re also a triple recipient of the Nova Scotia Home Builders Association “Builder of the Year” award.

As summer rolls in, Cresco’s attentions are fixed on a triad of projects: Russell Lake West, The Ravines of Bedford South, and The Parks of West Bedford.

Russell Lake West Cresco took the “builder” role in this area [adjacent to Highway 111] with Clayton Developments handling developing.

Russell Lake West subsequently evolved into a distinctly convenient and charming locale: scenic Russell Lake West’s proximity helps provide, Daniel says, “city living in a nature setting,” yet with easy access to “a ton of amenities,” including the Macdonald and MacKay bridges.

Russell Lake West features a range of buildings, both residential and otherwisepurposed, and is now nearing its final stages. “Cresco is completing the last streets of residential single-family and town homes, Krause Court and Basswood Run,” Daniel says. Soon, Russell Lake West will shine as the latest finished example of Cresco’s capabilities.

like a city,” Abidali says, noting that the community will incorporate a range of building types and facilities — not simply mixed residential and commercial, but also educational, recreational and similar features. Completion is currently estimated for 2026, and Abidali notes that the project is proceeding at an even better pace than originally projected.

The Parks of West Bedford Since Cresco undertook the project in 2006, The Parks of West Bedford has become a testament to the company’s goals and the proficiency with which those goals are executed. Cresco has joined partner Clayton Developments on this team development effort: The Parks of West Bedford — an area in excess of 1,200 acres — will provide varied housing types for approximately 18,000 to 20,000 residents once finished. “It’s the largest development project ever in Eastern Canada,” says Daniel. “No one’s done anything of this magnitude.”

Cresco’s “community” principle may never before have been realized to the extent represented by The Parks of West Bedford. The neighbourhood’s projected population is roughly analogous to Truro’s, Daniel points out. “It will be

The Ravines of Bedford South The Ravines of Bedford South, undertaken in 2003, also sees Cresco working closely [in both building and developing capacities] alongside Clayton Developments. “[Clayton Developments has] approximately 350 acres,” explains Daniel. “We’re the lead builder. We also have 150 acres of our own there that we’re developing.” Unlike The Parks of West Bedford, he notes, plans for The Ravines do not currently include a “business campus”: however, The Parks and The Ravines alike feature “amazing amenities.”

The Ravines of Bedford South are now nearing completion, and Daniel says development and construction

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attributes to Winston Churchill: “When you know your weakness, you are strong.”

Identifying Nova Scotia’s assets and vulnerabilities is obviously vital to the province’s economic culture — but Cresco also sees the importance of doing, and the company’s many charitable endeavours are recounted with inspiring enthusiasm. “This country gave us a lot,” says Abidali. “We want to give back.”

Cresco has “given back,” via various forums. Individually and/or under the Cresco name, they’ve backed initiatives from immigration to local athletics to the fine arts [including Onelight Theatre].

They’ve bolstered the IWK, the Salvation Army, the Al-Rasoul Islamic Society; they’ve sponsored Bedford Day’s Canada Day fireworks [“it’s a token of our appreciation to Canada,” says Mousavi].

Perhaps Cresco’s most remarkable charitable undertakings, however, have been the lottery homes constructed for charitable and philanthropic fundraising efforts; groups that benefited include the United Way, Saint Mary’s University, the IWK, and most recently the QEII, for whom the company is currently creating a third “lottery home.” Daniel estimates that the team has constructed roughly 25 such residences for charity use.

The exceptionality of Cresco’s charitable pursuits is celebrated: Abidali was a 2013 recipient of the Bedford 2013 Distinguished Service Award, part of the 2013 Bedford Volunteer Awards. The Halifax Chamber of Commerce also bestowed 2013’s gold Business Person of the Year Award on Abidali. could conclude in approximately five years. Eventually, he says, The Ravines’ boundaries will mesh with the Highway 102 Interchange and Larry Uteck Boulevard border of The Parks of West Bedford, uniting the communities.

“They’ll be fully intertwined.”

Cresco’s Community Core Taleb Abidali is Iraqi by birth, and Hossein Mousavi is Iranian: both men are extremely forthcoming with praise for their chosen homeland, which, Mousavi explains, has allowed their working in tandem to build Cresco’s current scope.

Abidali recounts an anecdote from the

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wedding of his daughter and Mousavi’s nephew: during the festivities, he led the assembled guests in a round of applause for Canada’s ability to unite nationalities.

While championing Nova Scotia’s strengths, Abidali and Mousavi also identify areas in which provincial possibilities remain untapped. Abidali underlines the importance of Halifax’s alltoo-frequently westbound youth, and of its port facilities; Mousavi, that of strong guidance from Nova Scotia’s government.

“This beautiful city needs a leader to stand up,” Abidali echoes. The issues represent significant challenges, yet he remains positive, offering a quote he

In addition to their dedication to community involvement, Mousavi and Abidali have managed to find time to plan out Cresco’s next 40 or 50 years — building a legacy to pass on to their children. In the meantime, they hope to see the Halifax area grow, as new investors, newcomers, and immigrants discover and create new business opportunities. “It’s taken lots of time and work,” says Mousavi, “but we reached our goal, and we think there’s opportunity for everybody here.”

Cresco 7 Peruz Court, Bedford 902.832.6666 theartofbuilding@cresco.ca www.cresco.ca

DRESSING THE FIFTH &

Sixth Walls

BY MEREDITH HERON

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see the effort people often expend in choosing the perfect wall colour, but all too often they miss the opportunity to dress their fifth and sixth walls: floors and ceilings. For that matter, there is nothing I love more than adding a bit of unexpected to a ceiling or a floor.

Ironically, I find it easy to convince clients to adorn a child’s ceiling in either a nursery or a toddler’s room — less so in other areas — but they are always game to dress these rooms up.

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the remaining walls. I tend not to do this with just paint; I prefer it to be a paper or a pattern using paint-like striping. This is for the little lady above brother’s room, so we painted the stripes on the ceiling to liven things up a bit.

| If you paint your walls a deep colour, you

|

may not want to leave your ceilings a pure white. We often soften our ceiling colours a bit and use a chalky white or opt for a different colour altogether. This makes the transition less jarring and keeps the room feeling bigger and more open. People often ask me whether or not they paint their crown moulding the same as the wall colour or make the ceiling colour different altogether. I tend to match my crown to the ceiling unless I’m opting for a different colour on the ceiling. In that case, I make sure my crown and my trim match so that the ceiling colour will stand out.

Ideally, when papering a ceiling, the room should have crown moulding. I don’t always stick to this, but it really does yield a much more impactful finished product.

| In this space, we added a hand-blocked

wallpaper to a nursery for a sweet young lady. The bonus is that it really is only one wall of wallpaper, so it requires a minimal investment. I am not a fan of accent walls unless they are ceilings or if they make sense in the architectural layout of the room. I’m willing to concede a headboard wall, for example, but you have to make sure that you have achieved balance on

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Once you’ve addressed your ceilings, look down to the floors. Area rugs are a great way to lessen the bowling-alley feel if you have hardwood floors, although I often get people who claim they want to see their floors — their big ticket investment item. I usually point out that the contrast of an area rug on the floor will only serve to highlight the flooring and do double duty to anchor the furniture arrangement, which is always more pleasing to the eye.

There are so many options for area rugs these days; indulge me as I share a few of my own favourites.

|

In this two-storey living room, we needed to make the seating area feel more intimate and inviting. We opted for a custom-designed hide area rug. The Align rug is part of my new exclusive collection of rugs. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tone-on-tone hide, and the geometric pattern adds some life to the arrangement without being overly bossy.

It both grounds the space and keeps it feeling open and airy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no easy task!

|

We wanted to have fun in this foyer. The clients love colour, and they are not shy and retiring in their choice to adorn the walls in a deep magenta. We knew that opting for a bold colour on the walls meant we had to balance it out with a statement piece for our area rug. Our Max rug does just that. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve married it with this custom daybed in lieu of a regular bench/ console unit and then pumped it up with our pillow story. I love to make bold statements in a foyer; transition spaces are where risks can be taken.

Pattern and colour on either a ceiling or a floor require minimal commitments and are easy to change. Wallpaper these days is not made the same way as in the past, nor is it as traumatic to remove it or change it up. We always recommend hiring a professional installer to prepare your walls and hang your paper, and warn that if you are inclined to do it yourself, to never do it with your spouse; more divorces happen because of cowallpapering attempts!

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THE BLIND SPOT Has Your Window Needs Covered Expert Window Covering Selection and Installation With a Personal Touch

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he Blind Spot, a national franchise representing some of North America’s leading manufacturers, has your window needs covered — whether they are residential or commercial requirements.

“My typical customer comes to me with a challenge and a budget, not knowing what the best options are,” says Jerry Gallant, owner of Halifax’s The Blind Spot. “He or she is usually restricted for time, so they enjoy the in-home service and authoritative guidance they receive.”

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Currently in his seventh year as a Blind Spot franchisee, Gallant says a customer recently asked advice on what to do with two ensuite windows. “I suggested covering the windows with vinyl shutters, which are resistant to bathroom moisture and easy to wipe clean,” says Gallant.

The Blind Spot is able to take on larger projects as well. Gallant references a young couple that had nearly 20 windows in need of window treatments. The couple’s vision, he says, was to achieve a clean look that would let their home’s beautiful mouldings stand out. They also wanted plenty of natural light to flow into the room, but also have the option of privacy. “I suggested roller shades with a finished fascia, which is very popular with their generation and are a cost-effective way to cover many windows.

The young couple was very pleased with the end result.”

New homeowners are also in good hands at The Blind Spot, says Gallant.

“Folks building a new home through a contractor often forget the extra costs associated with a new home purchase — and window treatments are one of those costs.” His advice? “Talk to contractors and negotiate a window treatment allowance.

This will lessen the financial stress of new purchases related to a new home.”

Upscale window treatments, which are suitable for showroom homes, are also an option. Hunter Douglas Silhouette window shadings are an ideal solution, says Gallant. They provide ultimate light control, while at the same time eliminate harmful UV rays. Simply tilting the fabric vanes closed gives total privacy.

Heat loss through windows is a top concern for many homeowners. “The Blind Spot regularly installs honeycomb cellular shades to help reduce heat loss through windows,” says Gallant. “The unique design of the shade captures air, which is a natural insulator.” Naturally, unwanted heat also stays out during the summer months.

blinds. Gallant promptly removed the blind, returned it to the manufacturer and re-hung it once it was fixed. The only cost to the customer was $20 for parts, and Gallant did not charge for his service. “It’s all about providing unparalleled customer service,” he says. “Taking a personal interest in customer satisfaction is high on my priority list.”

With its one-of-a-kind service warranty, The Blind Spot guarantees all customers will be happy with their purchase — even years down the road. “Two years ago, a customer purchased custom-fit window treatments from The Blind Spot for her entire home,” says Gallant. Recently, she called The Blind Spot to fix one of the

The Blind Spot Office 902.423.4431 Cell 902.830.6028 jerry@blindspothrm.ca www.blindspothrm.ca

ABOVE Jerry Gallant, owner

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Providing Beauty and

Durability to your Space

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ooking to add something different to your space? Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a patio, swimming pool, garage floor, concrete wall or more, your favourite area can be both protected and look stunning, without the headache of a major renovation. Beauty Stone Concrete can help you have durability without sacrificing your own personal taste.

Add some colour, a textured look or a stenciled pattern to create an attractive appeal to your space.

Beauty Stone Concrete works with a variety of businesses and homeowners,

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helping to protect and beautify both commercial and residential investments by offering polymerized concrete coatings and industrial epoxy coatings.

As a result, Beauty Stone clients receive a more durable and longer lasting concrete on all indoor and outdoor floors, hightraffic areas and showroom spaces. Once coated, the concrete is more resilient and less vulnerable to the elements, chemicals or traditional everyday use.

Beautiful and sturdy, Beauty Stone surfaces are virtually stress free, not requiring vigorous cleaning or polishing.

Offering epoxy and concrete coatings for new and existing surfaces, Beauty Stone uses skill and technique to enhance both the life and look of the concrete, saving your investment dollars. The team at Beauty Stone also provides professional repair services for those troublesome broken surfaces. Beauty Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topof-the-line equipment will look after concrete repairs of any size.

The beautification process is as simple as initiating contact and arranging a consultation. Whether your concrete surface is new or has seen a long life, there

Testimonials “Compass Commercial Realty has utilized the services of Beauty Stone Concrete over the past 12 months for a variety of projects, including apartment renovations, commercial leasehold improvements, and protective floor coverings. Andrew Rogers and his team are professionals in every area of their business from meeting timelines and cost restraints, tenant communication, organization, quality in workmanship, and even clean up. We feel very fortunate to have Beauty Stone Concrete in our list of preferred contractors and look forward to many years of working together!”

—Cory Richardson, Property Manager Compass Commercial Realty

“We brought Beauty Stone Concrete into a difficult situation to complete a very large renovation project. Andrew and his staff showed superior knowledge and skills to complete the project at hand.

His staff was always punctual, pleasant and gave impeccable customer service. I would certainly use them in the future as well as recommend them to others.”

