Goodlife Vaughan September/October Edition 2016

S EPTEMB ER / OC TOB ER 2 0 1 6

WE LIKE IT: School Style Autumn in the Orchard

YORKREGION.COM/GOODLIFE

Casual

grandeur

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LOVE YOUR LANDSCAPE Since 1965, Best Way Stone has made being a family owned and operated company a central tenet in how we do business. This family approach to service has been the foundation for building loyal and lasting relationships with our customers, allowing the company to thrive within the community. Best Way Stone is deeply rooted and proud to be serving the Greater Toronto Area and beyond while staying committed to continuously providing the greatest quality and most innovative products. For information about our products, contact us at 1-800-BESTWAY (237-8929) or visit us at bestwaystone.com

Publisher Dana Robbins Regional General Manager Shaun Sauve Editor Lee Ann Waterman Contributors Emily Blackman • Bart Card • Jim Craigmyle Daniela DiStefano • Naomi Hiltz • Andrew Hind • Sue Kanhai Robin LeBlanc • David Li • Joann MacDonald Julie Miguel • Michael Pinkus • Tracy Smith ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Maureen Christie Advertising Manager Tanya Pacheco Advertising Sales Madelaine Rostek • Joseph Montagnese • Tony Segreti Howie Taylor • Steve Fasciano Regional Director, Production and Creative Services Katherine Porcheron

As a community-based media group reaching more than 300,000 households, we take seriously our responsibility to support community initiatives that help make York Region a great place to live, work and play.

We support a wide variety of causes including health care and research, social services, education, arts and culture, community festivals, the environment, youth initiatives, volunteerism and much more.

Editorial Design Emily Ayranto, Brenda Boon, Luanne Turner Director of Business Administration Phil Sheehan Director of Distribution Mike Banville

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4 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

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contents

30

26

10 Casual Grandeur 12 Rooms Gone Right 18 Old World Meets New 24 Second-hand Style 30 Rooms Gone Right 34 We Like It

School style for everyone

Designer creates glamourous, comfortable space for daily life and entertaining

34

Attic renovation creates stylish modern bedroom with en suite

Smart design makes for comfortable and welcoming, yet elegant home

6 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

10

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

Pretty in pink

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Visit jdpower.com ©2016 Benjamin Moore & Co, Limited. Aura, ben, Benjamin Moore, Green Promise, Green Without Compromise, Paint like no other, REGAL, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks, and Benjamin Moore Natura, and Colour Lock are trademarks of Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited.

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contents

38 Harvest Time 44 In the Kitchen 48 Teens to 20s

38

How to create a spectacular room for your growing child

50 Vintages 52 Events 53 Autumn in the Orchard 54 Portfolio 58 Beauty Spot 60 Travel 62 On Tap

Take barbecue season intoi fall with these beers

Wine...online

Make the most of a bounty of fresh ingredients

Arts, culture and outdoor events for the whole family

Porcello Cantina offers simple scratch cooking

48

You know fall has arrived when orchards open for apple picking

Woodbridge’s Duane D.O. Gibson has found his niche hip hop music industr

A face mask for every skin situation

Cruising along the Rhine

8 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

54

Discover your maximum potential through the stuDy of martial arts.

Studies show that students enrolled in martial arts programs have increased self-esteem and improved focus and concentration abilities in the classroom.

With 44 years of martial arts instruction under its belt, Northern Karate Schools is the trusted choice for many men, women and children in the GTA. With 10 world-renowned locations, NKS offers award-winning programs taught by instructors with decades of experience.

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We Like It

school STYle for everyone

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

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

Stay organized in style with this handy trio of notebooks.

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

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

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

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

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 | Kleinburg

Casual Grandeur

12 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Designer creates glamourous, comfortable space for daily life and entertaining

by J O A N N M AC D O N ALD | photography by JI M CRA I GMY LE

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 13

home tour | Kleinburg With soaring ceilings, oversize chandeliers, spacious rooms and an oak and wrought iron central staircase, the Nestico family home in Kleinburg has a sense of grandeur that belies the casual, welcoming nature of its inhabitants.

