Goodlife Barrie November-December 2019

DINING GUIDE

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019

BARRIE

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G R E AT R E A D S

S P R I N G W AT E R

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ORO-MEDONTE

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ARTS UP CLOSE

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INNISFIL & AREA

LOCAL FLAVOUR HOLIDAY PUB CRAWL

GOODLIFE BARRIE EDITION

NEST LAKESIDE LEISURE

Holiday Gift Ideas

$5.95

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WHY NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO SELL! TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME IN THE WINTER

IMPECCABLY UPDATED

Priest Avenue, Snow Valley $899,000 // 5 beds + 3 baths

STEPS FROM THE LAKE

ALWAYS A HOT TOPIC in the colder months is the question of selling your home now, or waiting for the more robust Spring market.

• Decorate for the holiday but keep it simple.

Make sure they enhance and not overpower the room. Less is always more.

The local real estate market is closing on one of its best years, says the president of the Simcoe and District Real Estate Board.

• Light a fire. If you have a fireplace, light it up.

Play some soft holiday music, and set out some holiday treats for those viewing your home.

As you know, the price of any item (including residential real estate) is determined by the theory of ‘supply and demand.’ If many people are looking to buy an item and the supply of that item is limited, the price of that item increases.

• Keep it bright outside. The days are short and darkness comes early in the wintertime so brighten the exterior of your home with outdoor spotlights.

Smart sellers will take advantage of the low housing supply in winter months. With little inventory available at this time of year, the chance of selling your home quickly – and at a higher price – is very high.

The Canadian Real Estate Association says that the supply of homes for sale dramatically increases every spring, and it becomes more of a buyers market with many properties to choose from.

Putting your home on the market now, rather than waiting for increased competition in the spring, might make a lot of sense.

Rodney Street, Barrie

$1,100,000 // 5 beds + 5 baths

CUSTOM HOME

Most of us go into lock down mode once the cold weather sets in. Raise your hands if hibernation is the word of the day. Curling up under a heavy warm blanket next to a crackling fire on a cold winter evening sounds just about perfect. However, you maybe surprised, but the cold weather does seem to qualify interested buyers.

If a buyer is seeking a home in freezing weather, you can most likely bet they are serious about securing a home… and soon.

Many winter buyers are working against the clock. Maybe it’s an expiring lease, a business relocation, or maybe they’ve already sold their home and need a new one fast. So what can you do to make your home attractive to these winter buyers?

SELLING YOUR HOME IN THE WINTER

Lakeview Crescent, Barrie

$1,280,000 // 5 beds + 4 baths

BRAND NEW HOME

There is nothing more welcoming than a warm home, a crackling fire, and the smell of fresh baked cookies. You don’t have to go that far, however. But, below are a few tips to help you make your home a prime candidate for those interested in buying a home in the wintertime:

• Keep all pathways clear. Ensure all walkways and patios are kept clear of snow and ice.

• Set a boot tray by the door. Some paper towels to wipe away any mess is also a great idea.

The nicer your home looks, the more likely it is to sell and at a higher price.

BUYING A HOME IN THE WINTER If you are out looking to a buy a home in the wintertime, these useful tips should help you to succeed: • Stick to your budget. Always. Processionals tend to drop a bit out of season but don’t think that means you should be increasing your target buy. Calculate how much house you can afford and stick to it.

• Negotiate with confidence. You won’t have much competition when buying. Home in the wintertime so sellers will most likely be willing to work with you. Prepare for tax changes.

Buying a home at year end can effect your tax situation so it’s always a great idea to speak with a tax expert in advance. They can make sure you get every deduction and credit you’ve earned.

With all the advantages on your side, you should feel comfortable buying or selling your home in the wintertime. We know you most likely have a lot of questions.

And, if you’re ready to buy or sell now, please contact The Peggy Hill Team at 1·705·739·4455 or Info@peggyhill.com and we will be more than happy to assist you.

HAP PY HOLID AYS! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

705.739.4455 www.peggyhill.com

Peggy Hill

CEO + BROKER OF RECORD

For a full list of The Peggy Hill Team members and their designations visit our website. *RE/MAX Hallmark Peggy Hill Group Realty | * Terms & Conditions Apply

Redmond Crescent, Springwater $1,099,990 // 4 beds + 5 baths

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SOUND ADVICE FOR THE RIGHT PRICE DISCOVER TRUE BLACKS

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ALL PARADIGM MONITOR HOME THEATRE AND STEREO SPEAKERS 25% OFF

SonoS • BoSe • BlueSound • Paradigm • BowerS & wilkinS • Yamaha • nad

sound advice for the right price 411 Bayfield St. • 705-737-1195 • www.simcoeav.ca 3

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november | december 2019

GOODLIFE GOODLIFE Publisher Dana Robbins

Regional General Manager Simcoe - York - Muskoka Shaun Sauve General Manager Simcoe & Editor Elise Allain Graphic Design Brenda Boon Nick Borino Advertising Representatives Kim Bergeron Carolyn Brayiannis Debbie Booth Vic Dellamora Shannon Dunlop Renee Duthie Debbie Halikas Janet Lee-Holden Stacey MacDonald Mary March Photography Contributions Ellie Kistemaker Jim Craigmyle Mike Guilbault

Contents upfront gift 8 guide 16 arts up close 18 great reads DEB BROWN

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Editorial Contributions Katherine Elphick, Dawn Ritchie, Margaret Harlos Patti Vipond

21 Patterson Road, Barrie, ON L4N 7W6 Phone: (705) 726-0573 First Place

Statements opinions and points of view expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or GoodLife.

GoodLife Barrie edition is published six times per year: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December (Holiday Edition) For further information regarding all our products, we invite you to call us at 705-726-0573.

For advertising inquiries, please email: goodlife@simcoe.com or call 705-726-0573 ext. 792031 Digital Edition: www.simcoe.com

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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Warm Wishers this Holiday from all of us at "Our goal is to have everything in-house so that you can always count on us to take care of you here.”

We are happy to announce that we can now offer crowns is just one visit!" ~ Dr. Bashi

Proud New Sponsors of the Barrie Colts

Thank You

Readers’ Choice

General Anesthesiologist Sleep Dentistry

2016 2017 2018 2019

Free New w Patient Consult • Cosmetic Dentistry Dentistry, Orthodontist & Periodontist now on St Staff • Flexible Hours Kids love White Cedar Dental We Deal Directly With Most Insurance Companies

610 Huronia Rd., Barrie • 705-737-1151 • whitecedardental.com

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november | december 2019

nest

23 24 home tour 32 at home with 36 home tour 46 milestone notes

INSPIRED HOMES

LAKESIDE LEISURE

STACEY KOST

CAPE CLASSIC

Contents

CELEBRATING RE/MAX

taste

49 notes local flavour 50 local flavour 57 taste feature 62 vinetage selections 68 DELICIOUS BITES

BENT TACO

HOLIDAY PUB CRAWL

BITE SIZE DELIGHTS

A SPARKLING CELEBRATION

roam

71 notes 72 travel 80 luxury adventures LUXE TRAVEL

NORTHERN IRELAND

CURATED EXPERIENCES

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84 home tour 84 in the crowd

FRESH AND FUNCTIONAL

READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

live

98 notes

LOCAL FLAIR

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Two of the largest Christmas displays in Ontario!

TWO GREAT GARDEN CENTRES ONE UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Your #1 Source for Holiday Inspiration!

Days

BARRIE 4346 Highway 90 at 27 4 km West of Hwy. 90 705.725.9913

BRADFORD 3817 County Road 4 (Formerly Hwy. 11) 6 km North of Bradford 905.775.2942

Visit Us Online at bradfordgreenhouses.com for Weekly Specials, In-Store Events & Much More!

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y a 2019 d i l o H Gift Guide

upfront | holiday gift guide

Wine Condom Set The easiest, most fun wine stopper you’ll ever use. Roll wine condom over bottle top to help preserve wine and prevent spills. $20 box of 6, Everleigh Garden, everleighgarden.ca Cheval Collection Red Handbag Gorgeous colour; beautifully handcrafted in Portugal, $239.99, Cavalinho, cavalinho.ca

2003 Rolex Submariner Watch 16610 Comes with complete documentation and boxes. $12,250.00. e12010. Bill LeBoeuf Jewellers, BillLeBoeufJewellers.com

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Holiday Print PJ’s Cozy and cute holiday print pajamas from PJ Salvage will have you ready for your holiday photo ops! $164, Brabary, brabary.com

Anti-Aging Gift Sets Longue Vie boosts the diffusion of powerful ingredients to help make the skin firm and hydrated, Set $169.15, Age Logicreactivates skin’s vital functions, Set $255.85, Skinsational Inc., skinsational.ca

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upfront | holiday gift guide

Surprise the Family with a Cruise or Vacation Getaway Give the gift of travel this holiday season!

Travel gift certificates are available in any denomination from Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Barrie, cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/500028

Luxurious Velvet Decorative Pillows and Wool Throw Blankets These vibrant coloured toss cushions and throw blankets are the perfect addition to any décor. Blankets $175-$475 each, Pillows $180-$199 each, various sizes. Aspen & Ivy, CatherineStaplesInteriors.com.

18kt. Simon G Diamond Ring 1.59ct.

VVS2-D emerald cut Gemological Institute of America certified. $18,008.00. e8360, Bill LeBoeuf Jewellers, BillLeBoeufJewellers.com

“Alice” PJ’s for Christmas Alice PJ’s from Cyberjammies in sizes from XS-3XL, $129, Bliss Beneath Lingerie, blissbeneath.com

Vitesse Tunic Dress in cognac for $108. Waterproof Aqua Flexx leopard print boots at $100. Unique jewelry and accessory pieces range from $44 to $69. All available in-store in downtown Barrie.

ZuZu Fashion Boutique, 705.481.1231 10

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SAXX Men’s Boxer Brief Patented ball park pouch construction. Designed to reduce friction and offer superior comfort.

Many sizes/styles starting at $34 -$38 a pair.

Brabary, brabary.com

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VOTED FAVOURITE INTERIOR DESIGN/DECOR & INTERIOR DESIGNER/ DECORATOR IN THE 2019 READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

boda Decor President/Owner Colin Springgay chose the name Aboda for several reasons; “To be first in the phone book and because it’s a play on the word ‘Abode’’, and, like on the Big Bang Theory when you are sitting in that sofa it is the perfect spot— Aboda means your comfort zone.”

Founded in 2001, Aboda Decor carries 80% Canadian name brand furniture for every room in the house in styles which include contemporary, traditional/ transitional and mid-century modern. “We came to Barrie as a higher end, fun choice for furniture and have evolved the store to carry mostly top end Canadian furniture and decor, along with some European brands,” says Colin.

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We are a custom furniture store for people who want something special and unique and offer a multitude of furniture styles, fabrics, leathers, colour choices, wood choices and more.

Favourite Interior Designer, Michael Miller Michael travels across the province servicing clients from as far away as Sudbury and Kingston to the GTA. “I go to people’s homes and discuss their wants, needs, lifestyle, tastes and talk about how they use each space.” Says Michael. “We talk about whether they like leather or fabric, wood or glass, etc. I then create a floor plan and give them one or two options.”

I’m in my 12th year at Aboda We have a beautifully Décor and have developed arranged 10,000 sq. ft. many close friendships with showroom which is set up my clients and have worked like a gallery. Our room with them on their first, vingettes showcase furniture, second and third home, area rugs and flooring, condo or cottage.” I get to lighting, artwork and decor know their families and they elements. It’s a great place recommend me to other to visit to get ideas. I want family members. I am proud people to know it’s free to of my connection with my visit our store and it’s a clients and that they trust friendly, creative atmosphere me to help their vision with no pressure to buy.” come true.”

31 Commerce Pk Dr., Barrie • 705-735-1825 • abodadecor.com

Michael Miller, Sue and Colin Springgay GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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upfront | holiday gift guide

The Beatles Memorabilia and Other Vinyl, CD’s and Collectibles Beatles Original 1964 Board Game, $189.99, Souvenir Poster $14.99, Beatles 1964 Magazine $29.99, Postcards $4.99, Beatles Albums $34.99 each. BJ’s Records & Nostalgia, Bjrecords.com Sous Vide Precision Cooker Never overcook dinner again! Simple and easy to use. #3826-658, $99.97, Robinson Home Hardware, robinsonhomehardware.ca

Zox Journey Helmet Front visor comes down below your chin to keep your face clean while off roading! Sunglasses drop down feature! $79, Maxxim Motorsports, maxximmotorsports.com

Pear Shaped Diamond Ring Rose and white gold ring set with a 0.75carat Pear shaped diamond surrounded with 0.30 carats in small diamonds in the halo. $7,450. Metzger Studio, metzgerstudio.com

CFMOTO CFORCE 500 2UP ATV The single most popular CFMOTO Model; perfect for the family fun! Just under $9000—5- year parts and labour warranty.

Maxxim Motorsports, maxximmotorsports.com

Sony WF1000XM3 Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones The latest Truly Wireless design from Sony with industry leading noise cancellation and all-day battery life up to 24 hours. Simcoe Audio Video, simcoeav.ca

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Kristine Daniels Handcrafted Candle Holder Handcrafted sculptural candle holder made in Canada, $299. Aboda Décor, abodadecor.com

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upfront | holiday gift guide

Oil and Vinegar 2-Pk Sets Build Your Own Choose from over 60 varieties or choose from 5 proven pairings. Only available at Olive Oil Co Barrie and Newmarket $12 each, oliveoilco.ca

Flowing Freeform Pendant Round rose cut black diamond accented with a trail of white diamonds. Beautifully set in 14K white gold, $1,989. Metzger Studio, metzgerstudio.com

Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chain Saw The ideal saw for those who need a high powered, heavy duty saw for all cutting conditions. 18” bar $548.99, 20” bar $557.99, Mercer Equipment Inc., mercerequipment.ca

BG50 STIHL Gas Handheld Blower Superior performance from the BG50 gasolinepowered handheld blower. $199.95, Mercer Equipment Inc., mercerequipment.ca

Very Rare 1986 FXRD Very rare motorcycle--113 cubic inch motor, 6 speed transmission and much more, $25,000.00.

More info @ MC’S Speed N’Chrome. mcspeednchrome.com 14

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Sonos Move Portable Wifi and Bluetooth speaker Brilliant sound inside or out; weatherproof and drop resistant. Control with the Sonos App, your Voice or AirPlay 2. Simcoe Audio Video, simcoeav.ca

Dewalt 20v Combo Drill Kit Make that next project a little easier with the right drills.

Comes with a bonus battery! #1239-143 Sale $179.97 Reg. $249.99 Sale until Dec. 11th Robinson Home Hardware, robinsonhomehardware.ca

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arts up close

DEB BROWN PA I N T I N G W I T H L I G H T

BY DAWN RITCHIE

T Photo by: Violet N Brown, ViB Visuals

he fall Images Studio Tour was fast approaching and glass and metal artist, Deb Brown, frenziedly prepared her newest pieces for the show. Sprinkling crushed glass powder and flakes onto her canvas, she built layer upon layer, before committing her work to a kiln. From a clear glass blank, what slowly emerged was a light-dappled pathway winding through a verdant birch forest.

Mounted on a wrought iron stand, the sphere transforms into a delicate sculpture of light and colour, drawing you along a path through the forest to a glowing beam ahead. “There’s a light of the soul within each of us,” says Brown. “My artwork are stories designed to reflect back to people their own light, their own strength. To give people joy

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and hope in this crazy world.”

Brown refers to herself as an artist of spirit, and to her artwork as stories of light. “I love the combination of metal with glass,” she says. “They are almost like two opposites. Hard, strong and solid and fragile and ethereal. When I combine the two, the contrast makes the work dynamic.”

Growing bored after years of working on a flat plane, Brown wanted to branch out into 3D. She learned how to weld and for the last twelve years has focussed entirely on fused glass created in a kiln. “It blew the boundaries of stained glass wide open,” she says. “I don’t have to solder. There’s no lead involved. No black lines between the pieces.

