Goodlife Aurora January/February Edition 2016

| F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

J ANU ARY / F EB R U ARY 2 0 1 6

J A N U A R Y

GOODLIFEMAGAZINE.CA

GoodLife Aurora, Newmarket and Area Edition

decorating

RESOLUTIONS the essential

PANTRY

small space

BIG DESIGN SERVING AURORA, NEWMARKET AND AREA

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905-898-2100 Taylor Funeral Home Newmarket Chapel

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Newly renovated to serve you better

2Arbor | GoodLife • January Memorial Inc. - February 2016

Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.

2nd Annual

January 30 & 31, 2016 Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa

Knowledgeable Speakers, Fun Demos and Lots of Exciting Exhibitors!

THRIVE 2016 SEMINAR SCHEDULE Saturday January 30th 9:30 am - 10:15 am 10:20 am - 10:50 am 11:00 am - 12 noon 12 noon - 1:00 pm 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:30 pm - 3:55 pm 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Bollywood Fitness Silver Leaf Spa Bryce Wylde Jennifer Steeves - Psychology Professor Brian Gangle Bryce Wylde Gary Turner - Psychology Professor Angela Shim Taishan Tai Chi

Dance, Fitness and Yoga Demo How Stress Affects your Daily Life Debunking Detox: What works, what doesn’t The Seeing Brain: How the brain compensates for the loss of vision Heal Yourself Heal Your Life Measuring Your Health Status: Managing your destiny The Healthy Aging Brain Rest, Re-vitalize & Restore with Amethyst, Infrared & Ionic Energies Tai Chi Demo

Sunday January 31St 9:30 am - 10:30 am 10:45 am - 11:45 am 12 noon - 1:00 pm 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Dolly Yoga LaurenSergio-AssociateProfessor, Kinesiology&HealthScience Rose Reisman Christine Jonas-Simpson - Nursing Professor Tami Willems Jill Hewlett & Dustin Widger

Yoga Demo Thinking, moving, aging…all at the same time.

Rose’s Practical Approach To Balanced Living Thriving with Dementia at the Dotsa Bitove Wellness Academy The Healing Power of Perception 90 For Life - Healthy Longevity

For more information: 905-943-6112 • thriveexpo.ca

Solid Oak Pine & Maple

Mennonite Hand Crafted • Solid Wood • Custom Designs Choice of Stains • LIFETIME WARRANTY

Publisher Ian Proudfoot Regional General Manager Shaun Sauve

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Editor Lee Ann Waterman Contributors Bart Card • Jim Craigmyle • Joann MacDonald Leslee Mason • Christine Morrison • Michael Rao Tracy Smith • Fina Scroppo Advertising Director Maureen Christie

Hwy 9 & Hwy 27, Schomberg • 905-939-2899 9 Holland St. E., Bradford • 905-775-8031

Can’t get away forr March Break?

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Join us for March Break week and experience fun-filled beach games, tropical arts & crafts and the exciting Latin rhythms of the south.

California Dreaming-Full Day Camp (7-12 yrs) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM FEE: $240.00 (plus HST)

You will be introduced to a variety of dance styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet Barre, lyrical and line-dances incorporating Cha-Cha & Salsa dance steps.

Mermaids & Melodies (3-6 yrs) Half Day Camp 9:00 AM – 12 Noon OR 1:00 – 4:00 PM FEE $120.00 present this ad (Plus HST) must when registering

Join “Ariel” from The Little Mermaid for dance classes, creative games and fun crafts.

You can sign up for the AM & PM camp & will be supervised at lunch time. *Extended care is available for an additional fee.

www.yorkdance.com Newmarket 905-836-4939 4 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Aurora 905-726-1241

Stouffville 905-640-6082

Advertising Manager Jennifer Kopacz Advertising Sales Melanie Attridge • Robin Boswell • Jeremy Brown Vern Catania • Mike Cudmore • Judy Fulton Joelle Hawley • Monika Madden • Carola McKee Alexis Reinhardt • Shelley Thompson Regional Director, Production and Creative Services Katherine Porcheron Editorial Design Emily Ayranto Director of Business Administration Rob Lazurko Director of Distribution Carol Lamb

GoodLife, Newmarket, Aurora and Area is published by Metroland Media, York Region. Statements, opinions and points of view are those of the sources and writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife magazine.

Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.

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

Submissions are welcome from writers and photographers.

We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

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

Compassionate, Caring, Consistent

Caregivers... always there for you, helping families in need.

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Sue Bauer, President and Owner

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yorkregion.com/goodlife | 5

contents

10 26

10 Home Tour 14 Rooms Gone Right 22 Rooms Gone Right 26 It’s All White 30 Décor Resolutions 34 We Like It

Primping and pampering products with natural, organic and effective ingredients

Sutton bungalow small in spac but big on design

Awkward nook becomes cosy den

Cramped kitchen opens up

30 6 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

38

White a timeless yet modern choice for interior design

This year, resolve to make your home a beautiful, functional space

contents

38 Events 45 Winter Superfoods 46 The Power of Sleep 48 Mindfulness 52

Healthy Pantry Meals

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48

Jumpstart a more active winter lifestyle

Stock your pantry and use those ingredients to create quick, nutritious dishes

Arts, culture and outdoor events for the whole family

Build a beautiful, healthful plate

Tips for getting your best night’s rest

Moving from existing to living

54 Portfolio: The Flatliners 56 The Patrick House Gallery 58 Travel 62 In the Crowd 66 Nordic Pole Walking Local realtor, teacher moonlight as professional wrestlers

54

Charming heritage home a studio, gallery and education centre

At home on the range in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Southlake Black Tie Ball

62

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 7

editor’s note

Editor

I firmly believe that a commitment to health and wellness is essential to the good life. My own experiences have shown me that again and again.

For example, I’m writing this following a typically indulgent holiday season with family and friends. Dec. 27, I went for an easy run with my brother—and remarked that my slow pace was the result of a sugar hangover, my term for the cumulative effect of several days of rich food, wine and little sleep.

A few days later, after vegetable-based meals, lots of water, more exercise and a couple nights in my own bed, I’m feeling more energetic, more centred.

With the start of another new year just weeks behind us, it seems the right time to focus on our well-being.

In this issue of GoodLife, you’ll find articles on practising mindfulness to improve your mental and physical health, why a good night’s sleep is essential to well-being and how to incorporate seasonal “superfoods” into your diet.

In keeping with our wellness theme, We Like It features three brands—two based in York Region and the other from Toronto—of natural beauty products from body butter and body polish to deodorant to moisturizers and eye creams. And food writer Fina Scroppo shares her must-haves for a well-stocked pantry and offers three quick, nutritious recipes created from pantry essentials.

This issue also includes a tour of Sutton home where a modest footprint did not get in the way of grand design, an entryway decorated with Benjamin White’s colour of the year, Simply White—and expert advice on how to use white in your own home—plus seven decorating resolutions to help you make your home a beautiful, functional space.

I hope you enjoy this issue. We’ll be back in March. In the meantime, you can find us at our new online home at www.yorkregion. com/goodlife.

Lee Ann Waterman

LEEANNWATERMAN Editor

follow us @goodlifeyork | www.yorkregion.com/goodlife

Contributors

goodlifeeditor@yrmg.com

BARTCARD travel writer

Originally from Bermuda, Bart Card realized his passion for travel at a young age. After a career in the British Army, he joined an international hotel chain as director of international sales, based in London, New York and Toronto responsible for Asia and the Middle East. He now shares his worldwide experiences in words and photographs. While travelling, he enjoys learning about local cuisine that can be incorporated into his love of cooking for friends and family.

8 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

LESLEEMASON

writer

Leslee Mason is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in a number of newspapers and magazines, including the Toronto Star, Today’s Parent and Best Health. A transplanted Torontonian who has called the Newmarket area home for the past 10 years, she says her favourite assignments are typically the ones that have a local focus.

TRACYSMITH writer

A freelance writer, health enthusiast and daughter of a general contractor, Tracy Smith loves writing stories that bring people together in their homes and community (and that have great before-andafter shots). Her work has appeared in national and local publications and she is a regular contributor to GoodLife magazine, covering the Rooms Gone Right column since its inception.

JIMCRAIGMYLE photographer

Jim Craigmyle was born in London, England and grew up in Montreal. He had an early start to photography with his interest beginning at the age of 10. He studied photography at Dawson College and Concordia University and began his career in commercial photography in Montreal before relocating to Ontario in 1996. He began his own business in 1993, shooting stock photography.

Much of his commercial work is represented by Corbis.

FINASCROPPO food writer

Author of The Healthy Italian cookbook and an awardwinning writer and editor, Fino Scroppo’s recipes and cooking prowess have been featured on numerous TV shows, radio programs and in magazines and newspapers across the country. Over the past 20 years, she has enjoyed working with cookbook authors and produced special-interest cooking publications that have featured the works of many celebrity chefs. Visit her at thehealthyitalian.ca.

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Door-handle pockets glow in soft lighting tuned to complement the vehicle’s colour. The signature Lincoln Logo Welcome Mat illuminates the ground in front of the door. Ambient lighting warms the interior in a soft glow and features a range of colours you can change to suit your mood. Auto-folding exterior mirrors automatically fold and retract.

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We Like It

Au naturel

BY LEE ANN WATERMAN

Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the things we know nourish our bodies can do the same for our skin and our hair. GoodLife has sourced some primping and pampering products with natural, organic and effective ingredients.

10 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Launched last fall by Toronto’s Lisa Mattam, Sahajan combines traditional Indian Ayurvedic remedies and organic science in its skin and hair care products. Old world ingredients, including Indian fruit rich in vitamin C, herbs and essential oils like cedar, East Indian sandalwood, cinnamon, geranium, bergamot, lavender, lemon, lime and orange, are fused with organic coconut, almond and sesame oils as well as proved modern-use ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Available at sahajan.com and well.ca.

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Nourish Face Cream Brightens and protects skin from environmental toxins and stressors with Ayurvedic antioxidant remedies in a rich, hydrating formula |$60

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Ritual Body Oil Hydrates and restores skin’s natural glow while also soothing away tension with traditional Ayurvedic massage therapy ingredients | $55

2

Protective Face Serum Contains concentrated ingredients to brighten the look of skin and improve the appearance of fine lines | $70

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Nurture Hair Oil Nourishes, repairs and protects hair with Ayurvedic essentials used for centuries to restore damaged hair and treat the scalp | $50

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Restorative Eye Cream Banishes dark circles as it protects, brightens and restores delicate skin around the eyes with a soothing, effective blend of natural actives and rich oils | $45

Adelphie Natural Skin Care cold-pressed soap, exfoliators, toners and moisturizers are handmade in Newmarket by esthetician Deborah Keogh. Keogh began by making soap for family members, then moved to a stall at the Main Street Farmers Market. Adelphie products are also available at Yoga Source & Therapy Studio in Newmarket and online at adelphie.ca. The skin care products are made from a variety of botanical oils, including coconut, olive, grapeseed, avocado and neem, and essential oils, such as, apricot, perilla, camellia, jojoba, rosehip seed and evening of primrose, that both benefit the skin and smell wonderful.

