Fine Lifestyles Winnipeg Spring 2014

FineLifestyles Lifestyles SPRING 2014 | VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

WINNIPEG WELCOMES THE JUNOS CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF THE ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET STONEWALL: A PROUD AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY

WINNIPEG

ALLAN ASPLIN THE JUDY LINDSAY TEAM AND ORANGE CONSTRUCTION

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Roller shades

Shut ters

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Lisa, owner

Little Luxuries HOUSE CLEANING LTD.

204-795-9835 • luxuries@mts.net • www.littleluxuries.ca FineLifestyles

Winnipeg

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first word With Fine Lifestyles editors Anna Delaney and Brandi Parnell

W

It all starts with our cover story — Allan Asplin of The Judy Lindsay Team and Orange Construction.

Asplin and his team are leading the way in Winnipeg, both in real estate and construction. The Winnipeg Jets were wrapping up their regular season as we went to print, as was Juno Week 2014. We take a look at both as well as a look back at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet as they look forward to their 75th anniversary. Lastly, we travel to Stonewall — a community focused on building a future for one and all.

These pages are filled with style, song and soul. We hope you enjoy reading each page, Winnipeg, as we welcome spring.

Anna & Brandi

A Note From the Associate Publisher

Art Direction

Candace Haiko 204.232.8277

Crystal Johnson 204.688.7774

jons@finelifestyles.ca

candaceh@finelifestyles.ca

crystalj@finelifestyles.ca

Design Natasha Burkholder Brittany Pickrem

Cover Photography Photography

Contributing Writers

Jon Stebbe 204.228.5308

Amber Moon, Senior Lisa Redden, Associate

Staff Writers

I am thrilled the time has come for us to share our inaugural issue of Fine Lifestyles Winnipeg.

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Anna Delaney annad@finelifestyles.ca Brandi Parnell brandip@finelifestyles.ca

My sincerest “thank you” to everyone involved in the process of putting this magazine together, including our advertising partners, editors, advertising consultants, writers, photographers and our entire in-house team. Your passion and commitment shine through the pages of this incredible issue. We hope you enjoy the first of many more to come.

Winnipeg

Spring 2014 Associate Editors

Rhonda Tannahill

The friendly Manitoban reception we have received has been tremendous and we are truly grateful.

FineLifestyles

WINNIPEG

elcome to the inaugural issue of Fine Lifestyles Winnipeg. This issue has been a culmination of hard work, creative efforts and dynamic personalities. It has also been a joint editorial effort. As you peruse the pages, we hope you are taken aback at the vibrant people and stories that make Winnipeg a mecca for fine living.

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Trina Annand Henny Buffinga Tobie Hainstock Tonya Lambert Appoline Lucyk Alyssa Rudyck Rebecca Schneidereit Tori Stafford Courtney Tait Rejean Brandt Pauline Boldt Rejean Brandt Danielle Clement Monika Cloutier David Cooper Shawn Fillion Heather Fitz Verna Kakowchyk Gerry Kopelow Nikki Mathieu Carmen Matthews Nardella Photography Inc. Singh Photography Dan Wexler

Karin Cowan Katrina Geenevasen Anne Gray Meredith Heron Lauren Power Paul Sinkewicz Brook Thalgott Sarah Vermette

Associate Publisher Rhonda Tannahill

rhondat@finelifestyles.ca 204-430-2266 Distribution & Subscriptions wayne@finelifestyles.ca

finemags @finemags Fine Lifestyles Winnipeg is published six times a year by Fine Lifestyles, Ltd. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement. All contents of Fine Lifestyles, Ltd., publications are copyrighted 2014 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles, Ltd. or its writers. The name Fine Lifestyles Winnipeg, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers.

The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Lifestyles, Ltd. or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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

contents contents

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SPRING 2014

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SPRING 2014

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SWISH Shows us Trends for Spring

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FaSHIon on Ice Warms up Winnipeg

Style

11HealtH SWISH and Shows us Trends for Spring WellneSS 1422 FaSHIon on Ice Warms up Winnipeg THe ImporTance of Oral Health

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Style

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. It’s a tone-on-tone hide, and the geometric pattern adds some to the In this two-storey living room, we life needed without being overlymore bossy. to arrangement make the seating area feel It both and grounds the space and keeps intimate inviting.

We opted for a it feeling open andhide airyarea — no easy custom-designed rug.

Thetask!

Align rug is part of my new exclusive collection of rugs. It’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 — no easy task!

2250 THe ImporTance of Oral THe Health WInnIpeg WelcomeS JunoS 54

75 YearS oF The Royal Winnipeg Ballet

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artS, dining & entertainment 50 WInnIpeg WelcomeS THe JunoS HouSe & Home 5486 75addIng YearS oF The Royal Winnipeg Ballet cHaracTer to Your Yard 88

dreSSIng the Fifth and Sixth Walls

HouSe & Home

86Cover addIng cHaracTer to Your Yard 8891 dreSSIng the Fifth and Sixth Wallsto Real Estate Team Work: A Proven Approach 94

BuIldIng a BrIgHT Orange Future

Cover

91SportS, Team Work: A Proven Approach to Real Estate reCreation & travel 94118 BuIldIng BrIgHT Orange SoarIng:aThe Winnipeg JetsFuture

SportS, reCreation & travel BuSineSS

BY TOBIE HAINSTOCK PHOTOS COURTESY FORD MOTOR COMPANY

118 Winnipeg Jets 143 SoarIng: W. BreTTThe WIlSon on Capital Appreciation

BuSineSS WHeelS

BY TOBIE HAINSTOCK PHOTOS COURTESY FORD MOTOR COMPANY

143 BreTT50TH WIlSon on Capital Appreciation 158 W. HappY Birthday, Mustang!

WHeelS SpeCial Feature 158 50TH Birthday, Mustang!

164 HappY SToneWall: A Vibrant Community 188 reTaIl and ServIce Directory

SpeCial Feature

164 SToneWall: A Vibrant Community 188 reTaIl and ServIce Directory

We wanted to ha clients love colou and retiring in th walls in a deep m opting for a bold c we had to balance for our area Wepiece wanted to have just that. clients loveWe’ve colour,m daybed in lieu of a and retiring in their unitinand then pum walls a deep mag story.forI love tocolo ma opting a bold transition wefoyer; had to balancesp it be taken. piece for our area ru just that. We’ve marr Pattern andofcolou daybed in lieu a re a and floorthen require unit pumpem and are easy to c story. I love to make days is not made foyer; transition spac bepast, taken.nor is it as or change it up. W hiringand a professio Pattern colour your walls a floor requireand min warn that if cha you and are easy to yourself, to never days is not made th more h past, nordivorces is it as tra or wallpapering change it up.atte We hiring a professiona your walls and ha warn that if you a yourself, to never do more divorces hap wallpapering attemp

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HealtH and WellneSS artS, dining & entertainment

88 88

158 158

11 11 143 143

Creating Smiles

One FlOwer at a time

By Trina Annand Photos Shawn Fillion

F

or centuries flowers have been used in every celebration, whether to mark an arrival, departure or anything in between.

As the inspiration for art, architecture and decoration, flowers have the power to brighten a space and someone’s day at the same time. The experts at Designing Divas Floral Shoppe understand the importance of flowers in everyday life, as well as for celebrating special occasions. “Flowers are a feel good thing, they’re not just pretty.

They give you a fresh outlook and a boost of positive energy,” says Sharron Kelly, co-owner and florist at Designing Divas.

Kelly gets to spend everyday doing what she loves while working with her family, as

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well as her best friend and co-owner, Beate Abrahams-Bolen.

Every trip to Designing Divas is a unique experience. Having discovered the joy that comes from working with flowers, Kelly decided to offer it as a service to customers.

Brides have the option to create their own boutonnieres, bouquets and floral needs under Kelly’s guidance. With a large workspace, the entire bridal party can join in, making it a pre-wedding event. For an added touch on a traditional bride’s bouquet, a groom can help make it — a symbol of the life the couple will build together. This handson approach is not just for bridal parties, Kelly and her staff encourage customers

to put their own personal touch into each arrangement. “An arrangement or bouquet becomes that much more special when you can say you helped create it,” says Kelly. “We want our customers to feel like family when they are here.”

Stepping into the shoppe, customers are greeted with inviting surroundings, including an antique tin ceiling and a fresh green colour palette. The friendly staff ensures customers receive personalized service to suit their needs. A family feel permeates the business, as many of the staff members are related, including manager Jaimie Kelly, Sharron’s daughter and tech guru. For Kelly and her staff customer

ABOVE L-R Jaimie Kelly, Sharron Kelly, Kirsten Dyck.

OPPOSITE Sharron Kelly, Beate Abrahams-Bolen, Jaimie Kelly and Kirsten Dyck Winnipeg

service is key, which is why they offer a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee and photos of each arrangement so clients can see what they are sending to loved ones. Ensuring the freshest flowers and expertly crafted arrangements is only part of their customer care plan — they also offer refunds and replacement arrangements.

“Our rule is if we wouldn’t take flowers home we are not selling them to customers. I am a stickler for maintaining the highest quality and stand behind our products,” remarks Kelly.

As part of Designing Diva’s outreach program they offer free deliveries once a day to various hospitals and convalescent homes in the city. Kelly even creates arrangements for seniors who don’t have visitors, just to brighten their day. Customers at designing Divas are much more than a part of the job, they are family and friends; Kelly herself has been in the community for 25 years. The business understands the importance of building memories and relationships that last the test of time. “I love being able to meet new people, getting to know them. I love seeing them smile; it makes my day. It makes me happy to be able to express my creativity and share it with others,” Kelly says.

Designing Divas Flower Shoppe 204.452.0151 784 Corydon Ave, Winnipeg designingdivaswinnipeg.com |

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A Suit for

EVERY BODY

By Tori Stafford Photos Danielle Clement

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any women love to shop, but there are few who enjoy shopping for swimwear – that is, until they meet Donna Anderson at Peepers Swimwear.

Everything you need a swimsuit for is fun – exotic travel, swimming at the beach, spending time at the lake – so shopping for swimwear should be fun, too. Donna and her partner, Phil Marriott, took over the iconic Winnipeg swimwear boutique just under a year ago with the goal of making

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that concept a reality. Together, the couple breathed new life into the business that has been the area’s go-to swimwear store for more than 25 years, and turned Peepers into a place where customers can feel comfortable and at home. Donna brings her dogs Brody and Lily as the store’s official greeters.

With an eye for fashion and a knack for understanding women’s needs, Donna works with customers to find the ideal swimsuit for those of any shape and size.

She is also the purchaser for the store, which means her first-hand knowledge of what women want and need is the driving force behind the hundreds of full piece suits and separates Peepers has in stock.

“Our motto is ‘A Suit for Every Body,’ and that’s really what it’s all about,” Donna expresses. “Left to their own devices, most women won’t often pick up the right piece... it’s about finding what works with a woman’s body type, and personal style, and that’s what I try to do.”

While a client may not know where to start looking in Peepers’ extensive selection, it is that selection that allows Donna to offer such a wide range of options, depending on a client’s needs.

With a few basic questions, she can steer women in the right direction. “Women often say ‘I just want a basic black bottom,’ but there’s no such thing as a basic black bottom,” Donna says with a laugh, noting that, in tummy-control bottoms alone, Peepers carries six options. “Women have to be willing to try things on to find out ABOVE Chris Brezinski and Donna Anderson RIGHT Ellen Elchitz FineLifestyles

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Watch for an exciting move coming for Peepers Swimwear in May 2014.

Peepers is moving just around the corner to 866 Corydon Ave., where they can serve their clients in a larger, more comfortable location.

what does and doesn’t work for them, which is why we try to create such a comfortable and fun experience.”

The team at Peepers excels at taking the time to accommodate each unique customer and can suggest options to meet any request. “Although most women come into the store not looking forward to the experience, I would say nine times out of 10 they leave really happy and excited about their new swimwear,” Donna explains, “because it’s not about finding a swimsuit, it’s about finding the right swimsuit.”

Peepers Swimwear 252 Stafford Street 204.474.2861 info@peepersswimwear.ca www.peepersswimwear.ca

“I am really impressed by the selection of bikinis in larger sizes. Donna helped me find the perfect bikini top, which is no easy task! Wonderful customer service – It made swimsuit shopping enjoyable!”

Tara Davis

“Donna and her staff were extremely helpful and encouraging in my pursuit of the perfect fitting bathing suit. Donna asked all the right questions to get an idea of the style and fit of swimsuit I was looking for, also presenting new styles that I would not have initially considered... she has gone above and beyond to source out sizes and styles for me.”

Chris Brezinski

“As much as I love shopping, spending time looking for a suitable swimsuit was not something I was looking forward to... Donna was very quick in determining what might work best for my body shape and brought me options I would have never considered on my own. Donna turned an event I had been dreading into one of the most fun shopping experiences I’ve ever had.”

Susan Stobart ABOVE Chris Brezinski RIGHT Donna Anderson.

Donna is holding Lily and Brody is next to them on the floor.

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Shine On

Photos Rejean Brandt Creative Direction Swish Productions

From New York to Paris, the international runways saw gleaming metallic and sequinned looks — a breakout trend this season. Best worn as an accent for day, and all-over for evening, greet the warmer weather with a shiny disposition.

LEFT Metallic sequined cropped jacket (BB Dakota) from Mad About Style Boutique; Ivory sleeveless blouse and khaki front tab narrow pant (Theory) from Danali Clothing; Rhinestone sandal with ankle strap (Steven Madden) from Town Shoes. RIGHT Sweater and sequined skirt (Olivaceous) from Mad About Style Boutique; envelope clutch from Town Shoes.

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LEFT Unlined deerskin moto jacket (MIZB), sleeveless silver coated cotton top (Tiger of Sweden), and super skinny jeans (AG Adriano Goldschmied) from Danali Clothing; Original metallic rain boots (Hunter) from Town Shoes.

RIGHT Sequined gown with meshfront panel (Nicole Miller) from Therapy Boutique.

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LEFT Sequined dress (Fate) from Mad About Style Boutique. RIGHT Rufflefront ruched one-piece bathing suit (Amoena) from Peepers Swimwear; necklace from JOAN’S Accessories & More; cuff from Aevi Boutique.

Hair by John Graham at Aevi Salon; Makeup by Jocelyn Caballero; Model: Madelyn S. at Swish Model Management; Produced by Swish Productions Inc.

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FASHION ON

ICE

Takes Winnipeg’s Festival Du Voyager Audience By Storm

BY ANNA DELANEY PHOTOS SHAWN FILLION

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T

he Festival du Voyageur turned 45 this year and what better way to celebrate than by embracing the cold and putting hot fashion trends on ice. Fashion on Ice, Winnipeg’s first outdoor winter fashion show on The Forks river, brought a bit of warmth to the dark days of winter as part of the satellite river trail programming at the Forks.

“The main objectives of the event were to provide fresh, avant-garde programming, raise awareness for (the) Festival (du Voyageur) and to highlight our ultratalented design community,” says Abigail Myers, event co-ordinator and co-founder of Libby Productions. “We wanted to

celebrate winter, our city and the people within it. That’s why we approached real Winnipeggers to walk the runway; all of our models were community members that play a valuable role within the arts, cultural, economic or development sectors in the city.”

The fun, family-friendly event featured 12 local designers with lead styling

by Lexy Karsnicki, hair by the Aveda Institute, makeup by MC College, and music by DJ Colin Shots — who had everybody dancing.

“Although we are a uniquely stylish community — when people think about

winter in Winnipeg, fashion doesn’t always come to mind. Most of us tend to prioritize function when faced with sub-zero temperatures,” says Myers. “We wanted to shake things up by celebrating Winnipeg and our relationship with winter by presenting layered, collaborative winter looks against a landmark backdrop that were both functional and fashionable.

These looks wove together pieces from retailers, talented local designers, vintage materials and natural textiles that spoke to both (the) Festival’s history and modern day style.”

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Swish

Model Management and Production Excellence

By Tobie Hainstock Photos Swish Productions

S

wish Model Management and Swish Productions have been serving clients locally and around the world since 2007. Everywhere they go their reputation for excellence and integrity goes with them. fAsHion Modelling AT iTs BesT—Swish Model Management is serious about model development and is well-known around the world for its high standards. “We are very big on

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educating our models,” says Liz Crawford, chief executive officer of Swish Model Management and Swish Productions.

As a former model, Crawford understands the importance of making smart choices.

“We conduct weekly workshops to educate our models about eating right, exercising and living a positive lifestyle,” she adds.

The agency welcomes a broad selection of models, aged 12 and up, which includes a variety of ages and sizes. Clients looking

for high fashion or lifestyle models can find them at Swish.

A highly reputable agency, Swish has worked with a number of well-known clients over the years, such as Harry Rosen, Cadillac Fairview’s Polo Park Shopping Centre, Nygard International, EQ3, Lilyfield Cakes and more. The agency also represents a strong talent base including Canada’s Next Top Model, Meaghan Waller.

way to go, but with Crawford and her associates leading the way, the modelling profession is on its way to providing a safer work environment.

The team at Swish Model Management have earned their solid reputation through hard work, dedication and by keeping abreast of the most current trends in the fashion industry. You don’t become this successful by sitting on the sidelines!

A PersonAl PAssion—Not only is Swish very serious about their commitment to their clients, they are also devoted to the care, safety and success of the models they represent. Having been on the international stage for 13 years, Crawford has a broad knowledge base of what life is like for young women in the industry.

“One of the things that struck me was the vulnerability of young girls trying to get into the modelling profession,” she recalls.

Crawford is passionate about making the industry safer for young girls and women, and is a strong advocate for more regulations within the field.

After much diligence and persistence, federal laws were passed in 2008 requiring the licensing of modelling agencies in Canada. There is still a long

KeePing you “ToP of Mind”— Sister company Swish Productions is an exciting multifaceted company that provides a variety of services to businesses, charities and other organizations. By offering event planning, public relations, fashion styling and branding to their clients, Swish Productions assists in creating awareness to the public about the products and services their patrons have to offer. Crawford says Swish Productions works closely with advertising agencies as consultants to help get the right message out to the public. “We also do a lot of social media management,” she explains. This helps keep the client’s name, and who they are, in public awareness.

Whether it’s a large international corporation, a local business or a fundraising event, Swish Productions will offer you professionalism and expertise.

By putting their clients and models at the top of their priorities, the team at Swish continues to take front and centre stage both locally and globally.

Swish Productions & Swish Model Management 106-155 Sherbrook Street Winnipeg 204.221.5927 lcrawford@swishmodelmanagement.com www.swishproductions.com www.swishmodelmanagement.com |

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paulshark.it

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1730 Corydon Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3N 0K3 T 204.489.1001 info@vittorio-rossi-clothiers.ca www.vittoriorossiclothiers.ca FineLifestyles

Winnipeg

I’ll Take a Pair of Jeans with a Side of

Beautiful

By Brandi Parnell Photos Shawn Fillion

FineLifestyles

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Greenwood’s mission is to offer quality, namebrand apparel in an assortment of sizes and cuts to accommodate all styles and shapes.

She carries a wide range of high-end lines at affordable prices for both men and women. In fact, Style Bar is a perfect place for couples to shop for beautiful, contemporary and unique clothing for professional and eveningwear.

Quality is EssEntial Buying clothing is an investment. “I support high-quality clothing lines that withstand time,” she says.

Some brands that Greenwood carries are: Joe’s Jeans, Life After Denim, 7 Diamonds, Jachs, Half United — and don’t you dare forget about Sniff Soy Candles!

Each brand chosen for Style Bar is a reflection of the mindfulness of the store’s owner.

Greenwood cares about the environment by supporting sustainable companies, and she also supports humanitarian causes. “I believe it’s important to give back,” she says. Most recently she did a denim drive where 117 pairs of jeans were collected in exchange for a 40 per cent discount off a new pair. It’s beneficial for everyone — especially Resource Assistance for Youth Winnipeg, who happily accepted the gently-used denim.

R

egan Greenwood’s love for fashion has brought her across North America. In fact, she has lived in both Los Angeles and Toronto. She attended school at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in L.A., before deciding to return home to Winnipeg to pursue her lifelong dream of opening her own shop.

Last fall, she made that dream a reality.

Style Bar Boutique is an open, bright boutique located in Osborne Village, on the corner of Osborne and River Avenue. There is plenty of natural light, great coffee in the back room and the air smells incredible.

Greenwood is the only Canadian distributor of Sniff Soy Candles, one of many quality brands found at Style Bar. “I’ve been told that it actually smells like fresh-cut flowers in here,” she smiles.

“They are the best smelling candles.” Each candle burns natural ingredients for up to 50 hours; they are made with essential oils, recycled packaging and lead-free wicks.

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the inventory in my store, although certainly there is a heavier influx in spring and fall.”

Last November, Greenwood sold moustache tees and donated 25 per cent of total proceeds to prostate cancer research. Her line of jewelry called Half United is an accessories line with half of all proceeds going to help support the fight against global hunger.

Greenwood is compassionate and smart.

She is edgy and well dressed. She believes in quality and actively stays in touch with her customers via social media. Style Bar Boutique has a fun, creative Facebook page that showcases new arrivals and highlights the latest fashion trends.

Greenwood also hosts a variety of fun launches and cool events, where shoppers can drop in for a quick look at new arrivals or stay for the entire evening.

“My goal is to have an equal balance in terms of both men’s and women’s clothing available, although that can change from season to season,” says Greenwood. “I aim to have a fresh, steady approach to

When asked how she came up with the name Style Bar Boutique, Greenwood admits she has a vision for a boutique that offers stylish advice, a sweet treat or a tasty drink. “Perhaps one day I will host even more events. I like helping people put together outfits in a comfortable environment, especially men seeking a little help.”

Both her men’s and women’s lines include statement pieces. From cocktail dresses to blazers and the perfect accessories, from dress shirts, to hip hats and the best jeans, Greenwood has a great variety and the wherewithal to know just how to pull it all together.

Style Bar Boutique has been coined “homey.”

And while it certainly draws you in with its amazing aromas, its friendly staff and its open feel, it remains a fashion forward boutique in the heart of ‘The Village,’ an area known for trendsetting shops and great fashion finds.

For more information or store hours, call, Facebook or Twitter the Style Bar Boutique.

470 River Ave, Winnipeg, MB Phone: 204.505.1351

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ORAL HEALTH The Importance of The Importance of

By Apolline Lucyk

BY APOLLINE LUCYK

BY APOLLINE Oral health LUCYK is important

to every aspect of your general wellbeing:

your appearance, sense of self, your interactions with others and even

O O

ral health is important to every aspect of your general well-

your overall health.

Your sense smileofis one the key ways being: your appearance, self, yourofinteractions with you present ral health is important to every aspect of your general wellothers and even your overall health. Your smile is one of the

being: of self, interactions with yourself toyour the appearance, world, andsense your oralyour health can significantly affect key ways you present yourself to the world, and your oral health can others and even your overall health. Your smile is one of the significantly affect yourwith interactions with others. Furthermore, your interactions others.

Furthermore, poor oralpoor health can cause key ways you present yourself to the world, and your oral health can oral health can cause discomfort, such as toothaches and reduced significantly affect your interactions with others.

Furthermore, poor discomfort, chewing ability.such as toothaches and reduced chewing ability. oral health can cause discomfort, such as toothaches and reduced chewing ability.

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Poor oral health can actually lead to more severe health problems throughout the whole body. Health Canada’s document The Effects of Oral Health on Overall Health states that cavities and gum disease can contribute to the development of many serious conditions in the body, such oor oral can actually lead as diabetes and health respiratory diseases. to more severe health problems Additionally, untreated cavities can lead to serious throughout infections, andthe studies are body. even whole examiningHealth a possible link between Canada’s documentpoor The oral health disease.

Effects of and Oralheart Health on Overall Health states that cavities and gum disease can Since spring is the perfect time to work contribute to the development of many on building our healthy habits, Dr. Reg seriousAssistant conditions inClinical the body, Anholt, Dean, Affairssuch at as diabetes and respiratory diseases. the University of Saskatchewan, College of Additionally, untreated lead Dentistry, shares some tipscavities on howcan we can to serious infections, and studies are even improve our oral health. examining a possible link between poor oral health and heart Oral disease.Health Tips for Better

P

Since your springsugar is the intake. perfect time to work Limit

By Brook Thalgott Photos Shawn Fillion

on building healthy Reg “Everyone is our aware that habits, sugar Dr. causes Anholt, Assistant Dean, Clinical Affairs dental decay,” remarks Anholt. However,at of Saskatchewan, College itthe is University not only the amount of sugar youof Dentistry, shares some tips on how we can consume that causes the most problems.

For your teeth, it health. is more important that improve our oral you limit the amount of time per day that Tips foreating Better Oral Health you spend sugary foods.

“It’s better not to graze on sugary foods,” advises Limit“It’s your sugar intake.

Anholt. better to pick specific times, “Everyone is aware that sugar like potentially mealtimes, so thatcauses the dentalintake decay, ” remarks However, sugar can spike andAnholt. then fall.” it is not only the amount of sugar you Ifconsume your mouth lot ofproblems. sugar at thatencounters causes theamost once, it canteeth, workittoisneutralize the acidity For your more important that levels in your bringper theday levels you limit the mouth, amountand of time that down to normal. if your you spend eatingHowever, sugary foods.

“It’smouth better is constantly full of sweets, it is hard for not to graze on sugary foods,” advises your mouth to continually neutralize Anholt. “It’s better to pick specific times, the PH levels; your mouth then retains a like potentially mealtimes, so the thatday, the higher level of acidity throughout sugar intake can spike and then fall. ” If softening the enamel. your mouth encounters a lot of sugar at once, itsuck can work to neutralize Don’t on sweet or the acidity levels in your mouth, and bring the levels acidic candies. down to normal. However, if your mouth Not only does sucking on candy bathe is constantly full of sweets, it is hard for your mouth in sugar and cause decay, your mouth to continually but it also decreases the amountneutralize of saliva the PH levels; your mouth then for retains in your mouth, making it harder youra higher level of acidity throughout the mouth to neutralize the acidity levelsday, in softening the“Saliva enamel. your mouth. can buffer a lot of the acids,” says Anholt. “A side effect of many Don’t suck on sweet or medications is xerostomia or dryness aciDic canDies. Not only does of the mouth. Many who suffer from a sucking on use candy bathe your mouth dry mouth gum, peppermints andin sugar and cause decay, but it also decreases lozenges to stimulate the saliva. However, amount of to saliva in your mouth, itthe is really better sip water or choose making gums it harder for your mouth to sugarless or mints.” neutralize the acidity levels in your mouth.

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Stay away and “Saliva canfrom buffercaramels a lot of the ” says Anholt.

Stay away caramels andacids, “Saliva canfrom buffer a lot of the Anholt.

Stay away from andacids,”issays “A side effect of caramels many medications xerostomia other sticky candies. other sticky candies.

“A side effect of many medications is xerostomia other sticky candies. or dryness mouth. who suffer from a “Certain typesof of the foods stay inMany the mouth or dryness mouth. who suffer from a “Certain types of of the foods stay inMany the mouth dry mouth gum, peppermints and lozenges to “Certain types ofand foods in the broken mouth for a long time,use are stay not easily dry mouth use gum, peppermints and lozenges to forstimulate a long time, and are not easily broken the saliva.

However, it is really better to sip forstimulate a long time, and are not easily down,” shares IfHowever, these foods theAnholt. saliva. it broken iscarry really better to sip down,” shares Anholt.

If these foods carry water or choose sugarless gums or mints. ” down,” shares Anholt.they If these foodstocarry high levels of sugar, continue eat water or choose sugarless gums ortomints. high levels of sugar, they continue eat ” high levels sugar, while they continue eat away at yourofenamel they are intoyour away at your enamel while they are in your stay away from carameLs anD away at“So, your enamel while they are in your mouth. caramels and sticky foods like stay away from carameLs anD mouth.

“So, caramels and sticky foods“Certain like other sticky canDies. types of mouth.

“So, caramels and foods like that have more potential forsticky dental decay.” other sticky canDies.

“Certain types of that havestay more potential forfor dental decay.” foods in the mouth a long time, and are not that havestay more forfor dental decay.” foods in potential the mouth a long time, and are not easilyevery broken down,” shares Anholt. If these foods Floss day. easily broken down,” shares Anholt. If these foods Floss day. carryevery high levels of sugar, they continue to eat away Floss every day. carry high of sugar, theywhere continue “Flossing is a levels key, because that’s a to eat away “Flossing a key, because that’s a mouth. “So, at yourisenamel while they arewhere in your “Flossing isenamel a key, because that’s where a mouth. “So, lot of your our dental diseases start: in between at while they are in your lotcaramels of our dental diseases start: inthat between and sticky foods like have more potential lotcaramels of our where dental diseases start: inthat between the teeth it’s hidden,” Anholt shares. and sticky foods like have thefor teeth where it’s”hidden,” Anholt shares.more potential dental decay. thefor teeth where it’s”hidden,” While brushing cleans muchAnholt of the shares. plaque dental decay.

While brushing cleans much of the plaque While brushing cleans much of the plaque out of your mouth, there is always fLoss every Day. “Flossing is a key, because outfLoss of your mouth, there is always plaque every Day. “Flossing is a key, because out ofremains your mouth, there is that between thealways teethplaque until that’s where a lot of our dental diseases start: in that remains between the teeth until that’s where between a lot of our diseases start: in that remains the dental teeth until you floss. you floss. the teeth where it’s hidden,” Anholt shares. between you floss. the teeth where it’s hidden,” Anholt shares. between While brushing cleans much of the plaque out of your Brush your teeth thoroughly While brushing cleans much of the plaque out of your Brush your teeth thoroughly mouth, there is always plaque that remains between Brush your teeth thoroughly mouth, there is always every day. every day.until you floss. plaque that remains between the teeth every day.until the teeth youyour floss.mouth of plaque “Potentially, clearing “Potentially, clearing yourteeth mouth of plaque Brush your thoroughLy “Potentially, clearing your mouth of plaque once a day is your sufficient, teeth so it’s important Brush thoroughLy once a day is sufficient, so it’s clearing important every Day. “Potentially, your mouth of once a day is sufficient, so it’s important to do it thoroughly at least once a day,” every Day. “Potentially, clearing to do it thoroughly at least once a day,”your mouth of once aYou daycan is sufficient, soait’s important to do toplaque do itAnholt. thoroughly at least day,” advises brushonce additionally plaque once aYou daycan is sufficient, so it’s important to do advises Anholt. brush additionally advises Anholt. can brush additionally it thoroughly at least once day, ” advises throughout the You day, but it’saessential to Anholt. You throughout the at day, but it’s aessential to Anholt. You it thoroughly least once day,” advises throughout the day, it’s essential to day, but it’s brush thoroughly oncebut every day to clear can brush additionally throughout the brush thoroughly once every day to clear can brush additionally throughout the day, but it’s brush thoroughly once every dayonce to clear away the plaque from your teeth. essential to brush thoroughly every to clear away the plaque fromthoroughly your teeth.once every day essential to brush day to clear away the plaque your teeth. away the plaquefrom from your teeth. awayyour the plaque from your teeth.

Visit dentist regularly.

Visit youryour dentistDentist regularly. reguLarLy. It’s visit Visit youryour dentist regularly.

Dentist reguLarLy. It’s It’svisit important to visit your dentist regularly It’simportant important to to visit visit your yourdentist dentistregularly regularly to identify It’sidentify important torisk visit your dentist regularly to yourto factors for dental decay, to identify important visit your dentist regularly to your identify your risk factors for dental decay, risk factors for dental decay, gum disease, and to your identify your riskeven factors for dental decay, gum disease, and tooth surface loss risk factors for dental decay, gum disease, and gum disease, and even tooth surface loss even tooth surface loss from factors such as erosion, gum disease, and tooth loss from factors sucheven asloss erosion, abrasion even tooth surface fromsurface factors such as erosion, from factors such as erosion, abrasion abrasion and attrition.

“Dentists are looking for from factorsand such as erosion, abrasion and attrition.

“Dentists are“Dentists looking for abrasion attrition. are looking for and attrition.

“Dentists are looking for those problems — early problems, ” says Anholt.

“And and attrition.

“Dentists are looking for Anholt. “And those problems ——early those problems earlyproblems,” problems, ” says says those problems — early problems,” says sometimes you a problem earlier, it can be those problems — recognize early ifproblems,” says Anholt.

“And ifsometimes you recognize sometimes you recognize a problem earlier, it can be Anholt.

“And if sometimes if you recognize “And sometimes aAnholt. problem earlier, it can be recognize arrested, arrested, even reversed. ”if you a arrested, problem even earlier, it can reversed. ” be arrested, a problem earlier, it can be arrested, even reversed.” even reversed.” even reversed.”

