Fresh Vancouver Issue #31

anti- aging, beaut y , lifest yle...

VANCOUVER ageless, beautiful, fresh

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Fitness Tips for Busy Professionals

BY ASHLEIGH MCIVOR DEMERIT

Get Confident!

LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS

FALL INTO YOUTHFUL SKIN MAKEOVER YOUR CLOSET ISSUE 31 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 www.freshvancouver.com

INTERVIEW WITH

HEATHER WHITE & LORI JOYCE CO-FOUNDERS OF CUPCAKES

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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CONTENTS Issue 31 • September/October

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PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SENSITIVE SIDE

by Connie Pretula

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DE-CLUTTER YOUR CLOSET FOR FALL

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FALL INTO YOUTHFUL SKIN

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CUPCAKES ARE BETTER WITH BEST FRIENDS

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by Kim Appelt

by Amanda Beisel

by Liberty Craig

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH STYLE MINDSET

by Crystal Carson

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GET CONFIDENT! LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS

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LISA’S SMILE TRANSFORMATION

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BEAUTY BUZZ 411

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10 FITNESS TIPS FOR BUSY PROFESSIONALS

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LIFE CAN ALWAYS USE A LITTLE SPARKLE!

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INTERVIEW WITH DONNA GIRAUD

by Heather White

by Dr. Kelvin P. Mah

by Crystal Jensen

by Ashleigh McIvor DeMerit

by Dan Tidsbury

by Roop Dosanjh

PUBLISHER Trent Nellis thepub@freshvancouver.com ..........................................................................

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelly Lynn Nellis shelly@freshvancouver.com ..........................................................................

hat an amazing summer we had in Vancity!

COPY EDITOR Dan Tidsbury copyeditor@freshvancouver.com ..........................................................................

I’m sad to see it go, but I have to admit: I really love autumn— watching the trees change colours, crisp mornings, pumpkin everything, cozy blankets, and sitting by the fireplace.

You know what else I love? Pulling out my boots and sweaters that have been tucked away in my closet for the past six months!

ACTING EDITOR Roop Dosanjh copyeditor@freshvancouver.com ..........................................................................

ART DIRECTOR Flora Leung flora@freshvancouver.com ..........................................................................

Speaking of closets, we have regular FVM columnist stylist Crystal Carson helping us with our wardrobe transition from summer to fall. And personal and celebrity stylist Kim Appelt shows us how to clean out our closet for fall.

Skin specialist Amanda Beisel, who also sits on our Expert Advisory Panel, talks about a new skincare treatment that can help you look nine years younger! The procedure is quick and safe and, as an added bonus, is performed in 30 minutes or less. Holistic nutritional consultant Connie Pretula talks about diagnosing food sensitivities and allergies.

We know looking good on the outside helps us feel confident on the inside. We at Fresh also know that if you don’t really feel confident on the inside, then no makeup or beautiful clothing will help. Life and business coach Heather White gives us five steps to get confident and live the life of our dreams.

NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Kristal Barrett-Stuart kristal@freshvancouver.com ..........................................................................

CONTRIBUTORS Connie Pretula, Kim Appelt, Amanda Beisel, Liberty Craig, Ashleigh McIvor DeMerit, Crystal Carson, Heather White, Dr. Kelvin Mah, Roop Dosanjh, Dan Tidsbury ..........................................................................

COVER PHOTO CREDITS Photographer: Pooya Nabei Producer & Stylist: Crystal Carson

We are also super excited that World Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist (and past FVM cover woman) Ashleigh McIvor DeMerit is sharing her 10 Fitness Tips for Busy Professionals.

Makeup Artist: Marylana Pincott with Lizbell Agency using MAC Cosmetics

FVM has had the good fortune to have interviewed some of the most prominent and distinguished women in BC. In this issue, we are again honoured to bring you inspiring stories of four extraordinary women: an artist, a singer-songwriter, and two successful entrepreneurs who just happen to be best friends.

Props Stylist: Aly Armstrong Event Planning & Design with props from Bespoke Decor

FVM is excited to sponsor Vancouver Art Attack being held at Queen Elizabeth Park Pavilion on September 19, 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Vancouver Art Attack is an annual live art show that features 20 emerging and established artists. They are given four hours and a blank canvas to create high-end art, which is then auctioned off to the highest bidder. The event also supports a good cause— Coast Mental Health.

Shelly Lynn Nellis Editor-In-Chief shelly@freshvancouver.com

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Hair Stylist: Carolynne Collyer with Lizbell Agency using Davines

Photographer’s Assistant: Frida Berglund Stylist Assistant: Melissa King On Lori Joyce and Heather White: Floral dresses by Ted Baker / Faux fur jackets

by Maska Mode / Shoes are stylist’s own

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Fresh Vancouver publishes six issues per year. Please send all questions, comments and inquiries to: FRESH VANCOUVER Suite 451-15216 North Bluff Road, White Rock, BC, Canada V4B 0A7 Tel 1-877-905-7771 / Fax 604-591-1989 / Email info@freshvancouver.com www.freshvancouver.com Fresh Vancouver assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresh Vancouver publishers, editors or staff. Readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking upon exercise, medical or nutritional changes. Contents of Fresh Vancouver are copyright 2015, all rights reserved. Fresh Vancouver may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without written permission of the publisher.

To subscribe to Fresh Vancouver and receive delivery to your home or office SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 bimonthly, send $29.95 + HST = $33.54 Include your address and we’ll ship you our next issue. Single copies are also available for $5.95 plus HST = $6.25.

ADVISORY PANEL 1

AMANDA BEISEL

Amanda Beisel is the owner of the award-winning SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic in Yaletown. Amanda and her team offer innovative and non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments, all in an effort to repair, restore and replenish the skin. She is a registered acupuncturist specializing in Cosmetic acupuncture and medical skin needling.

Amanda is also the founder of Skin Addix, a natural cosmeceutical line focused on skin restoration. Amanda is an animal advocate and donates a proceeds of all Skin Addix sales to the Beagle Freedom Project. To learn more about SKN Clinic and Skin Addix visit www.SKNClinic.ca and www.SkinAddix.com

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Dr. Kelvin P. Mah is driven to “enrich lives, one smile at a time.” He believes in helping people—not merely treating problems—and takes a dedicated, personal interest in the health, wellness and happiness of each individual patient. His award-winning Smile City Square Dental practice reflects an organic and zen-like atmosphere of warmth and relaxation. He is also a graduate of UBC’s prestigious Dental School and is an instructor with the Frontier Institute, which offers postgraduate programs in advanced cosmetic dentistry. Learn more about Dr. Mah and discover the transformative possibilities of modern artisan dentistry at www.smilecitysquare.com, and visit Smile City Square Dental on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SmileCitySquare

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HEATHER WHITE

Heather White wants to live in a world where people bring their souls to work (and life). A sought-after Authenticity Advocate, Business Advisor and Coach, Heather’s sage advice has been featured in The Vancouver Sun, Fresh Magazine, Under 30 CEO, The Daily Love and on Entrepreneurs TV. With a Black Belt in Jujitsu and a Silver Medal from the World Championships, Heather knows on a fundamental level what it takes to be a top performer. Upon entry into the business world, she cut her teeth as a Business Developer for one of the largest Food Service Distributors in North America. Managing a product list of over 15,000 items and a clientele almost as diverse, she grew the sales in her territory by 700% during her four years of service.