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Avocado Jasmine Moisturizer HA Formulated for mature/dry skin, this thick moisturizer has avocado oil to reduce age spots and increase collagen production and jasmine to improve elasticity | 60 mL |$32

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Natural Cold Pressed Soap Handcrafted in small batches using coconut, olive and grapeseed oils in an ever-changing array of “flavours” such as lavender oatmeal, mandarin orange, organic rosehip and sweet lemongrass | $6/bar

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Natural Exfoliating Grains Regular exfoliation can increase the skin’s ability to absorb moisture, reduce fine lines and diminish acne. Containing rice flour, rose petals, crushed apricot shells, lavender and geranium, the grains are mixed with water to form a paste.| 125 mL | $15

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Eye Gel Complex Reduces dark rings and improves firmness and tone, with wild yam root to speed tissue regeneration, guarana to reduce puffiness and mannetake and shiitake mushrooms to improve skin tightness | 15 mL | $36

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1-2-3 Glow! cleanser moisturizer Adelphie’s bestseller, this two-in-one is formulated with rose, camellia and jojoba and suitable for all skin types. Use it to gently cleanse your face, then rinse, dry and reapply to moisturize | 250 mL | $42

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 11

We Like It Clean Kiss Organics founder and Vaughan resident Jodie Pappa got her start by making all-natural personal care products in her own kitchen for her own family. Still made in small batches, the line includes products for body, face, hair that are homemade from all natural and consciously sourced therapeutic grade essential oils and raw ingredients.

Available at cleankissorganics.com.

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Cream Deodorant Hot yoga and extreme heat tested, it contains tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties, essential oils, such as lavender rosemary and peppermint or orange and patchouli, to invigorate your senses and other natural ingredients to eliminate bacteria that causes underarm odour | 60 mL | $10

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Exfoliating Body Polish Exfoliates and softens skin with coconut and sweet almond oils, Arctic mineral salts, organic cane sugar and essential oils.Varieties include Make That Kiss Last (lavender rosemary), Pucker Up (citrus green tea), Kiss That Hottie (bergamot lemon grass) Vanilla Latte Kisses (coffee and vanilla) | 500 g | $25

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Fresh Kisses Linen Spray Scented with lavender, rosemary and cedar essential oils to freshen your laundry in place of dryer sheets and fabric softener | 100 mL | $10

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Sweet Citrus Kisses Facial Scrub For a youthful glow and healthy looking skin, apply once or twice per week on face, neck and décolleté. Contains coconut and olive oils, organic cane sugar, lemon oil, juice and zest | 240 mL | $12

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Kiss Your Body Butter A rich blend of organic shea and cocoa butters, coconut, almond and castor oils—chosen for their ability to moisturize and soften dry skin—with the addition of essential oils to provide a light scent and therapeutic benefits | 240 mL | $15

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HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

12 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

15 Jevlan Drive, Woodbridge Ontario L4L 8C2 905-850-4653 Fax: 905-850-8580 www.damianijewellers.com

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 13

home tour|Sutton

small in space

big in design

by Tr ac y S m i t h ph o t o g r a p h y by S ta n i s l av Yavo rsk i y

For most, building a home from scratch would be a daunting task, but for Andrew and Joanne Smith of Jackson’s Point, that feat was already checked off their list and they were ready to do it again.

“There is this street in Sutton that we have always loved. It is quiet, surrounded by forest and I grew up visiting family who lived there,” Andrew explains. “We heard about a lot that may be coming up for sale and we were very lucky to buy it privately in December 2014.”

Once the property was secured, the Smiths hired an architect to draw plans for dream home No. 2 and brought on Newmarket designer Patti Wilson. In March 2015, the team broke ground.

Instead of tearing down the existing house, the Smiths chose to repurpose. It was lifted off of its foundation and moved elsewhere in town.

“The old house was literally lifted up in the air and placed on my lawn while we waited for it to be picked up,” Joanne explains. “It was a very interesting process to watch and I feel so much better knowing that it was used elsewhere than just demolished and wasted.”

Over the next four months, with Andrew acting as project manager and Wilson and Joanne focusing on the details, a new 2,400-square-foot bungalow was erected on the site. While modest in square footage, the home is overflowing with character and an unforgettable main living area.

“Living in Jackson’s Point is different—the pace is a bit slower and there’s a closeness to nature because it’s all around you and the community sits right on Lake Simcoe,” Joanne says. “We wanted to embrace that feeling with our new home so we tried to create a really comfortable and welcoming space that felt like a cosy lodge with elements of arts and crafts styling.” »

14 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

“A lot of thought went into the lighting of the home so that it was really functional as well as added character,” explains designer Patti Wilson.

“The antler light fixture in the kitchen, the laundry room chandelier and the retro bedroom fan add personality and depth to the design, while the strategic track lighting in the great room blended in with the ceiling beams and provides needed lighting that is virtually unseen to the eye.”

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 15

home tour|Sutton

The kitchen boasts a lot of custom features, including a copper range hood, decorative kick boards, pull-out pantry shelves, an appliance cupboard, drawer for spices and deep pot drawers.

16 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Guests walk through the craftsman-style front door into a great room that perfectly embodies the “lodge look” the homeowners were after.

Large wood beams support and frame the 22foot ceilings and a seating area is surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, built-in book shelves and a full-wall entertainment area complete with sink, bar, beverage fridge and storage. Dark, rich hues give the room a cosy feel.

“We entertain family and friends a lot,” Andrew says. “When drawing up the plans for this house, we thought a lot about what features to include and how to lay the space out so that it would make our social events easy and everyday living really functional.

The great room opens to a bright, white and airy kitchen, where natural light streams through huge arched windows. A nod to the more natu-

ral, rustic feel of the seating comes from accents like the copper range hood, antler light fixture and handcrafted dining table.

“My favourite feature of the home is the stunning wall-to-wall window in the kitchen that greets you as soon as you walk in the front door,” says Wilson. “In the original plans, the window was a lot smaller, but as the only real window in the main room, we decided to make it substantially bigger to let in as much natural light as possible; the result is spectacular.”

Just off the kitchen are the laundry room and mudroom.

The laundry room is not only useful but beautiful, with stunning lattice-patterned blue wallpaper and a light-reflecting chandelier making the ho-hum task of cleaning somewhat fun. ” » yorkregion.com/goodlife | 17

home tour|Sutton

The laundry room is not only useful but beautiful, with stunning lattice-patterned blue wallpaper and a lightreflecting chandelier making the ho-hum task of cleaning somewhat fun.

18 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Est. 1984

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING The Professionals Who Care Comfort, Accountability, Reliability, Excellence

• Air Conditioner Conditioners • Air Cleaners • Boiler Boilers/Water Heaters • Duct Systems • Fireplaces • Furnaces • Heat Pumps/ Radiant Heating • Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) • Humidifiers • 24 Hour Emergency Service • Maintenance & Warranty Agreements

Showroom: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 1pm 905-898-3912 • 1-800-263-7437 1235 Gorham Street • Units #13 & 14 • Newmarket www.cancoclimatecare.com

“The laundry room is one of my favourite rooms,” says Joanne. “I just love the vibrant wallpaper and the light cascades in so many directions from the chandelier; it’s such a pretty room.”

The focal point of the mudroom is a barnboard-backed custom wall unit. Cubbies, hooks and deep plastic-lined drawers make for easy storage of damp shoes, outerwear and more.

Custom window coverings soften the look and bring in a French-country feel.

An elegant powder room for guests, the master suite and bedroom/bathroom for the Smiths’ 11-year-old son complete the main floor of the home. The lower level houses a nanny suite with living room, bathroom and bedroom and an area for the their son to hang out with friends in future years.

Construction projects often take much longer than anticipated, but in this case, the project proceeded at warp speed with the Smiths moving in just four months after work began.

“We are really happy with how everything turned out,” Joanne says of the final results.

“What could be better than building a home that fits perfectly with how you live?” »

For children

adolescents adults To Call le Your u d lth families Sche l Hea ta Men eck-Up Ch

Wendy Hofmann mSW rSW michael Isaac mEd rSW phone: (905) 716-4698 hofmannandisaac@gmail.com www.hofmannandisaac.ca 15260 Yonge Street Suite 202, Aurora, ON

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home tour|Sutton SoUrCES Kitchen Appliances: Caplan’s Appliances, Toronto Antler chandelier: The Light Source, Aurora Backsplash: Saltillo Tile Store, North York Cabinetry, table, chairs: CRS Woodworking, Georgina Counters: Caesarstone, Vaughan Floors: Rowan Hardwood Floors, Newmarket Island granite: Ciot, Vaughan Rangehood: Kevin Addy, Patti Wilson Interior Design Laundry and mudroom Cabinetry: CRS Woodworking, Georgina Custom window coverings: Specialty House, Newmarket Chandelier: Union Lighting, Toronto Backsplash: Saltillo Tile, North York Appliances: Caplan’s Appliances, Toronto Couches, chairs: La-Z-Boy, Newmarket Coffee table: Niche Décor, Aurora Fireplace: Napoleon Bar, media unit: Kevin Addy, Patti Wilson Interior Design Rug: Pottery Barn Master bathroom Bathtub, fixtures: Kolani, Vaughan Millwork, vanity: Kevin Addy, Patti Wilson Interior Design Lighting fixtures: Union Lighting, Toronto Window coverings: Specialty House, Newmarket Tiles: Tilemaster, Aurora

The custom wall unit in the mudroom features a barnboard backing.

beFORe

20 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

“The old house was literally lifted up in the air and placed on my lawn while we waited for it to be picked up,” says homeowner Joanne Smith. “ It was a very interesting process to watch and I feel so much better knowing that it was used elsewhere than just demolished and wasted.”

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rooms gone right|den

“This wall-unit completely transforms the room and accomplishes so much for this small space,” says Elaine Armstrong McLean of Fischer Custom Cabinets. “The TV is safely mounted with built-in speakers and the wires are hidden out of sight; large drawers can be used for storing endless items and supplies; and a few of the cabinets are so deep that we included space for hanging clothes and shoe storage.”

22 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

FROM

AWKWARD to

Amazing

By Tracy Smith | photography by Jim Craigmyle Climbing the staircase to the second floor of Marlene O’Neill’s 110-year-old Newmarket home, you can’t be sure what awaits you at the top. The cosy and inviting seating area complete with TV and custom cabinetry is definitely a surprise—and a beautiful one.

Two years ago, when O’Neill moved into the home, the landing nook, although oozing with historical charm, was awkward and virtually unusable.