—Neil Bates Deep Down Cleaning Services Ltd.

is a solution, which the team at Beauty Stone will guide you through, step by step.

The team will help you design and pick colours to suit your project. Beauty Stone’s skilled and experienced team can also take care of other renovations on your project list. Get rid of the stress of calling different contractors for every job: Beauty Stone can make your renovation headaches disappear.

Beauty Stone Concrete takes pride in excellent workmanship and high-quality products you can trust.

RIGHT Amy and Andrew Rogers

Beauty Stone Concrete 902.405.8373 Oakfield www.beautystoneconcrete.com

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Floorscapes

RENOVATING WITH PEACE OF MIND

BY TOBIE HAINSTOCK

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enovation time has arrived! If you’re like most homeowners, you like to freshen up the look of your home or change things about to make things more efficient. Home renovations also increase the resale value of your home, giving you a stronger investment.

Your Renovation Headquarters Ideal for those smaller jobs such as bathrooms, ensuites, bedrooms and more, Floorscapes offers a friendly and expert team of professionals who

will assist you in creating a room to brag about.

“We are a retail flooring store, but we also do smaller renovation jobs,” says Bernie MacIsaac, owner of Floorscapes. He notes that Floorscapes has its own team of renovation professionals, including electrical and plumbing, so customers don’t have to go searching on their own.

The renovating aspect of the business began a couple of years ago. “We just kind of fell into it,” MacIsaac recalls.

“We were doing a bathroom floor for a customer and they needed a new vanity

as well, so we offered to do it for them.”

From that point there was no looking back. Word of mouth travels fast and news of the high-quality work by the team at Floorscapes has reached many satisfied customers since then.

“We handle it all so our customers don’t have to hire another contractor,” says MacIsaac, who points out how simple the renovating process can be when you go to the right people.

As renovators, Floorscapes will assist you with all of your smaller projects.

Pamper yourself with a spectacular OPPOSITE RIGHT L–R Brent Elliot, Bernie MacIssac

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custom shower in your ensuite and enjoy luxurious in-floor heated tiles. Don’t DIY when Floorscapes can do it for you!

Custom Blinds To add to the beauty, style and energy efficiency of your home, Floorscapes also specializes in custom blinds. With top brand names such as Shade-OMatic blinds, shades and shutters, your home will have the style, atmosphere and lighting that will enhance its beauty and comfort.

“A lot of the time customers who are doing renovations don’t even think of the windows until they walk in the store and see the selection,” says MacIsaac.

He also notes that sometimes picking out blinds can be overwhelming. With a colour coordinator on staff to assist you, selecting the right window treatments for your home will be a pleasurable task.

Quality Service Whether choosing flooring, custom blinds or refurbishing your home, the team at Floorscapes is focused on providing you with impeccable service and high-quality products. “At Floorscapes, you get everything under one roof,” explains MacIsaac. “This way we can have more control over the quality of what you are getting.”

At Floorscapes, you can have peace of mind knowing that your satisfaction is guaranteed. This is very important to MacIsaac and the rest of the staff.

“When you stand by your work, you want to be sure the customer is getting the best quality,” he says.

Floorscapes 20 Duke Street, Bedford 902.832.2955 www.floorscapes.ca

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EuropEan DEsign, MaDE in nova scotia PolyTech Windows and Doors

By Tori STafford Photos Bruce Jollimore

I

t’s been said that first impressions are both important and make a lasting impact. In a way, the windows and doors of your home are a first impression — they are, after all, one of the first things people take note of, and your connection to letting the outdoors in.

Windows and doors not only enhance the overall aesthetic of your home, but are an investment that can have a major effect on your energy bill as well. At PolyTech

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Products Ltd., the importance of highquality, energy-efficient windows and doors is something each employee is passionate about. From the manufacturer — right here in Nova Scotia — to the knowledgeable staff at the Burnside sales office and showroom, everyone at PolyTech stands behind their products and works diligently to ensure each client’s needs are met. All PolyTech products are custom-manufactured to

ensure they fit right the first time, and their European-designed Tilt-and-Turn style windows are not only pleasing to the eye, but also incredibly durable, safe, and energy-efficient.

“Our product is one of the most energyefficient windows on the market,” says Jennifer Jamieson, branch manager for PolyTech Windows and Doors Burnside location. Jamieson notes that opting for new PolyTech windows is a great way to

breathe new life into your home with a small-scale renovation.

“New windows are a great way to keep your house warm while cutting down your heating costs,” she says. And with 25 years of serving the area behind them, those at PolyTech windows and doors know just how important quality weather sealing and ventilation is to homeowners in Nova Scotia.

PolyTech’s European-designed Tiltand-Turn window technology has been widely lauded for decades, due to the convenience and multifunctional capabilities these windows provide. Tiltand-Turn windows tilt to open at the top for ventilation. This allows for maximum comfort by eliminating direct drafts during ventilation, as the warm indoor air is sucked out the top, while cool outdoor air enters around the sides. Tilt-and-Turn windows also open to the side, or ‘turn,’ to allow for easy cleaning and maximum ventilation. Because the windows open like a door in this function, they also provide a fast and easy escape in case of fire.

What’s more, is that PolyTech windows and doors are aesthetically attractive and unique, and capable of adding European flair to any home with their clean lines and multitude of different styles. PolyTech Windows and Doors also offer a selection of patio and garden doors that also follow this aesthetic, and offer Tilt-and-Turn, or post-free double-door technology options.

And choosing PolyTech means choosing peace of mind, as customers can be sure they’re getting the best in long-lasting, quality windows and doors that will stand up and protect against the elements, Jamieson explains.

“With PolyTech, it is a high quality that focuses on being energy efficient: We use thicker, 4mm glass and thicker vinyl, with multi-point locks and a double weather stripping,” she says. “These things combined make for a much tighter, efficient window.”

PolyTech Products Ltd. Windows and Doors Sales Office and Show Room 41 Williams Ave. Dartmouth, NS 902.468.4551 jennifer.jamieson@polytechproducts.com www.polytechproducts.com Jenn Jamieson, Dartmouth branch manager

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A Professional Edge and a Genuine Touch

SANDRA PIKE, REALTOR ®

BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT PHOTOS BRUCE JOLLIMORE

A

t one time, Sandra Pike worked in marketing, enabling REALTORS® to achieve greater visibility and attract new clients. But gradually, she realized her clients’ line of work was one she, herself, was uniquely suited to — and she boldly made the switch. “That was in 2010, and I never looked back,” she laughs.

Now one of HRM’s most vibrant real estate personalities, Sandra’s love for her trade is palpable, and her clientele ever-expanding. “I think people pick up on my energy,” she says. “I get up in the morning, and I’m excited.” Her previous experience has been advantageous in her new profession: “I feel comfortable saying my marketing program probably ranks up there with some of the top agents in the industry.”

Genuine communication is at the core of Sandra’s practice. “When I sit down with clients, I want to build a relationship,” she says. “I go in with a flipbook, I sit down, I look at my clients in the eye, and I get to know them.” But while Sandra recognizes the power of authentic connection, she knows digital culture can also work in her clients’ favour. Steady engagement with social media such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn has maximized Sandra’s accessibility to clients, and her “mobilefriendly” website contains a backlog of information for their perusal.

Sandra Pike is honest about the obstacles current home sellers may encounter.

“It’s a buyer’s market right now,” she acknowledges. Furthermore, she adds,

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8022 St Margarets Bay Road, Millers Landing

when the real estate environment inclines toward buyers, appropriate pricing is paramount to keeping their attention.

Fortunately, Sandra has developed a score of savvy strategies to help sellers showcase their property’s true value.

Some of those strategies are the product of exhaustive research. For example, Sandra provides each client with a “market analysis” for their neighbourhood, loaded with buying and selling statistics. Her “Smart Sales Tool” application, meanwhile, allows Pike and her clients to acquire visitors’ judgements on properties and refine their selling tactics accordingly.

Other strategies are deceptively straightforward, such as carefully selecting the optimal time to start selling: “I list on Fridays,” Sandra reveals.

“It creates excitement.” She is adamant

about the value of an expert’s assistance.

“I believe in using a home stager and professional photographer,” she says, adding that she’s seen properties — which sat untouched for months – suddenly snapped up thanks to a stager’s guidance or a photographer’s eye.

“

I want to make sure that when someone sees my phone number on their phone, they’re excited to talk to me.”

As Sandra works toward securing firm offers for clients, her “nine week rotation” sales system ensures each listed property remains visible to the public, and each client is kept informed: “There’s always constant contact.” The comprehensive “rotation” encompasses solo and “community” open houses, syndication, market analysis and more.

$11,000 over asking. It was amazing.” An ingenious combination of marketing finesse and unpretentious charm has cemented Sandra’s role as a key player in HRM realty — with untold benefits to her clients.

It’s not surprising that Sandra is a frequent recipient of client referrals: after all, the strength of her realty style is crystal-clear.

“Last year, I had four competing offers on one of my listings,” she says. “It sold for

Sandra Pike EXIT Realty Metro 1.902.478.8711 sandrapike.ca sandra@sandrapike.ca

—Sandra Pike

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DESIGN Before

YOU DECORATE

BY FRAN UNDERWOOD, REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNER, PRESIDENT, INTERIOR DESIGNERS OF NOVA SCOTIA

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TIP: Where feasible, plan your space for all possibilities.

S

tart your project by understanding the difference between design and decoration. Design means to plan ways to change space according to its use; decorate means to embellish the space. TIP: Design first, and then decorate. Get your design/plan on paper — accurately and to scale, figuring out all areas according to their function. With your plans in hand, a contractor can more accurately price the actual work, not just an idea in your head.

Just because something is rarely used doesn’t mean you’ll need less room for it.

I’ve heard words like “The tub’s only used when mom visits. It doesn’t matter if it’s easy to access. She’s only here for a few weeks.” If the area has to be used, ever, make it big enough and easy to manoeuver.

Compromise in space planning is not always the healthiest approach. Kitchen counter height is a good example of this, especially where there’s a large height difference between the occupants. Standard counter height is 36” from finished floor. A couple planning to renovate their kitchen thought that number was perfect because it was the average of their best working heights, 39” for him and 33” for her. Backaches were inevitable had they not reconsidered some design advice. The best design approach is to plan work heights according to tasks preformed. In this case, work heights for

meal prep, preserves and baking can be lowered to the shorter person’s height, with the bread kneading area even lower.

Carving area, salad prep and clean-up sink near the dishwasher were set at a height for the taller of the two and the main sink and cook top were kept at the standard height.

TIP: If you can’t agree, get help to figure out some of the sticking points.

Make a schedule with realistic times for delivery, weather, and unforeseen issues.

Wait to get what you want rather than use something just because it’s in stock. TIP: Planning and patience go a long way to getting the finished look you want.

The best order for choosing finishes is: 1. The largest area that’s hardest and most expensive to change first, such as flooring.

2. Other permanently fixed items like wall tile, countertops and cabinetry.

3. Woodwork, doors and trims. You might even want to paint some of the wood. (Note: nobody said these areas had to be white.)

4. Furniture, fabrics and upholsteries.

5. Finishes of hardware and light fixtures.

6. Wall and ceiling paint. (And yes, the ceiling can be a colour!)

On a new-build project, the furniture and coverings should be chosen before

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Art is usually a stand-alone statement by the artist. For original framed art, match the mat colour and the frame to your style. TIP: Do not match the artwork to the room colours unless you want the work to disappear into the sea of colours that makes up the room.

TIP: Always take samples of fabrics and other materials with you. the paint. Do not guess when looking at paint colours. Know the light sources, and types, and how they differ between your place and the paint place. To avoid surprises, tack up paint chips in several areas and note how colours change throughout the day. TIP: For colour selections, if you can’t match it, contrast it.

Close is only good in horseshoes.

Colours that are close look exactly like it sounds: a hodgepodge. Paint names and numbers differ from company to company. ‘Summer Peach’ may be an orange for one paint company, and gold for another. Names are usually very subjective, and often whimsical, so ignore the name of the colour altogether and use only the reference number.

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The sum of all the details makes the design yours. Do what you like, not just what’s trendy; and dare to be different!

There are many more styles in this world than Victorian and modern. Look up Memphis, Danish Modern, Rococo, and others styles. TIP: Find your own style instead of copying others.

Try to see things in a new way. The “Golden Rule of Proportion” has been used since Euclid, c. 366 B.C. by Leonardo DeVinci, Christopher Wren, Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, etc. (just to name a few design masters). Learn how to use it. And yes, you can create balance without formal symmetry.

Professional interior designers are experienced in the application of the rules of scale and balance in any space. TIP: Design is in the details.

Most important tip of all: Do not believe the “done in a weekend” projects on TV. Real life projects take real life time to accomplish — usually months, not minutes.

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n empty room can be cold, filled with echoes and very uncomfortable.

So what are your options to make it feel warm, cozy and more like home?

Decorators can help achieve the goal of complete and utter comfort, a place where one can completely relax and drift away from the realities of a hard work day.

We believe that one of the most important factors (other than drapes, paint and furniture) is the trim work inside your home. Well-chosen trim adds character and is the foundation for a beautifully designed and decorated room.

Our most positive experience throughout the entire

building process was working with Chris Jollimore.

