Goodlife Markham September/October Edition 2016

S EPT EMB ER / OCTOB ER 2 0 1 6

Grand

YORKREGION.COM/GOODLIFE

entrance Designer helps home live up to its potential

WE LIKE IT: School Style Autumn in the Orchard SERVING Markham, Richmond Hill, Stouffville and Thornhill

N Golf Course Stouffville Rd.

Hwy. 48

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At TMS School we hold central the concept of I am known, wrapping our Montessori and IB curriculum and school life around our aspirational quest to know our students.

We are worth the visit.

TMS creates opportunities for children to be inspired by learning through experimentation, exploration, and self-discovery. Located in Richmond Hill, our Montessori Lower School is for students 18 months to Grade 6. You hear the laughter, see the joy on students’ faces, and feel the trust parents have as they drop off their children. Our Upper School (Grades 7-12) offers the only independent International Baccalaureate Lower School 8569 Bayview Avenue Richmond Hill

Programme in York Region.

On any given day, this modern campus may showcase a student art exhibit, impromptu ping pong game or a popup lab for group projects. But don’t just take our word for it. Finding the right school for your child is too important.

You have to visit and see and feel it for yourself. We’d love to host you and show you the place within which your child can say I am known.

Upper School 500 Elgin Mills Rd. East Richmond Hill

(905) 889-6882 Ext 2254 www.tmsschool.ca

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upholstered headboards, beds, nightstands and dressers.

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3 Locations in York Region Aurora - (905) 726-1241 305 Industrial Parkway S., Unit 19

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Stouffville - (905) 640-6082 30 Innovator Avenue, Unit 1

Ask about our Dance Birthday Parties!

Regional General Manager Shaun Sauve Editor Lee Ann Waterman Contributors Emily Blackman • Bart Card • Jim Craigmyle Daniela DiStefano • Naomi Hiltz • Andrew Hind Sue Kanhai • Robin LeBlanc • David Li • Joann MacDonald Michael Pinkus • Anthony Rego • Rebecca Reid • Tracy Smith Advertising Director Maureen Christie Advertising Manager Mara Sepe Advertising Sales Lex Abernethy • Jeremy Brown • Pam Burgess Dawn Chaykowsky • Joelle Hawley • Ryan McCluskey Anita Phelps Regional Director, Production and Creative Services Katherine Porcheron Editorial Design Emily Ayranto, Brenda Boon, Luanne Turner Director of Business Administration Phil Sheehan Director of Distribution Mike Banville GoodLife Markham, Richmond Hill, Thornhill and Stouffville is published by Metroland Media, York Region. Statements, opinions and points of view are those of the sources and writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife magazine.

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Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Seasons 3 finalist on SYTYCDC. Dane can be seen along with his brothers performing hip hop at the Raptors Game half time shows.

Submissions are welcome from writers and photographers.

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Check our website for more details.

Award winning studio celebrating 30 years of dance excellence • info@yorkdance.com • www.yorkdance.com 4 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

GoodLife 580B Steven Ct., P.O. Box 236, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4X1 905-853-8888

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contents

16

26

8 Grand Entrance 10 Old World Meets New 16 Rooms Gone Right 22 Teens to 20s 26 Second-hand Style 32 We Like It

School style for everyone

Designer helps home live up to its potential

32

Smart design makes for comfortable and welcoming, yet elegant home

A play room grows up

8 6 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

How to create a spectacular space for your growing child

Vintage items a thrifty way to add unique style to your home

contents

42 38 In the Kitchen 42 On Tap 44

50

44

Harvest Time

Make the most of a bounty of fresh ingredients

Lemon Bistro offers seasonal cooking rooted in tradition

Take barbecue season into fall with these beers

56

46 Autumn in the Orchard 50 Events 54 Portfolio 56 Beauty Spot 60 Travel 62 Vintages Wine...online

You know fall has arrived when orchards open for apple picking

Arts, culture and outdoor events for the whole family

Twins Marnie and Rena Schwartz are passion for dancing, teaching

Face masks for every skin situation

Cruising along the River Rhine

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 7

We Like It

school STYle for everyone

Maintain a clean and stylish office space by keeping important loose papers neatly organized in these beautiful file folders with gold polka dots from Kate Spade New York.

Set of 6, $16 | Chapters Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca

Stay organized in style with this handy trio of notebooks.

Perfect for jotting down quick memos or making mental notes on the go, simply toss them in your book bag and never forget your next big idea again. $15 | Chapters Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca

Adorned with a trendy, gold, charm and crafted with a retractable tip that glides smoothly across the page, this charming writing accessory is sure to inspire your next big idea. $7| Chapters Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca

Keep your pens and pencils tucked neatly inside this charming pouch by Kate Spade. Contents include gold metal pencil sharpener, ruler, eraser and two pencils. $38 | Chapters Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca

Beautiful form meets function. This task lamp has a weighted base along with a hinged arm and swivel shade that angles to shed light exactly where you need it. Available in a variety of colours, the matte powdercoated finish and brushed metal fixtures make it a stylish addition to any desk or table. $150 | Chapters Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca

8 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Treat yourself to a desk refresh with this pencil cup from Kate Spade New York’s Daisy Place collection. Its playful, painterly illustrations and gold accents will add a touch whimsy and style to any home or office. $25 | Chapters Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca

Designed and handcrafted in Canada, the Modern Satchel features one main compartment with a second padded laptop compartment. There’s also an interior pocket, a front zippered pocket under the flap and back zippered pocket for your cell phone. $388 | Roots, roots.com

Available in a variety of colours, this small leather pack is perfect for those days you need to pack a few extra items while staying hands free. $288 | Roots, roots.com

Made in Canada, the small Raiders Pack, features one main compartment with a top zipper closure with flap and buckle magnet strap as well as a front zipper pocket and two slip pockets for extra storage. The shoulder straps can be adjusted to be worn in three ways: hand held, on the shoulder or as a backpack. $268 | Roots, roots.com

For nearly a century, Converse’s Chuck Taylors have been a favourite with youth. Now available in dozens of styles, this iconic shoe has a place in every closet. Here are a few of our favourite designs: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Tencel Canvas Oxfords | $85; Chuck Taylor Core Ox | $60; Chuck Taylor All Star Woven Sneakers | $85 | Hudson’s Bay, thebay.com

Every purchase of a Me to We pencil pouch makes a positive impact by giving a gift in a Free The Children community overseas. $5.65 | Staples, staples.ca

Available in a variety of on-trend colours, the Poppin pencil pouch is made from durable coated cotton canvas. $12 | Staples, staples.ca

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 9

home tour | Markham

Grand e

Designer helps home l

by JOA NN MACDONALD | phot

10 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

entrance

live up to its potential

t ogra phy by AN T H O N Y R E G O

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 11

home tour | Markham When Arthur and Yvonne Li bought their Markham home a decade ago, they were drawn to the model home’s grand entryway. Open to the living room, the space boasts 18-foot ceilings.

“This room actually sold the house for us,” Arthur says. “The model home was done up nicely.”

During the past 10 years, the couple admits, they didn’t accomplish much decorating. “I’ve been saying, ‘Where’s my grand entrance?’” Arthur says. “And now I have it, finally.”

The Lis give full credit to Cheryl Tay, creative director with Markham’s Intrinsic Designs, for making their vision a reality.

In April, the trio embarked on a redesign of the main floor living room, dining room and family room. Tay also persuaded her clients to install a glass railing in the loft area overlooking the living room.

“It’s one thing in the budget I thought we couldn’t compromise on,” Tay says. “It’s the first thing you see when you walk in the door.”

The couple also opted to replace the original front door and transom window with an extra-

12 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

tall, custom exterior door from Lusso Design.

The added height suits the high ceilings and frosted glass provides light in the entry. Yvonne asked for a peephole at her eye level.

The home’s main floor is now a clean, modern and organized space that provides the family with better functionality and more opportunity to enjoy their pastimes. Daughters Lauryn, 10, and Madelyn, 6, like to curl up in front of the TV with their dog, Coffee, close beside.

Their busy working parents—Yvonne collects restaurant waste oils to clean and re-sell, Arthur is an enterprise architect with Scotiabank—are grateful for the calm their new space provides.

They are equally grateful to have found Tay via interior design website Houzz.

“We had not decorated at all,” Yvonne says.

“We hadn’t even painted out of the builder paint. We didn’t know what to do, so we wanted to consult someone.”

The couple picked out pictures of spaces they liked to give Tay an idea of their style and preferences.

“I think what we ended up with was very different,” Tay says. “It was an evolution. You can

“

I think we ended up with a very eclectic style. It’s a mix of modern and industrial/rustic. It’s timeless and elegant but there’s that touch of vintage/modern to it.”

– Designer Cheryl Tay

always share ideas, but what comes out of it is never what you imagined.”

The trio chose to replace most of the furniture with new pieces, some custom splurges and some from inexpensive retail sources.

“It’s taken us a long time to come to terms with buying more expensive furniture when children and dogs can ruin it,” Yvonne admits.

The first piece they selected for the space was a mirrored console table in the living room, purchased at HomeSense. It adds interest to the space, offering a sleek contrast to the softer textures of upholstery, carpet and drapery in the room.

In the dining room, a Structube dining table offers rustic style and durability. “It’s going to get used,” Tay says. “It looks great but we didn’t have to spend a fortune on it.”

One of the most controversial pieces in the redesign process, the large chandelier over the dining table, has 15 glass globes. “I kept doubting it,” Yvonne says. All three now agree that the chandelier makes a statement, tying together other design elements in the shared living/dining space.

Essential to the function of the dining room, a new built-in cabinet offers storage for glassware and liquor. Tay says the previous jumble of wine and liquor bottles gave the wrong impression about the home’s inhabitants. Not big drinkers, they are simply good hosts. “You never want your guests to be thirsty,” Arthur says.