The small room had multiple angled ceilings, a recessed nook, built-in drawers facing the wrong direction and no place to safely put a TV. “I really struggled with how I could use the room and get the most out of it,” O’Neill says. “In a small home, every inch counts and, as it was, the space wasn’t really providing any real value.”

She visited local businesses, in search of the right pieces of furniture to get the room in order, but had no success. Then a shop owner listened to her problem and suggested a custom piece might be the perfect solution and recommended nearby Fischer Custom Cabinets as a place to start.

“Creating a custom piece of furniture or cabinet is a perfect solution for older homes because the rooms are often small, the ceilings angled, floors can be uneven and storage is non-existent,” explains Elaine Armstrong McLean of Fischer

Custom Cabinets in Newmarket. “It is our job, as custom cabinetmakers, to come up with a solution that fits our customers’ specific needs and build it from scratch, exactly how they want.”

In O’Neill’s case, the need was two pieces of furniture: one for the main wall of the room to house her TV and provide a bit of storage and a second in the corner of the room to act as a linen closet, storing bathroom supplies and bedding.

Although the space was very unique, McLean came up with some great ideas that incorporated beautiful design and details, functionality, useful storage and cohesion throughout the space.

The same cabinet profile, hardware and paint colour were used on the wall unit and standalone linen cabinet to unify the two pieces. The mouldings of both cabinets were created to match the existing woodwork in the room and blend the new pieces with the old ones as much as possible. And a faux cabinet front was built to disguise the stairwell for a seamless look.

The stand-alone cabinet that serves as a linen closet is moveable and shorter so the attic can still be accessed.

An awkward nook was turned into extra storage, with deep drawers for games, DVDs and books, hanging clothes and even extra shoe storage at the rear of the cupboards. » yorkregion.com/goodlife | 23

rooms gone right|den

Why thE ChaNgE? To find functionality in an awkward, unusable space.

rENoVatIoN ChECKLISt • place for TV • cosy sitting area • added storage for linens, books, games

BEFORE

StyLE goaL A look that would complement, rather than compete with, the character and historical features of the home.

SpLUrgE “A custom wall-unit is definitely an investment,” says homeowner Marlene O’Neill, “but being able to create a piece of furniture that fits your space perfectly and provides useful storage tailored specifically to your needs is pretty incredible.”

thE FINaL VErDICt BEFORE

“It’s perfect; I just love it. Everyone who sees it, especially those who saw what the space looked like before, can’t believe the results and how wonderful it looks.”

SoUrCES Coffee table side tables, painting: Pier1 Imports, Newmarket Wall units: Fischer Custom Cabinets, Newmarket Couch: La-Z-boy, Newmarket Chair: HomeSense Paint: Dulux Tangerine Fizz Dulux tangerine Fizz

24 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Contemporary Leather anD FabriC Seating St! h o n SOFAS SOFA BEDS RECLINERS SECTIONALS CHAIRS THEATRE SEATING POPular COnfiguratiOns 143"

112"

60"

116"

DFA0-8-DHL-MA-MR

DFA0-8-ML-MA-DOR-SAA-MR

114"

150" 60" 112"

DFA0-8-SAL-DHR

150"

Choice of Fabrics Contemporary ‘downblend’ sectional $2,298 Oversized ottoman $598 Leather chairs $1,798 ea.

Choice of colours and arm finishes Like us On

DFA0-8-DHL-SAA-DOR-MA-MR

DFA0-8-ML-MA-DOR-SAA-DHR A0-8-ML-MA-DOR-SAA-DHR

Follow us On

www.thechesterfieldshop.com

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NEWMARKET 17940 YONGE ST. (N. OF HWY 9/DAVIS DR.) • NORTHYORK • SCARBOROUGH • DOWNTOWN • MISSISSAUGA

ie & H u m a ne S o c

HOURS: MON TO WED: 10 TO 9 (DOWNTOWN 10 TO 6) • THURS & FRI: 10 TO 9 • SAT: 10 TO 6 • SUN: 11 TO 5 (416) 667-1150 • TOLL-FREE 1-800-721-0081

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rooms gone right|kitchen

Out with the old,

in with the New

By Tracy SMith | photography by Jim Craigmyle

26 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

“

We used to eat in front of the TV a lot, now we can sit at the table and be in our new kitchen and space that we love.”

- Christel Meisinger, homeowner

bEForE

C

hristel Meisinger and Ron Claughton knew it was finally time to tackle their kitchen when they started to lose interest in cooking and hesitated at the prospect of inviting friends over when meals would be involved.

“We live in a smaller, older home and we had been hesitant to do any renovations on our kitchen that might outpace the market price of our home,” Meisinger says. “But we reached a point where we knew it was the right thing to do—for our sanity, as well as for the value of our home.”

The couple knew they wanted to gut the

kitchen and remove walls separating it from the adjacent dining room, but also knew that they did not want to be involved with any of the project management for the renovation or co-ordination of trades.

They met with Michelle Major, owner of Foxglove Designs, at her Yonge Street studio in Aurora to discuss the current kitchen and their future plans.

Major detailed the steps involved and how her team could oversee the process.

“Hiring Michelle, and her associate Lisa, to lead this project was the first and most important step of our reno,” Claughton says. “Her

experience, design knowledge and ability to co-ordinate every single aspect—planned or unplanned—was a godsend.”

Anchored by rich, white cabinetry and stainless steel hardware and accessories, the new room boasts a beautiful blue glass backsplash, seating for 10 or more people, a gorgeous island filled with storage and new banquette seating.

Meisinger and Claughton are really happy with the results of their renovation: “We never imagined that our old kitchen and tiny dining room could be revamped into something this amazing.” » yorkregion.com/goodlife | 27

rooms gone right|kitchen

StyLE goaL

Modern meets traditional.

“I really like a modern look, but because we live in an older home, wanted to blend modern with traditional elements so the kitchen still matched the rest of the house, ” says homeowner Christel Meisinger.

Why thE ChaNgE? • • • •

Small, dated kitchen Lack of storage, counter space No room for guests Cut off from eating area

rENoVatIoN ChECK LISt • • • •

open kitchen to dining area create a social and comfortable place for guests match flooring to original hardwood in home add an island

SpLUrgES • custom milled floors • custom pillows for banquette seating • table

bargaINS “There used to be a built-in cabinet below the windows,” designer Michelle Major explains. “By replacing the cabinet with a bench for banquette seating, we were able to provide a wonderful place to sit and look outside, but also seating for the dining table, allowing us to move the table over by a few feet to create more open space and flow for the room.”

• appliances (bought together to save on cost and purchased bar fridge with minor scratch that was covered when installed)

FaVoUrItE FEatUrES “I love the nook with banquette seating. I spend a lot of time curled up by the window reading a book.”

—Christel Meisinger, homeowner “The island is what I like best. It is perfect for when we have people over and the amount of storage that we gained is unbelievable. Almost nothing is left on the counters anymore because every item and utensil has its own spot. It looks so clean and tidy.”

—Ron Claughton, homeowner

SoUrCES Design, custom cabinetry, hardware, backsplash: Foxglove Design Inc., Aurora Contractor: Ian Ramsay, Rockwood Contracting Countertops: Caesarstone Flooring: Grand Floors, Barrie Custom cushions: Kravet Fabrics, custom sewing through Foxglove Design Inc. Benjamin Moore Paint: Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51

Intense White oC-51

28 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

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905.727.4258 yorkregion.com/goodlife | 29

home|décor

Timeless yet modern

Decorating with white

By Joann MacDonalD Fresh, clean and modern or bland and boring—white as a colour scheme has its fans and foes. Popular paint brand Benjamin Moore is betting on the appeal of white, naming Simply White (OC-117) its 2016 Colour of the Year.

Variations of white make up five of the company’s top 10 best-selling colours, backing up Benjamin Moore’s certainty that white is an essential design element.

“I use Simply White all the time,” says decorator Anita Ricci of Bright Ideas Interiors. “It’s my go-to trim colour. The colour is perfect because it’s not a brilliant white, so it doesn’t look stark. It also lends itself to a contemporary feel.”

As a colour consultant at Centro Paint & Decor in Maple, Ricci works exclusively with Benjamin Moore products. She says the taupes and beiges of years past have given way to greys.

“Simply White works with grey—whether true greys or warmer greys—in a more contempo-

30 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

rary palette,” she says. “Everybody wants clean, crisp, less colour than more colour right now.”

If you choose white as a wall colour, experts caution that you will need to add colour and texture in accessories and furniture. Think art gallery—expanses of hardwood flooring, white walls and colourful art.

“You need to have some great pieces and texture if you want to use white,” says Lauren Mangotich, an interior decorator with Inside Out Decorating Centre, a Benjamin Moore retailer in Stouffville. “It’s a great backdrop if you have some terrific artwork and really great furniture. I like to put it with wood, with weathered surfaces, just to make it a little more interesting and nice to live in.”

Notes Ricci, “If you look in decor magazines, there’s colour. There’s beautiful artwork. There’s beautiful furniture. Everything is done so that the white falls to the back. If you’re painting your walls all white and you don’t accessorize,

it ends up looking like you just primed.”

White on the walls has definite benefits. It can make a room appear larger. It lends itself to a classic and clean look. And it works in traditional, transitional and modern interiors. “It’s a beautiful colour for a backdrop,” Ricci says.

“You just have to be careful that you don’t make it look sterile and boring,” Mangotich notes. “You want to see different textures, maybe add an accent wall in a different colour.”

Contrast white walls with dark furniture or use a dark countertop in a white kitchen. Use carpeting with a deeper pile and vary finishes so that some are shiny, others are dull.

“When you have a blank canvas and it’s white, the possibilities are endless,” says designer and professional stager Jane Conrad of Newmarketbased Home Staging by Jane. “A white canvas is limitless with no influence or restrictions.” » yorkregion.com/goodlife | 31

home|décor

Far from being boring, Conrad says, a white backdrop gives the ultimate freedom to personalize other aspects, from flooring and window coverings to accessories. “I can’t tell you how many clients hastily chose colour only to end up regretting not having thought through their theme,” she says. “With white walls, you will never run into this situation.”

Conrad recommends thinking long and hard about your vision for a room. “ Do your research, and I mean a lot of research. Visit showrooms, look at magazines, pay more attention to the houses you frequent. Take a closer look: Are there rooms that stand out to you? Why? Are there spaces you would like to emulate?”

Think about the occupants of your home too.

“White can get soiled with curious and adventurous small hands,” Conrad says. Paint with an eggshell finish is washable, however it may reflect imperfections more.

“If you use a premium quality paint, you can use matte,” Mangotich says. “It’s washable and will hide imperfections. The key is more buying the quality than the finish.”