In 2007, Heather Founded 2020 Communications Inc., a business development company supporting Entrepreneurs and Corporate Professionals with fundamental business practices. Since then she’s worked with hundreds of clients, supporting them to bring their ‘younique’ gifts and talents to the forefront of their work and life.

DR. KELVIN P. MAH

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CONNIE PRETULA

As a Nutritional Consultant, Connie Pretula guides her clients to better living through better food choices. Her passion for nutrition stems from personal experience in competitive body building. While in training, Connie followed an all-natural diet that helped her achieve her goals and win third place in her first competition. The 2013 victory fuelled a long-held desire to fully understand how our bodies respond to the food choices we make.

Today, Connie uses her experience, formal training, and extensive research to help others address nagging health issues, nurture healthy eating habits, and transition to new lifestyles. She draws upon more than 20 years in a successful career in the financial services industry to provide straight-forward advice and unwavering support to her clients.

Connie is a seasoned public speaker and passionate advocate for women’s health issues. She lives in Vancouver and serves clients throughout the Metro Vancouver area. Find her online at www.conniepretula.com

Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada you can find her online at www.2020communications.ca, www.heatherwhite.ca, or tweeting on Twitter @Heather2020

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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Sensitive Side PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR

Diagnosing food sensitivities and allergies

By CONNIE PRETULA

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ave you ever wondered why your nose runs when you eat certain foods? Do you sometimes experience a sudden warm feeling or hot flash?

Have you noticed phlegm in your throat after eating or perhaps the next day? A more extreme reaction might leave your body feeling stiff and swollen with achy joints. These are some of the symptoms of food sensitivities.

enzymes and the release of bile from our gallbladder. When this happens, we don’t properly break down food, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine.

Many people don’t associate these reactions and others like gas and bloating with food sensitivities. Is there a difference between a food sensitivity and an allergy? A food allergy is a sudden reaction requiring medical care or the use of an EpiPen®. A food sensitivity can take up to three days for a reaction to occur.

By then, you’ve likely forgotten what you ate or you attribute the reaction to something you ate that day. Approximately seven per cent of Canadians have self-reported food allergies and the number is likely much higher when you consider many go undiagnosed and are unaware of food sensitivities.

The best way to diagnose food sensitivities is with a blood test. These tests are arranged through a holistic nutritionist or naturopathic doctor. But don’t panic – it’s not the dreaded skin-prick test you may have heard about. Blood is drawn either by vial or a finger poke and sent to a lab for analysis.

A report is produced by the lab showing the level of sensitivity to a list of foods. The cost of the test varies depending on the number of foods included.

Food sensitivities are different than food intolerances—it’s an important distinction.

Food intolerance happens when you lack the proper enzymes to break down the food.

This is common with milk and the inability to break down lactose. In most cases, you can take enzymes to help digest the food. So how do sensitivities start?

Food sensitivities can be caused by a number of factors, such as introducing foods too early to babies, food poisoning, overuse of antibiotics and medications, or they can be related to a busy, stressful lifestyle and eating too quickly. Stress lowers our stomach acid and also creates imbalances in important

You can also develop food sensitivities by being a creature of habit – and, let’s face it, most of us are. Eating the same foods day in and day out with a compromised digestive system can eventually cause a problem that requires you to eliminate some of your favourite foods.

What’s great about the test is it’s much easier than guess work. For example, some of my food sensitivities never crossed my mind before I was tested, like olives and olive oil. But they’re healthy for you, right? Well, for me it was part of the cause of pain and discomfort.

Good to know! The challenge is changing your eating habits. It can be overwhelming, especially in families with various tastes and restrictions. The good news is with the right foods and environment, sensitivities can be greatly reduced or eliminated. I know from experience—you will feel so much better!

A holistic nutritionist can help you transition by providing recipes and teaching you about alternatives to the foods you used to eat.

With a little time and patience, you can develop new habits and feel great.

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As a Holistic Nutritional Consultant, Connie Pretula guides her clients to better living through better food choices. Her passion for nutrition stems from personal experience and competitive body building. Connie combines her formal training with self taught knowledge from years of extensive research to help others address nagging health issues, nurture healthy eating habits, and transition to new lifestyles. She provides straight-forward advice and unwavering support to her clients.

Connie is a seasoned public speaker and passionate advocate for women’s health issues. She lives in Vancouver and serves clients throughout the Metro Vancouver area. To learn more about Connie, visit ConniePretula.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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DeCLUTTER your CLOSET for FALL

By KIM APPELT PHOTOGRAPHED BY DARREN HULL 10 | FRESH VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | www.freshvancouver.com

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here is nothing worse than not being able to find your clothes in your closet when you’re getting dressed.

A clean, well-organized wardrobe—instead of a confusing, jumbled mess of clothes and accessories—means you’ll be able to find what you need and pick out outfits on busy mornings. The task of de-cluttering your wardrobe can be very overwhelming.

If you can, hiring a stylist with a fresh eye can really cut down on the time it takes you to re-vamp your closet. If that is not a realistic option for you, here are a few tips to get you on the right track.

Step #1: Get Rid Of Your Old Clothes It might not be easy, but tossing out or donating old clothes is the key to making room in your closet for your latest finds!!

The rule of thumb I use for my clients is, if you haven’t worn it in the last year, it’s out. If it is two sizes too big or small, forget it… get rid of it. It’s time to buy new clothes. Also, is it stained or pilling? If it is… it’s not classy to be walking around like that. Dump it or donate it. Another question to ask yourself… would I buy this now?

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

That way, if you are looking for a short white skirt, for example, you just flip through your short white skirt section and find the best one for that top instead of trying to go through all the skirts and getting distracted.

DRESSES

I prefer to hang dresses by colour, season and length in that order. So if you have a bunch of red dresses, I start with the ones in season and hang accordingly and put the longer ones at the end of the line. This is also a personal choice. I usually start with strapless and move to long-sleeved.

Never leave your dresses, or any other clothes, in dry cleaning or plastic garment bags. The chemicals from dry cleaning attack the fibres of your clothing and cause damage.

Step #3: Start Organizing

BAGS / SCARVES / HATS

Anyone who has ever worked with me knows the drill. The way I do a closet clean is that everything comes out of the closet and goes onto the bed. Then we put the pieces back one-by-one on new hangers.

I like to line purses up on the top of the closet or anywhere you can see them. It’s hard to change bags if you can’t see them. I also have a row of hooks on one wall of my closet and my three or four main purses hang there for easy swapping.

TOPS

If you have the space to hang all your tops, hang them all. You’ll wear more of your tops if you can see them. I colour group them. I do from dark to light and short-sleeved to long-sleeved.