The 18-foot walls the couple so admired now look calm and classic, painted in Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52). The space has a sophisticated look thanks to new trim and wainscotting. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 13

home tour | Markham BEFORE

“It was something I had always wanted,” Yvonne says. “It ended up costing less than we thought.”

In the family room, a corner fireplace was removed to allow for built-in cabinetry and a more modern electric fireplace. The couple agreed that built-in cabinets were a much-needed design element.

“We wanted something functional and that would give us storage,” Arthur says. “We spend a lot of time staring at that wall while watching TV.” Overall, Tay says, “I think we ended up with a very eclectic style. It’s a mix of modern and industrial/rustic. It’s still timeless and elegant but there’s that touch of vintage/modern to it.”

Clients and designer are thrilled with the end results.

“My husband is very meticulous,” Yvonne says. “It takes him a while to trust people. After a while he’d say, ‘We have to ask Cheryl first.’ It ended up being a very good relationship.”

For her part, Tay wants the clients to be happy. “You get to know them, you get to know their families. You become friends. The synergy between the designer and the client is so important.”

14 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

BEFORE

SOURCES Design: Cheryl Tay, Intrinsic Designs, Markham Cabinetry: Imperial Cabinetry and Closets, Woodbridge Exterior door: Lusso Design, Unionville Drapery: Urban Tailor Inc.

P:905.853.5495 • F:905.853.3236 • 1151 Gorham St., Units 11/12, Newmarket • info@fischercustomcabinets.com • www.fischercustomcabinets.com

P:905.853.5495 • F:905.853.3236 • 1151 Gorham St., Units 11/12, Newmarket • info@fischercustomcabinets.com • www.fischercustomcabinets.com

home tour|Richmond Hill

Old World

MEETS NEW “

The house f

By SUE KANHAI | photography by Jim Craigmyle

16 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

feels warm and inviting but is also very elegant.

Our designer was able to bring both worlds together.� – Don Daigle, homeowner GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 17

home tour|Richmond Hill

I

f you’ve ever watched a home renovation show on TV and despaired at the levels of consumer excess, take heart. Not every reno requires bottomless pockets, nor that you rid yourself of everything you own.

Designer Anita Mantini of Workhorse Design Build in Toronto recently worked on a project in Richmond Hill where the homeowners had no desire to part with their perfectly good furniture. Anna and Don Daigle had already invested in a number of high quality custom-made pieces that they smartly had every intention of keeping.

The couple’s mainstays included two custom leather couches, an entertainment unit, full dining room set and living room rug. Mantini worked with what they had, made a few tweaks and was able to update the overall look, lending the space a much more modern air.

The house itself is 11 years old and just over 2,400 square feet. Its rooms on the main floor are distinct yet open to each other and have a nice flow.

“On many occasions we’ve been asked if our house is over 3,000 square feet,” Don says. “It’s the smart design that gives this impression.”

Mantini took the home from what she describes as “an overabundance of brown” to something lighter, fresher and far more refined.

She did this by broadening the colour palette a bit, ridding the dining room of its deep red paint and introducing lighter hues including white and grey throughout the home. Just changing the wall colour – she chose Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist (OC-27) – worked wonders. A touch of black adds emphasis and sophistication.

“The home was very traditional for Anna’s and Don’s ages,” Mantini says. “It seemed old and heavy and stiff.”

Clients will often have an inspiration photo, if not several, but the Daigles were different.

They weren’t Pinterest devotees, nor did they pore endlessly over design magazines. Mantini had to do some digging to find out what they might like.

“I’m finding that a lot of people don’t want to deal with going online. They’re busy and it’s overwhelming. Where do you start?” she asks, sympathizing.

18 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

For her, the heavy, traditional swag drapery was just not working so the designer began by bringing in fabrics for the window coverings.

Some pattern was needed, something bold, with contrast. She chose a graphic black and white trellis print and she raised the height of the curtain rod by at least a foot and a half, creating a look that was immediately dramatic.

In fact the drapery remains Mantini’s favourite detail of the job. “I think it really brought the clients out of their shell,” she says. “There’s a whole emotional component to it almost. It’s so bold and graphic; it just changed their minds and their whole perspective on what design can do. I think it was a turning point for them.”

To create a bit of an upscale feel, she added mouldings on the walls throughout. “With builders’ homes you don’t get those frills so we just upped the ante a little bit,” she says. She found artwork and photography that complemented her clients’ existing furnishings but also helped push the overall look in a more modern direction.

“It has a sense of European, Old World com-

fort,” Mantini says. The heavy leather sofas with grommets immediately reminded her of something that belongs in a French chateau.

The furniture in the dining room is also fairly grand. The first thing she added to that space was the gorgeous mirror. “It added the sparkle, the sense of something more refined and delicate. With the mullions it looked like the window of a castle,” she says.

Some design tricks are really simple, the kinds of thing average homeowners can easily do on their own. Mantini moved one of the living room sofas and put it on an angle. “It just opened everything up,” she says. While they did splurge on a few things like the new artwork, their spending was decidedly strategic.

In addition to shopping, they looked all around the Daigles’ home for items that might work in the space.

The kitchen was in terrific shape to start with, workable and usable, but now the clients find it much more luxurious. They purchased a new kitchen table set, lighting and valances for the windows. They replaced the laminate coun-

tertops with granite and installed a beveled backsplash tile. “There was no need to replace the cabinetry. It’s in awesome shape,” Mantini explains. “We just took it up a notch.”

The renovation process took about four months in total. It’s exactly what the Daigles were hoping to get out of the refresh – a modern home that’s more welcoming for guests.

The couple’s favourite elements are the granite countertop and stunning Carrara marble fireplace. Mantini took out the fireplace surround, added a tile mosaic and topped the mantle with the same pretty marble.

“It’s so elegant,” Don says. “The living room feels so comfortable and inviting. When we spend time in the space we don’t want to leave.”

They even use their dining room much more often because they love the new ambience so much. The couple has always enjoyed entertaining but it’s something they’ll surely do even more of now.

Says Mantini, “I thought they would like it but they love it, they just love their home.”

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 19

COMING JANUARY 2016 7

Contact a local multimedia advertising consultant today! 905-943-6100 (Markham, Richmond Hill & Thornhill) 905-940-2612 (Stouffville) or 905-295-8703 (Vaughan)

Phoenix Phoenix Financial Inc. focus on Residential Mortgage, Commercial loan, Business Loan as well as Construction and Land Development loans. The president is Sophia Sun.We were one of the first Mandarin-Speaking mortgage brokers in Canada. Main partners include Scotia Bank, TD Canada Trust Bank of Montreal, CIBC, HSBC, Bank of China(Canada), National Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Laurentian Bank, Equitable Trust, Home Trust, City Bank, Bridgwater etc. nearly 60 financial institutions.

Phoenix Financial Inc. has the best professional team with over 60 mortgage agents. We had helped facilitate more than $1 billion worth of loans to all different types of individuals and businesses. Phoenix also very active in philanthropic work.We champion and get involved in community and charitable organizations such as SickKids Foundation, The PrincessMargaret Cancer Foundation, and to other humanitarian causes such as the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire relief effort through the Red Cross -- the families affected by that tragedy deserve our help. www.canadaphoenix.com.

CCIA The Canada China Investment Association (CCIA) is a CanadaChina investment and bilateral trade facilitator founded in 2008 as a not-for profit business association. CCIA is an advocate for friendship and culture exchanges between China and Canada and a catalyst for economic trade and Sino-Canadian investment.

The President of CCIA is Sophia Sun, members represent a wide range of sectors, including financial services, real estate, legal services, manufacturing, biotechnology, construction, transportation, mining and energy, information and communication technology, high-tech and education. CCIA has around 2000 members in Canada, and much more globally.

President Sophia Sun had organized Mayors’ Delegations for trade missions to China twice. CCIA targeted specific trade and investment sectors in major Chinese cities. China’s fast-growing economy provides unlimited business opportunities for Ontario enterprises. Improved Chinese foreign trade policies helped strengthen relations, and both countries reaped immense benefits from cooperating. This trade expedition marked a new chapter for the economic and trade exchanges between the Chinese market place and Canada. www.cciacanada.com.

rooms gone right|library

“

We both love to read and we thought that adding a library to our home with a place to read felt like a space that we could and would use everyday”

22 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

– Kathryn Smirle, homeowner

A play room

grows up By tracy smith | photography by stephani buchman Last year, Kathryn and Michael Smirle were faced with a challenge that will sound familiar to many young families: how to best reclaim space on their main floor once dedicated injury-free play and toy storage. Rather than default to a traditional dining room, the couple created a stunning and contemporary family library for all to enjoy.

“Our kids were getting older and we were a little bit sick of a quarter of our main floor being taken up by floor mats and toy shelves and we wanted to create a more mature space that we could enjoy

every day,” Michael explains. “We don’t do a lot of fancy entertaining so reserving space for a formal dining room seemed like a waste, but we all love to read so we decided to create a library.”

The Smirles enlisted the help of Cynthia Soda of Soda Pop Design in Stouffville, to help with the project.

“Cynthia Soda came to our house to chat about the project and she understood what we were trying to achieve right away,” Kathryn says. “Cynthia is a mom with young kids like me so I knew that

she would think about functionality and practicality which I valued a lot.”

Now that the dust has settled, the room is a favourite with all members of the family.

“The comfortable seating — two big chairs and a window seat — draw you in and the textures, patterns and colours all come together as though the pieces have been curated over time.

That’s what I love about this space,” Soda says. “It doesn’t just look pretty, it tells a story about the people who live there.” » GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 23

Find this and our other Magazine editions online at

STYLE goal Classic, comfortable and clutter-free

LIBRARY USERS Dad Michael, mom Kathryn, Bennett, 6, and Madeline, 8, as well as basset hound Winston and Bengal cat Abby

WHY THE CHANGE? • Designated playroom no longer a necessity • A desire for usable, adult-friendly space • Dated design

Renovation CHECKLIST • Out-of-sight storage • Custom, built-in cabinetry • Adult-friendly space • Wired room with great sound for back ground music • A space to use daily • Comfortable seating for reading and lounging • Updated and contemporary design

splurges “We definitely splurged on the light fixture and it was worth every penny. We get so many compliments on it.”

