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contents
24
12 10 Down to the Details 12 House of Treas;ures 18 Second-hand Style 24 Rooms Gone Right 28 Rooms Gone Right 32 We Like It
School style for everyone
HGTV designer Jo Alcorn adds finishing touches to family room
32
Lakeside home reflects a lifetime of collecting
Vintage items a thrifty way to add unique style to your home
A play room grows up
6 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
10
Pretty in pink
contents
36 Harvest Time 44 In the Kitchen 48
50 46
54
Teens to 20s
How to create a spectacular space for your growing child
50 Vintages 52 Autumn in the Orchard 54 Events 58 Portfolio 60 Travel 62 On Tap
Make the most of a bounty of fresh ingredients
Take barbecue season into fall with these beers
Wine...online
Joia Ristorante serves authentic Italian inspired by family, travel
48
You know fall has arrived when orchards open for apple picking
Arts, culture and outdoor events for the whole family
Lisa Simmons is a new brand of entrepreneur
Cruising along the Rhine
8 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
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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
10 | 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 | 11
home tour|Newmarket
Down to the deta 12 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
ails
The living room was transformed with new furniture and custom drapery that gives height and drama to the space. Laura Stratton starts her days here, enjoying her morning coffee on one of the comfortable sofas. It’s also a great space for entertaining. She fondly refers to the space as the “girlfriend room”—as she and her friends congregate there. Jim Craigmyle photograph
HGTV designer Jo Alcorn adds finishing touches to family home GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 13
home tour|Newmarket
By Tracy Smith
Rob Carter photographs
14 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
When it comes to decorating your home, sometimes the best decision is to ask for help in making decisions. Laura and Scott Stratton bought a Newmarket home with great bones four years ago, but lacked the design know-how to add their own finishing touches and minor tweaks to make it the right space for their family of four. Lucky for the Strattons, Laura crossed paths with Jo Alcorn, design specialist, owner of Whitewash & Co. in Toronto and HGTV personality, within months of moving day. Alcorn became their go-to design guru for a home makeover, creating design plans and giving direction for almost every room in the home, including Laura’s home office, the living room, children’s bedrooms, laundry room and Scott’s contemporary family-friendly man cave in the basement. Alcorn’s HGTV Critical Listing co-host Carson Arthur also jumped on board to lend his expertise and “man-telligence” for a garage transformation. The Strattons quickly came to trust Alcorn’s strategy for creating spaces that were both efficient and appealing to the eye. A term the designer uses often when describing her approach to redesigning spaces for families, is “transitional”. “A family is constantly growing and evolving in their activities and interests so it is really important to design spaces that can evolve over time and that a family can continue to grow into and use, rather than create a space that fits
Jason Hartog photographs
for the moment and lasts one or two years and then become obsolete and unusable,” Alcorn explains. “This is especially true for children’s rooms. I always try to incorporate pieces of furniture that they can use at different ages and that will still suit them in two, five and 10 years down the road. The ‘in the moment’ stuff goes in frames or can be added through bedding and easily replaced when the child’s next area of interest comes along.” The home’s gradual facelift began in the office where Laura works full-time as a public relations consultant. It was important that she have a space she would look forward to spending time in and that functioned for her business. The existing space was uninspiring and provided little work and storage space. “Laura had her tiny desk pushed right up against the wall,” explains Alcorn. “The first thing we did was move the desk out from the wall and face it into the open room; this allowed Laura to have conversations with her family or clients while still at her desk, and having this new desk in the centre of the room provides a sense of confidence, pride and professionalism” —which is often lacking in home work spaces. The new larger desk was chosen for its light
finish and simple design; it doesn’t dominate the space and complements a new storage centre. An azure blue paint was applied to just the back wall to add some personality to the space. Next up was the basement, where Alcorn brought a contemporary twist to the man cave. “Although we were transforming this space with Scott in mind, we also had to make it family-friendly and inviting so everyone could love using the space,” she explains. She divided the space into zones to work with the family’s varied activities and interests—a bar, television and lounge area, homework station, extra seating and storage and display space, with room for Scott’s collections of Star Wars, Lego and comic book memorabilia “I am so happy with how the basement turned out,” Scott says. “It’s a comfortable space for the whole family but man enough for me to feel at home and invite my buddies downstairs for our holiday parties or to watch the game and hang out.” After three years of project plans and design decisions, the Strattons are pleased with the results of Alcorn’s vision. Their house is now a home they are proud of, where each of them has a space that reflects their own personality and a building that brings them together. » GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 15
home tour|Newmarket
Jason Hartog photographs
The Stratton kids’ rooms were designed to grow with them as they enter the teen years. The brick wallpaper in Jameson’s room is youthful, but will also fit a more mature look; and the bright curtains in Capri’s room will grow with her and anchor the room for years to come.
SOURCES Office Accessories: Bouclair Home, Newmarket Desk, storage: Harkel Office Feature wall: Jim Connelly Studios Paint: Para PF17 Jo Jo Whitewash, P5164-44D Brunch with Friends Girl’s room Accessories, bedding, curtains: HomeSense Paint: Para PF6 Sparkling Cuvée Boy’s room Bed, dresser, blind: Ikea Paint: Para PF15 Bianco Feather Laundry Accessories, baskets and light: Bouclair Home, Newmarket Cabinets: Cutler Kitchen and Bath Para PF12 Counters: Belanger Laminates Almond Mauve Hardware: Grass Washer/dryer: Whirlpool Para PF75 Humberstone
Jason Hartog photograph
“The idea of a laundry room has evolved and nowadays, laundry appliances are often a part of the main floor and on display for all to see,” says designer Jo Alcorn. “It is important to make these spaces consistent with the rest of the house and beautiful so people enjoy being in them; this way you don’t have to close the door when company comes over.”