The trend toward lighter, brighter colours may be just the pick-me-up we need, Ricci muses. “I think people are getting away from dark. There’s enough of that in our world. When you come home, you just want everything to be calm and classic. You just want to take a breath.”

32 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

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www.thestroms.ca yorkregion.com/goodlife | 33

home|dĂŠcor

7 Decorating

Resolutions

By Leslee Mason

This year, resolve to make your home a beautiful, functional space.

These resolutions will help get you started.

34 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

create storage

Too much “stuff” often tops the list of complaints around this time of year. “Looking around the house and seeing stuff in the corners and seeing stuff on tables—it’s stressful for people,” says Lindsey Foster von Kalben, designer and owner of FVK Design in Markham. Her advice? Maximize your closet storage space with an organization system that meets your needs. For example, add shelves in a closet where items need to be stacked or extra rods for clothes. “If something is important to you and you need to make space for it in your house, there needs to be a space for it to go away to,” she says.

Of course, storage solutions only work if everyone is able to follow them. “Label your storage areas to allow your family to help you keep organized,” Foster von Kalben says.

“Label your baskets, label your storage. Have a shelf in your closet that is ‘Bob’s shoes’ and a shelf in your closet that’s ‘Jane’s shoes’. Then everybody knows where things are supposed to go and it’s easier for everybody to be part of keeping your house beautiful.”

maximize your lighting

Pot lights address a lot of day-to-day lighting needs, but on full brightness, they don’t exactly create a relaxing environment. The solution? Add dimmer switches, suggests Foster von Kalben, who says they’re a cost-effective way to improve the lighting in your house. “It’s about creating an environment that you want to spend time in.”

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 35

make room for the things you love

If storage alone doesn’t cut it, it may be time to pare down. When de-cluttering, designer Rose Della Penna likes to take items out of a space. “Everything goes out. All the little décor pieces—your vases, books, lamps—and you only put back what you absolutely love,” says the owner of Della Penna Design in Woodbridge.

Jen Walker, a stager and stylist with Pearl Street Home Staging in Newmarket says that type of approach is especially great if you need a little help re-imagining your space.

Take bookshelves, for example. “They don’t have to hold books,” she says. “If you have a collection of something, maybe you want to put that there. Or maybe you change it depending on the season.”

To make it easier, Walker suggests committing your goals to paper. “I find making lists of the to-dos you want to tackle useful to stay on track and motivated. And it’s so satisfying to cross out what you accomplish!”

switch up your linens

In the bedroom, create a good quality bedding base and then accessorize according to the season. For example, in the colder months, place thick faux fur throws at the end of the bed. During warmer seasons, opt for lighter fabrics in pretty colours. “You want to walk into your bedroom and feel like it’s a retreat,” says Walker, who adds that big and beautiful throw pillows can also help create that effect.

The same goes for your bathroom. Della Penna likes to switch up bathroom towels at least twice a year. “Your spring-summer towels would probably be a lighter colour and then, in the winter, you can warm them up with warmer colours,” she says. She does the same with entryway rugs, opting for heavier, more durable versions in the winter and lighter and brighter ones in the spring.

36 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

freshen up your walls

Your walls are one of the biggest areas in your home, so it’s no surprise that paint has a big impact on your space. It’s a great way to incorporate some new colours in your space, but is also very manageable, Della Penna says.

For ease, Walker suggests opting for a neutral shade and then adding pops of colour through accessories such as artwork and pillows. “That will completely change the look of your room,” she says.

Della Penna likes to use no more than three complementary colours. “A nice flow is calming,” she explains.

Not quite ready to paint? Even smaller projects like patching up walls and touching up paint can make a big impact. The same goes for baseboards. “Kids and pets can really give baseboards a beating, and we may not even be aware that they look bad,” says Walker, who adds a fresh coat of white paint can do wonders. “It’s amazing the difference it can make,” she says. “All of a sudden, your home looks better cared for and cleaner.”

adopt a “wabi-sabi” outlook

A Japanese concept, wabi-sabi is about appreciating beauty that is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete, Foster von Kalben says. “When people are finishing their homes, they think they need to do everything at the same time. But wabi-sabi tells us it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s not going to be there forever and you don’t have to finish it all right now.” Instead, Foster von Kalben suggests letting your space evolve and happen more organically.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 37

food|healthy pantry meals

THE ESSENTIAL PANTRY

With a well-stocked, healthy pantry, dishing out a delicious and nutritious meal takes little time

B y Fi na s CroP P o P H OTOGR APHy B y Mi CHa e L rao

38 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

L

et me guess, you’re weeks into the New Year and your resolution to eat and live a healthier lifestyle has already taken a backseat along with the groceries. You’re not alone—in fact, it’s a common resolution that is broken again and again before it has time to simmer and set.

You’ve heard it many times: Committing to a healthier lifestyle is, well, a lifelong commitment. So why do so many of us find it difficult to stick to it? Our busy lifestyles create a host of barriers (or opportunities, if we’re keeping things positive)—from lack of time to confusion about the next diet that comes along to reliance on prepared convenience meals, we’re stumped on how we can get into our kitchens and prepare healthy meals.

The good news is that it’s possible and it

doesn’t take tons of effort to execute. Planning ahead by knowing your schedule for the coming week and creating some type of menu plan around it is a great start. Then researching for some inspiring and approachable recipes (hint: here is where you get the whole family involved) for quick meal ideas gets you even further ahead.

Come this time of year, when getting to the grocery store can be like gearing up for an expedition, I lean on my pantry as the essential resource for cooking healthy meals.

A well-stocked pantry—from whole grains to beans and legumes to canned fish to healthy oils—serves as the foundation for so many delicious and nutritious dishes. Here are some categories and staples to get you started in building your healthy pantry.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 39

food|healthy pantry meals

PANTRY ESSENTIALS dishes where you wouldn’t expect them. Take rolled oats and pulse them in a food processor in place of bread crumbs; use barley instead of rice for a perfectly creamy risotto that’s lower on the glycemic index; or add cooked quinoa to a Caprese salad for added protein and texture.

Top picks: barley, oats, brown rice, farro, quinoa, millet, chia, flaxseed, hemp, spelt and whole-grain pastas

FRUITS AND VEGGIES When we can’t lean on fresh, canned veggies and dried fruit can add robust flavours to dishes. Think a dried porcini to infuse flavour into a broth or a dry-packed sun-dried tomato to season a pizza or dried figs on an antipasto board. Go for preserved without added salt or sugar if possible.

Top picks: canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried mushrooms, capers or olives in brine, unsweetened figs, dates, raisins, apricots.

WHOLE GRAINS/SEEDS There’s no limit to the diversity and variety of whole grains and seeds today, and that’s important when you consider the Dietitians of Canada recommends at least 130 grams worth of carbohydrates a day to properly fuel our brains and our bodies. Use grains and seeds in both traditional meals that use them and in

40 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

BEANS/LEGUMES These plant-based proteins are also rich sources of fibre and iron that add creaminess to so many dishes. Canned beans and legumes are easy to incorporate into dishes— just be sure to choose the ones with no added salt. Toss them into salads, stir them into soups and purée them into dips. Among the dried variety, lentils are a favourite. They require no pre-soaking before they’re added to a soup that cooks in less than 25 minutes.

Top picks: chickpeas, cannellini, fava, Romano, kidney beans, red/brown/green lentils CANNED FISH Here’s a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and protein that’s inexpensive and incredibly versatile to add to salads, in pasta sauces, even in frittata baked in muffin tins. Look for fish packed in water and sodium-reduced.

Top picks: tuna (“light” over “white” ensures you’re selecting smaller species of tuna to limit mercury intake), sardines, mackerel.

NUTS Don’t go nuts on nuts (although that can sometimes be tough) but definitely make them a small part of your snacks and meals for their healthy source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Finish off a dip or pasta with chopped nuts, add them to a stuffing or fold them into a yogurtfruit bowl.

Top picks: almonds, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, pine nuts (choose natural or dry-roasted).

HEALTHY OILS Study after study sings the praises of extra-virgin olive oil and for good reason. Its cholesterol-lowering (the bad variety) properties make it one of the healthiest oils to use in meals. Reserve it for salads and moderate heating.

Top picks: extra-virgin olive oil; grape seed oil (for high heat); coconut oil (for baking or searing), toasted sesame oil (for a robust flavour), walnut oil (for a subtle nutty finish)

PUT YOUR PANTRY TO USE These delicious dishes not only lean on pantry essentials, but are also very nutritious, taste great and whip up in less than 25 minutes.

Recipes from The Healthy Italian: Cooking For the Love of Food and Family by Fina Scroppo. Visit thehealthyitalian.ca.

Tuscan Hummus Dip (PurĂŠ di ceci Toscana) INGREDIENTS 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) no-salt-added chickpeas, gently rinsed and drained 125 mL (1/2 cup) canned no-salt-added whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped 60-80 mL (1/4-1/3 cup) water 15 mL (1 tbsp) freshly grated ParmigianoReggiano or Pecorino Romano juice of 1 small lime 1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped 15 mL (1 tbsp) chopped fresh basil 15 mL (1 tbsp) chopped fresh parsley 5 mL (1 tsp) dried oregano 2 mL (1/2 tsp) Italian herb seasoning 30 mL (2 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil 1 mL (1/4 tsp) sea salt freshly ground black pepper to taste pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional) toasted pine nuts for garnish paprika for garnish METHOD Place all ingredients except pine nuts and paprika into the bowl of a food processer and whirl for about 10 minutes or until smooth.

Chill for 1 to 2 hours.

To serve, top dip with pine nuts and a dash of paprika and serve with fresh vegetables, wholegrain crostini, crackers or pita wedges.

VARIATION For a tangier dip, substitute 60 mL (1/4 cup) sundried tomatoes for peeled tomatoes.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER 60 mL (1/4 cup): 45 calories | 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat) | 152 mg sodium | 5 g carbohydrate | 1 g fibre | 2 g protein

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 41

food|healthy pantry meals Farfalle with Creamy Tuna and Red Pepper Sauce (Farfalle con creama di tonno e peperoni) Makes 6 servings INGREDIENTS 375 g (13 oz) whole wheat or whole-grain farfalle (bowtie) pasta 15 mL (1 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, chopped 500 mL (2 cups) diced red bell peppers (about 1 to 2 peppers) 1 can (28 oz/796 mL) no-salt-added whole peeled tomatoes with liquid, chopped 2 mL (1/2 tsp) sea salt 1 mL (1/4 tsp) granulated sugar pinch ground nutmeg pinch freshly ground black pepper 1 can (6 oz/170 g) flaked light tuna (skipjack preferably) in water, drained 10 mL (2 tsp) capers in brine, rinsed 45-60 mL (3-4 tbsp) crumbled light goat’s cheese 15 mL (1 tbsp) chopped fresh parsley METHOD Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.

In the meantime, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a very large pot or deep non-stick skillet.