It melts in the kiln. It’s fascinating the things you can do with glass. Really tricky, but endlessly fas-

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cinating.”

Brown has been a fulltime glass artist for thirty years now and has participated in the Images Tour since 1993. So successful is her tour stop, that she earns half of her yearly salary at the show. The rest comes from studio sales and commissions which begin with an intriguing “Imagination Session” with clients.

Brown’s work has appeared in forty-five galleries across Canada, including the McMichael, and is in private collections from Europe and Australia to the United States. Her Starlight jewelry features dichroic glass, which reflects the prismatic colors of the light spectrum. Her Water Is Life collection are earring pendants in the shape of water drops, created specifically for a water protecting project Brown is deeply passionate about. Twenty-five percent of those sales are donated to the Water Protectors.

Often mistaken for an indigenous artist, due to her subject matter, Brown clarifies that she is in fact not of that heritage at all. Nor does she profess to make indigenous art. Her work is “earth-oriented,” she explains. In her studio, Spiral Dreamworks, you will find a canoe soaring across a musical treble clef staff. A heron taking flight over amber waters and continents growing as leaves from a tree’s branches.

Her latest collection is her Walking Bear series.

Bear-shaped sun catchers that are filled with scenic landscapes from Muskoka and Simcoe. This November, she is also beginning work on a new series, which she is naming, The Faces of Nature, based on the human faces that often appear in rocks, trees and landscapes.

“It’s a way to touch on the spirit and the power of nature,” she says. “A source of beauty inside all of us.”

See Deb Brown’s work on her Deb Brown - Spiral Dreamworks Studio Facebook page. To visit her studio, contact her directly through email at: debbiebrown_2@sympatico.ca

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good reads

GREAT BOOKS FOR GIFT for Everyone GIVING on Your List

by Laurie Wallace-Lynch

HEALTH/WELL BEING

THE ART OF MAKING MEMORIES; HOW TO CREATE AND REMEMBER HAPPY MOMENTS

MEIK WIKING, PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE CANADA An American icon tells her story for the first time — about a challenging and lonely childhood, the craft that helped her find a voice, and a powerful emotional legacy that shaped her journey as a daughter and mother.

HEALTHY AS F*CK

BY OONAGH DUNCAN, PENGUIN CANADA Oonagh Duncan is a multi award- winning trainer with 18 years experience in the fitness industry who has helped people worldwide break fitness plateaus, while busting weight loss myths. A nononsense guide to help people get healthy and stay that way.

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ARCHITECTURE/ DESIGN/DECOR

TRAVEL

1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE: THE WORLD AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE

BY PATRICIA SCHULTZ, ARTISAN PUBLISHING Written by #1 New York Times Bestselling author Patricia Schultz, the 3.5 million-copy bestseller is reimagined with over 1,000 glorious photos in this deluxe gift edition.

Patricia curates the world through photos and words and makes us want to call our travel agent immediately.

REDISCOVERING TRAVEL: A GUIDE FOR THE GLOBALLY CURIOUS

BY SETH KUGEL, PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE Covering topics like why we travel, safety and risks, effective technology use, and the ethics of travel, Seth Kugel writes for both families with one week of vacation as well as solo travelers with months to spend abroad. Kugel’s sense of humor and varied experiences make the book an enjoyable, informative read.

THE FRENCH INSPIRED HOME

BY CAROLYN WESTBROOK, CICO BOOKS French-inspired décor has become Carolyn Westbrook’s signature style. Her stunning plantation home, a sleek urban apartment and a classically elegant town house showcase a variety of distinctive styles, all of which embrace French style. Inspiring and informative décor tips combine with gorgeous photos by Keith Scott Morton to make this the perfect gift for anyone who loves creating a beautiful home.

ENGLISH DECORATION; TIMELESS INSPIRATION FOR THE CONTEMPORARY HOME

BY BEN PENTREATH, RYLAND, PETERS & SMALL. This gorgeous coffee table stunner will take you on a trip to the English countryside and to urban regal manor homes.

Written by Londonbased architectural and interior designer Ben Pentreath, he includes his own home, along with 17 other homes to illustrate English décor at its best, enhanced with photos by Jan Baldwin.

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KID’S BOOKS

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

BY SAM MCBRATNEY, ILLUSTRATED

BY ANITA JERAM, PUBLISHED BY CANDLEWICK PRESS Ideal for children ages 0 to 3, the story of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare.

This family classic hardcover book with a limited-edition giclée print for framing.

THE LITTLE SNOWPLOW WISHES FOR SNOW

BY LORA KOEHLER, ILLUSTRATED

BY JAKE PARKER, PUBLISHED BY CANDLEWICK PRESS Following the #1 NYT bestseller The Little Snowplow, the second picture books is a story about wishing, waiting, and the magic of the first snowfall.

THE MUNCHY MUNCHY COOKBOOK FOR KIDS

by Pierre A. LAMIELLE, RAINCOAST BOOKS Filled with essential skills and recipes that every young chef should know, this is the perfect beginner cookbook.

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FICTION FANS

THE WAGERS, A NOVEL

BY SEAN MICHAELS, RANDOM HOUSE CANADA Scotiabank Giller-winner Sean Michaels is back with his widely anticipated second novel, The Wagers, a deeply satisfying story of long odds, magical heists and the dizzying gamble of life. Where does luck come from? What is it worth? And how much of it do you need to be happy?

GREENWOOD

BY MICHAEL CHRISTIE, MCCLELLAND & STEWART From the award-winning author of If I Fall, If I Die comes a propulsive, multigenerational family story, in which the unexpected legacies of a remote island off the coast of British Columbia will link the fates of five people over a hundred years. Cloud Atlas meets The Overstory in this ingenious nested-ring epic set against the devastation of the natural world.

HOCKEY FANS CHIC COCKTAILS

BAR CART STYLE, STYLED

BY EMILY HENSON, RYLAND, PETERS & SMALL For anyone wanting to up the ante on your bar style, this book is for you.

From Scandi Style to Gin Palace and retro Art Deco bar carts, author Emily Henson and photographer Catherine Gratwicke show us how to set up a bar cart with style and make impressive cocktails like an Old Fashioned, Negroni and more.

THE BOMPAS & PARR COCKTAIL BOOK

BY SAM BOMPAS AND HARRY PARR, PAVILION BOOKS The subtitle of this book is Recipes for Mixing Extraordinary Drinks. Indeed, this book features more than 50 recipes for spectacular cocktails you can whip up at home. Chapters are provided for each type of spirit; Gin Cocktails, Whisky…Rum..Vodka..

Champagne Cocktails and Punches. From Cocktail Basics and Techniques to inspiring recipes, ready, set, shake (or stir)!

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DOWNTON ABBEY FANS

SCOTTY, A HOCKEY LIFE LIKE NO OTHER

BY KEN DRYDEN, MCCLELLAND & STEWART “A hockey life like no other. A hockey book like no other.” States the book jacket.

Scotty Bowman is renowned as one of the best hockey coaches in history. Dryden was a Hall-of-Fame goaltender with the Montreal Canadians. In Scotty, Dryden has given his coach a new challenge; Tell us about all of the players and teams you have seen and now imagine yourself as their coach, and match them up in a playoff series. This book is about hockey, life and achievements.

THE FUNDIES

BY OLLY POSTANIN AND JACOB ARDOWN, PENGUIN CANADA The funniest duo since Bob and Doug McKenzie.

The hockey world has exploded with On the Bench—the one-stop shop for all the hockey fundamentals (the fundies).

Using their special hockey-talk, this guide to dominating the sport covers everything: history, skills development, training and choosing equipment, coaching, and all the ways to get respect on and off the ice.

THE OFFICIAL DOWNTON ABBEY COOKBOOK

BY ANNIE GRAY, WELDON OWEN Written by renowned food historian Annie Gray, with a foreword by Gareth Neame, Executive Producer of Downton Abbey, this gorgeous book provides a wealth of “Upstairs” and “Downstairs” recipes, from hunting party picnics and afternoon tea, to traditional comfort food. There’s also plenty of food history and lore, along with photos of your favourite cast members from the wildly successful TV series Downton Abbey.

CHRISTMAS AT HIGHCLERE; RECIPES AND TRADITIONS FROM THE REAL DOWNTON ABBEY

BY COUNTESS FIONA, PREFACER PUBLISHING, PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE Highclere Castle, known as ’the real Downton Abbey’, bustles with activity at Christmas as we get a look behind the scenes of the routines and rituals that make the castle a magical place. Lady Carnarvon (8th Countess of Carnarvon) guides us through the holiday season as the castle and grounds are transformed with decorations, food (and recipes) and merriment.

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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the country estate, rethought.

welcome to braestone.

Braestone is an award winning country estate community located in the heart of the Horseshoe Valley. Inspired by the farmhouses, barns, and sheds of the Oro-Medonte region, the homesteads are an authentic reflection of refined country living with four seasons of outdoor activities at its doorstep.

Hiking, skating, apple picking and maple sugar tapping are just a few of the many remarkable activities homeowners experience living at Braestone.

down home, up country.

PHASE 4 NOW SELLING. Visit the Braestone Discovery Centre for a personal site and model home tour.

Distinctive and timeless bungalow, loft and two-storey homesteads on a selection of 1/2 acre to over 1 acre valley and ridge lots. From the mid $700’s to low $1M’s.

705.727.5656

braestone.ca

Another project developed by:

GEORGIAN COMMUNITIES

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Q&A

SIGRID’S CAFE & FINE BAKERY A Traditional European Bakery

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MUST-HAVE TASTE SENSATIONS?

We invite you to join us in our lunch and tea room and treat yourself to a savoury soup and sandwich on our homemade bread and buns.

Top it off with a European specialty coffee and authentic pastry, that are sure to please!

Tell us about your Blackforest cake?

If you’re looking for fresh gluten-free products that the whole family will enjoy, you’ve arrived at the right place! We bake fresh daily with no preservatives. From our sunflower, multigrain, raisin bread and classic loaf and buns to our Florentiner pastry, almond crescents, and macaroons and famous gluten-free brownies, we’ll win you over!

10 Ross Street, Barrie

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WITH OWNER

At Sigrid’s, baking is a never-ending art form.

For the past 35 years now, we have been a proud family-owned bakery in downtown Barrie. All our baked breads and pastries are made from scratch with all natural ingredients, the way it used to be done! The flavour or our creations showcases the true passion behind our work.

705.726.0121

ANDREA HIGGINS You have to come in and try our delicious Bienenstich which is a yeast-based pastry with our homemade custard filling, topped with honey-coated almonds. You will love our specialty cakes like our mousse, raspberry, chocolate, strawberry & lemon. Our chocolate, mocha, grand marnier and a trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry buttercream cakes are simply irresistible!

We pride ourselves in having the “real” Blackforest cake made with fresh cream and Kirchwasser and dark cherries which has been lovingly handed through the generations!

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE BAKERY BUSINESS?

Sigrid’s, is a traditional European bakeshop, specializing in German baked-goods,celebrating 35 years in business this year and was founded in 1983

by Andrea’s parents. My parents left a very successful bakery in Germany to start a new life in Canada with my sister and me. The idea was to bring a touch of Europe to Barrie. I took over the bakery in 2004 with the help of my husband Brian, and our three children and our fabulous staff.

www.sigridsbakery.com

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Beach House Chic

Everything old is new again at Barrie’s Summer House home décor boutique. Serene cottage white is the beach house inspired theme here. But not only does the shop sell furnishings that make you want to kick off your shoes and cuddle up with a cuppa, they also do expert refurbishing of customer furniture in their downstairs studio. Visit their lovely retail shop in its new location at 15 Dunlop Street East. Facebook page: Summer House Store

Sweet Tooth

‘Tis the season to up your entertaining game and Orly’s chocolate and candy moulds make baking holiday treats a breeze. These easy-to-clean silicone moulds from their La Patisserie line come in a variety of adult and kid-friendly shapes. Elegant oval swirls, flowers, hearts, shells and dinosaur and doggie shapes will delight guests of all ages. Get them at The Restaurant Store in Wellington Plaza, Barrie. therestaurantstore.ca

Fabulous Florals

Fall gardens have finally faded, but floral design diva, Yvette Cairns, is keeping spirits aloft during the chilly season with her eye-popping bouquets. Cairns began inviting the public into her floral studio, Flowers, etc. in September. She offers arrangements and centerpieces for special occasions or everyday enjoyment. Visit her studio at 600 Big Bay Point Road (east of Yonge Street) or check out her Facebook page: @Flowers, etc. by Yvette Cairns

Perfectly Provence

Stroll through the lavender fields of Provence in your own living room with Lothantique’s signature line of Scented Diffusers. Delicately fragranced, the Authentique Collection is inspired by old world Provencal formulas. When reeds are placed in the bottle, fragrance travels up and diffuses into the air. Each bottle lasts approximately 3–4 months. Get them at the OUR HOUSE boutique on 55 Dunlop East in Barrie. ourhousebarrie.com

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Lakeside LEISURE

By Dawn Ritchie

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t doesn’t matter how stressful his day was,” says Christine McLean. “When my husband walks in the door, he instantly feels like he’s on vacation. It’s a relaxed lifestyle.”

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DOWNTOWN BARRIE

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She’s referring to the restful lakeside property she and husband, Richard Cocksedge, purchased in an estate sale years ago. The original owner had bought the land on Crystal Beach Road in Alcona to erect his dream home. But as the years ticked by, the bungalow and surrounding grounds had gradually fallen into neglect. Now, in their possession, the home has experienced a renewal, but it took considerable work to restore it to its previous glory as a waterfront retreat.

The couple launched into their six-year renovation with enthusiasm, adding a sprawling addition over the garage and increasing the garage to two bays. The original structure was taken back to the studs for the most part, leaving only a small patch of original drywall.

What they added included new windows with a black profile (Keldan Windows), metal roofing, glass railings, a new kitchen (Norcab,) new appliances, a Fisher Paykel refrigerator, whisper-quiet Miele dishwasher, Silhouette wine fridge and a convertible dual-zone Samsung range. There are also new casings, baseboards, and interior doors, which were all upgraded to solid wood. “It makes a huge difference,” says Christine.

Shiplap was installed on the ceilings to boost their nautical theme, and they made a barn door for the foyer closet out of the same material to keep the theme going from entry to great room. The couple had new custom

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The result today is a lively waterfront sanctuary with unobstructed views of the lake and a spotless, functional floor plan.

flooring laid, renovated and added bathrooms and hung a reclaimed wood mantel over the fireplace, where none existed previously. White, black and grey was the choice for their colour palette, keeping everything bright and cheery.

While the home was overdue for a refresh, during the process, the couple grew to appreciate how solid the original build was. They also discovered extra little surprises like the lovely slate path hidden beneath knee-high weeds, which they unearthed and re-laid. The result today, is a lively waterfront sanctuary with unobstructed views of the lake and a spotless, functional floorplan.

Christine admits the remodel could’ve moved quicker, but the reason it stretched over years was their painstaking attention to detail. Harboring a deep passion for interior design, Christine wanted a very particular look but also needed durable materials to withstand the rigors of a family with two active youngsters. The look of marble for instance called out to her, but not the upkeep. She 28

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searched extensively until she found a porcelain tile that resembled marble and was easy to clean.

“Everything is durable,” she says. “Materials that withstand children and dogs.”

The kitchen renovation was a big sticking point.

It took eight months to design. “There were a lot of decisions to be made,” Christine recalls. The original kitchen housed the washer and dryer.

Christine wanted those moved into a newly built, adjoining laundry/mudroom. She also required ample storage and loved the appearance of European framed traditional cabinetry, which she knew to be tricky when it came to measuring and building on site. But first and foremost, storage was key.

“I have tons of stuff,” she says. “We’re really into wine and I’ve inherited two sets of china. I wanted room for everything and clear counters.”

Maintaining that golden triangle configuration between stove, fridge, and sink while tucking everything neatly behind doors was going to be a challenge. To keep the visuals refined, she decided

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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on a quartz countertop with paneled fridge and paneled dishwasher. The access door to the laundry area would also have millwork that mimicked the cabinets for continuity.