16 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
Basement Sofa: Jo Alcorn Collection Bar: Cutler Modern Living Feature wall: Jim Connelly Studios Paint: walls, Para PF15 Bianco Feather; trim and doors, Para PF17 Jo Jo Whitewash; stripes, Para PF12 Almond Mauve, PF72 Dazzle Denim, PF74 Humberstone, PF75 Quarry Living room Accessories: Bouclair Home, Newmarket Furniture: custom through Whitewash & Co. Garage Gladiator Garage Works Rob Carter photograph
Get more of the
Jim Craigmyle photograph
4 steps to revamp a room Jo Alcorn offers her approach to easy redesign of space. Needs and wants Make a list of everything you want to be able to do and have in the specific space you are revamping. Floor plan Establish zones that meet the needs and wants of Step 1 and determine appropriate traffic flow. Sourcing and shopping Based on your floor plan, research and source the furniture and other supplies you will need to make your plan a reality. Add the pretty This is the step where you get to add the pops of colour and the finishing touches—bold paint, graphic wallpaper, throw pillows, blankets and curtains—to bring the entire space to life and draw people in. A lot of people make the mistake of starting with Step 4, Alcorn says. But, if you don’t plan the space out first, the result can be a pretty, but dysfunctional space with no real purpose or flow.
at yorkregion.com/goodlife
GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 17
home tour|Willow Beach
by Lee Ann Waterman photography by Jim Craigmyle
“T
he biggest compliment to me is if someone comes in to my home and puts their feet up.” Comfortable and cosy is how Angie Cader describes the Willow Beach home where she has lived with husband Terry Holgate and their three dogs for the past two years. A sense of welcome starts on the front porch—where Cader ignore the advice of her painter and chose a sunny yellow colour for the screen doors and Muskoka chairs. The colour is echoed in the potted flowers and an old bicycle that hints at the homeowner’s passion for rescuing and renewing old things. The vignette inside the front door confirms that passion. A muted painting of a farm scene in a rustic wooden frame hangs above an antique church pew, sourced from a farmer who found it in his barn. More found items—a line of ceramic jugs, a crooked stool, an old wheelbarrow, a candleholder fashioned from part of an organ—complete the space. “Early garage sale,” Cader replies when asked to define her style. It’s a style that was born out of necessity—finding items in the trash, at garage sales or second-hand shops was within her budget when buying new wasn’t. That soon led to a one-time business buying, refreshing and selling used furniture in Zephyr—as well as collection of pieces that has waxed and waned over the past 40 years or so. »
18 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
House of
Treasures GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 19
home tour|Willow Beach
One of her oldest pieces is a primitive wood cupboard that, coincidentally, she picked from the side of road where she now lives more than 30 years ago. She stripped wallpaper and applied urethane to the piece, which now serves as storage in one of her guest rooms. Her latest find, picked up just weeks ago at an auction, is a child’s wagon, wood worn and handle rusted with age. She cleaned it up a bit— she tweaks most purchases in some way—and it’s now a coffee table in the mudroom/sunroom. The kitchen is Cader’s favourite room in the house—but it required some work to make it her own. The light oak cabinets were painting a muted green. She added glass inserts to some of the doors and removed others to create open storage—and display space for her collections of yellow ware bowls, jugs and crocks. A cart provides prep space and a home for Cader’s collection of rolling pins. Reproduction fixtures in a vintage style light the kitchen and the large dining table, crafted from the floorboards of an old schoolhouse and found, surprisingly, at La-Z-Boy. »
20 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
“
The biggest compliment to me is if someone comes in to my home and puts their feet up.�
GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 21
home tour|Willow Beach
This home was featured in this year’s Georgina By-The-Lake House Tour, a fundraiser for the Georgina Community Food Pantry. For information on the food pantry and next year’s tour, visit georginafoodpantry.ca.
The property offers frontage on Lake Simcoe, where the couple added a dock.
Angie Cader has added her own touch to most of the furniture in her home. She stripped the cabinet at left until the finish was pleasing to her eye. The cabinet at right was covered in wallpaper when she found it at the side of the road.
22 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
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Other new additions include a sofa and chairs in brown leather with brass nailhead trim, which work with the kitchen-turned-coffee table, a vintage dry sink and “chippy” cupboard to create a comfortable living room. Upstairs are the master suite, which offers a view to the lake, as well as two guestrooms, most often used by Cader’s grandchildren. Her pareddown collection of quilts—log cabin is a favourite pattern—is displayed on the beds, walls and banister. The location was as much a draw for the couple as the quaint two-storey home. The property offers frontage on Lake Simcoe, where they’ve added a dock along the shore. During the summer months, it’s a perfect spot to take the grandchildren for a swim, ride the waves—on a personal watercraft for him and kayak for her—or just enjoy the cool breeze off the lake. With Cader’s collected treasures creating a welcoming space with in and natural treasures beckoning from just beyond the front door, it’s no wonder the couple feel they’ve found the perfect spot to call home.