Not many contractors will exceed your expectations but CJ’s Custom Trim Specialists Inc. did.

Whether it was advice on design, timeliness, affordability and ultimately the quality of the finished product, we were impressed every step of the way.

We love our home and believe our custom trim takes our home from average to beautiful.

As a Realtor, I view a lot of homes and so many times have thought that a little of Chris’ touch could sure sell this place with a good return on investment.

Susan Lopez

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Clayton Developments Limited

Your CommunitY Builder

By Trina annand

A

person’s sense of home is not defined merely by the space inside their residence, but also by their community as a whole. Clayton Developments Limited has been building strong communities for more than 50 years and understands the importance of living in a community you love.

Over the years, Clayton Developments has helped create homes for over 60,000 people in some of Halifax’s most recognizable communities, including Clayton Park, Colby Village and The Ravines of Bedford South, just to name a

few. As a subsidiary of The Shaw Group Limited, Clayton Developments traces its roots to the times before Confederation.

They are a truly homegrown company.

What sets the company apart from the crowd is their attention to detail when building communities. “Clayton Developments is focused on building communities of the highest possible standard. We are guided by a tradition of integrity and exceptional customer service,” says Christina Baker, sales and marketing associate for Clayton Developments.

Clayton Developments has continually strived to make the province a better place. This means not only creating great communities for residents, but also focusing on the environment; one of the things that truly makes Nova Scotia a great place to live. The company designed and built Canada’s first EnviroHome in 1992, and has been working with the government ever since on green initiatives, infrastructure planning and ensuring their communities feature an abundance of parkland and trails.

Standard company practices like storm

OPPOSITE PAGE Michael Hanusiak, senior vice president and general manager and Dan Gibson, president.

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water management, tree retention and lake monitoring help to create a better future for all residents.

In their newest and most ambitious community project to date, The Parks of West Bedford, Clayton Developments has partnered with well-known local homebuilder Cresco to form the company West Bedford Holdings. ”Our focus is on developing The Parks of West Bedford into a sought after and thriving community that people want to call home,” says Baker.

There is something for everyone in The Parks, with a variety of new home options, some ready for immediate occupancy.

Others can be custom built — today’s homebuyer has lots of opportunity in The Parks. Incorporating everything from apartment buildings and condos to commercial/retail and institutional spaces, it is a 1,300-acre project that has been carefully planned for growth over the next 20 years.

Clayton Developments prides itself on being able to provide homeowners with the very best. “Homeowners today are trending towards smaller square footages, and are looking for the best of everything, inside and out of their home.

They are looking to be close to amenities, and having a sense of community that incorporates their active lifestyles with a sense of outdoor living. While location is still the No.1 factor when purchasing a new home, features like parks, trails and services are very important attributes which are incorporated into The Parks.”

Clayton Developments helps to protect homebuyers’ investments by implementing community protective covenants and home design guidelines.

All home designs are carefully reviewed for architectural features, building siting, and exterior materials and colours, providing for a more desirable streetscape. Currently there are a number of model homes located within The Parks for people to visit in order to see if the community is right for them.

The Ravines of Bedford South This lush, tree-lined 500-acre community is nestled between the Bicentennial and Bedford Highways. As a nod to the area’s historic past, The Ravines features The Old Coach Road Trail, preserved parkland perfect for nature lovers. Many families have discovered the beauty of the Ravines, making it a popular neighbourhood. With the more recent combination of bungalow-

style townhouses available, The Ravines is the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy one level living with new homes available on Armenia Drive and Fairwinds Place. Homeowners in the Ravines can still enjoy all the amenities the city has to offer, without the hustle and bustle of living downtown. Maintaining a community feel with nearby schools and amenities is key to Clayton’s building efforts.

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Portland Hills Specifically designed to take advantage of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundant natural beauty, this Dartmouth community rests on the shore of scenic Morris Lake, and is carved into the surrounding hills providing spectacular views. Lovers of the outdoors can canoe, kayak, fish, swim, or simply enjoy the view from the park. The community boasts plenty of parkland and trails for the young and young-atheart to enjoy. Large executive homes are now available on the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final street, Cherrywood Drive. Portland Hills represents an exclusive opportunity in a well-established neighbourhood

Russell Lake West Nestled in the exclusive community of Russell Lake West, Krause Court is the final cul-du-sac of new homes. The community features an abundance of green space, providing lakefront living with city convenience. It is located adjacent to Millstone Square for all your shopping needs, and is an easy commute to work in Halifax or Burnside.

These Cresco-built green homes feature EnergyStar registration and a heat pump system; they are solar and TechReady.

Homeowners can choose from six spacious designs, or create the custom home of their dreams with a stone and craftsman-inspired exterior.

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Colby South Located on the shore of Bissett Lake, the final phase of this development offers a secluded natural setting, creating an oasis from the chaos of everyday city life.

With building lots starting at $110,000, homeowners can build their own custom home, or choose to work with a variety of builders already building in the community for their perfect home. The community is conveniently located close to shopping, schools and much more; it is the perfect place to raise a family. With less than 30 lots still available, and a limited number of lake lots, Colby South is a must-see community.

Whether you are just starting your travels up the property ladder, or picking the perfect home for the rest of your life, Clayton Developments communities feature the best of both worlds, creating lush, green settings full of possibilities.

Clayton Developments Limited 100Câ&#x20AC;&#x201C;255 Lacewood Drive Halifax 902.443.3052 tf 866.233.0808 www.claytondev.com

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GET READY FOR THE

GROWING SEASON AHEAD

BY K.A. BEATTIE NPD, PH.D.

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o cheating now! It’s only the final weeks of winter and not a great time to plant just yet; ok, maybe a few things for those of you who are keeners. I will offer some tips a bit later in this article for early seed starting and the like. For those of you who are following my travel articles in Fine Lifestyles, you will know that I’m basking in the heat of the Caribbean sun this month, enjoying the lushness of foliage only imagined in Canada. Perhaps you will consider joining me on one of these fantastic excursions one day. The mention of tropical foliage actually twigged a notion for me and that is to incorporate some more unusual plants in my garden this season. Actually, as I travelled around

the prairie provinces last summer, I did see some pretty creative use of tropical plants in municipal gardens and street planters. This is the time of the year to do some serious planning for the upcoming garden season, so let’s go with that.

First of all do not be frightened by palms; they are much tougher than most give them credit for. Depending on the time of year that you purchase them, their price ranges in the neighbourhood of a large hanging basket of annuals. Naturally, palms are not hardy in mid-western Canada, so they too are considered annuals, unless you have a substantial amount of room in the house or a greenhouse to overwinter them. Perhaps the most commonly found palm is the

areca, usually sold in 10- to 14-inch black containers. As with most tropical plants, the growing media is very light, insisting that there is ample water at regular and frequent intervals. The reason the media is so light is that these plants are mass produced in the “deep south” under shade cloths and almost constant irrigation. Force feeding and abundant moisture stimulates rapid growth in a very short period of time and increases the profit margin of the grower also.

Keeping this in mind, you may well want to plant the palms into a more moistureretentive mix, much like Pro-Mix BX. I have had great success using this media accompanied by regular feeding with a soluble plant food.

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Remember that even though these palms come from the sunny south, they have been grown in shade, so they must be acclimated to our sun. Areca palms, as with most palms, will tolerate moderate to deep shade in Canada, but perform best in good light. If you intend to have your planters in full sun, set the containers into progressively stronger light, otherwise the palms will brown terribly. This won’t kill the plant, however, with a short growing season they look a bit “tattered” for a good part of the season. I have used palms as accents in the garden in tall, slender containers as well as planting them directly into my garden. If you plant directly into the garden, amend the soil so that it has oodles of peat moss, compost or other such organic matter; areca as well as other palms just love this addition, and it helps with your watering schedule too.

Other notable tropicals include hibiscus, dipladenia or mandevilla, jasmine and,

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of course, calla lilies. These characters have become staples in the garden centre “exotic” sections and are actually rather easy to grow. Again, remember to acclimatize these plants as they are sun lovers, but grow fast and furious in shadier exposures. Consider them to be like you taking a sunny vacation in the south, without proper sunblock or gradual exposure to the sunshine: your skin will burn.

Now, for the seed sowers in the crowd — as well as the “early birds.”

Tomato and green pepper seeds can be started anytime now, with a good date to remember being St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Keeping this in mind, it is indeed time to order your supplies.

Crucial to successful germination and healthy seedlings is sterilized media and good air circulation. These two points of concern are easily attended to if proper equipment is used. Venting the seed beds

by simply uncovering the container for a few minutes daily will allow fresh air into the germination area. Some retail germination kits will have a lid for the container with venting capabilities. A good preventative for fungal infections on these seed beds is to dust the surface of the media lightly with baking powder.

This abates most of the common fungal issues encountered in a moist, warm and humid condition. Bear in mind that very few seeds require light to germinate, however light is essential in gradual doses after germination as well.

Enjoy this time of the year as we prepare for the grand growing season ahead. Best of luck.

Ken Beattie is the manager of Habitat Programs with the Canadian Wildlife Federation kenb@cwf-fcf.org.

COASTAL REFUGE FROM THE CITY

M

ariners Anchorage! You won't find a home with this quality in a more favourable address.You'll enjoy perfect southern expo-

sure, stunning ocean views, the sailing club, being minutes from all amenities and only 25 minutes from Halifax. Four sizable bedrooms upstairs with a library landing and one bedroom downstairs for those inevitable guests. The home was designed to capitalize on the views and waterfront with entertaining space on Shari Johnson Your St Margarets Bay Realtor Tradewinds Realty Inc Phone: 902-237-3205 shari.johnson@tradewindsrealty.com

both the main and walkout ground level. The grounds have a gentle slope to the beach and wharf and are beautifully landscaped. Realize your dream and get on the water this summer!

A HOME FOR EVERY BUDGET Check out these Nova Scotia waterfront treasures!

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CREATING THE PERFECT OUTDOOR OASIS IN BLOOM

BY TRINA ANNAND PHOTOS BRUCE JOLLIMORE

S

pring has sprung and now is the perfect time to make plans for your yard. Brightening up a garden or creating custom landscaping can be as simple as a visit to Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre. The expert staff at Bloom provides a fountain of knowledge for beginners, as well as experienced pros.

Though there was still snow on the ground, Bloom’s greenhouses came to

life in March. Planting begins early for the team, who starts their plants from seeds and rooted cuttings. By creating their custom hanging baskets and planters early, Bloom makes sure they will be in their glory when they reach customers’ yards. “We provide our clients with reliable plants for our climate. We want them to get what they are expecting, not simply pretty packaging,” says Cathy Oulton, owner and plant enthusiast.

As a horticultural business, Bloom is concerned with their environmental impact and takes steps to minimize it.

By starting a biological pest reduction program early in the season, the company is able to greatly reduce the amount of pesticides they need to use, which is also safer for staff and customers. Another part of Bloom’s incentive is their use of rooted cuttings, which saves a month of fuel.

ABOVE L-R Linda Besaw, Dianne Lateigne

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Oulton and her team travel far and wide looking for new plants to offer their clients, which is especially important this year. Lovers of standard impatiens will need to choose other shade-loving plants this season, as a virulent downy mildew has moved into the area. At Bloom, the team has a wide range of options for shaded areas, including other varieties of impatiens, begonias and torenia to name a few. With hundreds of annuals and perennials, there is no end to the choices at Bloom.

Not all growing needs to happen outdoors. Micro greens are packed with nutrients and Oulton says they are perfect for seasoned gardeners who want year-round produce, as well as novice gardeners who are just starting out. “Micro greens are easy to grow and

good for you. They are a great way to feel successful for first-time gardeners. A lot of people get discouraged starting out.

The best part is you can grown them in your kitchen,” says Outlon.

Their willingness to share information and expertise with clients is one of the reasons Bloom is a great place to visit.

They offer workshops throughout the year on a wide variety of subjects, from planting and décor, to bird feeders and fairy houses. The classes are the perfect low-cost family excursion — cultivating a love of gardening and the great outdoors in even the youngest visitor.

As always, visitors can benefit from the personalized design services of landscape designer and horticultural consultant Kelly Grant, who takes the stress out of

making a basic yard an oasis for relaxation.

“People need a little help knowing what to put where in a garden. It takes a lot of foresight when you’re buying a small pot.

We are using our expertise to change the way people landscape in Nova Scotia and opening up gardening to an entirely new generation,” remarks Oulton.

Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre 902.832.9268 1421 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains www.bloomgreenhouse.com

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LINCOLN CONSTRUCTION A Reputation for Excellence

BY TOBIE HAINSTOCK PHOTOS BRUCE JOLLIMORE

K

nown in the area as the “Stone Wall Specialists,” Lincoln Construction has been providing excellent quality stone work and landscaping services for more than 40 years.

As a youngster, Stewart Williams grew up on a farm and was no shirker when it came to hard work. Farm labour often involves building fences, digging trenches, solving drainage issues and building stone foundations for the barns and out buildings. Williams enjoyed the work and decided that was what he

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wanted to do. “I realized how much I like working with my hands and thought that it would be worthwhile going to work for someone else to learn more about it,” he recalls.