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DAY SPA FOR MEN & WOMEN MEMBERS OF LEADING SPAS OF CANADA QUALITY ASSURANCE APPROVED Mother’s Day

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2001 HENDERSON AT BONNER, WINNIPEG • 204.661.6111 • TO VIEW FULL MENU VISIT WWW.SFLB.CA FineLifestyles Winnipeg 25

EXPERT ADVICE Adult Orthodontics

DR. TIM DUMORE Orthodontist Dr. Dumore & Team 2541 Portage Avenue 204-832-3910 drtimbo@drdumore.com www.drdumore.com

A

dults are becoming an increasing proportion of patients in orthodontic practices theses days. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) found the number of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatments increased by 14 per cent from 2012 to 2013, with more than one million patients aged 18 or older in the United States alone. As more and more adults look to orthodontic procedures to help them obtain a beautiful smile they’re proud to show off, the number of questions surrounding adult orthodontics has increased, too.

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AM I TOO OLD FOR BRACES? Many adults often think this is the case, but orthodontic treatments can be done at any age. A variety of orthodontic problems can be treated as easily for adults as for children, and with the options available, adult patients are turning to less-detectable orthodontic appliances and clear braces to address their issues.

I’VE HAD A LOT OF DENTAL TREATMENTS AND PROCEDURES IN THE PAST. DOES THIS MEAN I’M NO LONGER A CANDIDATE FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS? Adults do tend to have more past fillings or crowns, as well as issues like missing teeth or gum problems, and these issues can make treatment more complicated.

The training an orthodontist receives in his or her three year residency, however, prepares him/her for these challenges, and such treatments are routine for the orthodontist. Orthodontists will consult a patient’s dentist and/or periodontist regarding past and present issues, and develop a plan to correct any problems.

THERE IS OTHER WORK I’D LIKE TO HAVE DONE ON MY TEETH BESIDES STRAIGHTENING THEM. SHOULD I HAVE THAT WORK DONE BEFORE OR AFTER MY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT? Orthodontic treatment can allow restorative work to be more conservative, so if your teeth are crooked or your bite

is off, straightening them before crowns/ bridges/implants can allow your dentist to do less tooth preparation and produce more ideal restorations. In the case of missing teeth, orthodontic treatment can create or hold space to replace missing teeth. Your orthodontist can work with a dentist, or dental specialist who can provide bridges or implants, so that you receive the best results possible.

HOW WILL ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT AFFECT MY DAYTO-DAY LIFE? Almost anything you do regularly, you can do during orthodontic treatment. Most adults adjust quickly to braces or aligners, and both are available in clear formats which can be used to straighten the teeth without others noticing. New innovations in techniques and materials have made having braces more comfortable and less detectable than ever before. Adults who seek orthodontic treatment have often lived with concerns about their bite or smile for years, and are often quite motivated to achieve an optimal result. Studies show orthodontic treatments for adults lead to greater confidence and satisfaction with one’s teeth. A study conducted by the AAO in 2013 found that adult orthodontic patients reported that their treatments directly contributed to significant improvements in both their professional and personal lives, with 92 per cent of respondents saying they would recommend such treatments to other adults.

Our practice is built on the foundation of providing exceptional and compassionate orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages. We want you to achieve your dream of straight teeth and an engaging smile.

2541 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 0P1 204-832-3910 www.drdumore.com

Step Into

Our World

By Anne Gray Photos Monika Cloutier

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hen you step through the door of Village Health Spa, you step into a world of relaxation, personal attention and pampering in an intimate environment. Village Health Spa offers services ranging from the centuries old tradition of body sugaring, to peels and microdermabrasion, to the newest technology of body sculpting.

Teresa Scott, owner of Village Health Spa, is a trained technician for the new SharpLight technology, the Formax Plus. Scott is the only person in Manitoba providing Formax Plus laser services, which give a younger, glowing look to your skin by eliminating pigmented spots and improving skin texture. Skin treatments are suitable for the face, neck, chest and hands. The Formax Plus system excels in treating sunspots, small-dilated blood vessels, and skin textural changes such as small lines and enlarged pores. The treatment leaves no signs of skin irritation, and clients can immediately go back to their daily routine.

Body contouring uses Radio Frequency waves (RF) to target and break down fat cells. The treatment process rejuvenates the surrounding skin and renews collagen fibers, resulting in elastic, youthful and radiant skin. Treatments reduce cellulite and localized fat deposits. Formax Plus works on a unique combination of Infrared (IR) and RF for dramatic results after a short time. The process is highly effective, non-invasive, safe and reliable; clients can immediately return to full activity.

Teresa has clients from Toronto and Vancouver who make the RIGHT L-R Faith Scott, Teresa Muth, Paula Jasnikowski.

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Lavish Lashes have a natural looking curve so there is no need to use eyelash curlers.

Faith says the eyelash extensions come in various lengths and thicknesses to create a beautiful and natural look for each client.

Lavish Lashes’ semi-permanent eyelash extensions will last four to six weeks depending on the life cycle of your natural eyelashes. Clients come back to have lashes filled in as needed when individual natural lashes regrow.

Oh So Sweet Body Sugaring is the third beauty and body treatment system available at Village Health Spa. Paula Jasnikowski, owner of Oh So Sweet Body Sugaring, uses this ancient Egyptian method of hair removal to help her clients obtain a smooth, hair-free body using no harsh chemicals, no hot liquids and no sharp blades.

Jasnikowski’s product is a 100 per cent natural paste of sugar, lemon and water. The natural ingredients used in body sugaring are generally kinder to the skin. The sugar paste is safe for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Since the sugar never adheres to live skin cells, only the dead cells will be removed, acting as a gentle exfoliation.

Oh So Sweet Body Sugaring specializes in an all-natural alternative to hair removal in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

Jasnikowski is a certified body sugaring professional who is highly trained and experienced, and you will always see superior results at Oh So Sweet Body Sugaring.

spa a regular stop when their work brings them to Winnipeg. Not everyone can come home from a business trip looking better than when they left!

The Formax Plus system also provides excellent results in hair removal. Teresa can offer non-invasive, clean and painless treatments for permanent hair reduction.

The system is suitable for any body size and area. Treatments are individually designed for each client to offer painless, personalized, permanent hair removal. For a limited time, new clients may qualify for a 50 per cent discount on laser therapies.

Teresa also provides massage therapy for healing and relaxation. She has been a registered massage therapist since 1994,

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and has a range of therapies to meet her clients’ needs.

Lavish Lashes is an exciting new product and technique for thicker, longer and naturally abundant-looking eyelashes.

Faith Scott is an eyelash extension professional trained and certified by Lavish Lashes. Faith helps clients build thicker and longer lashes through application of individual synthetic eyelash extensions.

Each lash is attached directly to the natural eyelash using Lavish Lashes’ exclusive formulated bonding agent. Women who don’t want running mascara love the convenience of Lavish Lashes. Welcome to long, full beautiful lashes for weeks with no fuss and no mess.

When clients come in to Village Health Spa for their rejuvenating spa treatments, they can choose from pharmaceutical grade skin products to help maintain and enhance their bright, youthful looking skin. Among the select lines carried are Vivier and Derma MD. The technicians can help clients choose the right product for their individual needs.

Village Health Spa is open Monday through Saturday. New clients are welcome, current clients are always welcomed back.

Village Health Spa 204.253.0748 Oh So sweet Body Sugaring 204.793.7033 832 Corydon Avenue Winnipeg 2530748@mymts.net www.villagehealthspa.com

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 di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 “bodymind� 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, 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 brain’s physiological equilibrium.

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

their health coverage plans.

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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JUST GET AWAY

By Brandi Parnell Photos Danielle Clement

W

hile it may seem our lives are passing faster than before, now more than ever people, especially couples, need to stop and appreciate the every day nuances that many take for granted. Whether you’re seeking Zen or adventure, romance or the feel of being near the ocean, there are plenty of reasons to recharge at a quaint hotel in the heart of Winnipeg — after all, life should never be too busy for a vacation.

Located in the historic Exchange District of downtown Winnipeg, Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotel & Spa is the perfect destination for a night or even several hours away from home. The more than 100-year-old hotel, originally built in 1903 by the late Frank Mariaggi, continues to be a tribute to his original goal of offering richly appointed suites with elegant furnishings.

Each getaway is a unique tour of an exotic location from Mexico to Hawaii, Rome to Africa. All rooms are authentic and opulent, making the Mariaggi a reprieve without having to leave your room.

The business is family run with father Don and two sons, Lowell and Jason Laluk.

When you call to book a room, be sure to have a bit of time available to customize your stay. “We will take care of any special requests that you may have, including in room spa treatments. We work with local restaurants and have available the best ever cheesecake,” says Jason. “We will bring in dinner, chill your champagne, arrange for a couples massage, or arrange whatever else you may need to make your stay as comfortable as possible,” he says. “Just relax and enjoy.”

On business, as a romantic overnight, or for an indulgent pleasurable staycation, the property is the perfect place to unwind. Several of the rooms include gaming options such as billiards and darts, the artifacts are authentic and the towels are plush. Each room has a large flat screen TV, a dining area and steam showers.

The China room is a completely serene experience with 750 sq. ft. of oriental indulgence. The room has a two-person hot tub, a full body shower complete with

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12 showerheads and an infrared sauna with a marine stereo.

• Trip Advisor’s Top 25 Best Small Hotels in Canada in 2013

The India room showcases a two-person hot tub with a shale waterfall imported from an Indian temple. The Hawaiian room has actual lava rocks acquired from the islands and the Moroccan room is laden with tapestry on the walls that dates back more than 100 years.

• No. 1 most romantic hotel in Winnipeg on Trip Advisor

“Every hotel is like every other hotel, they’re just a place to stay. Even in Las Vegas you will find hotels with lavish lobbies but very average guest rooms. Our investment is in each suite,” Jason says. Continually updating, they are currently in the process of adding another two rooms.

In the summer, select rooms have outdoor terraces. Each suite has a microwave, a fridge, a fireplace, a stereo — which plays regional music — and a coffee maker.

Very unassuming, both the owners and the property, it has received its fair share of accolades including: • Editor’s pick for Best of the Road for Rand McNally in 2010 • Trip Advisor’s Top 25 Spa and Relaxation Hotel in Canada in 2012 • Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels in the World in 2012

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The obvious choice for the hotel is an overnight stay, but an escape for a short duration is easy to accommodate with four to five hour packages. Arrive at noon and be home before the kids go to bed.

Affordable Winnipeg spa day getaway escapes include lunch or dinner catered in the privacy of a theme suite.

There are many customizable packages available from small corporate functions to weddings in the tropical penthouse, from honeymoons, to birthdays, anniversaries and day stays, no matter what you are in need of there is a perfect theme suite available.

“Our suites are much more intimate. We offer privacy in a luxurious atmosphere, with packages to suit any need,” Lowell says. Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotel & Spa is a hidden jewel where people can enjoy a getaway without going away. For more information or to tour a suite, please call the hotel.

231 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, MB 1.204.947.9447 1.866.947.9190 www.mariaggis.com info@mariaggis.com

Working Out at Home: Fun and Effective

By Paul Sinkewicz Photos Shawn Fillion

P

ersonal trainer Kara Lodewyks has discovered the secret to a great workout — have fun, feel comfortable and end the session with a high-five. Lodewyks opened Fitness of the Go in Winnipeg last year, and has been growing the business steadily as more people find out exercise can be done on their own terms.

“People love the idea of having a trainer showing up at their house,” says Lodewyks.

“They don’t have to deal with bad roads in the winter, or be derailed by having a sick kid home from school. The workout happens in the convenience of their own home.”

Lodewyks says many people who are just beginning on their journey to better health are intimidated to go to a gym.

They don’t know what to do, or they may be uncomfortable with sweating and turning red in front of other people. “If you are uncomfortable in a gym setting, you never really have an effective workout.

It also helps just to have that little extra bit of motivation and accountability,” she says.

Fitness on the Go brings one of 15 certified personal trainers right into your home for a free fitness consultation. They will offer advice and answer any questions, and will help set realistic weight loss and fitness

goals. “People who own a gym membership will often find life gets busy and they lose their motivation and stop going,” says Lodewyks. “We really do focus on showing people how they can work out from home.

If they have 10 minutes in the morning they can do some body weight exercises or some interval training, hop in the shower and get on with the day. Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you can’t fit in the exercise you need. It’s just a matter of adjusting your routine a little bit and making the workouts short and sweet and effective.”

C lients can choose between male or female trainers, who will work with TOP Kara Lodewyks with client Chris Mackay FineLifestyles

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Back l-r Adam Zacharias, Melissa Senez, Echo Porisky, Corinne, Holly Kowalchuk, Holly Fulford-Jeffrey, FrOnT Kara Lodewyks

I absolutely love fitness on the go! It’s truly the best investment I’ve made for my health and fitness!! My quality of life has improved tremendously since I started with my trainer. I don’t care how motivated you are to work out on your own, I know I never work out as hard as I do when I’m with my trainer!”

–Chris Mackay

them to create a customized schedule and routine. Sessions can also include nutritional guidance. “We really take a holistic view of health and wellness, as opposed to just exercise,” Lodewyks says.

All that is required from the client is about six sq. ft. of space and 50-55 minutes of time. The trainers will work with whatever fitness equipment is already available in the home, or will bring all the necessary aids such as dumbbells, exercise mats, stability balls, medicine balls, or resistance bands.“I bring boxing gloves and sparring pads for some husbands and wives who work out together, so it’s like therapy. It’s a lot of fun,” says Lodewyks. “We play music, we high-five and we joke around.

We don’t want it to be a super serious

thing. We have a lot of fun with our clients and they really enjoy it.”

While gyms with personal trainers take a large percentage of hourly fees, Fitness on the Go offers its trainers the chance to grow their own businesses. Franchisee Lodewyks provides the business support — administration, billing, advertising — for a flat monthly fee. “So they are effectively running their own business,” she says.

“But we deal with the billing, operating software and offer full business coaching.

The neat thing about our business model is the trainers are free to do whatever they want to do with their business. They can set their own schedules and dictate their own income.”

Lodewyks is also working to reach more businesses to tailor corporate wellness plans. “A lot of companies are starting to realize that it’s not just a perk to have some sort of wellness program for their employees. It’s almost a necessity.” She says they can cut back on the cost of sick days, stress leave or injuries by providing a fitness option for their workers. It will pay off in the long run. “One of the ways they can cut back on costs is making sure their employees are less stressed and healthier, and studies prove that the productivity of the company will go way up when people are feeling better and are healthy.”

Fitness on the Go is also committed to giving back to the community. A portion of its profits are donated to various sport organizations across the country and help Canadian Olympic athletes. For Lodewyks, getting involved with Fitness on the Go has been gratifying. “I love working with people and seeing the results. My clients tell me all the time that their quality of life has improved significantly since they started their training. It’s very rewarding.”

Fitness on the Go 204.998-6302 kara@fitnessonthego.ca www.fitnessonthego.ca |

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Experience a Life Well Lived in

Beautiful Skin

By Brandi Parnell Photos Danielle Clement

F

rom the time Adriana De Luca was small, she knew soap. Her father used natural ingredients to create home remedies. And they worked. Following in her dad’s footsteps, a first-born daughter started De Luca on a mission to make skin care products good enough to use on her own child.

From her kitchen to a small shop in River Heights, De Luca experimented with seasonal fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs to try and recreate some of the soaps she grew up on — natural, good for the body soaps that she would confidently use on her own family.

That was 15 years ago and the very first soap she made is still available on the

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shelves at Tiber River Naturals: Zucchini Lemon Peel. According to an ancient Roman legend, there is a river that runs along Mount Sapo called the Tiber River, a destination known for its natural purification and cleansing properties.

grows naturally and built a brand. “I love

Between the birth of her son and the birth of a small soap making business, De Luca met and partnered with Michelle Lalonde, a local boutique owner who at the time was selling De Luca’s products in her shop.

Lalonde saw value in De Luca’s approach to skin and, more importantly, life.

De Luca chooses every ingredient that

Lalonde loved the rustic feel of old world wisdom infused into products that smell good enough to eat. Together, these forward-thinking women have taken what

knowing that we don’t just sell products, we sell a culture that is based on natural ingredients that are good for people and the planet,” Lalonde says. goes into a Tiber River product. They are paraben free, phosphate free, petroleum free, lake friendly and palm oil free. “I select natural, sustainable ingredients that really do work, like sea buckthorn oil, rose and green tea.” She also uses lavender, honey, almonds, mushrooms, lemon, orange, and sea salt and many more ingredients that will awaken your senses.

Left Adriana De Luca and Michelle Lalonde

“For me, my greatest joy is doing something different,” she says. “I am passionate about distinction and I love using ingredients in different ways. We make products that people use on themselves everyday at an affordable price. It’s affordable luxury.”

Both De Luca and Lalonde, share that trait. They are passionate about their products and their spa services that are indulgent yet serve a purpose.

“Our goal is to be different from everyone else.

We want to be the place where people come for full service aesthetics but also have the ability to take good care of their skin in between visits,” says Lalonde. And although they are no longer a small soap business, they have remained true to themselves.

“The most important thing about Tiber River is who we are. Our core values drive the decisions we make every day for our team and the community we live in,” says De Luca. Their values are leadership, transparency, passion, preservation and distinction.

The duo that is constantly growing and living with gusto has more than a passion for soap; they are passionate about the world and their impact.

Tiber River Naturals uses soap bags made from eucalyptus that are completely biodegradable and compostable. They host a monthly book club and private parties from birthdays to stagettes.

Tiber recently launched a new Tiber At Home division to expand outside the Winnipeg market. Hiring sales consultants to educate customers through home parties and their own websites is an ideal way to educate customers about the products. Tiber is currently hiring sales consultants in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario and will be adding other provinces shortly.

For more information visit the Tiber River team at either locations or visit their website to learn more about what they stand for, their feature products or their stores/spas hours.

Tiber River Naturals 408 Academy road 204.474.2333 3-1650 Kenaston Crossing 204.284.4247 info@tiberriver.ca www.tiberriver.ca |

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Lapband Surgery Not as Safe as it Sounds

D

ieting can help people lose a significant amount of weight but it does not help them keep it off. Almost all people who lose weight through dieting (95 per cent) regain those pounds within the next five years. Indeed, the US Food and Drug Administration stated in 2009 that not a single diet company was able to show evidence of long-term success.

For morbidly obese people who want to lose a lot of weight and keep that weight off, bariatric surgery is the only effective method according to the Canadian Medical Association.

WLF Medical is a Canadian company that specializes in bariatric surgery. It is one of

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the top 10 bariatric clinics in the world and has been named an International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation.

WLF Medical performs all three types of bariatric surgical procedures for weight loss: lapband surgery, gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery. All three procedures are more effective than dieting as a means of extreme weight loss, but not all procedures are equally effective.

Lapband surgery is a sub-optimal initial choice for bariatric surgery, according to Melanie Wildman, president and owner of WLF Medical. Lapband surgery involves the laparoscopic placement of

an adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band is slowly tightened through the injection of a saline solution via a needle into an internal port. Lapband surgery results in the least amount of weight loss of all gastric surgeries with 40 to 50 per cent excess weight loss after one year, compared to 60 to 77 per cent with gastric sleeve surgery and 70 per cent with gastric bypass surgery.

Lapband surgery is perceived by many as reversible, less invasive and as the safest medical option. However, this is not the case. Lapband surgery actually has the highest risk of complication of any bariatric surgical procedure, as adjusting

of the band makes tissue scarring and adhesions inevitable. With lapband surgery there is also the possibility of complications arising involving the internal access port where saline solution is added with a needle to tighten the band.

These include disconnection of the port from the tubing, port displacement and port-site infection.

Half of all patients with lapbands end up having it removed. Since lapband surgery does not affect a person’s hormones or metabolism and is completely reliant upon restricting the amount of food one can eat, removal of the band invariably results in the patient regaining all the weight that had been lost. As a result, many lapband patients choose to try gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery at a later date. Unfortunately, the scarring that results from having had a lapband greatly increases the chances of medical complications occurring during gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery; such a patient is five times more likely to

experience complications than a patient who has not had a lapband previously.

Gastric sleeve surgery is the most effective and safest type of bariatric weight loss surgery. Wildman states, “Our patients say they appreciate the simplicity of the sleeve and the fact that it does not involve rerouting intestines or require a medical procedure.�

WLF Medical provides patients with ongoing support through comprehensive preoperative education and post-operative follow-ups. Book an appointment with WLF Medical today and start exploring the different options for weight loss surgery.

WLF Medical Toll Free: 1.877.306.8891 Phone: 306.665.8891 patientservices@wlfmedical.ca wlfmedical.ca

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Modern Dentistry A Tranquil Approach

By Brandi Parnell Photos Gerry Kopelow and Singh Photography

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ou might not think going to the dentist is Zen-like, unless you see one of the doctors at Polo Park Dental. Located between Polo Park Shopping Centre and Marshall’s, you might actually feel like a routine cleaning is an escape from the chaos of everyday life.

The new office, which was previously located in Polo Park mall, was created by an ex-Manitoban working out of a Vancouver design firm. It has a unique prairie feel, with bamboo-like floors and high ceilings. The colours are peaceful and the art hung on the walls is local.

If you can keep your eyes open, you should recognize paintings of Winnipeg landmarks. That being said, none of the staff mind if you allow yourself the

freedom to relax enough to hear the sounds of rustling grasses and envision a prairie sunset.

The office is modern but welcoming, bright yet soothing, so much so your next cleaning may be so calming, you might just forget where you are.

at the same time,” says Dr. Rick Minuk, who remembers a time when going to the dentist was an all day affair. “When I was a kid, our family went to the dentist at noon and sat there until 5 o’clock.”

With state-of-the-art everything, the staff at Polo Park Dental hopes you feel welcome enough to take off your shoes and sink into their tranquil atmosphere.

There are six dentists in the group, more than 50 staff members and emergency treatment available if necessary, making the office a destination for all routine and specialized dental procedures.

Those days are long gone. Not only can a family have appointments at the same time, they can plan their dental appointments around the best shops, or even a movie at nearby theatre Silver City.

But don’t feel you have to do anything other than open your mouth...the new office has flat screen TVs with a personal remote control in each treatment room, iPads in the children’s area and video games for patient entertainment. It is dentistry for the whole family.

“It’s no problem for a family to all come in at once and have everyone walk out

“We want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible,” says Dr. Laurence Lau. The

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waiting room has heated ceramic floors, a linear fireplace and a water cooler. There is plenty of comfortable seating and a separate area for children to feel at home.

They truly have thought of everything, from the most up-to-date sterilization room, to the additional 4,500 sq-ft. added to make the new office nearly 9,000 sq-ft. with two additional treatment rooms — the remainder of additional space went to improve patient and staff comfort.

The entire office is furnished with new equipment. Old cabinets, chairs and dental equipment were donated to help local charities, a daycare and dental clinics in Third World countries. New equipment means Polo Park Dental can offer even more services in-house.

Smile!—In addition to routine dental work, procedures such as crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, Invisalign, mouthguards, anti-concussion technology, anti-snore technology and CEREC Same Day Crowns are just as easily available with hospital grade sterilization practiced throughout the entire office.

“There is no need to be in pain. Simply call the office and we will work to have you taken care of as soon as we are able. Often that means within hours,” Says Lau. “Rather than being told what is wrong in your mouth, we are able to show you exactly what you need.”

Digital X-rays, electric hand pieces and tissue management lasers are standard technology offered at the new location.

Computerized dentistry allows Dr. Frankel the ability to do same day crown placement.

Dr. Weinstein has a special interest in treating patients who snore and the more serious condition affecting a patient’s health — sleep apnea. Braces are done on site and teeth whitening procedures are available in the office or to take home.

The new website gives patients an opportunity to see the new office and map the location, which is quite easy to find with the new signage. Bookings

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can be made via email or by phone.

For added convenience, the office bills directly to insurance providers and has gone paperless to reduce its impact on the environment.

Mindful, futuristic and serene, Polo Park Dental’s new office will leave you with your mouth in wide-open awe. For more information, or to book an appointment with any one of the team of dentists, call the office at 204.774.2521. There is ample parking with clinic hours extended from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and open 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Friday office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Polo Park Dental 104 – 1440 Jack Blick Avenue 204.774.2521 reception@poloparkdental.ca www.poloparkdental.ca |

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ExpErt Advice Glasses: Fashion Statement or Medical Device?

Dr. Dawn DunforD, od, fcovd president and senior optometrist

Advanced Vision Centres Inc. 204.467.8044 dr.dawn@advancedvisioncentres.com. www.stonewallvisioncentre.com

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ver the years, glasses have evolved considerably. All the major fashion brands have a line of frames available for your prescription today. You can go as plain or as fancy as your heart desires (and your budget allows).

Recently, the Internet has allowed patients to simply go online and buy their glasses somewhere other than their optometrist’s office. Many have done so without considering they are ordering a medical device from an unknown and possibly unregulated source.

I suspect this is largely due to the fact that many patients now think of their glasses as a fashion statement, not a medical necessity.

We put this theory to the test at one of our offices recently by quizzing patients during

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their eye exams. Sure enough, more than half stated that glasses are a fashion item.

A few felt they were both a medical device and a fashion accessory.

more to correct the damage done by a bad pair of glasses — and they can no longer see without glasses. It’s hardly worth the money saved.

This is a bad thing: as soon as something loses its medical importance, it becomes a commodity, and people only care about price. There is no doubt there are cheap sources out there, and for good reasons.

Would you buy a pacemaker online?

Have you ever considered do-it-yourself dentistry? How about surgery at home?

All humour aside, fitting yourself with glasses is a similar idea, as is buying from an online source.

In a recent survey, hundreds of lenses were ordered from the top online sources, and It turns out nearly half of them failed to be the correct prescription, or the lenses failed to meet North American impactsafety standards (they can shatter).

What does this mean to the patient who chooses to buy online to save a few bucks?

It means they could end up with a pair of glasses that are dangerous from a safety perspective (imagine a lens shattering into your eye), or they could fail to properly correct your vision.

No big deal? Tell that to somebody who loses an eye, or does permanent damage by wearing the wrong prescription lenses.

One of my patients ordered a pair of glasses online. This patient thought there was something wrong with the lenses, but wore them anyway. By the time this patient realized there was something seriously wrong, they had diplopia (seeing double) without their glasses.

The result? This young person will require glasses with prism for years to come, if not for the rest of their life. They saved a few bucks once, but will have to spend far

While we would love to have all of our patients buy their glasses from us, we know people have the right to choose another source. If you decide to take your prescription elsewhere, I urge you to choose wisely, be fitted properly, and know where your glasses are coming from before you part with your cash.

For a link to the study synopsis send me an email at LensReport@ AdvancedVisionCentres.com Dr. Dawn Dunford, OD, FCOVD, is president and senior optometrist at Advanced Vision Centres Inc., with four offices in Manitoba.

Osborne Spectacle Centre 134 Osborne Street, Winnipeg, MB 204.477.1636 Special Eyes Vision Centre 620 Leila Avenue, Winnipeg, MB 204.338.7867 Stonewall Vision Centre 384 Main Street, Stonewall, MB 204.467.8044 Swan Vision Centre 607 Main Street, Swan River, MB 204.734.5087

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JUNOS 2014 WINNIPEG

A Small City with a Big, Musical Heart

By Brandi Parnell

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he parties are over, the bands have gone home, but somewhere off in the distance a prairie wind howls and if you listen close enough you can hear Tegan and Sara singing the words to their Juno award winning Single of The Year, Closer.

Winnipeg is a city known for temperatures that rival mars, a planet said to be so cold it is uninhabitable, more mosquitos than any other city in North America and treacherous potholes in the spring. But Winnipeg is much more than its weather or its infrastructure.

Country Album of the Year Juno winner, Dean Brody, might have said it best when he said, “Winnipeg has a small town feel to it with people who are real.” Not only are Winnipeggers authentic, but they are a hearty, empathetic folk. In a city with a population of just over 700,000, there is less than six degrees of separation and a friendly feeling throughout.

Winnipeg is a culturally diverse city, with about 100 languages and nationalities represented throughout the region. There is a vast range of culinary expertise with more than 1,100 restaurants and is now home to curling Olympic Gold Medalists Team Jones.

With a strong history of talented artists, it has been said that music is the heart of Winnipeg. It’s the birthplace of former Juno winners and nominees such as Fred Penner, The Guess Who, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Crash Test Dummies, The Watchmen, Chantal Kreviazuk and The Weakerthans.

And so it seems fitting that Winnipeg put on an incredible week of all things Juno with their big hearts and open arms. From the Juno Cup, a fundraising hockey game in support of music education where NHL greats faced off against Canadian musicians, to Junior Junos, a live performance at The Manitoba Children’s Museum for wee music fans, there was something for everyone.

A fun, spirited campaign from Junos 2014 depicted the down to earth approach of Winnipeg natives. This year the Winnipeg Host Committee joined forces with Kids in the Hall star Kevin McDonald to award chocolate Juno Awards to random people in the city, just for being Winnipeggers.

LEFT Serena Ryder performs For You. 2014 JUNO Awards. MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. March 30, 2014. Brett Kisssel performs Started with a song 2014 JUNO Awards. MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

March 30, 2014. Photos: CARAS\iPhoto.

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RedCarpet The

Hosts Johnny Reid, Serena Ryder and Classified were an electric trio of hosts. There was humor throughout the broadcast and after parties that went until morning, leaving some Winnipeggers high on BTO and scrambling to get to work by nine.

Power couple Raine Maida and Chantal Kreviazuk were honored with an Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, while Astronaut Chris Hadfield crooned an intro to Bachman-Turner Overdrive as they took stage to wrap up the night.

Some award highlights from the night were: Album of the Year Reflektor, Arcade Fire Group of the Year Tegan and Sara Artist of the Year Serena Ryder Breakthrough Artist of the Year Brett Kissel Rap Recording of the Year Nothing Was the Same, Drake Alternative Album of the Year Reflektor, Arcade Fire Pop Album of the Year Heartthrob, Tegan and Sara International Album of the Year Unorthodox Jukebox, Bruno Mars

The last time Winnipeg hosted the Junos was in 2005. Nine years later, the city did not disappoint. Behind the scenes, media-accredited representatives witnessed the human side of stardom and the outpouring of kindness from a small prairie city.

It’s unfortunate it wasn’t summer, with lush greenery and beautiful sunsets, but the city that embraces everyone didn’t dwell on what it isn’t. Instead Winnipeg opened its arms to embrace all things music for one cold week.

Host Johnny Reid said, when asked how hosting Junos 2014 related to the lyrics of his song, Where I Belong, “Sometimes in life you have to stop and give a look back and when you do that it kind of makes sense, you start realizing where you find yourself. I do feel comfortable here in Winnipeg, the people have always been very gracious to me.”

Looking back on a week that was equally inspiring and exhilarating, Winnipeggers should be proud of an authentic, heartfelt week of song.

Nestled in the prairies, weather is irrelevant. What Winnipeg should be known for is the way it embraces music, travellers and life.

ABOVE Triple JUNO winners Tegan and Sara. Group of the Year, Single of the Year, Pop Album of the Year. 2014 JUNO Awards. Photo: CARAS\iPhoto.

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Nightly, musicians from all across the country gathered in local restaurants and pubs to raise glasses and praise one another’s successes.

Music is a language that unites people, in trial and in celebration. Matt Mays, Juno winner for Rock Album of the Year, said after receiving his award, “This past year was a difficult one of me personally, but in a tough year, music shines bright like it does on a dance floor. It is all encompassing and so personal.” Mays dedicated his award to his former band member and good friend, Jay Smith, who passed away in 2013. “Music is better when the guys in the band know your darkest secrets.”

And so while one part of the Junos week was pure party, there was a heartbeat throughout Winnipeg that gave respect to the way in which music brings people of all ages, and all walks of life, together.

“I’m looking forward to higher heights and deeper depths,” he said with hope. Winnipeg has set the musical bar high for the Canadian Academy for the Arts and Sciences, as it looks to Hamilton, Ontario to host Junos 2015.

Exco Levi, winner of Reggae Recoding of the Year for his rap Strive, said that Canada has been kind to him. Originally from Jamaica, Levi said our humble country embraced him and gave him the opportunity to follow his dreams. Nationally polite, Canadians tend to encourage dreamers. And Winnipeg is no exception.

The live broadcast from the MTS Centre on Sunday night wrapped up a week of events that included a Canadian art exhibit, a stunning retrospective photography exhibit and an autograph signing session at Juno Fan Fare, where music fans had the opportunity to meet their favourite artists.