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GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 23
home|décor
SECOND-HAND
By JOANN MACDONALD | PHOTOGRAPHY By NAOMI HILTZ
Vintage items a thrifty way to add unique style to your home
24 | 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 | 25
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.
26 | 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 | 27
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”
28 | 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 | 29
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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
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“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
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‘Experience isn’t expensive. It’s priceless!’ RE/MAX Hallmark York Group Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 31
rooms gone right|child’s bedroom
y t t e r P in
pink By TRACY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY By JIM CRAIGMYLE
This past spring, Avery Fortin, fast approaching her 10th birthday, was tickled when her parents decided to follow through on a promise to move her from the tiniest bedroom in the house to a much larger room with its own en suite. The deal got even sweeter when the former guest quarters got a one-of-a-kind makeover bursting with personality, colour and just the right amount of girlish charm. Parents Reaghan and Glen Fortin decided they wanted to create a room that Avery would love now and continue to enjoy in her teen years; a design that would grow and transform with her rather than become stale after a short time. Jackie Venneri of Style It With Jackie was
32 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
hired to guide the project. “When I design a child’s room, I always meet with them ahead of time to talk about what their dream room would look like and what they do in their room,” Venneri says. “This way we can make the room beautiful and functional.” The result is clearly a hit with her young client. “I love my new room that Mom and Dad and Jackie made for me, I absolutely love it,” Avery raves. “I especially like my new desk where I can draw and do my homework and all of the special little things they did like paint my doors pink and frame bags from my favourite stores.” »
GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 33
rooms gone right|child’s bedroom STYLE goal Grown-up girl look with hints of playfulness, pops of colour and personality throughout.
WHY THE CHANGE? Avery was occupying the smallest bedroom in the house and her parents had promised that she could move into the larger room when she was 10. The room, which housed a hodge-podge of furniture as well as books and collectibles, was dated and lacked personality.
Renovation CHECKLIST • Bright colours • Transitional style that can work into the teen years • Space to play and to hang out with friends during sleepovers • Personality and personal touches
Favourite Features “My new desk! I love to write stories and draw and I plan to do all of my homework at it,” says Avery Fortin.
STANDOUT FEATURES • Bold curtains that add height and drama • Crystal chandelier for feminine sparkle • Polkadot wallpaper behind bed • Raspberry painted doors for a pop of colour (and is easier to repaint for an update than an entire room) • Framed bag art wall • Sophisticated colour palette that will grow with Avery
FAVOURITE SHOPS
Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51
Bed, Bath & Beyond Saturday Afternoons, Aurora Haven, Newmarket HomeSense
SOURCES Paint: walls, Benjamin Moore Intense White, OC-51; doors, Benjamin Moore Raspberry Glaze, 2078-20, Aurora Paint & Decorating Bookshelf, chair and picture frames: IKEA Chandelier: Union Lighting, Toronto Cork board: Julie Smith Custom curtains: Distinct Window Fashions, Oak Ridges Desk: Pottery Barn Headboard: Terran Upholstery, Richmond Hill
34 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
Benjamin Moore Raspberry Glaze 2078-20
Splurges Custom curtains and new desk
BARGAINS Bookshelf, chair and picture frames from IKEA
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8400 Jane Street, Concord (South of Langstaff) 905.532.9123 GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 35
home|teen bedrooms
36 | 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 | 37
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.
38 | 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. 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
“
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
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unit 1 & 2 - 1850 Major MacKenzie drive west Vaughan, On L6a 4r9 (at Mcnaughton road east) dr. robert pacione dr. fred wauchope GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 39
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
40 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
Wake up and Smell the Coffee in your New Home
Call us for results... Experience helps... especially in this market. facebook.com/CowenSalesReps
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YORK NORTH REALTY, BROKERAGE Independently Owned & Operated
GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 41
Corporate profile of realtor Lenard Lind
Service with Professionalism estate, a career choice he had ironically pushed aside years earlier for the position at Domtar. He knew the real estate sector was also affected by the economic downturn, but was up for the challenge and never looked back. It’s been said that it’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. Not everyone can attest to this, but it definitely rings true for realtor, Lenard Lind, who has been passionately providing “service with professionalism” in the Aurora area for over 27 years. Lenard’s early career began in the corporate world at Domtar where he spent ten years selling commodity newsprint and electrically insulated plastics. During his tenure he grew to National Sales Representative, proving he possessed the personality and skills needed to build relationships and earn trust. In the fiscal decline of the late 1980s, Lenard received early retirement from the company. This provided him with an opportunity to pursue his longstanding interest in real
Lenard embarked on his new journey into real estate in 1989, starting with Re/max York Group Realty Inc. and becoming an award winner in his first year. Then he tried to lead by example while managing Aurora based Family Trust, where he outsold every agent in the organization. His next move was to Sutton Group, the largest real estate company in the community at the time. When his desire to purchase the brokerage wasn’t an option, Lenard made his dream a reality by buying his own agency, Countrywide Success Realty. One year later, Countrywide bought Sutton Group and Lenard remained there until 2001 when the franchise came due. After more than a decade establishing a stellar reputation in the community, Lenard opened L.H. Lind Realty Inc., Brokerage in 2001, and held the distinction of top selling agent in Aurora for many years.