Decorated in serene black and white, the two-year-old home provides Connie and Joe Nestico with a restful haven to enjoy with family and friends. Owners of a seafood importing and distributing company, the couple shares their home with children Eric, 23, Victoria, 20, Daniella, 16, and Cecilia, their nanny of 21 years.

Construction on their Greenpark-built home was complete when Connie turned to Pamela Byer, senior design consultant with Aurora’s Design Line Studio, to create the comfortable yet sophisticated interior she craved. Connie had chosen lighting fixtures, built-ins, wainscotting and paint. She tasked Byer with the job of finding the ideal drapery, furniture and wallpaper.

Byer noted the classic, Art Deco theme to the architecture and the abundance of glam touches in the décor. Connie had selected crystal knobs for the large black and white kitchen.

14 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Similarly, the butler’s pantry features rubbed, distressed black cabinets with crystal knobs.

“We love crystal here,” says Connie, who also chose crystal chandeliers, pairing new materials with classic style.

With the charm of a Parisian apartment, the dining room has one-light French doors leading to the hall, an oversize floor mirror and basketweave wood flooring. The continued black and white theme lends itself to a punch of colour, contributed by one of Connie’s favourite art pieces.

“Connie fell in love with this art,” Byer says.

“It adds a pop of wow, because of the red dress against the wallpaper.”

For Connie, the piece has personal significance. “The picture popped for me,” she says.

“It reminds me of my daughters going to prom or something.” In fact, the finished dining room became the perfect place to host daughter Daniella’s sweet 16 party.

The room’s furniture was custom made, including a sideboard “created just for Connie,” Byer says, with mouldings over glass and Swarovski crystal handles. »

“

With the charm of a Parisian apartment, the dining room has one-light French doors leading to the hall, an oversize floor mirror and basketweave wood flooring.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 15

home tour | Kleinburg No need to fight for the comfortable chair here—upholstered white chairs line the extrawide dining table, while settees, custom made to match the chairs, are set at each end. The Art Deco theme carries on in the base of the table, which sits on an art silk carpet with raised pile.

Although much of the painting was finished before Byer came aboard, she chose to re-paint the wainscotting in the dining room to partner with the chairs. The Palladian windows, while still visible, are softened by white silk curtains and organza sheers with a metallic shimmer.

“People think sheers are out but they’re not,” Byer says. “They add a nice softness to the space.” A black rod with crystal finials carries on Connie’s glam crystal theme.

Byer was thrilled to work with a client who shares her love of wallpaper. “It’s hard to convince clients to go with wallpaper,” she says. “It was just so exciting when Connie said, ‘Let’s do wallpaper.’”

The dining room’s metallic damask wallpaper has a curvy pattern that reveals itself as stripes from a distance. Byer carefully selected wallpa-

16 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

per for several rooms. “It does take a while to do the right one,” notes Connie. “She had to search.”

Says Byer, “I wanted them to be able to live with it for a long time.”

In the family room, Byer was able to balance comfort and style. “They do have a large family and they entertain a lot,” she says. “This space gets a lot of use so all the fabrics are really durable and functional.”

Situated between kitchen and foyer, the wellused room called for plenty of comfy furniture but also freedom of movement.

“We did a large ottoman for traffic flow,” notes Byer. “The nice thing is it is to scale in the room and reflects the coffered ceiling.”

Calming grey is punctuated with hits of indigo blue via artwork and accessories. A large, synthetic shag area rug provides texture.

The family decided on two powder rooms on the main floor—one for guests, one for the family. For the guest bath, Connie chose a brass faucet and light fixtures.

“It adds a nice bit of warmth to the space,” Byer says. “It gives it a classic feel.”

SOURCES Design: Pamela Byer, Design Line Studio Inc., designlinestudio.ca Flowers: Darlene Rupke, Seasons Floral Studio, seasonsfloralstudio.com

A linear brass candleholder on the wall provides contrast with the curlicues on the wallpaper. The window is covered with a black silk casual Roman shade.

In the family powder room, stitched black leather veneer wallpaper on walls and ceiling makes a strong statement. An oversize mirror with gold leafing “adds some lightness to the space with all the black,” Byer says. The room reflects the home’s occupants, blending a masculine feel with feminine touches such as a crystal chandelier and crystal handles.