CLOCKWISE Nominee Brandi Disterheft.

Green Carpet. 2014 JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards. One Republic performs Counting Stars. Walk off the earth performs Gang of Rhythm and Red Hands Medley with Red Robe Women’s Drum Society. Johnny Reid, Jim Cuddy, Devin Cuddy and Greg Keeler.

Gold Medal Women’s Olympic Curling team. 2014 JUNO Awards. Commander Chris hatfield introduces Canadian hall of Fame inductees Bachman Turner Overdrive. Photos: CARAS\iPhoto.

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ON POINTE 75 YEARS

Celebrating The Royal Winnipeg Ballet

By Courtney Tait

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dystopian world made up of totalitarian forces, resistance fighters and women forced to bear children for their commanders may not sound like typical dance fodder, but The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) — which featured a bold interpretation of Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale in its 2013 season — isn’t afraid to take risks.

Founded by Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally in 1939, RWB is Canada’s premiere ballet company, and one of North America’s oldest. Led for the past two decades by Artistic Director André Lewis, the company has showcased a range of classical and contemporary works from Nutcracker and Romeo + Juliet to Dracula and Moulin Rouge ® The Ballet — RWB’s highest grossing show.

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LEFT TO RIGHT Gillian Cabel, Darrell Willim, Alecia Forbes, Patrick Maxwell, owner, Corina Fizzard, Karlee Gerrand, Anna Smith

Winnipeg

Lewis, who was a dancer with RWB for several years prior to becoming artistic director, has sought to commission works that are both innovative and approachable, revitalizing the company with his creative vision. “We try to do things that have artistic quality on one hand and market appeal on the other,” says Lewis. “Many companies seek, find, and create works that are title friendly — it’s what you do with them that creates the art form.”

RWB is celebrating its 75th anniversary this 2014/15 season with a variety of exciting performances and events. Highlights include Nutcracker, which will be performed at the Centennial Concert Hall in December 2014, and wellknown favourite Swan Lake, which will take the Winnipeg stage in March 2015. The company will also tour throughout mainland China performing Jorden Morris’ Moulin Rouge ® - The Ballet. Mixed Programme, which takes LEFT Serena Sandford in Moulin Rouge ® - The Ballet. Photo: Nardella Photography Inc. ABOVE Vanessa Lawson in Moulin Rouge ® - The Ballet.

Photo: David Cooper

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place in May 2014, will include a new signature work by Jorden Morris that features RWB alumni, current company dancers and members of RWB School’s Professional and Recreational Division.

RWB typically presents more than 150 performances every season, and spends 15 or more weeks touring each year. The company, which is made up of 26 dancers (with more added for full-length works), and seven production crew members, has performed in every Canadian province, as well as the U.S., Europe, The Middle East, Russia, Japan, South America and Mexico. Local choreographers, including Mark Godden, Jorden Morris and Peter Quanz, and internationally established choreographers such as Twyla Tharp and Val Caniparoli, have created the works RWB is known for, challenging its dancers and engaging audiences around the world with their artistry.

“It’s a very powerful feeling when you get on stage and start dancing in front of 2,000 people,” says Lewis. “With RWB, we try to perform and to communicate rather than to impress. It’s about not being afraid to portray emotion, to connect with the audience, not hide behind beautiful technique.” Lewis says in the 75 years since RWB was founded, the field has changed artistically. “It’s a much more athletic art form, and RWB performances are more athletic today. The expectations are higher.”

Though some people unfamiliar with ballet believe they won’t enjoy watching a performance, Lewis says the art form can be admired at any level. “You’ll appreciate it for the sheer physicality of it,” he says. “Then you can come and see the same piece 10 years later, after having seen a lot of ballet, and you’ll see new details and layers that you hadn’t seen before. It’s like looking at a painting — they reveal their secrets slowly.”

Lewis says some audience members have been surprised by their enjoyment of such challenging works as The Handmaid’s Tale, which is set in the future and

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RWB offers both recreational classes and professional training at Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School.

More than 1,200 students attend the school annually, practicing at its state-of-the-art facility. Approximately 75-80 per cent of the company’s dancers have been trained at the school, which is recognized as being Canada’s most comprehensive dance training facility.

“The life of a dancer is sublime,” says Lewis. “But it’s not your usual nine to five day. Ever since you start training, it’s a different world.”

in the cultural life of Manitoba,” says Lewis. “I think we have touched and enriched people’s lives significantly. It ebbs and flows, but we’ve done it for 75 years. I still, to this day, get comments like ‘RWB is such an important part of my life, thank you for what you have given us over the years.’ Ultimately we want people to think, ‘What is RWB going to do next’?”

With audiences continuing to support RWB and revel in their inspiring works, the company has much to celebrate for their diamond anniversary. “We’ve played a large role

ABOVE Tristan Dobrowney. Photo: Réjean Brandt Photography LEFT Eric Nipp in Moulin Rouge ® - The Ballet. Photo: David Cooper

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Hands On, Hearts Open Paint and Play for Everyone at Crock A Doodle

By Lauren Power Photos Shawn Fillion

B

eneath the candy-coloured coat of paint, there’s a serene philosophy at the heart of Crock A Doodle.

Crock A Doodle, the Canadian drop-in pottery painting franchise, encourages people to slow things down, to unplug from technology, and to reconnect with family, friends and themselves. The belief is that pottery painting is simply a venue for rejuvenating the soul.

From their Winnipeg location, studio owner Barb Polkowski helps people get less hectic, more peaceful, more thoughtful, and more personal. “People are surprised by how relaxing and therapeutic it is!” says Polkowski. “It provides an opportunity for relaxed social interaction, creative

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exploration, and simple hands-on play. It’s fun art, not fine art. Anyone can do it… and everyone should!”

Play is actually an important activity at every age. Creativity and happiness are fostered by play, as well as curiosity, self-expression, and discovery. Creative activities like the ones at Crock a Doodle can also help people practice useful habits like learned optimism, which is helpful in managing anxiety.

So, it’s not just kids Polkowski sees at the studio. Along with the usual play dates and school groups, the studio plays host to ladies night outings, team builders, office parties, as well as birthday parties for all ages, and family gatherings.

Crock A Doodle has also partnered in community fundraisers, like the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, where they raised funds for their organization at their Paws for Life Gala dinner.

Similarly, along with bowls, plates and platters, there’s an amazing array of pottery items to paint in fun colours, from soothing Hint o’ Mint to bright Tweety Bird. Guests transform ready-to-paint pottery pieces into amazing works of art.

The same style of mug, plate or bowl can be painted to be as unique and different as the person or child who painted it. It’s then glazed and kiln-fired to a brilliant, durable finish. Also, all pieces are foodsafe, so it’s easy to create a unique piece to use every day.

“I always hear ‘I am not very creative,’ but there is creativity in everyone,” says Polkowski. “And there are so many simple painting techniques that people can do that turn out fabulous… even if they can’t draw!” says Polkowski. “People are surprised by the finished product and they can proudly say ‘I made this!’”

It’s obvious there’s plenty of heart in the works at the studio, judging from the stories Polkowski tells. “The first year we were open, a dad came in from the neighbourhood with his two small children, armed with a booster seat for the littlest one,” says Polkowski. “They painted up an orange platter for Mom — the little guy’s favourite colour.” The staff had the kids put their handprints on the platter, as a surprise for their mom. “After baby three was born a few years later, they asked to bring the platter back to add the third babies handprint! A family keepsake that will be treasured for years and years to come.”

Crock A Doodle 519 Osborne Street, Winnipeg 204.284.1736 winnipeg@crockadoodle.com www.crockadoodle.com

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Newbridge

TOY SHOP:

Making Winnipeg’s Playtimes Wonderful

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BY Rebecca Schneidereit PHOTOS Rejean Brandt

wyla Motkaluk knows hitting on the perfect toy can require serious patience.

“When my two kids were growing up, there were certain toys they loved, and played with a lot,” she says. “Those were exactly the type of toys you had a hard time finding.”

Make that used to “have a hard time finding”, now that Motkaluk and husband Vince Gatti have established Newbridge Toy Shop. The boutique brims with dolls, puppets and stuffed toys; toy cars and trains; activity, craft and science kits; and other

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entertainments. “We like to stick to classic toys,” notes Motkaluk – time-tested playthings like hobby horses, spinning tops and puzzles. Yet they also stay abreast of trends, from Beanie Babies to Rainbow Looms.

Sometimes, traditional toys and trends can cross paths, turning a schoolyard staple into a superstar.

Case in point? The yo-yo. “It’s been reengineered, so it spins longer,” explains Motkaluk. This alteration allowed for a wider variety of tricks, spurring the new yo-yo model’s popularity.

Birthday parties, holidays, special visits When it comes to the perfect present, Newbridge Toy Shop’s Emergency Gift Service has you covered. Tell shop staff your parameters (age, budget, and so on) and they’ll take it from there. “We’ll pick it, wrap it, and you can pick it up or we can deliver it,” says Motkaluk. They’ll also whip

Nowadays, Newbridge Toy Shop is Winnipeg’s unofficial yo-yo haven. On Wednesday nights, you’ll encounter members of the Winnipeg Yo-Yo Club at the shop, learning the ropes or refining their skills. “Once you have people together, they learn faster,” says Motkaluk. “There’s nothing better than learning something in person.”

Many yo-yo club members are adults.

Indeed, those new to Newbridge Toy Shop may be surprised by how much stock will entertain “grown-ups”.

They’ll discover devil sticks, hula hoops (“handmade, and weighted for adults”), Rubik’s cubes and art supplies.

Canadian products are paramount at Newbridge Toy Shop. “I’ve got puzzles by Canadian artists,” notes Motkaluk. She also points out the “Monster Factory” stuffed toys by Torontonian craftspeople – and she’s a big fan of Canadian-created

“Mixis” dolls. “They’re all mixed-race,” she explains. “Each doll has its own story.”

The shop is every bit the family business, and when you drop in, chances are Motkaluk herself will help you seek out whatever it is you’re in search of. Her passion for Newbridge’s products is reflected in her familiarity with her wares: “I know where everything is. I can tell you about any of the toys,” she says. “It’s easy to shop here. It’s a cosy, relaxed atmosphere.”

Newbridge Toy Shop’s century-old walls enclose limitless opportunities to create, craft, perform, pretend, build and befriend – and these innumerable adventures aren’t far away.

up loot bags for a variety of price points and themes – sure to be the “cherry on top” at any party.

Yo-Yo Contest.

Yo-yoers will soon have a chance to test their mettle at the Central Canada Yo-Yo Contest. The Winnipeg Yo-Yo Club will host the contest (sponsored by Newbridge Toy Shop), to be held at the Forks on May 17, 2014. “It’ll be the first one in Winnipeg,” says Motkaluk. “The top three winners will go on to the Canadian Championship in Vancouver.”

Newbridge Toy Shop 1791 Main Street, Winnipeg 204.219.1956 newbridgetoyshopwpg@gmail.com newbridgetoyshop.com facebook/NewbridgeToyShop

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WINNIPEG

Spring 2014

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

APRIL/MAY

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April 1–5 Kim’s Convenience by Ins Choi Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

April 7-13 Winnipeg Comedy Festival

April 1–5 Spring Break at The Manitoba Museum

April 17 Astronomy Night: Telescopes

April 4–6 Home Expressions Home and Garden Show

April 7–13 Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre

April 10 Winnipeg Jets take on the Boston Bruins

April 2–20 Harvest Prairie Theatre Exchange

April 12 Professional Bull Riding: Touring Pro Division MTS Centre

April 3–13 Avenue Q - A Broadway Tony Award Winning Musical Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre

April 12 Mad About Ballet Gala Royal Winnipeg Ballet

April 22 Earth Day Celebration at Oak Hammock Marsh Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre

April 4–May 30 Footsloose Celebrations - Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry

May 10, 2014 George Thorogood and the Destroyers: 40 Years Strong Tour Burton Cummings Theatre

April 01–June 24 (Every Tuesday) Mardi Jazz Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain

May 22, 2014 Lady Gaga—artRAVE: The ARTPOP Ball MTS Centre

April 29–May 3 The Winnipeg Wine Festival RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

May 23–30 Pride of the Prairies 2014 8 dates

May 1–30 We Are All Treaty People Exhibit 190 Rupert Avenue

May 25, 2014 28th Annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic

May 6–7 The Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Sioux Falls Canaries Shaw Park

May 30, 2014 FortWhyte Alive Birding and Breakfast

May 7 Investors Group Stars On Ice Presented by Lindt MTS Centre

March 30–June 1 The Juno Tour of Canadian Art Winnipeg Art Gallery

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innipeg’s entertainment scene has been shaken up by the arrival of the city’s newest entertainment hot spot — Rec Room. Located at 1875 Pembina Highway near the University of Manitoba, this new player on the scene is bringing a whole new level of fun to your typical night out — and it’s the perfect place for date night. “We’re bringing fun and games to the sports bar,” says manager Jeff McCorrie. “Rec Room is like nothing the city has seen before.”

REC ROOM Taking the Sports Lounge to Another Level

By Brook Thalgott Photos Shawn Fillion

Rec Room is more than a sports bar — it’s an interactive sports lounge. What does this mean?

Well, it means not only can you come and enjoy a brew and a burger while watching the game, you can also have a ton of fun playing new and classic arcade games, air hockey, darts, foosball, ping-pong, and Rec Room’s own version of beer pong. There are even life-size versions of Jenga, Twister and Connect Four. Sunday through Wednesday it’s bring your own board game night and on Tuesdays the lounge hosts “Midnight Matinees” where they show movies on their 300-inch projector. “Think of Rec Room as a games room for grown-ups,” says McCorrie. “You can come in, order a drink and see the game while playing your favourite games with friends.”

Not only can you play for fun, but if you’re feeling competitive Rec Room has leagues for ping pong, beer pong and foosball. And, Rec Room is the place to be for every major sporting event, from the Stanley Cup to the SuperBowl to the World Series. “We’re a sports bar. So, we’ve got two projection televisions and a dozen 50-inch televisions throughout the bar, so you can see the game,” says McCorrie.

While Rec Room prides itself on showing you a good time, it’s also a place for delicious and interesting pub grub. “We’ve got some great stuff on the menu,” says McCorrie. “We’ve taken a traditional pub-style menu and added our own unique flair.” There’s eight different variations of poutine, from the classic fries, gravy and cheese curds, to Bacon Cheeseburger with ground beef, bacon, onion, tomato and lettuce, to the Miss Piggy, LEFT Jeff McCorrie Rec Room General Manager and Stephen Hua Rec Room Owner

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which is a delectable delight of house cut fries smothered in pulled pork and bacon.

There are nearly 20 kinds of wings for the wing fanatic – everything from Lemon Pepper to PB&J — four different takes on the hot dog, plus burgers, dry ribs, nachos... you name it. “And, we’ve got our signature Chicken & Waffles,” says McCorrie. “It’s buttermilk fried chicken topped with chicken gravy served on a cornbread waffle with butter and pancake syrup on the side.

It’s something you’ve got to try.”

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The menu doesn’t stop there. This is a bar, so beverages are the order of the day. Rec Room offers a great selection of draft and bottled beers, plus signature cocktails and shooters. “We’ve got the ‘Match Point’, vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry and lime with a cinnamon-sugar rim; and our own ‘Sex on Winnipeg Beach’, gin, melon liqueur, pineapple and lime juice, with 7-Up,” McCorrie says. “And if you’re a fan of the Caesar then you have to try our Build Your Own Caesar menu.” This menu lets you design your perfect drink.

Customers can pick their liquor, rimmer, spice and garnish, and concoct a beverage that is truly their own.

The games don’t end when you’re ready to pay the bill, either. On Toss-Up Tuesdays you can play Heads-Or-Tails with your server to win 15 per cent off your food tab.

“For us, we want your whole experience to be fun, right down to paying the bill at the end of the night,” McCorrie says.

If you’ve got an event coming up, Rec Room can provide you and your guests

with an experience you won’t soon forget.

“We can accommodate up to 400 people, and we’re able to host all kinds of events,” he says. Bachelor and bachelorette parties, office functions, birthdays, retirements — you name it, Rec Room can help you make it happen. And not only is Rec Room a place to come after work or for a night on the town, it’s also a terrific lunch spot. With free Wi-Fi and a 15 minute express lunch menu, it’s a great place to swing by for a business lunch with co-workers or clients.

Rec Room is Winnipeg’s newest and neatest place to go for great drinks, great food, and great fun. And, it’s a place you can start your night and end it, too. “We want you to come and stay all night,” says McCorrie. “You can come in with friends or a special someone and have a great meal, enjoy some drinks, watch a game and have some fun playing the games you enjoyed as a kid or in your college days.”

Rec Room’s hours have expand to 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays.

Rec Room 1875 Pembina Hwy Winnipeg, MB 204.275.3974 recroomlounge.ca |

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Buon Appetito

Winnipeg’s Changing Culinary Landscape

By Brandi Parnell Photos Shawn Fillion

W

hen it comes to dining out in Winnip eg, entrepreneur sam colosimo is known for changing the landscape. Somewhere in his Italian roots you‘ll find a blend of food, entertainment and bravado. He enjoys raising the bar as a restaurateur, and is fearless with each new venture.

In August 2013, Colosimo opened his latest undertaking, Teo‘s & Mano a Mano, a restaurant and lounge that serves warm Italian hospitality, modern Italian food, contemporary wine, 14 beers on tap and a

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fully-stocked bar. With the help of General Manager Charles Garcia and Executive Head Chef Dustin Pajak, Teo‘s & Mano a Mano strives to provide an engaging and unique dining experience that brings the Italian feel back to the Corydon strip.

After speaking with Colosimo, you know he appreciates tradition, but is willing to take risks when it comes to elevating dining standards in Winnipeg. “The newest restaurant raises expectations,” he says proudly — accepting that challenge for better food, one space at a time.

Mano a Mano has pushed the limits. It is a place where you can be sitting beside a wine connoisseur or a foodie, a music lover or a neighbour out for a late night snack. It is a new twist on traditional Italian.

Come for one… Stay all night–“We have music every Wednesday to Sunday. When the weather heats up, I envision patio parties, an open feel and local DJs. Wine Date Wednesdays features a three-course meal for two,” says Colosimo. “Walk up, enjoy the food, have a drink. It ‘s just a cool place to hang out.”

Teo‘s, named after Colosimo‘s son, is a contemporary, upscale yet unintimidating cocktail lounge with knowledgeable serving staff. The restaurant is a tasteful space that features a wine bar, and a dining room that seats approximately 40 to 50 guests, making Mano A Mano a perfect venue for private events, both personal and corporate.

“It‘s is the best of both worlds,” says Colosimo. “It is cosy dining for friends, it‘s the ideal spot for people who love good food. It‘s great music and it can be booked for private functions.”

Located at 691 Corydon Avenue, Mano A Mano is completely renovated. If you‘ve been in the building before it was in Colosimo‘s care, you need to see it now.

It is beautifully remodeled, yet intimate.

Whether you wish to see or be seen, there is a spot to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.

The kitchen is situated behind a glass wall that is open to people strolling by, the lounge is framed with an industrial size garage door that provides the perfect view of the lively Corydon strip, and the dining room offers a private outdoor patio in summertime.

Mano A Mano might just be the best of both worlds, and so is Colosimo. He travels extensively, returning home with the latest culinary trends, and a vision of how he can customize them to be more Winnipeg.

“In a city this size, you have to feed all people,” he says. And he does. Whether you‘re in the mood for lamb chops or pizza, basted pork belly or pan-seared salmon, Colosimo has you covered.

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Brooklynn‘S BiStro/Boa lounge: Nestled in one of the historic Exchange District‘s handsome buildings, Brooklynn‘s Bistro is a combination of the freshest ingredients possible, prepared in skillful Italian cuisine.

TOP RIGHT Teo Colosimo RIGHT Brooklynn Colosimo

Colosimo believes dining out is not just about the food and the wine — it is an emotional experience that takes all senses into account, a philosophy he has tried to recreate at both restaurants.

feel of Teo‘s & Mano A Mano, or the fine dining, downtown style at Brooklynn‘s Bistro/Boa Lounge, gourmet Italian food and Mediterranean hospitality are what Colosimo does best.

Warm hospitality and the right people is a proven recipe for Colosimo. Chef Frank McCann is the man behind the menu at Brooklynn‘s Bistro, named after Colosimo‘s daughter.

Teo‘s & Mano A Mano 691 Corydon Avenue 204.414.6305 www.teosandmanoamano.com

It seems his restaurant and lounge concepts are perfectly paired. Whether you prefer the trendy neighbourhood

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Brooklynn‘s/Boa Lounge 177 Lombard Avenue 204.415.4112 www.brooklynnsbistro.ca

By Brandi Parnell Photos Shawn Fillion

H EVOLVING Getting To Know

Executive Head Chef Dustin Pajak

e claims his practical wisdom can be traced back to his Danish lineage. Perhaps it is an instinctively prairie mentality.

Or maybe the truth is he is wise in the kitchen beyond his 24 years. Whatever the reason, Executive Head Chef Dustin Pajak is creative and resourceful in his glass-front kitchen on Corydon Avenue.

Pajak is Mano A Mano’s culinary creator.

Originally from rural Manitoba, he grew up with a large garden, eating fresh when the elements allowed, and canning freshness to sustain long Canadian winters.

“We preserved everything,” says Pajak.

“My influences when I was young were more in touch with the environment than most. I would love to provide fresh, local produce all year round, but that is an impossibility here in Winnipeg.” Pajak has been known to can 2,000 pounds of tomatoes at once to use for pastes and sauces all winter long.

His voice reminds me of burrata mozzarella, a soft creamy cheese he uses to create tongue and cheek Italian cuisine.

We have a relaxed, easy approach to great food, he says. Kind of like him, I thought.

“Our food is meant to be shared amongst one another, like you would with family,” he says. “I try to layer as much interesting flavour as I can into small bites. I play with texture. I have fun with food.”

The staff is small, the food romantic. At 24 — roasting food in an oven as old as he is — it will be just as interesting to taste Pajak’s creations, as it will be to watch him evolve.

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Living Fully with Chef SCott BagShaw

D

eseo is a Spanish noun whose English meaning translates to ‘a wish or a desire.’ Chef Scott Bagshaw has the desire to live well, and with good food.

“One of my favourite quotes is from Socrates,” he says. “A life unexamined is not worth living.” If anyone knows anything about Chef Bagshaw, they know he lives by that quote.

Deseo Bistro is in its third year of business and growing, which is good news for a man who has “Chef for Life” tattooed on his forearm.

In 2011, Deseo was chosen as one of Canada’s best new restaurants by Where magazine; in 2012 it was named one of Winnipeg’s Best New Restaurants by Marion Warhaft of the Winnipeg Free Press and in May 2013, Deseo Bistro was ranked 38th on Vacay’s Top 50 Restaurants in Canada, the only Manitoban restaurant to make the list that year.

Today, he is all things culinary at Deseo Bistro, but doesn’t shy from chopping parsley, slicing garlic and expediting food. Bagshaw’s goal is to create comfort food equal parts delicious and inventive, using highquality ingredients. He loves seeing people who are new to the restaurant as much as he enjoys seeing gregarious regulars who share their dining experience with friends.

“We have a really nice following of people in the area,” he says. “Our demographic is culturally and socioeconomically diverse. We see new parents who are just starting out, career-minded individuals after a day at the office and weekly diners.”

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By Brandi Parnell Photos Courtesy Deseo Bistro

Cured Albacore Tuna Serves 4 as an appetizer Ingredients 1 loin albacore tuna 1/8 cup pomegranate seeds 1/8 cup spring peas 1/8 cup pea shoots 3/4 cup pomegranate juice 1/8 cup puffed wild rice 1 jalapeño 1/8 cup olive oil Sriracha 1 lime 1 cup salt plus for garnish 3 cups sugar Pepper Directions For tuna Clean the tuna to ensure there are no bones, sinew or belly fat remaining. Mix the salt and sugar thoroughly in a ceramic bowl, then submerge the cleaned tuna in the mixture.Let cure for 6 hrs in the refrigerator.

Remove from mixture, wash off excess cure and pat dry.

Cover with cling film and return to fridge.

For pomegranate syrup In a stainless steel pot, place the litre of juice and reduce by 3/4 at medium heat. Remove from heat and transfer to a plastic container then refrigerate.

For the peas In a stainless steel bowl place the peas, the zest of 1 lime, salt, pepper and a splash of olive oil.Toss and transfer to a plastic container and refrigerate. to assemble On 4 plates, place 4 slices of the cured tuna. Drizzle liberally with olive oil.

Drizzle pomegranate syrup liberally.Drizzle sriracha.

Sprinkle marinated peas.

Sprinkle pomegranate seeds. Sprinkle puffed rice.

Sprinkle pea shoots.Place a few thin slices of jalapeño.

Finish with salt and pepper to taste. eat.

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On the Up with Anthony KucerA

H

is philosophy is to source as much local items as possible. He enjoys creating non-traditional food pairings. He wants you to think about what you eat.

He is Chef Anthony Kucera and he is as humble as he is GRAND. “I try to be different. I like creating unusual combinations of food that taste delicious together,” he says. “For instance, vanilla infused espresso goes perfectly with lamb.”

Chef Kucera has worked alongside some very impressive and notable chefs, but speaks of his career experience with humility. “I have been extremely fortunate to have worked alongside the chefs that I have,” he says with obvious gratitude.

“From a young age I was taught that each move I make in my career should be a step forward.”

Today he is the executive chef for The Grand Hotel by Lakeview at the Winnipeg International Airport, looking to break the stigma associated with airport food.

Whether you’re catching a flight or live in Winnipeg, Chef Kucera wants you to have a meal at The Blue Marble Restaurant and Lounge…a really tasty, nontraditional meal with superb presentation.

Fresh food is a top priority for him. He loves to garden and he is passionate about tapas. When asked what he does for inspiration, he says, “I read. Right now I am reading a book about molecular gastronomy entitled, Mugaritz: A Natural Science of Cooking.”

He is approachable, inventive and grateful to have been a part of The Grand Hotel from the ground up. It seems likely the sky is the limit for this chef.

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By Brandi Parnell Photos Shawn Fillion

ROSÉ Spring Cocktail INGREDIENTS •

12 oz. rosé wine

•

12 oz. grapefruit juice

•

6 oz. gin

•

ice

•

garnish of your choice (try grapefruit wedges, edible flowers or small sprigs of mint)

1

Combine the rosé, grapefruit juice, gin and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well-chilled.

2 Strain and divide amongst three stemmed cocktail glasses.

3 Garnish as desired.

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Fresh, Authentic Italian Fresh, Authentic Italian Without The Trip To Italy Without The Trip To Italy

By Karin Cowan Photos Rejean Brandt and Jon Stebbe

H H

By Karin Cowan Photos Rejean Brandt and Jon Stebbe

idden behind a beautiful brick facade is one of Winnipeg’s idden behind a beautiful brick best-kept culinary secrets. facade is one of Winnipeg’s Behind the bricks and mortar best-kept culinary dating back to 1931 stands Mastersecrets.

Chef Behind the bricks mortar Mike Di Fonte as he sifts theand flour to datingthe back to fresh 1931batch stands Chef make day’s of Master his famous Mike Di Fonte as he issifts flourofto breadknots.

Di Fonte the the curator makekitchen the day’s batch ofRistorante his famous the at fresh Monticchio Italiano, whereDiauthentic areof breadknots.

Fonte isItalian the meals curator served to dozens people everyRistorante day. “He the kitchen at of Monticchio literally his hands on everything, ” says Italiano,has where authentic Italian meals are his wife,toBernadette. served dozens of people every day. “He literally has histook hands everything, ” says The Di Fontes the on reins in 1996 from his wife, Bernadette. what originally started as a pick-up pizza

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joint. The family-run restaurant is nestled in a character neighbourhood just south The Village. family-run restaurant is nestled ofjoint.

Osborne It has grown from its in a character neighbourhood just south humble beginnings, but the quality of its of Osborne Village.

It has grown from traditional Italian food never diminishes. its humble beginnings, but the quality of its “We are part of the neighbourhood.

We’ve traditional Italian food never diminishes. had parents come in and now we are “We are ofcome the neighbourhood.

We’ve seeing theirpart kids in. It’s nice to see had come and nowsays. we are that andparents be part of that,”in Bernadette seeing their kids come in. It’s nice to see Born and raised in Italy, Chef Mike is that and be part of that,” Bernadette says. behind the masterful creations on both theBorn lunchand andraised dinnerinmenus, from fresh Italy, Chef Mike is homemade thin or traditional crust behind the masterful creations pizza, on both tothe classic pasta Themenus, exhaustive lunch anddishes. dinner fromlist fresh ofhomemade delectable items includes mussels, pasta thin or traditional crust pizza, to classic pasta dishes. The exhaustive list of delectable items includes mussels, pasta

pescatore, Monticchio special pizza and chicken parmigiana. The dessert spread pescatore, pizza and includes tiramisuMonticchio made with a special special house chicken parmigiana.

The dessert spread recipe from the old country. Monticchio includes tiramisu made with a special offers gluten-free options as well. “There ishouse recipe fromabout the old nothing chi-chi ourcountry. food. It isMonticchio good offers gluten-free options as well.

“There is old comfort food,” Bernadette says, adding nothing portions chi-chi about our food.

It is good the generous are a favourite among old comfort food,” Bernadette says, adding regulars.

The restaurant also showcases a variety quality portions wines to are satisfy any wine the of generous a favourite among lover’s palate. The restaurant also showcases a regulars. variety of quality wines to satisfy any wine The family-run establishment fosters a lover’s palate. welcoming atmosphere not found at chain restaurants that scatter the city. While The family-run establishment fosters a knowledgeable staff and the cheffound himself welcoming atmosphere not at chain

restaurants that scatter the city. While knowledgeable staff and the chef himself

top Left Erin Left Chef Mike Di Fonte right Bronwyn, server

roam the tables, it is not uncommon for customers to recommend favourite dishes to each other in the quaint restaurant.

Regulars often stop by the kitchen to say hi to Mike, who works endless hours to provide consistently appetizing plates every time.

Winnipeg-raised Bernadette met Mike while on a vacation in Italy and the rest is history. The pair decided to raise their family of three children in Canada, providing Mike with an opportunity to share his culture with his new community.

“We just thought this was a great idea and said, ‘Let’s do it,’” Bernadette says. The couple hasn’t looked back after finding success with their no-gimmick approach to serving good quality, Italian cuisine.

Now a veteran immigrant to this country, Mike finds comfort in his simple and traditional way of cooking as he pays homage to his heritage. The keys were handed over to the family in 1996, but the restaurant has since moved across the street to 684 Osborne St. What was once a 10-table establishment has grown tenfold.

From the marinara sauce to the meatballs, homemade food is a necessary component to the couple’s recipe for success. Italian food lovers all over Winnipeg can enjoy the authentic cuisine without travelling the distance. Fool your taste buds into believing you are enjoying a meal in Italy.

Monticchio Restaurant 684 Osborne Street 204.477.4773 www.monticchios.com

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Chef Mike Di fonte

By Karin Cowan Photos Rejean Brandt and Jon Stebbe

Serves Up a Slice of Italy

C

hef Mike Di Fonte is bringing a slice of Italy to Winnipeg.

Quite literally, you can find fresh Italian pizza any day of the week at Monticchio Ristorante Italiano, his familyowned establishment. Born and raised in Bari, Italy, he learned his cooking skills from the best: his mom. Albeit never classically trained, Di Fonte serves up traditional Italian dishes to the complete satisfaction of the harshest of critics in the Italian community. His style is simple and delicious.

“He puts his heart and soul into it and it shows,” his wife Bernadette says.

Chef Mike is at the helm seven days a week. Nothing is pre-made at Monticcchio. From fresh sauces and kneaded breadknots, he has a hand in everything that reaches the customer’s plate. Melding locally sourced produce with age old family recipes, the restaurant’s menu has something for everyone. The delightful array of options include Italian favourites such as minestrone soup, Stromboli, panzeroto al forno — an Italian pizza pop — or pezzi di choccolato — a traditional dessert covered in whipped cream and chocolate.

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His heartfelt approach has lead to a successful business in a city where restaurants often close as soon as they open. Thanks to Di Fonte’s passion and expertise in the kitchen you can take a trip to Italy, if only through your palette.

Pasta Pescatore Serves 4 Ingredients 4 tablespoons of olive oil 3 garlic cloves peeled and minced 12 cleaned clams 1/2 cup dry white wine 3 cups pureed or chopped tomatoes 12 sea scallops 20 cleaned mussels 12 large shrimp, cleaned and deveined 1/2 pound fresh squid, cleaned and chopped 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley Salt and pepper Red pepper flakes 500g of spaghetti or pasta of your choice

Directions 1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil and sauté garlic for a few minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil, then add the clams and cook till they open.