Fold the very heavy sweaters so they don’t lose shape on the hanger. Colour-code your sweaters and also by weight, and use cubbies if you can. If you want to get really into it, use a sweater folding board to make perfect folds. You can find folding boards at HomeSense and Home Outfitters.

If you’re interested in hiring professional help to organize your closet, it can be more affordable than you think. Call in help with building a custom closet and/or a personal stylist. A custom closet is a luxury that many of us can afford as there are many different price points and it can make a world of difference. Call a few closet companies to get quotes because a few proper shelves and hanging space can make a huge difference for you. If you want to do it yourself, many stores have all of their space organizing displays out right now for fall. Grab some new hangers—I like the slim line ones that are covered in velvet so clothes don’t slip— and invest in a few clear bins. Remember, if you can’t see it, you won’t wear it.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

As for hats, I like to have them on display so that you can grab them quickly.

SHOES

SWEATERS

Step #2: Call The Experts

Scarves folded in piles by colour and material works best, and it makes it easy to pull one out without ruining the organization of the rest.

JEANS

I personally organize my clients’ jeans by colour, and fold them. However, hanging jeans by the hem can also be a great solution.

It is really your preference and also based on what space you have available. Again, group them by colour and style if you can.

For example, I have all of my skinny jeans hanging together from light to dark. Next, I have the boyfriend jeans, light to dark… you get the idea.

PANTS / SKIRTS / SHORTS

Hang these. It’s best to spend some money on good hangers that leave less of a mark.

You can also fold the sides of the skirt and clip them there. Again, hang by length from short to long and group according to colour.

I like to organize shoes by colour and style.

Hide your flip flops, they don’t need a display… you will always find those.

LINGERIE

Most of the time lingerie is in a drawer all jumbled up. If you can, try to separate into two different drawers for tops and bottoms.

For a luxe touch, it’s nice to line these drawers and add little scent sachets. You can find these at any lingerie boutique.

JEWELRY

I love a built-in drawer in the closet or dresser to keep things neat and uncluttered.

If you don’t have that option, hanging necklaces and earrings is a great way to see what you have.

Hope this guide helps you get ready for an amazing fall and winter season!

Happy cleaning!

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E

very once in a while a treatment is introduced that takes us one step closer to the fountain of youth. The Forever Young BBL Photo-Facial is a big step in that direction and is one of the most advanced techniques available today to slow down, treat and reverse damaged and aged facial and non-facial skin.

The new Forever Young BBL encompasses all of the advantages of the original BBL Photo-Facial procedure along with the newly recognized benefit of delaying skin aging.

The treatment targets hyperpigmentation, sun damage, broken capillaries and diffused redness in the skin all while stimulating collagen. Forever Young BBL clients have seen great results on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms and other body parts.

or less. It utilizes various wavelengths of light which target and denature damaged cells in the skin, stimulating our body’s natural healing process. When this occurs, pigmented damage such as sun spots and freckles get pushed to the surface of the skin and naturally flake off. The light also treats unsightly broken capillaries and diffused redness in the skin. The end result is a more even and bright skin tone. Another benefit of the Forever Young BBL Photo-Facial is the stimulation of collagen production that leads to thickening of the skin, leaving you with youthful, rejuvenated, healthy skin.

skin cells; essentially reversing the aging process and returning skin to a genetically youthful state.

A blinded panel of physician evaluators determined Forever Young BBL treated patients appeared nine years younger than their actual age. This is because clients who undergo regular BBL Photo-Facials can reduce and delay the long term signs of skin aging all while looking very natural.

YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO HAVE FOREVER YOUNG BBL PHOTO-FACIALS

UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF SUN DAMAGE ON A DEEPER LEVEL Sun damage is more than skin deep. An unnerving fact is that UVA and UVB exposure not only deplete our collagen, but they actually alter the DNA of our skin cells. This breakdown results in uneven pigmentation, changes in skin texture, loss of elasticity and, increasingly more common, cancer.

FALL INTO YOUTHFUL SKIN

The effects of UV exposure are cumulative, becoming more visible as we age. The more exposure we have, the greater with our risk becomes for developing skin cancer and prematurely aged skin. A ground-breaking study on Forever Young BBL from Stanford University has made an incredible discovery.

This study has demonstrated that Forever Young BBL treatments can restore the gene expression pattern of aged human skin to more resemble young skin and, more importantly, healthy skin. Over 1,000 gene expressions became "rejuvenated" to be more like youthful skin resulting in decreased elastosis and more uniform collagen deposition; leading to improvements in fine wrinkles and pigmentation.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The Forever Young BBL Photo-Facial is quick and safe and is performed in 30 minutes

Investing in Forever Young BBL Photo-Facials can potentially save you a lot of money in your search to maintain and achieve youthful skin. Don’t waste your time and money on gimmicky products and treatments— start investing in your skin health. Incorporating Forever Young BBL Photo-Facials into you yearly skin care routine will help turn back the hands of time and restore your skin health. Make the choice to commit to a series of clinically proven Forever Young BBL Photo Facials this year. __________________________

the Forever Young BBL Photo-Facial

By AMANDA BEISEL

EXCITING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE Exciting new clinical research from Stanford University has revealed that having a Forever Young BBL Photo-Facial two or more times a year actually reverses the signs of aging and causes skin cells to behave younger. Younger skin cells produce more collagen and elastin than aged skin cells.

Compelling evidence supports that regular long-term BBL treatments will enhance the expression of longevity related genes in aged

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Amanda Beisel is the owner of the awardwinning SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic in Yaletown. She is a registered acupuncturist specializing in Cosmetic acupuncture and medical skin needling.

Amanda is also the founder of Skin Addix, a natural cosmeceutical line focused on skin restoration. To learn more about SKN Clinic and Skin Addix visit www.SKNClinic.ca and www.SkinAddix.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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ARE

Cupcakes co-founders Heather White and Lori Joyce dish out their recipe for success, the upcoming launch of Betterwith, and the icing on the cake: being forty.

By LIBERTY CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHED BY POOYA NABEI PRODUCED & STYLED BY CRYSTAL CARSON 14 | FRESH VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | www.freshvancouver.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

riends aren’t friends until they’ve started a business together,” states Cupcakes co-founder Lori Joyce. “It’s the ultimate test.”

“In the beginning we drove each other crazy,” agrees partner Heather White. “My mother had to intervene.”

To call these two “sisterly” would be giving most sisters too much credit. Lori and Heather finish each other’s sentences. They hash out business ideas in momentary asides while maintaining two other simultaneous conversations. They support, question, tease and ratify one another in a constant stream of discussion, interwoven with witticism and warmth.

Their story is familiar to many Vancouverites, thanks in large part to their Gemini awardwinning reality TV show, The Cupcake Girls.

As best friends growing up in Victoria, they had future plans of starting a business together. When they reconnected in New York many years later, they rekindled the entrepreneur flame. After the life-changing events of 9/11 and an “ah-ha” moment in a New York bakery, the duo decided it was time.

the first year. If there’s a partnership going into the business, the chances are even higher. Our game plan was to go into this knowing we were going to see it to the end.