Add onion and peppers and cook until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add tomatoes with liquid, salt, sugar, nutmeg and black pepper; reduce heat to medium and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in tuna and goat’s cheese until well combined and heated through.

Reserve a couple ladles of pasta water. Drain pasta and toss well with tuna sauce. If pasta is a little dry, add some pasta water as you toss.

Sprinkle pasta with parsley and serve immediately.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING: 355 calories | 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat) | 12 mg cholesterol | 279 mg sodium | 55 g carbohydrate | 8 g fibre | 19 g protein

42 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Quinoa Crepes with Berry Compote (Crespelle con composta di bacche) Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS - Crepes 2 large eggs 250 mL (1 cup) warm water 125 mL (1/2 cup) quinoa flour (see tip) ½ cup whole-wheat flour 1 pkg (0.3 oz/8 g) vanillin sugar pinch ground cinnamon pinch salt fresh strawberries and blueberries for garnish vanilla frozen yogurt (optional) INGREDIENTS - Berry Compote 500 mL (2 cups) frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, black berries, blueberries) 30 mL (2 tbsp) freshly squeezed orange juice 5 mL (1 tsp) maple syrup METHOD In a large bowl, beat eggs. Whisk in warm water.

Set aside.

In medium bowl, combine flours, vanillin sugar, cinnamon and salt. Whisk dry ingredients into egg mixture until well combined.

Lightly coat a medium non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-low heat. Add a half ladleful of batter and rotate skillet in a circular motion as you pour batter from the centre out to edges of skillet to fully cover the bottom.

Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, flip with spatula and cook other side for another 30 seconds or just until no longer sticky to the touch. Repeat with remaining batter, coating skillet with cooking spray each time.

Prepare compote by placing berry compote ingredients into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until chunky.

Serve crepe with compote as a filling or a topping along with fresh berries. If you’re filling crepe with frozen yogurt, let crepe cool down, add a couple of scoops down the centre of crepe and roll as you shape. Place on a parchmentlined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Serve with compote and fresh berries.

TIP To make your own quinoa flour, use a coffee grinder or mill (a food processor won’t work) to grind the quinoa. Add a small amount (filling the grinder’s basket halfway), grind for about 2 minutes, mixing with a spoon in between grinding.

VARIATION

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

use crepes for a healthy breakfast option. Spread crepes with natural peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter and roll. use fruit puree as a dip. Or use as sandwich wrap, stuffed with shaved meats, low-fat dressing and crisp lettuce or julienned carrots.

PER CREPE: 137 calories | 3 g total fat (1 g saturated fat) | 79 mg cholesterol | 32 mg sodium | 23 g carbohydrate | 7 g fibre | 5 g protein

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 43

• RESTAURANTS • FOOD • ENTERTAINMENT

diningGuIDE 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

Jacob’s Eatery – Now Open in Newmarket!

A beautiful, modern décor with sparkling chandeliers and cozy banquette seating, offering affordable and delicious meals, Jabob’s Eatery has it all! Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner they serve up tasty, hearty portions of home-style food. The best eggs benedict in town, Greek food, steak, fish, pasta, burgers, and wraps this impressive menu will have you coming back time and time again to try everything and don’t forget the impressive Waffle Bar to finish your meal.

Conveniently located at the South West corner of Bayview and Mulock.

Once you try it, you will love it!

16700 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket 905.836.5255

Let’s Be Frank - Best ItaLIan CaterIng In town!

Whether it is a business function or special occasion such as a wedding, birthday or anniversary, nothing will wow your guests more than a mouthwatering meal catered by Let’s Be Frank Italian Eatery.

Proprietor Sam Farnaghi and his accomplished team use only the freshest ingredients to achieve the most authentic Italian culinary experience. Let’s Be Frank features a wide selection of menu options to suit all tastes including entrees such as veal, chicken and salmon cooked to perfection, meat or vegetable lasagna as well as a variety of pastas with a choice of meat, tomato or cream sauce. Delicious appetizers, soups, homemade pizzas, sandwiches, salads and chicken wings are also available.

Let’s Be Frank can accommodate groups of 10 to 500 people. Call today to place an order for your next event or visit the Newmarket location if you prefer to dine in for lunch or dinner. Let’s Be Frank……. it is truly the best Italian food for miles around.

1100 Davis Drive (southeast corner of Davis and Leslie), Newmarket 905-967-1122

44 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

www.letsbefrank.ca

events

12 1

THINGS to DO 8 in your community

Stewart Goodyear Concert January 22 The Great Artist Music Series presents

pianist Stewart Goodyear with an Homage to Glenn Gould. Goodyear trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, followed by a bachelor’s degree from the Curtis Institute and a master’s degree from the Julliard School of Music. Now living in New York, Goodyear has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic and TSO, among others.

Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca

Winterfest

9

Snowshoe Stroll February 20 and 21 York Regional Forest, Hollidge Tract Discover the forest on snowshoes. Take a guided adventure and learn how to identify trees in winter. Snowshoes provided. Registration required. Recommended for ages six and up.

Information: york.ca/forestevents

2

Winterfresh Trivia Challenge January 28

Madsen’s Greenhouse Join York Region Food Network for its fourth annual trivia challenge. It’s an evening of fun as individuals, couples and groups come together to share their vast trivia knowledge to win prizes and bragging rights, while also supporting York Region Food Network’s programs. There will also be fantastic food, drinks and a silent auction.

Information: yrfn.ca

3

John Sheard presents A Night of Beatles Classics

January 29

Aurora Cultural Centre Take a walk down Penny Lane, a stroll through Strawberry Fields and re-visit Yesterday. You’ll know every single tune. Canada’s favourite pianist John Sheard (CBC radio’s Vinyl Cafe) welcomes David Celia and Mia Sheard for a night of Beatles classics.

Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca

4

Pop-up Performance: Aurora Winter Blues Festival

February 6

Aurora Cultural Centre Drop by the Meridian Gallery at the Aurora Cultural Centre for a live musical performance from the Aurora Winter Blues Festival. Celebrate the artists of Society of York Region Artists’ Showcase 2016 with an afternoon of art and music.

Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca

Stewart Goodyear

Arctic Adventure February 15

Aurora Town Park Enjoy a host of family activities, including professional ice carving, outdoor winter games, snow tubing, snow shoeing, live entertainment, Arctic golf, bouncy castle and, new this year, body zorbs. Vendors will be selling BeaverTails, hot dogs, hamburgers, hot chocolate and coffee.​​​ ​Information: aurora.ca

10 5

Winterfest February 6

Newmarket Community Centre and Lions hall Celebrate winter at this annual festival, sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Newmarket. Make the most of the season with new activities, fun foods and enjoy live music.

Information: newmarket.ca

6

Drew Jurecka & the Hot Jazz String Quartet February 12

Aurora Cultural Centre Get a jump on Valentine’s Day with the amazing Drew Jurecka and his Hot Club Jazz Quartet.

Think Paris of the 1930s, with Stephane Grappelli and Django Rheinhardt—infectious violin, guitar and upright bass swinging the house.

Jurecka is a Toronto-based versatile jazz and classical violinist who works extensively as a studio and live musician on the Canadian music scene. He has performed and recorded with everyone from Dave Brubeck, Jeff Healey and Jill Barber to Chris Whiteley, Sarah Slean and Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe.

Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca

7

Family Day Carnival February 15 Aurora Cultural Centre Join us for an experience of colour and sounds for all ages in celebration of the spirit of Carnival. Create a special headpiece in house, then dance the afternoon away to the rhythms of Pan Fantasy Steelband. You won’t be able to sit down! Free admission – for all ages!

Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca

online

Looking for something fun to do?

Check out events on yorkregion.com

David Francey in Concert February 27

Aurora Cultural Centre A three-time Juno Award winner, Francey’s songs are stories, documentaries of a regular working man’s life. He came to the music world late in life, with a debut album in his 40s, Torn Screen Door, and another nine that have followed. He knows every nook and cranny of Canada, having toured all manner of concert hall. His large and devoted following knows what an entertaining and heartfelt performance he brings to his roots/troubadour vibe.

Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca David Francey

11

Forest Predators Walk March 5 York Regional Forest, Hollidge Tract Learn about forest predators’ tracks and behaviours. See birds of prey up close. Registration required. Information: york.ca/forestevents

12

Soyeon Kate Lee, Piano March 11 Aurora Cultural Centre The Great Artist Music Series presents Soyeon Kate Lee, piano in a return engagement—by popular demand! Lee is a Korean-American pianist returning to the centre after a stunning concert in April 2012. Based in New York, Lee won the 2010 Naumburg International Competition. The New York Times has praised her performances, citing a “huge, richly varied sound, a lively imagination and a firm sense of style.”

Information: auroraculturalcentre.ca yorkregion.com/goodlife | 45

wellness|superfoods

WINTER SUPERFOODS Build a beautiful, healthful plate B y Joa nn MaCDona LD

If you fell to temptation during the holiday season and are trying to make up for less-than-perfect food choices, it might help to concentrate on abundance rather than lack. “Focus on the hearty seasonal vegetables that add interest, colour and unique flavours to your meals,” says Emily Kennedy, a registered holistic nutritionist specializing in waist/waste management and women’s health.

“Serve foods that are naturally bright in colour—orange, red and dark green veggies— and eat them first. Colour equals phytonutrients, so build a beautiful plate.” Try these healthy, delicious superfoods.

Sweet potatoes

Greens

Tumeric

Sweet potatoes, said to be a favourite of Henry VIII, are packed with vitamin A, potassium and beta-carotene. Forgo the brown sugar and butter and bake your sweet potatoes. Prick with a fork several times and bake at 450 F for 20 to 35 minutes, depending on size.

“Just slit open, scoop out the sweet flesh and plate up!” Kennedy says. “I like to sprinkle with cinnamon for a warming, blood sugar-balancing effect that is comforting in colder weather and brings out the natural sweetness.”

Smart tip: Organic sweet potatoes are sweeter because they are smaller and more concentrated in flavour.

Eating your veggies should be a pleasure, not a pain.

“Brightly coloured veggies, particularly greens (kale, broccoli, spinach) do not need lots of cooking to make them delicious,” Kennedy says. “A quick blanch in boiling water or a snappy sauté in garlic and olive oil or coconut oil is all they need.” Try savoury collard greens, a source of calcium and iron, as a hearty accompaniment to your main.

“For raw greens, the secret is a good dressing,” she says. “My new favourite oil for dressings is camelina oil for its competitive omega-3 vs. omega-6 content. Shake up apple cider vinegar, oil and a bit of maple syrup and cinnamon for a delicious sweet and tangy dressing.”

“I can’t say enough about turmeric,” Kennedy says. “Its powerful active ingredient, curcumin, has been pitted against painkillers, anti-depressants, heart and diabetes medications and even chemotherapy drugs with impressive results.”