For the next few years, Williams worked hard and learned as much as he could about concrete and landscaping.

Eventually the young man knew it was time to step out in faith and open his own business. When he opened Lincoln Construction, Williams’ mind was set on providing the highest quality of product and service possible.

Over the decades that followed, the name Lincoln Construction became synonymous with high-quality workmanship and integrity. “Our motto has always been, ‘get it right the first time,’” comments Williams. “We hardly ever get a call back unless it’s for repeat business.” Williams tells of businesses that have wanted to hire him from Toronto, Quebec and the United States, but home is where the heart is for him and his talented crew.

As a testament of the high standard that Lincoln Construction offers to their customers, Williams tells of building the

retaining walls along Dumbrack Street in Halifax. “We built those retaining walls in 1977 and its structural integrity is still intact,” he says.

Whether looking to pave a driveway, install an outdoor fireplace or plant new trees and shrubs, Lincoln Construction offers a wide variety of services. From sidewalks, foundations and mulching, to drainage systems, fire pits and grading, Williams and his crew will apply their years of expertise to any project they are hired to do. “The customer will bring us their plans and we will work with them to make them happen,” he says. “We will create the backyard of their dreams.” He explains that whenever possible, Lincoln Construction looks to support the local businesses first for flowers, trees and shrubbery. “We also provide excavating and trucking services along with lot clearing, grubbing and stumping,” he adds. Other services Lincoln Construction provides include fixing water problems, drainages problems, and creating and enlarging backyards.

As a true family man, Williams has worked very hard over the years to

create a solid business to pass along as a legacy to his family. He is very pleased to someday be handing his business over to his daughter Yolande Williams and grandchildren Courtney, Corez, Breanna, Nevall and Mackeegan.

For Williams, leaving a business with an unsurpassable reputation for quality work and impeccable customer service is like a dream come true.

As he reflects back over the past decades, Williams speaks freely of the valuable lessons he learned in the industry. “Don’t be afraid to dream big and follow it through,” he advises, “and once you get started living your dream, be consistent with your service and always listen to your customers.”

Lincoln Construction Services Ltd. 902.462.5561 610 Wright Avenue, Suite 343 Dartmouth

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GROUND FORCE Creative Solutions for Commercial and Residential Property Maintenance

BY HENNY BUFFINGA

A

s the mounds of snow dwindle in Halifax, curbside appeal and overall appearance become more important for both commercial and residential property owners and managers. Ground Force Property Services Inc. offers a one-stop shop for renovation, landscaping projects, and property maintenance, including spring and fall cleanup.

Founded in 2005 by president Sean Reid and co-owner Cory Hendsbee, Ground

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Force started from scratch and doubled their growth every year. Their business now includes business relationships and clients such as Tim Hortons, CitiGroup, Timbercreek Asset Management, and CentreCorp Management. They are also in charge of snow removal for Canada Post across the Maritime Provinces.

Their steady growth has enabled this young company the opportunity to do things right as they expand their services, by hiring enthusiastic and skilled

professionals. “You’re only as good as the people you have working for you,” says Reid. “And we have assembled a group that are great at their craft.”

The energetic staff is passionate about their work and are excellent communicators. Their sales staff is careful to listen to clients and determine what their vision and budget can accommodate — bringing these two elements together to achieve their clients’ goals. Whether they are simply

looking for a quick facelift for curb appeal, or undergoing a more extreme makeover to their property, no job is too big or too small for them.

Ground Force covers many needs. Their landscaping division includes hardscape specialists that are skilled with brick and stone, as well as softscape specialists who take care of garden bed maintenance and design, turf installation, and more.

They also employ horticulturalists, qualified machine operators, and carpenters, so they can meet any need their clients might have.

“Our staff builds a good rapport with our clients,” says Reid. “We always have the right people on site to communicate with the homeowner to ensure that our clients are happy before our fees are paid.”

Their maintenance division ensures properties look their best, which all starts with spring cleanups once the snow melts.

Ground Force offers competitive pricing for a high quality of work and craftsmanship, using the proper materials and sufficient bases in everything they do. Reid strongly believes in doing things right and not cutting corners. “There’s a right and a wrong way to do things,” Reid says. “We strive to always offer the best value at a competitive price.”

After graduating from high school, Reid aspired to earn a scholarship to attend university in the United States, but several injuries later, he altered his course.

He returned to Halifax and enrolled at St. Mary’s University to study commerce.

While there, he managed the university pub, coached high school hockey, and also managed to start Ground Force. The youth and energy that Reid has is evident in his company and his team.

“We’re a reliable, creative, and energetic company and take pride in delivering top quality services,” he says. “We’re easy to work with, and we want our customers to know they can depend on us.”

ABOVE LEFT Sean Reid - owner (photo by Bruce Jollimore)

Ground Force Property Services 908 Herring Cove Road, Halifax 902.209.2748 sean@groundforceservices.ca www.groundforceservices.ca

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Plan Your Perfect Escape at

Holland Home leisure

By Liana vandenHof-RHodenizeR Photos courtesy of HoLLand Home LeisuRe

H

olland Home Leisure is gearing up for an exciting 2014 summer season. The showroom floor in the Lifestyles Plaza is full of the most popular brands of high-end patio furniture on the market. With names like Ebel, OW Lee, Seaside, Kettler, Gensun and the new arrival of Lloyd Flanders, Holland Home Leisure is sure to have the perfect addition for your backyard or sunroom living space. “Every year we spend hours deciding on the styles and fabrics we think will best suit the needs of our clients, and we look forward to growing our category and helping to design your perfect escape,” remarks Liana vandenHof-Rhodenizer,

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manager of the hot tub and outdoor furniture divisions.

We are excited to see Lloyd Flanders’ versatile collections on display, showcasing their style and function.

“Lloyd Flanders offers you the ultimate experience in outdoor living. Original designs, extreme comfort, high-end materials and a rich colour palette are just a few of the reasons we are excited to see Lloyd Flanders in Atlantic Canada,” comments Katie Schofield, Lifestyles Plaza furniture specialist.

Also new for 2014 is the addition of Ebel fire tables, which provide a stunning accent for any seating combination.

Available in two lovely colours, Chestnut and Weathered, Ebel fire tables are sure to make a wonderful addition to your outdoor living space and enhance your overall outdoor experience.

OW Lee, meanwhile, remains our leading manufacturer in fire tables, with numerous custom options including base size and height, 11 porcelain tile tops, and a choice of centre fill (media).

The popularity of fire pits has continued to increase, with more and more homeowners looking to add one to their outdoor space. One of the main reasons fire tables have become so popular for any sized space — including

condo balconies, stone patios, and wood decking — is because of the warmth and atmosphere they create.

Haven’t been in the store before? For the past 33 years, Holland Home Leisure has been creating customized backyard makeovers, installing custom in-ground pools, above-ground pools and hot tubs.

In 2007, HHL added quality furniture to their showroom floor, and are now one of the top patio furniture destinations in Atlantic Canada.

We welcome you to visit and see the endless outdoor furniture options we offer. With the assistance of our trained sales associates, you have the ability to customize your fabric options, special order from various manufacturers or choose from a wide selection of in-stock options. “When you’re shopping for quality outdoor furniture, we take the time to make sure your final selection is exactly what you envisioned for your vacation at home,” notes Rhodenizer.

Next time you are making a trip to the Annapolis Valley, make sure to stop in and have a look — we are certain you will be impressed. One of our furniture specialists will be waiting to greet you.

96"

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Holland Home Leisure P O O L S

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item-1A-Holland-30x96 Holland Home Leisure

8794 Commercial Street New Minas 902.681.3030 info@hollandhomeleisure.com www.hollandhomeleisure.com

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BEAUTIFUL HOT TUBS Made for Nova Scotian Lifestyles

BY MEGAN E. BLUMENTHAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPARKLING POOLS AND SPAS AND SUNRISE SPAS

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isa Dickson and her family business, Sparkling Pools And Spas (SPAS) have been designing backyard resorts for more than 30 years. Now a Main Street Dartmouth landmark, they opened their retail store over 20 years ago. Although they are best known as one of Nova Scotia’s premiere in-ground pool builders, they also specialize in luxurious Canadian-made hot tubs.

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With gas prices deterring more and more families from taking summer road trips, people are choosing “staycations” and investing in backyard resorts.

With an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and a growing customer referral base, SPAS has grown to be a top hot tub provider in Nova Scotia. “People want to live the dream at any age,” says Lisa Dickson, owner. “We don’t have a

set demographic. Our clientele ranges from trendy movers and shakers needing a relaxing soak after work, to retirees who are ready to spend more time in their backyard.”

Dickson says the hot tub industry has changed dramatically within the past 10 years — there was a point in time where you had to spend over $10,000 for a quality hot tub. But times have changed,

explains Dickson. “Now you can get a premium Canadian-made hot tub with all of the features you want from $6,500,” she says. “I think this is just one of the reasons why Nova Scotians are choosing our hot tubs.”

SPAS in Dartmouth, NS carries the Inspiration line by Sunrise Spas of Grimsby, Ontario. Their brand of hot tubs were featured in TV’s Mike Holmes’ ‘Holmes Makes it Right’ and Holmes considers Sunrise Spas to be the ‘Spa of Choice.’ Their efficient Canadian hot tubs are stylish and built to last.

The health benefits of using a hot tub are astounding. Soaking in a relaxing hot tub is the ultimate stress reliever.

According to the US National Sleep

Foundation, soaking in hot water relaxes your whole body and raises your internal temperature, which helps you fall asleep.

Those who suffer from joint pain often feel relief in a hydrotherapy hot tub.

Modern hot tubs are low-maintenance.

The hot tubs at SPAS are beautiful and no longer come with old-style wood paneling that could fade or rot — they are built to last with recycled, synthetic panels designed to feel and look like natural wood.

For SPAS, ease of maintenance is paramount. “We pride ourselves on keeping up-to-date, researching more innovative ways to maintain your hot tub water,” says Dickson, who prefers using the Clear Blue Ionizer. “It’s a device

that allows you to greatly reduce your chemicals, ensuring your water is safe,” she says.

Dickson is proud to see her small business growing right here in Nova Scotia. “It shows that more and more Maritimers are choosing to improve their lifestyles.”

Sparkling Pools And Spas 515 Main St., Dartmouth 902.462.8187 www.sparklingpoolsandspas.ca

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Royal Ride

Vehicles of the British Monarchy

BY APOLLINE LUCYK

Which cars would you choose to be driven in if money was not an issue, and you represented the epitomĂŠ of class and sophistication for an entire nation? For the British Monarchy, the answer is a wide range of vehicles, including the glamorous labels of Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Bentley, Land Rover and the occasional Volkswagen.

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s one might expect, the Queen doesn’t simply drive herself around in expensive cars to her numerous appointments. The website of the British Monarchy states that for most of the Queen’s engagements, she travels in a State car, one of a number of cars built to unique specifications which are designed to “transport their passengers in a style which is safe, efficient and dignified, allowing as many people as possible to see The Queen or other members of the Royal Family.” These State cars are painted in Royal Claret livery, just like the Royal Train, and some do not have registration number plates, since they are owned by the State.

The Royal vehicles are made to withstand any complications that may arise. For example, the car that Kate Middleton was driven in to her wedding was the same Rolls-Royce Phantom

VI that protected Prince Charles and Camilla from furious student fees protesters just a few years prior.

The vehicle was presented to the Queen as a gift from the Car Association in her Silver Jubilee year of 1977, and is estimated to have cost more than $1 million, largely due to the many security measures that were installed in the car. During the attack, the car withstood bottles and other heavy objects thrown at it by the angry protestors, which left the car’s windows shattered, but still intact. However, the car was spruced up, and in perfect condition again for the Royal Wedding.

Not only do the Royals cherish and preserve their cars, but they choose cars from trusted manufacturers that have been producing quality cars for decades. Many of their vehicles are Rolls-Royce, the renowned British car manufacturing company

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founded in 1906, which has long been an icon of luxury and fine craftsmanship.

Other Royal vehicles are crafted by Mercedes-Benz, a multinational division of the German manufacturer, Daimler AG, who specialize in luxury automobiles, buses, coaches and trucks, and are best summed up by their company slogan, “Das Beste oder nichts,” which translated into English means, “The best or nothing.”

The Royal family also drives Land Rovers when in Scotland. According to Peter Pigott’s Royal Transport: An Inside Look at The History of British Royal Travel (2005), “the Queen is reportedly never so happy as when driving herself around in a Land Rover” (p.15). Land Rover is the second oldest four-wheel-drive car manufacturer, after Jeep. The celebrated British manufacturer is known for its wide variety of quality four-wheel-drive models, including the Defender and the Range Rover.

The Queen’s two newest State cars are both from the legendary British manufacturer, Bentley. Bentley Motors Limited was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley, and is the direct successor of Rolls-Royce Motors. However, the Queen’s Bentleys are also quite different from traditional Bentleys. The Bentley State cars are nearly a metre longer than

a standard Bentley Arnage. Additionally, the rear doors are hinged at the back, and are specially designed so that the Queen can stand up straight before she steps out of the vehicle. To give the public a better view of the Royal family while they travel, the Bentleys both have a removable exterior roof lining covering a clear lining.