Heather: We were really young, and we come from a generation that believes you work hard to get ahead. We agreed that for the first five years there’d be no kids and no marriages, and we worked a lot of six or seven-day weeks.

NO PIECE OF CAKE L: We were the original cupcake concept, and there were a lot of copycats. People were constantly coming in, taking photos. Of course, if you have a good idea, people are going to copy it.

H: Everyone thought our idea looked so great and so easy… but when something looks easy, it’s usually the hardest thing to duplicate.

L: You can go through the effort of copying an idea, but you can’t copy the people behind the idea. You don’t know their vision; you don’t know how hard they’re working.

That first paradigmatic shop, branded with the iconic pink cupcake logo, opened in 2002 on busy Denman Street in Vancouver’s bustling downtown west end. On day one, inventory was sold out by 3pm. Subsequent days saw customers lined up out the door and down the block. And then the franchisees came calling.

And then reality television.

THE CUPCAKE EVOLUTION H: I could visualize how the cupcake would become something on its own, its own entity. Once Martha Stewart graced one of her magazine covers with a tier of wedding cupcakes, everyone began doing cupcakes for their weddings.

L: It was a cupcake evolution.

H: We grew out of our first location at 1,100 square feet and had to open our Broadway location, which is 2,000 square feet, just to house the growth of our wedding business. We have been blessed since day one with all the publicity we’ve gained from our story. People wanted to come in and see how two girls who knew nothing about the business and had no plan, were able to create such a phenomenon.

GETTING PERSONAL ON REALITY TV L: I have such positive memories of The Cupcake Girls because I got pregnant in season one. I credit the show for helping me, because it completely took my mind off IVF. Then, when we were filming season three, I found out I was three months pregnant—when I had a nine-month-old baby at home. I tell people who are doing IVF to find a new hobby that is completely engrossing. I feel very lucky that I did in vitro on the show because I feel like I was able to help other women.

H: A lot of women reached out to you.

Fast forward to today: 13 years, ten Cupcakes retail locations, two marriages, three children, three seasons of the show, and one new business venture later.

These gals have been busy, and show no signs of slowing any time soon.

L: Tons. There were some really sad stories. You know, women really connect with each other, and because of Heather and my relationship, so many women could relate to the show. In season two, Heather got pregnant and got engaged.

We delivered on content! The timing of our personal lives was great for the show.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BUSINESS PLAN

THE REALITY OF A HIT TV SHOW

Lori: We didn’t have a business plan, we had no business experience, and we didn’t have money. But we were best friends and we knew our values. We knew our work ethic. Eighty percent of businesses fail within

H: We went into the show naively thinking it was going to be a fun little reality show that the locals would watch.

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OPPOSITE: SATIN DRESSES BY MANIJU (BAREFOOT CONTESSA) / STATEMENT NECKLACES BY ALAN ANDERSON ABOVE: BLACK SWEATER BY MICHAEL KORS (HOLT RENFREW) / BEIGE PANTS BY BRUNELLO CUCINELLI (HOLT RENFREW) / MAROON PATENT SHOES BY GUESS (HUDSON’S BAY) / SILVER BRACELET BY HER WEARABLES

L: It was like a giant, international commercial for us. It sold to 96

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countries. We had no idea that would happen! It gave us so much exposure, and when we wanted to expand and franchise it meant we already had recognition in new markets. The only problem was that we needed to get back into the business.

days really helped my mental state, helped balance work and new motherhood.

L: I don’t feel guilty about saying this: I was so excited to go back to work right away. And then I was excited to come home and be a mom. I had girlfriends who were home with their babies, and it seemed so isolating. I felt lucky to go back to work.

H: We really took three and a half years off our lives and stepped into the role of reality TV personalities. At the end of the third season, we realized we no longer had time for it. We wanted to grow our brand and it was the right time to focus on our company.

BALANCING EXHAUSTION H: Still, it was overwhelming.

There were so many days when neither of us had had any sleep.

BIRTH OF A NEW VENTURE

L: That’s why I can’t watch season three of the show. I was just so tired. It took years to get back to feeling like myself. I think 2013 was the year of ugly Lori.

L: After the show, we opened new Cupcakes locations. Then it was time to do the obvious: ice cream. Even back in our Denman days, people always H: I never thought that! Maybe came into the shop to ask if unhappy Lori. we sold ice cream. And what ABOVE: WHITE SWEATER BY JUDITH & CHARLES / BLUE PANTS BY OPENING goes better with cake than L: It’s a slippery slope! You’re CEREMONY (HOLT RENFREW) / NECKLACE BY HER WEARABLES / JEWELLED SHOES ice cream? Plus, a lot of dads overwhelmed, you’re exhausted,

BY TED BAKER (HUDSON’S BAY) come in with their wives and you’re letting yourself go, not kids but just hang out in the working out. That was the testing and sampling our product. I have background. They don’t want to best thing about being in a always been a workout junkie. Exercise is my eat pink cupcakes, but they’ll eat ice cream! partnership. Heather was harsh! She was like, meditation. It’s my balance.

So it was also to increase the male traffic. seriously, we need to get you to the gym…

H: Are you kidding… it’s also because you love ice cream.

L: I love ice cream! We’re doing a new ice cream brand, which is still in development.

It’s called Betterwith. Cupcakes are better with ice cream. Everything is better with ice cream. Betterwith. It will have only egg as a stabilizer and no preservatives whatsoever, without compromising on taste or texture.

We want it to taste fresh and whole, just like our cupcakes, with that richness of flavour you get when it’s homemade. We’re starting classic: the best chocolate, creamy caramel, strawberry ice cream that tastes like a bowl of fresh strawberries.

H: All our retail locations will eventually have Betterwith ice cream, and it’s also going into grocery store distribution right away.

It will be in Whole Foods and the bigger natural markets for Spring 2016.

L: I really understand the value of working out and what it does to me, on a whole level.

I get it now.

H: Every week, I sit down on Sunday and book my workouts for the entire week. I work out six days a week, 7am, Kondi Studio.

Lacey Kondi has created one of the best exercise regimens in the city. It’s the perfect blend of Callanetics, TRX, HIIT and Pilates.

The classes are tough and will get you into the shape you want.

L: I’m wearing pre-pregnancy clothes because of her! Also I live on the North Shore and I love doing the Grouse Grind early in the morning.

WORK IT, BABY H: Both of us had babies on Friday and were back at work on Monday.

H: … only because it clears your mind and gives you balance…

L: … and get you a haircut, and buy you some new jeans. Some hot jeans. It worked, actually.

FABULOUS AT FORTY L: I love being in business in my forties.

H: I just love being in my forties. You just don’t care what people think. I’ve come into my own.

L: It’s fabulous. There’s this level of maturity—I don’t know if it’s maturity because we’re both young at heart. Is it confidence?

H: I just feel whole. I’m happy with who I am.

Life is good. ___________________________________

BUTTERCREAMS AND CALLANETICS

L: No, that’s not true. I came back on a Tuesday. It was a long weekend.

For more information about Cupcakes, visit www.cupcakesonline.com.