In 2014, Lenard joined the RE/MAX system becoming the first Canadian “mini RE/MAX franchise.” Lenard’s passion for providing each client with his signature “service with professionalism,” as well as a desire to continue “raising the bar,” were driving forces behind his pursuit of an ISO certification - the same quality certification used by Magna to produce their car parts. “I am the only residential realtor in Canada to achieve this global designation,” he says with pride. The ISO 9001:2008 is a series of quality standards that define, establish, and maintain an effective quality assurance system for manufacturing and service industries. It is a significant investment in terms of cost and effort but Lenard believes it is well worth it and sets him apart from other realtors. “When mistakes are made in real estate, it’s very costly,” Lenard explains. “Clients can count on knowing that it just doesn’t
Serving Aurora, Newmarket & Surrounding Areas 42 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
happen in my office. There is no potential for something to slip through the cracks.” While Lenard’s hard work, dedication and passion definitely played a significant role in his success and accolades as a realtor, he credits his staff as a key factor as well. “I could not have achieved the levels I have without the support of the people who work with me, My “service with professionalism” promise begins at reception and continues all the way through the buying and selling process,” he says. “I am driven to exemplify what this business should be, the professional level that the consumer should expect to receive and the only way to know the difference is to experience it.” A lot has changed since Lenard first started in the business, most notably, the use of many more platforms to promote properties than in the past. Lenard and his team utilize every medium possible to help their clients. “For me, the virtual tour is the biggest selling tool in today’s market,” he says. “When it comes to finding the perfect home, the virtual tour gives buyers the perfect opportunity to preview a property before deciding if they want to take the time to view it in person.” No industry is without its challenges and real estate, with its influx of “discount and less experienced sales reps and brokers”, is no exception. Lenard does not let this discourage him, and continues to provide exemplary service with value added components such as experienced negotiating skills, superior marketing skills that he knows many people will still desire. As well as being a registered realtor and broker of record, Lenard is also a mortgage broker and Tarion-registered builder, which allows him to provide far more services than the average realtor.
“I’ve broken a lot of new ground in the real estate industry with my vertical integration,” explains Lenard. “I help people make the biggest investment decision of their life and truly believe I am the most qualified individual to do that.” For someone who welcomes new opportunities, one thing that hasn’t changed for Lenard in 27 years is his love for the town of Aurora, a place with a true sense of community, where he continues to live and work. Over the years, Lenard has established himself as reputable local business person that people recognize and trust. Much of his business is repeat and referral based, a testament to his solid reputation. Lenard believes in giving back to others and the community and is involved in the Aurora and neighbouring Newmarket communities contributing both his time and financial support to many local associations, kid’s sports teams, and charity organizations like the Yellow Brick House.
He has also been a member and director (1997) of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce since 1992, where he enjoys a reciprocal relationship. “I get a lot of business from my Chamber colleagues. Business people understand how much effort you put in. My clients often ask for referrals for different services as well and I usually direct them to someone I know through the chamber,” Lenard says. “Word of mouth continues to be a very powerful marketing tool, even in this digital age.” After more than a quarter century, Aurora’s leading real estate professional has no plans to slow down. “My practice is thriving and I’m at the top of my game,” he says. “I would like to spend time mentoring, teaching and consulting down the road. I have acquired a fair bit of knowledge and I am more than happy to pass it on.” Lenard Lind continues to combine passion and career - something most people can only wish for - to provide his clients the best possible real estate experience through “Service with Professionalism”.
15105 Yonge Street, #100, Aurora, ON 416-410-8223 www.hallmarklindrealty.com GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 43
food|harvest LOCAL FLAVOUR
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.
44 | 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 | 45
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.
46 | 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 | 47
in the kitchen|Joia Ristorante
Authentic
Italian
Food inspired by family influence, extensive travel
Joia co-owner and chef Eugenio Iacovetta
by S UE K A N HAI | Photograp hy B y Naomi Hi ltz The restaurant industry is notoriously tough. Some 98 per cent of businesses won’t make it past their fifth year, says Marco Iacovetta, manager at Joia Ristorante in Aurora. That his establishment is about to enter its 20th is a real achievement, making the restaurant an institution in its own right. Marco and his brother Eugenio, a chef, are co-owners. The two have distinct, complementary roles and between them they have service covered. Eugenio handles the kitchen and Marco runs the front of the house. Their restaurant serves authentic, fromscratch Italian food. “Nothing’s brought in here,” Marco explains. “We buy fresh ingredients and make everything ourselves— the pastas, wood-oven pizzas, desserts. This way we know what we’re serving.” The gnocchi, made by hand, is currently their most popular menu item. They also have delicious gluten-free pasta, a casarecce noodle made
48 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
with two kinds of flour: wild rice and green chickpea. Marco is partial to the rabbit and whole fish. Eugenio is self-taught, inspired by both his nonna and his mom. He insists that cooking isn’t rocket science. If you have eggs and some fresh vegetables on hand you can whip together a really nice omelette; a satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated. The restaurant has been around for so long that it has a loyal clientele base, some who come in as often as two or three times a week. Customers will request a favourite dish along with a modification of some sort, adding pasta, rapini or red beets on the side, for example. “Our restaurant is not like others where every dish is cooked exactly the same,” Marco says. Others make a request that isn’t even on the menu. “If we’ve got the ingredients we’ll make it for you,” Eugenio says. “That’s why we’ve been around for so long; we try to accommodate
peoples’ needs.” The approach requires a certain degree of nimbleness in the kitchen, but the brothers insist it’s the only way to work. The extensive wine list is another draw. With over 600 selections, they have by far the biggest wine cellar in York Region, claims Marco. Most are from Italy, but they also feature labels from California, France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. Eugenio has travelled throughout Italy and learned a lot about the regions and their stylistic differences when preparing dishes. But he says he has also been influenced by the fellow cooks he’s worked with over the years. His only regret is that he didn’t start at a younger age; he was 34 when they opened Joia. “It’s a vigorous pace, vacations are rare and it’s easy to get burnt out,” Marco adds. The Iacovetta brothers are communityminded, giving generously to a number of local causes. Each year they run and host a golf tour-
nament with the proceeds benefitting Southlake Regional Health Centre. They have committed to raising an impressive $250,000 in support of the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre and the new hospice. It’s all in honour of their mother, who passed away two years ago. “The area’s been good to us and the people are really great up here,” Marco says, “so we do try to give back as much as we can.” The restaurant has drawn some big, boldface names but Marco is utterly unfazed by celebrity. He estimates that 80 per cent of their business is
repeat, which the brothers are grateful for. They have done so well, in fact, they’re in the process of building a new restaurant in Newmarket, just off Main Street. It will have a big patio and, hopefully, a future as bright as Joia’s.