Several kitchen companies were brought in to consider the new kitchen layout. All suggested a longer, narrower footprint to insert a large kitchen island. Christine ultimately decided on a shorter and wider layout to capitalize on the lake view. Unobstructed views were the priority in every design choice she made, and today, her magnificent view from the kitchen stretches clear across Lake Simcoe to the horizon. “I wanted to be able to look out at the lake while I was at the stove, or chopping vegetables or doing dishes,” she says. “The lake. That’s the focal point.”

Even the backsplash in the kitchen was agonized over. While perusing design magazines and digital media, Christine couldn’t understand why some backsplashes that seemed identical, were just more pleasing to her than others. Then it struck her. It was because they didn’t have outlets marring the flow of the tile pattern. She decided to sink the outlets in the counter and ordered special sealed units from the states that would protect the electrics from spills and keep everything up to code. Now the pattern of the subway tile could move across the entirety of the backsplash unblemished.

To maintain that flow of design, Christine also decided to continue the great room’s hardwood into the kitchen. Her one concern was the possibility of a potential dishwasher leak that could impact that choice. She had heard horror stories.

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For this reason, she chose a high-end Miele dishwasher. “Miele has two different shutoffs,” she explains. “There’s a main sensor that tells if it’s leaking and shuts it off. Then, a second sensor, if the first one fails.”

With that confidence, she had Black Bear Flooring in Alliston, who use 100% grown, harvested, and crafted Canadian hardwoods, install hickory flooring with a custom colour.

Much deliberation took place over the shade of the hardwood too. “We have four sliding glass doors from the great room to the lake,” Christine says. “We get so much natural light and the light changed the colour so much. The browns looked like honey. They were too light.

Black Bear did a custom colour for us with a grey undertone under the brown. It reads so well in the light. The hickory now gets streaks of browny-grey that goes well with our modern nautical theme.”

Because the home began as a bungalow, three sizable bedrooms including the master are situated on the main floor. The new loft however, was constructed with the possibility of it being used in the future as a second master with an expansive bathroom. Christine had fun with the eclectic marriage of tiles in the ensuite to bring a more “funky” modern look to the shower.

You gain entry to the upper loft through the mudroom and laundry room which also sports

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DOWNTOWN BARRIE

downtownbarrie.ca

the same cabinetry and tilework as the kitchen.

Unsightly electrical panels here are enclosed behind cabinetry.

The loft addition enjoys a wet bar and beverage fridge and is the spot for TV viewing, foosball games, crafting and children’s activities. As inviting as the interior is, it is the exterior of the property that holds the greatest gifts. A shallow sandy bottomed beach is accessed through rare concrete steps that descend right into the lake next to the dock, perfect for families with young children. In the winter, when the lake freezes over, the ice fishing huts come out and there are opportunities for skating and fishing.

“We’re in a little bay. So, it’s protected,” says Christine. “It’s a community. It’s like living in a cottage with all the municipal service and the Sobey’s right around the corner.”

Which is another reason Christine laments the recent “bittersweet” decision to sell. “We just got it the way we like and now we’re selling,” she sighs. But life choices, which include adopting more children, have shaped that decision. The next adventure is going to be a farm property. Only the promise of significant acreage and a country lifestyle could coax her away from this magnificent view.

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at home

WITH

STACEY KOST

By Dawn Ritchie | Photo by Jim Craigmyle

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o project is too big or too small for designer, Stacey Kost. A Georgian College Interior Design graduate, she grew up in the renovation business. Her father was a cabinet maker and his shop is where she picked up those niggly little tricks of the trade that are invaluable to designers. Working in the home renovation business now for twenty plus years, her company, Simply Design, officially opened its commercial doors in 2015. Interior design consulting, renovation support, and full design packages with quotes and budgets for design/builds are all within her wheelhouse.

GL/What are people asking most for in their homes today?

I’m getting a lot of people finishing their basement. Basements and kitchens, those are the two biggest projects. The housing market has done a wonderful thing for the renovation business.

Homeowners have decided moving just isn’t going to work. So, they ask, “what can I do with the property I have here?”

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GL/What do you foresee as coming trends in design?

People are shifting to a more compact way of living. Storage is important. Contemporary kitchens are also making their way to Barrie. What was in style two years ago in Toronto is starting to become more popular in Barrie now. White on white is becoming less desirable too. Earthier, richer colour palettes are coming on. The cost of kitchens is in the front, the face of it. Door style drives kitchen cost. So, contemporary styles are a better value.

huge fan of recycling and refacing. Add a few luxuries, use it for five years, but sell while it still looks fresh. If they want to go all out I ask, would you be okay taking a loss if you are building a dream kitchen beyond the value of the house you’re living in? If it’s a forever home, that’s a different story.

GL/ Do you have a specialty?

My specialty is probably kitchens and it’s where most clients find good value. Anything to do with cabinetry. I grew up in the industry and I worked in a shop for many years, physically in design and woodworking. So, the first question I ask is, “How long do you think you’re staying in your home?”

If they are moving in five years it affects my advice and their bottom line. There’s a big priority to stay within a realistic budget. If it’s a subdivision home and they are staying under five years, it’s pretty much a lipstick and mascara arrangement. I’m a

GL/What do you advise families with young children to focus on in design?

Storage.

GL/What’s the most important thing to consider when designing a kitchen?

How it’s used. Whether it’s a single person cooking by themselves or accommodating a family.

GL/What about retirees?

When I’m working with retirees, it’s a tough subject to broach, but I tell them to think of planning ahead. Especially for kitchens and bathrooms. Yes, you’re agile today, but what will things be like in five years, in ten years? If you’re in your mid-sixties a microwave over the stove might not be the best choice. In the bathroom, do you think

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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GL/What is your own personal design style?

Transitional. I like colour. Splashes of colour.

I’d say I’m eclectic. My husband loves super contemporary, so there’s a bit of a mixture. A bit of a mishmash. I have a pine table but with clean lines.

It’s a little beat up from moving, chairs are very different from one another, some traditional, others contemporary, but everything has clean lines.

Nothing too fussy. I even have an antique china cabinet with clean lines.

GL/ What do you most love about your home?

I love the pedestrian lifestyle and our location.

And I love that it’s just enough space for what we need. It doesn’t feel too big for just the two of us, but I’ve also had sixteen people here and it didn’t feel too crowded. It’s open concept. The kitchen is tiny by most people’s standards but it’s enough for us. It’s comfortable. We really live in our home.

If you were to show up unexpectedly, you’d find work things on my dining room table, mail, shoes at front door. Maybe pillows on the sofa, a blanket and abandoned teacup. Whoever was hanging out there. Everything has a place, but our house is lived in. And we drink tea like there’s no tomorrow. I have a 20-liter urn of hot water on the go all the time.

GL/Do you do a seasonal refresh?

No, that wouldn’t fit my environmental ways.

We’re as green as we can be here. I’m a quality over quantity person. We get things because we need it, not because we want it, but were we ever to do a seasonal refresh, it would be blankets and throw pillows, not sofas.

GL/Which room do you spend the most time in?

I’m self-employed, so it’s the dining room or bed. I don’t get home until 7 pm and we have dinner and talk about what projects we are working on the next day, then we often watch Netflix on our tablets, sometimes still sitting at the dining table. It’s close to the kitchen where the food is and there are very comfy chairs to sit in. The dining room is where we generally congregate anyway.

People are coming and going, but everyone ends up at the dining room table.

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THE

ELITE

TUTORING EXPERIENCE

By Patti Vipond

This year has been a successful one for in-home tutoring service, Scholarly Elite Tutoring. The company’s Elite Tutoring Method has gained immense popularity, and has received accolades including two 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards. Scholarly Elite’s exclusive members maximize their knowledge and capabilities in areas such as math, literacy and STEM. Using the Elite Method, students develop academic confidence and success using a 100% individualized learning plan.

Originally founded in Barrie, the service now offers one-on-one private tutoring and success programs to elementary and high school students in their own homes throughout Simcoe County, Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Since the company’s Scholarly Elite has high-end tutoring by their core values

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launch in 2016, been providing services driven of integrity and

empowerment.

Founder, Arlinda Demiri, has created a system where individualized learning, meticulous academic standards and a growth mindset are given top priority. As a result, students can progress academically at their optimal pace.

This way, each concept can be mastered, allowing for students to fully understand the material in a stressfree environment.

“A child struggling to learn how to read or to keep up in math class does not have to be left behind. There is always a solution,” says Demiri, who notes that many students who falter academically tend to lose confidence in their cognitive abilities if the difficulties persist.

This is why Scholarly Elite completes a free comprehensive assessment to ascertain individual academic requirements and the appropriate teaching methods. “Taking the time to

get to know your child’s learning style and personality allows us to cultivate a supportive learning environment where they will thrive.”

The company’s proprietary Growth Mindset programs for reading, writing and math are evidence-based, use interactive learning modalities, and can be taken in English or French by elementary students. Students in grades 6 to 8 can also be primed for achievement with Scholarly Elite’s individualized Math Success and EssayWriting programs that help them gain the necessary skills for high school.

Learning sessions conveniently take place at the student’s home, making it easy to fit tutoring into a busy lifestyle. Sessions are scheduled at the optimal time for students and parents, and accommodate student learning goals. When working with a Scholarly Elite tutor, students can bolster skill

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development using their individualized Personal Learning Plan and can receive help with homework and test preparation.

Once in high school most students receive tutoring in math and science subjects such as algebra, factoring, trigonometry, functions, calculus, chemistry and physics. Members even include students with high marks looking to gain an edge for the competitive post-secondary application process. Whether students are looking to build confidence, improve marks or are seeking enrichment opportunities, Scholarly Elite empowers each learner by taking their ambitions into consideration to create the most effective learning plan for them.

“Individualized academic mastery is at the core of the Elite Method. We employ rigorous educational standards using a forward-thinking curriculum to develop the foundational skills required for success.”

Demiri suggests being proactive about a child’s education is one of the best ways for parents to avoid future stress.

“Why wait for your child to start struggling? Strengthen their confidence and future-proof their education with enrichment tutoring. Your child can maximize their potential by learning the key skills needed for any subject in advance. An academic advantage is the ultimate gift you can give your child,” she says. “Our tutors work throughout the entire year including the summer for precisely this reason.”

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“A child struggling to learn how to read or to keep up in math class does not have to be left behind there is always a solution.”

While some people have a natural learning proclivity, everyone can develop academic strength. Demiri likens the process of building learning expertise to perfecting your golf swing.

Proficiencies in math, executive function and literacy are established through consistent practice and application.

“We know that every student is capable of excellence, and our mission is to show each child that they can achieve their goals,” says Demiri. “Students must be taught in a way that optimizes academic development. At Scholarly Elite Tutoring we enable students to

master fundamental skills that carry on into later grades for both current and future achievement. We are dedicated to your child’s success because we know they deserve to succeed.”

For more information about Scholarly Elite Tutoring, visit ScholarlyElite.com or call 705-229-6284.

TAKING THE TIME TO GET TO KNOW YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STYLE AND PERSONALITY ALLOWS US TO CULTIVATE A SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEY WILL THRIVE.

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By Dawn Ritchie

CAPE CLASSIC

T

he quintessentially classic cape is a house bursting with nooks and crannies and homey character. Upper dormers invite reading perches. Narrow stairwells deliver the promise of cozy snugs above and below level.

From the exterior, the very façade of a cape evokes the well-chronicled picket fence dream. So much in fact, that 37 Shirley Avenue was recently scouted as a film location by a California production company for their Christmas movie.

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Owner, Jessica Cruikshank, has always adored capes. Ten years ago, after looking at over twenty homes, she discovered this gem.

Tucked away in the highly desirable area of Sunnidale Park, it ticked all her boxes. “It had an oversized lot, so you don’t have neighbours all over you,” she says. “There’s tons of outdoor space with mature trees, an in-ground pool, two-tiered deck and 3400 square feet of living space. It feels like an oasis away from the city, even though I’m living in the city.”

Cruikshank began to renovate the property, taking it on room by room. “I wanted it to have a Muskoka feel,” she says. “White, clean, crisp

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To achieve this, she knew she would need a wood burning fireplace. A brick wall already resided in the living area which overlooks the pool, but she wanted a cultured stone fireplace there with custom shelves to hold small inspirational pieces that would brighten her spirit.

Along with a team of close family members, Jessica took on the task of building the surround, bringing in a mason to secure it in place.

Today, it’s a warm, comfortable, inviting space that roots her. “Coming home, that’s my sanctuary, that’s my bubble,� she says. She also added a window seat in the bay window, measuring

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There’s a large walk-in closet and still room enough in the master for a chaise, chair, and dressing area.

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and choosing the fabric for cushion and pillows herself. Her aunt did all the sewing to create a peaceful window seat for lounging and reading.

The house had already undergone numerous structural renovations over the years. It had been bumped out in a couple of places and an addition added over a newly built oversized double garage. The loft remained unfinished however and Jessica saw that space as a diamond in the rough.

“It’s one of my favourite rooms in the house now,” she says. The expansive loft has been lovingly finished with a Juliet balcony overlooking the side of the house and has enough floor space for a small business enterprise. Or perhaps a yoga, dance or art studio, workout gym, in-law suite, cinema, playroom, entertainment centre or even a man cave for rollicking poker nights. “The options are there,” says Jessica. “It’s been finished to the point where you can create whatever you want. Plumbing is already hooked up and installed in the wall for a wet bar.” Wallwin Electric Services did all the electrics with the proper permits.

Jessica’s second favourite room is her sizable master, which was part of another one of the earlier bump outs. There’s a large walk-in closet and still room enough in the master for a chaise, chair, and dressing area. The four-piece en suite offers a sleek standalone tub and separate glass tile spa shower with a host of bathing nozzles.

Heated floors and an electric fireplace increase the divine quotient.

Sue Kay of Allandale Decorating came in for the colour consultation. Benjamin Moore neutrals were used for paint throughout the home and Jessica had all three sets of the home’s stairways recapped with the same material to maintain continuity. “The stairs to the loft, upstairs and lower level are all the same colour,” she says. “I wanted to create a flow, punctuated by a few small inspirations.” She also installed shiplap in the master, the bathroom, on the main floor and ceilings. “I wanted a white on white on white look,” she explains.

Kitchens are famously a challenge in a cape, but Jessica decided plentiful cabinets were going to be her goal to create as much storage as possible. That meant a long approach to the kitchen layout. She chose custom cabinets for her uppers, quartz countertops and new stainless steel Kitchenaid appliances to service culinary pursuits. While a large formal dining room sits directly across from the kitchen, Jessica

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The expansive loft has been lovingly finished with a Juliet balcony overlooking the side of the house and has enough floor space for a small business enterprise.

wasn’t willing to sacrifice an eat-in kitchen to meet her goals, and added a lovely banquette with chairs to create an intimate dining spot for brunches and quick meals.

Right off the breakfast nook there is a stepdown into a generously-sized office with a large window, built-ins and sitting area. The room could double as a library.

The basement of the home, which houses the traditional laundry facilities, is a smaller

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footprint with the same outline as the original structure, but even that floor manages to enjoy a wine cellar, three-piece bathroom, laundry room with tons of cabinetry and a finished recreation room.

To freshen the structural elements Jessica repaved the driveway, which parks five vehicles, replaced the 20 x 40 pool liner, installed all new windows (Northern Comfort), except for the bay window, and replaced all doors, save for the

front entry, which she chose to leave intact to maintain the home’s original character.

Landscaping was next on the agenda. A family team gathered again to till the entire fenced backyard, build brand new gardens, and sod the yard. New shakes went up on the pool cabana, and an outdoor shower was added off the change room.

“A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this home,” Jessica says. “I haven’t stopped in

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 12:04 PM

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It was after all, her dream home. But a personal shift two years ago rocked her world and made her reassess her living arrangements. “I lost the man that raised us,” she says. “And my priorities changed.”