H: There was a point when we were having two or three cupcakes a day, because we were

H: Our parents and in-laws were very involved. Having my mom to break up my

Liberty Craig is a freelance writer and editor living and working in Vancouver.

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FAUX FUR JACKET JACKETS BY MASKA MODE / JEWEL BROOCHES BY ALAN ANDERSON

e didn’t have a business plan, we had no business experience, and we didn’t have money. But we were best friends and we knew our values. We knew our work ethic.”

LORI JOYCE

PHOTOGRAPHER: POOYA NABEI PRODUCER & STYLIST: CRYSTAL CARSON MAKEUP ARTIST: MARLAYNA PINCOTT WITH LIZBELL AGENCY USING MAC COSMETICS HAIR STYLIST: CAROLYNNE COLLYER WITH LIZBELL AGENCY USING DAVINES PROPS STYLIST: ALY ARMSTRONG EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN WITH PROPS FROM BESPOKE DECOR PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: FRIDA BERGLUND

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

STYLIST ASSISTANT: MELISSA KING www.freshvancouver.com | FRESH VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | 17

Oxygenetix

Oxygenating Foundation A breakthrough for all skin types, Oxygenetix has become one of the most raved-about anti-aging foundations available. The titanium dioxide protects your skin from the sun while the super-charged oxygen complex proliferates collagen cells and connective tissue growth in aging or wounded skin. Find this product at SKN Holistic Rejuvenation Clinic in Yaletown. www.SKNClinic.ca

Fountain of Youth With fall just around the corner, it’s more important than ever to look and feel your best! Here’s our list of this season’s beauty must-haves.

Fable Naturals Fable Naturals products are all made lovingly by hand in Vancouver, BC, using earthy, organic ingredients and are distributed across the country. Fable has a wide range of nourishing bath, body, and facial products with their most popular being a vegan lip balm in a compostable tube! www.fablenaturals.com

skyn ICELAND

Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels with Hexapeptide These cooling transdermal gel patches infuse the eye area with concentrated doses of elastin to help firm and tone. Hexapeptide reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while ginkgo biloba helps improve blood flow and reduces puffiness. Advanced antioxidants help prevent future damage. www.skyniceland.com

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Escents Aromatherapy Natural Wellness To-Go Kit

For the mom who is constantly on-the-go, or the busy-body who’s always on-the-move, this kit includes 4 roll-ons—Head-Aid, Stress Relief, Breathe Easy and Muscle Relief—all stored in a travelfriendly, reusable tin. www.escentsaromatherapy.com

kitskitchen Soup Reset

The kitskitchen Soup Reset is designed to start the process of gently “rebooting” your digestive system by consuming easily-digestible soup and bone broth for 48 hours. All soups are made with locallysourced, organic meat and vegetables, and don’t contain any wheat or dairy. www.kitskitchen.ca

GlowGo Skincare Made with certified organic ingredients and containing no artificial colours, scents, or parabens, the GlowGo line was created with the same process as luxury spa products, but without the harmful chemical additives and expensive spa price tag. GlowGo Skincare is sold exclusively at participating Pharmasave locations. www.glowgo.ca

DermaQuest

Peptide Line Corrector Let your skin repair and rejoice with this 60% peptide based miracle corrector. Packed with 14 active peptides, results have shown a 30% increase in collagen within the skin. Stimulating immune acid production and preventing visible signs of aging is why it has been dubbed ‘botox in a bottle’! www.dermaquest.ca

The 7 Virtues Custom Blend Box

This box set contains four award-winning vegan fragrances made with natural essential oils from nations rebuilding. Create your own signature peace fragrance by blending a scent together with another. www.the7virtues.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY AARON AUBREY PRODUCED & STYLED BY CRYSTAL CARSON (@STYLISTMINDSET)

s we transition into the fall fashion season for 2015, we have to face the reality that there aren’t many things that are truly new anymore because trends are all in the details and silhouettes. The Decade of Inspiration is the 1970s; which means the silhouette is bells, touches of faux furs and heavy-textured fabrics you would normally see for the interior of homes from eras past. The colour of choice is orange, but the palette varies greatly from muted fall tones to bright pops of colour.

From runway to street style, it’s the season to play with prints. For more details on how to create these looks, visit www.stylistmindset.com

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1. PINK AND ORANGE STRIPED SWEATER BY ST. JOHN (THECLOSETYVR) / ORANGE BELL BOTTOM PANTS BY VICTORIA BECKHAM (HOLT RENFREW) 2. SHIRT BY ROBERTO CAVALLI (HOLT RENFREW) 3. SWEATER BY ESKANDER (HOLT RENFREW) / JUMPER BY TORY BURCH (HOLT RENFREW) / NECKLACE FROM MINE & YOURS CO. 4. HAT BY EUGENIA KIM (HOLT RENFREW) / FAUX FUR PIECE

BY FENDI (HOLT RENFREW) / MAROON TOP BY CLUB MONACO (MINE & YOURS CO.) / SPOON RING BY MIKEL GRANT JEWELLERY (BAREFOOT CONTESSA)

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5. BLOUSE DRESS BY TWENTY 8 TWELVE (MINE & YOURS CO.) / OVER THE KNEE BOOTS BY BACCARINA (HOLT RENFREW) 6. ORANGE VINTAGE PINSTRIPED BLAZER BY GIORGIO ARMANI (THECLOSETYVR) / AMETHYST STONE RING FROM ARGENTINA ANTIQUE MARKET PHOTOGRAPHER: AARON AUBREY / PRODUCER & STYLIST: CRYSTAL CARSON / MAKEUP & HAIR ARTIST: SARA ROSE FOR BRUSH HAIR SALON/ STYLIST ASSISTANT: MARA ONDEJKO / MANICURE: THE TEN SPOT USING CND VINYLUX ROUGE RITE / LOCATION: THE EMERALD EAST VAN SUPPER CLUB AND LOUNGE

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

By HEATHER WHITE was standing on the tee box of the LPGA CP Women’s Open watching the best women golfer’s on the planet prepare to tee off. What I couldn’t help but notice in their eyes, and in the energy of these professionals was the essence of confidence that exuded from every part of their being. They were sure. They were focused. They were certain. I didn’t wonder if they believed in themselves and their abilities, I could feel that they did. They were prepared for the moment that they now found themselves in. They were ready.

They were living their dream. But, this is not where they started. Confidence is an inner muscle they’ve built on the journey that landed them in this moment. It’s a muscle we must all build if we want to live the life we dream of.

In order to have a dream, we must first have the courage to look inside our heart for the answers about the vision we hold for our life. No one, other than you, can ever know the dream that you hold in your heart. No one can tell you what it is you deeply desire to experience and accomplish in this lifetime. Only you can find those answers by going within.

From there things get increasingly more challenging. When we dream, we dream in images that play out with the same romanticism of a perfectly-scripted Hollywood movie. What we often don’t see in those initial glimpses is the uphill climb we’ll agree to in order to meet that dream in our reality. Every step we take along the journey is one that will build the confidence we need at that particular moment in order to simply take the next step. By the time we reach the top, look out into our life and see that the dream has come true, we will have built an inner confidence that we wouldn’t have known without the accumulation of all those previous steps.

that dream in your heart real, swallow those big pills of responsibility and humility and get started. Be ready to fall down. Then get right back and carry on.