Add a small amount of turmeric powder to your beta carotene-loaded sweet potatoes or carrots to make their colour pop and balance out the natural sweetness of these veggies with a bit of aromatic pungency. Add turmeric to rice in place of saffron to bump up the anti-inflammatory quotient of your grain. Stir a little turmeric into your mustard for a new, healthier accompaniment.

“Don’t forget to add some fresh ground black pepper to your turmeric-tinged dish,” Kennedy adds. “Black pepper boosts the activity of curcurmin in the body.”

46 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Winter squash Winter squash, native to North America, gifts us with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, potassium and fibre. Whether you choose butternut, buttercup or acorn, squash contains no fat and is low in calories. Bake for a satisfying side dish or purée it into a soup.

Beets

Pomegranates

Beets are a good source of potassium, dietary fibre and iron. These highly detoxifying veggies also provide lutein for eye health.

“Have their cheerful hue take centre stage— serve a large platter of roasted veggies including lots of beets, carrots and parsnips,” says Kennedy. Does the prospect of red hands turn you off? Bake your beets (with the skin on, wrapped individually in foil) for 60 to 90 minutes, until a fork can be easily inserted in the largest beet.

Trim the ends and remove the beet skins under cold water.

This ancient Middle Eastern fruit boasts ruby-coloured fleshy arils that surround small crunchy seeds and contain a sweet-tart juice.

Pomegranates provide three different polyphenols, a potent form of antioxidants. They are also rich in potassium and provide fibre and vitamin C. Switch your morning OJ for pomegranate juice. Sprinkle pomegranate arils on salads, soups and desserts.

r a s P B e r r y K Va s s Serve this fermented beverage (which has a slight alcoholic content and a celebratory fizz) to your Valentine.

INGREDIENTS 180 mL (3/4 cup) raspberries 7 mL (1/2 tbsp) raw honey 2 probiotic capsules, such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus species distilled, unchlorinated water 5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla extract (optional)

Red wine

Dark chocolate

It’s not technically a food, but a glass of red goes so well with some of our favourite winter comfort foods. The polyphenols in red wine may help to protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. Of course, too much alcohol can harm your body. Restrict yourself to one 150-millilitre (five-ounce) glass per day for women, two for men.

“Try only drinking with your main meal, not constantly sipping,” Kennedy says. “And alternate between water and booze to counteract the dehydrating effect of alcohol.”

When Christopher Columbus spotted the cocoa bean in the early 1500s, he had no idea of its potential. Talk about missing out! Besides playing a starring role on Feb. 14 and in our favourite winter beverage, this superfood boasts an abundance of naturally occurring antioxidants. Of course, solid chocolate is woefully high in fat. For more potential benefits, look for dark chocolate with at least 70 per cent cocoa solids. Eat a small chunk in lieu of rich desserts if you’re craving something sweet.

METHOD Put the fruit into a large (1 L or 1 qt), very clean mason jar and mash up. Add honey.

Break open the capsules and add probiotics.

Fill jar with distilled water, leaving about 2-1/2 cm (1 inch) at the top.

Put the lid on and place in a warm area, such as on top of your fridge or by a heat vent, away from sunlight.

Give it a shake and a taste every day for 2 to 5 days. (Do not drink directly out of the jar when tasting, it introduces the wrong bacteria.) It’s done when it still tastes sweet and a little tangy, but not sour. (Discard if sour.)

To serve, chill then strain into cocktail glasses.

Adding sparkling water is a nice touch.

Keeps for 1 week.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 47

wellness|sleep

Your best night’s rest

By Lee ann WaTerMan We’ve all been there at one time or another: Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling or maybe restlessly switching positions, taking furtive glances at the clock, the list of things you have to accomplish tomorrow running through your mind. You know you need your sleep, but for some reason you just can’t nod off.

The occasional sleepless night may mean you’re yawning through a meeting or heading to the coffee shop mid-afternoon, but regular insomnia can have long-term health effects.

48 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Studies have shown that it can lead to increased blood pressure, impaired control of blood glucose and increased inflammation and be a contributing factor to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression.

And deep sleep can restore and re-energize body and mind, boosting everything from your mood and memory to productivity and performance to your communication skills and creativity.

“Sleep is your body’s opportunity to repair and restore — so your body is ready for the next day,”

says Georgina-based holistic nutritionist Jenn Pike For some of us, it’s our physical environment— light, noise or lumpy mattress—that comes in the way of a good night’s sleep. But for many more of us, says Robbin Coedy, managing director of Pascoe Canada, a distributor of homeopathic and phytotherapeutic products, our overactive brains are the cause.

“If you can turn off your mind, your body can relax and that’s the key,” she says.

SLEEP TIPS Small changes to your routine or your environment can improve your chances of a restful night.

Robbin Coady, Jenn Pike and fitness expert Brent Bishop have teamed up to offer these tips: THE RIGHT ROUTINE • Get up and go to bed at the same every day— even on weekends.

• Turn off electronics, including computers, phones and televisions, an hour before bed.

• Try an epsom salt bath.

• Avoid naps or keep them short.

• Meditate daily for at least 15 minutes.

• Get regular exercise.

• Spend some time outside daily and get at least a few minutes exposure to sunlight.

• Manage your stress—meditation and exercise will help.

THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT • Your bedroom should be cool (12-24 C or 54-75 F), dark (use blinds, blackout curtains or an eye mask) and quiet (wear earplugs if necessary).

• Open the windows in your bedroom five minutes every day to let fresh air in.

• Move electronics out of your bedroom. Even the LED or LCD lights on alarm clocks, tablets and music players can hamper sleep.

• The bedroom is for sleep and sex only. If you can’t sleep, go to another room.

KNOW WHEN TO SEEK HELP Anxiety, depression, changing hormone levels, asthma, thyroid disease and other conditions can all impact sleep. See your doctor if you can’t find relief on your own.

3 options for boosting sleep Over-the-counter supplements that may help you get a good night’s rest.

1 Melatonin

What is it? The hormone melatonin helps control your sleep and wake cycles.

How does it work? Your body naturally produces melatonin, releasing it into your bloodstream in increasing amounts starting at dusk and tapering off toward the morning. Older adults produce less melatonin and shift workers may find their levels of melatonin are not in sync with their schedules

2 Magnesium

What is it? An essential mineral that helps the body maintain nerve and muscle function, magnesium is found in foods including dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds and fish.

How does it work? Magnesium can help calm the nerves and relax muscles, which can help you fall asleep.

3 Passionflower

What is it? A flowering plant native to the southern United States, Bermuda and tropical Asia, passionflower has long been used in traditional medicine for sleep disorders, anxiety and nervousness.

How does it work?

It improves sleep by quieting the mind in cases of insomnia due to mental stress.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 49

~ home

ROSE REISMAN

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Balanced living

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magazine

How did healthy eating become your passion? Did you have an “aha” moment?

My entire family was plagued by heart disease, diabetes type 2, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I was slim and a runner, yet ate poorly. I thought I was healthy! I was shocked when my cholesterol became high in my mid30s. That was my “aha” moment. Changed my ways and never looked back.

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magazine HELPIN FAMILY LIG YOU AND YOUR VE LIFE …

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FA LL /W VO LU MEIN TE R 20 10 , IS 15 SU E 4

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5 WAYS

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Communit y, hard wo rk and a lo ve of the game Pu bli cat

50 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

A motivational speaker, columnist, TV personality and author of more than 18 cookbooks, Rose Reisman has been a leading authority on the art of eating and living well for more than two decades. Her ultimate goal is to influence the younger generation’s eating habits in order to prevent chronic disease. We asked Reisman for her perspectives on eating and living well.

LMA Award Winner for Best Niche Product 2014

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What three changes could people make to their diet today to improve their health?

1. Don’t skip meals. Eat three meals and two snacks daily so you never get hungry.

2. Eat lean protein, whole grains and fill your plate with a variety of vegetables.

3. Get moving! Do something physically active every day for at least 30 minutes.

What do you think is the biggest health concern facing Canadians?

Our children are on the path to poor eating.

This sets them up for obesity, diabetes type 2 and autoimmune diseases, which we are seeing happening earlier and earlier. As adults, if we can set the example for our children, we not only improve our own lifestyles, but we also provide the next generation with the tools to grow up healthy.

What can or should be done about it?

Parents must be the role models. It starts from the day our children enter the world. In addition to parents providing support, our education system needs to prioritize the health of children. Canada is one of the few countries in the Western world that does not have a national school lunch program. Not only is proper nutrition essential for their physical well-being, it is also important for a child’s ability to learn.

Rose Reisman will be a featured speaker at the Thrive Health & Wellness Expo, Jan. 30 and 31 in Markham. For details, visit thriveexpo.ca.

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.

Character Community Yellow Brick House Local Hospitals Women’s Centre of York Region Big Brothers Big Sisters

United Way

Chambers of Commerce

York Region Abuse Program

OSPCA

CHATS

Canadian Cancer Society

and many more... yorkregion.com/goodlife | 51

wellness|mindfulness

existing

Moving from

living to

52 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

“

There are so many demands on us and we often put ourselves last.

To create a life that has meaning, we need to put ourselves first.”

If you’ve ever driven your car through an intersection and then wondered if the light was red, you know how easy it is to get lost in your thoughts. With the mad rush to get to work, get home from work, get dinner on the table, chauffeur children around and complete a multitude of other daily tasks, you might be excused for sometimes failing to live in the present moment.

But that lack of awareness could catch up with you one day. That was the case for East Gwillimbury resident Darlene Nicholson. At 45, she was running a successful foot-care business and working up to 60 hours a week. The stress led to burnout.

“My life as I knew it fell apart,” she says. “It was only through years of counselling, personal growth workshops and the practices of yoga and meditation that I began to create a more satisfying and joyful life.”

Nicholson discovered Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The program incorporates meditation and gentle yoga to reduce stress and promote healing. She acknowledges many people, women in particular, find it difficult to carve out time for meditation each day.

“Twenty minutes of time in this crazy, busy world is almost impossible, and that’s sad,” she says. “There are so many demands on us and we often put ourselves last. To create a life that has meaning, we need to put ourselves first.”

While meditation and yoga are key to MBSR, proponents say mindfulness extends beyond these scheduled opportunities.

“Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment with compassionate awareness and acceptance,” Nicholson explains. “For

By Joann MaCDonaLD me, as I often find myself rushing through life, mindfulness is a reminder to slow down, be more aware of where I am going, who I am with and what I am doing.”

Cheryl Crosby, a Richmond Hill yoga and meditation teacher, says mindfulness has become a way of life for her.

“From the moment I wake up, I try to be more aware of my current circumstances—how I feel, my surroundings and the thoughts that bombard me. From there on, it is making an effort to ‘wake up’ to each moment of my life as it is presented to me, without resistance.”