Otherwise known as “the girls’ room,” the living room is a serene retreat where the home’s female residents gather to watch movies and hang out. Leafy wallpaper in black and white is a highlight in this undeniably pretty room. The first piece of furniture found was the mirrored cabinet underneath the TV. “Most of them are squarish, but this has a different base,” Byer says. “It’s all bevelled. A lot of workmanship goes into a piece like that.”

A small martini table lends a celebratory feel.

Inlaid hardwood flooring contrasts with a soft black and white area rug. While light in colour, the custom-made sofa is designed to be familyfriendly.

The home office nods back to the fam-

ily room courtesy of grey-blues in the artwork.

Mouldings and wall are painted in greys. A custom-made desk reflects the mouldings in style.

Diamond-pattern sheers lend an elegant touch to the multi-use room.

“My girls do a lot of school work in here,” Connie says. “My husband uses his laptop here.

I’ll do banking in here. It gets a lot of use.”

In the principal bedroom, Byer opted for a custom headboard to suit the room’s tall ceiling.

Faux silk drapes are elegant, but hardy enough to block out morning light. Embroidered linen sheers and a wool carpet provide softness.

Connie says her doors were open for the designer to do whatever she wanted.

“She’s a wonderful client because she gives me the opportunity to spread my wings creatively,” Byer says. At the same time, “It’s important to me to reflect a client’s style, not to reflect my personal style. This has to be their home and reflect their likes and dislikes.”

The family loves everything about their new décor. While Connie grew up in the days of relatives with plastic-covered sofas, in her home no room is off-limits.

“It’s a good investment to make your company feel comfortable in a home,” says Connie.

“I say use everything.”

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 17

rooms gone right|attic

A room of

one’s own

18 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

By SUE KANHAI Sophie Fitzpatrick is one lucky little girl.

The 10-year-old and her family live in a beautiful century home where the third floor attic is hers and hers alone.

Thanks to a recent renovation she has a stylish modern bedroom filled with thoughtfully designed custom furniture and a private spa-

like bathroom with an elegant theme she chose herself.

Yet the third floor of the Fitzpatrick family home wasn’t always so polished. The halfstorey has low ceiling heights of six feet that taper down to just 34 inches, creating unique, angled walls. It had been dry-walled and plas-

tered throughout the years so getting lighting into the space was a challenge. There was no existing plumbing. The flooring was old and creaky.

It was a welcome challenge for the team at Chestnut Grove Cabinetry & Design in Vaughan. Âť

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 19

rooms gone right|Attic

BEDROOM BEFORE

20 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

President and principal designer Francesco Giampietro worked with junior interior designer Cassandra Brandow on the three-month-long project.

The approximately 300 square feet of space was being used as a combination playroom and bedroom. “It was full of old toys,” Brandow says, “everything that Sophie had grown out of.”

“It had very little life to it and felt very much like a storage space,” Giampietro agrees. “Sophie wouldn’t use the bedroom because it was gloomy.”

Molly Fitzpatrick wanted her daughter to have her own space to enjoy, a really functional environment that would serve all of her needs as she grows up. Her wish list included a bedroom, a bathroom and a workspace for homework, as well as ample storage for her clothes.

“She’s 10 now and kids don’t play with dolls anymore. It’s all about watching movies together, playing video games and being on their iPads,” she says.

The designers focused on function first. That meant keeping in mind the shape of the rooms and envisioning how Sophie would move through and use the space.

BATHROOM BEFORE

“We needed to address the functionality of the person first before we could address the need for storage,” Giampietro explains. “Because you have two angles coming towards the centre of the room, the furniture was another challenge.

Your only clearance for walking is through the middle, like a hallway.”

Proper furniture positioning was key. Giampietro and Brandow had to carefully consider how the client could get in and out of her bed without hitting her head on the angular ceiling. Once furniture placement was solved they started designing custom furniture pieces that offered generous built-in storage.

Since the space is meant just for her, Sophie got to choose many of the design elements. The team incorporated her favourite colour, blue, in a modern, elegant way. In the bathroom she chose an “under the sea” theme. The cabinetry has delicate knobs shaped like seashells and stunning marble countertops that have a lot of turquoise in them, as well as a touch of glitter.

The bathroom is Giampietro’s favourite. “It has a very spa-like, open, airy feel to it,” he says.