2. PRACTICE

There’s no getting around doing the work.

Malcolm Gladwell talks about the 10,000 hours to mastery in his book “Outliers”.

Those golfers standing on the tee didn’t just show up one day and play at that level. Tens of thousands of hours have been left out on the practice facility in order for them to step into that moment. Continue to practice taking the steps that move you toward your dream life.

3. REFLECT ON YOUR PROGRESS

I’ve saved every magazine and newspaper article that I’ve ever had published so that in those moments of doubt when I second guess myself and my abilities, I can look at how far I’ve actually come. Make sure you honour and celebrate as you go. It’s easy and important to stay focused forward, but balance it with some well deserved festivity.

4. “FIND YOUR TRIBE. LOVE THEM HARD.” – DANIELLE LAPORTE

No one makes it alone. Surround yourself with a tribe of people who support you and that you support. Find and hang on to those vibrational matches, in terms of the way you think, the things you value, and the way you want to show up in the world enroute to your dream life.

5. KEEP GOING

Ready to go?

Times are going to get tough. Challenges are going to present themselves, a lot. Keep going. One foot in front of the other. When and if you get overwhelmed, focus just on the next step. But whatever you do, don’t give up.

5 STEPS TO GET CONFIDENT AND LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS

Believe in yourself and your abilities. You deserve to love the life you live. Your confidence will grow within, lifting you as you climb into the life of your dreams.

1. GET STARTED

_______________________________________________________

Zig Ziglar had a zinger of a quote about this idea. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you need to start to be great.” And here’s the truth bomb: when you start, you start as a beginner. If you want to make

Heather White works as a Life Design Coach, navigating the route for highperforming women who want to upgrade their dreams and live courageous, liberated lives. You can find her at www.heatherwhite.ca.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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LISA’S SMILE TRANSFORMATION REJUVENATION INSIDE AND OUT

By DR. KELVIN P. MAH

M

eeting new people is one of the perks of my job, among many others, but when I get to know more about my patients, I’m often blown away by their stories and how interesting their lives are. It’s so amazing to listen to the hardships and triumphs they’ve experienced and realize the strength that radiates from each individual! That was definitely the case with Lisa, one of my latest patients.

Lisa contacted me after coming across a previous article that I’d written for Fresh Vancouver Magazine. We recently held a contest looking for a great candidate for a dental transformation, and she was a clear winner! When she got in touch, her story touched my heart and I knew, then and there, that this was the person I wanted to help. Here’s an excerpt from her letter:

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At this point in my life I would love nothing more than to be your next smile transformation story and I’ll tell you why! I have had to make do with what little dental work I can afford and my smile is nothing what it used to be like. I find myself avoiding the camera, smiling with closed lips, and my self-esteem is affected due to the look of my teeth. For several years I was involved in a very unhealthy lifestyle of drug addiction, however I am so very grateful and proud to say I have just celebrated two years of being clean and sober! Having my smile fixed would mean the absolute world to me!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

After reading Lisa’s compelling letter, I knew that I could truly help to make her dreams a reality. I brought her in for a consultation so that I could meet her and have her tell me her story in person. What I heard was a fascinating account of a life fraught with ups and downs.

When Lisa was young, she had a gap between her two front teeth that bothered her immensely. Her parents and her dentist told her that if she was patient, the gap would eventually close, but she instead chose to have it fixed cosmetically. Because her father had such a great dental plan through his work, everything was covered.

However, as she grew up and finished school, she was no longer covered by his benefits and could only afford to cover very small portions of the work needed to maintain her smile. When she came to see me, I could tell right away that she was very embarrassed by her smile and that she wanted to make a change. It’s also important to know that Lisa is recovering from her past lifestyle, a success in her life that she and her family members are extremely proud of. I learned that she had overcome some past difficulties and was ready to continue her renewed life path.

B

y having an in-person consultation, not only could Lisa and I get to know each other on a more personal level, she could get to know the philosophy behind the work that I do. Remember, I don’t believe so much in the, “here’s the problem that I see and this is what I can do” philosophy, I want to know, “what do you want and why”. After delving a little deeper, we started on a plan for her smile transformation right away, knowing that we had a great opportunity to help change her life for the better after all that she has been through.

After collecting Lisa’s clinical records, we looked them over and started discussing our options for her smile. To say that she was excited is an understatement! Planning

BEFORE

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a patient’s smile truly is a collaborative effort; after all, she’s the one that will be flashing this smile on a daily basis! When we started talking, I discovered that her biggest concerns were the gaps between her upper front teeth and the shortness of her two front teeth. After coming up with a concrete plan, we got to work.

now on a path of reinvention and discovery, enhanced by the bright new smile I was able to help her with. Once again, I was reminded of my mission to “enrich lives, one smile at a time” and how fulfilling it is to honour it. __________________________________

We started by whitening her teeth using Zoom Whitening. This option is ideal because we could brighten Lisa’s smile in a single visit. What a huge difference this alone made and Lisa was ecstatic immediately. We then reshaped the gums around her upper front teeth with a special laser. This often overlooked and under-utilized technique is a critical step to really boosting the appearance of a smile. For example, if our teeth are artwork, then the gums are the frame surrounding them. The appearance of the “frame” will either enhance or detract from the “artwork”. By carefully modifying the “frame” around Lisa’s teeth, we significantly enhanced her smile.

Afterwards, I began closing the gaps between her front teeth by using a toothcoloured filling material, as it would provide the result we wanted while keeping the procedure very conservative. This completed our treatment and brought Lisa’s smile transformation to a close, making a change for the better.

U

pon revealing her new smile, Lisa was so excited with anticipation. As soon as she saw the results we created just for her, her eyes opened wide and she enthusiastically exclaimed that she absolutely loved it! It really went to show that detailed consultations, preparations, and treatment, combined with a patient’s willingness for change, are worth it and make all the difference in the end.

Dr. Kelvin P. Mah is driven to “enrich lives, one smile at a time.” He believes in helping people—not merely treating problems—and takes a dedicated, personal interest in the health, wellness and happiness of each individual patient. His award-winning Smile City Square Dental practice reflects an organic and zenlike atmosphere of warmth and relaxation. He is also a graduate of UBC’s prestigious Dental School and is an instructor with the Frontier Institute, which offers postgraduate programs in advanced cosmetic dentistry. Learn more about Dr. Mah and discover the transformative possibilities of modern artisan dentistry at www.smilecitysquare.com, and visit Smile City Square Dental on Facebook at www. facebook.com/SmileCitySquare.