Realizing that distance was an impediment to spending time with her close family who reside far east of the lake, she started reassessing dream house vs family. The decision was gut-wrenching but she chose family.

“I’ve outgrown it,” Jessica now says about the property. “It was to be my forever home, but I realize it is better suited to a family with children, or people who like to entertain. 3400-square feet is a lot of house for a single person.” The home is currently on the market, but what Jessica leaves behind is a classic cape that’s been well-loved and cared for and is in turnkey condition for the next family of cape aficionados.

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Max’s Viskovich 705.730.9161

Sales Representative mviskovich@sutton.com

Sutton Group Incentive Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

Luxury private water front with magnificent views of kempenfelt bay!

Over 5000 square feet, 7 bedrooms, 7 baths, 3 fireplaces, large pool w/private bath, hot tub, large dock w/covered boat lift & jetski lift, bright spacious kitchen & family room w/waterviews & fireplace, muskoka room w/fireplace, huge master bedroom w/built in closets & screened in sitting area + massive deck overlooking kempenfelt bay, dream home gym in the basement, climate control is assisted by geothermal system that uses the lake, ++++ truly amazing home!

Mike Mifsud

O: 1-888-999-4036 D: 705-321-0132

Broker of Record-owner BrokerMike.ca E-mail: mike@brokermike.ca

Homelife Nu-Key Realty Ltd., Brokerage

Exceptional Normerica true post & beam home on private 1.2 acre lot located on quiet cul-de-sac in Midhurst. The private treed backyard oasis includes in-ground salt water swimming pool, hot tub large custom deck and backs onto 30 acres of shared common land. Large eat-in kitchen with granite heated floors and walkout to rear deck. Great room with 18’ cathedral ceiling and wood burning fireplace.

Large master bedroom with ensuite bath. Finished basement with separate entry.

Extra deep insulated/heated garage with attached workshop. $1,060,000

Homes for the Holidays

Harry Magill Sales Representative Office: 705.728.4067 hmagill@csolve.net www.harrymagill.ca

16 Thackery Cr

Welcome to this scenic location of this sun-filled family home with stunning 2-storey 3+1 bedroom including a mirrored oak circular staircase. French doors lead you into the living room & a second set of French doors, lead you into the dining room. The main level flows in a circle, making the kitchen the centre of conversation. Hardwood floors are in the family room, solarium style breakfast area, with breakfast bar. It all adds to the warmth of the home, including the wood fireplace in the family room, to be enjoyed as the sun goes down. The master bedroom has its own large, fabulous looking 5-pc ensuite, & comes with its own 2 person Jacuzzi and walk-in closet. The lower level adds to your entertaining & storage options. This family neighbourhood is central to all the amenities. It is just a minute or two to Hwy 400 south or north, offering great convenience to Go Train or commuter.

An incredible curb appeal with no homes across the road, & having unistone driveway & walkway to a private, fully fenced backyard & a family size rear sundeck. All rooms come with California shutters, allowing for guaranteed privacy.

A home you would not be disappointed to see. This is a smoke and animal free home.

Karen Yurkiw B: 888-966-3111 D: 705-796-6433

Sales Representative, CNHS, ASP www.100percentKaren.com Karen@100percentKaren.com

More than 5400 sq ft of finished living area on a manicured lot. 3 Bedrooms up 2 bedrooms down; gourmet eat in kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite counters, wine fridge. Inground salt water pool, gazebo with gas fireplace, 3 car garage for all your toys

Offered at $629,900

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GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 12:59 PM

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd. Brokerage

David Weeks

Office

735-2525

Sales Representative

Greg Weeks

Sales Representative

Live a prestigious lifestyle at the new Cameron Estates in the highly-sought after Snow Valley. Enjoy nearby skiing, golfing and trails with minutes to amenities. This custom new build has 3 beds and 3 baths. 2044 sq ft on the main floor delivers luxury features with a partial walkout basement that could be finished to your specifications. The main floor impresses with an exquisite 10 foot ceiling open layout. There is a custom designed gas fireplace and wide plank hardwood, gourmet kitchen with quartz throughout all the counters, large master wing with spa ensuite, and all the premium finishes that Homes by Daycor is known to feature. Massive walkout covered deck overlooking very private treed premium lot.

$1,199,900

PEGGY HILL

CEO + BROKER OF RECORD

705.739.4455 PEGGYHILL.COM

RE/MAX HALLMARK PEGGY HILL GROUP REALTY

2 LAKEVIEW CRESCENT, BARRIE Welcome home to this stunning, brand new custom 2 storey, with modern finishes throughout.

Featuring 5 beds, 4 baths with a luxurious second suite, this home is sure to impress! Fine finishes including quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, hardwood flooring & the included stainless steel appliances. Enjoy seasonal views of Kempenfelt Bay just minutes to Lake Simcoe, schools, parks & more.

MLS# 30774100. Offered at $1,280,000.

Homes for the Holidays

Janine Dezotti

Cell: (705) 528-3885 Office: (416) 628-1357 Sales Representative

110 Avenue Road,Toronto ON M5R 2H4

6 Basswood Circle, Shanty Bay

Arbourwood Estates, this Beauteous, Classy and Cozy, Home will Impress. Almost an acre lot, Custom 4300 sq ft Bungalow finished top to bottom, Triple Car Garage with great storage space, Two Master with Ensuite Bedrooms on Main floor, + 2 Beds, Main Floor Laundry with Garage Entry, 2 Beds on lower level, Interior Sound System, Huge Theatre Room with F/P, B/I Bar, Games Room, Wine Cellar, Exercise Room, Library Area, and Separate Entrance from Garage into Laundry/Mud room and an additional entrance into the Lower level, Premium Private Treed Lot, New Composite Deck and Fully enclosed Gazebo/New Hot tub.

$1,149,000

Todd & Lynn Guergis* Direct (705)

728 - 4067

AMAZING SPACE!! Steps to Simcoe’s shores, using only the finest materials & craftsmanship, this custom residence built by Daycor Homes has the balance of the Tarion warranty in place.

Acacia hardwood, porcelain tiles, Corian counters & top of the line appliances. 2+2 bedrooms, 2.5 spa-like baths. Walls of windows! $899,900

E V SI G LU N C TI E X LI S GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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milestone

RE/MAX MERGER CREATES

THE COMPANY’S LARGEST BROKERAGE WORLDWIDE

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or 30 years, the team at RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc. Brokerage has owned the number one market share in Barrie as well as throughout Simcoe County. With seven offices, more than 200 realtors and a staff of 25, RE/MAX Chay has been able to offer their clients the best real estate services.

RE/MAX Chay Realty’s recent merger with RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd. in Toronto has catapulted the local company to the number one brokerage in Ontario as well as the largest RE/ MAX brokerage in the world.

The new RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty Inc. Brokerage has almost 1,800 REALTORS with connections in Barrie, Toronto and Ottawa with offices also in Durham Region, Pickering, Ajax and Whitby. As Mark Pauli the General Manager says “we now proudly move Ontario, not just our local market”. RE/MAX Chay Realty has merged its seven offices with RE/MAX Hallmark’s 19 offices for a total of 26 locations to serve homebuyers and sellers. This makes RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty the largest and number one producing RE/MAX network brokerage in the world with combined sales of over 23,000 last year.

“For us, it’s always been about providing top service to our agents so they are able to run a great business and serve their clients the best they possibly can. As our mission statement says: we are in the business of helping agents build their business,” says Mark Pauli. “But the industry is changing. There is a lot of real estate technology out there to research property information and market properties. We got to the point where

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we wanted to take it to the next level and be on top of all the resources, tech tools and marketing products our agents could access. We spoke to Hallmark about a partnership because they had some great resources our agents could use and we had a great company for them to invest in.

They agreed and we are all very excited to be in this partnership.”

With more people moving from Toronto to Barrie, RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty is perfectly located to help clients sell and buy their homes. Agents in both locations can refer clients to each other. This provides a more seamless client service that is all done in-house. The new partnership has made the program BrokerBay available to all agents. BrokerBay makes confirmation of showings easy for sellers.

“Historically, a seller had to take a phone call for a showing request and call in to the agent’s office to confirm showing appointments for security reasons,” explains Pauli. “BrokerBay lets clients have showing requests come to them on their phone by text or email. The client clicks ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for the showing without having to call in.”

RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty also makes moves easier with the new MoveSnap portal.

One of the biggest chores connected to a move is changing an old address to the new one for everything from utility bills to passports. MoveSnap lets people makes all the changes online in one sitting.

“Before their closing, we send our client an email and they click on a link to change their

BY PATTI VIPOND

address for hydro and gas billing, Ontario health cards, and so forth,” says Pauli. “For example, when you click ‘move my hydro’, a list of all the utility companies comes up. You select yours and enter your new address. The utility company will know you changed your address that day. The great thing is you can change your address in multiple places without leaving the house.”

RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty has a Facebook page for their agents that let them give clients’ properties more effective exposure. The brokerage’s 1,800 agents see postings about new listings or properties that will be coming onto the market. If an agent is looking for a particular property for a client, they can say what they are looking for and another agent can let them know that they have a property like it coming up.

“It’s an efficient way to match buyers and sellers on local and provincial levels,” says Pauli.

“MLS is fantastic, but this gives us another way to do it within our agent community.”

Pauli describes the current Barrie real estate market as strong and balanced. Stability has returned after the roaring real estate market of 2017. He notes there are lots of buyers in a market with lots of property choices. Therefore, he advises sellers to have a well cared for property that is priced right. Recent figures for the Barrie Real Estate Board show activity for July 2019 was up 15 percent over July 2018.

RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty has the services, tools and skilled agents to make selling and/ or buying a home a fast and pleasant experience for everyone.

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-19 2:07 PM

Holiday Gift Certificates Available Our clinic specializes in: • Botox • Fillers • Belkyra • Spider leg veins ®

• Laser hair removal • Eye lash enhancement • Tattoo and sun spot removal • Facial blood vessel treatment

• Skin rejuvenation (IPL, Erbium®, Pelleve®) • Chemical Peels, Vivier Skincare & much more!!!

Look for the green door!

Dr. Stacie Weber Cosmetic & Facial Rejuvenation Clinic 97 Collier Street, Barrie ON 705.828.3223 • www.drweber.ca

bb behold design K I T C H E N B A T H I N T E R I O R S

Come Visit our New Showroom 20 Owen Street, Barrie • 705-726-6200 • beholddesign.com GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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Freshly Baked Gluten-Free Bread

Freshly baked gluten-free and vegan bread is now available at Cal’s Bakery & Cafe in Barrie. “Our customers are super excited because fresh gluten-free bread isn’t easy to find,” explains Cal Barron who owns and operates the popular bakery with his wife, Isabelle. “Not only does it taste great, it has a three day shelf life and is also vegan.” Cal’s Bakery will be making fresh loaves daily in different flavours. “Anything from traditional white to cheddar-herb, or mock rye,” he explains.

The local baker plans on ramping up production at a second facility in coming months. “And just in time for the holidays, dinner rolls will be available,” he explains. Cal’s Bakery is located at 331 Bayfield St., Unit 5, Barrie, (705)792-1769.

Nut Free Chocolate Spread

When Barrie resident, Patricia Di Chiara couldn’t find a chocolate spread like the kind she enjoyed growing up in Italy that was safe for her son’s school lunch, she created her own. Produced locally, and made with real cocoa, sunflower seeds, and other high quality ingredients — Luisella Chocolate Spreads are delicious, wholesome, natural and free from nuts, gluten, palm oil and preservatives. Flavours include: Original, Crunchy, Espresso, Cinnamon — Dark Chocolate and Dark & Orange.

Available at Sobeys and Foodland. luisella.com.

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Artisanal Pizza at Jimmy Chews

Pizza aficionados take note, as Jimmy Chews is worth checking out. “Our goal is to be your go-to pizza joint,” explains Shane Burrows, who also owns Painters Hall with his wife, Erin. Specializing in made from scratch artisanal pizzas, they offer a pick up and delivery.

Along with making its own three day cold risen dough, quality toppings and sauces in house, the local pizzeria even makes its own sausage. “And if we don’t make it, we only use the finest ingredients — our imported pepperoni is one of the best in the world.” Located in the food court of the Bayfield Mall. jimmychews.ca

Miller’s Dairy Now Makes Ice Cream

Along with farm fresh local milk, Creemore’s own Miller’s Dairy is now producing its very own ice cream. Made with the farm’s high quality Jersey cream combined with natural ingredients, flavours include: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Jersey Mint (chocolate with real mint). Besides tasting great, the ice cream has a fun piece of nostalgia attached to it. It’s made with the family farm’s original ice cream maker. For a complete list of stores carrying Miller’s Dairy Jersey Ice Cream visit millersdairy.com.

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local flavour

IN THE KITCHEN WITH DAN LENNOX

By Katherine Elphick Photos by Ellie Kistemaker

Barrie diners are in for a treat! Collingwood’s ever popular Bent Taco is getting ready to open a location in downtown Barrie on Collier Street (the former home of Jun’s Roll).

And just for the record, Bent Taco isn’t your typical Mexican restaurant. Its starts with some basics of Mexican cuisine like tortillas and tacos but then elevates its flavours to the global stage. From Korean Barbecued Beef Tacos to General Tso Chicken Burritos, or Tuna Ceviche Tostadas — it’s modern Mexican with a worldly taste twist.

“Our food style is based in Mexico and Southern California with global influences, but we’re anything but traditional,” explains Dan Lennox, who owns Bent Taco with business partners George Russell and chef Nick MacGregor.

“That’s why we went with the name Bent Taco, because our menu is unconventional.”

To learn more about this hip 51-seat eatery specializing in tasty tacos, burritos, craft cocktails and more — Goodlife recently checked in with Lennox who was happy to talk about everything Bent. “Our goal is to be open in Barrie before the end of 2019,” he explains.

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GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 12:09 PM

“

A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAN VIBE WITH REALLY GOOD FOOD AND FUN COCKTAILS.

Why bring Bent Taco to Barrie?

Dan Lennox: Nick, our chef and partner, is from Barrie, so he led the charge of opening here. Beyond that, we were interested in expanding and logistically Barrie made sense because it’s close to Collingwood. It’s been a lot of work setting the Barrie location up, but also super exciting for us.

Bent Taco has been a going concern on Collingwood’s foodie front for the past four years. What’s the background for its conception?

DL: It started with George and me. Along with being childhood friends, we published a snowboarding magazine together called UpDown. After our foray into publishing, we decided to shift gears and use the money from the magazine and open a restaurant. Then we brought our friend and local chef, Nick McGregor, into the fold and everything started to fall into place.

What was your vision for Bent Taco?

DL: Simply put — a Southern Californian vibe with really good food and fun cocktails. The three of us have all spent time in Mexico and Southern California and wanted to bring those

Multiple Award Winning Salon Favourite Hair Salon 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards 206 Bradford St., Barrie | 705.252.3992 | gravitysalonprofessionals.ca

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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taste | local flavour

flavour profiles first to Collingwood and now to Barrie. But, we’re not strictly Southern Californian or Mexican in our food style.

What’s Bent Taco’s food philosophy?

DL: The best way to describe it is fresh, unique and ever changing. It’s a scratch kitchen — we make everything in house daily, so it’s always fresh. Chef Nick is constantly developing new recipes and keeps tweaking them until they make sense for Bent Taco. As a result, our menu is anything but static.

Let’s hear more about chef Nick MacGregor.

DL: Nick is a classically trained red seal chef, who honed his culinary skills at various restaurants including the Flying Chestnut, Thornbury’s Sisi’s on Main (now closed) and Oliver and Bonacini — to name a few. He has also spent time in Mexico 52

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and Southern California, and is therefore able to bring a different flare to traditional items. His influences are definitely global. Nick also won Feast in the Forest a few years ago, which is kind of a big deal. He’s a super talented chef.

What are some of the top sellers?