— Kathryn Easter, homeowner

SOURCES Design: Soda Pop Design, Stouffville Light fixture: Niche Decor, Aurora Chairs: Dwell Studio Round rug and pillows: Loloi rugs Tufted ottoman: Elte Millwork: Colclo Custom Woodworking, Markham Paint: walls, Benjamin Moore Street Chic CSP-45; cabinetry, Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70, Inside Out Decorating Centre, Stouffville

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace 2121-70

24 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

The Future of Dentistry is here!

By Dr. Perry Lichtblau We offer Comprehensive Dental Services at one Convenient Location • Digital Dental Care

Crowns/Onlays Finished On site in under 2 Hours • Tooth Coloured Natural Fillings • Braces and Invisalign • Root Canal/Extractions • Oral Moderate Sedation Certified Specialists Onsite • Periodontist (Gum Problems & Implants)

The greatest goal any dentist want to achieve is to fix broken down teeth with materials that are not only strong and natural, but also as close the properties of real tooth as possible. However, this treatment goal isn’t always easy to achieve because teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures, acids, hard seeds/food – plus tremendous pressure from eating and clenching.

Current dental materials have failed in terms of strength, marginal fit accuracy and longevity, and this has resulted in fillings needing to be replaced due to wear and breakdown. Failures in crowns and bridges more often occur due to inaccurate or open margins, where the crown or bridge meets against the real tooth. This allows saliva to penetrate with bacteria causing recurrent decay. In both cases, the result is failure of the prosthesis because it hadn’t lasted as long as the original tooth.

Cause and Effect When an impression is taken of the mouth, there is inherent distortion that causes inaccuracy. When the goopy material sets there is measurable distortion because it goes from a gel to a more solid phase and shrinks slightly in the transition. When the impression is removed from the mouth, it also distorts slightly due to the undercuts present in teeth, and locks into spaces between the teeth which pull and stretch the impression material as it is removed. The result? More distortion.

Goop and Distortion –All in the Past The arrival of digital dentistry has changed all that by eliminating the different levels of distortion present in the goopy impression-taking technique. Lasers in a handheld wand take a digital picture of the tooth preparation. Since laser light travels in straight lines, the resulting impression is accurate to 0.001 mm – that’s 1000th of a millimetre.

Same day Service - with a smile In our Smiles on Seven Dental Centre in Markham we can take a digital image and build a crown/small bridge or veneer by milling it on-site in under two hours. The resulting milled eMax crown/bridge is natural tooth coloured ceramic that is essentially as strong as steel. It’s strength and fit is superior which means it will last longer than the goopy impression used to fabricate a crown/bridge or inlay/onlay. You leave with permanent restoration in your mouth at he same appointment. Yes the future is here at Digital Impressions Smiles on Seven Dental Centre through digital dentistry. 905.70 SMILE

• Dental Anesthetist (Sleep Dentistry)

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one block east of Markham Rd. on Hwy. 7

– NO MOREGOOP! –

Find this and our other magazine editions online at GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 25

home|teen bedrooms

26 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

20

Teens

to

How to create a spectacular space for your growing child

By TRACY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY By JIM CRAIGMYLE

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 27

home|teen bedrooms

W

e all remember the teen years.

You’re moving toward adulthood, testing the waters, trying on different personas and styles, but still holding on to the fun and carefree attitude of childhood. Mix in some hormones and that makes for a difficult set of parameters for decorating a teen’s bedroom.

Fear not, our expert designers have got you covered with five great tips for decorating a room that will work for your teen now and for years to come.

1

Get personal

“At this time in their lives, teens have hobbies and interests that they are passionate about—sports they play, music they listen to, favourite places or trips and definitely best buds they spend time with,” says Jackie Venneri of Style It With Jackie. “Try to pick one or two of these things and incorporate them into the design of their room. Just remember, interests change so make these items easy to switch, change, update and don’t spend a fortune doing them.”

Ideas: • hang up the hockey stick from their hat-trick game • display memorabilia of their favourite bands • hang a bulletin board to tack up recent pictures • enlarge and print a photograph of them doing something they love • use picture frames to display favourite comics or book covers Still stuck? Peruse websites like Pinterest or Etsy for some great ideas for DIY projects or one-of-akind decor items.

28 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

2

Think long-term

Be strategic in your colour choices and create a mature backdrop that can grow with your teen.

“Similar to interests, ‘favourite’ colours can change frequently during the teen years so use trendy colours on inexpensive and easy-to-change accessories like throw pillows, picture frames, pillowcases, art, side lamps or even a single feature wall,” says Carolyn Vaillancourt, Vaillancourt Design. “For items that you are investing in, such as bedding, furniture and lighting, I recommend choosing classic, simple and neutral colours and adult styles. These will act as staple pieces that never go out of style and transition your teen into their 20s (perhaps even helping to furnish their first apartment or dorm room).”

3

Let it all hang out

“Teens love to hang out in their rooms, so adding comfortable seating or making their bed lounge-friendly is key,” Venneri says. “It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book, watch a show on a laptop or talk with friends while they’re over.

At this age, sleepovers likely aren’t happening as much, but it’s really handy to have a designated

space for a friend to sit when they come over. A really cozy throw blanket is a must as well!”

If space is at a premium, move the dresser into the closet or invest in a custom closet organizer to free up enough floor space to sneak in a comfortable chair or bean bag, Vaillancourt, suggests.

“

My new room is rustic and laid back and I feel like it truly reflects who I am and what I’m about. My favourite pieces are the ones that showcase my personality — the industrial-looking shadow boxes that house pictures of my family and friends, my acoustic guitar, my Dad’s framed vinyl records” – Alex Floyd

SA

CL

EA

RA

LE

NC

E

Incorporate extra seating with: • a window seat/bench • trunk or chest at the foot of the bed • beanbag chair • contemporary settee • small-scale furniture with foot stool • a double bed • desk chair • exercise ball »

WE ARE MAKING ROOM FOR NEW PRODUCTS, LOTS OF BARGAINS WHILE STOCKS LAST!

9737 Yonge Street

Richmond Hill 905 737-7445

(2 Stop lights south of Major Mackenzie)

www.livinglightingrichmondhill.com GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 29

home|bedrooms

4

Put it away

Storage solutions will go a long way in making a teen’s room presentable.

Think about using them with custom drawers or by sliding storage containers under the bed; baskets/buckets/jars on bookshelves; built-in closet systems; ottomans with storage inside and drawers (in desks, bedside tables, dressers and tables) keep things out of sight.

5

Give them a say

You’re an awesome parent for wanting to create a space that works for your son or daughter. Ask your teen what’s important to them. If they seem indifferent or unispired, you could start backwards by asking what they don’t want or find some pictures on popular websites like Houzz and get their opinion.

If your teen is excited about the redesign and has some of their own ideas, work with them and keep an open mind, but set boundaries and let them know you will have the final say.

“

I love how bright and spacious my room is now. Everything flows together so nicely and the whole room looks so pretty.” – Cami Ormond

30 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Rake in the savings, not the Leaves on all in stock Corvettes

home|décor

SECOND-HAND

By JOANN MACDONALD | PHOTOGRAPHY By NAOMI HILTZ

Vintage items a thrifty way to add unique style to your home

32 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Whether it’s the thrill of finding a vintage piece or a desire to save money, shopping second-hand can be a fruitful experience for amateur home décor enthusiasts. Staying on trend is an expensive prospect and, far from being taboo, cruising your local thrift shop, flea market or antique mall for special finds is recommended by many décor experts.

“Updating your home can be a daunting task, not to mention very costly,” says Newmarketbased interior decorator and design consultant Katherine Joy Porath. “If you have the time to source out some thrift stores or flea markets, you can find some wonderful treasures.”

Good news for fans of second-hand—today’s design is all about blending old and new. Go ahead and pair that expensive dining table with a painted vintage sideboard.

“Depending on the design project at hand, one can be looking for that one larger piece that can be the focal point for the decorating theme, such as a cabinet to transform into a useful storage piece or some fun accessories like coloured glass vases or antique china tea pots,” Porath says.

Melissa DiRenzo, Apartment Therapy contributor and blogger at The Sweet Escape, fills her loft with vintage glasses and mid-century modern teak furniture.

“For me, it’s more about the hunt than the practical reason of saving money or reusing and recycling, although those are great reasons too,” she says. “That feeling of finding a gem or a diamond in the rough for a few dollars is so satisfying.”

DiRenzo says blending thrifted treasures with expensive items requires a bit of a natural eye, but she has some helpful advice for newbies.

“I would say the No. 1 thing is to only collect items you love, new or old, and never try to force pieces together just because you think they belong,” she notes. “A collection of some sort is always a great way to mix new and old and have everything look great together. When pulling together any eclectic look, it’s important to balance out texture, colour, contrast, size and pattern. Looking at spaces you love is always a great way to learn and be inspired.”

A carefully chosen collection or two can lend a unique personal touch to your living space.

Porath has collected teapots for several years.

“I rummaged through thrift shops to find that unique teapot and loved it,” she says. “I also collected old windows and transformed them into mirrors. There is so much opportunity for creativity.” Group like items together for larger impact, suggests Porath. But be forewarned— collecting can lead to clutter. “The trick is not to

collect too many things,” she says.

If you’re lucky, you might find treasures that can move right into your home without any effort from you. “The mid-century modern trend is obviously inspired by the past, so any original furniture from that era is a major score,” points out DiRenzo. “If you have an eclectic or bohemian look, which is also really popular now, you’ll find lots of great treasures—look for brass or copper accessories or bamboo or rattan furniture.”