Joia Ristorante 15570 Yonge St., Aurora 905-713-1411 joiaristorante.com
TIRAMISU INGREDIENTS 500 g (1 lb) mascarpone cheese 8 whole eggs 180 mL (3/4 cup) white sugar 250 mL (1 cup) heavy cream 5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla extract 500 mL (2 cups) espresso coffee cocoa powder Savoiardi cookies (Italian ladyfingers) 60 mL (2 oz) each rum and Kahlua (or to taste)
METHOD Make espresso and add rum and Kahlua. Tiramisu translated means “pick me up!” While coffee cools, separate eggs yolks and
whites, placing yolks in one bowl and egg whites in another. Make sure not to break any yolks into egg whites or they’ll be difficult to whip. Add 60 mL (1/4 cup) sugar to egg whites. Whip until soft peaks form. Refrigerate. Add 60 mL (1/4 cup) sugar to egg yolks and whip until thick and the colour of a lemon. Add mascarpone and whip until smooth. In a third bowl, remaining 60 mL (1/4 cup) sugar, heavy cream and vanilla. Whip until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into yolk mixture, followed by cream mixture. Assemble in individual class cups or a small baking pan. Dip cookies into coffee and squeeze, making sure not to wet the cookie too much. Place in pan and repeat putting cookies close together in a row. Cover with cream mixture, spread evenly. For your next layer, lay the cookies in the opposite direction, and again cover with cream. Sprinkle with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at
least four hours. For best results, let the cake sit refrigerated overnight. Cut into pieces, as you like. It’s so light you won’t stop at just one slice. Enjoy!
GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 49
on tap
Grillin’ and chillin’
Take barbecue season into fall with these beers by Ro bi n LeBl a nc 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. 50 | 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.
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.
5917 Main St., Stouffville, ON 905 642-1344 www.thelion.ca
• SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY KIDS EAT FREE* • TUESDAY TRIVIA • WEDNESDAY 2 FOR 1 WINGS NIGHT • THURSDAY - ROCK AND ROLL BINGO
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.
• FRIDAY AND SATURDAY KARAOKE - STARTS AT 9 PM • SUNDAY NFL EXPERIENCE *kids must be accompanied by adult who purchases full entree item per child
Family Owned & Operated Established 1842
We are proud to be Newmarket and Aurora’s only locally-owned and family-run funeral home, serving Newmarket, and surrounding areas, since 1842. We offer a full range of traditional funeral and low-cost cremation services. Wes Playter, Manager 157 Main Street South, Newmarket, ON L3Y 3Y9 905.895.6631
www.roadhouseandrose.com GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 51
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 correctly, the LCBO now allows you to order on-line 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
52 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
CYNTHIA’S CHINESE RESTAURANT ENJOY AUTHENTIC CHINESE CUISINE We have dedicated ourselves to offering two things: fine dining and a truly authentic Chinese cultural experience. Your meal begins with your host dressed in costume leading you to the table. Once seated, you’ll be greeted by your cocktail waitress and your drinks and appetizers will be brought by a cocktail waitress trained to understand both Chinese cuisine as well as every customer’s specific dietary needs. Cynthia’s was founded by Cynthia & Joe Lam, in 1993. Joe learned the restaurant business in Hong Kong where he trained as a chef at one of the top restaurants. When he met Cynthia in Australia, they married and opened a series of successful restaurants in New South Wales and Victoria. In 1992 they came to Canada and opened Cynthia’s in 1993, working with Cynthia’s brother Andy, another accomplished restaurateur. Nothing is overlooked as Cynthia’s entire experience is designed to make your meal an event to remember!
16715 Yonge Street (at Mulock), Newmarket | 905-836-8113 | www.cynthiaschinese.com
Let’s BeBe Frank Let’s Frank- Best - BestItaLIan ItaLIanCaterIng CaterIng In In town! town!