“It’s very relaxing. This little window looks over the tub so you get this nice warm glow of the sun coming through. It’s very hotel-like.”

He anticipated every need, building a large vanity with ample storage, a soap table with a storage cabinet underneath, a makeup table with a custom swivel mirror and a three-drawer dresser for towels.

Adorably, Sophie requested that her bedroom be “cat-tastic”.

“Franco responded to this idea in a really great way,” Molly says. “The window seat has a full-size cushion as well as a smaller one built right into the alcove. That’s the cushion for our two cats and they sleep there all day. He created a space for them, too.”

Sophie’s bed was inspired by a luxurious chaise longue. Its two headboards are customupholstered in a deep blue velvet. A full dresser is built in as a headboard on one end.

While the area may once have been a little gloomy, that’s certainly no longer the case. Two existing skylights continue to guarantee beautiful light during the day. To brighten the nights the designers turned to LED lighting, choosing a new puck light that’s a mere half an inch thick and fishing very thin wires through the drywall.

The third floor is now sunny and light-filled.

The Fitzpatricks renovated hoping that Sophie will enjoy the rooms until she leaves for university. She’s already happily spending lots of time there. “She loves it,” Molly say. “She even does her homework up there. It’s given her a lot of independence—and us, too.”

It’s certainly a very sophisticated space, but even more importantly, it’s perfect for slumber parties. »

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 21

rooms gone right|attic STYLE goal Create a contemporary space that isn’t trendy and, with a few changes in decor, could easily transition from a young girl’s to a young woman’s space.

MUST HAVES • freestanding tub • tub filler with a good wand (due to height constraints a shower was impossible so a wand was a necessity) • plenty of storage

Renovation ADVICE If it’s a space you intend to use for some time, choose the items you really want and be patient. It may take eight weeks for the perfect taps to be delivered or four months to get your stone tops just right but when the renovation is complete you’ll have a space that’s right for you.

Favourite Features The fabulous bed, the makeup table, the extra cushion on the window seat for the cats and the “secret” drawer under the desk that has a lock.

SOURCES Paint: Benjamin Moore, Beacon Gray 2128-60 Bathroom Storage dresser, soap table and makeup table: designed and fabricated by Chestnut Grove Cabinetry paint colour: Coconut Cream, Chestnut Grove custom Shell knobs: Zara Home Stone countertops: Montgomery by Cambria Tub: Vanico Home 1 Freestanding Tub, TUBS The Ultimate Bathroom Store Bedroom Built-in desk, custom bed with dresser headboard, night table, TV stand and frame, wall unit with window seat: Chestnut Grove Desk knobs: Zara Home

Benjamin Moore Beacon Gray 2128-60

22 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

The Future of Dentistry is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 | 23

home tour|Richmond Hill

Old World

MEETS NEW “

The house f

By SUE KANHAI | photography by Jim Craigmyle

24 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

feels warm and inviting but is also very elegant.

Our designer was able to bring both worlds together.� – Don Daigle, homeowner GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 25

home tour|Richmond Hill

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’m finding that a lot of people don’t want to deal with going online. They’re busy and it’s overwhelming. Where do you start?” she asks, sympathizing. » 26 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

“

The home from an overabundance of brown to something lighter, fresher and far more refined.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 27

home tour|Richmond Hill

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

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

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

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

“It has a sense of European, Old World com28 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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www.discoverypoint.ca GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 29

home|décor

SECOND-HAND

By JOANN MACDONALD | PHOTOGRAPHY By NAOMI HILTZ

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

30 | 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 | 31

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.

32 | 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 | 33

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

34 | 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 | 35

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

Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51

SOURCES Paint: walls, Benjamin Moore Intense White, Benjamin Moore Raspberry Glaze 2078-20 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

36 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

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home|teen bedrooms

38 | 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 | 39

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.

40 | 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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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

42 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

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Find this and our other magazine editions online at

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|Porcello Cantina

Made in house Porcello Cantina offers simple scratch cooking S TORY AND Photography B y JULI E MI GUEL Sitting in a booth in his Woodbridge restaurant, Anthony Lamacchia takes a few minutes before the dinner rush to share the story of how he went from working in Toronto restaurants to opening Porcello Cantina Lamacchia’s story begins during childhood; he grew up in the kitchen, he says, watching his mother and grandmother prepare meals from scratch.