DIY fans have the added advantage of seeing beyond the current state of thrift store wares. “If you don’t mind getting dirty, refinishing an old table or chest can give it a new life and a new look,” Porath says. “Change the hardware on a dresser and paint it to make it look more modern. Make that thrift store treasure something special and it will look great with whatever you put it with.”

DiRenzo cautions that some finds may not be worth the trouble. “I’ve found some great lamps, but make sure the wiring isn’t too old. Something I would stay away from is sofas and armchairs unless you’re prepared to steam clean or re-upholster,” she says. “Re-upholstering can get pretty pricey ,so I recommend getting a quote or else your $20 find will end up being way more money and time than you bargained for.”»

Use vintage finds as storage in your kids rooms: a baby buggy or stroller can hold stuffed animals, old tins are perfect for pencils and other craft supplies.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 33

home|décor

A simple frame would make this coffee bag (above) instant kitchen art.

Choose one of the colours in the design for additional accessories.

Mid-century modern pieces can work with almost any décor, Melissa DiRenzo says. A long, low dresser could become a media centre. An older table could be paired with modern chairs for a contemporary look—although the clean lines of these chairs make them a good candidate for re-upholstery.

34 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

In addition to diverting items from landfill, shopping second-hand offers good value for your money. “If you want even more of a value, sign up for any newsletters or discount programs so you’ll be in the know when a sale comes up,” DiRenzo says. “Many thrift shops also have some form of a loyalty program with a stamp card that will give you a discount.”

Porath advises researching the price of that coveted find online before heading out to the shop, so you have an idea of its value. “Of course, if it is in poor shape and you are able to fix it, you can always bargain for a lower price.”

Second-hand shoppers can count on a steady supply of new wares. Visit often and you may be surprised what you come away with.

“Thrift store finds may once have been that expensive item, so it is never how much it costs, but how well it is made and how much you like it,” Porath says. “What has value to you may not have value to someone else. It is all about being unique and finding that perfect piece for the perfect price.”

Find Melissa DiRenzo at thesweetescape.ca Visit Katherine Joy Porath at katherinejoyinteriors.com

“

Milk glass is inexpensive, easy to find and will work with any décor. Larger pieces can be used as planters, smaller items on a dresser to hold jewelry.”

– Melissa DiRenzo

Treasure Hunt Where to shop second-hand in York Region: Antiques on 48 Georgina antiquesonhwy48.com Queensville Antique Mall facebook.com/queensvilleantiquemall/ Reid’s Antiques Stouffville reidsantiques.com Stouffville Country Market facebook.com/StouffvilleCountryMarket The Salvation Army Thrift Store Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill thriftstore.ca Treasures Charity Thrift Store Richmond Hill treasuresthriftstore.ca Value Village Thrift Store Concord, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan valuevillage.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 35

Meet the Wills Lawyers Protecting Families

S

ome of the most important decisions you make in life are, ironically, regarding your death. Writing a will is often put off because death isn’t something most people want to talk about. But what you do - or don’t do - to plan for it can mean the difference between having your loved ones taken care of when you are gone, or a possible family nightmare.

Fish & Associates law firm, located in the warm, relaxed atmosphere of a turn of the century home in the heart of Thornhill, has been providing wills, estate, and probate services for over 40 years. The firm consists of Barry Fish, who established the practice in 1973, Les Kotzer, who joined Barry in 1989 after graduating on the Dean’s List from the University of Windsor Law School in 1987, and his daughter, Michelle Kotzer, also a University of Windsor Law graduate with a certificate in Elder Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, who came on board as a junior lawyer in 2015.

Fish & Associates is well known in the area of wills, estates, and probate law. Les and Michelle take care of drafting and preparing wills and powers of attorney, while Barry is responsible for estate administration, working with families after someone has died.

Before pursuing his dream of becoming a lawyer, Les ran Eglinton Paint and Hardware with his brother for five years. He believes his time managing a store benefited him when he began practicing law.

“It taught me how to deal with people,” he says. “People often say they don’t understand complex legal language and that can keep them from taking care of things they really need to do, like wills. I speak in plain language so clients can understand information which can take the fear out of will planning and help clients better understand the process.”

His personable approach to wills and estate law and his focus on saving families garnered Les a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and has made him one of the most media sought after wills lawyers in North America. He has appeared on CNN, CITY TV, and as a Canadian success story on CTV National news (watch his appearances on www.leskotzer.com). He has been a guest on a variety of radio shows, and currently is a regular call-in guest on Newstalk 1010. He has been featured in a number of print publications such as The National Post, The Toronto Star, The New York Times, Time, Newsweek, and Fortune.

When he isn’t practicing law, Les is also a professional songwriter. “These Are Our Heroes” was part of a documentary that won the gold medal at the Houston Film Festival. You can hear some of his songs at www.touchyourheartsongs.com.

Les and Barry have co-authored four books from their experiences in wills, estate, and probate law, entitled “The Family Fight”, “The Family War”, “Where There’s An Inheritance”, and “The Wills Lawyers… Their Stories Of Money, Inheritance, Family, Greed, and Betrayal.” (See www. thewillslawyers.com for book information and to watch Les and Barry read stories.)

“Many people don’t realize the harsh realities of what can

happen if you die without a will. Basically, the government will write one for you,” Les explains. “There is no executor to take care of your estate, no guardian to take your children and beneficiaries are determined by the law not by you.”

FACTORS TO CONSIDER It is important that your will be tailored to reflect your current life situation. There are many factors to take into consideration.

• Do you own shares in a private corporation such as a family business, medical or dental corporation etc.? Many people don’t realize you can save probate tax by making a second will to cover your shares in a private corporation. If your corporation is worth one million dollars, having a secondary will can save approximately $15,000 in probate tax . If it is worth more there will be more probate tax saved.

• Do you have a will but were recently married? Under Ontario law, marriage revokes your will.

• Do you have powers of attorney for health and property?

Your will comes into effect when you die, but a proper power of attorney for property protects you while you are alive and keeps the government out of your financial affairs if you are unable to act for yourself due to illness or accident. (For more information go to www.powerofattorneyinfo.com) • Are any of your beneficiaries collecting Ontario disability support from the government? Special provisions need to be made in your will setting up a proper trust or they could lose their government benefits when you die.

Barry Fish, Les Kotzer & Michelle Kotzer If you have put off getting a will, Michelle stresses the importance of not holding out any longer especially if you have children. “If you and your spouse die together suddenly, who will raise your children There could be a battle between both

sets of grandparents,” she says. “I don’t understand how parents can sleep at night knowing that.” Having begun her legal career in estate litigation, Michelle witnessed firsthand the intense battles that can ensue between family members when proper wills are not in place.

Death is something many people aren’t comfortable facing, but planning for it now is the best way to ensure your wishes are fulfilled. After all, you should be the one to decide where your assets go.

Les recalls one story about a man who definitely made sure his assets were divided how he intended. “A woman called into one of my radio shows and explained how she and her cousins used to visit their 89 year old uncle who didn’t have any children of his own. At the age of 90 he suddenly became deaf and some of her cousins wondered why they would continue to visit and talk to him when he couldn’t hear them. They would joke in front of him about what they would take from his apartment when he died. Eventually, the elderly man announced that he was not, and never was, deaf, that he had just let them believe he was so he could hear their unguarded dialogue. Needless to say he changed his will after some of the things he heard!”

To help you and your family, Fish & Associates offer a free will consultation (if you don’t have one and aren’t sure where to start) or a free review of your existing will to make sure it is up to date and not a recipe for a family nightmare. You can contact Les at 905-881-1500 ext. 19, leskotzer@familyfight.com, or Michelle at 905-881-1500 ext. 22, mkotzer@fishlaw.com. If you have probate concerns or estate administration needs, call Barry at 905-881-1500. Fish & Associates is located at 7951 Yonge Street (north of Steeles). Visit www.willappointment.com for more information.

food|harvest

e m i t t s e v r a H

Make the most of a bounty of fresh ingredients RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY EMILY BLACKMAN

With the late summer harvest in full swing, there are so many fresh vegetables and fruits to choose from at local farms and markets. As fall approaches, staples like apples, pears and pumpkins can be used in so many sweet or savoury dishes. It is time to celebrate what I think is the most beautiful time of year in Ontario. With warm temperatures, no bugs and autumn’s colours around the corner, it is a great time to enjoy all your community has to offer, then take time to share a great meal with friends and family.

ach n i p S t o H ip D e l a K and

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS 1 pkg. spinach (313 g) 1/2 bunch kale, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 30 mL (2 tbsp) olive oil 1 pkg. cream cheese 250 mL (1 cup) mayonnaise 250 mL (1 cup) sour cream or full-fat yogurt 375 mL (1-1/2 cups) shredded

Swiss cheese 5 mL (1 tsp) hot sauce salt and pepper

Method Heat oven to 350 F. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and kale. Cook until softened, about 3 min.

38 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Add spinach and cook until wilted but still vibrant green. Season with salt and pepper.

Remove pan from heat.

Heat cream cheese in microwave for 30-60 seconds or until soft. With stand or handheld mixer, whip cream cheese until smooth.

Add mayo, sour cream and one-third of Swiss cheese. Whip until smooth.

Add spinach mixture and mix until thoroughly combined.

Place mixture in a casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining Swiss cheese and some more fresh cracked black pepper.

Place in the top third of oven and bake until the top is golden brown and dip is warmed through, about 30 min. Serve immediately with tortillas chips, pita or your favourite fresh veggies.

d a l a S n e e Field Gr nd a r a e P h t i w la o z n o g r o G

Serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS 454 g (1 lb) container of field greens, washed and dried 1 green pear, not too soft 1 red pear, not too soft 8 slices prosciutto, sliced in half lengthwise 250 mL (1 cup) gorgonzola, crumbled 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced 80 mL (1/3 cup) white wine vinegar 160 mL (2/3 cup) best quality olive oil 10 mL (2 tsp) local honey 30 mL (2 tbsp) fresh tarragon, finely chopped salt and pepper

Method In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, honey and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook prosciutto until crispy. Remove from pan and let cool and harden.