Whether it isitaisbusiness function or or special anniversary,nothing nothingwill will Whether a business function specialoccasion occasionsuch suchasasaawedding, wedding, birthday birthday or or anniversary, wow youryour guests more than a mouthwatering Eatery. wow guests more than a mouthwateringmeal mealcatered cateredby byLet’s Let’sBe Be Frank Frank Italian Italian Eatery. Proprietor SamSam Farnaghi and hishis accomplished to achieve achievethe themost most Proprietor Farnaghi and accomplishedteam teamuse useonly onlythe thefreshest freshest ingredients ingredients to authentic Italian culinary experience. Let’s BeBeFrank options to tosuit suitall alltastes tastes authentic Italian culinary experience. Let’s Frankfeatures featuresaawide wideselection selection of of menu options including entrees such as as veal, chicken and lasagnaas aswell well including entrees such veal, chicken andsalmon salmoncooked cookedtotoperfection, perfection, meat meat or vegetable vegetable lasagna a variety of pastas with a choice meat,tomato tomatoororcream creamsauce. sauce.Delicious Delicious appetizers, appetizers, soups, as aasvariety of pastas with a choice ofof meat, soups,homemade homemade pizzas, sandwiches, salads and chicken wingsare arealso alsoavailable. available. pizzas, sandwiches, salads and chicken wings Be Frank accommodate groups 500people. people.Call Calltoday today to to place place an order Let’sLet’s Be Frank cancan accommodate groups ofof1010toto500 order for for your yournext nextevent event or visit Newmarket location if you prefertotodine dineininfor forlunch lunchor ordinner. dinner. Let’s Let’s Be Be Frank……. or visit the the Newmarket location if you prefer Frank……. ititisistruly trulythe the Italian food miles around. bestbest Italian food forfor miles around. 1100 Davis Drive (southeast corner Davisand andLeslie), Leslie),Newmarket Newmarket 905-967-1122 905-967-1122 1100 Davis Drive (southeast corner ofof Davis
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Where Quality & Tradition Continue... We take pride in finding you the best quality all-natural meats from carefully selected Ontario farms, as well as offering Grass-fed Beef from PEI. You’ll find Kloster’s Own sausages, burgers, and kabobs for the barbeque, farm fresh eggs, nitrate-free bacon, BBQ sauces and marinades. You’ll also find Black River Cheeses, Greaves Jams, Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream and Beverley Bakers’ Butter Tarts! Thank you for shopping at Kloster’s and for voting us #1 since 1999!
Kloster’s BUTCHER SHOP Newmarket
18025 Yonge Street, Unit 4 (Yonge & Bristol Roads)
905-895-0437
HOUrS:
Tues. & Wed. 9-6:30pm • Thurs. 9-7pm Fri. 9-8pm • Sat. 9-5pm Closed Sun. & Mon.
www.klostersbutchershop.com Supplying Fine Quality Meats Since 1992
aUrOra
220 Industrial Pkwy. S., Unit 1
905-841-6679
GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 53
food|apples
54 | 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 | 55
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
56 | 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.
Applewood Farm and Winery
Homestead Orchards
12442 McCowan Rd., Stouffville
3961 Old Homestead Rd., Sutton
905-640-5357
905-722-5325
applewoodfarmwinery.com
homesteadorchards.com
Brooks Farms
Pine Farms Orchard
122 Ashworth Rd., Mount Albert
2700 16th Sideroad, King
905-473-3246
905-833-5459
brooksfarms.com
.pinefarmorchards.com
“
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 | 57
events
9
THINGS to DO
1
Agápe Me: A Contemporary Lens on Love & Marriage Until August 12 Aurora Cultural Centre Curator Stephanie Nicolo is engaged to be married. She now wears a diamond ring on her finger and is planning a wedding, with all its conventions, to be held in a church and witnessed by her friends and family. Based on the myriad of ideas, expectations, assumptions, and emotions this process began to conjure all around her, she could not help but turn her curator’s eye to relevant representations of love and marriage in contemporary art. Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca
3
Aurora’s Colours of Fall Concert October 6 Aurora Town Park Celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend at one last outdoor concert. Family and friends are welcome to enjoy live entertainment while enjoying the fall leaves in Aurora Town Park. For the kids, pumpkin-carving kits will be available, while quantities last. Come out and carve a pumpkin, enjoy some roasted corn on a cob (nominal fee applies). Information: aurora.ca
4
Halloween Geocaching October 15 York Regional Forest, Brown Hill Tract, 4389 Ravenshoe Rd., East Gwillimbury York Regional Forest, Brown Hill Tract, 4389 Ravenshoe Rd., East Gwillimbury Dress up in your Halloween costume and join us on a spooky geocaching adventure. Learn how forest-friendly geocaching can benefit you and your family’s health. Registration required. Information: york.ca/forestevents
Agápe Me Rapunzel, Rapunzel by Susan Avishai
6
Giinwint Aadizookaanaan: Reflections of Ogemawahj November 19 to December 17 Aurora Cultural Centre Artist Clayton Samuel King’s solo exhibition is an interpretive journey through the Potawatomi stories of Chief Ogemawahjiwon Migizi Doodem of the Bald Eagle Clan and his descendants, the King Family of Georgian Bay. Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca
7
East Gwillimbury Farmers Market Thursdays until October 6 Green Lane Commons Local farm vendors, bakeries, artisans and more will be offering their products every Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. Support family farmers and local artisans and connect with your community. Information: eastgwillimbury.ca
8
Aurora Farmers Market & Artisan Fair Saturdays until October 8 49 Wells St. The local market offers a wide selection of produce from local farmers, delicious food from vendors and beautiful creations by talented artisans. Special event days include music, a market bag raffle and free children’s crafts. Information: theaurorafarmersmarket.com
9
2
Georgina Studio Tour & Sale September 24 and 25 Keswick, Sutton, Jackson’s Point, Pefferlaw Discover Georgina-based artists, as well as guest artists from many parts of Ontario, on this self-guided studio tour. Information: georginastudiotour.com
in your community
Halloween Geocaching
5
Newmarket Farmers Market Saturdays until October Riverwalk Commons Every Saturday morning, a band of farmers, vendors and volunteers create a hive of activity reminiscent of the town’s early years as a new market. A great place to buy fresh produce, homemade baking and hand-made crafts and to meet up with friends over breakfast or lunch.