DL: There are no real sleepers on the menu, but our number one best seller is our Bent Fried Cauliflower Taco (avocado, apple and cabbage crudito and scallion crema). It’s an unbelievably delicious taco, and everyone loves it from vegans to meat and potatoes people. Our Baja Fish Taco (battered cod, apple radish, pickled cabbage, gochujang lime crema and cilantro) is also a cult favourite. A popular hangover cure is the Tot Supreme (queso fundido, shredded cheddar, beef brisket, iceberg, pickled onions and lime crema).

Our Nachos and the General Tso Chicken Burrito

(coconut rice, black beans, sesame mayo, kimchi, jalapeño and green onions) are also huge hits.

Basically, if we took any of these items off the menu, many of our guests would be really upset.

Will the Barrie menu be the same as the Collingwood menu?

DL: For the most part, yes. But we plan on offering certain dishes that will be exclusive to each location.

What three course meal would you recommend for someone who doesn’t have any dietary restrictions?

DL: Start off with sharing the Tuna Ceviche (lime marinated ahi tuna, avocado, cucumber, yellow pepper, red onion, corn dust and chili crema).

Then do some mix and match tacos. I would opt for the Baja Fish and the Bent Fried Cauliflower

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 12:10 PM

Looking for the fountain of Youth?

Now you can capturee your glow, indulge in a Red Light Therapy or Cocoon session and enjoy the best that Sunset Tan’s Medical Aesthetics has to offer.

Something for everytone.

TriLipo Body Contouring OxyGeneo® Super Facials DermaRoller® treatments taco. For the third, I would let the guest pick their favourite protein. Finally, you could round it off with one of our homemade ice cream sandwiches.

What’s on the menu for diners with special dietary needs?

DL: My partner George is a vegan, so since day one we have focussed on serving up a variety of delicious vegan dishes. We have well-thought out vegan tacos and bowls that are real crowdpleasers. Since our tortillas are made from corn, there are lots of gluten-friendly options on the menu, as well.

Just like the Collingwood location, the decor is contemporary, clean and fun. Can you talk about the design process?

DL: Aesthetically, the design is heavily influenced by Southern California — everything from the painted blue and white brick exterior to the carefully chosen artwork and splashes of colour. It was a partnership of ideas between George, myself and my sisterin-law, Ali Mitchell. Ali is an interior designer and her company is Future Studio. Overall, it’s a pretty cool spot.

Precision Cryotherapy FreezPen ALL AT ONE LOCATION.

555 Essa Road, Barrie www.sunsettan.ca

705-792-1979 follow us on facebook

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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taste | local flavours

Friends tell me you serve up a wicked margarita to wash down those tasty tacos.

DL: We have a really strong craft cocktail list and our margarita is definitely a big hit. It’s a little more tart than sweet, and that’s how a margarita should be. It’s simple, well balanced and refreshing because it’s made with fresh lime juice, agave syrup, Triple Sec and tequila. Along with our margarita, we have a great line-up of other cocktails, craft beers and wines to choose from. We even have our own craft beer called Bent Lager and Bent Light that are made in partnership with Sawdust City.

What about specials?

DL: We have Margarita Mondays that offer up halfpriced pitchers of Margaritas. We also shake things up on the weekends with cocktails, craft beer and dining features.

Along with dining-in, the Barrie location looks like it will have a designated take-out section.

Can you expand?

DL: Thanks to Uber Eats, Door Dash and Skip the Dishes, the take-out scene is huge these days. We

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have definitely set up our kitchen and dining room up to accommodate this growing market.

Any interesting future plans?

DL: Once we get the Barrie location up and running, our plan is to expand Bent into other locations. Having said that, we will only do it in such a way that we maintain the quality of food and service. I should also mention that we’ll be adding a patio to our Barrie location next summer.

Bent Taco Barrie 55 Collier Street (across from City Hall) Phone: tba/www.bentaco.com Closed Tuesdays Bent Taco Collingwood 48 Pine Street, Collingwood (705)445-0202/benttaco.com Closed Tuesdays

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 12:10 PM

Winter is coming For some people, winter’s short days and icy conditions can mean some lonely times.

Allandale Station Retirement Residence could be the antidote. Stay warm by our cheery fireplace, enjoy delicious comfort food, and dive into a busy social life with new friends.

Now open! Call today to book your personal tour.

357 Yonge Street, Barrie 705-721-7227 • AllandaleStation.ca Independent Living • Assisted Living

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FRESH FISH & SEAFOOD MARKET INC.

Years

Celebrating of serving you the Freshest Seafood in Barrie!

We’ve got all the items on your wish list to help you have the Perfect Holiday Season!

MERRY FISHMAS!

THANK YOU

Barrie for Voting Us #1 Again!

516 Bryne Dr., Unit C, Barrie | (705) 730-0769 | johnnysfreshfish@gmail.com

Tues.: 12 - 6 Fri.: 10 - 7 Wed.: 10 - 6 Sat.: 10 - 6 Thur.: 10 - 7 Sun.: 12 - 5

Like Us On

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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OVER 60 YEARASRINRIE DOWNTOWN B

Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers of Barrie

Tales from the Bench: The Heart of Our City

By Katie Wilton Graduate Diamonds GIA Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers

Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers 52 Dunlop St. W., Barrie On 705-728-3343 BillLeBoeufJewellers.com

SERVING THE BARRIE AND SURROUNDING AREA CELEBRATING OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR IN DOWNTOWN BARRIE

I don’t remember how old I was the first time I passed through Downtown Barrie in the backseat of my parent’s car, but my impressions of the city stuck. It was the only time I’d ever seen a fiveway intersection, I marveled that my dad knew how to navigate such a thing.

The Simcoe Hotel squeezed into an arrowhead seemed preposterous. Mostly though I remember being struck by the stones paving the intersection and the ornate brickwork facades of all the tightly packed storefronts. In my little kid mind I thought “This must be what Europe is like!” to say I was sheltered is probably an understatement…

Working downtown all these years I’ve become immune to its beauty. I have to remind myself to be present and appreciate the views of the lakefront and the historic buildings. What I never overlook are the businesses and the people that own them. For most of Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers 61 years Downtown the neighborhood was the place to shop because it was where all of your needs were met. From Laura Secord to Grand & Toy to Canadian Tire all of the big box stores were in the cities core (that was before they were big box stores). Now Downtown is populated by entrepreneurs carving out a space for their passion. It’s a beehive of creativity whose hypnotic pulse pulls in those in search of the unique. Walk into any shop or restaurant Downtown and the chances are pretty high that the person who greets you is the owner. Browse their wares or menus or workshops and you’ll find a curated collection of all of their favorite things.

This holiday season shop the Heart of your city and gift those you love with our collective passion.

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GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 12:13 PM

local flavour

y a d i l HoPub A DOWNTOWN BARRIE

Crawl

By Katherine Elphick | Photos by Ellie Kistemaker

Don’t let cold temperatures and falling snow keep you at home. Instead, ease the winter doldrums by heading out with friends or loved ones to a local watering hole. Here’s a round up of four downtown Barrie establishments that are sure to warm those chilly bones. We’re even suggesting what to order!

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THE SPEAKCHEASY

123 Dunlop Street East (705) 503-6633, speakcheasy.com.

VIBE: Located below J’adore Fine Cheese and Chocolate, this cozy downtown Barrie establishment offers the look and feel of a 1920s speakeasy.

Surrounded by prohibition paraphernalia, including photos of notorious bootleggers, guests can munch on a chocolate or cheese fondue or enjoy a tempting cheese platter, while sipping on a glass of wine, or a craft cocktail.

So, if you love cheese, chocolate and a nostalgic speakeasy atmosphere you won’t be disappointed.

MENU HIGHLIGHT: Beyond the ever popular traditional fondues, be sure to try the Burrata, a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The Burrata is served fresh with a baguette, or ask for it baked in pizza dough and served with crushed tomatoes and olives.

THE DRINK: Have some fun sipping on a Cocktail Penicillin, which features a delicious blend of Laphroaig Quarter Cast Whisky, house made ginger syrup, house made honey syrup, lemon juice and topped with candied ginger. Or, opt for the classic Old Fashioned cocktail with the Speak’s twist, having it smoked right at your table!

WINTER FAVOURITE: Raclette is a must try! This traditional Swiss dish consists of broiled cheese served with a baguette, potatoes and roast vegetables.

INSIDERS TIP: Check out the Speakcheasy’s list of monthly tasting events, ranging from Make Your Own Mozzarella to Designing Your Own Christmas Cheese Plate and more! There’s also live blues and jazz every Friday night.

DONALEIGH’S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE 28 Dunlop St. EAST (705) 252-7733, donaleighs.com

VIBE: Located just east of the Five Points, Donaleigh’s Irish Public House has been a favourite downtown Barrie watering hole since it first opened in 2011. Serving up a friendly and traditional Irish pub experience, Donaleigh’s interior features wooden bars and booths, shelves of pub odds and ends (many of the knickknacks have been donated by patrons) Guinness posters and various vintage photographs of downtown Barrie.

MENU HIGHLIGHT: While you can never go wrong with the Guinness Battered Fish and Chips, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Guinness Steak, or a Signature Burger with Buttermilk Onion Crisps, be sure to try the Irish Nachos. A pub best seller, Donaleigh’s Irish Nachos are made with thinly sliced deep fried potatoes, loaded up with cheese and all the fixings and then baked to perfection.

THE DRINK: With a full bar menu, including over 75 scotches and over 25 beers on tap, from Guinness to Muskoka Brewery’s Mad Tom — there’s plenty to wet your whistle.

For a traditional pub experience, consider ordering one of the pub’s authentic Irish ales, lagers, or stouts.

WINTER FAVOURITE: Shepherd’s Pie is a must! Here’s why: the recipe is courtesy of coowner Steve Ricalis, who spent years touring as a caterer to some of the world’s biggest rock bands. According to Ricalis, Donaleigh’s shepherd’s pie is made with whipped mashed potatoes piped through a piping bag, because that’s how Keith Richard’s likes his shepherd’s pie.

INSIDER’S TIP: The popular pub offers live music Thursday to Saturday, along with weekly musical events, including the Northern Pipes Choir (which is open for the public to join in). A monthly comedy night is also featured.

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2019-11-22 9:39 AM

Happy Holidays from all of us at

Special Appreciation To All Our Customers For Voting Us #1 AGAIN This Year 21 Years in a ROW!

Joy Peace

Community

Call NOW & SAVE for Spring Install SHOWROOMS 705.737.1554 92 Commerce Park Drive, Barrie

905.895.1554 569 Steven Crt, Newmarket

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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BRITISH ARMS PUB

29 DUNLOP STREET, EAST, (705)728-1111, britisharmspub.com VIBE: A downtown Barrie mainstay for the past 20 years, this popular British style pub recently completed a top to bottom renovation and now serves up a welcoming updated look. Showcasing the atmosphere of Great Britain, the relaxing decor features plenty of traditional pub paraphernalia ranging from red telephone booths to photos, old signs and more.

MENU HIGHLIGHT: With plenty of made from scratch British eats to choose from, hungry pub patrons can’t go wrong with Haddock and Chips. The fresh haddock filet is fried crispy in Harp lager beer batter, and is served with fresh cut fries, green peas, tangy coleslaw and a house made tartar sauce.

THE DRINK: The local draft house features 16 brews ranging from local crafts to Guinness and Newcastle. Artisanal cocktails such as the Gin Fizz and Bramble are also on offer to wash down the tasty pub fare. But the drink of choice is definitely an old London Radler.

WINTER FAVOURITE: The fluffy house made Stuffed Yorkshire Puddings are a must try. The dinner menu offers a jumbo version stuffed with slow cooked roast beef, shepherd’s pie, or roasted chicken, while the appetizer version is stuffed with tender roast beef, topped with horseradish aioli and served with a savoury au jus for dipping.

INSIDER’S TIP: The lively pub offers a traditional British high tea everyday between 2 to 5 PM, live music nightly (excluding Mondays, because Monday is trivia night) and jazz on Sunday afternoons.

THE SIDE DOOR

89 BAYFIELD STREET, (705) 721-1188, michaelandmarions.com VIBE: Residing next to Michael and Marion’s full service dining room is the Side Door, a charming and casual drinking spot. A favourite destination for local imbibers, this intimate bar features, a wooden bar, exposed brick walls, a fireplace and plenty of comfortable seating. The cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect destination to meet up with friends for drinks and sharable plates.

MENU HIGHLIGHT: Hungry visitors can tempt their tastebuds with something from the tapas menu. Guest favourites include the Reuben Spring Rolls, made with house made pastrami, sauerkraut and Russian dressing or the Canoe Cut Roasted Bone Marrow served with house pickles, chimichurri and grilled focaccia.

THE DRINK: Along with a full bar, craft beers, and specialty cocktails, an on-site sommelier regularly features local Ontario wines for the trying.

WINTER FAVOURITE: The Rueben Sandwich comes highly recommended by the owner and operator, Kent Smith. Served on homemade rye, the delicious sandwich is piled high with house made pastrami, red cabbage sauerkraut, gruyere and Russian Dressing. Served with house cut fries or soup. The Venison Loin, featuring chilli and coco rub, sweet potato gnocchi, Savoy cabbage, beets and chimichurri is also a must try.

INSIDER’S TIP: Be sure to check out the live local music on Friday and Saturday nights.

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2019-11-22 9:39 AM

WISHING FRIENDS, FAMILY & VALUED CLIENTS ALL THE JOY THAT A LOVING HOME CAN BRING...

Merry Christmas!

The Evergreen Store Canada’s Largest Christmas Store Complete source for Home and seasonal decorating and gifts.

Open 7 days a week

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Direct: 705.796.6913 kyla.vavala@century21.ca www.KylaVavala.com

*independently owned and operated. Not intended to solicit properties for sale or buyers contract.

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Shops Weeks Georgian Mall • Nov 27-Dec 31

Canada’s Largest Choose & Cut Farm

Open 7 days a week

Choose & cut.

Fresh cut trees, wreaths, garland & greenery.

Weekend Festivities

BEGINNING NOVEMBER 16 Santa Claus welcoming visitors in his home, magician, face painters, horse drawn wagon rides, bon fire and delicious country fare.

705.424.9719 6635 Simcoe Road 56 RR#1 Egbert, ON LOL 1L0 info@drysdales.ca www.drysdales.ca GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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2019-11-22 9:40 AM

BITE SIZE DELIGHTS FOR THE

Photos by Clare Winfield

They say the best things come in small packages. This holiday season, offer your guests delightful nibbles packed with all natural ingredients and mouth watering flavour. These recipes are from the popular Cutter & Squidge – London, England’s only 100 per cent natural bakery, renowned for its delicious baked goods and unique afternoon tea experiences.

Recipes excerpted from Afternoon Tea at the Cutter & Squidge Bakery by Annabel Lui & Emily Lui, published by Ryland Peters & Small (CAN $27.95).

Photography by Clare Winfield © Ryland Peters & Small. Used with permission from the publisher.

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2019-11-22 11:15 AM

Matcha, Raspberry & White Chocolate Chunk Cookies Makes 6

Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 14 minutes Cookies should be simple, fun and delicious, and these are exactly that! Matcha green tea is the best quality green tea you can buy and it is considered a superfood due to its antioxidant properties. You don’t need much of this magic powder to impart a wonderful hint of flavour and a beautiful green colour to these chunky cookies.

125 g / 1 1/8 sticks unsalted butter 225 g / 1¾ cups plain/all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon fine salt 10 g / ¼ oz. matcha powder ¾ teaspoon baking powder 90 g / ½ cup minus 2 teaspoons caster/granulated sugar 90 g / ½ cup minus 2 teaspoons soft light brown sugar 1 egg

Toppings

60 g / 2¼ oz. white chocolate bar (the thick kind) 60 g / 2¼ oz. fresh raspberries, roughly torn in half Baking sheet, lined with greaseproof baking parchment.

Melt the butter in a saucepan and leave it to cool completely. Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C (425°F) Gas 7.

Sift the flour, salt, matcha powder and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the caster/granulated sugar and soft light brown sugar and stir until evenly combined. Add the egg and the cooled melted butter and mix with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together into a soft dough.