Right before making the salad (to avoid browning), slice pears thinly.

In a large bowl, combine greens, onions and pears. Toss with enough salad dressing to coat, saving the remaining salad dressing in the fridge for another day. It will keep up to three weeks if sealed.

Plate salad and top with gorgonzola and prosciutto chips.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 39

food|harvest

ite h W d n a e Appl ee r u P p i n r Tu Serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS 4 large white turnips, peeled and cubed 4 large Fuji apples, peeled and cubed 1 orange, juice and zest 180 mL (3/4 cup) water 1 sprig fresh thyme 125 mL (1/4 cup) whipping cream salt and pepper

Method In a large pot, place turnips, apples, orange juice, zest, water and thyme.

Season with salt and pepper, cover and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until turnip and apples are very soft.

Drain any extra liquid and purée in a food processor.

Return purée to pot and add cream. Heat over low heat and stir to combine. Serve hot with a little fresh black pepper.

d e z a l G r e Cid s h g i h T n e k Chic Serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS 8 chicken thighs, skin on and bone in salt and pepper 250 mL (1 cup) apple cider 125 mL (1/2 cup) apple cider vinegar 30 mL (2 tbsp) butter Method Heat oven to 425 F. Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20 min.

Meanwhile, boil apple cider and apple cider vinegar in a small frying pan or sauce pot over medium high heat, until it has thickened and reduced to about 45 mL (3 tbsp), 10-15 min.

Remove pan from heat. Add butter 15 mL (1 tbsp) at a time and swirl to incorporate.

Remove chicken from oven and drain any juices.

Baste chicken with sauce and return to top third of the oven. Baste every couple of minutes until the chicken is finished and has reached and internal temperature of 160 F.

40 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

n i k p m u P Spiced ake C t d n u B Serves 10-12 INGREDIENTS 625 mL (2-1/2 cups) sugar 250 mL (1 cup) canola oil 3 eggs 750 mL (3 cups) all-purpose flour 10 mL (2 tsp) baking soda 5 mL (1 tsp) ground cinnamon 5 mL (1 tsp) ground nutmeg 2 mL (1/2 tsp) salt 1 mL (1/4 tsp) ground cloves 454 g (1 lb) solid-pack pumpkin icing sugar

Method Heat to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine sugar and oil until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves; add to egg mixture alternately with pumpkin, beating well after each addition.

Transfer to a greased 25-cm (10-inch) bundt pan.

Bake 60-65 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the centre comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Remove pan and cool completely. Dust with icing sugar.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 41

in the kitchen|Lemon Bistro Livio and Margaret Veroni in the Lemon Bistro’s garden.

Seasonal cooking rooted in tradition

by S UE K A NHA I | Photogr aphy B y Naomi Hiltz

Chef Livio Veroni wants to set the record straight with current-day foodies. They may think they’re the ones who discovered gastronomy but he asserts his ancestors beat them to the punch.

“I come from a real foodie generation, old school. I’m part of that group that saw our chickens slaughtered live, our lambs for Easter too,” he says. His mother is Roman and his father Pugliese. Central Italy close to Rome, he says, has long been known for its love for and dedication to excellent food.

Lemon Bistro, his restaurant, is tucked along

42 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

the west side of Main Street Markham. Run by his tight-knit family, it is European in style.

The intimate space boasts an open kitchen, a backyard herb garden, a small but often-tweaked chalkboard menu and a favourable east-west orientation with natural cooling breezes.

Chef Livio and his wife Margaret first opened the restaurant in 2005. Their three sons—Christian, 37, a lawyer who helps out on weekends, and twins Adam and Daniel, 35,—all happily pitch in and contribute to its success.

Livio heads up the kitchen, where the focus is on fresh-from-the-garden ingredients. Dessert

selections are handmade in-house by Margaret, who’s a whiz with sweets.

“Daniel is our back-up man. He takes care of everything here,” Livio says. “He does all the pastries, makes fresh pasta and mozzarella cheese for us. He has learned everything himself and he does it all.”

Creativity, as well as culinary acumen, clearly runs in the family. Livio is also a painter and sculptor, self-taught. The art that lines the walls are all his original works. Though their three sons live downtown and have found success in different careers, they help out regularly. Artistic

and creative, each is a capable cook in his own right.

“First of all, this place is different,” says the chef. “There’s a touch of the traditional, which I guess represents my wife and I, but our sons are the diplomats of this place. They’re keen on new ideas like craft beer selections, wines and food trends.”

Here you’ll find no official printed menu. A chalkboard hangs on the wall listing the night’s options: seasonal dishes, typically, with a French or Italian flavour. Sometimes offerings are listed on the website for curious diners, sometimes not.

The pair shops for fresh ingredients daily. The day GoodLife visited the menu’s main dishes included beef tenderloin, blackened salmon, a cider-brined pork chop and handmade pappardelle pasta with roasted chicken and sweet peppers.

“We’re eclectic,” Livio says. “We change our menus on a regular basis, weekly or every couple of days, but there are mainstays that we keep.”

The small garden out back contains mostly perennial herbs along with a handful of annuals and some cherry tomatoes around the perimeter. They grow basil, sage, parsley and tarragon, which the chef describes as “the Cadillac of herbs.”

The heritage location itself is a draw. Housed in one of the oldest buildings on Main Street, the space was once a private home, which explains

the restaurant’s charming divisions into front and back rooms. The chef is forthcoming and surprisingly matter-of-fact when he mentions that the property has two resident ghost, whom he describes as friendly, “no trouble,” a benevolent presence.

Livio and Margaret have been cooking for a living since 1989 when they started their first venture. Their inspiration?

“It’s mostly family,” says the chef, for whom the endeavour is clearly a labour of love. “We jumped into this. It’s our kitchen and our restaurant. It’s what we do.”

Lemon Bistro 76 Main St. N., Markham 905-209-8513 lemonbistro.com

Pork Belly & Diver Ocean Scallops

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS w 500 g (1 lb) pork belly, salted over night 8 scallops 250g (1/2 lb) pickled okra (boiled in vinegar/ water/cloves/allspice/sugar) assorted root vegetables and potatoes, cubed and parboiled salt and pepper 30 mL (2 tbsp) butter sage leaves, fried

METHOD Cut pork belly into 8 pieces. Cook in skillet, over medium heat, until brown and crispy.

Remove from skillet and set aside. Add scallops to heated pan, browning both sides.

In a clean skillet, sauté cubed vegetables and potatoes in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Divide vegetables among 4 plates and layer each with 2 pieces pork belly and 2 with scallops.

Deglaze skillet with 60 mL (1/4 cup) water and add butter.

Divide sauce among plates and garnish with fried sage.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 43

on tap

Grillin’ and chillin’

Take barbecue season into fall with these beers

by Robin LeBlanc I don’t know about you, but one of the things I look forward to most about summer is stepping out into my backyard with a few choice meats, cracking open a fine beer and spending the next hour or two by my old Weber charcoal grill.

I can’t quite explain it, but being outside in this beautiful country with nothing more to focus on than how well the food is cooking – and how properly “refreshed” I am while at my “post” – just puts me in a state of absolute Zen. Whether it’s just for you and yours or a

large group of friends, absolutely nothing beats being the “grillmeister” and seeing the look of appreciation on the faces of the people you’re feeding.

So why not take that feeling into the fall with this list of beers that pair well some of the more common barbecue dishes?

Robin LeBlanc is an award-winning beer writer and owner of thethirstywench.com. She is also the co-author of The Ontario Craft Beer Guide, available in stores now

Grilled Chicken Absent Landlord Kolsch ABV: 5.3% LCBO#469981 A recent arrival to the Ontario beer scene, Blythbased Cowbell Brewery has opened up with their incredibly accessible Absent Landlord Kolsch, inspired by the man Blyth was named after, a wealthy English landowner who never made the trip to visit his Canadian namesake. Distinct notes of lemongrass cut through even the driest chicken’s flavours rather nicely, creating a wonderful companion.

44 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Collingwood Brewery Saison ABV: 7% LCBO#466201 If you like a little bit of spice added to your birds, Collingwood Brewery’s Saison, with its sweet orange blossom character, distinctive hint of clove and very subtle fennel notes in a dry finish will go exquisitely with Chinese five-spice or a soy-and-honey-glazed barbecue chicken.

Walk Through

Seafood

Burgers

Samuel Adams Boston Lager ABV: 4.9% LCBO#365601 (single can), 307330 (sixpack) No one knows seafood and beer like New Englanders, so when putting some “shrimp on the barbie,” you really can’t beat Samuel Adams Boston Lager. This Vienna lager’s light malt character and distinct, but restrained floral hop presence will bring out all the best qualities of your seafood and help you understand why Boston Lager is one of the top-selling craft beers in America.

Sunnyside Session IPA ABV: 3.9% LCBO#467019 Sometimes one of the best things to pair with a burger and all the fixings is a nice and bright, hoppy IPA. Consider Great Lakes Brewery’s Sunnyside Session IPA..a low-alcohol IPA that doesn’t skimp on the grapefruit citrus notes that blend well with a tasty, medium-rare burger. For an extra treat, you can really enhance the spice character of a lamb burger with this beer.

Nut Brown Ale

Sawdust City Coriolis Effect Berliner Weiss ABV: 3.5% LCBO#466219 If your seafood leanings are going toward more the whitefish or trout side of things, the Sawdust City Coriolis Effect Berliner Weiss will take your dish to the next level, by adding a sour and acidic lemon characteristic, which will effectively boost up the flavour profile of your dish, making it taste new and exciting. Your friends will beg for seconds.