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
Aurora’s Colours of Fall Concert
58 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
online
Looking for something fun to do? Check out events on yorkregion.com
Newmarket Farmers Market
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
portfolio |Lisa Simmons
A
NEW brand of
entrepreneur by T RACY S MI TH | PHOTOGR APHY B Y JIM CRAIGMYLE
Lisa Simmons says her life completely changed following the death of her father two years ago. “It was like I sort of woke up and started seeing life in a different way and asking a lot more questions,” explains Simmons, owner of Lemonberry, a women’s fashion boutique in Aurora’s St. Andrew’s Village. “I was confronted with the realization that life is really fragile and the choices we make on a daily basis really impact us. Our life, our health, the people we love and the nature that surrounds us—everything is so interconnected.” Recognizing that common practices in the fashion industry come with negative social and environmental impacts, Simmons was at a crossroads. Since she was a teenager roaming Toronto’s Kensington market in search of vintage finds, Simmons has been passionate about fashion and
60 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
dreamed of one day opening her own store. But she found herself questioning her choices and the impact of Lemonberry. “I had to take a long, hard look at my life and the path I was taking as a person, as a mom and as a business owner, and I asked myself whether my choices were having a positive or negative influence on the Earth and my community.” Should she close the store and move onto something else? Or could she approach fashion in a way that aligned with her values? Choosing the latter, Simmons envisioned a store that offers amazing products that work with the environment rather than against it. “In order for me to evolve and run my store in line with my new values, I had to start carrying products that were sustainable and healthy for people,” Simmons explains. “When I search out new products, I look for things like
sustainability, eco-friendly, recyclable containers or packaging, upcycling, Canadian companies and manufacturing and non-toxic ingredients. It’s also important that companies be socially responsible and that people and resources are getting treated fairly while the clothing is being made.” Customers are reacting positively to the changes. “Lisa does a great job at bringing city trends to Lemonberry and offering them at a variety of different price points so all of us in the ‘burbs can enjoy great fashion too,” says Jane Reeves, a Lemonberry customer for 10 years. “Lisa’s increased focus on eco-friendly products and socially responsible brands speaks to her character and makes me even more committed to supporting Lemonberry.” The journey to transform Lemonberry into an
eco-friendly store is a constant challenge and one Simmons continues to work hard at. “I’m constantly doing research on new companies and asking questions about the working conditions in their factories or how they source their fabrics. Some companies are very transparent with this type of information and some are not that forthcoming, so I am constantly pushing and pressing the company reps who I speak to that do not have answers to my questions, trying to use the influence I have as a buyer in a positive way.” Some business owners might think a shift to sustainable practices would lead to higher overhead costs, but Simmons says the budget balances out. “By buying from Canadian companies more often, I save a lot in my shipping costs and when I switched all of my lights to LED products, my hydro bills were reduced. I do have to pay a bit extra for the reusable bags I provide to customers, but that one just feels like the right thing to do. The fact that I offer $5 off to customers who bring their reusable bags back in means I’m probably getting a few extra sales that I wouldn’t have otherwise.” She says business owners can take the road to becoming more environmentally and socially responsible one step at a time. “Make small changes and do what you can,” she suggests. “Be aware of the products you are buying and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s important that you know what is in your store. The more you find out, the more you will want to change and stand behind products and companies that represent a more responsible option.” It’s easy to get overwhelmed and resort to doing nothing, but Simmons and Lemonberry are an inspiration to other business owners and also to consumers; it’s up to all of us to sell, promote and buy products that are healthy for us and good to the environment. As Simmons explains, “We are all on the same team living on the same Earth, so we need to work together.”
A few favourites
Lisa Simmons shares some of her top choices in sustainable products
Da lish: A Canadian, non-toxic cosmetic line with recyclable containers and natural ingredients
ella+mila: eco-friendly, high-end nail polish in fun, eye-catching colours
Love Fresh: a socially responsible, Toronto-based company selling all-natural skin products
Mat & Nat: a sustainable Montrealbased handbag company committed to eco-friendly practices; all linings of their purses are made from recycled water bottles
Amy’s Place soy candles: locally made, ethically produced, individually blended, poured and packaged by hand in repurposed vintage jars
Preloved: a Canadian clothing line based in Scarborough creating one-of-a-kind pieces from reclaimed vintage clothing and overrun and deadstock cloth
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 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.