Divide the dough into six equal portions and roll into large balls (or 12 medium balls if you want to make smaller cookies). Space the balls of dough out on the prepared baking sheet (they will spread as they bake) and flatten them down a little with your fingertips so that you can fit the toppings on. Break the white chocolate roughly into large chunks and dig three large chunks lightly into the surface of each large cookie. Gently push 2–3 fresh raspberries into the surface of each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 minutes.

These cookies are unbelievable when served warm and almost straight out of the oven, but transfer them to a cooling rack if you are serving them as afternoon treats with a cup of tea or coffee.

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2019-11-22 11:15 AM

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2019-11-22 11:15 AM

taste | bite size delights

Filled Mini Yorkshire Puddings Makes 12

Prep time: 12 minutes Bake time: 15 minutes There is nothing more classically British than a Yorkshire pud! These are bite-sized but pack a punch from the creamed horseradish and the peppery watercress. For a vegetarian alternative, you could substitute the toppings for chopped roasted (bell) peppers with a sprinkle of feta.

Vegetable oil, for oiling the pan 40 g/generous ¼ cup plain/all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon fine salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra to serve 1 egg, beaten 50 ml/3½ tablespoons whole milk

To serve

4 tablespoons crème fraîche 2 tablespoons creamed horseradish (or to taste) 2–3 large slices leftover roast beef (or from a deli) Small handful watercress sprigs 12-hole non-stick mini muffin pan. Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C (425°F) Gas 7. Pour ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil into each of the 12 holes in the muffin pan and place in the hot oven for 5 minutes to heat up. Sift the flour, salt and pepper into a bowl and stir together. Make a well in the centre and crack the egg into the well. Beat in the egg with a whisk, gradually incorporating the flour until smooth.

Gradually add the milk and whisk in until the batter has no lumps and all the milk has been incorporated. Carefully retrieve the muffin pan with the hot oil from the oven and divide the batter between each hole, approx. 3 teaspoons into each. Cook in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the Yorkshire puddings have risen well and are golden. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool. For the horseradish cream, mix the crème fraîche and creamed horseradish together, adding more horseradish to suit your taste.

Set aside. Cut the roast beef into 12 pieces. To assemble, make a little cut in the top of each Yorkshire pudding and tuck a slice of beef in vertically. Spoon ½-1 teaspoon of the horseradish cream over the top. Garnish each Yorkshire with a watercress sprig and finish with a little freshly ground black pepper.

Serve immediately.

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2019-11-22 4:26 PM

taste | bite size delights

Red Velvet “Cup” Cakes Makes 8

Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 45–50 seconds These aren’t so much cupcakes as cakes cooked in a cup!

We only use beetroot/beet powder to create our red velvet sponge, which can easily brown when baked, but there is no danger of that with this cooking method!

90 g/ ¾ stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 UK large/US extra-large egg, at room temperature 90 g/scant ½ cup caster/granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 18 g/scant ¾ oz. beetroot/beet powder 2 teaspoons cocoa powder 110 ml/scant ½ cup sour cream 2 teaspoons baking powder 85 g/scant 2/3 cup plain/all-purpose flour Easy cream cheese frosting 100 g/1 stick minus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened 40 g/3¼ tablespoons caster/granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 235 g/generous 1 cup full-fat cream cheese Edible flowers, to decorate Piping/pastry bag with a large star-shaped nozzle/tip (approx. 2.5-3-cm/1-1¼-inch) 8 microwaveable glass or ceramic mugs, approx. 6-cm/2½ inches in diameter and 10 cm/4 inches high Put the melted butter, egg, sugar and vanilla into a large bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon. Mix in the beetroot/beet powder and cocoa powder. Add the sour cream and mix in. Finally, sift in the baking powder and flour and mix thoroughly. Rest the mixture at room temperature for 10 minutes. Divide the mixture evenly into the heatproof glasses or mugs, about 60 g/2¼ oz. per cup, it should take up about a third to half of your cup. Don’t be tempted to overfill as these sponges rise a lot! Level out the tops with the back of a spoon. Cook 2 cups at a time in the microwave on maximum power (900W) for 45–50 seconds, then leave to cool. (If your microwave doesn’t go that high, cook your sponges for 10–15 seconds longer). Set aside to cool.

For the easy cream cheese frosting, put the butter, sugar and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat with a hand-held electric whisk (or use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment) until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl a few times.

Mix the cream cheese in slowly just for a few seconds.

Make sure you don’t overmix as the frosting can become sloppy. Put the frosting into the piping/pastry bag with the starshaped nozzle/tip. Pipe a large swirl on top of each sponge to cover. Decorate with edible flower petals and serve with spoons.

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2019-11-22 11:16 AM

2020 CORSAIR AWD200A

“AVAILABLE LINCOLN CO-PILOT360” PLUS AVAILABLE 360-DEGREE CAMERA

58,125

$

+ $1,000 Cash Bonus* Offer includes freight and air tax. Offer excludes taxes. AWD200A model.

VIN # 5LMCJ2D92LUL06587

2020 NAUTILUS AWD201A

“PANORAMIC VISTA ROOF AVAILABLE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WITH STOP-AND-GO AND LANE CENTERING

63,350

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+ $1,000 Cash Bonus*

Offer includes freight and air tax. Offer excludes taxes AWD201A model.

VIN# 2LMPJ8K91LBL05385

BARRIE’S LINCOLN DEALERSHIP

379 BAYFIELD STREET, BARRIE, ON | 705.728.5558 | BAYFIELDLINCOLN.CA

Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See your Lincoln Dealer for complete details or call the Lincoln Client Relationship Centre at 1-800-387-9333. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible raincheckable Lincoln retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP!! Purchase a new MY 2020 Corsair/Nautilus for $58,125 / $63,350 (after Manufacturer Rebate of $1,000 / $1,000 deducted). Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after applicable incentives have been deducted. Offers include freight and air tax charges but exclude administration and registration fees of up to $200, fuel fill charge of up to $75 and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives

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2019-11-22 12:06 PM

holiday drink

A SPARKLING

CELEBRATION It’s more than just a fancy party companion

By Carmelo Giardina

It’ll soon be 2020 and people the world over are priming up to be in a state of peak party excess. We’ll toast another decade gone and a new one about to begin. Of course, to help wash all of that down will be endless supplies of bubbly.

There’s so much of that stuff going around right now. One used to ‘pop a bottle of Champagne’ (or sparkling wine if made from any-

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SELECTIONS

where other than Champagne, France) during those rare special occasions – New Years eve, weddings, perhaps a very fancy dinner party and of course milestone moments. Now, there doesn’t really need to be a particular occasion, per se, to open a bottle of sparkling. It’s quickly becoming a staple buy whenever alcohol purchases are made.

In fact, one out of every 10 bottles of wine sold globally is sparkling. Winemaking regions all over the world can barely keep up with the demand. In Canada, producers in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Quebec are making sparkling wines on an unprecedented scale. Our own love affair with the bubbles has shown a dramatic shift in sales over the past eight years. Case in point: in 2011, sales of sparkling wine totaled 262 million dollars.

It has steadily climbed since then, reaching 441 million in 2018.

Aside from great choices for sparkling coming from France, Spain (Cava) and Italy (Prosecco, Asti), Canada can offer premium wines too. After all, our wine regions share a climate that is ideally suited for making these wines. Grapes are usually picked early because they’re high in acid and low in sugar (the longer they stay on the vine, the sweeter they get). With their required high acidity and low sugar levels, these early-picked grapes produce a wine that would make your face pucker — but that’s what you want in a quality sparkling wine.

Some winemakers here in Canada follow the ‘methode classique’ or traditional method Champagne process of secondary fermentation in the bottle, which requires a process called riddling to remove the dead yeast cells. This is either done by hand or mechanically. It’s that secondary fermentation that provides additional richness and complexity over most other methods.

Others might employ the less costly ‘cuvée close’ or charmat method by which the secondary fermentation is carried out in large stainless-steel tanks and the wine is then drawn off into the bottle under pressure to preserve the mousse.

Most sparkling wines tend to be made from some combination of the trio of Champagne grapes – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. But this is not always the case. Riesling and sauvignon blanc can make for excellent sparkling, and gamay, merlot and cabernet franc grapes are also joining in the fun – especially for making delicious and refreshing sparkling rosé, which perhaps was once a novelty act but is now definitely here to stay.

The sparkling wine identity gets further reinforced by its parallel reputation as an apéritif. It may seem that only now the wider public are truly embracing its potential; many sommeliers will tell you that sparkling is one of the most flexible wines when it comes to pairing with food. Don’t believe it? Try a blanc de blancs with canapés, followed by a seafood entrée; vintage blanc de noirs with steak and caramelized onions; a rosé with a white-and-darkchocolate mousse. Yum.

Benjamin Bridge 2012 Brut Reserve Methode Classique

Ten of Nova Scotia’s 20 wineries are currently making some of the best sparkling wines in the country — witness Benjamin Bridge. Sure, Dom Perignon might be the gold standard when it comes to luxury Champagne, but this beauty of a brut is just as good at a fraction of the price (a bottle of Dom will run you $260 now at the LCBO). And like a vintage Champagne, this is one that will age years if not decades. Right now it’s citrusy and fruity, sharp and cutting. With time, this will become more toasty and complex. Inflated pricing doesn’t always mean better.

This is a testament to that. ($75)

Steller’s Jay Rosé Sparkling Methode Classique

Around 100 wineries in British Columbia now make sparkling wines. This selection is made using 70 per cent gamay noir and 30 per cent merlot and if its refreshingly looking pale pink salmon colour doesn’t catch your attention, its lifted aromas of fresh strawberries and cream will. Take a sip and pay attention to how your senses react to strawberry and raspberry flavours and how they dance with balancing crisp acidity and fine bubbles. The persistent mousse in the glass helps coat the mouth with a smooth velvet-like texture. Enjoy with brunch and serve only slightly chilled. ($36.70)

Jackson-Triggs 2015 Entourage Grand Reserve Brut

Ontario is producing more and more sparkling to try and meet demand, but one that has been around for a while now is the Entourage and it continues to be one of the best value sparklings on the market. This is traditional method all the way and explodes with bright lemon acidity that eventually gives in to a full and round creamy texture on the palate. It gets its cool name from the French term en tirage which means to age the wine three years in bottle in order to extract body, flavour and aromatics. And like the name suggests, this is definitely one to share with your special ‘entourage’. ($29.95)

Ruffino Prosecco

Italian prosecco sales are booming and most sparkling wine consumers know of this particular brand.

Excellent value aside, it’s one of the most popular sparkling wine choices for Canadians. Made using the charmat method – which helps preserve the character of the grapes – it is crisp, clean and pleasingly delicate on the palate with its soft bubbles and intense flavours of apple, peach and floral notes.

The mere 11 per cent alcohol content makes this an easy sipping pre-dinner apéritif. For the exact same price, try the very refreshing Ruffino sparkling rosé!

For more great sparkling selections, visit our website at westofthecity.com ($16.95)

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IVING

NT L RETIREME

Sheri Maynard, General Manager ager Allandale Station Retirement Residence | 705-721-7227 smaynard@allandalestation.ca | www.AllandaleStation.ca

As the General Manager of Barrie’s newest retirement living option, Allandale Station Retirement Residence, my staff, and I are happy to be a resource, even if you are just beginning to think about making a move. While every story is different, there are some questions that are asked of us frequently.

Q. 1| How do I know if retirement living is right for me?

Living in a retirement residence is a lot like living in a condominium, where you live in your own private suite. If you can imagine yourself living in a condo, then you would likely be equally comfortable in a retirement residence. The additional benefits, and the reasons people choose retirement living over condo living, are two-fold: services and people. If you are finding home maintenance increasingly burdensome or if the daily chores of cleaning, cooking, etc. are wearing you down, then you would no doubt welcome having someone else take over these responsibilities. If you have health care concerns, security worries, or are not taking proper care of yourself because you are not eating right, perhaps forgetting your medication, or not getting any exercise, a retirement lifestyle can also meet those needs too. And, lastly, if you are looking to increase your social circle and have enjoyable, purposeful things to do, then this is another reason retirement living would be a great fit for you.

Q. 2| What types of services are available?

While it depends on the residence you chose, there are usually a variety of service packages.

These might include apartment living,

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independent living, and assisted living. Some residences even offer specialized memory care.

Services may include housekeeping, laundry, delicious and well-balanced meals, leisure and fitness, and an emergency response system.

Additional hospitality services, plus health care services customized to your needs, are widely available.

Q. 3| What types of suites are available?

Again, it depends on the residence you choose, but retirement suites are much like apartments or condos. There might be studios, one-bedrooms, one-bedroom plus dens, two-bedrooms, and other configurations. Each is an entirely private suite with its own kitchenette and one or two bathrooms. Finishes vary, but most newer residences feature upgraded items like walk-in showers, good-sized closet space, and premium kitchenette finishes.

Q. 4| What happens if my needs change?

One of the advantages of living in a residence is that your service package can change as your needs change. With a few unobtrusive support services, like medication administration, assistance with bathing and dressing, and other services customized to your specific situation, you are able to continue to enjoy life to its fullest, knowing assistance is always at hand.

Q. 5| What is the cost?

Rates vary by location, type of suite, and service package, but you should budget at least $3,500 each month. Bear in mind that this includes everything, from your accommodation to your housekeeping and meals, from your utilities to your leisure pursuits. Compared to the cost of maintaining a home, it is good value. Plus, there is the intangible value of the added life satisfaction derived from living in a beautiful home, feeling safe and secure, and being surrounded by friends.

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 11:45 AM

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Heli yeah!

Porsche on call

Porsche is expanding its app-based subscription service to Toronto, deepening its experiment in flexible car ownership. The price of its two-tiered monthly subscription service, Porsche Passport, will cost $3,200 per month in Canada. The first tier will let users swap between Porsche’s 718, Macan and Cayenne models and their variants, while the higher $4,200 per month “Accelerate” level opens up the chance to drive its 911 and Panamera cars as well.

Porschepassport.com

Monogram’s local touch

in 2020, Monograms is expanding its diverse vacation portfolio with eight new vacations in exotic destinations such as China, Peru, the Galápagos, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala and Antarctica.

Monograms – part of the award-winning Globus family of brands – invites people to travel the world independently, with local expert help in each destination. Excursions include off-the-beaten-path adventures such as taking a chairlift to the peak of Cerro Campanario for panoramic views of the Andes Mountains, entering Peru’s legendary Machu Picchu at sunrise and hiking through Tierra del Fuego National Park in Antarctica. Monogram.ca

Photo by CraigMcGee

CMH is the oldest and largest heli-skiing operation in the world, offering massive terrain, untouched snow and leading standards to guests from across the world. Its Powder Intro Program is for strong intermediate to advanced skiers or boarders who dream of heli-skiing but have never experienced true backcountry conditions. No crazy steeps or too-tight trees, but it’s a great introduction to powder. Get a feel for out-of-bounds skiing on friendly terrain without taming the ecstasy of heli-skiing in the middle of nowhere.

Curious to experience it but not ready to try it? Check out its immersive video, Lines of Sight: A Guided Virtual Reality Experience at Cmhheli.com

New G90 unveiled

Genesis Motors Canada recently unveiled the 2020 G90. It features design changes on the exterior and interior, further enhancing its presence as the brand’s flagship sedan. The new “Quad Lamp” styling theme, featuring a prominent horizontal architecture, signals design cues to be seen on all future Genesis models. The G90 introduces multiple technology enhancements and firsts for the Genesis brand including full touch screen functionality with ultrafast response, the system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Genesis.com GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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The wonderful little beach at Whitepark Bay on the very northern tip of Northern Ireland that's five minutes from Giant's Causeway, Ballintoy Harbour or Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. (Photo: Tourism Ireland) 72

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2019-11-22 9:43 AM

Ireland N O R T H E R N

To discover the best of Northern Ireland, take a drive on the wild side. The sea-hugging trip along the Causeway Coastal Route is a dramatic journey that’s rightfully listed among the world’s greatest and most-scenic road trips.