Lisa was so deserving of the treatment that she received. Not only has her smile been rejuvenated, her life has been as well. She’s

AFTER

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Prime Time All About the Brows

The best way to get the most out of your self-tanner is to first prep your skin. Jergens Natural Glow “Colour Primer In-Shower Scrub” has a wicked scent and just the right amount of grit to exfoliate my skin in all the right ways. This little beauty creates a perfectly polished canvas to set you up for streak-free gorgeous colour. Get scrubbing at Jergens.ca and LondonDrugs.com

Truth be told, great eyebrow shaping really defines the face. I came across the “Brow Master” eyebrow kit from The Face Shop and it’s my new BFF. It’s great for the non-makeup pros out there. This sweet colour combo and great applicator make it easy to create the perfect shade for a bold or natural look. Define your face at TheFaceShop-America.com

Take It Off The new “Sweet Almond Oil” nail varnish remover from The Body Shop is the bomb! This acetone free remover is unbelievable at taking any polish off, even glitter and textured lacquers. With sweet almond oil, my cuticles and nails stayed moisturized and soft, and without the harsh chemicals it had a refreshingly mild scent. Visit TheBodyShop.ca today.

Beach Blonde Close your eyes and picture an ocean breeze, sea salt hair and the smell of coconut scented skin.

That’s what you’ll get to experience with John Frieda’s “Sea Waves” Salt Spray. This awesome spray gave my short style definition and just enough texture for beautiful tousled waves. Daydream this fall with JohnFrieda.ca

All Curled Up Calling all Fall Brides and Beauty Queens! Instawave from Kiss is the latest must have, fool-proof styling tool. This automatic curling wand will be your go-to for creating perfect, tangle-free soft curls. Whatever the occasion, your new do’ will have you looking like you’ve just stepped out of the salon. Check out KissInstawave.com or Walmart.ca

TIPS AND BEAUTY SECRETS FROM CONSUMMATE BEAUTY PRO CRYSTAL JENSEN!

Sleeping Beauty

PHOTO BY JE NNIFER WILL IAMS

Want to feel like a Greek goddess, or at least have skin like one? Then you need to try the Greek Yogurt “Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial” by KORRES. Packed with more protein than regular yogurt, my skin was moisturized and completely glowing the next morning. This is a definite ritual for hydrating your skin while you sleep. Grab one at Korres.com or at a local Sephora.

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FITNESS TIPS FOR BUSY PROFESSIONALS

By ASHLEIGH MCIVOR DEMERITT

GET THERE: The first step is getting there.

Whether ‘there’ is your local fitness centre, the Seawall, or the Grouse Grind, the hardest part is often making the time and actually getting yourself there. Make it a date, or have a plan with a friend to go. If honouring your commitment to someone else is the only thing that will actually get you there, pat yourself on the back for figuring that out, and then ease into it by doing something like hopping on a stationary bike to muster the motivation up to dive into whatever exercise your heart desires at that point. Once that heart is pumping, it will likely desire a really good workout!

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GET FITNESS TIPS: If you aren’t sure

where to start in the gym, watch my weekly fitness tips on Global’s noon news.

Archived segments can be found here: www.ashleighmcivor.com/fitness-tips

TRY CIRCUIT TRAINING: If you are short

on time, circuit training is a great way to get a full-body workout in, efficiently. Orange Theory Fitness (www.orangetheoryfitness. com) is the best place to go if you’re interested in a guided, fun, high-energy routine that only takes one hour, and is different every time.

Circuit training typically includes a set amount of time, maybe a minute or two, doing each exercise as opposed to trying to complete a certain number of repetitions, and going straight from one exercise into the next. (Think: 1 min of lunges, 1 min of bicep curls, 1 min of squats, straight into 1 min of cable row, some jumps, and then rest).

If you get creative, you can do it pretty much anywhere, but I prefer to do it at the Club 16 Fitness Centre I go to because I like mixing free weights and cable/pulley equipment into my routine. They actually have a red light/ green light system, and equipment specifically placed in a Roc-It circuit formation to help with self-led circuit training.

The beauty of circuit training is that no time is wasted. You are continuously switching between muscles groups, so that you are resting your upper body while your lower body is doing the work, and vice-versa. All this while maintaining a high enough heart rate to burn fat and boost metabolism, even after your workout ends.

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MINI-WORKOUTS ALL DAY: Fit mini-

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workouts in everywhere you go. Park just a bit further away (maybe at a cheaper lot?). Take the stairs, instead of the elevator. Remember to style your hair accordingly—some ‘dos’ improve with a little sweat, some do NOT.

SET REALISTIC GOALS: You don’t need

to go straight to everyday workouts off the couch. Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness (www. club16.com) and the affiliated ladies-only fitness centres, She’s Fit (www.shesfit.com), offer memberships at $14.99/month! Even if holding that membership just gets you to do one proper workout at your local fitness centre each week, or once every two weeks, that’s still good value. Chances are, if you set achievable goals like that, once you get into the swing of things, ramping it up will be easy.

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PLAN YOUR DAYS OFF AROUND FUN, ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES: I am much

happier running through a forest than I am running down a street inhaling car exhaust.

This is the most gorgeous place to live in the whole world. Get out there and #exploreBC! Hiking or biking to a spectacular mountain lake to camp for the night doesn’t even feel like fitness work when you are able to focus on the scenery.

BONUS TIP: Dance! Nightclubs aren’t just for unhealthy party animals—and sometimes the middle of the night is the best time to fit a good workout in. I’d bet you’d be amazed by how quickly you become comfortable dancing without alcohol, if you just give it a try. An easy way to force that realization is to just get pregnant! ;)

MIX IT UP: Aim to go for more walks or light jogs, with your once-a-week gym routine and other fun activities like hiking, biking, tennis, soccer or swimming mixed into your workout regime. Then it doesn’t feel like any single exercise has taken your life over.

FIND FRIENDS WHO ARE INTO HEALTHY LIVING AND FITNESS: If your regular crew

doesn’t play a role in motivating you to get fit or stay fit, put some energy into becoming friends with those who do. Hint: you’ll find them doing all of the activities discussed here.

TURN YOUR DAILY COMMUTE INTO YOUR DAILY EXERCISE: Invest in a bike. It’s

Ashleigh McIvor DeMerit won a gold medal in ski cross for Canada in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

Now that she has retired from competitive skiing, she trains to stay fit and healthy. Ashleigh grew up in Whistler, and when she is not on the mountain hosting guests as part of Whistler Blackcomb’s “Ski with An Olympian program,” she spends most of her time in Vancouver where she is busy working as a keynote speaker for corporate functions, a brand ambassador and as a model.

SEE A PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Even if it’s just

She and her husband Jay DeMerit, former Vancouver Whitecaps FC Captain, have recently started the Portmanteau Stereo Co.—a bespoke, handcrafted custom stereo company repurposing vintage suitcases into portable sound systems.

They have a new line coming out, with a Pacific Northwest flare, high-end speakers embedded in spectacular slabs of wood and log rounds, which double as music-playing furniture or wall art.

incredible how liberating it is to feel the wind in your hair twice a day, and with the speeds you can travel on a bike, that wind is like a built-in cooling system so you don’t show up to work all sweaty. Those bike lanes in Vancouver are amazing. It’s often faster to bike than it is to deal with traffic and parking.

once, it’s important to establish a set of stretches and exercises that you should work on daily to improve posture or any other aches and pains that have developed over the years. I do my physio exercises (almost) every day, whenever I have a spare minute or two. Sometimes in line at Starbucks. Yes, I get some funny looks.