Students of mindful meditation report benefits such as coping more effectively with stress, experiencing greater energy and enthusiasm for life, lasting improvements in psychological and physical well-being and a deeper appreciation for self and others. A 2010 Harvard Medical School study suggests that MBSR is associated with increases in grey matter concentration in brain regions involved in learning and memory processes, emotion regulation, self-referential processing and perspective taking.

The University of Calgary’s Dr. Linda Carlson has been studying the effects of mindfulness on psychological and biological functioning in cancer patients since 1997. One of her recent studies shows practising mindfulness may help breast cancer patients better cope with their diagnoses. Study participants who completed an MBSR program experienced less mood disturbance and fewer self-reported health symptoms related to stress.

Nicholson says that while she still experiences moments of stress in her life, she is now better able to cope.

“I am more comfortable in my own skin and

I feel more content and accepting of life as it is.

By practising mindfulness meditation, I have learned to be more present as well as less judgmental, more patient, more open and curious and able to see things from a new perspective.”

She cautions that mindfulness is not a quick fix—it takes practice and perseverance. But the payoff is worth it, she says. “Through mindfulness, we can move from a place of just existing to really living.”

MINDFULNESS FOR BEGINNERS While the idea of meditation can be frightening for many, mindful meditation teacher Darlene Nicholson says you’re not expected to “quiet” your mind, only to acknowledge your thoughts and not be disturbed by them.

“There’s always going to be stress and fluctuating emotions,” she says. “The goal in mindfulness is to watch, to witness, rather than getting lost in our thoughts.”

Instructor Cheryl Crosby suggests these easy steps for beginners: • As soon as you wake and before you go to sleep, close your eyes and become aware of your breath for a few moments.

• Notice what thoughts, sensations, emotions and sounds show up in your awareness. If you get lost in any of those, come back to being aware of the breath.

• Even just two minutes in the morning and before you go to sleep can make a difference in your life.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 53

wellness|Nordic pole walking

don’t let

WINTER sideline your

HEALTH &

WELLNESS

GOALS

By CHrisTine Morrison

Nordic pole walking can help jumpstart a more active w F

or many, the winter months come as a setback in achieving their health and wellness goals. Nordic pole walking offers Canadians a unique way to get outside and take their fitness to the next level this winter.

Originating as off-season training for elite cross-country skiers in Finland, Nordic pole walking quickly became popular in Europe.

Nordic pole walking is a simple form of exercise that involves walking with a pair of custom fitted poles.

Today, more than 20 per cent of Finns and nearly 15 million Germans regularly enjoy pole 54 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

walking as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck, a former coach of Germany’s national track and field team, first introduced the sport in Canada nearly 15 years ago.

“The growth has been slow,” says Greg Bellamy, president and co-founder of Nordixx Pole Walking Canada, “with the idea initially that people thought the poles were only for those individuals who had balance issues.”

However, the sport has seen a major boost in popularity over the last seven years. “As people are now being more educated on all the ben-

efits and begin to realize that Nordic pole walking is a great physical activity for people of all ages and fitness levels, the numbers are starting to increase,” Bellamy continues.

The health benefits of Nordic pole walking are numerous and well-documented, including burning 46 per cent more calories than regular walking, increasing cardiovascular training by 22 per cent and helping to reduce blood pressure.

Peter Dennis, a certified Nordic pole walking instructor, has seen the benefits first hand.

Dennis began pole walking five years ago after

ing you are using 92 per cent of your muscles.

Walking or running only use about half of your body’s muscles and when cycling, it is even fewer.”

Pole walking promotes good posture, can assist in the recovery process following hip or knee replacement surgery and has been shown to positively impact the health of individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. But even those individuals who are already physically active can derive significant health benefits.

“Nordic pole walking certainly helped me get back into shape after three kids,” Ho says. “You walk faster with poles and with better posture.

It puts you in a different frame of mind to challenge yourself versus going for a stroll.”

As with any sport, proper technique is important.

When Nordic pole walking, the arms swing 45 degrees forward and then follow through to extend 45 degrees backward with a little push.

Engaging the upper body with the poles helps propel the walker forward and reduces the perceived exertion. The poles have also been shown to biomechanically reduce the impact to hip and knee joints.

Nordic pole walking instructors certified through Nordixx Pole Walking Canada, a company co-founded by Dr. Schwanbeck, offer clinics that provide individuals with the opportunity to try the sport prior to committing.

“My wife and I felt that there was just too much exercise equipment sitting around unused,” Dennis says. “So many people invest in sports equipment upfront and then it ends up

not being for them. It is our hope that the free clinics we offer will give individuals a reasonable trial.”

Free Nordic pole walking clinics, like the ones offered by Dennis and Ho, allow you to learn about the sport and gain hands-on experience.

Poles are provided by the instructor and custom fit to participants. After a demonstration of the proper form, you will be given tips to fine tune your technique and have the option of purchasing the poles at the end of the session.

“Nordic pole walking is a great social activity that allows you to enjoy the outdoors,” Dennis says. It can also be done on any type of surface, including pavement, grass and forest trails.

The approaching cooler weather should not dissuade those interested in giving Nordic pole walking a try.

“Poles are terrific for winter,” Bellamy says.

“They provide support for balance, especially when there is snow and some ice. But you also gain other benefits such as increased warmth in your upper body and extremities due to the increase in muscle activity and blood flow… and a greater confidence in your walking.”

Pole walking can also be adapted to suit the winter conditions. For example, some walkers will invest in gripers, such as Yaktrax, that fit over your shoe for added traction. While others choose to utilize their Nordic poles with snowshoes, allowing them to travel off the beaten path.

“Because of Nordic pole walking, I have learned to enjoy the four distinct seasons we have, simply by getting out there and doing something,” Dennis says.

e winter lifestyle FOR MORE INFORMATION his wife, Carol-Anne, learned about the sport as part of a seminar series.

“I really noticed the changes in my upper body strength,” he says. “I was still playing hockey at the time and felt much stronger on the puck.”

Grace Ho, a registered manipulative physiotherapist at Cornell Physiotherapy and certified Nordic pole walking instructor, has also seen her patients benefit from the sport.

“Nordic pole walking engages 90 per cent of all body muscles,” Ho says. “In fact, we sometimes joke that if you can pole walk while smil-

For information on clinics or to find Nordic pole walking groups in your area, visit nordixx.com. Although many clinics are primarily offered during the spring and fall months, some instructors, like Peter Dennis (right), also offer clinics upon request for groups of seven or more.

For details, visit peterhdennis.com.

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 55

portfolio|The Flatliners

56 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

GOING TO THE MAT

Local realtor, teacher moonlight as pro wrestlers B y Joa nn MaCDona LD Few people are as ready for a challenge as professional wrestlers Nick Foti and Matt Giunta. Known individually as Asylum and Burns and collectively as the Flatliners, the duo harnessed their strengths as teammates to take on the third season of The Amazing Race Canada, finishing just shy of first place.

Were you to run into Foti or Giunta at their day jobs, it wouldn’t be obvious that they suit up in spandex in their off-hours. Newmarket resident Foti is an elementary school teacher.

Giunta, a real estate agent, lives in Stouffville.

But the two friends share a desire to keep life exciting.

“I grew up saying, ‘Hey, I want to be a wrestler,’” Giunta says. “And I went for it. I can look back with no regrets. I wanted to be on The Amazing Race Canada and we went for it.

Too many times fear stops us from doing things that we want to. You want something, just go for it—it makes for one hell of a story.”

Fear is not an option for these two. “I don’t have many fears—to me, a fear means you will not attempt it,” Foti says. “I have more dislikes.

I can hold a snake or eat bugs or climb heights if I have to, but normally I prefer not to.”

A team for over a decade, the two were confident they could handle the physical and mental challenges posed by the race. “A lot of times wrestling is a high-impact improv show,” Giunta says. “You have a slight game plan, but you really don’t know what’s next. You need to be able to keep your wits about you and react quickly. The race was similar, you had no idea what was next, but we knew we’d be able to just roll with the punches.”

Accustomed to public performances, the pair nevertheless had to adjust to having a camera in their faces at every moment. “But then you get used to it,” Giunta says. “When the race was finished, it was odd to not have a camera to turn to and explain how you’re feeling.”

The race has brought them a heightened level of public exposure. As a teacher, Foti says

he struggled to hide his wrestling career for years. “I didn’t want people to get the wrong impression about me. Wrestling has a certain stigma that I am very aware of. Now, because I own it and do my job well, I feel most people respect the fact that I enjoy something a little ‘off the beaten path.’” Giunta says he doesn’t mention his wrestling career to clients, but if they follow The Amazing Race Canada, it makes for “a fun topic of conversation.”

Balancing two jobs isn’t always easy, but Giunta says he has it handled. “My job comes first, and wrestling events I know about well in advance and can schedule myself accordingly and make sure my clients and any deals in the works are well taken care of.”

Foti admits balancing teaching with pro wrestling is difficult. “I basically don’t have any days off,” he says. “I don’t complain because I choose to do it because I love it. Teaching and wrestling kinda feels like being a superhero in the evening. Ha ha.”

Even superheroes have their kryptonite.

For these two, it turned out to be tepees and skis. The most challenging moment of The Amazing Race Canada for Giunta? “The stress of not knowing what we were doing wrong while building a tepee, and having to switch challenges.” For Foti, it was finding two matching skis in a whole heap of similar skis.

“On the finale, when I was looking for that matching ski and I just could not find it, I felt like I was really letting Matt down.”

For all the difficult moments, the two seem to remember more that were good. “There were a lot of little moments Matt and I shared that stand out to me,” Foti says. “The most obvious was probably the win in Delhi. It was vindication that all our hard work finally paid off.”

To come so close to first place and not win was difficult for two seasoned competitors.

“We are incredibly proud of how we ran the race, and the experience was amazing, but it

is painful to be minutes away from all those prizes and winning,” Giunta says.

Both men agree they’d do it all over again.

“It was tough and at some points on the race I said to myself that I would never do this again,” Foti says. “Looking back now and seeing how close we were to No. 1, I’d almost have to do it again, if only to prove to ourselves that we can be No. 1.”

With the race behind them, the duo are looking to the future. “We will continue to do what we always do, be pro wrestlers,” Foti says.

“The race may have opened a few doors and we are talking to different people about various projects, but, in the meantime, the plan remains the same. Wear spandex and throw ourselves to the ground.”

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 57

culture|The Patrick House Gallery

The Patrick House The perfect place to spend a few hours b y Tr ac y Smi th | photography by ji m cra i gmy le

58 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

Art by local artists Paul Kelly and Michelle Hudson on display at The Patrick House.

N

estled on the corner of an intersection in old Aurora, away from the hustle and bustle of Yonge Street, stands a historic, wedgewood blue, board-and-batten home. Meet the Patrick House Art Studio and Gallery.