64 | GoodLife • September - October 2016
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.
One Of a Kind aurOra Stunner! The original owner has orchestrated an amazing customization from top to bottom of this upscale south Aurora home. The oversized living room boasts custom mouldings, while the formal dining room offers custom built-in bookshelving and overlooks the beautiful yard. The spacious and bright eat-in kitchen walks out to the professionally landscaped yard and private gazebo. The generously dimensioned main floor family room offers a warm fireplace, pocket door and also views of the yard. The upper level contains 4 large bedrooms, including the master with a brand new 5 pc ensuite bath and spacious walk-in closet. The lower level offers lots of room for two bedrooms, an office and oversized great room with entrance from the garage. Custom walk-in storage area over both bays of the two-car garage that must be seen! Minutes from all Aurora amenities, the GO train station and highways 404 and 400. Welcome home! Offered at $1,099,990.
MARION L. CARCONE, SaleS RepReSentative • 905-727-1941 ReMaX HallMaRK YORK GROUp RealtY ltD., BROKeRaGe. marioncarcone@gmail.com i n D e p e n D e n t lY O w n e D & O p e R at e D
VIEW THIS LISTING AT www.MarionLCarcone.com
RARE LAKEFRONT OPPORTUNITY!!! This Stunning gem of a property is situated on a very private oasis with approximately 90’ of direct lake frontage. This home boasts 4 bedrooms with breath taking lake views. 40’ dock allows for an incredible space to relax and watch the sunset, fish, swim or dock your boat. Call me for more details. 289-264-7626 or visit www.228Lake.info. Listed at $999,900 NATALIA ZAMMITTI, SaleS RepReSentative • 905-476-4337 ROYal lepaGe YOUR COMMUnitY RealtY, BROKeRaGe. natalia@realpropertydreams.ca
VIEW THIS LISTING AT www.realpropertydreams.ca
i n d e p e n d e n t lY O w n e d & O p e R at e d
It takes more than bricks and mortar
to build a great community We support the organizations that make York Region a great place to live, work and play.
Yellow Brick House
Local Hospitals
Women’s Centre of York Region Big Brothers Big Sisters
Character Community
United Way
Chambers of Commerce
York Region Abuse Program
OSPCA
CHATS
Canadian Cancer Society
and many more...
GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 65
EXPERTS FOR OVER THREE GENERATIONS Your home is your largest investment. A properly installed roof with an iron-clad warranty is the single best way to protect it.
Visually, your roof is the first thing people notice when they approach your home. It’s a major design element that takes up a sizable amount of real estate and sets the tone for what lives inside the home. With a stunning palette of colours and multitude of architectural details, a home’s roof will complement the brickwork or siding and give dimension to your home’s visual appearance. But a poorly maintained roof delivers just the opposite impression and portends trouble ahead. Curling and missing shingles or crumbling granules put you on notice that it’s time for a roof replacement. Even the tiniest of perforations in a roof can spell disaster that can amount to thousands of dollars of damage inside the home and pose serious health risks if black mold sets in as a result.
AM Roofing sent a ten-man crew to the Binn home and completed the job in a single day. “Everyone donated their time and worked that job for free,” says Demers. “The team initiated that effort themselves because they cared. It’s really part of our company’s culture. We’re a big extended family. You’re only as good as the people who work for you and I have amazing crews.” AM ROOFING is a third generation family-owned company that has been in business since 1956, which means you can trust that the job will be done professionally and your roof’s warranty will be honoured. “We’ve been around for 60 years and we take pride in our work. Every employee is groomed from the ground up. I care about my employees and my employees care about my customers. It’s a big circle”, says owner Tim Demers.
A roof replacement is undoubtedly a big-ticket home repair that no homeowner wants to tackle, but arguably, it is by far the most vital. The reason? Because “water always wins.” Repairing from the exterior at the first sign of wear is far wiser than tackling an expensive interior job after the damage is done. Water damage requires tearing out messy drywall, insulation and framing, replacing it and then redoing the roof anyway. AM Roofing’s commitment to their community involvement in all five of their locations from Collingwood, Barrie and Guelph to London and Owen Sound. “We’re members of the local Chambers of Commerce, and we’re actively involved in charitable work,” says owner Demers. The family-owned company regularly donates resources to Habitat For Humanities and has even shingled roofs for struggling families, such as Keith and Eve Binns in Innisfil who last year were experiencing crippling financial burdens due to a young child’s cancer treatment.
Quality Roofers you can count on. Serving Muskoka, Collingwod, Owen Sound, Guelph, New Market, Aurora and surrounding areas. Call 905-895-1100 for estimates www.amroofing.ca
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
Reader’s Choice Awards winner
in York Region in 2014 & 2015
Providing the
Windows and Enclosures York Region ResidentsWant
“We treat your home like our own” Northern Comfort is committed to providing such a high level of workmanship and service that customers won’t hesitate to recommend the company to friends, neighbours and relatives.
Northern Comfort Windows and Doors is a proud Canadian Family owned and operated Business.
The products we supply and install include: • Windows • Doors • Garage Doors • Enclosures • Siding • Shutters • Railings • Retractable Awnings
Visit our showroom at: 16700 Bayview Ave., Newmarket, Ontario 905-853-9400 www.northerncomfortwindows.com
Call Today for a Free Home Estimate