The couple has another business in the works which will be based in Pemberton, BC, as well as a foundation that will send underprivileged kids to camp.

Sparkle!

Life can always use a little

Kristal Barrett-Stuart shares her thoughts on the Sparkle Project BC.

By DAN TIDSBURY

T

he Sparkle Project BC is a movement that seeks to inspire and equip young girls aged 10 to 17 years to lead healthy, self-confident, and successful lives. A community of British Columbian women, these entrepreneurs, artists, and public figures dream of a world where girls have a sense of self-love and selfconfidence to identify goals, pursue passions, and plan for success.

The women of Sparkle have pooled their collective wisdom to create

inspirational and practical resources for young girls everywhere. The project includes workshops, a book titled Sparkle: An Inspirational Handbook for Young Girls, inspirational merchandise and the inspirational anthem “Sparkle” co-written and produced by Juno award-winning country singer, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and performed and co-written by The Sparkle Project founder, Kristal Barrett-Stuart.

Partial proceeds from sales of the book, song and workshops will help create bursaries for girls that need financial assistance to further pursue their dreams and ultimately, find and celebrate their inner sparkle.

We spoke with Kristal Barrett-Stuart about the Sparkle Project, her involvement in it, and the vision for the future.

empower young girls when I grew up. I was moved to finally chase that dream with the birth of my daughter almost 4 years ago. As a mother, I just can’t stand the thought of my daughter growing up to lose sight of what makes her special and inherently valuable. If the Sparkle handbook, song and workshops can give girls some really simple, practical advice for holding onto who they are, I will feel like I’ve achieved one of my major goals in life.

It’s time girls were taught to love themselves!

WHAT IMPACTS HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE LIVES OF THE GIRLS SERVED BY THE PROJECT? I have heard so many amazing comments, whether it is from the mothers who thank me for inspiring their daughter through the workshop, or a young girl expressing how the Sparkle book changed her life.

HOW HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROJECT CHANGED YOU? This project has changed me in so many ways. I feel like I am finally living my true purpose. It has opened so many beautiful doors, has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing women/people and most of all it has taught me a few key lessons: • Never be afraid to ask (the worst thing you could ever hear is no) • We are so much more powerful when we support each other (collaborate, instead of compete) • You can do anything you put your mind to

WHY IS THE SPARKLE PROJECT NECESSARY? Young girls today are faced with more challenges than ever before! The pressure to fit in and to be perfect is having a major impact on young girls confidence. Then add in social media. There is a real lack of self-love and a real lack of resources available to help support and empower young girls through their most challenging years.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED? I founded The Sparkle Project BC in August of 2014. It had been a dream of mine since I was 16 years old.

I felt such a need for support at that age and that need inspired my passion to make a difference and

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WHERE DO YOU SEE THE PROJECT GOING? My long term goal is to create a global movement, to have sparkle facilitators in each community offering workshops/mentoring, and to launch a sparkle confidence camp next summer!

... AND THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES? Spreading the sparkle - creating awareness that the project exists and is here to help support young girls!

HOW CAN OUR READERS GET INVOLVED? Check out www.thesparkleprojectbc.com.

Help us spread the word. Buy a sparkle book for a young girl in your life or send them to a sparkle workshop! Every bit makes a difference.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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D

onna Giraud did not grow up dreaming about being an artist, but her journey to becoming a painter has been a beautiful unravelling of a hidden talent that she says she cannot imagine her life without.

AN INTERVIEW WITH

PHOTO BY CHARLES ZUCKERMANN

ARTISTIC STYLE My artistic style is abstract meets atmospheric. With rich texture, thick expanses of pigment, low saturation hues and smoky void space occupying the fore of my compositions, my work often shows hints of raw earth, rainfall, erosion or even natural disasters. My work is visceral and my intension is to draw the viewer deep into it’s enchanting folds while exposing a deep seeded psychological narrative.

HER FOCUS ON ABSTRACT ART

By ROOP DOSANJH

Abstract art just has a way of “speaking to me,” and therefore I just gravitated towards that style naturally. There is something about the ambiguity, the randomness and the lack of rules of the abstract form that appeals to me. My work is an expression of my deepest and most profound thoughts, fears and desires, but what excites me the most about abstract art is the journey it takes the viewer on. I am always so fascinated by the depth and complexity of people’s imaginations and I love hearing how a piece of my abstract work makes someone feel, remember, think, question or even inspire.

Abstract art knows no limits and I look forward to seeing how far I can take my work.

MOTIVATIONS Staying motivated is one of the hardest parts of being an artist. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t have those days when going to the studio was absolutely the last thing I wanted to do, but I did it. It’s in those moments when you didn’t think that you had an ounce of creativity left in you that you create some of your greatest work. When you have one of those moments (or sessions in the studio), or when everything is just perfectly aligned and something beautiful comes out of you, that is the feeling that keeps me coming back for more.

HER FAVOURITE PIECE OF WORK One of my favourite pieces was painted earlier this year and I titled it “MILIEN.”

30 | FRESH VANCOUVER MAGAZINE | www.freshvancouver.com

It was a product of an eight-hour painting session that I did in front of a photographer that captured every moment of my process.

The inspiration behind this painting was all about vulnerability and despite it being one of the most uncomfortable positions to be in, being vulnerable in fact yields some of the most beautiful results. I had the choice to awkwardly worry about how someone was inches away from me with a camera, capturing every step of my artistic process and every wrinkle on my face or to share a combination of beautifully natural moments where I could fully entrench myself in my craft while another artist equally did the same. Those moments and this piece of art was a result of a perfect combination of choosing to fully surrender to vulnerability and it made me think, “what if we all just surrendered to being vulnerable? What if we all decided to endure the uncertainty and just be brave?” I can only imagine the greatness that would ensue.

WHAT’S NEXT? I am currently busy, working towards my next show at IDSWest (The Interior Design Show West) at the Vancouver Convention Centre West on September 24-27th. This show continues to be my favourite show of the year and I am exceptionally excited to show my newest creations amongst some of the best artists in Vancouver. In addition to my next show, I am currently working with Farm Boy Fine Arts on a commissioned commercial piece, being published in a book titled “Vanguard Visionaries out of New York City.” I am also creating a mentorship program where I will offer my wisdom and guidance to emerging artists as well as slowly working on a separate series of work that will be for my first solo show (date and time yet to be disclosed).

I wholeheartedly look forward to this next year and how my creative endeavours will unfold.

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR WORK? My work can be found in a variety of private home collections all over North America.

My studio is located in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver and I encourage anyone to come by and have a look at completed work as well as what I am currently creating.

Images of all of my completed works can be found on my website at www.donnagiraud. com. I also offer custom commissioned work and I would be happy to come to your home for a consultation where we would discuss your preferences in size, colour and theme. For inquiries for any of the above options, please contact me by emailing me at info@donnagiraud.com.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

COMING NEXT ISSUE ISSUE 32 • NOV / DEC COVER STORY

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