As with the rest of Northern Ireland, you’ll eat very well along the way.

By Linda Barnard

The 200 km trip along a twolane road from Derry-Londonderry to Belfast — with diversions to visit picturesque villages and Game of Thrones filming locations like the Dark Hedges — follows a route rich with folklore, history, castle ruins and magnificent natural wonders. Can you ever get tired of bright green fields with black-faced sheep and fat cows, rugged coastline and clifftop views

of sublime crescent beaches?

Do it yourself if right-hand driving isn’t a concern. Or hire a car and driver, which comes with the bonus of a knowledgeable and entertaining person behind the wheel, like we had with exceptional Blue Badge guide Billy Scott.

We followed a meandering route, driving north from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland to the Mourne Mountains and the GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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roam | ireland town of Newcastle. Next, we passed the Sperrin Mountains to Derry-Londonderry, then up along the coast to finish in Belfast, enjoying Northern Irish hospitality as we went. A generous breakfast is almost always included in a hotel or country inn stay.

Start the day with a famous Ulster fry: eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, black and white pudding, potato bread and soda bread quarters, called farls. Porridge comes with a good pour of thick, pale-yellow cream. Perhaps a splash of Irish whiskey on top?

Located in the northeast corner of Ireland and part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland has a well-known modern history. The retributions, conflicts and sectarian violence that began in the late 1960s, known here as The Troubles, kept most tourists away, especially from Belfast and Derry-Londonderry.

People here speak openly with you about their experiences during The Troubles if you ask, sharing stories of roadblocks, searches and living in a time of fear. Murals in Derry-Londonderry’s Bogside neighbourhood, site of the 1972 Bloody The Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's most famous landmark. (Photo: Tourism Ireland)

Modern Farmhouse Style

79 Anne St S, Barrie, ON L4N 2E2 74

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GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 5:05 PM

Sunday shootings (there is also the Museum of Free Derry, known as the Bloody Sunday museum here) and along Belfast’s Falls Road and Shankhill Road, tell visual stories of The Troubles.

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought peace. Tourists followed, discovering Northern Ireland has great beauty and a warm welcome to share.

Game of Thrones sealed the deal, as fans arrived to see where some of the beloved HBO series was shot, while increased spending on business travel promotion in recent years has also paid off.

The fascinating Titanic Museum in Belfast, which opened in 2012 on the site where the great ship was built, is rightfully a huge tourist draw.

We began the coastal route part of our visit in Derry-Londonderry with a pleasant hour strolling the wide walkway tops of the 17th century stone walls that encircle the only walled city in Ireland.

Views stretch across the city, including the Peace Bridge and a new mural featuring the characters from the hit Netflix comedy Derry Girls.

Back on the road, the ruins of medieval Dunluce Castle inspired thoughts of long-ago royals and myths, while a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery The interlocking basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway. (Photo: Tourism Ireland)

Voted Barrie’s Favourite Gymnastics Club 2019

“O

nce a Kempette, Always a Kempette!” says Kim Poole who has served as Head Coach of the Barrie Kempettes Gymnastics Club since 1985. “Many former athletes are now bringing their own families to the club.”

The Barrie Kempettes Gymnastics Club is a non-profit organization offering preschool & recreational programs in artistic gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline for all ages, and all skill levels including Provincial Competitive programs.

“Gymnastics is a foundation sport and the basis of many team sports,” says Paula Sullivan, President of the Barrie Kempettes

since 2011. “Students are so excited to be here, and when they master a skill, they are so proud of what they have accomplished.”

The new 2017 “Flip Side” expansion offers programs for children six months and older.

What makes us really proud is that our parents and families helped us fundraise in order to make the expansion happen, which has allowed us to focus on our younger athletes with its unique design,” says Paula. “We will be further expanding our programs in 2020 to meet the growing demand of our community.” The club offers lessons, clinics, camps, special events and Birthday Parties.

Barrie Kempettes Gymnastics Club 145 Welham Rd. Unit 6 & 7, Barrie, 705.726.0370 | barriekempettes.ca GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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roam | ireland

in the pretty town of Bushmills unlocked the secrets of making Irish whiskey, topped off with a tasting.

There are two must-see wonders on the coastal route: Giant’s Causeway and nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

We got to Giant’s Causeway, the most-visited tourist site in Northern Ireland, at the perfect time, late in the afternoon after crowds had thinned.

“A lot of people, I suppose, during the darker history on this little island, were quite apprehensive about coming (to Northern Ireland),” said Giant’s Causeway guide James Neill, as we walked down a paved road from the attractive new National Trust visitor centre, past high cliffs towards the sea.

That’s changed. About one million people come to see the Giant’s Causeway each year. (Insider tip:

go before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to beat the herds, especially from cruise ships.)

We rounded a bend and the stretch of 40,000 massive basalt columns rising from the rough sea in near-perfect geometric hexagons came into view.

Some were flat stepping stones, others seemed like undulating waves of tall pillars, all created by volcanic activity some 65 million years ago.

“It’s probably one of the most magnificent and special views you’ll ever see in your life,” said Neill.

He wasn’t exaggerating.

At Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors are welcome to climb and scramble all over the stones or climb up to sit to admire the view. Folklore says the causeway is the result of an ancient rock-tossing fight between Irish

ON A MILD, SUNNY DAY, THIS IS THE KIND OF GREEN AND ROCKY WILD PLACE ALONG THE SEA THAT TRAVELLERS DREAM ABOUT WHEN THEY PICTURE NORTHERN IRELAND.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope suspension bridge near Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland that links the mainland to the tiny Carrick Island.

(Photo: Tourism Ireland)

Bronagh Duffin says her granny used to cook her soda bread on a griddle over the fire. (Photo: Linda Barnard) 76

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giant Finn McCool and Scottish giant Benandonner.

Parts will be familiar to Led Zeppelin fans as the album cover artwork on the “Houses of the Holy” disc.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is about a 20-minute drive from Giant’s Causeway. Stop on the way at Ballintoy village and then drive down to the picturesque harbour. That’s where I met brothers Liam and Aiden Reid, who were about to head out on their small white boat the Emerald Isle to check their lobster and brown crab traps.

Had it been a good season? “Aye, oh aye,” Liam replied. Their catch would be sold to a broker who sends them on to restaurants in Ireland and Europe.

I spied their little boat later from a viewpoint high above Carrick-a-Rede. On a mild, sunny day, this is the kind of green and rocky wild place along the sea that travellers dream about when they picture Northern Ireland.

Fishermen strung a flimsy rope bridge from the cliffs to tiny Carrick-a-Rede Island more than 350 years ago to fish for salmon at the isolated spot on the Antrim Coast.

Today the rope bridge is much sturdier with steel cables, but it still bounces and sways as you walk

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 5:06 PM

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across, making you feel slightly brave for making the crossing 30 meters above the churning sea. The views are breathtaking, especially from a cliff overlook behind the bridge. The walk up is a bit challenging and the rocky climb on the island side means you’ll want to wear sturdy shoes and use the rope handrail for support.

Throughout the region, there is an emphasis on local foods, from meats and game, wild-caught seafood and craft beers, to the native floury potatoes mashed with spring onion to make the traditional side dish called champ —with a generous pat of butter melting on top, of course.

My best meal in Northern Ireland?

It could be the local-caught fish at Harry’s Shack, an upscale beach joint where I dithered between whole lemon sole and Kilkeel hake before deciding on Shacked Pale Ale-battered, saltwater cured haddock, fat chips and mushy peas.

I was greatly impressed with the delectable sixcourse tasting meal from visionary chef-owner Gareth McCaughey’s The Muddlers Club, a hip restaurant down a sketchy-looking Belfast alley. Turns out, I'm not the only one. It received a Michelin star in

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BARRIE • COLLINGWOOD INNISFIL • MUSKOKA • ORILLIA 34 Cedar Pointe Dr. Barrie • (705) 737-4200 Now serving Muskoka • (705) 985-4200

BURLINGTON • HAMILTON • MARKHAM • TORONTO GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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roam | ireland

The Dark Hedges are the most photographed site in Northern Ireland thanks partly to its starring role in Game of Thrones. (Photo: Tourism Ireland)

Peace Bridge, Derry-Londonderry. (Photo: Tourism Ireland) 78

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October, a month after I dined there. "The enthusiasm of the team who run it is palpable," the fine dining bible writes.

Northern Ireland is the home of great bread, like chewy sourdough loaf at homey Ursa Minor bakehouse and vegetarian restaurant in Ballycastle. We spent a peaceful hour near the hearth learning to make traditional Irish soda bread during a cooking class in Bronagh Duffin’s colourful Bakehouse teaching kitchen in Bellaghy. Using her granny Maggie’s recipe, we marked the top of our loaves with two deep cuts “to let the fairies out.”

No matter what bread you favour, it’s even better when generously smeared with rich, deep-yellow Northern Ireland butter.

Will your winning drink vote go to craft cider made from heritage apples and champagne yeast from third-generation growers at Long Meadow Cider in County Armagh? Or will it be the Earl Grey tea-kissed house gin crafted for guests at 120-yearold Ardtara Country House in County Derry? It’s no surprise that Northern Ireland was awarded the Best Food Destination at the International Travel and Tourism Awards last year.

As we travelled, I asked people what made Northern Ireland food different from the Republic next door.

They talked about unique local products like Young Buck raw milk blue cheese and the impossibly creamy Triple Rose from cheesemaker Ballylisk in Armagh. Long Meadow Cider’s Catherine McKeever said many of the products in Northern Ireland come from family businesses, like theirs. The lobster fishing Reid brothers point to the Ulster fry with two kinds of bread, potato and soda farl as a unique dish.

I think Bronagh Duffin said it best when she explained why she runs her cooking school, teaching a variety of classes, including one devoted to traditional Northern Irish recipes. “It’s how I express myself and express my love to family and friends,” she said.

We talked as we mixed the soda bread and patted out the round loaves. “Down south it’s (round) oven bread, but up here we cut it into quarters. It’s called farl: Irish for quarter,” she explained. Her granny used to cook them on a griddle over the kitchen fire, something Duffin still uses. Baking was her childhood happiness.

“For people in this area, with The Troubles, it was quite difficult growing up in the ’80s and food was a healing thing for a lot of people, or some comfort and sense of family,” Duffin said. “Food is the one thing that helps draw people together. We have a very strong sense of family up north, which is different to the south of Ireland. Family was all we had.”

Linda Barnard was a guest of Tourism Ireland, which did not review or approve this story.

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 5:09 PM

Prestigious Real Estate Services Hallmark Chay Realty Inc. Brokerage

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Mike Mifsud

Donna Hunter

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Incentive Realty Inc. Brokerage Sutton Group Incentive Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently IndependentlyOwned Owned&&Operated Operated

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Stephanie Miller Sales Representative

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Pat Fergusson

Making real estate a moving experience!

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LU URY

A D V E N T U R E S

Exploring possibilities for curated experiences around the corner, around the country & around the world

By Barbara Ramsay Orr

Near: ’Bee’ sure it’s the Chelsea Hotel for a Toronto sleepover

The Chelsea hotel is located right in the heart of Toronto, close to great shopping, the theatre district, major attractions and world class museums. The Chelsea is Canada’s largest hotel, with 1,590 rooms, and is ideal for a couples getaway to the heart of the city, or for a family weekend of urban fun.

The hotel’s Kid’s Fun Centre has an indoor heated pool with a twisty waterslide, supervised children’s activities and a teen lounge.

For the grownups, Deck 27 features an adults only recreation area.

The Family Fun suites are large enough for all members of the family to relax. There are three very good dining venues, but the Market Garden is perfect for casual dining, especially with young children. And there are wonderful dining choices within an easy walk of the hotel.

One of the initiatives of the Chelsea Hotel, that deserves to be supported, is their recent partnership with Toronto Bee Rescue, an 80

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urban beekeeping operation founded by Peter Chorabik and Sarah Allinson. They specialize in the humane removal and relocation of established honeybee colonies, finding locations for the colonies where they will thrive. For their part, the hotel has established four beehives on the hotel roof, as well as a fountain to ensure the bees have access to water.

There are plenty of reasons to plan a stay-over visit to Toronto this season. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs from Nov. 1 to 10, and there are major sports events to enjoy. Our beloved NBA champions, the Toronto Raptors, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs, start their seasons. The Gourmet Food and Wine Expo is on Nov. 21 to 24 and the Toronto Christmas Market, in the Distillery District, celebrates the holidays from Nov. 14 to Dec. 22. The One of a Kind Show, perfect for early Christmas shopping, happens from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1.

Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4 Tel: (416) 595-1975 www.chelseatoronto.com

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-19 2:14 PM

roam | adventures

A GUIDED SUNSET WALK THROUGH THE WHITE DUNES, AS THE SANDS TURN PINK AND GOLD AND STARS COME OUT, FEELS LIKE A LUNAR STROLL. Far: Las Cruces, New Mexico Located a short drive from both the Texas and the Mexican border, Las Cruces, New Mexico is an eclectic mixture of cultures and history. It is also famously home to the world’s only Chile Pepper Institute, totally dedicated to the study and cultivation of the chili pepper. The institute was awarded a Guinness World Record for discovering the hottest chili in the world – the Bhut Jolokia, which measures more than one million units on the Scoville heat scale (the international measure for the heat of peppers).

The chili features on almost every menu in Las Cruces and surrounding communities. Many shops display a “ristra” which is an artfully arranged string of dried chili peppers. If you visit in fall, the air is rich with the smell of chilis being roasted. Best is the Walk of Flame, the Green Chile Trail that leads visitors to 28 restaurants, retail stores and producers, where the chili rules.

Sample green chili stew, green chili margaritas, green chili pizza and green chili ice cream.

There’s much to do in this historic town, close to the Rio Grande River and cupped by the Organ Mountains. There are excellent hiking and biking trails. Nearby is the otherworldly White Sands National Monument, a carefully preserved expanse with kilometres of fine white gypsum sand dunes. It is the largest such natural site in the world. Walking through the dunes is unnerving – the sand is white as snow, and it’s cool to the touch, but there’s a burning hot sun overhead in a clear blue sky. Even stranger is the sight of kids and adults speeding down the highest dunes on sleds. A guided sunset walk through the white dunes, as the sands turn pink and gold and the stars come out, feels like a lunar stroll. www.lascrucescvb.org

Farther: Fiji Live the dream of vacationing on a tropical island - head for Fiji. On Malalo Island, in the Mamanucas, about 25 km from the international airport in Nadi, lies the isolated perfection of Likuliku Lagoon resort. In the Malolo dialect, ‘Likuliku’ means ‘calm waters’ and guests at this exclusive resort can be sure of a tranquil and luxurious getaway.

Serene, naturally beautiful and architecturally stunning, the resort boasts Fiji’s only authentic over-water bures, which are Fijian style cabins. Each of the ten private bures has its own plunge pool and a clear glass section through which guests can watch the fish below - your own living aquarium. The architecture is traditionally Fijian, using natural elements unique to the region. Each afternoon, guests in the bures are treated to daily canapés with a glass of Champagne.

Days can be spent lazing on the beach, snorkeling in the clear waters off Likuliku Lagoon, or trying out one of the many water sports. The choice of land and sea activities includes fishing, diving, sunset cruises, visits to other islands, paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing.

On Friday nights, there are performances of the traditional Meke (dance), and traditional Fijian stories through dance and song. This is followed by dinner of the traditional Lovo (earth oven feast) and a South Pacific BBQ. On Monday evenings, there is a traditional Kava ceremony with the opportunity to learn about the origins of Kava, the plant and its attributes and the protocols surrounding the ceremony.

The resort’s cuisine is exceptional, with a strong emphasis on Fijian dishes and ingredients, including local seafood and tropical fruits.