This charming heritage home, which boasts coffered ceilings, plank floors and sliding barn doors, is open to the public and serves as a personal studio for artist/owner Sue DiGioacchino, as well as an art gallery and education centre for local residents and artists.

The Patrick House was purchased by DiGioacchino and her husband in 1993. From the moment they laid eyes on it, they were immediately drawn to its character. After some cosmetic changes, DiGioacchino knew she wanted to hold onto this special place.

“I have always wanted a personal studio space to share with students, artists and the public,” confesses DiGioacchino “The Patrick House is a perfect venue for this because of its character and warmth; it makes everyone feel welcome and at home from the moment they step inside.” »

A Paverpol fabric sculpture by certified Paverpol specialist Andrea Chan. yorkregion.com/goodlife | 59

culture|The Patrick House Gallery

Children enjoy a weekly drawing class hosted by owner Sue DiGioacchino.

As you enter through The Patrick House’s classic, vintage screen door and tour its rooms, it is obvious the home has been well cared for during its 150-year history, before officially becoming an art gallery in 2013.

After doing research on the home with the Aurora Historical Society, DiGioacchino discovered that the home had many owners since being built in 1860, including John Bowser, a well-known architect and engineer who supervised the construction of the Empire State Building.

It is also likely that the home was rented by local labourers who were employed at the nearby Collis Tannery and Fleury Iron Foundry.

The Patrick family purchased the house in 1940 and called it home for 40 years. The Patricks had the longest tenure at the residence and DiGioacchino decided the family would be the namesake for her gallery.

The Patrick House Art Studio and Gallery has something for everyone: regular visiting hours to stop by and peruse an ever-changing collection of fine art; workshops and lessons 60 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

❖ Estate Administration and Planning ❖ Estate Litigation ❖ Real Estate ❖ Employment Law 15393 Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario

Tel: (905) 895-3425 ❖ Fax: (905) 726-3098 jason@jallanlaw.com • www.jallanlaw.com

HouseProud?

We are looking for rooms and homes to feature in future GoodLife magazines.

Email: goodlifeeditor@yrmg.com

Have ve aValentine’ Playful Pla Valentine’s Day! offered for adults and children alike; and, not to be missed, the monthly art shows and events featuring local artists and their masterpieces for sale. Visit thepatrickhouse.com to check out weekly visiting hours, upcoming exhibitions and workshops or to inquire about hosting your own show or art-related event.

Reception from local artists and fellow SOYRA (Society for York Region Artists) members has been great.

“I have had the pleasure of hosting a solo show as well as participating in group exhibitions at The Patrick House,” shares Michelle Hudson, Aurora artist and SOYRA member. “It is the perfect venue for an artist–the home has been beautifully restored and the gallery is extremely well taken care of and professionally run. Sue takes great pride in The Patrick House and her efforts are noticeable.”

The Patrick House Studio + Art Gallery 58 Temperance St., Aurora thepatrickhouse.com 416.220.2127

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travel|Santa Fe, New Mexico

At home on the range Santa Fe, New Mexico

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BART CARD

62 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

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s a boy growing up enjoying the sand and water under the tropical Bermuda sun, you wouldn’t think my natural inclination was to be a cowboy. But everyone daydreams from time to time and some, like me, more than others. You may never get the opportunity to rekindle a childhood dream. But when opportunity arises, one must leap at the chance. And that’s exactly what I did during a visit to Santa Fe, N.M., a place the locals have branded as a “City Different”.

Santa Fe, or “Holy Faith” in Spanish, is the oldest capital city in the United States and located 7,000 feet above sea level. Nearby mountain peaks are an amazing 12,000 feet above the sea. Voted one of the world’s top travel destinations, the city features more than 5,700 rooms to rent, 225 restaurants and 250 art galleries. Averaging more than 300 days of glorious sunshine a year doesn’t hurt matters, either.

Our flight was an easy one from Toronto to Minnesota and then on to Albuquerque. A quick rental car and picturesque drive to Santa Fe and our true journey began.

Three things quickly stood out for me as we entered that sleepy little town: tremendous views, a lofty altitude that can create a little headache if you’re not properly hydrated and the friendliness of the locals. It was the latter that reminded me of Bermuda. You can exchange the khaki shirts for cowboy boots, but it’s certainly refreshing to see how warm, charming and sincere people can be.

Our first night would become a highlight of the journey, thanks to the La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa, located two blocks from the historic downtown plaza in the heart of Santa Fe. It is an intimate village of 157 adobe-style suites and rooms, with a mixture of Old World and Spanish Colonial charm.

On arrival, we were given a tour of the resort that helped make our stay a comfortable one, including a stint at the spa.

This recently updated 4,500-square-foot spa and beauty salon has been visited by Hollywood’s top box office draws and offers indigenous treatments and facial rooms, a fitness centre and heated outdoor pool and whirlpool.

The food at the La Posada is exquisite, thanks in large part to chef Todd Hall, who was behind the world’s first four-star Mexican restaurant, La Hacienda in Scottsdale, Ariz. He oversees the Julia Restaurant and the Patio Restaurant, located in the 19th century residence of one of the city’s pioneers and a favourite gathering place. Dinner at the Julia Restaurant was an experience, the exquisite food matched by the scenery— horses in a corral, wide open spaces and snow-dipped mountains.

The following two days we stayed at La Fonda, Santa Fe’s most cherished landmark hotel, which combines illustrious character and ambiance, ultimate luxury and historic integrity. This 80-year-old, three-diamond hotel features original artwork set in an historic pueblo-style building on Santa Fe Plaza. » yorkregion.com/goodlife | 63

travel|Santa Fe, New Mexico

The site has been home to an inn for nearly 400 years and official records show a “fonda” or inn among the first businesses established in the early 1600s.

What followed was two days of what must be my favourite pastimes, shopping and food. It started with Back at the Ranch Cowboy Boots.

Owner Wendy Lane isn’t the first to fall in love with Santa Fe–and probably won’t be the last. After working for years in women’s readyto-wear in New York, Lane made the move to Santa Fe and opened Back at the Ranch Cowboy Boots on East Mercy Street. Although locals shop at her unique shop, she caters to the tourist trade. She sells both custom boots that 64 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

she encourages her customers to help design, in addition to used boots that go well with faded jeans, denim shirts, western belts, buckles and hats. It gives tourists that “I belong here” look while enjoying their Santa Fe stay.

Boots are made with the most fabulous of colours and designs. Lane works with a Texas bootmaker who supplies her with the custom boots. Any style can be ordered, but she prefers the 9-inch or 10-inch tall peewee of the 1940s and 1950s with delicate inlays, colourful stitch patterns and narrow, square box toes.

Many visitors, including myself, believe cowboy boots only come in brown and black. Funnily enough, nine out of every 10 shoppers at

Back at the Ranch believe that when they walk through Lane’s door. By the time they leave, nine out of every 10 shoppers now know differently!

A highlight of any trip to New Mexico is a visit to the Santa Fe School of Cooking, founded in 1989 by Susan Curtis. Under her direction, the school achieved international acclaim. Nicole Curtis Ammerman, Curtis’ daughter and director of operations, has expanded the school’s roster to include walking tours, which increase exposure to local Santa Fe restaurants.

The school’s staff and chefs bring varied backgrounds and special interests to class, including professional restaurant service and catering, college culinary arts instruction, award-winning

cookbook writing and restaurant consulting.

Curtis herself has co-authored several cookbooks, including The Santa Fe School of Cooking Cookbook, Tacos and Salsas and Southwest Flavours.

There are regularly scheduled classes that offer hands-on experience as well as demonstrated classes, but the one with greatest intensity must be the southwest culinary three-day boot camp, which is interactive and ends the day with a meal. The final meal serves as an exam prepared for some of Santa Fe’s best palates. Special events include corporate team-building classes, family reunions, wedding showers and salsa-making contests.

At The Reel Life, Santa Fe, Nick Streit and Ivan Valdez believe fishing is not a hobby, but a way of life. Located inside the De Vargas Mall, The Reel Life provides professional guide services on hundreds of miles of public water and several private fisheries where they hold exclusive fishing rights. Whether your goal is to fish a small mountain creek or lake, a larger stream

for larger fish or simply a private stretch of water without competition from other anglers, The Reel Life will do its best to deliver the angling experience you desire most.

Its talented guides possess an intimate knowledge of every watershed in northern New Mexico. They know the seasons and the hatches. They know where the big fish live and the techniques required for catching them. Guides are hired based on their ability to share their knowledge in a personable and low-pressure fashion—to novices and experts alike. That includes the right clothing, gear and information to help get the most out of a fly fishing experience, with products from the best rod makers and some of the world’s top outdoor gear and clothing manufacturers.

Santa Fe has an abundance of museums that cover the local Spanish and western American culture. A tour of Museum Hill with stops at the Spanish Colonial Art Museum, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture Gerard Peters Gallery for Western American Art and the Georgia

O’Keeffe Museum is a must.

Finally, I stumbled across a store window that looked to be right out of a John Wayne movie. The sign said O’Farrell, Santa Fe. Owner Scott O’Farrell makes the best cowboy hats in the land. For once I was speechless looking at his collection for men, women and children alike. They come in all shapes, sizes and styles.

O’Farrell took the time to explain just how these cowboy hats are created and, in the end, I had to have one made for me.

Thanks, Santa Fe, for the dreams, memories and flashbacks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION laposadadesantafe.com lafondasantafe.com thereellife.com backattheranch.com santafeschoolofcooking.com ofarrellhatco.com

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 65

in the crowd SOUTHLAKE BLACK TIE BALL The Southlake Foundation held its Black Tie Ball Nov. 7 at the Terrace Banquet Hall. The event, which is held every two years, raises funds for priority hospital needs and includes silent and live auctions, dinner, dancing and entertainment.

DANIELLE KORAN PHOTOGRAPHY 1.

Acquisitions co-chairs Jackie McCasey and Juile Powers

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Southlake president and CEO Dr. Dave Williams, Southlake Foundation president and CEO Neila Poscente and Pierre Bonhomme

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Foundation board member Dr. Julius Toth and foundation philanthropy and engagement manager Lynn Conforti

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Foundation board chair Collette Nemni and Jack Laurion

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Foundation board member Dave Wattling and Suzanne Wattling

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Gilles Cinq-Mars and foundation board member Dr. Charmaine van Schaik

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Henny Dawe and Aurora Mayor Geoff Dawe

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Jane Hinder and foundation board member Steve Hinder

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John and Susan Cowen

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10. Southlake board member Kathy Proudfoot and Metroland Media vice-president and regional publisher Ian Proudfoot 11. Kelly Broom Plumley of NewRoads Automotive Group and Sharen Pismarov 12. Newmarket Councillor Tom Vegh and Angela Vegh

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66 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

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