2. Add the Tomato Sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, and the red pepper flakes and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat and add remaining seafood, and cook over low heat while the pasta cooks.

4. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until it is ‘al dente’.

5. Drain the pasta, top with a scoop of sauce and toss well.

6. Serve in four individual pasta dishes, top with more sauce and divide the seafood up evenly between the four dishes.

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY

BASIL ojito

M

INGREDIENTS •

3 fresh strawberries, sliced

•

3 to 5 fresh basil leaves

•

2 oz. simple syrup

•

2 oz. white rum

•

crushed ice

•

club soda

1

Put strawberries at the bottom of a tall glass along with the basil leaves. Add simple syrup and muddle the mixture.

2 Stir in rum and top with crushed ice.

Add club soda until glass is filled.

Garnish with strawberry slices and basil leaves if desired.

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3

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CHEERS for Spring!

by The Wine Guy

I

’m sure you have all heard it said that good things come in threes: The Three Stooges, The Three Little Pigs, The Three Musketeers, The Three Amigos… the list goes on. After living through three Saskatchewan winters, I am celebrating spring’s arrival with three very loud cheers. And what better way to do that than by accompanying each cheer with one of three courses that together make a meal!

The great Robin Williams once said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” I couldn’t agree more. My favourite way to get a party started is with a pop and a fizz. After such a long winter, anything with bubbles will do, but if you are looking for a classic, crisp champagne, try some Veuve Clicquot. If sweet and delicate is more your style, one of my favourites is a wonderful Moscato from Australia’s Shinas Estate winery called Sweet Justice.

To really pull your senses out of hibernation, both wines pair really well with a strong cheddar, such as the latest batch of Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar, ready after a year of maturing in P.E.I. Thankfully, our spring coincides with the South American fall, which means an abundance of ripe fruits and vegetables. A great spring treat to look for are globe artichokes from Peru. Pick those with stems that are half an inch or more. After trimming the base, place into a

pot of boiling water until the leaves pull away with ease (about 25 minutes). To complete the magic, melt an ounce of butter in the microwave, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, and add a touch of pepper. Pull the leaves one by one, dipping into the butter until you reach the heart (make sure to remove the feathery centre before tucking into the prized flesh).

A perfect match for this is an Argentinian Torrontés… think Chardonnay with a lime twist. My favourite at the moment is a blend of Torrontés and Riesling from Amalaya, which happens to be the highest winery in the world.

As William Skakespeare once put it, “In the spring time, the only pretty ring time, when birds do sing… sweet lovers love the spring.” So, it follows that the final course in our spring celebration should be a nice chicken dish for two. For this, I like to use four boneless, skinless chicken thighs, rubbed in dried thyme, oregano and sage. Arrange in a roasting dish along with a medley of spring carrots, new potatoes, onion slices and the last of the winter’s baby beets. A dash of white wine and a halfcup of good bouillon or stock, and you are ready to roast at 350°F for 35 minutes until the chicken is tender.

After a long winter of reds full of tannin and warming spice, it’s finally time for the fresh, crisp floral notes of a Chenin blanc to set us up for the sunshine to come.

If you are lucky enough to find one from South Africa, buy it on site. Alternatively, you can test your waiter or nearest liquor store by asking for some Vouvray.

Hip, hip, hooray!

Veuve Clicquot

Australia’s Shinas Estate Winery, Sweet Justice

The Wine Guy is a recent immigrant to Saskatoon (he fell in love with a Saskatchewan gal) and is delighted at the range of wines available here. His observations have been featured in publications such as Wine Spectator, Food & Wine Magazine, a variety of Sunday supplements and various blogs. The Wine Guy is fully committed to the grape cause.

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A Tour for Your

TasTe Buds Photos Shawn Fillion

L

ooking for something fresh? Let the team at the OLiV Tasting Room in Winnipeg share its passion and excitement with you and give you a unique and truly one-ofa-kind tasting experience — one that will tantalize your taste buds and infuse you with the desire to change your lifestyle in a fun, exciting and easy way. Through their store in Academy Road, OLiV offers you the opportunity to stretch your food imagination and explore new horizons on what is possible in flavour!

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Their enthusiastic and highly trained team members will guide you as they quickly help you make sense of the staggering array of bottles that greet you as you enter the store. They will take you through a guided tasting tour, explaining in depth the origins of the products, as well as the ways they are manufactured and used.

You will get to taste any and every product you wish, while asking questions about ways the oils can be used to enhance everything from salads, to dipping, to marinades and

even dessert! The OLiV team will cater your tour to your every tasting desire. They will ensure the flavour combinations they create for your tasting pleasure will meet your individual needs for cooking and eating, while giving you several options from which to choose - all of which can be used in a “mix-and-match” style. In short, they will quickly and effortlessly transform you into the best chef you know!

Throughout your time at the OLiV Tasting Room, the store staff will share with you

Heidi Oegema

how the products enhance and compliment your healthy lifestyle.

Who knew healthy living could be so affordable, fun, and tasty?!

When was the last time you were excited to visit a store? All in all, the OLiV Tasting Room not only promises, but delivers on the promise of something fresh, something exciting. It is a feel-good, positive experience that will make you wish you could own your own store. Whether it is your first time in the store or your tenth, you will always be greeted with a cheery smile, welcomed by a positive team member and be treated like one of the members of the greater OLiV family — after you’ve entered those doors that is exactly who you become!

Sound exciting? Then visit your local OLiV store at 540 Academy Road for your free tastings today; no appointments necessary.

OLiV Tasting Room 540 Academy Road Winnipeg, MB 204.414.2019 info@olivtr.com www.olivtastingroom.com

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Savoury Dishes,

Thoughtfully Prepared

By Brandi Parnell Photos Danielle Clement

A

fter a life-altering car accident, Cam Tran thought he would open a small café in a quaint neighbourhood that was open nightly. And that’s just what he did. Café Ce Soir, located in North Wolseley, is a French inspired café, serving delicious food and fine French pastries. But as luck would have it, it’s now open for lunch too.

Tran grew up in a home with culinary influences. His father was an Asian chef, “I started out cooking rice.” By 15 he had fallen in love with food.

By way of a challenging culinary arts program and a trip across Europe and Asia, Tran found himself developing an

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ethical approach to food that was natural.

“I want to know where the food comes from that I serve nightly.”

Today he makes everything from scratch, including his soups and all of his sauces.

Great food, made one ingredient at a time, takes time. His dishes change often and with the feedback of his regular customers.

“I like to use produce that is available locally, whether it’s farmed or foraged in the wild, this greatly influences my menu. I also like preparing wild game,” he says. Some of the dishes influenced by local produce range from venison with wild porcini mushrooms, to green salad with hand-picked raspberries, from wild

Saskatoon berries and butter crème brûlée, to death by chocolate cake, Tran uses simple ingredients that draw out natural, chemical-free flavours.

Dining at Café Ce Soir, customers can expect great food made one dish at a time, including desserts that are out of this world - or at least this country.

ABOVE TOP–BOTTOM Sanna Kocay and Cam Tran

Cafe Ce Soir 937 Portage Avenue Winnipeg info@cafecesoir.ca www.cafecesoir.ca |

A New Look at Buns

Sticky Buns That Is

By Brandi Parnell Photos Danielle Clement

A

quaint, boutique bakery is warming up the neighbourhood of North Wolseley, as it’s affectionately known, and the buns here are hot and delicious.

Jonnies Sticky Buns is a whole lot of cinnamon and a ton of other great ingredients.

“We do the traditional cinnamon bun, but we do a ton with it,” says owner Jon McPhail. Opened in 2010, Jonnies Sticky Buns has been a hit at summer festivals, local coffee shops and in the Wolseley neighbourhood.

You may know Jonnies offers a ton of variety within one product.

Their buns are available in gluten free and vegan options, traditional and gourmet flavors. But what you may not know is that they deliver.

“90 per cent of the time we can fulfill any delivery request,” McPhail says, including a bicycling delivery option. Jonnies is mindful about the environment, sourcing local ingredients wherever possible; they recycle, support Fair Trade and compost.

Their white, whole wheat and spelt flour is local, along with many of the ingredients used for their seasonal buns, such as pumpkin seeds, rhubarb, and crabapples. Their Into the Woods bun is made with Manitoba organic rooibos tea, sunflower seeds and Saskatoon berries. They brew local organic coffee, Jonnies Sticky Blend, roasted by Black Pearl Coffee.

Baked fresh each morning, they also offer a daily feature. For delivery, catering or to preorder, call Jonnie at 204-415-7287 or email the breadbunker@gmail.com. They’re also on Facebook and Twitter.

ABOVE Jon McPhail

Jonnie’s Sticky Buns 937 Portage Avenue Winnipeg 204.415.7287 breadbunker@gmail.com www.jonniesstickybuns.ca |

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SplaSh of CharaCter Add A

to Your Yard

By Katrina Geenevasen

When the days are long and the air is warm, nothing induces relaxation and refreshment like the cool nature of water. So it should come as no surprise that outdoor water features are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.

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Top tipS With so many options available on the market today, there is something to suit every design and budget. Whether you’re going for something glamorous and elegant or simple and refined, your backyard’s landscape — and you — will benefit from the tranquil beauty of a water feature.

Miniature Ponds—Both scenic and versatile, miniature ponds can enhance yards with even the most limited of spaces. Be sure to choose a dry, level site that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day and isn’t too close to a tree — falling leaves will contaminate the water.

There are two types of ponds to choose from: pre-formed or liner-type ponds.

Both have advantages and disadvantages, you just need to figure out what will work best for you and your yard. Pre-formed ponds are better for novices — they come in various shapes and sizes, and are made of a heavy-duty material that can withstand extreme Canadian conditions.

If you’re more creative and want to customdesign the shape and size of the pond on your own, a liner-type pond is the better option. Just be aware of the type of liner you purchase — some are not fish-friendly.

In order to keep the pond as naturallooking as possible, incorporate rocks of varying shapes, colours and styles, as well as plants. Speak with your local gardening centre for tips on what types of plants will best suit your pond.

Be sure to call your utility company before you put your shovel in the ground to mark any buried lines that may be in your yard. Also, keep in mind what utilities you’ll need for your water feature, like electricity and water Remember to work with your landscape, not against it — you’ll save yourself some headaches in the long run Keep the safety of children in mind

If you want to add some wildlife, koi and goldfish are good options for Canadian ponds, as they’re good and hardy. Just add a few at a time, and keep a close eye on them—disease problems can occur if you’re not careful.

Waterfalls and Water Walls—Waterfalls or water walls can add stunning visual interest to your yard — and there’s nothing like the sound of falling water to help you relax after a long day. Do you prefer a more natural and organic look?

Water cascading down rough stones or

slate might be a good option. For added effect, have the waterfall tumble into a whirlpool for a spa-like feel. If you want to install a water feature that provides an unexpected surprise, a stairway fountain is another option.

“BuBBlers”—Do you prefer a more eclectic, compact look? Repurpose an item like a bowl or garden pot to give it new life as a “bubbler.”

All you need is a pump, some rocks and pool tubing. Birdbaths are another option if you prefer something smaller with little maintenance. You just need to change the water every other day to keep it fresh and safe for the birds that will frequent it. The options are limited only by your imagination.

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DRESSING THE FIFTH &

Sixth Walls

By Meredith Heron

I

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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sure that you have achieved balance on 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.

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.

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

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|

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. It’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 — 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. We’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 co-wallpapering attempts!

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COVER FEATURE

Team Work A Proven Approach To Real Estate

By Brandi Parnell Photos Rejean Brandt and Courtesy of The Judy Lindsay Team

Phil Jackson, one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association, said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

T

he success of the Judy Lindsay Team is rooted in the fundamentals that people working together can achieve more. Judy’s career began in 1984. Back then, her son, Allan Asplin, was 10 years old and delivering flyers as part of her team. Her philosophy was simple, to have an engaged group of professionals, all working for a common goal — the client.

Judy passed away in 2001; her vision, however, remains strong; Allan, along with his specialists, continues to be one of the top real estate teams in the North America.

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COVER FEATURE

Still named after his mother, the Judy Lindsay Team adheres to a format in which each person does one job to the best of their ability.

With this approach, the realtors are divided up into buying and selling specialists. “The average agent sells between eight and 10 houses per year. We sell on average more than five house per week,” Asplin says. With that kind of experience we are able to adapt to the market and match buyers and sellers with skilled agents.”

“We pride ourselves on being the best at everything we do. We don’t advertise our promises. We live by them…show up, be respectful and be professional,” he says.

His mother would have agreed. So would his clients; 80 per cent of their business is repeat business and referrals. When asked what makes his team world class, he modestly refers to the testimonials on their website and the teachings he learned from his mother.

“I love going to a house knowing it is an old friend from my childhood or someone who dealt with my mother,” Asplin says.

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A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH “With a team system, our agents are able to concentrate their efforts on their top skill sets,” Asplin says. “Certain agents excel at the buying process, whereas others thrive in listing and selling houses.”

Given current market conditions, having a buying or selling specialist provides needed professional guidance in a competitive market. Purchasing a home could be the biggest investment you’ll make. The Judy Lindsay Team, a group of 17 trusted professionals, ensures this process is seamless.

FOR SELLERS Asplin’s entrepreneurial way of thinking challenges the status quo. Many of the Judy Lindsay Team innovations have been implemented around the world. “We were always known for doing more for our home sellers. As part of our promise to deliver the absolute best customer experience, we continue to come up with new ways to deliver more value to the client and ultimately sell their home for more money,” he says.

COVER FEATURE

One such innovation is their Guaranteed Sold Program “We launched our Guaranteed Sold Program in 2003,” says Asplin.

“Our clients don’t have to write conditional offers because we give them the peace of mind knowing that if their home doesn’t sell, we will buy it at a previously agreed upon price and date. Ultimately this option gives our clients more negotiating power.”

in different parts of the city and surrounding areas, there is always an expert available. In other words, yes it is all about location and the Judy Lindsay Team of specialists know location.

The team also has investment specialists whose role is to create investment strategies that will work for first time real estate buyers or experienced investors.

In addition to the Guaranteed Sold Program, included with each listing, is access to a handyman service, free staging as well as cleaning and/or junk removal. “Ultimately the end goal is to make buying or selling a home an enjoyable experience and put more dollars in our clients’ pocket,” he says.

FOR THE FUTURE With continued innovation, expansion into new home sales with Artista Homes and a development underway in Niverville with LCD Homes, Asplin and his team are poised to remain market leaders. With any luck, Asplin hopes one of his daughter’s will do as he did and follow in his footsteps.

FOR BUYERS Equally, the buying specialists know how to find each client the right home for their family’s needs at each stage in their lives. Couples just starting out have different needs than a family with teenage children or a couple heading into retirement.

Having a buyer specialist means you can learn about a house you’re interested in and see it right away. With different agents specializing

To find the right agent for you, or to discuss investment opportunities, call Allan Asplin and The Judy Lindsay Team.

The Judy Lindsay Team 204.925.2900 877.262.7072 www.judylindsay.com |

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COVER FEATURE

Building a

AFTER

Bright ORANGE Future

By Brandi Parnell Photos Courtesy Orange Construction

T

he construction industry is not what it once was. Today — at least in Winnipeg —home and business owners have raised the bar in terms of expectations when it comes to tradespeople.

Insert Orange Construction, a company backed by Allan Asplin and built on the same principles that have made the Judy Lindsay Team a trusted name in the city.

Asplin and partner Kyle Breen joined forces when they realized a gap in the marketplace. With more than 10 years

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experience in the industry, Breen has assembled an exceptional team of tradespeople dedicated to being on time and getting the job done right.

“There is a stigma associated with trades and journey people,” says Breen, a Red Seal Carpenter. “It is common to hear complaints about projects that are not completed on time, have gone over budget and in the end the homeowner is discouraged and disappointed.

Tradespeople can be unreliable. We are here to change that. We believe in true pricing and we guarantee our quotes,

which means that we carefully assess each project and gauge our time accordingly.”

“My dad was always in the trades when I was growing up. I love seeing the look on a client’s face when a project exceeds their expectations. I take pride in changing the perception of construction companies,” Breen says.

Orange Construction adheres to the same successful systems practiced within the award-winning Judy Lindsay Team. “Our goal is that every client receives a first class experience from quote to project

completion,” says Breen. Testimonials and a portfolio of satisfied clients are indicative of what is standard with each project.

“When we leave a site, be it residential or commercial, for the night or the weekend, we want you to believe that there isn’t a renovation being done,” he laughs. “A clean job site is a happy one.”

Last fall Breen and his team took over a six bedroom, full renovation on a Lake of the Woods cabin. The project was in its seventh month of construction, behind schedule and over budget.

“It was very frustrating for our clients who had already lost one summer at the lake,” Breen says. “The company that had been working on their cabin underpriced the job to win the bid but refused to finish the work.” Orange Construction came onboard and turned a disaster into a dream cabin.

BEFORE

From backyard decks and fences, to brand new kitchens, Orange will construct commercial renovations or take your plans and make them a reality.

Looking at opening a Kenora office this year, Orange is a full service construction and renovation company. Breen and his journeymen have implemented the systems and processes that focus on providing clients with the highest level of service and customer satisfaction.

For a no obligation quote, call Kyle and his team.

Go with Orange.

BELOW Kyle Breen

BEFORE

AFTER

888.913.848 www.gowithorangecom

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EVOLUTION Wine Rooms Unique Style, For Every Taste

By Lauren Power Photos Nikki Mathieu and Dan Wexler

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A

s a full custom design and fabrication firm, Evolution Wine Rooms works with clients to create projects that evolve from concept to reality.

However, Evolution Wine Rooms isn’t just for lifelong oenophiles (wine lovers, that is). “We want to give people the opportunity to see the range of custom wine storage available within all budgets,” says George Addis, Evolution’s president and founder. “It’s not about being expensive. It’s about being able to provide our clients with something that’s practical, within range of their budget and personal to them. Our clients are able to express their personalities within the design, which we design and create along with and for them.”

Clients may come in with a general idea, thought, or dream, or maybe a very specific plan. No matter what the start point, the team guides them in the shaping and implementation of their project. For many, that means a desire to have a cool, unique addition to their home. For people looking for a one-of-a-kind spot for entertaining, Addis suggests a design that is “very balanced, open, and visual”.

That same visual aesthetic is on display at one of Evolution’s most recent installations.

“The wine cellar we did in the Blue Marble restaurant inside the Grand by Lakeview hotel was a very interesting project,” says Addis. With the only guidelines being the size of the space and the amount and types of wine they wanted to stock and display, the team was essentially given a blank slate.

“From that we set to work to create something that we thought would show well, very open in concept, with the ability to display their desired feature bottles with a high degree of visibility,” says Addis. “It is a very contemporary cellar, and as the entire room is done in walnut, including the walls, it has a very rich, warm and organic feel to it. The LED lighting accenting different areas and features in the cellar, along with the use of glass and stainless steel, really sets this cellar apart from most you will find. It is front and centre when you enter the restaurant, so it is the very first thing people see upon entering both the lounge and restaurant.”

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The term “cellar” can bring up visions of dark, dank, isolated areas, hidden away somewhere in the basement. “More often today, people are looking for options to display their wine and highlight collector pieces,” says Addis. “Many people are choosing to include a seating or tasting area located in, or just outside, the wine room.

This is where we differ from a lot of other wine-racking-only companies, especially the ones that focus on modular wine storage rather than full custom. We can both design and build the entire room including one-of-a-kind custom furniture pieces.”

Personal choice always comes into play when deciding between a traditional versus modern look, especially when it comes to home design. So, the Evolution team works hard to keep the lines of communication open. “By communicating and maintaining our commitment to a client-centred approach, we are able to provide designs for our clients and partners that result in them receiving exceptionally high quality heirloom pieces, painstakingly constructed with skills that span decades.”

Custom design, combined with exotic woods, help Evolution Wine Rooms take wine rooms to another level. “Our finishing options are as vast as our designs,” says Addis, who favours the

George Addis in the Blue Marble wine cellar inside the Grand by Lakeview hotel.

Photo Nikki Mathieu

typically draw my inspiration from art, architecture, nature and travel.” combination of complementary wood species for a contrast of colour, cut, or grain.

“We offer the very best possible finishes in stains and lacquers which include water based, low VOC (volatile organic compounds), including LEED certifiable ECO friendly finishes, as well as time-

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honoured and proven hand finishes for custom furniture pieces.

“I have always had an appreciation for handcrafted works,” says Addis. “For myself, this has always meant a leaning towards the more organic arts, especially woodworking and furniture design. I

Addis notes that many of the Evolution pieces are influenced by the MidCentury modern movement, with its uncomplicated, fresh aesthetic, pared-down forms, contemporary patterns and natural materials. Addis also draws influence from the Studio Craft furniture movement, featuring one-of-a-kind, or limited

production, furniture objects designed and built by craftspeople, as opposed to highvolume factory productions.

Evolution Wine Rooms’ design philosophy lies in the belief that the works created should be about the natural harmony of the raw materials that constitute the finished piece.

“We envisioned a change for the better in which high quality raw materials are used to create something new, unique and special,” says Addis. “It’s like new wine varietals, or the transformation of grapes being turned into wine. There is an artistry to that, much like I see the artistic side of our work.”

“Being able to train and learn from some truly great people in the past, I have carried on my appreciation for the arts as well as traditional methods of woodworking and furniture construction,” says Addis. “Both of which are rapidly being lost in an age of both mass production and disposable short-sighted, limited lifespan products.”

“We see ourselves as doing something different from most of the wine cellar companies out there, definitely different from any of the ones in Canada,” says Addis. “We are, in every aspect of the word, a ‘custom’ builder.”

“We don’t have what other companies would call a modular line,” says Addis.

“Nothing is made overseas. Everything and anything is an open possibility. What this does is open up the door for our clients

to get exactly what they want, for our designers to have some creative freedom, and our craftspeople to reach new levels due to ever increasing challenges. It reminds me of that quote, if you’re not moving forward, then you’re falling behind. We are definitely a company on the move.”

EVOLUTION Wine Rooms 6–1635 Burrows Avenue Winnipeg 204.589.1304 info@evowinerooms.com evowinerooms.com | |

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Lawndromat The

For All Your Outdoor Cleaning

By: Brandi Parnell Photos Shawn Fillion

B

eing a homeowner comes with many responsibilities, both in and outside of your home. Often times, with hectic family and

work schedules, the property maintenance gets neglected. Whether for convenience or to enhance the curb appeal of your home, The Lawndromat, a year-round lawn care and yard maintenance company, is here to help.

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The team at The Lawndromat is a fully equipped, insured and bondable group of lawn care specialists eager to take care of your outdoor needs, including regularly scheduled grass cutting and snow removal.

FLEXIBLE Yard care maintenance can be performed daily, weekly, monthly or seasonally. They will cleanout your eavestroughs, power rake your lawn, aerate, wash windows, and bag and remove all debris. But they also do stump grinding,

flower planting and general landscaping.

With spring finally here, The Lawndromat and its staff are eager to help transition your property for the outdoor season.

The Lawndromat has been in business for two years. Its name was a suggestion from the owner’s 11-year-old son — a play on words referring to outdoor cleans ups. “I thought that was a great idea and it stuck,” says Kurt from The Lawndromat.

MINDFUL A community oriented business, The Lawndromat feels it’s important to think about the families they service. Since the owner is a father himself, the team is aware of the dangers associated with chemicals on play surfaces for both children and pets.

The Lawndromat uses pesticide-free fertilizers, weed and insect control.

Friendly, timely and ready to tackle everything from grass cutting to snow removal, The Lawndromat and its team

are professional and reliable. “People love businesses that follow through.

We do what we say we’re going to. We just get the job done,” says Kurt from The Lawndromat.

The Lawndromat plans on expansion in the future and hopes to offer additional services with time, like building retention walls and being able to do small hardscape projects.

AVAILABLE The Lawndromat is now booking spring clean ups, so when the

warm weather arrives all you have to do is open your door and fire up the grill.

With flexible hours operating Monday to Saturday in the greater Winnipeg area, The Lawndromat is flexible to accommodate most schedules.

For a free quote, or to learn more about the services they provide, contact The Lawndromat by phone or visit their website.

204.888.1845 www.lawndromatlawncare.com ABOVE Kurt and Cathy

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Creating a

BETTER HOME From Inspection to Renovation

By Trina Annand Photos Rejean Brandt

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My wife and I have had Derek do several jobs around the house for us over the years. He has always been reliable, dependable and willing to keep us informed. I would not hesitate to recommend both the man and his work.

Bill Benham, Customer

M

aking a house into a home is as simple as filling it with love. But in order to make the house a place you love and a place that supports your lifestyle, you need an expert’s help. Creating that perfect living space for family time can be easy with the professionals at Mod-Art Renovation Enterprise (MARE). And for those buying a home for the first time, or who are climbing the property ladder, Mod-Art Property Inspection Services (MAPIS) Inspector and Owner Derek Birch can provide valuable insight on how good of an investment a home can be for the future.

As a dedicated husband and father of three, Birch understands the importance of having a safe and comfortable family home. His quest for perfection is driven by a passion for building and working with tools, a passion he first developed working with his father around the house.

After learning a strong work ethic from his father, Birch worked as a contractor’s helper at the age of 15. Having now worked in the industry for more than 20 years, it was Birch’s strong values and loyalty to his family that led him to start his own company. “I try my best to instill qualities such as honesty, integrity, accountability and responsibility in my children. They are the same qualities that I operate my businesses with,” notes Birch.

The owner is no stranger to hard work, first taking a self-employment course, and then paying off a federal small business loan 18 months early. Birch truly is a self-made man. The values Birch lives his life with are the same values he applies to his work, and the family business is creating work any family would be proud of. “The general reputation of contractors

is not the best, a few rotten apples taint the industry for homeowners,” says Birch.

“I am trying to address that by providing great service and quality materials at an affordable price. I am at the job from start to finish, to the last bead of silicone and the last nail.” Specializing in basement developments, kitchen and bathroom renovations, MARE uses only certified, Red Seal tradesmen to ensure the best results for their clients. For Birch, every day is a chance to make Manitoba a better place one home at a time.

“The client has to do their due diligence when choosing a contractor,” says Birch.

“This involves getting a minimum of five estimates, several pictures of past projects, a minimum of five references, and they must insist on a signed contract that details the total amount of the project, payment schedule, start and finish dates, and any other specifications expected from the contractor. It should also include what is expected from the client during the project duration from the contractor’s perspective.” Because of the importance of this agreement, both branches of Birch’s business operate via contract.

During his work as a property inspector for MAPIS, Birch saw the ravages of what disasters could do, conducting flood inspections for more than 150 homes with Emergency Measures. For Birch, inspections are the most important part of the home buying process. “A good inspection means that a homebuyer can make an informed decision about their future home. Whether a home is a good investment, and also how much work they will need to do,” says Birch.

MAPIS provides a 52-page detailed report with 300 checkpoints that include

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RIGHT Jayden, Jorden, Derek, Camille and Alicia

Thanks for the excellent work you completed on my basement renovation. I appreciate that you completed it on time and within the quote I was given.

I also am happy with the suggested changes to the original plan, as they have worked out tremendously.

The constant updates on progress were always welcome and the promises you made were kept. I will not hesitate to hire your company in the future. Thanks for your professionalism and attention to detail.

Keith Murdock, Customer

images to support each of Birch’s findings. By setting short-term and long-term recommendations, Birch ensures there are no surprises when it comes to a home’s upkeep. With two separate functioning branches in the construction industry, Birch understands the importance of quality workmanship, and has a unique range of services.

In order to offer the best value for their clients, MARE offers a lowest estimate guarantee on labour, giving a five per cent lower price. Birch offers clients a concise quote, which details the job right down to the last nail, allowing clients to see a true representation of the price. “It is important to not just go with the lowest offer you receive for a job,” says. Birch. “A renovation is only a bad investment when it is done poorly, setting it right always costs a minimum of twice as much as it would have by completing the project properly the first time, with a qualified professional. I believe in transparency; I have nothing to hide and neither should any other reputable renovation specialist.

Mod-Art Renovation Enterprises Mod-Art Property Inspection Services 204.582.3446 204.996.5207 dmbirch@shaw.ca

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Movin’ On Up

Suzanne Mariani with

By Brandi Parnell Photos Courtesy Suzanne Mariani

S

he is not just a mother. Nor is she just an entrepreneur.

She is not just a singer, nor does she just make music. She isn’t defined solely by her professional accomplishments. Suzanne Mariani does it all — all the time.

MAX professionals is honoured to be included in the top 10 per cent of real estate performers in 2013. As proud as she is about the recognition, Mariani remains grounded. Full of energy, she is motivated and self-made, and she doesn’t forget her roots.

odds, and her resilient determination helped push her forward. “I’ve always told my kids, being successful starts on the inside,” she says. “Follow that internal passion. Taking that first baby step is the start. That can lead to being successful in reaching your goals on the outside.”

As one of Winnipeg’s top real estate producers, Suzanne Mariani of RE/

As a single mom of four children, Mariani learned to rely on herself and fight the

Today she is focused on providing her clients with the best results and service ABOVE Suzanne Mariani

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in the industry. She is dedicated to understanding a client’s real estate goals, and works hard to create solutions. Mariani works with a full spectrum of people, those who are new to the market, as well as experienced investors. Best of all, she knows Winnipeg. “As is often said, real estate is about location, location, location,” she says.

Her formula is simple: work hard and believe in yourself. When times were tough, Mariani used music as her therapy and taught herself to sing. “Things got so bad at one point in my life, there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I lost my house, but was rescued by Winnipeg Harvest for meals,” she says. “I will never forget the hardship of those days, as it was then my character truly developed a thankful heart.”

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LET’S TALK MUSIC… Not only does Mariani have a booming real estate career, but she is also a well-known and well-loved musician. She has performed for more than 3,000 people in Las Vegas, as well as for the Pan American Games in Winnipeg. When Victor Davies, songwriter for the Pan American Games, heard her sing he said, “Aretha Franklin showed up.” Another musical highlight was in 1996 when Mariani sang back up for one song with Celine Dion. “It was the most electrifying experience, to be only a few feet away from her on stage,” says Mariani.

Mariani has also co-written songs with a member of Earth, Wind & Fire, and Kool & the Gang, as well as with Grammy award nominee Fresh I.E. of Winnipeg. She

has produced and co-written with John Wilson of the legendary rhythm and blues band, Sly, Slick & Wicked. Wilson has also produced songs for both Janet and Latoya Jackson, and was one of the co-writers with Justin Timberlake for Timberlake’s 2013 hit Suit and Tie. “John Wilson was great fun to work with,” Mariani says. She has also worked with Winnipeg producer Chris Burke-Gaffney and in 2007 she had a meeting with Ike Turner, the same year he won the Grammy for “Best Traditional Blues Album.” Turner told Mariani her voice was “big and rich” and was considering her for his next blues project.

Unfortunately, Turner died shortly after and that dream was short lived.

To add to her impressive list of celebrity encounters, Mariani was also friends with

the inspiration for the character of Kramer on the incredibly successful TV show Seinfeld. She says she would visit him in New York often and one time they took a first class limo to Ground Zero. “It was an emotion I will never forget,” she says. Charles Adler, of Winnipeg’s CJOB radio, once had the two friends on-air and had a “field day with it,” says Mariani. She also claims that meeting Brett Wilson, Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist and three-season panelist on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, was the highlight of everything when it came to meeting someone who can redefine success. They met at a real estate conference in Las Vegas and for the past two years she has supported Wilson’s annual garden party fundraiser, held at his home, which raises money for his favourite charities. “You really don’t want to miss a Brett Wilson garden party,” she says with a star in her eye. During our interview, Mariani texted Wilson to ask what he thought about her being one of the feature articles in Fine Lifestyles.

He responded quickly by texting back, “It’s a credible magazine, Suzanne. Do it!”

Mariani certainly is a force to be reckoned with, both in music and in real estate. But what is her true passion? “Just giving back,” she says. “Living with purpose.” Perhaps this is most exemplified when Mariani sells a home. With every sale she gives to Siloam Mission, a humanitarian organization that alleviates hardships and provides opportunities for change for those affected by homelessness.

Mariani also helps organize an annual event called Gimme Shelter, where Winnipeg real estate agents raise funds to benefit the Manitoba Real Estate Association (MREA) Shelter Foundation.

Without missing a beat it’s no surprise she is also the entertainment at the event. Mariani will also be reprising her popular performance again this year for the Downtown Winnipeg Biz outdoor festival Manifest - Lights on Broadway; it’s a local event that isn’t to be missed!