ABV: 5% LCBO#422121 However, as any good burger lover will tell you, “it’s all about the condiments.” So if you have things like mushrooms, bacon or swiss cheese on your patty, a beer with a nice, malty backbone is going to help bring out those qualities and give a delicious, almost gravy-like addition to an already tasty burger. For that I suggest the award-winning and much-loved Nut Brown Ale from Black Oak Brewing. Brewed since 1999, Black Oak Nut Brown features a fine balance of roasted coffee and chocolate in a slightly nutty and toasted body, with a mild bitterness toward the end. One bite and one sip and you may just find yourself in burger bliss.

Sausage Side Launch Wheat ABV: 5.3% LCBO#385674 Sausage is a very forgiving food pairing because it can go with all sorts of beers and it almost always works out. But if you’re cooking up brats, going with Side Launch Wheat will be the best decision to possibly make. Side Launch Wheat is Bavarian Hefeweizen so true to style that, during its earlier incarnation as Denison’s Weissbier, the Crown Prince of Bavaria was a key investor. Expect notes of banana and cloves with a creamy mouth feel that cuts through the grease of a nice sausage with ease and creates an ultimate summer flavour combination.

Your Life With Comfort.

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For appointment call us at 905-470-2440 or visit us at markhampodiatry.com

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Unit 5. Markham Mews Plaza GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 45

vintages|new favourites

Wine ... online Specialty bottles now available with a click, but also found in LCBO boutique stores

By Michael Pinkus The LCBO has been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century, offering up two new initiatives to its customers. One began in May 2015 and the other just this past July.

Back in 2015, the LCBO started opening special country themed boutiques. To refresh your memory, the Ontario system of alcohol sales contains a number of wine agents who bring in wines for both private order and on consignment. Some of those wines sit in the LCBO warehouse waiting for restaurants and private customers to order them from said agent, but never see the light of day at the retail level.

Well, the LCBO opened up a new channel for these wines — products of the world specialty boutiques. These are stores-within-a-store and carry all the products in the system (LCBO and agent) in one location from a particular country.

The problem is you have to go to the store to get them, and they are not available through the new online ordering system ... which brings me to my next big news.

You did read that cor-

rectly, the LCBO now allows you to order online for either home delivery (for a fixed delivery charge) or to the store nearest you (for free). Online wine shopping is huge south of the border, both direct from the winery and through various retailers (like Amazon) or wine clubs (like Virgin Wine). This trend continues to grow as more and more people become comfortable with giving their personal details online and shopping without the need for actually handling what they’re buying. Now granted, it’s not all their products, but it is a step in the right direction for a retailer that has been sorely lacking in innovative ideas and has generally stuck with a 1920s mentality when it comes to the sale of booze.

A list of specialty stores can be found on hellolcco.com (products of the world specialty boutiques) and includes: Greek, Portugal, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Kosher wines, with more being added in the future.

Michael Pinkus is a multi-award-winning wine writer, past-president of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada and creator of the Grape Guy Events app.

You can find him at michaelpinkuswinereview.com.

Graham Beck 2011 Premier Covee Brut Blanc de Blancs South Africa | $23.95 | LCBO#907568 Usually vintages dated bubbly this good is going to run you $10-plus more dollars from most other places in the world and at least $30 more for the “real stuff” (Champagne), so take advantage of this pure delight for the senses with lemon/lime, mineral, yeasty and refreshingly crisp notes that will have you wondering if it is the real stuff. hhhh

Diamond Ridge 2014 Chardonnay California |$22.95 | LCBO#458794 Good Napa Chardonnay can be a pricey endeavour, but if you know where to look, this one’s full of Chardonnay goodness and won’t cost an arm and a leg: pineapple, apple purée, hints of lemon drop candy and a creamy mouth-filling texture. hhhh

Domaine Roche-Audran 2012 Cesar Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages France | $24.95 | LCBO#452243 Simply put, this is such a gorgeous bottle of wine that you’ll have trouble stopping at just one: licorice, black cherry, raspberry, vanilla—and those are just for starters— this wine has depth, balance and flavour, plus it’s sultry and delicious. h h h h+

Velenosi 2013 Brecciarolo Rosso Picano Superiore Italy | $13.95 | LCBO#732560 A multi-layered Italian blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano that delivers blueberry, mocha-cherry, tobacco, plum and so much more for not a lot of dough.

Your friends will think you’re spoiling them — but I won’t tell if you don’t. hhhh

Quinta Nova de Nossa 2011 Senhora do Carmo Colheita Tinto Portugal | $19.95 | LCBO#452748 If you haven’t discovered Portuguese table wine yet, then this is a good time. This red-fruited, multi-grape blend is “loaded for bear” (as they say) with great spice and black fruit on the finish. hhhh

Jean Collet & Fils 2014 Montee de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru France | $37.95 | LCBO#405720 Chablis is known for its crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnays and this one does not disappoint. Plus, there’s lime meringue and crunchy green apple ... plenty to enjoy here. hhhh

46 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

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food|apples

50 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

u m t u A in the n

Orchard

By ANDREW HIND

You know fall has arrived when apple orchards open to the public. With so many farms in York Region offering great crops—and, sometimes entertainment for children—apple picking is an enjoyable family outing. For many families, it’s almost an autumn ritual.

It’s been this way for hundreds of years. The only difference is that in years past, the apple harvest was a necessity—and a vital job that provided food stores for the coming winter.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 51

food|apples

Apple picking in the past Most settlers in York would have quickly established an apple orchard as soon as their land had been cleared. The reason is simple: Apple trees generally gave good yields in the region’s climate and provided a host of valuable food items. Relatively few apples were eaten fresh; that was a luxury farmers couldn’t afford. Instead, they pared and cored them for drying as a winter food store or made applesauce or apple butter. If the farmer had an apple press, he might even leave aside some of the crop for apple cider.

Paring bees were often held in the autumn, with young and old alike competing good-naturedly to see who could peel the most apples or who could get the peel off in one single strand. A young woman who peeled an apple in a single piece would twirl the peel over her head and drop it on the floor. The letter that

it resembled was said to be the initial of her future husband.

Varieties Before going to an orchard, you will want to identify the kind of apples you want to pick.

Begin by determining your intentions: Do you want to eat the fruit fresh, store it for winter or bake with it? Once you’ve decided, you’ll be able to identify the variety that best suits your needs.

“There are literally hundreds of apple varieties in existence, and we ourselves grow 16 kinds. They all have their own characteristics.

Some are best for eating, others for baking or storing, but really that’s just a guideline— some people, for example, like a crispy apple in their pie and others like a softer one,” explains Paul Brooks, owner of Brooks Farms, founded more than 160-years ago and offer-

k c i p o t e r e h W

52 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

ing apples since 2005.

Since there are too many to outline here, we’ve touched on some of the most popular.

McIntosh is by far the most popular variety of apple in Canada. Native to Ontario, it was first grown around 1800 and remains a stalwart due to its appearance, taste and crispness.

McIntosh apples normally ripen in mid to late September, but they require cool days to ripen properly. So, if the month is unusually hot, you may want to wait a few more weeks before picking them. McIntosh apples can be stored for 60 to 90 days and are equally good fresh or in pies.

Cortland was cultivated in New York State in the early 1900s. Very hardy, it looks like McIntosh in most respects, but is somewhat larger and ripens in mid-October. Its flesh browns very slowly when cut, making it ideal for pies, although it also tastes great when eaten fresh.

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“

It’s so popular, it’s double the price of other apples ... if it can even be found!”

Cortland apples can be stored for 90 to 100 days.

Spartan has made inroads in Ontario of late.

It’s yet another McIntosh hybrid, although its generally larger and firmer. Best eaten fresh, Spartans ripen in late September or early October.

Northern Spy is a large, green fruit with red stripes and is known for its crispness. Excellent for cooking and baking, it can be stored for 120 to 150 days and ripens in mid-October.

“One of the most sought after variety of apples today is Honey Crisp, a sweet and tart apple that’s really crispy, very large, and with a reddish-green color. It’s so popular, it’s double the price of other apples, as much as $4 a pound in supermarkets—if it can even be found!” says Brooks. “It’s a strong variety, so we’re also growing an apple very similar to Honey Crisp, but more robust, called Ambrosia.”

Visiting an orchard Visiting an apple orchard can provide hours of entertainment for the entire family. Many offer some form of entertainment during the harvest season. Homestead Farms, in Sutton, has wagon rides, a playground and a bakeshop, for example, while Brooks Farms has Fall Fun Festival weekends starting Sept. 10 that include pig races, pumpkin cannons, ziplines, a corn maze and a host or farm fun for all ages. As rule, however, it’s wise to call ahead to confirm the orchard is open, what (if any) entertainment might be offered that day and to determine which apple varieties are ready for picking.

“Keep in mind that apple orchards are on working farms, so treat the property with respect, don’t bring pets (except, naturally, service dogs), wear appropriate footwear (boots if it has been

raining) and it can get hot out in the open so bring a hat and sunscreen,” explains Pamela Ralph-Romeril, owner of Pine Farms Orchard in King.

Harvesting and storing How do you know if an apple is ready to pick? Ralph-Romeril has a tried and true method: “The old expression is ‘eye to the sky and twist.’ Lift it gently so its eye faces the sky, then twist gently. If ripe, it should come off the branch easily, with the stalk remaining on the fruit. If you simply pull the apple, others will fall and be bruised and wasted.”

Handle apples gently so they don’t bruise.

They are pretty durable so you can place them layered in plastic bags or in baskets, but to be certain they don’t get damaged during transport you can line the container with soft material, such as newspaper or towels.

To store your apples, lightly wrap each one in wax paper and then newspaper. Don’t make it an airtight seal, however; simply fold the edge over gently. Apples can be stored without wrapping, but this increases the risk of moisture loss and the chances of rot.

You can also store apples in plastic bags, preferably small ones, with no more than half a dozen apples per bag.

You can purchase bags specifically

designed to keep fruit and vegetables fresh or make small holes in the plastic to prevent rotting. Put only one variety in each bag. Store apples in a dark, cool place (between 2 and 5 C is ideal) that is slightly humid and make sure to remove apples that show signs of rotting.