The Royal family also travels in personal helicopters and airplanes, and one of the most intriguing is the Royal Train.

The Royal Train is “the only private, noncommercial train service used by one family still in existence in the UK,” the Daily Mail notes. Further, the newspaper says that that the Royal Train has been “just as much a Royal residence as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or Balmoral” for the past 150 years. The Royal Train is painted in the Royal Claret livery, a unique style distinguishing it from other trains. A number of carriages can be attached or unattached from the train, depending on who is travelling, and whether or not the journey is overnight.

While State cars are designed to display the Royal family to the public, the Royal Train is a secluded place where they can relax in total privacy.

Whatever the mode, the British “royal ride” is truly fit for a king, queen and their entourage.

Prince William drove his new bride in his father’s classic Aston Martin Volante. Given to Charles by the Queen as a 21st birthday present, the 1969 Aston Martin DB6 was converted to run on 100 per cent bioethanol fuel.

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O’Regan’s BMW/Halifax Mini Turning Any Road into a Pleasure

By Rebecca SchneideReit PHOTOs bRuce JollimoRe

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hat marks a BMW? Sean O’Regan offers a few concise phrases. “German engineering. Balanced chassis. Efficient, exciting engines. For years, BMW has been known as the ‘ultimate driving machine’ — they’ve stated that inbrand.” O’Regan can breeze through MINI keywords just as quickly. “Fun. Sporty. Unique. Great racing and track pedigree.”

BMW and MINI clearly conjure contrasting associations, yet both share workmanship and performance of the highest calibre. And in Halifax, both are available at 3240 Kempt Road’s BMW/ Halifax MINI dealership — the newest addition to the O’Regan’s family.

of Nova Scotian accomplishment and entrepreneurship. “My father, Paul O’Regan, started the business in 1974 at the corner of Thistle and Maple Street in Dartmouth,” recounts present-day CEO Sean O’Regan. “We now have 21 franchises in 14 locations.”

It’s difficult to imagine a business bettersuited to BMW and MINI’s Maritime representation than O’Regan’s. The company’s history is an inspiring example

What characterizes O’Regan’s in locals’ eyes? “I think it’s great service, integrity, and value for the dollar.” That’s not to mention O’Regan’s reinvestment in

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HRM — for example, “This time last year, we announced a million dollar donation to the Halifax library.” Their charitable activity has been recognized repeatedly.

“We recently won the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ award for business; we’re the only two-time winner of that award since they’ve been giving it out.”

O’Regan’s acquired the new dealership in September; plans for “a total transformation” were underway almost immediately. Additional employees are to be hired, and comprehensive renovations made. “We’ll be building a service drive through and a separate MINI showroom,” notes O’Regan. “Then we’ll renovate and update the existing BMW showroom.” When renovations

conclude, “The size of the building and lot will have doubled.”

The overhaul will benefit customers on every level, from selection to the ‘human element.’ “When people are buying premium, luxury vehicles, they have to get premium service. We really want to showcase the brand and our customer service.” The intensified emphasis on meeting customers’ every need will extend to maintenance and servicing [although excellent service initiatives, like “loaner” vehicles, are already in place]. “We’ll be doubling the size of the service department, which will make a huge difference.”

The dealership will do business as usual during renovations — good news, since

both brands currently feature exciting offerings. “The new X5 is one of our best-selling models,” says O’Regan.

“The previous X5 was a game-changer for BMW; this is a full next-generation redesign. It’s been enhanced in every way, from performance to handling to interior.”

Another star model, the 4 Series Coupé, will be joined by the 2 Series Coupé in the near future. “The 4 Series Coupé is at home on the highway, on the track — it’s just a gorgeous vehicle,” says O’Regan, whose hopes are high for the upcoming 2 Series. “It’s 2.8 inches longer [than the 1 Series] and the wheelbase grows by 1.3 inches. BMW claims the M235i will sprint from one to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds.”

ABOVE O’Regan’s BMW/Halifax MINI staff

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Meanwhile, MINI’s numerous models [“we have the MINI Cooper, Convertible, Coupé, Roadster, Countryman, Clubman, and Paceman”] are offered in a kaleidoscope of hues, with or without stripes and other embellishments. “You can really personalize the MINI,” says O’Regan. “A tremendous amount of accessories are available.” But the MINI is about function as well as form. “It’s very capable with handling characteristics.

They’re all hatchback models, so they’re easy to access.”

Innovation’s in the works on this front, too. “The recently released third generation of the successful new MINI Cooper features a completely new MINI inside and out, but the soul remains the same. The newest MINI is bursting at

the seams with iconic MINI DNA and all-new features and technologies.”

Given BMW and MINI’s luxury connotations, readers may be surprised by how economical the vehicles can be. “BMW finances some of the lowest rates in the industry,” says O’Regan.

“Right now we offer 0.9 per cent on many models.” Leasing a vehicle, too, is a great option: “The leasing programs enable people to get a vehicle for a lower monthly payment, without taking the risk of the vehicle’s future value and resale.”

Customers can also consider buying a preowned model. O’Regan’s BMW/Halifax MINI offers a substantial selection, which will be further enlarged once renovations are complete. “We’ll be greatly expanding

the availability and inventory of preowned BMW, MINI and other luxury cars, with extended warranties available for long terms and low interest rates.

BMW and MINI have fantastic preowned certified programs and rigorous inspection procedures.” Additionally, “we offer strong value for trades.”

Blending Maritime hospitality with international auto quality, O’Regan’s BMW/Halifax MINI is ideally equipped to turn whatever road you travel next into a pleasure.

O’Regan’s BMW/Halifax MINI 3240 Kempt Road, Halifax 902.454.5000 oregans.bmw.ca

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hen it comes to the latest in luxury, the bar is often set by the most extravagant and self-indulgent: celebrities. Grossing millions of dollars and competing in a never-ending exhibition for status, celebrities are notorious for leading ostentatious lifestyles, complete with the most lavish accessories that money can buy.

While many of the more outrageous purchases made by celebrities (such as private jets and uncharted islands) are far beyond the reach of the average consumer, there is one big ticket item attainable to celebrities and the rest of the world alike: cars. Although you will probably only be able to afford one choice car at a time in your lifetime, at least you won’t be veering in and out of traffic to avoid the paparazzi.

One of the top contenders dictating the latest in luxury and style is tabloid star Kim Kardashian. Although Kim’s rise to fame may have been rooted in scandal, it is her glamorous good looks and prominent Hollywood connections that have secured her as a permanent fixture in the fashion and entertainment industries. Recently, she has been spotted in a Bentley Continental GT. The Bentley Continental GT may be the ideal car for Ms. Kardashian, as it encapsulates every aspect of luxury, status and contemporary style. The Bentley Continental GT’s wide, low-sprung appearance and sharp, contemporary lines give it an attitude and poise that, like Kim, give it a classic yet commanding presence. Sitting so low to the road, the Bentley Continental GT also has the capability of keeping stable at all speeds and circumstances.

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TOP LEFT Kim Kardashian. © Featureflash | Dreamstime.com ABOVE Bentley Continental GT

STAR

RS in Cars

BY ALYSSA RUDYCK

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One celebrity couple that has gone even further to exude their star status while keeping their children in mind is Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Since turning over a humanitarian leaf and still pursuing their acting careers, “Brangelina” are the busy parents of six. They have been reported riding around in a Lexus LS 460 F Sport, a high-performance vehicle estimated at $90,000. The Lexus LS 460 F Sport may be the perfect vehicle for this celebrity family, as it comes equipped with many desirable family-friendly features. It has an excellent safety record, a 12-inch display screen, temperature control, improved handling, rear-seat entertainment screens with Blu-Ray players, and a pre-collision system — all the while incorporating a level of refined luxury.

ABOVE Maserati Granturismo RIGHT Britney Spears © Featureflash | Dreamstime.com

Although she exudes an entirely different kind of style, Britney Spears is another long-standing scandal-worthy icon of current trends. Infamous from the day she donned a plaid skirt and pigtails and debuted as the princess of pop, to the time she rose like a phoenix from the ashes of her charred empire to reclaim her throne as queen, Britney is woman of complex taste. Lately, the mother of two has been spotted cruising around town in her new Maserati Granturismo.

The Maserati Granturismo is said to combine class and elegance with a sports performance that is unrivalled by any other four-seater car. Its lines convey dynamic tension, and its bodywork hugs the car’s muscular frame like one of Spears’ party dresses. It is spacious enough for the starlet mom-on-the-run to transport her kids, but with its 4.2 liter V8 engine, it is equipped with plenty of power and speed for a lady who likes to live life in the fast lane.

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TOP LEFT Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. © Carrienelson1 | Dreamstime.com

BOTTOm LEFT Leonardo DiCaprio. © Featureflash | Dreamstime.com

ABOVE Lexus LS 460 F Sport

BOTTOm 2014 Toyota Prius

As for A-list celebs who will not be riding in the carpool lane, there is the dynamic Leonardo DiCaprio. With fresh images of Leo standing at the helm of the Jay Gatsby Empire and cavalierly tossing money into the air in the Wolf of Wall Street, it is easy to picture Leo cruising around Hollywood in the most decadent of “rides.” And what does this millionaire heartthrob drive? A 2014 Toyota Prius. This environmentally-friendly vehicle rings in at around $26,000, and is a considerably modest ride for one of the wealthiest celebrities in the world. Along with providing exceptional new performance

features, the 2014 Toyota Prius claims to set the standard when it comes to environmentally-friendly vehicles. Its improved fuel efficiency, specialized low beams, headlights and taillights are said to cut down power consumption significantly, while providing improved long-distance visibility.

Although the affluent celebrity lifestyle is unattainable to most of us, we are rarely deterred from aspiring to be like our favourite celebs. Keep an eye on the latest celebrity car endorsements, do some serious saving and you, too, might one day cruise like the “stars.”

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Professional Grooming of Automobiles

Auto DetAil Depot Photos Bruce Jollimore

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om Chiasson, owner and operating manager of Auto Detail Depot in Halifax, has witnessed the auto detailing business grow from a simple car washing business into a highly technical and professional industry over the past 30 years. Auto Detail Depot uses high-tech equipment and specialized products to keep today’s vehicles looking great.

As a member of the International Detailing Association, Auto Detail Depot ensures they stay up-to-date on all the latest advances in interior trims and ever-improving, highly technical exterior paint systems. Chiasson and his staff are committed to continued research and development, always seeking the highest quality products and services, and receiving ongoing hands-on training from their Canadian suppliers.

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These days, more and more time is spent in vehicles consuming food and beverages, which can leave behind residue and spills. If left unattended, bacteria and germs can grow and result in an unhealthy environment for drivers and passengers. This is why a thorough cleaning is recommended once or twice a year to keep your vehicle “healthy.”

Some of Auto Detail Depot’s popular services include: Interior shampoo and cleaning Leather cleaning and conditioning Exterior glaze and wax treatments Basic express and deluxe detailing services • “The Best Hand Wash in Town”

leather protection, rust unhibitor and undercoat protection.

Visit Auto Detail Depot today for a complete overview of their detailing and protection services. Cost estimates can be given over the telephone or firm price quotes with visual inspection.

ABOVE L–R Tiffnay Taylor, Gerry Henneberry, Tom Chiasson, Reg Dunham, Ahmad Nadi, Joey Elia.

• • • •

They also specialize in exterior paint sealant protection, interior fabric and

Auto Detial Depot 3200 Kempt Road, Halifax 902.453.2252 autodetail@ns.sympatico.ca

EXPERTAdvice Size Does Matter.

Tire Buying Tips for the Novice on the tire placard, which is typically on your driver’s side door jam. If it’s not there, check the owner’s manual. Also, look at the load index and speed symbol behind the tire size. This is crucial to match the correct tire with your vehicle.

Any given tire size is built in a multitude of different construction types and they are not necessarily interchangeable. A P225/60R16 100T is not the same as a 225/60R16 97V.

Elizabeth MacRae Owner Go Tire HRM 902.860.5333 halifax@gotire.com www.gotire.com |

K

nowing which tire will properly fit your vehicle can be like driving in the dark. Here are a few tips to consider before you begin your search for tires.

Know your tire size, not just your rim size.

A tire size is a series of three measurements: the section width, the aspect ratio (profile) and the rim size.

(See the photos shown for an example.)

The best place to find your tire size is

It’s a common misunderstanding when people buy a new vehicle and plan to install tires from their old vehicle, thinking the tires will fit. Hearing you have the wrong tires is not fun. Knowing your tire size will avoid having to make a second appointment and the surprise of needing to buy a new set of tires.

Consult a Tire Industry Association (TIA) certified technician if you have any questions.

Budgeting for a new vehicle?

Budget for tires too.

When you’re shopping for a new vehicle, get a quote for replacement tires at the same time. Run flats and low profile tires tend to cost more, which adds to the overall maintenance cost. It’s best to be aware of the cost before you purchase the vehicle, instead of getting a big surprise later. Keep in mind steel wheels and winter tire options as well.

How do I know when to replace?

Tires are designed to move water away so the tire can make contact with the road.