She sings. She sells. She gives. She has Winnipeg wrapped up with her famous tagline, “Movin’ on up!” To find out more about Suzanne Mariani, you can visit w w w. s u z a n n e m a r i a n i . c o m (music) or w w w. s u z a n n e m a r i a n i r e a l t o r. c o m (real estate).

Suzanne Mariani www.suzannemarianirealtor.com TOP Mariani refers to friend Brett Wilson as “The Capitalist with a Heart” (Courtesy Heather Fritz Photography) MIDDLE Suzanne Mariani BOTTOM L Mariani with Ike Turner BOTTOM R Mariani wiht her band at Gimme Shelter, 2013 FineLifestyles

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and

After working in the kitchen industry for nearly two decades, Wilhelm Harms decided it was time to bring the quality and style of German craftsmanship to Canada. Harms’ Kitchen offers the expertly crafted kitchens of Nolte Kitchen, the second largest cabinet manufacturer in Germany. The Harms family knows the quality of Nolte Kitchen from working personally with the company in Germany, and is a specialist with the exclusive brand. Nolte Kitchen also holds FSC and PEFC certification for socially responsible and environmentally friendly forest management. Buying a Harms’ Kitchen means homeowners can actively help protect the environment and climate.

Quality

Style

By Trina Annand Photos Rejean Brandt

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German

he modern kitchen is no longer a place just for preparing meals.

It’s an entertaining space and a place to express your individual style. Harms’ Kitchen Design understands the importance of having a comfortable family home and a kitchen that perfectly fits a homeowner’s lifestyle.

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Built on the ideals of personalized service, Harms’ Kitchen treats every customer like family. “With a staff of five, we all wear many hats. All of our designers are experienced installers and truly understand all the needs of

BELOW L-R martha Petrusevich, Wilhelm Harms, roman Pushkar, andreas neufeld, andre Harms, Daniel Harms

our clients and the project,” notes Wilhelm’s son, and designer, Andre Harms. The dedicated team is able to design projects of all shapes and sizes, including commercial properties, resorts and hotels.

“As a family business we strive to make customers feel comfortable every step of the way,” says Andre. “Keeping our clients happy is how we build a better business.” By offering 3D colour renderings of each project, Harms allows homeowners to truly see a designer’s vision, just as it will appear in their space. Taking the worry out of the renovation process is merely one way Harms’ Kitchen puts customers first.

With eight different pricing levels, and a wide variety of finishes, including laminates, wood and ultra-modern tinted glass, Harms’ Kitchen ensures every client has an amazing space regardless of style, size or budget. Thanks to an experienced staff of tradesmen, the company can handle a kitchen project from demolition to final touches. Harms’ Kitchen even sells appliances from top brands like Bosch and Thermador, and is the exclusive dealer for Gaggenau in Manitoba.

At Harms’, each custom kitchen is precisely measured, crafted and installed to ensure a perfect fit. With their expert designers, not one inch of space is wasted inside or outside the cabinets.

Their high quality drawers are exclusive to Harms’ Kitchen and feature heavy duty, soft close, fully extendable mechanisms that are concealed inside the drawer for a seamless look. Always updating their stock, the company is on the cutting edge of style and technology, currently offering the latest glass finishes, illuminated cabinetry and unique handleless designs. Harms’ Kitchen also offers highquality furniture from Loddenkemper.

Creating a beautifully designed home is as simple as visiting the experts. “Good design is an important part of everyday life,” Andre says. “Organization is important for workflow and saving time; a kitchen design must work visually as well as physically.” At Harms’ Kitchen, they are not simply designing kitchens. They are designing better lives one kitchen at a time, taking the stress out of the everyday and creating an oasis at home.

Harms’ Kitchen Design 1643 St. James Street, Winnipeg 204.669.8811 harmskitchen.ca

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Tailored Living

Featuring PremierGarage Trims Clutter and Adds Visual Appeal

By Rebecca Schneidereit Photos Shawn Fillion

I

t doesn’t matter whether it’s a downtown condo or a pastoral acreage. It doesn’t matter if the décor and paint are perfect. It doesn’t matter if it has granite countertops, crystal chandeliers or hardwood floors. If you’re living in the midst of mess, it’s impossible to take true pride in your home.

There’s no need to tolerate mess, or to spend

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leisure time fruitlessly attempting to reduce it. A spotless home can be as simple as proper planning and proper resources — and of course, professional help, which is just what Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage provides.

Winnipeg’s Tailored Living franchise is a family business, headed by Chris and

Vicky Carroll. His experiences as a customer seeking storage options is in part what led Carroll to establishing the business. “While building a custom home, I saw what it was like to design and implement some of the existing ‘big box’, online and customized solutions,” he explains. Soon, Carroll realized the potential to provide services

ABOVE Vicky and Chris Carroll

and products that exceeded market standards for cost, speed and quality.

Now, Tailored Living provides Winnipeg with the organizational proficiency and practical storage systems to keep residences “organized and efficient,” says Carroll. Their initial no-charge consultations are convenient and straightforward: “We meet clients in their homes, and discuss their space’s particular challenges and what they hope to accomplish,” he explains. “We leave clients with samples while we measure the space. Then — based on the size of the project — we’ll most often design and present a flexible storage

system for them on the spot. This process fleshes out their needs and wants, and allows them to envision their solution while we’re at their home.”

T he organization specialists employed

by Tailored Living create storage designs using the company’s “proprietary software program”, D’VinciTM, which allows not only for the creation of on-the-spot prototypes, but for immediate revision with clients.

“Clients will be delivered a 3D design at the end of most design consultations, which is usually the design they move forward with,” says Carroll. “Further review is simple, and changes can easily be made afterwards.”

“Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage is new to the Winnipeg market, but not new to the industry. The company has franchises throughout North America, and is seeing rapid expansion in Canada,” says Carroll.

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Of course, referring to Tailored Living’s organizational products simply as “storage” hardly does justice to the “final product”, once installed. Carroll’s description – “like built-in furniture” – is apt; like furniture, the systems, which come with warranties, are available in a plethora of colours, styles and finishes. “Our ‘premier finish’ is most popular — it looks like custom cabinetry,” notes Carroll. In addition, he says, the “look” of Tailored Living storage can be customized to existing home décor.

Tailored Living’s ability to provide clients with extensive choice facilitates purchasing flexibility. “We can hit any budget,” says Carroll. “I can provide the same design in multiple price categories.

I think we offer some very competitive pricing — and I find that clients tend to agree.”

Although Carroll notes closets, entrances, garages and workspaces tend to be the most popular choices, Tailored Living’s services may be applied to any area in the house. Their murphy beds, for example, “give you your room back,” says Carroll — whether that’s a bedroom, guestroom, or another room entirely. “They come in different fits and finishes, and can be side- or traditionally-mounted; there are lots of options.”

Installation timelines are practical: the process can typically be completed in “a day or two”, Carroll says. And, Tailored Living provides numerous services to simplify the installation process for homeowners, from removing former organizational systems to supplying short-term client storage. “We’ll even patch and touch up paint.”

Tailored Living’s services stand to benefit a wide range of property owners, but Chris Carroll emphasizes there are certain periods when homeowners may find their services even more valuable. “We’re especially looking to engage people during the design process, just after they’ve taken possession, or during renovations,” he says. At those times, “clients can consult us to get ideas on how to handle their space’s storage” with minimum disturbance to their home and routines.

As Tailored Living grows, Chris Carroll is adamant their service standards will endure. “I’ll be looking at every job, talking to every customer,” he affirms. Furthermore, he adds, all staff will continue to be trained to the same high standard: “It’s important for everybody to understand how the systems are conceptualized, designed, and installed.” It seems even the future is organized at Tailored Living – but for Winnipeg residents, the business’s presence will likely prove much more exciting.

Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage Serving Winnipeg 204.808.8852 ccarroll@tailoredliving.com www.tailoredliving.com www.premiergarage.com

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s I r o o D e g a r a G The r! o o D t n o r F W E The N

204.414.1055 | Winnipeg | 1.877.333.2057 gdd-winnipeg@garagedoordepot.ca www.garagedoordepot.ca

Garage Door DepotŽ Canada’s Source for Garage Doors, Garage Door Openers, Repair, Service, Parts & Accessories FineLifestyles

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Extend that summer feeling with

SuncoaSt EncloSurES

By Henny Buffings Photos Monika Cloutier

E

njoying the outdoors on a regular basis can be difficult when the weather doesn’t co-operate. A Suncoast enclosure offers protection from the elements while allowing you to enjoy your favourite outdoor space.

of Suncoast Enclosures in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. “They are built with minimal aluminum framing so that you can enjoy your favourite space, protected from the elements, without actually feeling enclosed. We have the only sunrooms on the market that achieve that balance.”

“Our enclosures are similar to a Florida style room,” says Scott Benson, owner of Suncoast Manitoba and regional manager

Their enclosures are custom built to accommodate any home. One of the most convenient features of these enclosures

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is they can be mounted on a pre-existing deck, meaning you don’t have to alter the foundation of your home, which can be a costly and time consuming process.

There are two options when choosing an enclosure: the Screen Room, which will protect you from pests while enjoying the summer months, or the Three Season Room, which is enclosed in memory vinyl windows that have the appearance

and durability of glass without the weight of the frame. Customers who choose the Screen Room can always upgrade to the Three Season Room with the simple addition of the windows.

There are also many customization options with the Three Season Room, including adding an electric fireplace for the colder months, a ceiling fan, lighting, or even a doggy door.

In the peak of summer, traditional glass windows magnify the sun’s warmth and make a sunroom unlivable, but the vinyl used by Suncoast leaves the room cool and breezy for summer enjoyment. In fact, while conventional glass sunrooms provide 50 per cent ventilation with their windows open, Suncoast windows offer 75 per cent ventilation.

Even with the airiness of these rooms, these enclosures are quite sturdy, and are able to survive Manitoba winters.

The polycarbonate and screen roofs are made to withstand snow loads and inclement weather. Suncoast has serviced thousands of happy customers across Canada and the United States during their 23 years of business.

Benson was raised working for his father’s custom carpentry business. He says working with his father shaped his values.

When Benson’s cousin introduced him to the business in Edmonton, Benson felt at home with the company right away. “After working on a few products, I became fascinated with the high quality materials that Suncoast used,” he says. “I shared their

values of working hard and providing great customer service, and I decided to join the Suncoast team in 2012.” For Benson, his work is family oriented; his brother is the foreman on his building crew, and his sister helps with home shows.

There are showrooms set up in different areas of the province where you can view the enclosures, including West Hawk Lake, Manitoba, and Clearwater Bay, Ontario, but Benson and his crew will service any area of Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

For a free consultation, contact Suncoast Manitoba today.

ABOVE L-R Scott Benson, Chris Benson

I enjoy all aspects of my Enclosure: time with my family, protection from the elements, and an extended season to sit outside and bird watch.

Heather White, a Suncoast Manitoba client who had her Three Season Room installed in May, 2013

Suncoast Manitoba Box 136, West Hawk Lake, Manitoba www.suncoastenclosures.com

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Design Expertise and Quality Offerings

By Paul Sinkewicz Photos Danielle Clement and Jon Stebbe

I

n a world full of design choices, having an expert as your ally can be the key to creating the right expression of your personality. Harnessing the abilities of a whole team of experts? Now you’re talking creative horsepower.

Magda and Ken Zelickson have been offering that expertise for more than 30 years at Interior Illusions. The company began in the field of window coverings, but has grown to include furnishings and design accessories. “As time went on we began working with new home builders and consequently we started supplying furniture and accessories for their homes, which led us in a new direction in the last seven years. We do lots of consultations thanks to our highly qualified staff,” says Magda Zelickson. “We are a complete design centre; we help people make important selections, whether they’re building a new home or renovating, and on top of that, we are a furniture store with really beautiful accessories.” Zelickson says her clients often have a very good sense of what they are looking for, but need some professional guidance. “They might already know exactly what they want, but it just helps to run it by somebody. Nobody likes to make mistakes,” she says.

Zelickson is proud of her highly qualified staff members, which includes interior designers and interior decorators. “When you’re purchasing something from us you are dealing with somebody who really understands your design intention,” she says. “That’s a very important advantage, versus going to a furniture store and dealing with a salesperson. We’re a little bit different — our focus is to make the right choice in a more design orientated fashion.”

Two years ago, Interior Illusions moved from its long time location on Cumberland Avenue to a renovated building at 100

Princess St., and has almost doubled the available floor space. The firm is also enjoying more street traffic while remaining a loyal supporter of the rejuvenation of the West Exchange District. One of the big attractions of the new location was the amazing showcase the building provided for the firm’s unique offerings. “We’ve got some beautiful department store style windows and they show off our product very well,” Zelickson says.

Interior Illusions offers high quality furniture from reputable North American and European companies. Zelickson says there is a lot of furniture at a lower price point, but as the old saying goes: you definitely get what you pay for. She makes no apologies for offering quality. “We take pride in finding things that are unique, and staying on top of what is out there.

We do have a lot of unique furniture that is exclusive to us. We bring a lot of product in from Europe and we do like to deal with quality Canadian firms.”

The art of good design is making a considered, cohesive statement. That means choosing materials and finishes carefully, so they become the canvas you can create your design around. Zelickson says a classic look will serve a client well through several design refreshes over the years. “Do things in a sophisticated way, you will always remain current,” she says.

“Every few years you simply change the accessories for a new and updated look.”

Interior Illusions 100-100 Princess St. 204.925.4162 info@interiorillusions.ca www.interiorillusions.ca

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Soaring A Look At the Winnipeg Jets

By Brandi Parnell Photos Shawn Fillion

S

ome may say the Winnipeg Jets hockey club got off to a slow start this season. Arguably, the honeymoon may be over. But if you have been lucky enough to sit in a seat during a game at the MTS Centre, you may argue otherwise.

The 2013-2014 season for the Winnipeg Jets has been one of both change and renewal, with the addition of two firstround draft picks (rookies Mark Scheifele and Jacob Trouba) and new head coach, Paul Maurice.

Those two changes alone can be felt no matter where you sit in the building, an excitement that mimics the initial buzz when the team first returned to Winnipeg after a 15-year hiatus.

Whether or not it was the absence, the extreme temperatures or the spirit that is bred here in Manitoba, hockey fans are loud and proud of their team. From the chanting of TRUE NORTH during the national anthem, to the varied name bars seen on the back of fans’ jerseys, there is more than friendliness associated with being a Jets fan…there is a strong sense of loyalty.

Prairie Pride—Extreme weather conditions, long winters and wide-open spaces are characteristics of the geography that births hearty hockey fans. In fact, the energy in the building during a Jets game is known throughout the league. So too, are

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the fans’ chants against visiting teams, and the fact that many Jets fans can be found in almost every arena the team visits.

Moreover, the fan support is notorious when new recruits are drafted or traded to Winnipeg — a reputation the city, community and fans should be proud of.

GivinG Back to the Fans— Last January, the team held an outdoor practice at The Forks that, even in frigid temperatures, which dipped to nearly 40 below, didn’t keep fans from seeing their team up close, especially those fans who cannot normally get to a game.

With ticket sales remaining strong, the Winnipeg Jets are in a favourable position should they make the playoffs — a first since the team has returned. Each game counts and it is a race — one goal at a time; but the team has a strong foundation and a patient leadership core.

BuildinG a Future one cornerstone at a time—Losing rookie Mark Scheifele for the remainder of the season, due to an MCL sprain, is a real disappointment. Perhaps his teammates, specifically the veterans and fellow rookie Jacob Trouba, will have to try that much harder. Wherever the team finishes this season, it has been an exciting one to watch.

Like the rookies, the Winnipeg Jets are a young team, poised for a soaring future on the Canadian prairies.

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A GRAND

EXPERIENCE

By BRANDI PARNELL Photos REJEAN BRANDT

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he Grand Hotel by Lakeview, recently opened at the Winnipeg International Airport, is without a doubt poised to take off. With a fresh new feel, hotel guests can expect first class, upscale amenities, state-of-theart conveniences and exquisite culinary creations in the hotel’s restaurant and lounge.

The Grand is a boutique property that conveys heightened awareness of what truly makes for a memorable guest experience.

Walking through the front doors, there is a sense that Lakeview was mindful about creating a unique, Winnipeg experience. The lobby offers floor-to-ceiling windows that encourage you to forget your worries and indulge in an endless Manitoba landscape. Adjacent to a smart business centre, there is a state-of-the-art automated Starbuck’s barista waiting to create a coffee drink of your choice.

Sink into an oversized chair, print off your boarding pass or peruse the e-concierge board, which allows you to access hotel services, airport arrivals and departures, and helpful information about the City of Winnipeg.

An in-house concierge is available to assist with your stay; 24hour room, valet and bell services are also available. Each of the hotel’s 101 guest rooms offers luxurious bedding, smart TVs, purified water and spa inspired bathrooms.

A stay at The Grand is designed to be customizable and worry-free, with Netflix standard in each room and a personal Keurig coffee machine at your disposal. The rooms offer iPads, energy efficient lighting and a sensor that reduces the thermostat when the room is empty. Don’t worry if you have forgotten a charger, each room has a power station to charge personal tech devices, an in-room safe that holds up to a 17-inch laptop, and complimentary Wi-Fi and wired Internet access.

But The Grand is not just for people out-of-town. In fact, it is a destination for Winnipeg residents intent upon an exceptional dining experience. The Blue Marble Restaurant & Lounge is not only beautifully decorated, it offers mouth-watering selections from a menu that changes seasonally. Located in the dining room is an herb and micro-greens cultivator. Executive Chef Anthony Kucera dreams of one day growing produce in a rooftop garden.

The Blue Marble Restaurant opens at 6 a.m. for breakfast and serves both lunch and dinner with the lounge open until midnight. There is a comprehensive wine list that includes half bottle options and kegged wine. Another first in Manitoba says, Food and Beverage Manager Brett Crellin. “Throughout the hotel, we are thinking of ways to protect the earth,” says Crellin. | ABOVE Sean Sadler front desk FineLifestyles

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| BELOW anthony kucera Executive Chef

“Kegged wine ensures quality but also reduces stress on the environment.”

From the lamb burger stuffed with goat cheese, to the lime juice in a margarita, quality and taste are the top priority. But one thing that truly sets The Blue Marble apart is the tapas menu featured nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. It is tapas à la fine dining.

From venison carpaccio to pickerel fillets, from oxtail ravioli to duck breast and roasted beets, your taste buds are in for a grand treat.

As an added convenience, the hotel validates parking.

Danielle Streilein, front office manager smiles, “We want each guest’s experience to be a very personal one. We believe we have thought of everything to ensure the best possible stay away from home. We strive to accommodate our guests in a manor that reflects an environmentally mindful approach to hotel living.” Her sincerity is a common vibe throughout the property. The Grand is all about guest experience, premier hospitality and topof-the-line technology.

The Grand Hotel is synergistically matched for the new airport terminal and a fresh face to Winnipeg. Menus are available online, and reservations for The Blue Marble Restaurant can be made through OpenTable. They have a comprehensive website and a toll-free number. For more information please go to www.lakeviewhotels.com or call 1.877.355.3500.

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview 1979 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba www.lakeviewhotels.com | 204.505.0145 1.877.355.3500

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HOW TO

Love Italy

By Rebecca Schneidereit

M

edieval wisdom held that “all roads lead to Rome,” and centuries later, Italy remains an essential trip for globetrotters of every stripe. From Milan in the north to Syracuse in the south, the historic nation harbours an inexhaustible wealth of things to see and do. “Italy is a feast for the senses. It’s beautiful. It’s tasty. It’s warm. It’s welcoming. I really think there’s something for everybody,” says Rebecca Funk, manager of Thomas Cook Travel.

Really, the biggest problem facing visitors to Italy is where to start. First-time travellers,

especially, must narrow their focus: are they interested in art, food, history, shopping?

Louise Gardiner, Carlson Wagonlit Travel Canada’s senior director of leisure travel, can recommend hotspots for each.

“Pompeii and Rome for the history, Venice for the romance, Milan for fashion, [the] Amalfi Coast for the view, Tuscany for the vineyards, Naples for pizza, and the food — absolutely everywhere.” But, she warns, don’t take on too much at once. “You just don’t want to feel like a contestant in The Amazing Race. You want to savour every moment you can.”

Roman landmarks such as the Coliseum, the Spanish Steps and Vatican City define the Italian experience in the popular imagination. But even first-time tourists should remember that there’s much to see beyond Rome’s borders. In Tuscany’s capital, Florence, the Uffizi Gallery safeguards treasures such as Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus (“I just about wept, it is so extraordinarily beautiful,” says Funk). “Floating city” Venice, meanwhile, is home to St. Mark’s gilded Basilica, and the Venetian gondoliers are a timeless national symbol.

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Wherever else you may venture, make a day trip to Pompeii. Buried under volcanic debris when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, this perfectly preserved settlement provides an uncanny window into an earlier era. “The ash fell, and … captured that moment in time,” says Gardiner.

“You feel like you’re actually there … you can see the tracks in the roads where the carriages would have gone.” Rebecca notes that you can even ascend Mt. Vesuvius; many tour buses will take you partway to the caldera.

If you’re a foodie — or, to use today’s more dignified title, a “gastrotourist” — you’ll already know that Italian cuisine is considered the world’s finest. But keep in mind that each region has its own specialties. Northern fare, Funk notes, tends to be “a little heavier. . . as you move further south, it becomes a little

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more Mediterranean.” In Rome, she recommends savouring a scoop of gelato at Tre Scalini (the chocolate, of course —it’s so dark, “it’s almost black”) and the custom-made-to-order “extravaganza” at Ristorante Il Gabriello. If you weary of pizza and pasta, Funk also suggests sneaking greens back into your diet at L’Insalata Ricca, a Roman salad chain.

In fact, it’s possible to take a little Italian culinary acumen home with you, says Gardiner. “You can find several cooking tours or cooking classes where you can actually stay in someone’s home, and they will teach you how to cook.” She recommends Sorrento’s Villa Ida, set among picturesque lemon and orange trees.

Even travellers who usually pride themselves on their self-sufficiency may wish to engage a guide while travelling in

Italy — especially if your Italian is less than perfetto. “English isn’t super widely spoken there,” says Funk. “I do recommend people to hire guides … otherwise, you’re going to be looking at a lot of things, and not necessarily understanding [them].”

Furthermore, as Gardiner points out, a privately hired guide will often possess inside knowledge that can help you jump queues. “They will know exactly where to take you … they’ve got all the ‘ins’,” Gardiner explains.

A trip to Italy can mean so many things — Pisa or Parma, cappuccino or gelato, beach or basilica – but it always means adventure, beauty and culture: those are practically the Italian ABCs. If this is your first trip, don’t worry about fitting everything in.

Chances are, once you’ve been there once, you’ll make sure there’s a next time.

Ramada Viscount Gort Hotel

Let Us Take Care of You

By Apolline Lucyk Photos Rejean Brandt

F

ully renovated, the Ramada Viscount Gort Hotel in Winnipeg has something for everyone. The historic hotel has been a beloved Winnipeg landmark for many years, and is now even more beautiful with a vibrant new interior and state-of-the-art amenities.

LOCATION The Viscount Gort Hotel is conveniently located just minutes away from Downtown Winnipeg and the James Richardson International Airport, and is also across the street from the Polo Park

Shopping Mall. “Our location is ideal, and second to none,” says Tracy Wilkie, hotel general manager. “We’re close to shopping — Polo Park, of course — and being a fullservice hotel, we have everything you need right here.”

BANQUET & CONFERENCE AREA The Viscount Gort Hotel’s event space is a state-of-the-art facility, consisting of five banquet halls and multiple break rooms, which can accommodate groups of six to 600 people. The large banquet

hall, The Royal Ball Room, is situated on the main floor of the hotel, and is outfitted with a top-of-the-line audio visual system and modern crystal lighting. A second banquet hall is located on the second floor of the hotel, along with seven multipurpose meeting rooms. All of the event spaces are fitted with modern, upscale décor, and can be personalized to your special occasion or event.

Full catering by a professional and highlyattentive staff is available for events at the

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hotel, and there is free hotel-wide wireless Internet access, which is very convenient for business events. Plus, the hotel offers free parking for up to 300 cars.

DINING & LOUNGE Whether you are looking for a fantastic dining experience, or if you simply want to cozy up in bed with a delicious meal, the Viscount Gort Hotel has the perfect dining option for you. Visit the beautiful Gort Dining Room for not only its contemporary setting, but to experience its chic atmosphere. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week, and has a delicious Sunday brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every week.

Average Joe’s Sports Bar is the ideal place to go for some drinks and a great game experience. The lounge has been outfitted with seven flat screen televisions so you can have a great view of the game no matter where you’re sitting. And those who don’t come for the sports will still love the lively atmosphere at the bar, complete with a pool table and their extensive beer, wine and liquor menu. Enjoy their Friday Night Karaoke and the best of Winnipeg’s talent at their Saturday Nite Live every Saturday starting at 10 PM. TOP L-R Sandra Sutyla, Ryan Datul

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ROOMS & SUITES The Ramada Viscount Gort Hotel offers 135 rooms, which have been fully renovated to offer you the utmost comfort and convenience.

Get caught up with friends and family using your free local calling and complimentary in-room wireless Internet access. Keep in touch with current events with the weekday daily newspaper. Start your day fresh with complimentary coffee and tea, and relax in the evening with room service. All rooms at the Viscount Gort Hotel are 100 per cent smoke free,

while many also feature private balconies and pet friendly rooms.

on your vacation or business trip, as you

The hotel provides a selection of deluxe rooms and premium suites. For deluxe rooms, the hotel offers rooms with two queen beds, king bedrooms, and rooms with two double beds.

the hotel. There is also a beautiful hotel

FITNESS CENTRE & POOL When you stay at the Ramada Viscount Hotel, you can also enjoy the luxury of having a fitness centre and pool right in your hotel.

There is no need to go to an outside gym

Ramada Viscount Gort Hotel 1670 Portage Avenue Winnipeg 204.775.0451 viscount-gort.com

have all the facilities you need right within pool with a waterslide, which offers great afternoon entertainment for the kids.

BELOW Tracy Wilkie (General Manager)

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The 2 6 si des of photographer

P A U L I N E

B O L D T

≈

By Anna Delaney

“Her easy reportage style makes for fresh spontaneous imagery. She shoots from the heart and keeps compositions loose and very natural. There’s a rawness and honesty that I love. One story, on Falcon Trails Resort in Manitoba is just breathtaking the landscapes are brutal, and beautifully serene at the same time.”

Matt Beaven Sunday Publishing

London, England

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SOMETIMES YOU MEET A PERSON

AND YOU JUST “CLICK.” This must

happen often for Pauline Boldt, local

photographer and founder of 26 Projects creative studio. Not only is she warm, energetic and engaging, but

she also recognizes and cherishes the value of people and relationships. She knows she wouldn’t have the career of

her dreams without the people she’s connected with along the way.

“It is not just the fact that I’m

driven and hardworking, and happen

to have a talent for what I’m doing,

because that only gets you so far,” says

Boldt. “It’s the people you meet and the people that you happen to inspire with what

you’re doing, as well as your passion and how devoted you are to your craft. It’s those people that can help you along and bring you to where you are.”

Boldt grew up on a farm in southern Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg where

she got her degree and joined the workforce. She started her career in marketing and communications but continued pursuing her artistic endeavours on the side. “My

mom always said that I was born with artistic utensils in my hand,” she says with an undisputable passion. “I live and breathe this stuff; I can’t not think about it or do it.”

It was after a life-changing trip to London, England, however, when Boldt

decided to make her artistic passion her profession. After she returned home from her seven-day visit, she and her husband, Dave, resigned from their jobs and “moved to London on a hope and a prayer.” It was there where Boldt built her portfolio, worked

with, and learned from, two of the world’s top photographers, Harry Borden and Jonathan Gregson, and really found her place in the world of professional photography and creative consulting.

“My husband and I sacrificed a lot, and it was worth it,” she says. When asked

where she got the guts to quit her job, pack up her life and move to the other side of the world, she laughs. “Sometimes when I tell the story I think ‘What? That’s crazy that

I did that!’” The risk obviously paid off. Boldt now lives her dream as a professional photographer, often travelling the world to take pictures for various commercial and

editorial clients, and last year she opened up her own creative studio, 26 Projects — a studio passionate about photography and design, and how they work together telling stories that connect people with brands.

She has recently been to Morocco, Mexico, Paris, London, California and Rome

working on various projects. Currently, she is spending a great deal of time in Paris working on a cookbook, set to release later this year, with another Manitoban, Chef

Brian DeFehr. “He’s actually from the same hometown that I’m from,” she says. “I can’t

speak enough good things about that man. He works as a freelance chef in Paris, where he has been living with his family for over 10 years. I feel extremely honored to be

working alongside him on this project. Brian also writes a column on my blog where he shares recipes, info on Paris and inside tips for great cooking.”

While Boldt knows she’s lucky, she also knows the hard work and sacrifice that

has gone into her successful and unique career. “I definitely feel fortunate,” she says. “If

not for the people who have helped me along the way, and who continue to inspire and push me, I would not be where I am today.” That appreciation, as well as her passion and

drive, is what helps carry her through. She is especially excited about what’s in store for 26 Projects. “We continue to grow! I feel privileged to work with a small team of very passionate, highly skilled people,” she says. “It’s exciting and humbling, and it gets me up in the morning with a spring in my step. I love what we’re doing.”

To view Pauline’s portfolio, visit paulineboldt.com and for more information on her creative studio, visit 26projects.com.

Left: London, England. Top: San Carlos, Mexico.

Middle: Marrakech, Morocco. Bottom: Paris, France.

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THE Suite LIFE

BY Brandi Parnell PHOTOS Shawn Fillion

By Alyssa Rudyck Photos Shawn Fillion

Should you really have to choose between business and pleasure? At Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel, you don’t have to. Conveniently located at Winnipeg’s James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites is the ideal venue for business meetings, conferences, weddings, weekend getaways, social functions and everything in between.

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“W

e like to make things as easy as possible for our guests,” explains Christine Bell, director of sales and marketing. “Our suites are what make us unique, and set us apart in this area.”

Each suite includes a separate living room and bedroom area, as well as every amenity one might need to relax during a stay, such as a wet bar with mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker, large work desk and chair, as well as two closets and a flat screen HD television in both the living room and the bedroom.

Since 1990, the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel, owned and operated by Fortis Properties, has established itself as the only full-service, all-suites hotel in the Winnipeg airport area. For more than 20 years they have rigorously maintained, and continuously updated, their facilities, keeping up with their own high standards of quality to offer customers comfortable, modern accommodations and convenient spaces to host business conferences and other private functions.

During their recent renovation, the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel redefined their sixth floor, transforming it into an executive level, and adding a new executive lounge for loyalty members. The hotel also has a 24-hour business centre, which comes complete with high-speed Internet connectivity, so that you are never out of touch.

“Sunday through Thursday we are a corporate hotel,” Bell explains. “We have guests that are here to focus on a project, or visit their clients to get specific business done, so for us it is very important to be full-service, and have highend service at the hotel. We want to make sure that their stay is as easy and seamless as possible when they are here.”

On weekends, the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel also caters to leisure travellers who may be in town to do some shopping, sightseeing or visiting, as well as large groups, such as athletic teams, wedding parties, family reunions, and other various organizations.

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“We have 11 standard rooms around our pool area for families, or any other guests that want direct access to the pool,” says Bell.

Whether you are in town to close the deal or watch your loved ones tie the knot, there is something for everyone at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel. Guests can unwind after a long day of meetings or tournaments with a tranquil soak in the whirlpool, or take a refreshing dip in the pool before preparing for whatever festivities the night has in store. Guests also have 24-hour access to the Hilton’s fitness centre, which is outfitted with the latest in modern cardio equipment. According to Bell, it is a very popular option for corporate travellers.

Dinner is served at the Hilton Bistro 1800 Restaurant and Lounge, and 24-hour room service is available. They have recently introduced a new executive chef and sous chef to the team, and are currently working on renewing the restaurant’s menu.

“We’re going to be creating a brand new menu for our restaurant…focusing on a lot of local fresh and healthy options,” says Bell.

The Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel also houses 9,000 sq-ft. of conference space. Their largest space can accommodate up to 320 guests, making it an ideal location for weddings and conventions. They also have smaller rooms with natural light that are suited for smaller events and breakout sessions during conferences. They host holiday celebrations in the Bistro and ballroom as well. “We have wonderful all inclusive packages,” Bell notes. “People find it very easy to have functions here…everything is taken care of.”

With a staff that takes pride in consistently offering guests exceptional service and an experience to remember, it is no surprise the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel has been honored with the 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award, thanks in part to the outstanding reviews they have received from travellers on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site.