He learned early to appreciate the appeal of a thoughtfully prepared homemade meal and wanted to offer the same to his customers.

Everything from the pasta to the pizza dough to the porchetta is made in house at Porcello Cantina.

Although he is not a classically trained chef, Lamacchia has worked in restaurant kitchens since he was 14. His first job was peeling potatoes.

He comes from humble beginnings and that is

48 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

reflected in Porcello Cantina.

The menu is casual and simple. Lamacchia uses local ingredients as much as he can. Inspiration comes from his Calabrese background, as well as chatting to friends and customers about what they like to eat and the work of other chefs he looks up to.

On any given day, you can choose from a selection of fresh starters, salads, pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. There are two specials per day—perhaps a pappardelle with cherry tomatoes, calamari, shrimp and spinach in a light white wine sauce or pizza with soppresatta and n’duja (a spicy Italian pork spread).

Popular items include the burrata with heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil and crostini; housemade pappardelle with wild boar ragu; and the signature pizzas, Lamacchia’s personal favourite.

He describes his pizza as a cross between

Roman style pizza (that is thicker and cooked in a pan) and Stiratta Romana (very thin-style pizza).

Espresso is a must after the meal and comes from a local roaster, Ruffino. The newly hired new pastry chef creates Italian-inspired desserts, including Nutella bombe, chocolates, cheesecakes, biscotti, crostata and more.

The space, like the food, is casual and rustic.

Porcello Cantina attracts people from all walks of life, businesses, families and casual diners.

Lamacchia knows there are lots of young families in the area so he was sure to make the space and the menu family friendly. Children’s favourites include margarita pizza and gnocchi.

Porcello Cantina 125 Hawkview Blvd., Vaughan 905-553-0151 porcello.ca

INGREDIENTS 300 g (10 oz) pizza dough 150 g (5 oz) fiore di latte cheese, cubed 125 mL (1/2 cup) arugula 150 g (5 oz) heirloom cherry tomatoes, cut in half 5 slices Parma prosciutto 30 mL (2 tbsp) olive oil balsamic vinegar freshly shaved Parmesan Cheese

METHOD

Prosciutto, Arugula and Heirloom Cherry Tomato Pizza Makes 1 personal size pizza

Heat oven to 450 F. Spread out pizza dough on a greased baking sheet to 1-cm (1/2-inch) thickness. Drizzle with olive oil and disperse the fiore di latte evenly over the pizza. Bake to desired crispiness (about 5 minutes).

Top with fresh arugula, prosciutto and cherry tomatoes. Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately.

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 49

on tap

Grillin’ and chillin’

Take barbecue season into fall with these beers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Nut Brown Ale

Get more of the

at

yorkregion.com/goodlife

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.

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 cor-

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

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

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

You can find him at michaelpinkuswinereview.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

52 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

events

9

in your to THINGS DO community

6

Woodbridge Fair October 8 to 10 Woodbridge Fairgrounds From the giant pumpkin competition and the annual cow milking contest to the motorcycle show and the midway to the horse shows and pioneer displays, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy at this longstanding fall fair.

Information: woodbridgefair.com

1

A.Y. Jackson and Tom Thomson: Wounds of War Until January 8 McMichael Canadian Art Collection On June 3, 1916, a massive explosion wounded A. Y. Jackson during the Battle of Mount Sorrel, one of the toughest and most tragic of the Canadian First World War battles. The event changed Jackson’s life and transformed his art.

This exhibition focuses on the year in which Jackson and Tom Thomson painted together and shared a studio, their different responses to war, their wartime art, Jackson’s work as an official war artist and his post-war commemorative paintings. Although Jackson and Thomson never saw each other again after 1914, each reflects the art and influence of the other over the course of the following years.

Information: mcmichael.com

2

Jack Bush: In Studio Until January 8 McMichael Canadian Art Collection In the most classic sense, the word studio is defined as “room for study.” This exhibition was conceived as an opportunity to gather 20 select paintings in a new space with the aim to spark study. The most intimate conversations held in the studio were between Bush and his primary subject: colour. The studio was a sounding board for the artist; a place to face dead ends and challenges; a place to test colour and make it sing; a place to both putter and make grand statements; and, most of all, a place to be absorbed in art.