When the tire wears below 3/32”- 4/32”of tread depth, it loses a significant amount of traction, which can lead to a loss of control. If you take a Canadian dime and place it in the grooves of your tire tread, you should not be able to see the top of the queen’s head.

In regards to selecting a brand, it depends on your vehicle and your driving needs.

There are vast arrays of online resources to help you determine which tires are correct for your vehicle. However, when reading reviews, keep in mind where the reviewer lives and the specific vehicle they are driving. Tires will perform differently depending on the climate and type of vehicle; try to be aware of the perspective of the author.

Moral of the story: Know your tire size and don’t be shy to ask questions regarding your options and price from a certified tire professional.

Privateers Harley-DaviDson Your Port of Call

By Rebecca SchneideReit Photos bRuce JollimoRe

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arley-Davidson is an iconic brand,” says Glen Carew (AKA “BIC”) of Privateers Harley-Davidson. He partly credits the motorcycles’ staying power to their impressive legacy: “Harley-Davidson is 111 years strong,” he says. “They’ve been consistently manufactured since 1903 and have a deep-rooted history from early racing to the First World War, to iconic 70s movies and stars, to today’s Sons of Anarchy franchise.” “

Carew is almost certainly correct about Harley-Davidson’s past fanning its contemporary popularity — yet he can also sum up their present-day appeal.

“On your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you experience 100 per cent personal,

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independent freedom. It feels like no other when you ride it.”

Privateers Harley-Davidson’s namesake, like its merchandise, mixes historic strength with modern appeal. The Bayers Lake outpost was established over a decade ago, and was dubbed Privateers “to reflect the unique Nova Scotian Maritime culture and history,” says Carew.

In January of 2012 — their 10th birthday — Privateers Harley-Davidson relocated “just around the corner” to Hobsons Lake Drive. Their new premises boasts “a large lot for events; beautiful, spacious showroom; state-of-the-art service facility; and space for off-season storage,” says Carew. In a nod to Privateers Harley-

Davidson’s Atlantic roots, the showroom has also been outfitted with decorative crows’ nests and “a pirate ship embossed in concrete in our parts and accessories counter wall.” Plus, Carew adds, “we used local timber from an Annapolis Valley mill for the facility’s wood accents.”

The 25,000-sq.-ft. location contains “something for everybody,” says Carew.

That’s vital, because Harley-Davidson products are “for all walks of life — from the student to the doctor or lawyer, and everyone in between.”

Privateers Harley-Davidson’s visitors can count on browsing roughly 25 models onsite, “in a number of beautiful colours and options, plus a diverse collection

of ‘pre-owned’ units,” Carew says.

Price points suiting various budgets are represented, with more choice to come: “Harley-Davidson Motor Company just announced they’ll be offering new cost effective 500cc and 750cc models, starting in early 2015, and we’re very excited for that!.”

Carew describes Privateers HarleyDavidson’s 20-plus employees as having a “no pressure, customer led” approach.

Project RUSHMORE “Project RUSHMORE was a three-year-in-the-making endeavour

by Harley-Davidson,” Carew says of the recent updates to Harley-Davidson’s Touring Family. “Between all of the Touring Family models, there have been over 100 changes.”

Project RUSHMORE refinements include both physical alterations (increased comfort seating, upgraded suspensions, new fairing and windscreen design, premium finishes) and technological advancements (“infotainment” systems with touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth capability and linked ABS braking systems).

Already a Harley-Davidson mainstay, the Touring Family is now a true symbol of their motorcycle mastery.

Groups out of our dealership,” notes Carew.

“They are an awesome social outlet that support great local charities through fundraising events, and as well, do weekly rides in the riding season”

ABOVE Glen Carew

“It’s a great environment, whether you’re in to buy a T-shirt, parts and accessories or even a brand new motorcycle,” he says. “We employ unique and positive customer service — our customers sing our praises.”

For many devotees, Privateers HarleyDavidson isn’t just the dealership where they bought their bike. It’s a hub they can return to anytime for parts and accessories; financing, detailing, preventative maintenance, riding apparel; or just come in to chat. “We sponsor two Harley Owners

Remember Carew’s words earlier — “on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you experience 100 per cent personal, independent freedom”? That freedom is something everyone — from veteran riders to streetside fans — instinctively recognizes and understands. For a taste of it, Privateers Harley-Davidson is your port of call.

Privateers Harley Davidson 74 Hobsons Lake Drive, Halifax 902.444.4647 www.privateershd.com

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Complete Auto Body Service for the Discerning Motorist

BY Trina annand PHoTos Bruce Jollimore

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vehicle is a necessity for a modern lifestyle, but we rarely give it a second thought until there’s a problem. Accidents happen everyday and can deprive a car-dependent family of their way of life. At The Coachworks Limited, the experienced staff understands how difficult and traumatic a car accident can be, and take great pains to ensure their clients are taken care of every step of the way.

For more than 30 years, Coachworks has been providing superior service to HRM

— doing what they can to get clients back on the road and back to normal, even offering onsite car rentals. “We do our best to remove the trauma from the experience of getting your vehicle fixed after a car accident,” says owner Terry Hill. “You wouldn’t know we are a body shop when you walk in the door. We have created a relaxing environment for our clients, with plush seating and a big screen TV.” After discovering a love of cars in the late 60s and moving to Canada, opening his own collision centre seemed like a

natural choice for Hill, who shares the business with his wife Dee and brother Andy. The family owned and operated business ensures that when clients call the shop, they are guaranteed to speak with a person who actually knows about cars, rather than a call centre.

In their new 10,000-sq.-ft. facility in the Bayers Lake Business Park, Coachworks can handle vehicles of all makes, models and sizes, including the largest motorhomes and RVs. “We treat every car

ABOVE Amy Grant and Lynn Ganyo

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as if it were a high-end car. Client care is what truly sets our business apart; every job is as important as the last,” says Hill. The company is dedicated to great customer service and offers a lifetime warranty on all labour done in the shop. The body shop’s staff of eight has a combined 160 years experience and all work is inspected every step of the way. Hill says clients can feel rest assured they are receiving expert service each time they visit the shop.

As a body shop, most of the company’s work is insurance related, and it pays to stay informed; insurance clients have the right to get their car repaired wherever they would like. “I was very impressed with the amazing job Coachworks did on my car,” says customer Jeff Clarke of Halifax. “You would never know I was in an accident. Their staff was very knowledgeable and friendly.”

“After all these years I still have a passion for my job,” says Hill. “If you do something with passion and you are good at what you do, you will always be happy. I still love getting my hands dirty and being able to make customers happy.” When the unexpected happens, the pros at Coachworks will get drivers back on the road, good as new and with a sparkling clean vehicle. Whether clients are driving a Pontiac or a Porsche, at Coachworks, everyone is family.

OPPOSITE L-R Doug, Steve, Justice, Paul, JR,

Wim. Missing: Jerome ABOVE Terry and Dee Hill

The Coachworks Limited 117 Hobsons Lake Drive, Bayer Lake, Halifax 902.450.5100 coachworkshalifax.com

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STOP IN TO SEE WHAT YOU BUILT TODAY PRIVATEERS HARLEY-DAVIDSON速 74 Hobsons Lake Drive Privateersharleydavidson.com 902-444-4647

What can Control4 Home Automation do for you?

LIGHTING • safety & efficiency WATCH • easily with just one button LISTEN • any song, anytime, anywhere SECURITY • peace of mind CLIMATE • comfort & convenience COMMUNICATE • between all rooms ACCESS • by iPhone, iPad & Android

your home.smarter

100 Main Street, Dartmouth | 902-434-5511 | glubes.ca

W. BRETT WILSON on Capital Appreciation

Demonstrating Respect to Build a Better Business

BY TONYA LAMBERT PHOTOS HEATHER FRITZ, COURTESY OF PRAIRIE MERCHANT CORP.

Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist and investment banker, W. Brett Wilson believes that respect is a key ingredient to success in all areas of one’s life — personal and professional. According to Wilson, to be treated with respect is a basic human desire, and people soon lose interest in relationships where this is lacking. Indeed, Wilson writes that a lack of respect in the workplace is the most common reason people will leave a job. “The most important asset you will ever have, and the one that appreciates the most, is the human capital you hire, develop and retain,” says Wilson. In other words, if you want to grow your business, you need to attract and retain good people, and to do that, you need to establish a work environment that is based upon mutual respect.

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person’s word and handshake should mean something, and he often closes a deal on that very basis. Leaders also need to set an example by being honest.

He advises that if you do not know something, admit it; but also be sure to let people know that you are taking steps to acquire the information. If you make a mistake, admit it and learn from it. Wilson believes mistakes are opportunities for learning, and that a mistake is only a failure when you do not learn from it.

“

Respect is an essential part of a successful company. It’s the responsibility of a business leader to foster an environment of respect in the workplace so that line managers in turn treat their employees with courtesy and appreciation.”

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ilson chooses what he says carefully, demonstrating both a love of words and a respect for their power. He expresses a belief that everyone should understand their own definition of important words, and know what success and respect means to them. He gives as an example a person’s definition of success, which will reflect their values and determine their approach to everything in life, including business.

Whether their definition of success is a large bank account or being a great dad, it will be reflected in personal choices.

Without a clear understanding of what key words and concepts mean to you, he says, you will be directionless and your business and relationships will flounder.

Wilson’s book, with its reflective title — Redefining Success: Still Making Mistakes — is a thoughtful consideration of definitions. He writes, “For me, respect is the ability to value another person and

their perspective. It involves treating people with courtesy and kindness.

Respect is not the same as agreement. In fact, it is a basic sign of respect to trust people enough to tell them when you disagree. But respect should dictate how you express your opinion.”

Wilson says that attitude is everything.

He has no interest in doing business with someone whose attitude is winat-all-costs; he chooses, rather, to deal with those who treat others fairly and respectfully. This approach is geared towards long-term success rather than short-term gain.

Trust, he says, is a key component of respect; you cannot respect someone whom you cannot trust. Business leaders need to ensure that their employees, partners and clients know that they are trustworthy by honouring their commitments. Wilson believes that a

Employees and clients need to be able to trust that business owners and managers will deal with problems in a timely and respectful manner. According to Wilson, it is the rare employer who deals with an under-performing employee in a timely fashion. Most employers will allow problems to continue on a lot longer than they should because most people by nature avoid conflict. Unfortunately, such delays undermine a sense of trust in management. Furthermore, Wilson advises that once an issue has been dealt with, it should be left alone; do not go picking at scars.

Another way to create respect in the workplace, Wilson advises, is through establishing mutual interests. This can be done in many ways. First, everyone needs to know the company’s aims and the plans in place to achieve them; that way, everyone feels they are a part of things. One way that Wilson achieves this is by beginning each day with everyone gathered together for what he terms “the office huddle.” Second, if people understand the company’s goals and plans, they can then contribute to their attainment by voicing their concerns about what is not working and sharing their ideas on how to improve performance. Listening to the ideas and concerns of your staff and acting on them when deemed appropriate, Wilson adds, fosters feelings of mutual interest and respect.

This leads to the third and, possibly most important, component to establishing respect in any relationship: communication. Leaders need to convey their ideas, thoughts, feelings and concerns to others in a constructive manner, while at the same time listening to their ideas, thoughts, feelings and concerns in an open, thoughtful, nonjudgmental way. Wilson says that a willingness to communicate shows that you value the other person. An employee

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who feels valued will work harder and more creatively, be loyal to the company, and contribute to an overall positive atmosphere at work.

Wilson advises companies to participate in team-building exercises to help build trust and mutual interests, as well as to foster better communication. In his own companies, staff have participated in a variety of activities — often outdoors — which require them to work together to achieve a goal.

If you place people first, Wilson says, you will have a better chance of success; this is true in your personal life, as well as in the business world. The tagline of FirstEnergy, an energy-focused investment bank that Wilson co-founded in 1993, is “Our focus is energy, but our passion is people.” The huge success achieved by this company is proof that people are a company’s number one asset and that investing in them is of the utmost importance. Wilson writes, “When you’re investing in someone, think of it as a relationship rather than a transaction.

The best relationships are based on trust, respect and mutual interests. And those relationships are the best way to make money.” Demonstrate respect to others — business partners, employees, clients and even competitors — and you will not only earn their respect in return, but also see your capital appreciate.

W. Brett Wilson has earned the distinction of being one of Canada’s top investment bankers; FirstEnergy is a globally recognized energy-investment firm, of which Wilson was a founding member. His success as an entrepreneur has led Wilson into the Canadian spotlight where he has been a co-star of The Dragon’s Den and host of Risky Business. Wilson is also widely known for his philanthropy, a focus in his life to which he lends his energy, marketing expertise and mentorship. Wilson hails from North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

His book, Redefining Success: Still Making Mistakes (2012) is published

by Penguin Group, Canada and widely available in bookstores.

Wilson speaking with attendees of the sixth annual Pitch Party on November 14, hosted by the University of Saskatchewan’s Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Photos

by David Stobbe

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CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MAKING HALIFAX ‘HOME’

BY TORI STAFFORD PHOTOS KAILEY MANDER

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t takes thoughtful planning and effective decision making to choose the house that will become your home. It is an important process that the team at Domus Realty has spent the past 25 years mastering and sharing with clients.