Make your stay as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

Let the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel make your business their pleasure during your next visit to Winnipeg.

Enjoy the convenience of being in close proximity to the airport and shopping, the luxury of beautiful and updated facilities, and the ease of professional event services.

Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel 1800 Wellington Avenue Winnipeg, MB 204.783.1700 www.hilton.com winnipegairportsuites.hilton.com

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HOLIDAY AT HOME

Staycations

A

ccording to Wikipedia, the term “staycation” was coined by Canadian comedian Brett Butt, first reaching a public audience in a 2005 episode of Corner Gas. In the years since, “staycation” has been added to the Miriam Webster dictionary, and is commonly understood to mean taking a vacation close to home.

Staycations became popular following the 2007 economic downturn, when the cost of travel kept many North Americans home for their annual days off. A staycation can encompass anything done locally and on a budget, from lounging in the backyard

to a weekend getaway in a nearby bed-and-breakfast.

Ideally, a staycation is a break from routine, a chance to add zest to the ordinary, which can be done inexpensively and in a time pinch.

Here, the focus switches from exotic experience to an expanded knowledge of local attractions, such as museums, art galleries, recreational amenities and local restaurants, and can mean a commitment of no more than a day or two.

Spending a holiday in one’s own neighbourhood can be a great opportunity for a family to get away together on a regular basis. By focusing on family time,

a staycation can be less stressful than far-away travel and specifically tailored to the particular interests and needs of each individual family member. Exploring the local scene also offers the added benefit of encountering people close to home, allowing opportunity to develop new friendships that can be sustained by sharing common interests and a local community.

It doesn’t take contact with foreign soil to constitute a good time and restful escape; with a willingness to see the attractions in one’s own home town, and a bit of imaginative spontaneity, any weekend can be a holiday.

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Dipped in

Chocolate Stella the Wirehaired Pointing griffon

By Brandi Parnell Photos Rejean Brandt

S

he’s from Valleyfield, Quebec.

She’s a gun dog who understands French commands, and she cheers for The Winnipeg Jets.

She is Stella Clitsome, a four-month-old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, less famous than her defenceman owner, Grant, and his wife, Val. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons — or Korthal Griffons as they are known in the United Kingdom, named after the breed founder, Eduard Karel Korthals — are not very common in Canada. The breed is known as intelligent, extremely eager to please, and friendly. Although uncommon, Val grew up with the breed and knows their loving nature first hand.

Always, but especially as Grant is in his rehabilitation phase, an active life is mandatory for a professional hockey player.

Stella likes that. Together the Clitsomes try to walk her for an hour every day, even in the extreme cold. The notorious hunting dog holds up well with its harsh coat and thick undergrowth — excellent protection against cold Winnipeg winters.

Even though it’s fashionable nowadays to train a dog to ring a bell when they need to go outside to go potty, the Clitsomes admit Stella is smarter than most. She loves the snow so much she rings the bell upward of 20 times per day, so that she can go outside and play.

“She is warm, affectionate and active, which is perfect for us,” says Val, with a hint of a French accent.

Gentle and caring, she has a kind face and softness to her, almost opposite to that of a supposed hunting dog.

Stella is perfect for #24, who recently underwent major surgery on his back.

Prognosis for Grant is he will be back on blades by the end of the regular season.

“I am restless, but happy to have Stella to keep me going. With any luck we’ll have a long playoff run and then I can spend the summer conditioning,” he says with confidence. In Stella’s eyes she is dog paddling around the lake.

“In the early stages of recovery, my mobility was pretty limited,” says Grant.

“I couldn’t twist, bend over, or do hardly anything.” Lucky for him, Stella (and Val) waited patiently. “Mentally and physically, Stella brings a little joy to my life,” he says with a boyish grin. Dogs certainly have the ability to raise a person’s spirits, and Stella is no exception.

“She just loves people, loves others. She even has a sort of purr to her when she’s snuggled up beside you,” says Grant.

In my mind I can hear Stella shouting “True North,” in canine speak.

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Stella hears his voice and tilts her chocolate brown face.

Ottawa is home to Grant and Val, where they have a cottage on the water. While Stella enjoys summer in the nation’s capital, I hope she looks back fondly at her first winter spent in Winnipeg, cheering for Grant and The Winnipeg Jets.

“

She is warm, affectionate and active, which is perfect for us FineLifestyles

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The Perfect Spa experience for peTS

By Trina Annand Photos Rejean Brandt

P

eople have always had a strong connection with their pets; a dog is man’s best friend, after all. In the 21st century, pets are much more than a fuzzy novelty, they are now an important member of the family, a four-legged child. With this enriched relationship between pets and their family comes a need for specialized services that make the pets feel as important as they are to us.

At White Lotus Pet Spa, each day is dedicated to

pampering our fur babies, whether they are cats, dogs, bunnies or Guinea pigs.

After working in various industries, Patrick W. Maxwell realized he wanted a career that was both fulfilling and challenging. During his time working and volunteering as a bather and groomer for a small grooming business, he had an epiphany. “When I started doing this I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it,” Maxwell

BACK ROW L-R Karlee Gerrand, Anna Smith, Patrick W. Maxwell (Owner), Alecia Forbes, Corina Fizzard FRONT ROW L-R Darrell Willim, Verus!, Gillian Cabel

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says. “A few of my favourite things about this industry are working with animals, getting to know people, having that creative outlet and just making people happy. These are core values of my business.”

After getting his first dog, a toy American Eskimo named Vidahlia, Maxwell realized there was very little personalization in the pet care industry. Despite living in the bustling urban neighbourhood of Osborne Village, there were no services for the thousands of local pets. Thus, White Lotus Pet Spa was created — a place where pets are not just groomed, they are pampered, and where taking care of pets means loving them.

Upon entering White Lotus, clients may forget it is actually a spa for their pets. The soothing spa music, scent of eucalyptus and mint in the air, high-end finishes like Swarovski crystals, leather, stainless steel and quartz make this understandably so. One of the most unique features of the spa is a beautiful, custom designed floor-to-ceiling Carrara marble bath. In this space, White Lotus offers the full spa experience with a combination of services and ambiance; vanilla blueberry facials, massaging baths that relieve joints and are never rushed, aromatherapy elements to add calmness to the experience, as well as plush bathing towels that are maintained by a commercial laundry service.

There is also a fun and creative side to White Lotus that offers non-toxic vegan semi-permanent dye, nail painting,

feather hair extensions and gem applications. The spa is the only groomer in the city that uses a show quality grooming product line for all types of coats. These products are sensitive enough for pets with allergies and skin conditions. The product line features more than 15 different delicious scents ranging from cookies, jellybeans and bubblegum to piña colada. For those with scent allergies and sensitivities, White Lotus offers scent-free options so everyone in the home is happy and healthy. Also, pets at the spa are often featured in glamour shots, which are paired with a personalized story about the pet’s spa day and posted to White Lotus’ Facebook page.

The close-knit staff of eight is dedicated to creating a wonderful experience for their pet and human clients alike. Pet parents can tour the facility, get to know the people who will be caring for their pets, and discuss the services they want their pets to enjoy.

“With my experience grooming out of a veterinary clinic, there is a very strong emphasis on the quality of care and safety,” Maxwell says. “Every team member shares these values and is emotionally invested in the business and our clients’ well-being.”

Maxwell is so passionate about pets he can often be found at the spa during his days off with Vidahlia and his white standard poodle puppy named Verus. The grooming guru has even offered to groom pets for free because he liked the look of them. With the

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highly walkable and urban feel of Osborne Village, White Lotus’ location and unique combination of services make it the place for pets and their parents. In order to build strong relationships with clients, and to focus completely on their quality of service, the business decided to steer away from retail entirely during its first year.

Education and staying on top of new techniques is crucial to Maxwell and his team. The staff is sent to both the Las Vegas Super Zoo pet expo and Groom Expo in Hershey Pennsylvania each year. The top professionals in the industry coach and compete at these events to better themselves and share their knowledge. These trips are also part of White Lotus’ employee benefits program — thus finding, keeping and developing only the best employees that a business could hope to have. “It’s a great place to work with a phenomenal benefits package, numerous trips for training and team building. I am even taking the senior staff to Maui next year,” Maxwell says. “I want them to know how thankful I am for all of their hard work and loyalty. An employee who is truly valued, respected and happy will radiate positivity, and when that happens everyone wins.”

White Lotus offers more than high quality pet spa services, they also provide pet boarding and daycare services as well.

A unique twist to the boarding service is pets can stay at the boarding facility, with the team members in their homes or even in the pet’s own home to ensure the highest levels of quality for the service. The Canine Social Club is daycare with a difference; clients have the option to personalize their pets’ schedule based on their personality, lifestyle and even breed. With walks, play dates, challenging puzzle games and staff members who are strictly focused on their needs, pets are cared for as if they were home. “Often when a pet is destructive at home it is because they are bored. It’s not always that they have too much energy, dogs need to be intellectually challenged as well,” says Maxwell.

Though many people think regular grooming is only an aesthetic service, it also serves as an important supplement to seeing a vet. The experienced groomers at White Lotus know pets because they spend hours with them every day, and can detect possible injuries or medical issues ahead of time, allowing pets to remain happy and healthy. With pets being so important to daily life it is necessary to take care of them properly. “Each pet has a unique personality, they love us unconditionally and want us to be happy,” Maxwell says. “They make our lives so much better by being loyal and honest without ulterior motives. The positive impact a pet has on our emotional and mental health is profound, they are like furry Prozac. We are fortunate to have them in our lives.”

White Lotus Pet Spa 204.269.2626 478 River Avenue, Winnipeg www.whitelotuspetspa.com – New Website Coming Soon! |

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Girls

Belong

Here

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Photos Balmoral Hall School

B

almoral Hall School is leading the way in education. The private all-girls school, located on the banks of the beautiful Assiniboine River, fosters an environment where every student feels free to speak out, take academic risks and pursue a leadership role in our ever-changing world. For young girls, the experience is invaluable.

“Girls at Balmoral Hall can expect to be challenged by advanced coursework, yet they’ll have the confidence of knowing additional help is always available and offered if they require it,” says Tina Alto, the school’s executive director. “They will have access to the best classroom materials and technology available to enhance their learning. They can expect to form relationships with their classmates that will last for the rest of their lives. They can also expect to be a part of a dynamic school community that is always working to support each other, the community at large, and in many cases, working to improve lives around the world!”

Alto proudly adds, “Last year, one of our graduates, Ella Thomson, who was the 2013 recipient of a Schulich Leader Scholarship, received offers from both Stanford University and U of M. She chose to stay in Manitoba because she felt the program was better suited to the goals she set for herself during her time at BH.” Under the direction of Head of Academics, Lois McGill, Balmoral Hall’s encouraging atmosphere helps foster students’ strengths, and provides guidance and assistance at every turn. The school has an inquiry-based curriculum where girls are taught to question and be actively engaged with their learning. These programs instill confidence, competence and offer a holistic world-view. Students are encouraged to be risk takers and follow their own passions in a supportive setting.

Girls at Balmoral Hall also have the confidence and skills to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — often referred to as STEM subjects. “Our academic program challenges each girl to live up to, and even exceed, her individual potential,” McGill says. Additionally, girls in grades six to 12 come from around the world to the school’s full-time boarding program, where learning happens every hour of the day.

An educational experience like the one offered by Balmoral Hall requires the best faculty. “Our faculty love what they do, and to be in a working environment where everyone believes in what we do is In an education system where classroom size continues to increase, the small class sizes at Balmoral Hall ensure the girls get the attention they need to succeed. Their academic program is outstanding, with many students arriving at university with Advanced Placement (AP) credits, after taking advantage of the 14 AP courses offered at their school.

Every year, Balmoral graduates receive offers from the most prestigious postsecondary institutions in the world, including Cornell, Stanford, and McGill.

The full-time university guidance advisor helps the girls select the right classes, and suggests post-secondary institutions that will offer the best fit for

the students’ goals, taking into account the girls’ career aspirations, passions and intellectual strengths.

“Our University Guidance program is unique, and a tremendous advantage for our students,” Alto says. “Beginning as early as Grade 8, the program helps our students discover the right path to follow, to ensure they are given the chance to pursue their individual strengths and interests. This means help selecting the right programs and post-secondary institution to help each student achieve her full potential, whether that leads her to the University of Manitoba (U of M), or all the way to New York to study at Juilliard.”

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Balmoral Hall School believes every girl deserves the chance to excel, to reach and to lead. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, the school offers an extensive financial aid program that provides up to 50 percent support towards tuition and boarding.

incredibly fulfilling,� says Jodi Hafenbrak, middle and senior school principal. This dedication and passion of the faculty is reflected in the many accolades its members have received. Several teachers have been nominated for the Manitoba Celebration in Teaching Excellence Award, with Donna Alexander successfully receiving the award. Four faculty members have also been recognized as Microsoft worldwide innovative teachers, and some educators have been chosen to represent Manitoba at the Canadian Institute of

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Parliamentary Democracy. Furthermore, Lois McGill was awarded the MCIC Global Citizen Award for volunteer commitment to the global community.

Graduates leave Balmoral Hall with intellectual confidence, strong communication skills and a lasting curiosity about the world around them.

After years of challenging, advanced classes, Balmoral Hall graduates can walk confidently towards a successful career, with friends and relationships that will last the rest of their lives.

For more i n for m at i on v i s it www.balmoralhall.com/girlsbelonghere.

Balmoral Hall School 630 Westminster Avenue Winnipeg 204.784.1600 communications@balmoralhall.net www.balmoralhall.com

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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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.

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.

“

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.

W

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

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”

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 win-at-allcosts; 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 person’s word and handshake

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, non-judgmental way. Wilson says that a willingness to communicate shows that you value the other person.

An employee 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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GOING BIG WITH BRANDING THE EVOLUTION OF VANTAGE STUDIOS

By Courtney Tait Photos Courtesy Vantage Studios

I

In Robinson launched aa Winnipeg design comIn 2005, 2005, Donavan Robinson launched Winnipeg designdesign comn Donavan 2005, Donavan Robinson launched a Winnipeg pany Vantage print pany called called Vantage Studios.

A combined combined print shop shop and and stustucompany calledStudios.

Vantage A Studios.

A combined print shop and dio up graphic web designers, the spent dio made made up of of graphic and weband designers, the company company spent studio, made up ofand graphic web designers, the company its eight producing creative designs for loits first firstspent eight years producing creativecreative designs for small small loitsyears first eight years producing designs for small cal businesses, from websites and logos to branding campaigns. callocal businesses, from websites and logos to branding campaigns. businesses, from websites and logos to branding campaigns.

We’Re ON pROJeCTS We’Re WORkING ONON pROJeCTS WE’REWORkING WORKING PROJECTS THAT peOple All AROuND THe THATTHAT peOple All AROuND THe PEOPLE ALL AROUND WORlD WORlD kNOW kNOW ABOuT.” ABOuT.”

In 2011, The CHRGroup-a Group — a New York based, independently In In 2011, 2011, The The CHR CHR Group-a New New York York based based network network of of comcomowned marketing services company —acquired Vantage, making munication companies, acquired Vantage, making Robinson the munication companies, acquired Vantage, making Robinson the Robinson the managing director.

Theisis CHR Group isof Managing Director.

The Group comprised 12 Managing Director.

The CHR CHR Group comprised ofcomprised 12 firms firms of 10 firms spanning New York, Seattle, Toronto, and Winnipeg. spanning New York, Toronto, and Comspanning New York, Seattle, Seattle, Toronto, and Winnipeg.

Winnipeg.

ComCompanies such as Stone Canoe, ClarkHuot, and Vantage use panies and panies such such as as NeverStop, NeverStop, Stone Stone Canoe, Canoe, ClarkHuot, ClarkHuot, and VanVaninnovative strategies to createto marketing solutions for a rangefor of tage use strategies create solutions tage use innovative innovative strategies to create marketing marketing solutions for clients.of recent project, developed one of Vantage’s aa range AA recent project developed by of range ofAclients. clients. recent project by developed by one onepartnered of VanVancompanies, NEVERSTOP, of of SJP —actress Sarah tage’s partnered companies was the launch Jestage’s partnered companies was wasthe thelaunch launch of SJP-Sarah SJP-Sarah JesJessica Parker’s shoe line — in Soho, New York.

Robinson says sica sica Parker’s Parker’s shoe shoe line-line-- in in Soho, Soho, New New York.

York. Robinson Robinson says says VanVanVantage’s decision to merge has enabled company tage’s decision to with CHR has the company to tage’s decision to merge merge withwith CHRCHR has enabled enabled thethe company to to expand services andwork work with with drawing on expand their services and larger brands, drawing expand theirtheir services and work with larger largerbrands, brands, drawing on both their own expertise and of companies. onboth boththeir their own expertise andofthat that of affiliated affiliated companies. own expertise and that affiliated companies.

Theevolution evolution of of Vantage Vantage The small-city studio international The evolution Vantage from fromsmall-city small-citystudio studiototo tointernational international branding group refl ects both the talent and drive of its team.

“We branding “We were brandinggroup groupreflects reflectsboth boththe thetalent talentand anddrive driveof ofits itsteam. team.

“We were were a small Winnipeg company that was recognized by a New aasmall smallWinnipeg Winnipegcompany companythat thatwas wasrecognized recognizedby byaaNew NewYork YorkagenagenYork has now into these markets,” “We’re says cy, and has expanded into these says cy, andagency, hasnow nowand expanded intoexpanded thesemarkets,” markets,” saysRobinson.

Robinson.

“We’re Robinson.

“We’re working on projects that people all around the working workingon onprojects projectsthat thatpeople peopleall allaround aroundthe theworld worldknow knowabout.” about.” world know about.”

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THE WORLD KNOW ABOUT.”

Headquartered 34-storey Richardson Building, Vantage speHeadquartered in the 34-storey Richardson Building, Vantage speHeadquarteredin inthe the 34-storey Richardson Building, Vantage cializes in branding both small and large businesses.

Local projects cializes in branding both small and large businesses.

Local projects specializes in branding both small and large businesses. Local projects have re-branding baby-product company Colibri have rangedfrom fromrebranding re-branding the baby-product company Colibri haveranged thethe baby-product company Colibri, to to branding 2014 JUNO Committee (We Speak Music to branding the 2014 JUNO Committee (We Music Speakcampaign).

Music camcambranding thethe 2014 Juno Committee (We Speak paign).

Vantage’s partnered companies also created paign).

Vantage’s partnered companies have alsobranding createdbranding branding Vantage’s partnered companies have alsohave created for the James Richardson International Airport andAirport Hawaiian for the James Richardson International and for theArmstrong James Armstrong Armstrong Richardson International Airport and

Hawaiian airline Island services include webHawaiian airlineAir. Island Air. The The company’s company’s services include webairline, Island The Air. company’s services include website design site design and development, logos, motion graphics, and social site design and development, logos, motion graphics, and social and development, logos, motion graphics, and social media training, media training, and its shop everything stamedia training, and its print print shop produces produces everything from staand its print shop produces everything from stationery andfrom business tionery and business cards to large format posters.

Vantage also tionery and business cards to large format posters.

Vantage also cards, to large format posters. Vantage also has a media buying office has in itit purchases digihas a media media buying buying in Winnipeg, Winnipeg, where purchases digiinaWinnipeg, where office itoffice purchases digital adswhere for Facebook, Google ad tal ads facebook, Google ad words and other digital ad buys. talwords ads for for facebook, Google ad words and other digital ad buys. and other digital ad buys.

“The “Thebenefit benefitof ofwhat whatwe’ve we’vedeveloped developedwith withThe TheCHR CHRGroup Groupisisthat that “The benefit of what we’ve developed with The CHR Group is we wehave haveso somany manycompanies companiesdoing doingdifferent differentthings,” things,”says saysRobinson.

Robinson. that we have so many companies doing different things,” says “We’re “We’re able ableto tooffer offerso somuch muchbecause becauseof ofour ournetwork, network,from fromexperiexperiRobinson. “We’re able to offer so much because of our network, mental mentalmarketing marketingto tostrategic strategicbrand brandsolutions. solutions.We Wecan cando doaa5000 5000doldolfrom experiential marketing to strategic brand solutions. We can lar larproject projectto toaamillion milliondollar dollarproject, project,and andcan canreach reachso somany manydifferent different do a $5,000 project to a million dollar project, and can reach so markets marketsbecause becauseof ofthe theamount amountof ofoffices. offices.ItItenables enablesus usto tobe beaapart partof of many different markets because of the amount of offices. It enables things thingsthat thatwe wewould wouldnever neverbe beable ableto tobe bepart partof of just justin inWinnipeg.”

Winnipeg.” us to be a part of things that we would never be able to be part of just in Winnipeg.”

Because BecauseCHR CHRGroup Groupisismade madeup upof ofseveral severalsmall smallcompanies, companies,RobRobinson says has able small-agency feel inson saysVantage Vantage hasbeen been ableto tomaintain maintain itssmall small-agency feel Because CHR Group is made up of severalits companies, despite the of graphic despite the expansion. expansion.

The in-house team of 14 14 includes includes graphic Robinson says VantageThe hasin-house been ableteam to maintain its small-agency and web designers, project and and and web designers, projectmanagers managers andmanaging managing directors, and feel, despite the expansion.

The in-house team ofdirectors, 14 includes

We We WeRe WeRe AA SmAll SmAll WE WERE A SMALL WINNIpeG COmpANy WINNIpeG COmpANy WINNIPEG COMPANY THAT THAT THAT WAS WAS ReCOGNIzeD ReCOGNIzeD RECOGNIZED

BY A By yORk AGeNCy.”

By AA NeW NeWWAS yORk AGeNCy.”

NEW YORK AGENCY.”

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01 01 01 01

02 02 02 02

03 03 03 03

04 04 04 04

01 01/01 /ONSCReeN 01 ONSCReeN / /ONSCReeN ONSCReeN mANITOBA mANITOBA mANITOBA mANITOBA 02 02/02 /WINNIpeG 02 WINNIpeG / /WINNIpeG WINNIpeG AIRpORTS AIRpORTS AIRpORTS AIRpORTS AuTHORITy AuTHORITy AuTHORITy AuTHORITy 03 03/03 /03 ISlAND ISlAND / /AIR ISlAND AIR ISlAND AIR AIR 04 04/04 /04 lITTle lITTle / /pIzzA lITTle pIzzA lITTle HeAveN HeAveN pIzzA pIzzA HeAveN HeAveN

01 / ONSCREEN MANITOBA

- vANTAGe - vANTAGe - vANTAGe - STuDIOS vANTAGe STuDIOS STuDIOS STuDIOS

– VANTAGE STUDIOS

02 / WINNIPEG AIRPORTS - ClARkHuOT - ClARkHuOT - ClARkHuOT - ClARkHuOT

AUTHORITY – CLARKHUOT

03 / ISLAND AIR

- ClARkHuOT - ClARkHuOT - ClARkHuOT - ClARkHuOT

– CLARKHUOT

04 /

A LITTLE PIZZA HEAVEN - vANTAGe - vANTAGe - vANTAGe - STuDIOS vANTAGe STuDIOS STuDIOS STuDIOS – VANTAGE STUDIOS

says saysRobinson.

Robinson. says saysRobinson.

Robinson.

“When “When “When “When we’re we’redeveloping we’re developing we’redeveloping developing a abrand, brand, a abrand, we brand, wewant want we we towant towant make make totomake make CHR CHRowners CHR owners CHRowners owners who whodeal deal who who with with deal deal acquisitions with acquisitions withacquisitions acquisitions and andmergers. mergers. and andmergers. mergers.

“We’re “We’re “We’re not “We’re not not not sure surepeople sure people surepeople are people aregetting getting are aregetting getting the theright right the theemotion. right emotion. rightemotion. emotion.

There ThereThere isThere isa alot lot isisof aof alot relot re-ofofrerejust justpushing pushing just justpushing pushing out outwork, work, out outwork, we’re work, we’rebuilding we’re building we’rebuilding building relationships relationships relationships relationships with withour with our with clicliour ourcliclicolours, and presents those to the client. “Branding’s about emotion,” graphic and web designers, project managers and managing search search search and search andsmall small and andsteps small steps small along steps along stepsthe along the along way way the the toto way make way make totosure make sure make we’re we’re sure sure on we’re on we’re target.” target.” on ontarget.” target.” ents,” ents,”says ents,” says ents,” Robinson.

Robinson. says saysRobinson.

Robinson.

“A“Alot lot“A of“A ofthem lot them lotofofbecome them become thembecome become our ourfriends, friends, our ourfriends, friends, and andwe we and andwe we says Robinson. “When we’re developing a brand, we want to make directors, and CHR owners who deal with acquisitions and mergers. see seethem them see seeoutside them outside themoutside outside ofofwork. work. ofofwork.

There’s work.

There’s There’s There’s a ahuge huge a adynamic huge dynamic hugedynamic dynamic ininour our inoffice, inoffice, our ouroffice, office, sure people are getting the right emotion. There is a lot of research “We’re not just pushing out work, we’re building relationships with everyone’s everyone’s everyone’s everyone’s very veryfriendly, friendly, very veryfriendly, friendly, and andthat that and and moves moves that thatmoves into moves intoother other into into avenues other avenues otheravenues avenues ofoflife.” life.” ofoflife.” life.”

WHeN WHeN WHeN WHeN peOple peOple peOple peOple See See See See WHAT WHAT WHAT and small steps along the way to make sureWHAT we’re on target.” our clients,” says Robinson. “A lot of them become our friends, and we see them outside of work. There’s a huge dynamic in our office, We We We ARe We ARe ARe ARe CReATING, CReATING, CReATING, CReATING, IT IT GIveS GIveS IT IT GIveS GIveS Vantage Vantage Vantage Vantage and andThe The and and CHR CHR The TheGroup CHR Group CHRGroup Group use usea ause unique use unique a aunique unique process process process process totocreate create totocreate create everyone’s very friendly, and that moves into other avenues of life.”

THem THem THem THem eXCITmeNT eXCITmeNT eXCITmeNT eXCITmeNT ABOuT ABOuT ABOuT ABOuT branding branding branding branding packages, packages, packages, packages, continually continually continually continually engaging engaging engaging engaging their theirclients their clients theirclients with clients withspecific specific with withspecific specific THeIR THeIR THeIR THeIR BuSINeSS.” BuSINeSS.” BuSINeSS.” BuSINeSS.” Vantage andLocal The clients CHR Group use a unique process to consultation create benchmarks. benchmarks. benchmarks. benchmarks.

Local Local clients Localclients typically clients typically typically typically meet meet for meet for meet ananinitial for initial for ananinitial consultation initial consultation consultation packages, continually engaging their clients with specifi c headatbranding atVantage’s Vantage’s atatVantage’s Vantage’s offices, offices, offices, offices, with withVantage with Vantage withVantage Vantage then thenvisiting then visiting thenvisiting visiting the theclients’ clients’ the theclients’ clients’ headheadheadbenchmarks.

Local clients typically meet for anbusiness. initial quarters quarters quarters quarters totolearn learn toto first-hand learn first-hand learn first-hand first-hand about abouttheir about their about business. their business. their business.

“We “Weconsultation try try “We “We totolearn try learn trytoto asat learn aslearnasas Vantage’s offithe ces, with Vantage then visiting the clients’ headquarters Vantage Vantage Vantage Vantage develops develops develops develops anan overall overall anan overall overall branding branding branding branding concept, concept, concept, concept, finetunfinetunfinetunfinetunmuch muchabout much about much about the about client client the the and client and client their their and and competitors their competitors their competitors competitors asaswe wecan, as can, aswe we and and can, can, try try and to and tofit try fit trytotofit fit to learn rst-hand about their business.

“We try learn as “There much ing ingititing along ing along ititalong the along theway way the the through way through waythrough through client clientclient engagement. client engagement. engagement. engagement.

“When “When “When “When peopeo- peopeothem them in them in them afiamarket market inina amarket market that’s that’s less that’s less that’s saturated,” saturated,” less less saturated,” saturated,” says says Robinson.

Robinson. says saysto Robinson.

Robinson.

“There “There may “There may may may about the client andmarket their competitors as we can, andwe try towe filook tcan them ple ple see see ple ple what what see see we’re what we’re what we’re creating, we’re creating, creating, creating, itit gives gives itit gives them gives themthem excitement them excitement excitement excitement about aboutabout about be bea adifferent different be bea adifferent different market market we market wecan can we tap we tap can into, can into, tap tap anan into, into, opportunity opportunity anan opportunity opportunity we can can look we can at.” at.” look lookat.” at.” in a market that’s less saturated,” says Robinson. “There may be a their theirbusiness,” their business,” theirbusiness,” business,” says saysRobinson. says Robinson. saysRobinson.

Robinson.

“They’re “They’re “They’re “They’re confident confident confident confident that thatthe that the that fi-fithe thefi-fiVantage develops an overall branding concept, fine-tuning it diff erent market wecompetitors can tap an opportunity we can look at. ” nal nalproduct product nal nalproduct product isisgoing going isisgoing togoing tobebeto what to what bebethey what they whatexpected they expected theyexpected expected because because because because they they they they Referencing Referencing Referencing Referencing competitors competitors competitors inininto, the thein industry, in industry, the theindustry, industry, Vantage Vantage Vantage Vantage analyzes analyzes analyzes analyzes what’s what’s what’s what’s along the way through client engagement. “When people see what see seeexamples examples see seeexamples examples before beforebefore going before goinggoing through going through through through the theprocess, process, the theprocess, process, and andthey they and andsee they see theysee see working working working working well welland and well well what what and and isn’t what isn’t what from from isn’t isn’t afrom abranding from branding a abranding branding perspective. perspective. perspective. perspective.

The ThecomcomThe Thecomcomwe’re creating, it gives them excitement about their business,” Referencing competitors in the industry, Vantage analyzes what’s every everyevery step every step moving step moving step moving moving forward. forward. forward. forward.

They They know They know They know we know we can can we we do do can can the the do do job.” job.” the the job.” job.” pany panythen pany then pany creates then creates thencreates creates mood moodmood board mood boardboard collages board collages collages collages ofofimages, images, ofofimages, images, text, text,and text, and text, cocoand andcocosays Robinson. “They’re confident that the final product is going working well, and what isn’t, from a branding perspective. The Robinson Robinson Robinson Robinson says saysone one says says ofof one the one theof challenges of challenges the thechallenges challenges ininthe thein Winnipeg in Winnipeg the theWinnipeg Winnipeg market market market market isis isis lours, lours,and lours, and lours, presents presents and andpresents presents those thoseto those to those the theclient. toclient. tothe theclient.

“Branding’s client.

“Branding’s “Branding’s “Branding’s about aboutemotion,” about emotion,” aboutemotion,” emotion,” to be what they expected because they see examples before going company then creates mood board collages of images, text, and

WHEN PEOPLE SEE WHAT WE ARE CREATING, IT GIVES THEM EXCITMENT ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS.”

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05 05 05 05

06 06 06 06

07 07 07 07

08 08 08 08

05 05/05 /05 vANTAGe vANTAGe / / vANTAGe ReBRAND vANTAGe ReBRAND ReBRAND ReBRAND 06 06/06 /SepHORA 06 SepHORA / /SepHORA SepHORA pOp-up pOp-up (NyC) pOp-up (NyC) pOp-up (NyC) (NyC) 07 07/07 /lAND 07 lAND /ROveR /ROveR lAND lAND ISTAllATION ROveR ISTAllATION ROveR ISTAllATION ISTAllATION (NyC) (NyC) (NyC) (NyC) 08 08/08 /COlIBRI 08 COlIBRI / /COlIBRI COlIBRI

05 / VANTAGE REBRAND - vANTAGe - vANTAGe - vANTAGe - STuDIOS vANTAGe STuDIOS STuDIOS STuDIOS

- VANTAGE STUDIOS

06 /

07 /

08 /

SEPHORA POP-UP (NYC) LAND ROVER ISTALLATION COLIBRI - NeveRSTOp - NeveRSTOp - NeveRSTOp - NeveRSTOp - NeveRSTOp - NeveRSTOp - NeveRSTOp - NeveRSTOp - vANTAGe - vANTAGe - vANTAGe - STuDIOS vANTAGe STuDIOS STuDIOS STuDIOS - NEVERSTOP

helping helping helping helping clients clients clients new clients newtoto new branding new branding totobranding branding understand understand understand understand the thevalue value the thein value in value hiring hiring ininhiring ahiring a aa through the process, andclients they every step moving forward. ey design design design company. design company. company. company.