Information: mcmichael.com

3

Colleen Heslin: Needles and Pins Until January 8 McMichael Canadian Art Collection Colleen Heslin’s paintings resonate with the tension of material and gestural complexity.

The artist hand-dyes cotton and linen in small batches, and hangs them to dry, which develops residual surface textures. The stained fabric is then cut and pieced together—similar to quiltmaking construction. Her work explores colour, shape, and texture The exhibition includes nearly a dozen new works created specifically for the site.

Information: mcmichael.com

Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven Tom Thomson, Byng Inlet, Georgian Bay, 1914-1915

4

Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven: Destinations Until April 17, McMichael Canadian Art Collection Many of the wilderness landscapes depicted in artworks by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven were interpretations serving as symbols or metaphors of place. However, writers who positioned and promoted Thomson’s and the Group of Seven’s work within a geographical and Canadian nation-building narrative, created a sense of authenticity while aligning their imagery with political as well as commercial interests. This exhibition presents a selection of the artists’ paintings and prints depicting their renderings of the North, including masterworks such as Mount Robson by Lawren Harris and Byng Inlet, Georgian Bay by Tom Thomson.

Information: mcmichael.com

5

Once Upon a Time, Deep in the Dark Forest Until April 17 McMichael Canadian Art Collection In the landscape art of the Group of Seven, the viewer has been conditioned to recognize the picturesque beauty of the Canadian forest.

Fierce, strong, and often unspoiled, it reflected a sense of character for a developing nation.

This exhibition, however, presents historical and contemporary art—including those of the Group and their associates—that suggests the forest is no symbol of glory; it is where beauty, mystery, fantasy, and darkness collide.

Information: mcmichael.com

7

Vaughan’s 25th Anniversary Celebration October 25 Riviera Parque Dining, Banquet and Convention Centre Join Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and council to celebrate Vaughan’s quarter-century.

Information: vaughan.ca

Owl Prowl

8

Owl Prowl November 12 and 19 Kortright Centre for Conservation, Vaughan Experience an evening with live owls. Go on a night hike and call to wild owls to see if they call back. Advance tickets required.

Information: kortright.org

9

Astronomy Night November 26 Kortright Centre for Conservation, Vaughan Enjoy and learn about the night sky through an engaging presentation delivered by an astronomer. Learn about history, mythology and how to identify star constellations overhead.

Information: kortright.org

online

Looking for something fun to do?

Check out events on yorkregion.com

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

portfolio |Duane D.O. Gibson

Keeping it

FRESH Growing up as a fan of hip hop and rap, Duane D.O. Gibson dreamed of one day making his mark on the industry.

Today, Gibson has managed to find his unique niche and is respected by his peers for being a savvy businessman and a talented rapper.

Looking back, the 38-year-old Woodbridge resident remembers the first album he purchased was from the popular rap duo of Will Smith and Jeff Townes from West Philadelphia—better known as DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince.

Inspired by their talents and success, he would often freestyle—a style of improvisation rap with or without instrumental beats—for hours at a time during his youth.

As one of the only students of colour at his school, he recalls freestyling later became a way to address racism.

“I learned that I didn’t have to fight back with my words or my fists, but to develop an outlet and that was the best way to overcome adversity,” says Gibson, who was born in Watrous, Sask. and moved to Stratford, Ont. as a child.

Gibson says a rap battle competition in Detroit more than 15 years ago opened his eyes to his own talents and potential.

With approximately 100 rappers taking part in the competition during the summer of 2000, Gibson, who had relocated to Toronto to attend York University, surprised his friends and himself by making it to the semifinals.

The impressive showing against more experienced rappers made him appreciate his potential as a rapper and his ability to captivate an audience.

Wanting to make the most of his newly realized talents and give back to a cause close to his heart, he started to give motivational speeches about anti-bullying to youngsters.

And he decided to do something unique to separate himself from others in the industry.

58 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

by David Li

In July 2003, Gibson set the world record for longest freestyle rap at over eight hours.

“I did it at Dark Knights car show, which was held at the Markham Fairgrounds. Because it was a car show, there were so many people coming in and out, which always kept it fresh,” recalled Gibson, who goes by the nickname D.O., which represents Defy the Odds.