Heidi (Pegg) Dykeman grew up on the farm that’s home to Homestead Orchards, as did her father, Larry Pegg, before her. She’s watched as the pick-your-own apple market has grown over the 20 years that her family has been in the business. She thinks she knows the secret why: “It’s just great family fun, a way to get outside, enjoy the experience of visiting a farm and maybe try something different! Even young kids enjoy it—parents put them in a wagon and pull them around the farm,” she explains.

“It’s just a fun day and you come home with fresh apples.”

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 53

events

21

THINGS to DO

Markham Fair

1

Markham Fair September 29, 30, October 1, 2 Markham Fairgrounds From midway rides and monster truck madness to the heavy horse show and animal displays to children’s entertainers, live bands and great foods, the Markham Fair offers fun for the whole family.

Information: markhamfair.ca

2

Our Town, Our Talent October 13 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts Jackie Richardson, Richmond Hill’s own stage legend, headlines the first performance of the 2016/2017 season. One of the country’s foremost singers of blues, jazz and gospel music, Richardson brings her incredible energy and dynamic performance to opening night. Also featuring singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julie Gibb along with the edgy yet soulful Stacey Renée.

Information: rhcentre.ca

3

Collectif 9 Volksmobiles Tour October 14 Flato Markham Theatre A nine-piece string ensemble, collectif9 presents classical music with rock-style charisma, combining boldness and the highest musical standards with amplification and lighting.

Classical music meets pop-culture audiences in diverse spaces. From Gagnon to Golijov, Brahms to Schnittke, the group’s repertoire defines its identity. Many pieces are original arrangements.

Information: markhamtheatre.ca

54 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

4

8

5

9

Jane Bunnett & Maqueque World Tour 2016 October 21 Flato Markham Theatre Illustrious Canadian saxophonist, flutist and leader in the world/jazz music scene, Jane Bunnett takes you on a musical journey into the heart of Cuban music and culture. Long revered for her adventures into Cuban jazz, Bunnett, with allfemale sextet, Maqueque, combines Afro-Cuban rhythms, exhilarating jazz and soulful vocals into one scintillating sound.

Information: markhamtheatre.ca

Flato Markham Theatre Discovery Gala October 22 Rock ’n’ roll legend, Burton Cummings performs at this annual fundraiser for the theatre’s Discovery Program, which provides education programming and community outreach activities to Markham’s youth and diverse community.

A multiple Juno Award winner for his music written with rock band The Guess Who, as well as a solo artist, Cummings is a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame.

Information: markhamtheatre.ca

6

The Beginners Guide to the Blues October 22 Nineteen on the Park, Stouffville Starring Chuck Jackson and Johnny Max, this is a night where a couple of long-time friends and leaders in the Canadian blues community get together and give you an evening of blues and roots music like you have never seen before.

A few jokes, some bad dance moves and all fantastic music.

Information: nineteenonthepark.com

7

ON!STAGE: Dan Hill October 23 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts The ON!STAGE series opens with Grammy award-winner, Canadian singer and songwriter Dan Hill. Best known for his No. 1 hit Sometimes When We Touch, Hill has been a writing, performing and producing force in the industry for over 40 years. The ON!STAGE series pushes the boundaries of the performing arts and invites the audience to sit right on stage.

Information: rhcentre.ca

online

Looking for something fun to do?

Check out events on yorkregion.com

in your community

Luis Bravo’s Forever Tango October 28 Flato Markham Theatre Luis Bravo’s Forever Tango is a phenomenal production featuring 14 world-class tango dancers, one vocalist and an onstage orchestra for an evening that celebrates the passionate music and dance of Argentina. The production opened on Broadway in 1998 and won the Tony Award for best choreography. Sizzling media reviews and huge demand for tickets forced the show to run for 14 months and it’s been back three times since.

Information: markhamtheatre.ca

Spirit of Hope October 29 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts Building toward Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, Sprit of Hope celebrates new Canadians to our local community. Musical history has a long list of composers who were forced to leave their homeland, finding new opportunity and an ability to continue their contributions and evolution of the musical repertoire.

This concert celebrates historically significant refugee composers, including Rachmaninov, Bartók, Schönberg and Hindemith, and features one of Canada’s newest composers from Kurdistan, Nauroz Tanya. Presented by the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra.

Information: rhcentre.ca Hiromi

10

Hiromi: The Trio Project November 2 Flato Markham Theatre Hiromi electrifies audiences and critics from the East and West with a creative energy that encompasses and eclipses the boundaries of jazz, classical, and pop parameters, taking improvisation and composition to new heights of complexity and sophistication. Hiromi’s new CD, Alive, features her critically-acclaimed The Trio Project, consisting of contrabass guitarist Anthony Jackson (Steely Dan, Paul Simon) and the drummer Simon Phillips (Judas Priest) create an intoxicating jazz ozone for the soul.

Information: markhamtheatre.ca

The 5 Browns

11

The 5 Browns November 3 Flato Markham Theatre Amid scorching piano runs, sweet melodies and thunderous finales, The 5 Browns are waking up classical music. With every complex five-piano arrangement, they saturate immortal scores with fresh energy, dynamic character and splashes of tonal colour. Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae became the first family of five siblings to be simultaneously accepted into New York’s prestigious Juilliard School. The 5 Browns have released three CDs that soared to No. 1 on Billboard Magazine’s Classical Album Chart. Information: markhamtheatre.ca

12

Tokyo Police Club November 4 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts #rocktheburbs returns with Tokyo Police Club.

Since the release of the Newmarket natives’ first single Nature of the Experiment, they’ve continued to write indie hits, like Hot Tonight, Tunnel Vision and Your English is Good. At the same time, they’ve been on several world tours and have appeared on Late Night with David Letterman.

Information: rhcentre.ca

14

Matthew Barber and Jill Barber: The Family Album November 11 Flato Markham Theatre These remarkably talented siblings collaborated to recapture the golden age of song writing, jazz vocals, folk and roots music. On The Family Album, released in April, the duo delve into the great Canadian songbook, from Ian Tyson’s Summer Wages to Neil Young’s Comes a Time, while honouring song writing greats Bobby Charles and Townes Van Zandt.

Information: markhamtheatre.ca

15

Aboriginal Ways of Knowing November 12 York Regional Forest, Hollidge Tract, Whitchurch-Stouffville Aboriginal cultures have a long-standing connection with the forest. Through storytelling and forest discovery, you’ll learn about the history and modern-day forest connections with Aboriginal cultures. Registration required.

Information: york.ca/forestevents

16

ON!STAGE: Roman Zavada November 14 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts Resurrecting the lost art of silent movie accompaniment, Roman Zavada will take you on a journey to the past with two silent films: Sherlock Jr. and Seven Chances. The ON!STAGE series pushes the boundaries of the performing arts and invites the audience to sit right on stage.

Information: rhcentre.ca

17 Tokyo Police Club

13

ProArte Danza Diversion and Fearful Symmetries

November 4 Flato Markham Theatre ProArte Danza is a new, unique, visionary dance company, created to showcase the best choreographers and dancers from both ballet and modern dance backgrounds. Founded by former National Ballet of Canada dancer and renowned choreographer Roberto Capanella, the fusion of two such diverse disciplines celebrates the vibrant potency of both, and demonstrates that choreography can bridge the common divide between each art form.

Information: markhamtheatre.ca

Zero Gravity Circus November 18 Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts Toronto-based Zero Gravity Circus has been bringing together aerialists, contortionists, theatrical clowns, acrobats, fire-dancers, swordswallowers, wire-walkers, high-divers, sideshow acts, jugglers, hula-hoop artists, magicians and mind readers to world audiences since 1996!

Richmond Hill is the next stop as they take the RHCPA stage for one magical night.

Information: rhcentre.ca

Matthew and Jill Barber

18

Shanghai Acrobats present Shanghai Nights November 25 and 26 Flato Markham Theatre Pageantry and precision, beauty and balance, spins and spectacle! Founded more than 50 years ago, this company has become one of the most influential and competitive acrobatic companies in China. With their confounding contortions, aerial silks, twirling lanterns, hoop diving, unicycle troupe and gravity-defying acts, they’ve won many awards at acrobatic and circus competitions at home and abroad — and won the hearts of audiences in more than 30 countries.

Information: markhamtheatre.ca

19

Dala Concert November 26 Nineteen on the Park, Stouffville Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for vocal group of the year, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. These two best friends met in their high school music class in 2002; they have since released five albums and toured extensively across North America.

Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.

Information: nineteenonthepark.com

20

Main Street Markham Farmers Market Saturdays to October 8 A Markham tradition, this charming market features organically grown fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, preserves, flowers and more.

Information: mainstreetmarkham.com

21

Stiver Mill Farmers Market Sundays to October 9

ProArte

Unionville Pick up seasonal produce and more at this market held inside and on the grounds of the restored Stiver Mill.

Information: unionvillestivermillmarket.com

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 55

portfolio |Marnie and Rena Schwartz

s e k a it t

O TW wartz

a Sch nd Ren

rnie a a M s n Twi sm for a i s u h t n share e g eachin t , e c n da

v id

by D a

56 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Li

As the co-founders of ViBE Dance & Fitness Studios, a successful business currently in its 14th year of operation, identical twins Marnie and Rena Schwartz are grateful to be pursuing their lifelong passion while making a positive impact on their students.

Growing up in Thornhill, the pair attended Westminster Public School and Vaughan Secondary and regularly danced in school productions and community events.

By the time they reached university, the Thornhill twins, who are trained in multiple disciplines of dance including jazz, tap, acro and ballet, were eager to take their passion to the next level.

While at York University, they started a dance program with the York Region District School Board called Artlinks. They worked with 10 different public schools and ran dance classes that ended in a big performance in each school.

“It was an incredible experience sharing our love of dance with teachers, parents and so many different groups of learners,” says Marnie, the elder twin by six minutes.