In 1989, Domus Realty opened the doors of the real estate company with a difference. For those at Domus, the goal was never to become the largest firm in the area, but rather the company that provides consistent, high-level service to each and every client.

Domus Realty proudly serves the metro Halifax area, and has helped countless people buy and sell real estate. Their reputation for professional, caring service in the real estate industry has led to numerous awards and a plethora of satisfied clients.

The five core values established at the company’s inception — integrity, dedication, professionalism, experience and understanding — are still the foundation of the Domus philosophy.

To reinforce these values, education remains a top priority. All principles with

the company either hold the Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Canada (FRI) designation, or are currently working to fulfill the stringent requirements outlined by the Institute. The company was awarded the Real Estate Institute of Canada’s Corporate Citizen Award for its promotion of the FRI designation.

Exhaustive research and dedication from Realtors® further ensure efficient, unparallelled and knowledgeable service. The company’s outstanding business ethic has awarded Domus Realty a high percentage of repeat

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and referral business, which speaks to the team’s level of dedication to customer satisfaction.

“Our business is built on quality service, and putting our clients’ needs first,” says Sandy Rutledge, co-owner and broker of Domus Realty. But Rutledge is quick to point out that quality service and customer satisfaction are not the only building blocks of the business.

Domus has always put a strong emphasis on the importance of charitable work and community involvement, Rutledge explains. “We are always looking for ways to give back to our community,” he says.

In keeping with the goal of helping others find homes in Halifax, many of Domus’ charitable endeavours focus on eradicating homelessness. ‘Domus’ being the Latin word for ‘home’, it is only fitting that when the company began their own initiative in 2009, they called it ‘A Home

for Everyone’. ‘A Home for Everyone’ solicits not-for-profit organizations in the Halifax Regional Municipality that focus on homelessness to apply for annual grants. The program is entirely funded by donations from Domus Realtors®, who have contributed more than $110,000 to date. Agencies benefiting from the fund include Supportive Housing for Young Mothers (SHYM), Community Action on Homelessness, Laing House, Phoenix Youth, Alice Housing, Morris House, and the YWCA. Domus agents also give faithfully to numerous other causes, both cultural and charitable, in volunteer hours and monetary contributions, including Symphony Nova Scotia, Shelter Nova Scotia and Phoenix Youth.

Local, provincial and national industry organizations have also benefited over the years from the presence of Domus Realtors®, who have served on numerous committees and boards.

ABOVE TOP L–R Ainslie MacNeil-Campbell, Maura Nolan OPPOSITE L–R Jarrett Murphy, Kelly Hamilton

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These include the Halifax-Dartmouth Real Estate Board, the Nova Scotia Real Estate Association, the Canadian Real Estate Association, and the Real Estate Institute of Canada.

From their commitment to providing an unsurpassed standard in real estate services, to their desire to continually improve their community and industry, Domus has spent 25 years making Halifax home for many clients.

“At Domus, real estate isn’t about buildings and places,” says Rutledge. “It’s about people and homes.”

Domus Realty 100 – 5880 Spring Garden Road 902.422.0555 info@domus.ns.ca www.domusrealty.ca

ABOVE Back Row: Ernie Buote, Kelly Hamilton, Gail Morris, Meghan Laing, Jarrett Murphy, Sandy Rutledge. Front Row: Ainslie MacNeil-Campbell, Leslie Campbell, Kelly Cowan, Maura Nolan and Brenda MacKenzie FineLifestyles

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Grandhaven estates Phase I Opening in Late Summer 2014!

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he Grandhaven Estates sets a new standard for extraordinary living. Nestled in the charming and rapidly growing area of Clayton Park West, located on Washmill Lake Drive, Grandhaven Estates will combine tranquility, luxury and a thriving community to make your life a new adventure. This prestigious new project of more than 100 luxurious modern suites per building, combining the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art quality and design, will offer you living as it should be experienced.

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Grandhaven Estates is designed for every age — from retired folks who want the enjoyment of an independent lifestyle free from the worries of household management, to the many modern professionals whose busy schedules leave little time for running a home. A heated pool and an immaculate suite for entertaining friends are just two of the amenities awaiting you. A quick swim in the heated pool, a leisurely meal perhaps — already prepared — a suite immaculately readied for guests or just yourself and a good book or entertaining friends in the Grandhaven Clubhouse are

just some of the amenities awaiting you.

Grandhaven Estates is also just steps away from Bayers Lake Business Park, schools, medical clinics and walking trails.

The one-bedroom, one-bedroom and den, two-bedroom and den, and three-bedroom suites will showcase sophisticated architecture and elegant interior design.

Comforts, including state-of-the-art appliances, all-wood flooring, exceptional finish work and panoramic views are just some of what these suites will offer.

To make the picture whole, all that is missing are your furnishings and

your own personal touch to make The Grandhaven Estates your home. Come home to The Grandhaven Estates, to a haven created by you, reflecting your values and desires.

Below is a list of amenities and services that will be offered.

Amenities (interior) • Spacious open concept suites • One-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus den and three-bedroom luxury suites • Four Exquisite two level penthouse suites • Two high-speed passenger elevators • Back-up power electrical generator • Superior insulation • Six top-of-the line stainless steel appliances

• • • •

Porcelain tile and hard wood flooring High-end finishes Heat, hot water Underground parking with private storage room • Wash bay in underground parking • Panoramic views

Building Amenities (exterior) • Tennis court • Garden plots for residents

Grandhaven Residence Clubhouse Take full advantage of our extraordinary Residence Clubhouse. This facility will be designed to offer the ultimate entertainment, comfort and convenience right at your doorstep.

• • • • • • •

Indoor swimming pool Full fitness facility Cafe/bistro Library-computer centre Private function room TV lounge/media room Hair salon & spa (not included) Discount for residents • Medical clinic

Services • 24/7 camera surveillance • On-site management Cosmos Properties and Developments 80 Camelot Lane, Halifax office: 902.457.5375 cell:902.830.2715 cell:902.830.3548 fax: 902.445.9648 www.cosmosproperties.ca

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Jack & co.

Offering Peace of Mind for More than 150 Years

By Tobie HainsTock By bruce Jollimore

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t’s a story that’s been almost 155 years in the making. It was 1860 when Jack & Co. first opened its doors. The goal was to provide necessary insurance products and services to customers.

A Bit of History Three generations of the Bishop family have kept Jack & Co. serving clients since the early 1900s. “My grandfather [Gerald Bishop] got into business after working in Newfoundland,” says Richard Bishop.

He goes on to tell the story of the secret marriage between his grandparents. “My grandfather was a bank teller and at that time they couldn’t marry unless they made

$1,700 per year, and he was only making $1,200.” His grandfather wrote to his mother-in-law, confessing the marriage and pleaded that she send her daughter [Rena] to Newfoundland to be with him.

She refused, and this set Rena out looking for work in Halifax for her husband. There was an opening at Jack & Co. During the late 1950s, Bishop’s father, Keith, a civil engineer with Standard Oil, became president of Jack & Co., taking over from his father. In 1985, Keith passed the business on to his sons John and Richard. Richard Bishop assumed leadership of the company in 2001.

Impeccable Service Bishop reminisces about both the good and the hard times. How has Jack & Co. survived such a rich history and overcome so many challenges?

“Insurance is a business of helping people,” says Bishop. “At Jack & Co., we focus on service, and that’s why people come back year after year.” The business offers a wide selection of insurance products, including home, auto and tenant packages, and all kinds of business products.

Bishop and his team inform clients about the different types of insurance policies.

ABOVE The staff at Jack and Co. were part of a bowling league back in 1958, including Gerald Bishop (on the floor, far right with his legs out stretched), Keith Bishop (back row, third from the right), Gerry Barrett, (far right on the same top row, worked at the firm for more than 50 years), Lou Moir (on Keith’s right, worked with the company for 15 years before leaving to become a judge), and Gertrude Peters (far right, third row from the floor, worked at the company for more than 50 years).

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“

We offer peace of mind to our customers and that’s the most important thing

”

RIGHT L–R Richard Bishop, Paula Glencross, Keith Moir

“It’s important to educate the client about the details, and we take it very seriously,” says Bishop. “People have said that nobody has taken time to explain the policies to them. We treat each customer’s policy as if it were our own… we pay attention to the minor details.

The customer is our boss!” Bishop brings years of teaching to the business and his empathy shows.

Insurance is often the last thing on people’s minds, and Bishop recommends that everyone take a few minutes to meet with their broker and review their coverage. “If people could spent just a few minutes with their broker, it would save them time, trouble and money.”

Bishop says that the independent broker is just that, independent. “We bring two critical consumer values to the table.

We are independent, meaning that we represent our customers in all aspects from choosing the product to help settling a claim and we have choice of insurance companies to choose the best fit for our customers. Our customers are not locked in to just one company as some consumers find themselves in and nowhere to turn.”

After being successful in business for more than a century and a half, the humility of Jack & Co. is noteworthy. “We offer peace of mind to our customers and that’s the most important thing,” says Bishop.

Jack & Co 1903 Barrington Street Halifax 902.422.1313 www.jack-co.com

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Golf The Most Welcoming

Members Facility In Nova Scotia

GOLF REDEFINED Oakfield Golf and Country Club boasts a proud history of being one of the finest championship golf courses in Atlantic Canada in addition to embracing the reputation as being the most welcoming family facility in Nova Scotia Our 2014 Season has exciting offers! § FLEX MEMBERSHIP: Golf Mon-Thurs at a price that balances your busy schedule and golf time § FAMILY COMPANION MEMBERSHIP: Add your spouse and/or children to your adult membership and share 20 rounds of golf with the people most important to you

Oakfield welcomes visitors throughout the golf season.

Call our Pro-Shop for details & to book your tee time today!

902.861.2658

§ TRIAL MEMBERSHIP: Dip your toes and try our club for the 2014 season for only $1250.00 + HST. Includes 15 rounds of golf and access to club tournaments, practice greens, and driving range.

6055 Hwy #2 Enfield • 902.861.2777 • swhiting@oakfield.ca • oakfield.ca

ENJOY YOUR BATH-SPARKLESLIKE-NEVER-BEFORE-ROOM

Call now for a free, no-obligation estimate

422-6243 (MAID)

Serving Halifax.

Get the kind of clean that only comes from a team of specialists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; professionals who, for maximum efficiency, split up to focus on their areas of expertise: kitchen, bathroom, dusting or vacuuming. They follow a rigorous 22-step deep cleaning system and use back pack vacuums with HEPA filtration for a far more thorough clean. Learn more at Maids.com.

Referred for a reason.

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Annapolis Valley

A VitAl

Valley Visit Grand-Pré national Historic site

By Rebecca SchneideReit Photos chRiS ReaRdon [PaRkS canada/ GRand-PRé national hiStoRic Site]

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G

“

rand-Pré was [once] one of the largest settlements in l’Acadie,” recounts Brigitte Cooney, interpretation officer coordinator at Grand-Pré. “It was known as ‘the breadbasket of l’Acadie.’” That was before the grand dérangement in 1755 saw more than 2,000 Acadians banished from the Valley community.

Nearly a century later, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1847 poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie propelled the region into the public eye. “People came to see the ‘land of Evangeline,’” says Cooney. “It basically put Grand-Pré on the map.” The following decades saw numerous individuals and institutions help create what is now GrandPré National Historic Site; by the early 60s it was officially proclaimed as such.

Cooney says that approximately 25,000 individuals now visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site each year. That includes a percentage of modern Acadians, as well as Louisianans [expelled Acadians evolved that state’s “Cajun” community].

“For many of them, it’s a pilgrimage, it’s a homecoming,” says Cooney. “It can be a very, very emotional time.”

Guests exploring Grand-Pré’s expansive grounds will find a visitor centre, memorial church, blacksmith shop and more. Many of the most charming features are outdoors, including traditional Acadian vegetables and herbs in the “kitchen garden,” and “Evangeline’s Well,” which Cooney says is “believed to date back to the Acadian days.”

Grand-Pré National Historic Site has aesthetic, as well as historic, appeal.

The gardens regularly host marriage ceremonies, and art pieces — including a stained glass window depicting the Expulsion — are displayed in the church.

And then there’s Henry Hébert’s 1920 Evangeline statue. “It is said that when you walk around the statue, that you will see her age,” says Cooney. “However, the artist did not leave any reference to that.” A sculptor’s mastery? A viewer’s imagination? Or, perhaps, a manifestation of the history, which seems to enchant the air at Grand-Pré?

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Annapolis Valley

Avon vAlley Where Peace and Tranquility are Par for the Course

By Henny Buffinga

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ocated in the picturesque Annapolis Valley, Avon Valley Golf and Country Club is only a fleeting 40-minute drive from the heart of Halifax. This lush 18-hole course offers a refreshing break from the bustle of the Halifax core. Although it is easily accessible from the highway, the location offers the peace and quiet of the country, making this the perfect location for a day trip.

“The scenery here is beautiful,” says general manager Brad Corkum. “We have ducks, pheasants and deer on the course, which adds to the experience for our players.” In addition to the wildlife, Avon Valley also boasts many gardens to complete the setting. It is the bestgroomed course in the province, says Corkum, thanks to the hard work of their greenskeeper, Dean Woodman, who has been with the course for more than 30 years. “Our playing conditions are second to none.”