“We’ve “We’ve “We’ve had “We’ve had clients had hadsee clients who clients who have have who who never have never have changed never changed never changed changed their theirTh their their identity identity identity identity and and were were and and against were against were against ajob. arebrand,” rebrand,” rebrand,” says saysRobinson.

Robinson. says saysRobinson.

Robinson.

“We “Webrought brought “We “Webrought brought know we can do theagainst ” a arebrand,” them themthrough them through themthrough through the theprocess, process, the theprocess, process, and andatat and and the theatend atend the the ofof end end the theofmeeting, ofmeeting, the themeeting, meeting, the the the the Robinson says one of the challenges in the Winnipeg market is CEO CEOwas CEO was CEO soso was excited was excited sosoexcited excited about aboutabout the about thebrand. brand. the thebrand.

We brand.

Wesee see We We that that see see soso that that many many sosotimes many times manytimes times helping clients new to branding understand the value in hiring a through through through through our ourprocess, process, our ourprocess, process, everyone everyone everyone everyone gets getsexcited excited gets getsexcited excited and andon on and and board. board. on onboard.

Brandboard.

BrandBrandBranddesign company. “We’ve had clients who have never changed their ing ingshows shows ing ingshows their shows theirclients their clients theirclients that clients thatthey’re they’re that thatthey’re they’re invested invested invested invested inintheir their inincompany.” their company.” theircompany.” company.” identity and were against a rebrand,” says Robinson. “We brought them through the projects process, and at the end of theShelmerdine meeting, theGarden CEO Vantage’s Vantage’s Vantage’s Vantage’s current current current current projects projects projects include include include include rebranding rebranding rebranding rebranding Shelmerdine Shelmerdine Shelmerdine Garden Garden Garden was so excited about the brand.

We see that so many times through Centre Centre Centre and Centre andcreating creating and andcreating creating a athree-year three-year a athree-year three-year campaign campaign campaign campaign for forlocal local for for festival local festival localfestival festival FolkFolk-FolkFolkour process, everyone getstoto excited and onVantage board.

Branding shows lorama. lorama. lorama. lorama.

With With CHR With CHR With continuing CHR continuing CHRcontinuing continuing grow, grow, totoVantage grow, Vantage grow, Vantage isispositioned positioned isispositioned positioned for for for for their clients that they’re invested in their company. ”the further further further evolution further evolution evolution evolution in inthe the scope inscope inthe the of scope of scope branding branding ofof branding branding ititoffers offers ititand offers and offers the and and range range the theof range of rangeofof companies companies companies companies ititserves. serves. ititserves.

“We serves.

“We want want “We “We to want towant have have toto life have life have long long life life relationships relationships long long relationships relationships with with with with Vantage’s current projects include rebranding Shelmerdine Garden our ourclients,” clients,” our our clients,” clients,” says says Robinson, Robinson, says says Robinson, Robinson, “and “and work “and work “and for work for work years years for for with years with years their with their with brand.” their brand.” their brand.” brand.”

Centre and creating a three-year campaign for local festival

(NYC) - NEVERSTOP

- VANTAGE STUDIOS

Vantage Studios & Print Shop Richardson Centre Concourse 1 Lombard Place Winnipeg 204.949.1218 shop@vantagestudios.ca www.vantagestudios.ca

vANTAGe vANTAGe vANTAGe vANTAGe STuDIOS STuDIOS STuDIOS STuDIOS &&pRINT pRINT &&pRINT pRINT SHOp SHOp SHOp SHOp 11lOmBARD lOmBARD 11lOmBARD lOmBARD plACe plACe plACe plACe SuITe SuITe SuITe SuITe 810, 810,WINNIpeG, 810, WINNIpeG, 810,WINNIpeG, WINNIpeG, R3B R3B0X3 R3B 0X3 R3B0X3 0X3 204.949.1218 204.949.1218 204.949.1218 204.949.1218

SHOp@vANTAGeSTuDIOS.CA SHOp@vANTAGeSTuDIOS.CA SHOp@vANTAGeSTuDIOS.CA SHOp@vANTAGeSTuDIOS.CA WWW.vANTAGeSTuDIOS.CA WWW.vANTAGeSTuDIOS.CA WWW.vANTAGeSTuDIOS.CA WWW.vANTAGeSTuDIOS.CA

Folklorama. With CHR continuing to grow, Vantage is positioned for further evolution in the scope of the branding it offers, and the range of companies it serves. “We want to have lifelong relationships with our clients,” says Robinson, “and work for years with their brand.”

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149

Honouring A Life Well Lived

By Trina Annand Photos Danielle Clement

A

community’s strength is in its people, the family and friends who shape the world around us. Life has a predictable rhythm to it, we are born, we live, we die. There is, however, no set date for the latter and it can often come as a surprise.

When coping with the loss of a loved one, it is important to properly honour their memory and celebrate their life. At Neil Bardal Inc. Funeral Centre, the Bardal family gives every person the support they need to pay a fitting tribute to their loved ones.

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After leaving the original family business location in the 1980s, Neil Bardal decided to opt for an airy and light filled place to pay homage. Clients can find all the services they need under one roof, including an expansive chapel that can accommodate both large and intimate events, a crematory and a Garden of Memories, all conveniently located across from Brookside Cemetery.

The Garden of Memories is unique in the funeral business. The indoor scattering garden is the only one off cemetery property in the world. The Garden provides

an indoor sanctuary where cremated remains can go back to the earth in the most fundamental way. “Fulfilling the edict of ‘earth to earth, ashes to ashes and dust to dust,’ this place gives family members somewhere to come and reflect on their loved ones’ lives, watching the garden grow over the years, as if willed by the love of their family members,” notes Eirik Bardal, Neil’s son and funeral director. The garden even features a virtual tombstone with not only the loved one’s name, but also a story that can be added to over the years.

As the fourth generation of the Bardal family, a legacy that began in 1894, Eirik truly understands the important part he and his staff play in the final tribute to a life well lived. Offering 24-hour service, the dedicated staff helps ensure the families receive the support they need throughout the process. The team members are no strangers to unique requests, some ranging from turning ashes into a diamond, a traditional Icelandic funeral, to a hockeyinspired funeral where skates served as the urn. “As long as your choices reflect who the person was, it makes sense to me. No two funerals should be the same. There is a trend to create cookie-cutter funeral packages, but that doesn’t truly honour the life led,” says Eirik.

The funeral centre also offers funeral preplanning, easing the stress on loved ones at the time of death while conveying their wishes. The key to the staff ’s services is genuine care for the families. As long time residents of the community, a business staple and avid volunteers, families are not

coming to see strangers who run a funeral home, they are coming to see friends and neighbours. Offering concert series and week long Remembrance Day educational workshops, Neil Bardal Inc. Funeral Centre is building a better community while honouring what makes it great — the people in it.

Let our family take care of yours. With 120 years of experience with funeral services, Neil Bardal Inc. Funeral Centre offers services that are as unique as your loved ones. top l-r Joe Kanasky, Franca Tedone, Marilyn Hill, Marcel Chymyshyn, Eirik Bardal, Bob Gardiner, Richard Rosin, Allan Sansom, Janice Dryden, Sandra Dewar

Neil Bardal Inc. Funeral Centre 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery) Winnipeg 204.949.2200 |

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151

FULL SPEED STRESS RELEASE

By Brandi Parnell

F

ull throttle therapy may not be a practice you’re familiar with.

Perhaps you associate therapy with the practice of yoga, meditation or even a sterile office. It is common practice to think about slowing down our lives as a form of stress release.

But that approach is not one practiced at Winnipeg Full Throttle. In fact, the kind

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of stress release we’re referring to is rough, adventurous and dangerous. It may even leave you gasping for breath as your feet hover above the ground, thinking about nothing else but rugged joy.

Throttle therapy was developed about three years ago. “It gives customers the opportunity to get off the pavement and experience an amazing ride unlike

anything they’ve ever experienced before,” says Kurt from Winnipeg Full Throttle.

After a tough day, many people unwind by hitting the gym, some people decompress in the company of loved ones, and others tune out the world. Throttle therapy is a form of stress release that comes from feeling a rush of wind in your face, a pounding in your heart and a sudden burst of energy.

The excitement of speed, the increased air in your lungs, along with a heightened sense of awareness, is all that matters and suddenly your inbox is irrelevant.

“Let’s just say that it’s probably the best stress control you’ll have all summer long,” says Kurt from Winnipeg Full Throttle.

Winnipeg Full Throttle will deliver an 1,100 cc dune buggy to you at your cabin, the farm or a wide-open field so you can you can forget about the world and feel complete freedom. It is a great corporate activity for team building, a ton of fun for family gatherings or simply a perfect way to spend a day or weekend.

“We collect a damage deposit and an insurance fee. We deliver a dune buggy and all equipment to a chosen site. Then you take it from there,” he says.

Imagine flying through a field of mud, collecting bugs in your teeth and screaming at the top of your lungs, now imagine the exhilaration. “You completely let go of all of your inhibitions,” says Kurt from Winnipeg Full Throttle.

The buggies seat two passengers and make for a great date. “A lot of women are calling me up to book a full throttle day.

They are the ones taking the first step,” he laughs with no sign of stress in his voice.

“My wife tells me as long as I’m safe, that’s all that matters.”

Safety is as important as fun at Winnipeg Full Throttle. The business operates from late April until the end October, weather permitting. Take a day off work to escape from stress, from the mundane, from your business attire.

ABOVE Kurt and Cathy

www.winnipegthrottletherapy.ca

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The

Secret IS OUT: Make Your Life Easier With a Personal Concierge

By Karin Cowan Photos Rejean Brandt

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“I love what I do and I have included helping people into my schedule for a very long time,” she says.

S

heila Farago is no stranger to eating lunch at her desk with a lengthy to-do list staring back at her.

She realized, after talking with friends, she was not alone in juggling work and family schedules.

This busy mom of three knows what it’s like to excavate quality time with her family. That’s why she launched My Little Secret, a concierge and personal assistant service for Winnipeggers.

“How successful, busy people get things done is my secret gift to clients. I want to develop their professional and personal strategies,” she says.

My Little Secret’s repertoire ranges from shopping for presents, event planning, helping you downsize your home, social media coaching, to helping you buy new home furniture. If you are sandwiched in the middle of ageing parents and a young family, My Little Secret can run your errands to keep you on track.

Unique to My Little Secret, Farago uses intentional active listening skills to talk you through a problem. She brings an objective third-party perspective to assessing a problem within a 24-hour timeframe.

“I don’t want your problems sitting there.

If you’ve come to a point in life where you need to get something resolved, you can call 204-992-9421 and we can design a plan of action with a solution as our outcome.”

Farago is very active on social media.

Be sure to visit her web site: www. mylittlesecret.ca. Her Twitter @ mylittlesecret and Facebook.com/MyLittleSecret.ca are a one-stop hub for events taking place in Winnipeg, with constant updates of pointers on how to de-stress your life.

My Little Secret is there to make your life easier and that’s no secret! sheila@mylittlesecret.ca www.mylittlesecret.ca 204.992.9421 |

If you are hosting an event and need a venue, she can handle the details. If your child comes home from school to tell you he or she needs a birthday gift for a party the next day, let Farago suggest what to gift wrap. If you’re struggling to find a Halloween costume for your child, let Farago find the perfect fit.

Busy people are not afraid to find an expert to complete the job, especially when it means more family time.

“I want to be in the background of that person so they look good and they feel good about the situation,” she says.

Farago has grocery shopped for a family so they could stay in their pajamas longer and spend Saturday morning together. She has helped a design team in Edmonton find an item in Winnipeg, and also purchased it for them. She even helped a woman in Calgary buy Juno Awards tickets.

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AN INITIATIVE WITHIN

Are you considering launching a new business? Expanding your existing business?

Need help in bringing your ideas to fruition?

YES! Winnipeg is your answer!

We can engage the right collaborators, from government departments to strategic suppliers, to enable you to “green-light� your job-creating project.

For more information on our FREE services visit us at www.YESWINNIPEG.ca or call 204.954.1972

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70-3965 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg | 204.889.3700 www.BIRCHWOODTOYOTA.ca FineLifestyles

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THE FORD MUSTANG:

Fun,

AFFORDABLE AND 50!

BY TOBIE HAINSTOCK PHOTOS COURTESY FORD MOTOR COMPANY

It was the 1960s — a fresh, new era. Almost two decades had passed since the end of World War II, and the Cold War was brimming with spies and propaganda.

Young girls screamed to catch a glimpse of four “mop top” lads from Liverpool, and Canadians found themselves surrounded by the Great Flag Debate.

A Brief History

I

n 1964, the Ford Motor Company took the bold step of producing a North American sports car — one of the most beloved in North American history. Owned by countless celebrities including Jay Leno, Sammy Hagar, Tim Allen and President Bill Clinton, the Mustang has become North America’s most well-known sports car. The Ford Mustang has been featured in approximately 3,000 movies, but the most famous is the Steve McQueen movie, Bullitt, considered to have the greatest car chase in film history.

Upon its debut on April 17, 1964 at the very appealing price of $2,368, the Ford Motor Company optimistically projected first-year sales would reach $100,000. The reaction to this stunning high performance muscle car astonished even Ford marketers when sales exceeded $400,000 within the first 12 months. Two years later, sales of the Mustang had catapulted to $1 million.

Coming Full Circle The icon of the sports car is an emblem of the infamous and mysterious wild horse with its sleek lines, graceful curves and majestic power. The Mustang symbolizes the desire for freedom on the road and a strong sense of adventure.

Although there have been many design variations over the years, ranging from the classic design of the 60s to the more sleek models of the 70s and 80s, the

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Mustang’s classic long front end has been a signature look. It was the early 2000s that brought the Mustang back to its original glory as a muscle car built to once again thrill the “baby boomers.”

50 Years of Technology and Classic Design On this landmark anniversary, the Mustang has been reintroduced to car lovers around the world. “On April 17, 2014, in recognition of our 50th anniversary, inside every glove box of every Mustang will be an authentic badge of heritage,” says Marc Vejgman, product marketing manager of Ford Car Line in Canada.

Vejgman’s excitement is uncontainable as he describes the features of this exciting beauty. “We created this iconic vehicle to target the ‘baby boomers,’ ” he says.

“This is a car that will appeal to the young and the youngat-heart in North America and around the world.”

The designers of the vehicle maintained the sleek exterior form of the Mustang while including thrilling new innovative technology that keeps this classic car relevant for today’s drivers. The new 2.3 litre EcoBoost engine introduces turbo charging to the Mustang powertrain lineup. Vejgman explains that, with a projected more-than-305 horsepower and over 300 pounds of torque, the EcoBoost engine can hold its own among any of the true Mustangs. “The EcoBoost engine has been designed for outstanding performance and projected best-in-class fuel efficiency,” he notes.

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What’s a Mustang lineup without a classic V8 engine? This thrilling 5.0 litre engine is projected to generate more than 420 horsepower and over 390 pounds of torque.

According to Vejgman, a new intake manifold includes charge motion control valves to partially close off port flow at lower engine speeds. The increased air charge tumble and swirl for improved air-fuel mixing results in better fuel economy, idle stability and lower emissions.

Mustang owners love to take control and shift for themselves, and whether they select a fully manual gearbox or the updated automatic transmission, the experience promises to be better than ever. In an effort to combine the high-level performance with

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everyday usability, the Select-Shift six-speed automatic transmission has been introduced.

Drivers who prefer to the ease of automatic shifting during the day, but still want to take control on twisting roads, will appreciate the new steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles with rev-matching downshifts.

Vejgman continues by stating that, to mark this 50th anniversary, Ford is carrying a wide range of thrilling Mustang models.

With so many options available, such as 10 brilliant colours including Competition Orange and Triple Yellow, customers are encouraged to customize their own Mustangs to fit their taste.

Inspired by the cockpit of a plane, Ford designed the interior with controls conveniently placed at the driver’s fingertips. Steering wheel controls, analogue and digital feedback and drive and passenger ergonomic comfort are just some of the elements that emphasize the upscale craftsmanship of the 2015 Mustang.

Forging Ahead It’s been an exciting half century for the world’s most loved sports car, and the journey is far from over. Ford continues to press forward with new technologies and innovations that will carry the Mustang over many decades to come. “We’re very excited for the next chapter of the Mustang’s story,” remarks Vejgman. www.ford.ca

A WIN NEW $

65 000 SHELBY MUSTANG ,

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Birchwood Ford is proud to be your number one choice for new and used Ford vehicles in Manitoba. Home of the best price guarantee. *Someone who buys or leases a new or pre-owned vehicle from Birchwood Ford will win a brand new Mustang Shelby.

1300 Regent Avenue, Winnipeg | 204.661.9555 | www.birchwoodford.ca FineLifestyles

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STARS in Cars

By Alyssa Rudyck

TOP LEFT Kim Kardashian © Featureflash | Dreamstime.com ABOVE Bentley Continental GT

W

hen it comes to the latest in luxury, the bar is often set by the most extravagant and selfindulgent: celebrities. Grossing millions of dollars and competing in a neverending exhibition for status, celebrities are notorious for leading ostentatious lifestyles — complete with the most lavish accessories money can buy.

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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.

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’s wide, low-sprung appearance and sharp, contemporary lines give it an

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.”

TOP–BOTTOM Maserati Granturismo, Lexus LS 460 F Sport, 2014 Toyota Prius

attitude and poise that, like Kim, has a classic, yet commanding, presence.

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 reportedly 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 BluRay players, and a pre-collision system — all the while incorporating a level of refined luxury.

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 environmentallyfriendly 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

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STONEWALL

STONEWALL ...Just a stone’s throw away

By Brandi Parnell Photos Verna Kakowchyk

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STONEWALL

A town by definition is an urban area that has a name, has defined boundaries and a local government.

B

ut if you were to cast a stone about 25 kilometres north of Winnipeg, you would find much more than an urban area with a name In fact, you would find a collective group of people who believe their limestone built town is a great place to call home.

Founded in 1887 and once known as a major limestone production centre, Stonewall, Manitoba still proudly maintains its heritage of limestone production through their many historical buildings. In fact, limestone kiln structures are remnants of the once thriving industry.

Pulitzer Prize winning author Carol Shields wrote about the stone quarries of Stonewall in her novel The Stone Diaries, where her character Cuyler Goodwill worked as a stonemason.

Although Stonewall has long diversified its economy, the quarry remains not only a hub of activity for both townspeople and tourists alike, but more importantly a visual reminder of the town’s history.

In the last decade, Stonewall has become a desirable community for many people, including young professionals seeking a friendly, peaceful alternative to big city life. Its proximity to Winnipeg and the

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STONEWALL new Centreport, Winnipeg International Airport and various head offices in Winnipeg’s west end make Stonewall a desirable destination.

“We are working actively with developers to create subdivisions that fit in with the look and feel of our town to promote active, healthy living. Our motto is building a future for one and all,” says Mayor Ross Thompson.

In fact, there are three reputable builders working on new home construction in this growing town, with housing prices ranging from affordable to top of the line, custom-built homes in amenity rich subdivisions that are landscaped to mimic the rustic beauty of the area.

“People grow up and want to return here.

We are blessed that all of our children and grandchildren live in Stonewall, a community echoed with pride,” Thompson says with conviction about a town that reflects a balanced approach to life socially, environmentally, economically and spiritually.

“We have something for everyone [especially a safe, secure and stable foundation],” he says. “We encourage people to come out and a have a look at what we have to offer.”

THINGS TO DO The town is rich in commerce, community services and recreational activities. Many stone buildings along Main Street provide excellent examples of turn-of-the- century masonry construction, paying tribute to Stonewall’s quarry history.

Visitors and residents alike can partake in year-round outdoor activities including: picnic facilities, toboggan hills, campground and walking trails. Quarry Park houses a museum, along with an interpretive centre located in the Heritage Arts Centre opened in 2011 — an ideal location for wedding receptions, family reunions or corporate events.

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STONEWALL

“

We have something for everyone...We encourage people to come out and a have a look at what we have to offer.

”

The three-day event offers: Wonder Shows Main Street Midway, live music from Aaron Lines, a 64-team Slow Pitch Tournament, a petting zoo, Stonewall Lions Kiddy Train, beer gardens, tractor displays by Rockwood Antique Club, the Show ‘n Shine Car Show, Stonewall Legion’s street dance and South Interlake Regional Library’s annual book sale.

“We’ve managed to attract people from all over, from people looking to build a high-end home, to people who are just starting out. Stonewall offers a highquality lifestyle in a town that offers safety and security. Best of all, we’re just a stone’s throw away,” Thompson says with a laugh through the phone; in the background one of his grandchildren laughs too.

Stonewall is all the amenities of urban living in a quaint rural setting with plenty of shopping, dining options and recreation for the whole family.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the photos featured contact Verna Kakowchyk at verrod1@mymts.net

Veterans Memorial Sports Complex is an all-encompassing facility with two ice arenas, a five-sheet curling rink and world class soccer fields, all of which happen to be just down the road from a skateboard park. Fines Field is a baseball facility that has hosted national and international championships.

The town itself is situated in close proximity to Boonstra Farms for berry picking, and Oak Hammock Marsh and Stony Mountain Ski Area. There are places to worship, places to work out and places to have fun. From laser tag to high tea, Stonewall is a charming urban area with balanced living and fun activities for the whole family.

STONEWALL QUARRY DAYS Not to be missed is the town’s annual summer festival. This year, from Aug. 16-18, Stonewall will be a mecca of fun.

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STONEWALL

Ritz Interiors:

Putting The Fun Back Into Flooring Photos Carmen Matthews

W

hether you‘re preparing to choose flooring for an entire new house, planning to redecorate a well lived-in family home, or renovating your kitchen or bath, the considerations and options in the world of flooring are many. Few of the decorating dollars you spend are as critical as those spent on the surface you walk on. No other plane in your home gets as much use, or takes as much abuse, and nothing else will add beauty and value to your home like wellchosen flooring.

Kelly Eyford, owner of Ritz Interiors, not only believes customers should be helped

to navigate the flooring world smoothly and efficiently, she also wants them to enjoy the process and even have fun. “It is our job to make the experience enjoyable for our customers, and ensure they are happy with their final selection. We take that responsibility seriously,” Kelly says.

In recent years, flooring technology and options have expanded so much that the vast array of considerations and choices can be overwhelming. Kelly knows that, “the worry of making a costly mistake is very real for homeowners. Having a trusted professional to work with simplifies the process and allows the customer to concentrate on their needs.”

To that end, she has developed a process unique to Ritz Interiors. “We like to visit customers’ homes before the serious shopping begins. If we understand their expectations and lifestyle, we can better suggest suitable options.”

Ritz consultants measure, calculate flooring requirements, assess site considerations and prepare estimates in advance. “Doing this work ahead of time allows customers to make more productive use of their shopping time. We often provide several estimates for different kinds of flooring,” she says. Customers are encouraged to take samples home and even put them through the rigours

ABOVE Robin Howe and Ben Dueck of Cantera Properties, look at flooring options for his new show home currently under construction in Stonewall.

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ABOVE Local Contractor, Don Waterer, and Kelly discuss an upcoming commercial project they will work on together. MIDDLE Designer, Joan Grandmont, presents suggestions and ideas to a client, in the comfort of the Ritz Interiors showroom.

their floor will endure. Armed with quality information, samples and cost comparisons, homeowners are able to make more informed choices.

“We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service in a timely fashion,” Kelly says. “We understand that once someone decides to replace their flooring, they don’t want to be kept waiting every step of the way. We want our customers to be happy from first contact, until long after their flooring is installed.”

Ritz Interiors’ modern, spacious showroom was designed with shopping ease in mind. Abundant natural light allows for optimal viewing conditions in the relaxed atmosphere. Ample off-street parking right out front makes hauling samples home a breeze.

Besides a complete range of flooring products, Ritz Interiors also supplies and installs ceramic tile for custom kitchen backsplashes, fireplaces and showers, in-floor heat as well as window fashions, featuring ShadeOMatic blinds, custom fabric valances and draperies.

Kelly has been involved in home fashion since her first job out of school, at Sherwin Williams Paint & Wallpaper, and has never looked back. “I still really enjoy helping people transform a house into their very own personal sanctuary,” she says. Kelly opened Ritz Interiors in 1990 and has been providing quality products, professional installation, good value and exceptional customer service to Stonewall, Winnipeg and surrounding communities ever since.

Visit Ritz Interiors on Facebook to see pictures of completed projects.

Ritz Interiors 286 Main Street, Stonewall MB 204.467.2903 |

Ritz Interiors has been providing flooring and ceramic tile to Warkentin Custom Homes for seventeen years.

“We are pleased with the level of quality products, service and workmanship that Ritz Interiors consistently delivers.”

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STONEWALL

Erika Riley’s

Zumba Fitness Club ®

Wins Fans with Dancefloor Workouts

By Rebecca Schneidereit Photos Shawn Fillion

“T

here’s something about Zumba® that empowers people,” muses Erika Riley. “You sweat, you work out, you move muscles you never thought you had, and you do it with a smile.” The smile’s not hard to explain. Students at Erika Riley’s Zumba® Fitness Club get down to the catchiest music around — and they get a top-notch workout.

“I came across Zumba® — a Latin dance fitness program — about four years ago,” says Riley. Venezuelan by birth, she

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found her homeland’s music reflected in the routines and was instantly charmed.

Before long, the studio where she’d previously taught ballroom and country dance was renovated and Zumba®-ready, and Erika Riley’s Zumba® Fitness Club was off and running. Now the space pulses with music and movement six days a week, frequently drawing more than 20 eager participants per class.

“Zumba® is for everybody,” says Riley.

“Men, women, people new to fitness,

people with more experience.” Guests run the gamut from kindergarteners to teenagers to grandparents, and numerous class types are offered, allowing students their choice of workout (or workouts).

Zumba® Fitness is the “standard” class.

More “targeted” workouts include Zumba® Toning, in which participants hold weights, and Zumba Sentao™, which incorporates chair work. Those who don’t feel ready for Zumba® Fitness can enroll in the more forgivingly structured

Zumba® Gold; when Zumba® Gold isn’t offered (classes are scheduled based on client demand), Riley can adapt Gold techniques to Zumba® Fitness.

The studio also teaches “Insanity®” classes — take-no-prisoners workouts pushing participants to their limits — and occasional Friday social dancing classes (solo and partnered dancers welcome).

Zumba® Kids (ages eight to 12) and Zumba® Kids Junior (ages four to eight) offer exercise opportunities for youngsters.

“We play games, we do ‘battles’, we jump and skip,” says Riley. “The kids express themselves, sweat like crazy and have a blast.” She adds that all classes, at all age levels, “are supportive and non-competitive […] It doesn’t feel like a gym. I promote a community-oriented, social atmosphere.”

For those who want to take their workout home, Erika Riley coaches clients through popular Beachbody® workout systems — from “Hip Hop Abs” to the recently introduced “21 Day Fix”. She also provides Shakeology® products as supplements to bolster nutritional intake. “It’s called ‘the healthiest meal of the day’,” she says.

The studio’s constantly-changing “Fit Club” class allows guests to discover what’s available through Beachbody®, says Riley, and to “sample different flavours of Shakeology®” – alternately, clients can contact Riley directly.

of assistant Stephanie Almeida — “when I’m not available, she’s there for us” — and of Karling and McHale Riley, her Zumba® Kids helpers.

The Zumba® Fitness Club’s success has allowed Riley to back a number of charitable causes. Her latest philanthropic effort is “Zumba® Fitness for Babies in Rwanda”, which funds a mission-based enterprise dedicated to the health of infants and young children, as well as their mothers, in the region. Riley contributes through a Friday evening class: “People come, and every penny they give to join the class goes to that project. We raised over $700 last year.” The “Babies in Rwanda” class runs to June, so there’s plenty of time to embrace this good cause while nabbing an awesome workout.

Erica Riley’s Zumba Fitness Club Highway 236 Stonewall 204.294.8620 zumbawitherikariley@gmail.com www.erikaszumbafitnessclub.com

Fenia Cameron and Mandy Letemplier lead classes at the studio on Saturday mornings and Thursdays, respectively.

“We all have different styles,” notes Riley, “But these two girls are both fun, funky and energetic.” Riley is also deeply appreciative

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STONEWALL

Making Time Stand Still Capture Your Family’s Special Moments With Photography by Carmen Photos courtesy of Carmen Matthews MPA, F.Ph.

F

amily memories are our most treasured possessions. From the image of your daughter’s first missing tooth, to the portrait of the whole family together displayed on your walls to enjoy each day, these images are what make your house your home.

Let Carmen Matthews MPA, F.Ph. of Photography by Carmen help you capture the special moments of your family’s life, and the unique relationships you share.

“The pace of life these days seems to be picking up speed, and it’s hard to remember

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to carve out time to photograph the special moments along the way,” says Carmen. “We understand that your days are full and we are here to help you figure it out and make the magic happen. From the first meeting, to hanging the finished art on your walls, we’re committed to making the process easy and the portraits something you and your family will cherish for years to come.”

Custom photography is a unique product because you get to choose the style and look of your portraits, but it’s also an experience, one that you should enjoy and look back

on fondly. At Photography by Carmen they elevate the experience for you and your family, ensuring you enjoy the process as much as the finished art.

“At Photography by Carmen we have many options for your portrait session and we tailor your portrait experience to suit you and your family,” Carmen says.

There are many factors that can ultimately make up your final portraits, such as the photographer’s style, location of your portrait session, clothing, props, lighting, mood, and your creative vision for the

final products you desire. “We realize you invest time, money and planning into your portraits, and we are just as invested in the process and the products we provide,” she says.

This investment provided by Carmen is evident in the time and detail she puts into every photography session. It all starts with a planning meeting to discuss who will be included — is this a multigenerational portrait, your immediate family or just the children? Do you have a special location where you would like to be photographed, or would you prefer their large, well-equipped, climate controlled studio? Photography by Carmen can even accommodate large groups and will assist you in choosing the appropriate clothing options and colours.

“When you make an investment in custom photography you want it to last a lifetime.

We guarantee your portraits will be of the very best quality, that you will be proud to display them in your home and gift them to your family and friends,” Carmen says.

Give Photography by Carmen a call and they’ll help you capture the love and laughter you and your family share today, to cherish for years to come.

Right Carmen Matthews

308 Main Street Stonewall, Manitoba 204.467.1907 photobc@mts.net www.photographybycarmen.ca

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STONEWALL

Protecting What Matters to You

By Tobie Hainstock Photos Carmen Matthews

Y

ou are an individual; there is no one else exactly like you.

That’s something we’ve all been told. Because we are all unique, we all have different needs when it comes to insurance, whether it be for our home, business, farm or for our life. It can be exhausting keeping track of the different policies we have with different companies.

The Co-operators Insurance is a value-rich company that can offer all the solutions its clients need as a family or a business.

Those rich values are about offering clients the highest level of integrity and keeping communication open and transparent.

Because this philosophy mirrors her own work ethic, Tracey Malone is pleased to serve the Stonewall area under the umbrella of The Co-operators Insurance.

The Co-operators, Stonewall offers a wide range of insurance solutions to a large demographic of patrons, and takes the individual needs of each client into account. “We don’t believe that insurance is a product you buy off of a shelf,” says Malone. Insurance is a personal investment that should be customized to each client’s specific needs. This prevents purchasing more insurance than needed

ABOVE L–R Carly King, Cathy Grassinger, Amanda Moodie and Tracey Malone

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“We are like a family with a high level of loyalty and caring for our clients,” she remarks. “We stay very connected with them. We are always supportive of them and ready to help them reach their goals whenever we can.”

The Co-operators, Stonewall is proud to support their clients who do amazing things within the community. “We are part of a small community and we are very aware of our neighbours and what’s important to them,” states Malone. She goes on to express how much she loves small- town living, and how important it is to her and her staff to offer support to local business, including local non-profits and charities. This year, The Co-operators, Stonewall has developed a campaign which allows them to raise money and support a different cause each month.

When it comes to protecting what matters to you, The Co-operators, Stonewall will put your needs first and help you find the best solution for you, your family and your business.

344 Main Street, Stonewall MB Phone: 204.467.8927 www.cooperators.ca |

and directing premium dollars within a budget to the areas of need that are most important, or represent the greatest risk, to a client’s financial future.

Available to answer all your questions, Malone and her highly qualified staff are pleased to offer everything you need under one roof.

Because The Co-operators offers such a broad range of insurance products, there is no need to see three of four different advisors to purchase the right solutions. Malone and her team will sit down with customers and talk about what kind of coverage they need. “We are not an insurance store,” she comments. “We are very relationship-based and take time with our clients to help them find the solution they need.”

Looking for financial investment products and services? The Co-operators, Stonewall welcomes your inquiries and will assist you in making the right choice for you.