“I’d look for people wearing sports jerseys so I could freestyle about different athletes and their teams, and I had various DJs help me out too which always kept the beats fresh.”

Setting the world record for longest rap has been the first of many notable accomplishments for Gibson over the years.

Having also learned the ins and outs of the music business, he started up a management and consulting company focused on hip hop called Northstarr Entertainment.

Through his company, Gibson has become a person Canadian artists turn for assistance for everything from management support to writing applications for government grants.

He has put out several albums and released music videos that have found their way onto various charts in Canada and the United States.

In addition, he has travelled the world and shared the stage with rap industry heavyweights such as Wiz Kalifa, Lil Jon and Snoop Dogg.

A highlight of his career came earlier this year during the NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto, when he had a chance to freestyle for Snoop Dogg.

“It was cool getting a chance to freestyle topics that he supplied and perform in front of him. Of course it wasn’t too difficult when the topics he gave me were basketball, Toronto and himself. I’m used to going to schools and having students throw out some tough ones like environmental conditions in Argentina…. So this was a layup.”

The married father of two says his ability to find his niche in the industry has been due to persistence, hard work and dedication—and a lot of support.

One of his biggest supporters over the years has been Wesley Williams, better known as Maestro Fresh-Wes. “It’s kind of cool to be able to call him a friend and in a lot of ways he’s been a mentor to me as well,” says Gibson of the man commonly referred to as the godfather of Canadian hip hop.

Williams, who first met Gibson during an urban music conference in 2001, is quick to point out the qualities that have led to his success.

“D.O. is a dude who is always enthusiastic to learn and grow. He’s passionate about music. We have a lot in common. He’s like a sponge trying to learn as much as he could,” says Williams, who broke through in 1989 with the mega hit Let Your Backbone Slide.

“D.O.’s found a unique lane to be an asset to the hip hop scene from doing grants to travelling to Croatia to do a show with Snoop.”

While Williams has taught Gibson a lot about the music and entertainment, he has also learned from Gibson, who continues to speak to students about bullying and has gone on to publish a book in 2012 about his experiences as a motivational speaker.

“It’s just not about me inspiring him but it’s about him inspiring me also,” says William, who has performed alongside Gibson and collaborated him on a 2015 single Never Gets Old. “If you look at the bigger picture, it’s beyond just doing music. It’s about using hip hop as a launching pad to expand and do different things to have a positive impact—and that’s where D.O.’s found his niche and he’s making his mark.”

D.O. Gibson on…

...advice for an 8-year-old D.O. When I was eight. I was living in Stratford, Ont..

No Bieber then. I would have told myself to keep dreaming and setting my goals high. In my visits to schools, I see too many youth that don’t set their goals high enough.

…living in Woodbridge I lived in Vaughan for 12 years now, first in Maple and the last six years in Woodbridge. My in-laws moved up here so we followed suit. I love it up here. I love the people.

…his 5-year plan I just want to be still in it. I look up to Maestro who is 10 years older than me. I see him doing big performances, speaking with youth, being a father. That’s what I want to keep on doing.

“

If you look at the bigger picture, it’s beyond just doing music.

It’s about using hip hop as a launching pad to expand and do different things to have a positive impact.”

– Maestro Fresh-Wes

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 59

Beauty Spot

FACE MASKS for every skin situation

By Daniela DiStefano

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

60 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

When you want to wake up younger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Estée Edit Stress Relief Eye Mask $46 | Sephora

When you overdid it in the sun

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

British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask $28 | The Body Shop

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

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

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

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

travel|Rhine Getaway

THE RIVER RHINE 62 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

Cruise visits historic European cities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 63

travel|Rhine Getaway

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

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

64 | GoodLife • September - October 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information: vikingcruisescanada.com.

Recommendation...

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

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

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

GoodLifeMagazine.ca | 65

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

2563 Major Mackenzie Dr., Maple, Ontario L6A 2E8 Tel. (905) 832-2753 www.finchcentrejewellersmaple.com

2563 Major Mackenzie Dr., Maple, Ontario L6A 2E8 Tel. (905) 832-2753 www.finchcentrejewellersmaple.com

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