Another memorable experience the sisters shared during their university years was dancing at the Air Canada Centre as part of the Toronto Raptors’ Dance Pak. “People in the crowd would often notice that we were twins and many of the fans would play ‘spot the twins’ at the Raptors games. To this day, we are recognized by random people as Raptors’ Dance Pak members and it is so special,” says Rena who danced with her sister for the Raptors from 1999 to 2001.

After graduating from York as teachers, the pair supply taught for a year before making the decision to open up ViBE Dance & Fitness Studios in 2002.

“We have always believed in the connection between dance and fitness and building selfesteem and we wanted to create a dance studio where every dancer, boy or girl, three-yearold, teenager or adult, can feel good about themselves, can learn to love to dance in a noncompetitive environment and can feel special and a valued member of a close community,” Marnie says.

Located at the corner of Dufferin Street and Clark Avenue — across the street from their old high school — ViBE is a high quality recreational dance and fitness studio for dancers of all ages and levels.

“We have experienced dancers looking to improve their skills. We have dancers with Down syndrome who are seamlessly integrated into our classes. We have a unique class called VIP for dancers with cerebral palsy and spectrum disorders who may use a wheelchair. And in every class, the goal is for dancers to build confidence through dance,” Marnie says Given their roots in Thornhill, the co-owners take pride in ViBE’s special connection with the community, which has seen students perform at fundraisers, seniors’ residences and schools in Thornhill and across York Region.

They are also proud to offer many of their students the opportunity to experience the

excitement of dancing at the Air Canada Centre—just like they did during their days as members of the Raptors Dance Pak. Over the past eight seasons, ViBE has been a participant in the Toronto Raptors’ Dance Day, which sees students from various dance studios perform at the Air Canada Centre during halftime.

“We always enjoy having the ViBE dancers perform on Dance Day. It is truly amazing to see so many dancers of all ages performing with such enthusiasm and pristine execution,” says Amberley Waddell, dance director and choreographer for the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak. “Marnie and Rena never cease to amaze me.

Their choreography is always fun and innovative but what impresses me even more is their ability to create routines which cater to all age groups.”

The studio also hosts a full weekend of yearend recitals in June, where families and friends come to celebrate the dancers’ successes.

“It’s just a reminder of how important the whole idea of community and celebration is to ViBE,” Marnie says.

Looking at the big picture, the ViBE co-owners are grateful that their 11,000 square feet state of the art studio enables them to incorporate their skills as educators with their passion and enthusiasm for dance.

“We truly love what we do and the impact that we make at ViBE and we feel fortunate to be able to turn our passion for dance and the arts into a unique career,” Rena says.

“We want to continue to inspire our students to work hard, be passionate and kind... to learn from and with others and be motivated to reach their goals—being able to do that is the most rewarding part.”

Marnie and Rena Schwartz with other Raptors’ Dance Pak Alumni.

“

We want to continue to inspire our students to work hard, be passionate and kind... and be motivated to reach their goals—being able to do that is the most rewarding part.”

– Rena Schwartz

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 57

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Beauty Spot

FACE MASKS for every skin situation

By Daniela DiStefano

Once considered an occasional indulgence involving a pricey spa, face masks have become an essential step in our skin care routine. Today’s athome masks are next level, jam-packed with ingredients to treat just about every skin type and problem. Whether you prefer peel-off, exfoliating, no-rinse or clay, there’s a mask for your busy schedule and price point.

60 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

When you want to wake up younger

When you’re on a beauty budget Multitasking products are key for frugal beauty routines and this drug store buy does double duty as both a daily cleanser and weekly clay mask. Spread a thin layer over skin and let the charcoal dry to watch it draw out impurities and minimize pores.

Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Pore Purifying Clay Cleanser + Mask $11 | drugstores

This foil-backed sheet mask will bring your nighttime skin routine to the next level. Its powerful formula provides a surge of hydration that penetrates the skin and works overnight to give a more radiant and renewed appearance by morning.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Powerfoil Mask | $88 Hudson’s Bay

When your skin is feeling lacklustre Brightening masks typically contain alpha hydroxy acids to slough off dead skin cells and reveal fresh cells underneath.

This one also uses honey and coconut milk to moisturize and nourish, and tamanu and turmeric oils to calm redness and promote skin regeneration.

Brightening Face Mask by Leaves of Trees $32 | leavesoftrees.com

When you only have 10 minutes For many of us, our under-eye area is the first to show signs of stress and fatigue, but a jam-packed iCal means there’s no room for a time-consuming remedy. Put on these pre-moistened pads while you’re making dinner or prepping for a night out and let the aloe vera and cucumber formula instantly hydrate, refresh and brighten the delicate skin underneath your eyes.

Estée Edit Stress Relief Eye Mask $46 | Sephora

When you overdid it in the sun

When you’re new to face masks If you’re a bit hesitant to jump into the face mask routine, start off with this gentle gel formula that has an intoxicating floral sent. The lightweight mask of rosehip oil and aloe vera leaves skin petal soft and looking youthfully dewy after every treatment.

British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask $28 | The Body Shop

A summer of sun worship can irritate skin to the point of dehydration. Make amends before fall with this moisture-infused formula of safflower oil to restore the skin’s disrupted barrier. Use it again when winter returns to fight off sensitivities and tightness brought on by colder temperatures.

Eau Thermale Avène Soothing Moisture Mask $35 | Shoppers Drug Mart

When you have a big event Any makeup artist worth their weight in blush will tell you their work will look much more flawless when your skin is properly prepped for application. Use this peel off purifier before a special occasion to purge skin of build-up and look radiant in photos.

StriVectin Silver Peel Off Purifier $72 | beautyboutique.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 61

travel|Rhine Getaway

THE RIVER RHINE 62 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Cruise visits historic European cities

by BarT Card I’ve done a few riverboat cruises in recent years and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them.

The rising popularity of riverboat cruising has made it a hit among all age groups. Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday or to explore a unique part of the world, there is a riverboat cruise for you. Looking for something a little different this time around, I opted to try a Viking cruise, travelling south on the Rhine, stopping in seven diverse locations, each with their own market. The Rhine Getaway is offered all year round, but in the later part of the year, you are able to take advantage of the Christmas markets.

We began our trip in Amsterdam, where I spent the afternoon exploring and visiting some of the cheese shops. When I returned to the ship,

I went on a little self-guided tour. With its head office in the United States, Viking Cruises was established in 1997 and offers both ocean and river cruises. Viking cruises are focused on destinations and are crafted carefully to offer more hours in port and to ensure enrichment through local guides, foods and destinations.

Viking’s Longships offer 95 staterooms on three separate levels. There is a sundeck with 360-degree views, organic herb garden, putting green and walking track. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows and offers casual yet elegant dining. Included is free ship-wide wireless Internet service.

Sailing mostly in the evenings allows for longer days at shore. By the time I woke up on the

second day, we were in Kinderdijk, the Netherlands. Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting an amazing network of windmills.

Designed predominately as a flood control measure, the windmills of Kinderdijk are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Netherlands.

I also toured local shops, sampling handcrafted Dutch cheeses and the local juniper liquor called Jenever. This is a national and traditional drink in both the Netherlands and Belgium; it is from this that gin evolved. I personally prefer gin, as Jenever is more of a liqueur. But it was a pick me up.

Cologne was the first of the two German cities we visited and has been voted Germany’s most popular tourist attraction. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 63

travel|Rhine Getaway

When I visit any big city, my first question is always: Are there markets? Happily there are numerous ones in Cologne, but this time I settled for visiting a couple. Certainly the most beautiful and also the most expensive was Altstadt Rheinpromenade, an antique market. At Christmas, the market caters specifically to children, with numerous toy vendors, a skating rink, a carousel and the Heimat der Heinzel Market (Home of the Elves).

For those who want to explore beyond the markets, you can stroll through Old Town and spend some time inside the Dom, a Gothic cathedral constructed from 1248 to 1880. Other things to

64 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

do in Cologne include visiting a dockside tavern, café or any of the wonderful shops.

In Heidelberg, we toured Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386, as well as the sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle and took a walking tour though the Old Town.

From Germany, we ventured to Strasbourg, France, where we went on a guided tour of European Parliament and the interior of the city’s famed cathedral. In 1988, Strasbourg’s historic city centre was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the first time the designation was bestowed upon an entire city centre. Strasbourg has a strong

French-German history, giving the city a unique cultural feel.

From Strasbourg it was on to Basel, Switzerland. After breakfast on the ship, I departed for the airport with all of my gifts stowed safely away. This scenic river cruise gives you all the highlights of the Rhine in just eight days and, if you’re lucky enough to travel in December, you can get all of your Christmas shopping done as well.

River cruises have become very popular and I often get asked about them. Viking Cruises offer comfortable staterooms and very good food and they take the stress out of organizing sightseeing.

At every destination, there is a coach waiting at the ship to take you on your tour.

Viking offers destination-centric river and ocean cruising designed for experienced travellers with an interest in geography, culture and history. Featuring onboard cultural enrichment and including shore excursions, Viking’s journeys are competitively priced for genuine value.

The company has a fleet of 59 river vessels offering scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, Egypt, China and Southeast Asia. The sophisticated state-of-the-art Viking Star ocean ship hosts 930 guests on itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic, western and eastern Mediterranean and Caribbean and North America.

Viking Sea, launched in April 2016 and a third ship, Viking Sky, is under construction for delivery in early 2017.

For more information: vikingcruisescanada.com.

Recommendation...

My recommendation for a unique cruise would be the Christmas Market Cruise.

Christmas markets originated in parts of Europe as far back as the late Middle Ages. Christmas markets in Frankfurt and Munich date back to the 1300s, although each market has the same Christmas theme, each offers a unique feel specific to that location. In many parts of Germany, the opening of the Christmas market indicates the starting of Advent.

Markets are typically held in the town square and, among other things, they sell food, drink and seasonal items, as well as being a stage for performances of all kinds. Best of all are the decorations, which have uniquely regional differences that are a wonder to behold.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 65

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