It’s been said many times the key to success is to surround yourself with the right people. Malone acknowledges this philosophy and states she’s been very fortunate to lead a strong cohesive team.

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STONEWALL

Line the Path to Your Ideal Yard with

Waring Landscape suppLy

By Henny Buffinga Photos Carmen Matthews

I

f you are looking to spruce up your yard or garden, from adding decorative stone to your yard, limestone to your driveway, or laying down topsoil to combat winter damage to your lawn, Waring Landscape Supply has what you need.

“We have an old-fashioned countrystyle level of friendliness that keeps our customers coming back year after year,” says Ken Francis, co-owner and supervisor of Waring Landscape Supply. “If you have a question, just give us a call or send an email. We are always available.”

Located in the town of Stonewall, Manitoba is Waring Landscape Supply, a supplier of limestone, topsoil, decorative stone, and landscape products to the town of Stonewall and surrounding communities, including Winnipeg and Selkirk. This friendly family-run business prides themselves on their reliability and customer service.

Ken’s parents, Ward and Ingrid, first started Waring Enterprises more than 35 years ago, and Ken and his wife have become more involved since the late-90s.

The business is still run by the family exclusively, with Ken and his parents remaining co-owners. Born and raised in the area, Ken feels very strongly about serving the local community by having

the largest selection of decorative stone in the area, and offering other much-needed services such as snow removal, storage container rental and trucking.

After residing in the local municipality of Rockwood since the 1970s, Waring Enterprises is officially moving into town and opening Waring Landscape Supply.

“We believe that the town of Stonewall is a proud and vibrant community,” says Ken. “And we think that a local business with extensive history and knowledge of the area should supply them with local products at competitive prices.” Waring Landscape Supply’s new location is a large acreage behind the Tim Hortons at the OPPOSITE L-R Ken, danica, evan, Laura

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intersection of Highway 236 and Highway 67. Ken plans to develop the property and expand their product lines according to the needs of his customers, and he wants to have a family-friendly atmosphere where customers can view displays of their products while their children enjoy the fresh air.

Convenience is key for Waring Landscape Supply. Their full-service website is mobile-friendly, and customers can place orders for pickup or delivery directly from their phones or computers. The website even has an easy tool to calculate how much product a customer needs for a given space.

Waring can also supply and/or deliver any amount of product to their customers.

Their trips take them to the far reaches of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario, and they are always on the lookout for new products to add to their collection.

Their selection of stone is extensive, which makes the short trip from Winnipeg to Stonewall worth it for their customers. Ken is planning on constant growth, and hoping his expanding supply of stone and ongoing changes in their new location will make their business a great place for people in the community to go for a walk on a nice day, to see their displays, check out new products, or get some landscape ideas.

Their new location will be open to the public in May.

Waring Landscape Supply 156 4th Street East (Highway 236) Stonewall, Manitoba 204.799.2002 | 1.855.744.2002 ken@waringenterprises.ca www.waringlandscape.com |

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STONEWALL

CREATING AN OVERALL

Healthier You By: Trina Annand Photos Carmen Matthews

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T

he human body is in a constant state of flux and adaptation. As a result of its unique capabilities it is often taken for granted.

Our bodies are resilient, but extremely sensitive, so it is important to take good care of them. “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet and in the cause and prevention of disease,” wrote Thomas Edison. At Back 2 Health Chiropractic Wellness Center, the experienced wellness professionals ensure their clients’ bodies are functioning at their best through a variety of services designed to enhance overall well-being.

Dr. Wilma Ireland discovered the power of chiropractic and shifted her focus to study what she was truly passionate about — helping others improve their health.

Ireland has even written children’s books on the subject of the human body, The Miracles Inside and What You See is Not All That You Get. “Chiropractors take care of your nervous system and address what we call subluxations. Subluxations may be caused by physical, chemical or emotional stress or trauma, which is often associated with loss of energy, pain, weakness and disease of all types,” says Ireland. “Our job is to find these areas and to remove this stress from your body/mind complex so that you may become physically and mentally healthier.”

After practising in British Columbia and New Jersey, Dr. Ireland relocated to Stonewall where she began using a cutting edge chiropractic technique called Koren Specific Technique (KST).

KST is a gentle and extremely powerful technique that utilizes an instrument called an arthrostim. It permits you to be analyzed in different postures and there is no twisting or “popping” of joints that many associate with chiropractic adjustments. Most adjustments are done sitting or standing, but if a client says they only hurt in a certain position at work or play, then they must be checked

Your body is always speaking to you and giving you signals. It is our job to listen and interpret its needs.

-Dr. Wilma Ireland

and adjusted in that particular position.

Patients usually notice dramatic changes from their very first visit. “The goal of KST is to give you individualized care tailored to your specific lifestyle and needs, and help you reach your goal of health and wholeness,” Ireland says.

Back 2 Health also addresses a person’s overall health with two registered massage therapists and a natural health practitioner for a team approach to health. With clients who drive four and five hours to receive treatment at Back 2 Health, it is clear there is something special about this clinic.

For the team, helping their clients stay happy and healthy is their number one concern. The new custom designed facility ensures clients get the best possible care with unique technologies like the Soqi infrared sauna — which has been linked to stimulating cellular activity, improving circulation and increasing metabolism, to name a few benefits.

“We need to be thinking of our bodies in terms of balance. Health is not simply a lack of symptoms, it is a state of equilibrium,” says Ireland. The chiropractor is a strong believer in health and prevention. “Your body is always speaking to you and giving you signals. It is our job to listen and interpret its needs,” she says.

Back 2 Health Chiropractic Wellness Center 204.467.2222 1-420 Main Street, Stonewall www.back2healthstonewall.com

TOP L-R Carla Kummen, Erica Gierl, Dr.Wilma Ireland, Aline Ruel. Missing, Rachel Bowler, Ali Olfert FineLifestyles

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STONEWALL

Take a Step

BACK IN TIME

BY BROOK THALGOTT PHOTOS CARMEN MATTHEWS

J

ust 20 minutes north of Winnipeg, a historical treasure awaits you.

Located on Stonewall’s Main Street, the McLeod House Tea Room and Gift Shop is brimming with charm, history and elegance. “I started the tea room in 2003, with a vision to bring the high tea to life here in Stonewall,” says owner Leanne Stewart. “And, our beautiful location— McLeod House – is perfect for it.”

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Housed in the only remaining turn-of-thecentury home on Main Street, McLeod House is the former home of the McLeod family, who built the home and whose only son, Alan McLeod, is a World War I Victoria Cross recipient. Because of the home’s historical significance, the Historical Society of Manitoba has given the home its blue plaque designation, noting it as the home of a ‘Memorable Manitoban.’

Today, this beautiful and historic home attracts visitors to the tea room and gift shop. The tea room offers 20 different types of tea, and a delightful menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts.

“Nearly everything is made in-house, right down to the salad dressings,” says Stewart.

“We’re well-known for our chicken salad sandwich with apricot and cranberry, served on multi-grain bread, and our

famous Saskatoon-rhubarb crumble pie.”

And, there’s always a feature of the day, from panini to quiche to wraps, as well as scones and desserts.

And, of course, there’s High Tea, the McLeod House main event. “High Tea is offered a couple of Saturdays per month and requires a reservation, as it has become so popular,” notes Stewart. Served on fine china with tiered trays of elegant sandwiches and desserts, High Tea is something to behold. McLeod House takes it one step further on occasion. “We also feature ‘Fascinating High Tea’ a few times a year, where we encourage our guests to dress up with fascinators for an especially delightful tea time experience,” Stewart says. With Mother’s Day approaching,

visiting McLeod House is a wonderful way to show mom or grandma how much you care. “We host our Mother’s Day Fascinating High Tea on the Saturday, which is one of the most popular events we do,” she says. “And on Mother’s Day, we host a special luncheon. It’s the only Sunday we’re open all year.” McLeod House also hosts private events. For those wanting a high tea experience for a special occasion, the house lends itself beautifully to a bridal shower or retirement tea.

In addition to the tea room, McLeod House is also a gift shop. Upon entering, you’ll find an array of stylish jewellery and accessories. Each of the home’s four bedrooms feature fashions, purses, accessories and giftware for every style

and taste. With spring around the corner, Stewart has plenty to offer for women looking for something new for the season.

“We’ve got lots of bright colours and spring flair,” she says. “There are fresh and stylish pieces for everyone.”

McLeod House is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 292 Main St. in Stonewall, please call (204) 467.2303 for reservations and information about High Tea and events.

McLeod House 292 Main Street Stonewall 204.467.2303 mcleodhousetearoom.com ABOVE Leanne Stewart, owner

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STONEWALL

HOME

is Where Your Key Fits

By Brook Thalgott Photos Carmen Matthews

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A

home is the biggest financial investment most people make. So, when you make the decision on a home, you want to make sure it meets your vision, lifestyle and budget. In Stonewall, Stacey Nickel can make your vision a reality. “I’ve been building homes for four years,” Nickel says. “I turned my passion and skills in home design into my life’s work. I call it Visionary Homes.” Visionary Homes is a custom homebuilder, creating beautiful, unique homes in and around Stonewall.

Stacey guides each of her clients through the home building process right from the very beginning. “Our first meeting usually starts with the client’s ideas and dreams about their new home,” she says. “Together, we take those dreams and get them onto paper as a design, and then into blueprints. We don’t break ground until the client is happy with the home’s design.” Nickel can also help source the perfect location for your home, and will direct you through selecting the features and finishes that will make the home truly yours. Home design is Nickel’s calling, and she’ll capture your unique style in your home’s features and finishes. “We can create a home of any style, be it ultra-modern, sleek and contemporary, or we can embrace the classic design of yesteryear with reclaimed flooring, tin ceilings and old worldstyle beams,” she says.

And, you can visit a Visionary Home to see her work first hand.

“We’re so pleased with our new show home that we can’t wait for people to see it,” says Nickel. Located at 454 9th Avenue South in Stonewall, the Visionary Homes show home is available for viewing by appointment. The 1,384 sq. ft. open concept bungalow, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, is for sale and ready for someone to call home. Built on a beautiful large lot, the home has many high-end finishes, including nine-foot ceilings, pot lighting and laminate floors. The kitchen has solid maple cabinetry with soft close drawers, a corner pantry, granite countertops and four stainless steel appliances. The bathrooms feature custom glass top vanities, fully tiled showers and baths,

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STONEWALL and dual-flush toilets. There’s a main floor laundry and an oversized garage. The whole home is also energy efficient, with a wellinsulated basement, high efficiency furnace and tri-pane low-E windows. There are also beautiful timber details, giving the home a wonderful Craftsman-style aesthetic.

Not only is stunning design part of the Visionary Homes promise, so is excellent customer service and communication. “I discuss every facet of the process, making sure every client is fully aware of what is happening at all times,” assures Nickel. “My goal is to make sure the home building process goes as smoothly as possible for every client we work with.” From the first meeting until the time you get the keys to your Visionary Home, Nickel is working hard to make sure you’re happy with your home’s design, the building process, and your move, into your new home.

And, Visionary Homes is more than just Nickel alone. Her husband, Dan, assists in business operations, and she has an outstanding crew of certified tradespeople. It’s taken three years for Nickel to put this dream team together. Draftsperson Rob Reimer takes extra time and details every aspect of the blueprints, even offering 3D images from any angle of the drawing. This is crucial to the design process and ensures you get a bird’s eye view of your dream home before beginning construction. The framers are spectacular, the concrete work is done by one of the most accomplished in the industry, and every trade in the crew produces phenomenal work, ensuring the quality control Visionary Homes expects.

Nickel’s recent clients, Trevor and Brittney, can attest to the work that Visionary Homes does. “Working with Visionary Homes has been a positive experience for us. Our building project with Visionary Homes progressed smoothly and with top quality,” they say. “Stacey takes the time to make sure she keeps you in the know about all details of your project. We’d recommend Visionary Homes to everyone looking to build a home.”

The new custom-built home of your dreams could be just a phone call away. “Whether you’ve got a plan in mind, or just some ideas floating around, I want to make your home a reality,” says Nickel. “If you’re a new home buyer, a growing family, or downsizing into something different, we can create a home that is just right for you.” To learn more about what the Visionary Homes team can do for you, visit visionaryhomes. ca or call 204.461.2237.

Visionary Homes P.O. Box 1980, Stonewall, MB 204.461.2237 stacey@visionaryhomes.ca

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OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK!

Compassionate, Professional and Affordable Care for your Pets

Full Service Veterinary Clinic offering: • Spay/Neuter/Dental procedures • Annual wellness exams and vaccinations • Preventive Medicine • Orthopaedic Surgeries • Soft tissue surgical procedures • Digital X-rays and in house Lab

4 Dolomite Avenue, Stonewall, MB Only 15 minutes North of the Perimeter | stonevet@mts.net | www.stonewallvetclinic.com

204.467.2481

EMERGENCY PHONE (FOR AFTER HOURS CALLS ONLY): 204.793.3323

check out our

new website! www.FineLifestyles.ca AMAZING RECIPES! FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINES! AND MUCH MORE!

STONEWALL

A Vision for the Future…

Photos Carmen Matthews

S

tonewall Vision Centre was founded in 1987 and operated out of less than 1,000 sq. ft. of space at 358 Main St. for more than 20 years. Dr. Dawn Dunford began practicing there in 2000, and bought the part-time practice on July 1, 2003. She envisioned bigger and better things, and quickly outgrew the old space.

In March of 2008 the practice moved to its current location at 384 Main St. Although only a short distance away, the

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new practice is more than twice the size, and far better equipped than the one she purchased in 2003.

Dunford says that Stonewall Vision Centre is first and foremost a medical practice that also happens to sell glasses and contacts for all ages and budgets. With changes to the Optometry Act in 2013, Manitoba Optometrists can now prescribe not only glasses but a variety of pharmaceuticals as well, so they take a more active role in managing eye health.

A corporate rebranding is planned for later in 2014, with a name change to Doctors Vision Centres of Canada, to better reflect the broadening role of optometry in the lives of Manitobans.

Their corporate mission statement is “Changing lives through advanced vision care.” While this is a bold statement, it’s one their doctors and staff strive to uphold on a daily basis.

The office has all of the standard equipment you’d expect from a modern optometry

practice, but also boasts an OCT and other equipment most often found in larger urban centres. Dunford says “we’re a full-service, full-scope optometry office, ready, willing and able to meet the vision needs of patients from all over the Interlake.”

There are hundreds of fashionable frames on display in Stonewall, but if you can’t find something you like, patients are invited to visit one of Dunford’s Winnipeg practices (Osborne Spectacle Centre and Special Eyes Vision Centre). Being part of a group of offices allows patients to have access to more frame choices, and warranty services, at more than just Stonewall.

Change is constant in the eyecare industry, so in addition to a name change, there are always cutting edge lenses from the world’s top manufacturers, new contact lenses, and they plan to add vitamins for improved eye health. Watch for future developments that will give patients access to DNA testing to customize their specific needs too. Their goal is to be a one stop shop for all vision needs.

In June, 2011, Dunford moved to Swan River, Manitoba, where she practices at her fourth practice, Swan Vision Centre.

The Stonewall baton was passed to Dr. Heather McCrae, who is now the primary optometrist at Stonewall Vision Centre.

McCrae calls Stonewall home and says “Stonewall is a fantastic community to be a part of. It’s wonderful to be able to provide comprehensive vision care to our patients without the hassle of a commute to Winnipeg. We love it here!”

ABOVE L–R Shayna Simpson, Amanda Bonwick, Dr. Heather McCrae FRONT Gill Fox

Drs. Dunford and McCrae switch offices for a week roughly every five weeks, allowing Dunford to catch up with local patients both old and new. Dunford says it’s particularly fun to see young patients from her early years in Stonewall now coming to see her with children of their own.

Stonewall Vision Centre Inc. 384 Main Street, Stonewall 204.467.8044 stonewall@advancedvisioncentres.com www.stonewallvisioncentre.com

Along with the staff of Stonewall Vision Centre they look forward to meeting the optometric needs of their patients for many years to come, no matter what changes the profession may see. New patients are always welcome!

See Dr. Dunford’s “Advice from your Optometrist” article in this issue’s Health and Wellness Department.

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Retail

DIRECTORY

Wine Cellars Built to Realize Your Vision

White Lotus Pet Spa: Where Beauty Blossoms

EVOLUTION Wine Rooms Unit 6, 1635 Burrows Avenue, Winnipeg | 204.589.1304 info@evowinerooms.com | www.evowinerooms.com |

White Lotus Pet Spa 478 River Avenue, Winnipeg | 204.269.2626 www.whitelotuspetspa.com |

Designed and handcrafted around your wishes and desires, while placing your lifestyle front and centre. We will work with you to produce stunningly elegant wine cellars.

|

A superb spa experience for your furry friends — it’s true luxury in a welcoming atmosphere. For daycare with a twist, visit the Canine Social Club.

Indulge in the Suite Life

Let Our Family Take Care Of Yours.

Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel 1800 Wellington Avenue,Winnipeg, MB,R3H 1B2 | 204.783.1700 www.hilton.com

Neil Bardal Inc. Funeral Centre 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg 204.949.2200 |

Your Neighbourhood Toy Store

Simply Put: We Make Things

The recently renovated Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel is a full-service all-suites hotel that offers travelers comfortable, convenient, and up-to-date accommodations in Winnipeg’s airport district.

Wooden toys, classic toys, Melissa & Doug, yo-yos, diecast cars, dolls, Groovy Girls, tea sets, puzzles, arts and crafts supplies, a yo-yo club, and more!

Newbridge Toy Shop 1791 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB | 204.219.1956 www.newbridgetoyshop.com |

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With 120 years of experience, Neil Bardal Inc. Funeral Centre offers services as unique as your loved ones. Honour a life well lived.

A Creative Design Studio dedicated to the art and craft of innovative design and print solutions. We breathe life into creations right in We WeRe A SmAll our studio.

WINNIpeG COmpANy

In 2005, Donavan Robinson launched a Winnipeg design company called Vantage Studios. A combined print shop and studio made up of graphic and web designers, the company spent its first eight years producing creative designs for small local businesses, from websites and logos to branding campaigns.

We’Re WORkING ON pROJeCTS THAT peOple All AROuND THe WORlD kNOW ABOuT.”

In 2011, The CHR Group-a New York based network of communication companies, acquired Vantage, making Robinson the Managing Director. The CHR Group is comprised of 12 firms spanning New York, Seattle, Toronto, and Winnipeg. Companies such as NeverStop, Stone Canoe, ClarkHuot, and Vantage use innovative strategies to create marketing solutions for a range of clients. A recent project developed by one of Vantage’s partnered companies was the launch of SJP-Sarah Jessica Parker’s shoe line-- in Soho, New York. Robinson says Vantage’s decision to merge with CHR has enabled the company to expand their services and work with larger brands, drawing on both their own expertise and that of affiliated companies.

The evolution of Vantage from small-city studio to international branding group reflects both the talent and drive of its team. “We were a small Winnipeg company that was recognized by a New York agency, and has now expanded into these markets,” says Robinson. “We’re working on projects that people all around the world know about.”

Hawaiian airline Island Air. The company’s services include website design and development, logos, motion graphics, and social media training, and its print shop produces everything from stationery and business cards to large format posters. Vantage also has a media buying office in Winnipeg, where it purchases digital ads for facebook, Google ad words and other digital ad buys.

“The benefit of what we’ve developed with The CHR Group is that we have so many companies doing different things,” says Robinson.

“We’re able to offer so much because of our network, from experimental marketing to strategic brand solutions. We can do a 5000 dollar project to a million dollar project, and can reach so many different markets because of the amount of offices. It enables us to be a part of things that we would never be able to be part of just in Winnipeg.”

THAT WAS ReCOGNIzeD

By A NeW yORk AGeNCy.”

Vantage Studios & Print Shop Richardson Centre Concourse | 1 Lombard Place, Winnipeg 204.949.1218 | shop@vantagestudios.ca | www.vantagestudios.ca

Headquartered in the 34-storey Richardson Building, Vantage specializes in branding both small and large businesses. Local projects have ranged from re-branding the baby-product company Colibri to branding the 2014 JUNO Committee (We Speak Music campaign). Vantage’s partnered companies have also created branding for the James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and

Because CHR Group is made up of several small companies, Robinson says Vantage has been able to maintain its small-agency feel despite the expansion. The in-house team of 14 includes graphic and web designers, project managers and managing directors, and

Turning the Ordinary into Extraordinary

Mod-Art: The Best of Both Worlds

Ramada Viscount Gort Hotel 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg | 204.775.0451 tracyw@viscount-gort.com | www.viscount-gort.com

Mod-Art Renovation Enterprises Mod-Art Property Inspection Services 204.582.3446 | 204.996.5207 | dmbirch@shaw.ca |

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview

Gourmet Food and Warm Hospitality

The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview 1979 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB | 1.877.355.3500 www.lakeviewhotels.com |

Teo’s & Mano A Mano and Brooklynn’s/Boa Lounge 691 Corydon Avenue | 204.414.6305 177 Lombard Avenue | 204.415.4112

Completely renovated, Winnipeg’s Viscount Gort Hotel is a modern luxury hotel boasting 135 spacious guest rooms as well as a contemporary and elegant banquet centre.

Located at the Winnipeg Airport, The Grand boutique hotel provides true personal attention, thoughtful amenities, beautifully appointed accommodations and memorable culinary experiences.

Trim Your Clutter

At Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage we’re eager to help you enjoy your home, with a custom home organization storage solution designed for your needs.

Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage Serving Winnipeg Winnipeg | 204.808.8852 ccarroll@tailoredliving.com | www.tailoredliving.com | www.premiergarage.com

Make your next renovation a modern and artistic job with Mod-Art and experience the peace of mind an experienced contractor and inspector create.

Whether you prefer a trendy neighbourhood feel, or downtown fine dining, you can find it at Teo’s & Mano A Mano, and Brooklynn’s Bistro & Boa Lounge.

Ensuring our Customers are always well dressed Quality, name-brand clothes — both contemporary and unique — for men and women in the heart of Osborne Village.

Style Bar 470 River Avenue, Winnipeg | 204.505.1351 www.stylebarboutique.com

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DIRECTORY

Food, Drinks Fun and Games

Polo Park Dental Centre

Rec Room 1875 Pembina Hwy Winnipeg, MB | 204.275.3974 recroomlounge.ca | |

Polo Park Dental Center 104–1440 Jack Blick Avenue | 204.774.2521 reception@poloparkdental.ca | www.poloparkdental.ca |

Balmoral Hall School: Girls Belong Here

Relax, we’ll do the rest!

Balmoral Hall School 630 Westminster Avenue, Winnipeg | 204.784.1600 communications@balmoralhall.net | www.balmoralhall.com

Village Health Spa 832 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg | 204.253.0748 www.villagehealthspa.com

A Way to Unwind Like Never Before

The Lawndromat: Keeping Your Greens Greener

Winnipeg Throttle Therapy www.winnipegthrottletherapy.ca

The Lawndromat Lawn Care 204.890.3882 | www.lawndromatlawncare.com

Pool, ping-pong, foosball, air hockey, beer pong, jumbo board games, big screens, amazing food & so much more!

At Balmoral Hall we inspire girls to excel, to reach, and to lead.

Discover the complete educational experience we offer just for girls.

Take a day off to escape stress and the mundane. For information or to book a dune buggy, contact Winnipeg Full Throttle.

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At Polo Park Dental Centre, we’re here to help in as many ways as we can.

Contact us for all your family dental needs today!

|

Licensed and certified since 1995, we specialize in laser hair removal and laser skin services. Our atmosphere is comfortable for men and women of all ages.

We offer landscaping services from design to maintenance and everything in between. Don’t spend your weekends struggling to maintain your property’s needs; call us today!

How successful, busy people get things done!

Designed For Comfortable Living

My Little Secret 204.992.9421 sheila@mylittlesecret.ca | www.mylittlesecret.ca |

Interior Illusions 100-100 Princess St. Winnipeg, MB | 204.925.4162 info@interiorillusions.ca | www.interiorillusions.ca

Grocery shopping & unpacking, gift purchasing, gift wrapping, special date reminder, party items pick up, friendship services, hospital visits and more!

|

Whether you are looking for a refreshing change, or are planning a new home, Interior Illusions can assist you from start to finish.

A Suit for Every Body

Escape The Every Day

Peepers Swimwear 252 Stafford Street | 204.474.2861 info@peepersswimwear.ca | www.peepersswimwear.ca

Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotel & Spa 231 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, MB | 1.204.947.9447 | 1.866.947.9190 www.mariaggis.com | info@mariaggis.com

All Together Different, All Together Fun

An Authentic Italian Culinary Journey

Crock A Doodle 519 Osborne Street Winnipeg | 204.284.1736 winnipeg@crockadoodle.com | www.crockadoodle.com

Monticchio Restaurant 684 Osborne Street | 204.477.4773 www.monticchios.com

Peepers Swimwear carries one-piece swimsuits, tankinis and bikinis in sizes six to 26, and up to a GG cup-size.

Enjoy the fun of pottery painting in our bright and cheerful studio — a special place to gather with family and friends for art activities

Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotel & Spa is a hidden jewel where you can enjoy a getaway without going away.

Food lovers all over Winnipeg can enjoy authentic Italian, without travelling the distance. Lunches, dinners and desserts — Monticchio Ristorante Italiano does it all for you!

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WINNIPEG

Retail

DIRECTORY

Fitness On The Go

Designed With Care Just For You

Fitness on the Go 204.998-6302 | kara@fitnessonthego.ca www.fitnessonthego.ca |

Designing Divas Flower Shoppe 204.452.0151 | 784 Corydon Ave, Winnipeg www.designingdivaswinnipeg.com |

The Ultimate in Outdoor Living Comfort

Custom Cabinetry and Affordable Luxury

Suncoast Manitoba Box 136, West Hawk Lake, Manitoba | 204.510.8900 www.suncoastenclosures.com | suncoastscreenenclosures

Harms’ Kitchen Design 1643 St. James Street, Winnipeg | 204.669.8811 www.harmskitchen.ca

Workout in the comfort of your own home with the help of one of our motivating and friendly certified personal trainers.

Extend your enjoyment of the outdoors by bringing it to your favourite space. A great addition to any home, Suncoast Enclosures lets you enjoy the seasons.

Brighten someone’s day with an expertly designed floral arrangement.

With gifts and flowers for all occasions, Designing Divas is the perfect way to show you care.

Your dream kitchen can be a reality with Harms’ Kitchen Design.

German style and quality blended with expert installations make each project one-of-a-kind.

Interested in having your photography in

FineLifestyles magazine?

Contact the editor at annad@finelifestyles.ca Live With Gusto!

We specialize in natural, eco-friendly home and body care products.

Our mission is simple: have fun, be unique and rise above what drags you down.

Tiber River Naturals 408 Academy Road | 204.474.2333 3-1650 Kenaston Crossing | 204.284.4247 | www.tiberriver.ca |

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Stonewall

Retail

DIRECTORY

Party Yourself Into Shape.

Visionary Homes - Building Homes for Families

Erika Riley’s Zumba Fitness Club Highway 236 Stonewall, Manitoba | 204.294.8620 zumbawitherikariley@gmail.com | www.erikaszumbafitnessclub.com |

Visionary Homes P.O. Box 1980, Stonewall, MB | 204.461.2237 stacey@visionaryhomes.ca | www.visionaryhomes.ca |

Stay Calm & Walk On ...Floors by Ritz

Capture Tomorrow’s Memories Today

Ritz Interiors 286 Main Street, Stonewall MB | 204.467.2903

Photography by Carmen 308 Main Street, Stonewall | 204.467.1907 www.photographybycarmen.ca

In your community, for your community

Helping You Shape Your Landscape

The Co-operators 344 Main Street, Stonewall MB | 204.467.8927 www.cooperators.ca |

Waring Landscape Supply 156 4th Street East (Highway 236) Stonewall, Manitoba 204.799.2002 | 1.855.744.2002 | www.waringlandscape.com |

A fitness class that feels like a party with friends! Zumba® Fitness, Zumba Sentao™, Zumba® Toning, Zumba® Kids, Fit Club, Insanity® Class and Beachbody® coaching available.

Full service sales and professional installation of flooring and window coverings to the town of Stonewall and the City of Winnipeg.

Providing solutions that secure the financial future & lifestyle of people just like you.

At Visionary Homes we try and be different. We are a family company, building family homes. Affordability, functionality, and your true enjoyment are what we strive for.

You only get one chance to capture those extraordinary moments and milestones. Preserve those memories forever.

Supplying decorative stone, rocks, boulders, granite, limestone, sand, soil, mulch and so much more!

Serving Stonewall, Winnipeg and the Interlake

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Stonewall

Retail

DIRECTORY

Helping You Reach Your Goals

Come enjoy the warmth and charm

Back 2 Health Wellness Center 1-420 Main Street, Stonewall | 204.467.2222 www.back2healthstonewall.com

McLeod House Tearoom & Gift Shop 292 Main Street, Stonewall | 204.467.2303 Mcleodhousetearoom.com

We promote the inter-connectedness of body, mind, emotions and spirit by treating the whole person, not just the symptom or injury.

Chiropractic, massage and more.

Homemade lunches and deserts. High Tea and Teacup readings.

Gift shop with a wonderful selection of jewelry, purses, clothing, giftware and seasonal items.

Keep an eye out for our

summer issue in early June!

Your Eyewear and Eyecare Provider

Professional eyecare services and eyewear products, ranging from eye exams, corrective eyewear prescription and dispensary, contact lenses and a wide range of designer frames.

Stonewall Vision Centre Inc. 384 Main Street, Stonewall, MB | 204.467.8044 stonewall@advancedvisioncentres.com | www.stonewallvisioncentre.com

Join a great team!

We are expanding and looking for sales staff, editors, writers, designers and more.

If you have what it takes to work in the dynamic publishing industry, we’d love to hear from you: careers@finelifestyles.ca

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come discover our new spring menu 85 Princess St Winnipeg | 204.504.8562 deerandalmond.com

deer + almond

For ambitious chefs there are no limits — at least not on this cooktop.

The new CX 491 full sur face induction cooktop.

The new CX 491 full sur face induction cooktop.

Gaggenau presents the first cooktop that transforms the entire Gaggenau presents the first cooktop that transforms the entire surface into a large cooking zone. 48 micro-inductors below its surface into a large cooking zone. 48 micro-inductors below its glass ceramic surface allowallow you you to arrange your cookware glass ceramic surface to arrange your cookwareas as you wish. intuitive cookware recognition, youFeaturing wish. Featuring intuitive cookware recognition,it itgenerates generates powerful heat only a pota or is detected; powerful heatwhere only where potpan or pan is detected;the theextraextralarge TFT touch display provides optimum convenienceand and large TFT touch display provides optimum convenience temperature control. is how Gaggenaucontinues continues preciseprecise temperature control.

ThisThis is how Gaggenau to provide ambitious chefs unlimited possibilities to provide ambitious homehome chefs withwith unlimited possibilities so they can create exceptional dishes – and how we stay true so they can create exceptional dishes – and how we stay true to our commitment to constantly redefine the kitchen through to our commitment to constantly redefine the kitchen through innovative ideas. The difference is Gaggenau. innovative ideas. The difference is Gaggenau.

For more information see dealer for details.

For more information see dealer forordetails.

Visit us at www.gaggenau.com call 877.4GAGGENAU. Visit us at www.gaggenau.com or call 877.4GAGGENAU.

The new CX 491 full sur face induction cooktop.

Gaggenau presents the first cooktop that transforms the entire surface into a large cooking zone. 48 micro-inductors belowGCAN012-14-101659-3 its glass ceramic surface allow you to arrange your cookware as GCAN012-14-101659-3 you wish. Featuring intuitive cookware recognition, it generates powerful heat only where a pot or pan is detected; the extralarge TFT touch display provides optimum convenience and precise temperature control. This is how Gaggenau continues to provide ambitious home chefs with unlimited possibilities so they can create exceptional dishes – and how we stay true Bringing German quality and style to Canadian homes. From concept to design and installation, Harms’ Kitchen to our commitment to constantly redefine the kitchen through Design can meet the precise needs and demands of homeowners, and designers innovativearchitects ideas. The difference is Gaggenau.with custom designed

Be inspired by kitchens for a better quality of life! cabinetry. With Nolte Kitchen products, our kitchens set standards — not follow them.

For more information see dealer for details.

Visit us at www.gaggenau.com or call 877.4GAGGENAU.

Experience the difference quality appliances from Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau can make in your home. Our design specialists can handle any project, adding value to your home and making it into your oasis.

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VISIT US AT 1643 ST. JAMES STREET, WINNIPEG | 204.669.8811 | WWW.HARMSKITCHEN.CA