Avid golfers can start their season early at Avon Valley. The weather is often better in the valley, allowing the course to open earlier in the season than most courses in the city — often as early as mid-April.

Avon Valley has a webcam on their website that allows customers to view the current weather conditions on the course.

Golf enthusiasts sitting in their offices looking at the rain can be lured onto the links at a glance of the webcam.

Guests can also enjoy a delicious meal under the shelter of the covered deck adjoining the clubhouse. They can keep track of the golfing action as the deck overlooks four holes of the course. Avon Valley’s modern clubhouse features a full staff and kitchen, which is open seven days a week. Their facilities

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are also equipped to accommodate corporate functions; their clubhouse can hold 100 guests while the course can accommodate another 100 as well.

Corporate packages include a golf cart and a meal.

Avon Valley offers 10-minute tee times for the convenience of their customers, and a wide range of golfing options from 10-round packages for repeat customers, to businesses renting the entire course for the day. Rounds are also offered at a reduced cost after 1 p.m.

Guests can avail of the club’s golf assistant throughout the day, as well as the beverage cart that tours the greens. Avon Valley offers excellent customer service, and offers the superior facilities of a private club with

the friendliness of a public course. “You’re not just a guest,” Corkum says. “You’re a member for the day.”

The staff is very dedicated to giving the full experience to their customers. It helps that many of them are passionate about their work. “I’ve always loved the game,” says Corkum. “I spent most of my career working in business, but this was always what I wanted to do. At age 40 I got out of that world and began doing this. I wanted to do this while I have time left, and I find it really rewarding.”

Avon Valley Golf and Country Club 595 Falmouth Back Road, Falmouth Office 902.798.4654 Pro Shop 902.798.2673 avonvalleygolf.com Avon Valley Golf

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Annapolis Valley

North CorNer Grill

By Michelle May Photos Matt Kozera

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n the Annapolis Valley, perched at the top of the Cornwallis Hill, there is a little restaurant that is as much a part of Kentville’s history as the Cornwallis Inn. A fixture since the 1930s, the diner at the corner of Exhibition Street and Cornwallis Street has always been a great spot to grab a bite to eat.

great home-style food with friendly hometown service continues with the diner’s latest transformation into North Corner Grill. Going back to its roots with true 50s diner décor, North Corner Grill celebrates its history with a memory wall filled with photos contributed by patrons from the past.

In more than 80 years of business, its legacy includes a litany of business names including Elmer’s, Peter’s Lunch, Young’s Lunch, Wood’s Lunch, Hayes Lunch, Maude’s Lunch, and The Snack Shack.

Depending on who you ask, some of these are still used to reference this spot as a meeting place for early bird breakfast.

Meals of the highest quality are prepared using all the bounty the Valley has to offer whenever possible. Handmade recipes include local fruit, produce and grassfed beef, along with fresh, locally made breads and desserts.

Owners have changed and the interior has changed, but the tradition of

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A strong believer in shopping local, North Corner Grill prides itself in not only feeding the Valley, but also supporting the Valley. However, as owner Maresa

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Davidson so aptly remarks, “The goodness that surrounds us makes it easy to buy local!” That support extends to the people of the community, including The Flower Cart (a local adult employment support service), local sports teams, and community groups.

In the spirit of “seeing a need and filling it,” North Corner Grill has the perfect solution to lunch on the run. Their new daily feature is the “Brown Bag” lunch.

Less expensive than many fast food combos, people on-the-go can let their fingers do the walking and call in to order a lunch that includes the daily sandwich, dessert, a piece of fruit and a drink, all for only $6.99. With ample parking, one can quickly drop in and pick up a delicious

lunch on the way to work, school, or to a picnic in a park.

Holding to the long standing tradition of the diner, the early bird breakfast always draws a hungry crowd. It starts at 6:30 a.m. Monday to Saturday, and 7 a.m. on Sundays. The best news of all, if you’re not an early riser, is breakfast is served all day.

Everyone has their favourite North Corner Grill offering. Michelle, a regular customer working nearby, is quick to share her first choice: “My personal favourite is the Portobello mushroom burger. It has lots of feta, bell peppers and red onion. Yummy!” Big news recently, was the introduction of two new menu items named “The Betty Breakfast” and “The Gerald Sandwich”, both created and named in tribute to two patrons who frequent the North Corner Grill..

Whether you’re hungry for a meal, or just for a treat, The North Corner Grill invites you to come sit at their lunch counter, on their authentic swivel diner stools, and order a delicious real ice cream milkshake or ice cream float. They’re willing to bet you won’t be able to resist giving yourself a little spin.

North Corner Grill 264 Cornwallis Street Kentville 902.678.4050 /NorthCornerGrill

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Annapolis Valley

Helping you put yourself first Photos Matt Kozera

E

very business sets out to put their clients first. After all, that is what customer service is all about.

However, Light Touch Laser, a skin and body care clinic with two locations in the Annapolis Valley, does more than that. Light Touch Laser helps clients put themselves first.

As a society, we have never been busier.

There are so many demands that pull at our time and resources that by the time the dust settles, there is nothing left to invest in ourselves.

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As a result, we often let our self-care slide and before we know it, we are not feeling, looking, or being our best. Light Touch Laser’s reason for being is to correct this.

Their treatments are designed to have the short — and more importantly — longterm effect of making life easier for men and women.

Starting from the outside and working their way in, the team at Light Touch Laser offers services that include basic skin care for all skin types; or more specialized treatments

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for troubled, aging or even sagging skin. Through exceptional products and equipment, skilled technicians and onsite cosmetic injections offered by Dr. Daniel Lazaric, Light Touch Laser has the tools and expertise to help clients obtain significant results.

Laser hair removal has a beautiful impact on the health and texture of the skin, and caters to the most practically minded with time saving techniques that result in an improvement in quality of life.

ABOVE tOp–BOttOm L–R Darnise Strickland, Sherri Pineo, Carrie Yeo (Owner), Carolyn Hines, Christina Monahan, Michelle May

Light Touch Laser 50 A Webster Street Kentville 902. 678.2829 kentville@lighttouch.ca 780 Central Avenue Greenwood 902.765.2639 greenwood@lighttouch.ca www.lighttouch.ca There is nothing that affects productivity more than physical health. With the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Protocol, Light Touch Laser offers one-on-one coaching, along with protein-enriched foods incorporated into daily eating. Clients are able to overcome one of life’s biggest challenges and not only lose excess weight, but actually maintain their goal weight.

Deciding to put ourselves first is only the initial step to being our best. Having the right support, guidance and knowledge to help make the most of that decision is what Light Touch Laser does best.

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EXPERTAdvice Ultrasound in Chronic Venous Disease

C Dr. Dion Davidson MD FRCSC FACS Vascular and General Surgery, Critical Care Valley Medical Aesthetics 66 Exhibition Street Kentville 902.678.2121 Toll Free: 888.471.8346 Fax: 902.678.2945 valleymedical@bellaliant.com www.vmedical.ca

hronic venous disease (CVD) is the problem underlying painful and unsightly varicose veins and sometimes ulceration.

Veins are supposed to take blood in the legs back up to the heart. For people with CVD, the pressure of gravity overcomes the veins, leading to reflux of blood back down and too much venous pressure.

How do we know when a vein is diseased? Varicose veins are easy; you can see them under the skin and they are obviously abnormal. The saphenous veins are usually more difficult to assess.

You usually canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see them. Traditionally, surgeons would try to determine whether they were refluxing and contributing to the problem by physical examination techniques alone. However, this is often not accurate.

The saphenous veins of the thighs and calves are particularly important in keeping the legs healthy. Medical researchers arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure why, but these veins are often diseased, allowing reflux of blood backward down the leg, contributing to the varicosities, pain, swelling, skin problems and other issues patients with venous disease have to deal with.

The most accurate and informative way to assess for venous reflux is with specialized ultrasound imaging.

This involves an experienced and knowledgeable technologist scanning the saphenous veins while the patient is standing. The examiner will squeeze the leg to push blood upward within the vein and then watch for reflux. He or she can also map the size and shape of the veins, which can also be very helpful for planning procedures.

The goal of any venous surgery or procedure should be to treat only diseased or refluxing veins, while keeping damage to non-diseased veins and other complications to a minimum.

By removing or otherwise treating refluxing veins, overall venous circulation is improved, varicosities are diminished or made easier to treat later, symptoms are improved and the chronic disease is lessened. Obviously, it would not be helpful (more likely harmful) to remove a vein that is healthy.

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The surgeon can use this information to then discuss procedural treatment options, including simple direct sclerotherapy, ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, phlebectomies, saphenous vein stripping surgery and endovenous ablation office procedures.

Modern ultrasound imaging allows a surgeon to tailor a patient`s options and recommendations, allowing them to make informed decisions for better outcomes.

MAKE VARICOSE VEINS A THING OF YOUR PAST

Remember Life Before Varicose Veins?

You can have that freedom again with EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). It is a safe, quick and minimally invasive laser procedure that leaves no scar. Performed in our office, the treatment requires no anaesthetic and takes approximately one hour. The results are long term and spectacular.

EVLT eliminates varicose veins at the source, reducing pressure on the remaining healthy veins and improving their lifespan. Relieving this pressure can help the legs feel and look better, enhancing your overall life and wellness.

Extreme venous disease can see ulcers that take months to heal, the key is preventing them in the first place by reducing the venous pressure and the potential for the blood to pool in the lower legs.

EVLT allows you to return to normal activities right away with little or no discomfort while traditional â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;vein strippingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; can see you off work four-to-six weeks.

Knowing your options is half the battle. Our certified team of specialists are here to serve and inform you about your options and the best possible solutions for your varicose veins. Vascular surgeons and radiologists, ultrasonographers, laser technicians and compression stocking fitters make up our exclusive team to meet your needs.

Now you can make varicose veins a thing of your past.

66 Exhibition Street, Kentville, NS P: 902-678-2121 | TF: 888-471-8346 F: 902-678-0859 | www.vmedical.ca

EXPERTAdvice Five Screenings During a Dental Hygiene Exam

The five screenings are: 1. Medical history update and its relevance to oral health (along with risk of sleep apnea) 2. Oral cancer screening 3. Occlusal (bite) screening 4. Periodontal screening 5. Restorative screening

Dr. Trevor Archibald, dds Park Street Dental Clinic Inc. 70 Coldbrook Village Park Road Coldbrook 902.678.7530 www.parkstreetdental.net

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ecently, my hygienists, office manager and myself attended a dental hygiene course to update us on the latest advancements in the hygiene world. One component the course highlighted is the importance of using five screenings during a dental hygiene exam. We already perform these screenings as part of our practice, but this course helped us organize them better.

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There are a number of reasons to update medical history, including its relevance to oral treatment, but also to evaluate any link between systemic health and oral disease. In recent years, there has been a link made between oral bacteria and other systemic disease, such as heart disease. If someone is on heartrelated medications, we need to pay closer attention to the oral condition, to see if there is any potential link. Also, some meds lead to a dry mouth, which can have oral complications Oral cancer is highly treatable if it is caught early, but unfortunately doesn’t have a high five-year survival rate because it is not usually caught early.

We feel it is very important to check both the extraoral tissue (cheeks, lips, temporalmandibular joints, lymph nodes of the neck, and thyroid), and intra oral soft tissues for any abnormalities that may be present.

The occlusal exam, or bite assessment, includes looking at wear on the teeth, extra growths of bone, erosion of tooth structure at the gum line, recession of the gums, and muscle and joint tenderness in the head and neck. It may also include symptoms people may experience, like

SPECIAL FEATURE ANNAPOLIS VALLEY

headaches, neck and shoulder pain, ear congestion, ringing in the ears, dizziness, sensitive teeth and joint pain.

Periodontal disease affects many more people than the general public is aware of because it is a painless, chronic, often slow progressing disease process. In our periodontal assessment, we check the colour, position and thickness of the gums. We also measure the depth of the “collar” of the gum around the teeth — this will give us an indication of the health of the supporting tissue of the teeth. The final process is to check on tissue response — Does the gum bleed on gentle stimulation? If we are concerned that there is a risk of, or the patient has periodontal disease, we recommend a full periodontal exam and periodontal therapy to achieve optimal health. We may even recommend a pathogen test to see what bacteria are present, in what quantities and how to best treat them.

With the restorative assessment we look at cavities in teeth, older/failing fillings, cracks in teeth, missing teeth, colour/ position of teeth, and for any dead or infected teeth.

We feel that these five screenings will give each patient a quick, but concise overview of their oral health and how it relates to their overall health. If there are problems that we have detected it allows the patient to understand the situation and what options are available to them to solve it if they so wish. That is our commitment to our patient’s oral health.

HRM

MARKET GUIDE

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Your Shortest Learning Curve to Beautiful Lighting Our certified lighting professionals will ensure you have beautiful and effective lighting that’s in harmony with your environment, lifestyle and budget. Call, email or visit our awesome studio in Wolfville. Serving Atlantic Canada and beyond!

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FineLifestyles

HRM

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Ignite your senses IgnIte your senses Photo credit: Bruce Jollimore Photography

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