Guests can reach the resort by private helicopter from Nadi Airport, or take a private charter boat, or catch the fast catamaran that goes to the island daily. www.likulikulagoon.com

The White Sands National Monument in Las Cruces, New Mexico GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 3:20 PM

Happy Holidays from your local Realtors Wishing All My Clients the Best of Everything This Holiday Season And Happy New Year

Happy Holidays to you and your Family and May the New Year bring you Joy and Happiness

Michael Stuart Webb

Janine Dezotti

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Direct 705-817-7355 Hallmark Chay Realty Inc. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated.

Office 1-866-871-1151

Cell:

705-528-3885 Office:

416-628-1357 110 Avenue Road, Toronto, On M5R 2H4

Engel & Vรถlkers Toronto Central, Brokerage

withMy joy & goodBest cheerwishes Sending clients andformay New Year bring thisthe Holiday Season andyou muchthejoyNew & Year happiness! may bring Health and Happiness

Karen Yurkiw

Lily Cadeau

SALES REPRESENTATIVE,CNHS., ASP

Office:

This Holiday Season we need to spend and mayTime the with Newthe Year you Quality people webring love, and muchalljoy happiness! remember the & Joy they to bring to us.

SEASONS GREETINGS my friends

Todd & Lynn Guergis

Max Viskovich

Sales Representative

705-321-7781

Direct:

705-796-6433 888-966-3111

BILINGUAL SERVICE

(705) 728-4067 www.sutton.com INCENTIVE REALTY INC., BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season with friends and Family, and a Happy New Year

Pat Fergusson

Mike Mifsud

Broker

Direct:

705-739-1300 Direct

705-321-5283

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Making real estate a moving experience!

HomeLife Nu-Key Realty Ltd., Brokerage* BarrieHomeLife.com Office: 1-888-999-4036

Andrew Meadows Sales Representative Direct:

705-794-6330

We are sending all our Clients, Friends, & Family our Warmest Holiday Wishes, and Happy New Year.

Happy Holidays from My Family to Yours, and Have a safe happy New Year.

Sales Representative

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

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Office

735-2525

Greg Weeks

Sales Representative

Sales Representative Direct:

705-623-0389

B.J. Roth Realty Ltd Brokerage INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

OVER 45 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Wishing you all a very Happy Healthy Holiday Season and New Year

Igor Vujovic Broker

Direct

Hallmark Chay Realty Inc. Brokerage Independently owned and operated.

705-436-2121 igor.vujovic@century21.ca

Direct: 705-623-9907 โ ข donna.hunter@live.ca

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B.J. Roth Realty Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

Warmest Greetings of the Season and Best Wishes for Happiness in the New Year!

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season with Family and Friends, and a Very Happy New Year

Sandy Ellis

Stephanie Miller & Sheila Krasowski

Broker

David Weeks

Lenora Laycock

SimcoeHomeSales.com lenora.laycock@century21.ca

mike@brokermike.ca mike@BarrieHomeLife.com

BrokerMike.ca

One of the real joys of this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you to our clients, friends and family for their continued support throughout the year.

All the best for the New Year.

Victoria Meadows

Broker of Record/Owner

Office

sellwithmax.ca

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Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre, Brokerage

Wishing my clients, family and friends a very Happy Holiday and New Year

705-730-9161 Direct

Office

www.firstchoicerealty.ca

Warmest Greetings of the Season and Best Wishes for Happiness in the New Year!

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

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May your holidays be filled with harmony & good cheer and may the New Year bring you much joy & happiness!

with joy & good cheer

Wishing All Our clients a Happy Joyest Holiday season and New year.

284 Dunlop Street West Barrie, Ontario L4N1B9 Office:

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Sales Representative Office 705-436-5111 Toll Free 1-877-722-8191 TheR ealE stateC entre, Brokerage Fax 705-436-7630 www.barrieagent.com Independently Owned& Operated

Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre, Brokerage

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nest

esh rF Functional and

By Dawn Ritchie

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D

esign aficionados, Julie and Ernest Herr, enjoyed building their first custom home so much, when they sold it they decided to construct another. Needing a place to live during the process, they purchased a cozy bungalow on Aspen Way in The Blue Mountains.

Moving from their spacious contemporary home was an adjustment. This new place was comfortable and warm but had twenty years of character behind it. The former owner was the father of a renown Canadian skier, and while the home was still in great shape and situated in a prime location between the ski slopes and the beach, it had been well-loved and lived in. The rear yard was dark with overgrown trees and the interior had older carpeting and roughed up hardwood flooring.

“We planned on just painting it and living in it for the duration,” says Julie. But the designing urge within Ernest could not be silenced and be-

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fore they knew it they were renovating the house from the studs out. “We went overboard,” laughs Julie. “We were down to one functioning bathroom and camping out in one room.” They even had the exterior of the residence restuccoed, repainted and the driveway laid with concrete with recessed lighting and trimmed with crushed granite.

Ernest, who works long hours in the manufacturing sector, enjoys design as his creative outlet, and saw the potential for a fresh, clean look with a more open concept. He also had some new ideas he wanted to try out. “He’s so cool at finding special features,” says Julie. Like the backlit onyx, he had installed at their previous residence.

They pulled down walls to enlarge the kitchen.

Added two huge windows spanning the length of the room and installed corner windows and patio sliders at the far end. A few trees were cleared to bring in more light, while still maintaining that

2019-11-22 11:41 AM

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For the main floor living room, a linear Majestic fireplace was set into a wall which was clad in concrete tile.

forest feel.

“It used to be a smaller kitchen,” explains Julie.

“Originally it had only a small 3 x 3 window over the sink. We made the kitchen larger and added those windows on the side. Now there’re mountain views from all the windows and lots of natural light. I’m staring at Craigleith Ski Club when I’m doing the dishes.” Three different companies replaced windows throughout the entire home, including Kempenfelt and The Glass Doctors.

Mad Cabinetry out of Collingwood installed the new kitchen and dining room cabinetry. The Granite Company from Alliston provided the quartz kitchen counters. Sleek grey glass subway tile was laid for the backsplash (Olympia Tile) and porcelain flooring was sourced from The Tile Shoppe in Vaughan.

Appliances went in next, starting with a GE Monogram professional grade range. This choice was primarily because of the safety features. With two youngsters in the home, the Herrs liked the idea of lights on the control indicators that alerted them if any of the six gas burners were ignited.

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 11:41 AM

WINTER IS HERE ARE YOU READY?

They also installed a Monogram Infrared Range Hood with warming plate, which Julie reveals cost about as much as the range. “The design guy won that battle,” she laughs. A GE Café fridge and Monogram dishwasher completed the picture.

At the far end of the kitchen, a three-seater island holds nine different storage drawers. “The peninsula is our family hub,” explains Julie. “We do everything at the island. We eat there. Do homework there. Especially if it’s just me and the kids. If everyone is home, we have a family meal at the dining table.”

Directly opposite the peninsula is a large coffee bar that has been dubbed, The Daddy Station.

“My husband is a coffee connoisseur,” says Julie.

“He’s very specific about his beans. They have to be ground fresh every day.” Which inspires the children to frequently hide the beans just to tease him. The location of the coffee bar is spoton, sitting between the peninsula and the dining room, out of the main kitchen prep area, making it convenient for entertaining. The family uses it regularly to serve drinks and hors d’oeuvres during events.

A Napoleon Torch fireplace, mounted on the wall opposite, warms the area. “It gives off a lot of heat,” says Julie. “It’s a really nice way to give some life to the house. A little atmosphere on a cool morning.”

In the dining room, a six-seater harvest table awaits dinner parties. This layout suits the family because the table is always kept tidy and provides an unobstructed view from front door through to the rear patio doors to the forested yard. The sidebar in the dining room is also built in, along with a professional Silhouette wine and beverage fridge, right where you need it. A rustic contemporary nine-light pendant (Lando Lighting) dangles above. Matching pendants hang over the peninsula in the kitchen.

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nest | home tour

For the main floor living room, a linear Majestic fireplace was set into a wall which was clad in concrete tile. Custom cabinetry was designed to go around it. Julie, at first, suggested Ikea for the shelving but Ernest would have none of that. Brad Shaw of Nighthawk Valley Interiors was brought

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in to do the custom work and also installed 468 square feet of engineered bamboo flooring on the cathedral ceiling and on the dining room feature wall.

Giant windows in the living room flood the area with natural light and leafy views. Both Julie and

Ernest grew up in the country and they value the serenity of nature. “It’s so private in the summer time,” Julie says. “When the leaves fall you can see the mountain from the living room.” One of the reasons they chose this property was because the lot was directly across from a conservation section,

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

2019-11-22 11:41 AM

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The main floor has three bedrooms, but since Ernest works from home he co-opted one for his office and added two more on the very spacious lower level.

which meant no one would ever be building there and they’d always be looking at trees, instead of homes.

Another of the more expensive upgrades was the wire brushed oak flooring that winds all the way through to the main floor master. “One of the things most people don’t realize,” says Julie. “Is that the cost of your material is about the same as your labour. So, whatever you pay in materials, double that, for a renovation.”

The ensuite was a complete gut with new Carrera matte tiling, heated floors, rainfall shower, vessel sink and a freestanding tub, which was a special size to fit in a standard tub opening. “It’s

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really comfortable and the kids love it,” says Julie.

The main floor has three bedrooms, but since Ernest works from home he co-opted one for his office and added two more on the very spacious lower level. That level was also prepped as a potential in-law suite with full bath and roughed in plumbing for a kitchen. A second office media/ recreation room and a fitness room also reside here.

Unlike many of the other owners in the area, the Herrs are fulltime residents. “It’s so quiet and peaceful,” says Julie. “There is so much for my family to do.” The trail system also allows them to bike and take the children’s scooters through the village all the way to Blue Mountain. And the house is right on the Craigleith private shuttle bus route. The Herrs have never regretted their move to ski country. “We want this lifestyle,” Julie says.

“And to keep the children busy living and away from technology.”

111 Aspen Way is now on the market, represented by Engel & Volkers, Collingwood Muskoka.

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dining guide

Chavo Crepes You won’t find yourself under the Eiffel Tower, however our sweet and sinfully savory crepes will bring you a taste of Paris right here in downtown Barrie! Chavo Crepes was created in order to deliver a delicious and health conscious alternative to the ever evolving food industry. Maintaining the quality and integrity of our ingredients has always been our number one priority and our vision is to offer a product that has been naturally and locally grown and harvested and presented in recipes and food offerings seldom found here in Canada.

Groovy Tuesday’s Bistro Comfortably Small • Locally Focussed • Open Kitchen •Casual Elegant Atmosphere

Melanie Barrett is where she wants to be. “People tell me that I should expand and make my restaurant bigger,” says the owner of downtown Barrie’s Groovy Tuesdays Bistro, “but I like it small, that way I can see and interact with all of my diners. Getting a bigger space would change that, and make it less personal.”

Our menu is small, fresh and always changing. To put our best plate forward.

From our breads and pastas to our desserts, we make absolutely everything from scratch. Being consistent with the quality of our food is really important to us.

73 Collier Street, Barrie 705.721.0302 www.GroovyTuesdaysBistro.com

74 Dunlop Street East, Barrie | 705.727.8721 www.chavocrepes.com

Ripe Juicery Cold Pressed Juices • Parfaits • Acai Bowls • Salads • Sandwiches

Qing’s Cuisine Barrie’s Tastiest Szechuan & Thai Cuisine Barrie’s Tastiest Szechuan & Thai Cuisine Qing Ni is a recognized Canadian Chef with over 20 years experience having worked out west in Vancouver and California as well as in Toronto, Collingwood and now Barrie. He and his wife Lien have delighted those who appreciate amazing Szechuan and their authentic Thai cuisine. Offering an extensive menu for take-out, delivery and a cozy atmosphere for dining in.

Smoothies • Treats Ripe Juicery is a cold pressed, organic juice bar serving two locations in Barrie featuring cold pressed juice, hand crafted smoothies and acai bowls. Not to mention the oh-so-popular raw treats, cleanses, and a full plant based food menu. We serve in-house made soup, sandwiches, tacos, grain bowls and parfaits. We hand press all of our almond milk daily for smoothies & make every menu item from scratch using organic, plant based, raw ingredients.

Offering Doorstep Delivery!

610 Huronia Rd., Unit 9, Barrie 705-503-6610 www.qingscuisine.com

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Ripe Juicery, Barrie | ripejuicery.ca Downtown - 118 Dunlop St. | 705-503-7473 South End - 371 King St. Unit #4 | 705-503-4777

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dining guide

Homestead Artisan Bakery + Cafe

Danny’s Fish and Chips

Homestead Artisan Bakery and Cafe specializes in artisan sourdough breads and baked goods, crafted by hand in small batches. We source ingredients from local suppliers and base our menu on seasonal availability of local products.

We are open bright and early every day for your morning coffee; our custom house blend was created for us by Creemore Coffee Company. Our lunch menu includes fresh deli-style sandwiches, seasonal soups, salads and fresh baguette with flavoured butters and seasonal preserves. A sweet selection of classics done right will be baked fresh daily; cookies, croissants, scones and squares.

2019 Winner of the Readers’ Choice Awards!

We make the extra effort to hand-cut our chips and fillet our fish daily!

Our Fresh Alaskan Halibut and chips is hand sliced fresh, just minutes before it reaches your plate. Our English style fish and chips are made from an old secret recipe (thinly battered) and passed down through generations and served alongside our famous home-cut fries. Just one bite and you’ll be hooked!

We don‘t just claim to be the best, we prove it through honest workmanship and genuine caring. Voted “Your Favourite Fish & Chip Restaurant” in Barrie and celebrating 40 years of doing what we love!

80 Dunlop St. E., Downtown Barrie | 705-252-3680 homesteadartisanbakery.com

411 Huronia Road, Barrie 705-721-8998

Bacio Trattoria Authentic Italian Cuisine • Warm & Inviting Atmosphere Cooked From Scratch & Made To Order With Love!

Downtown Barrie’s Cheff Willliam Ortiz, sister Elizabeth and mother Nancy invite you to join them at their new Italian Restaurant “Bacio Trattoria” where you are greeted with a smile and great food. “We want people to feel like they are eating at home with family,” And based on high scoring social media reviews, local diners appear to have a soft spot for this family run eatery that focusses on Italian cuisine made from scratch!

62 Dunlop St. W, Barrie 705.728.0890 Follow on Facebook & Instagram

Cocina Mexicana Restaurante

WINNER 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards Barrie’s first all-you can-eat Mexican restaurant serves up fresh, authentic Mexican fare in it’s cheerful family owned and operated eatery. Think of it as a piece of Mexico that teaches the art of eating and the passion of cooking. “Our goal is for every Mexican diner to love our food, and for every Canadian diner to enjoy a real Mexican food adventure.” Fully licenced. it’s Margarita time!

144 Burton Ave., Barrie | 705-252-7086 www.cocina-mexicana.ca

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dining guide

Kenzington Burger Bar The KBB offers the finest fare for all burger lovers in Simcoe County!

For the last 5 years we’ve been cranking out some of the most creative, mouthwatering burgers this side of Toronto. Whether you’re in for the live music, or just looking for the best burger you’ve ever eaten in your life, KBB has all our ducks in a row to satisfy your most intimate culinary desires!

Downtown Barrie, 40 Dunlop St. E. | South End Barrie, 511 Bryne Dr. Bradford, 4 Holland Dr. | Orillia, 85 Mississaga St. E. 705.725.1667 | www.kenzington.ca

Tara Authentic Indian Cuisine Delighted to be considered Barrie’s finest, Chef Brothers Yar and Nur Mohammad have committed 25 years tantalizing the palates of their customers. Their culinary prowess makes Tara a most unique palatal experience.

Open seven days-a-week the alluring aroma will bring you in. Lunch Buffet available for $16.99

128 Dunlop Street East, Barrie 705.737.1821

Freshii at Park Place Barrie

Salads. Bowls. Burritos. Soups. Smoothies. Juices.

Sigrid’s Cafe & Fine Bakery At Sigrid’s, baking is a never-ending art form. For the past 35 years now, we have been a proud family-owned bakery in downtown Barrie. All our baked breads and pastries are made from scratch with all natural ingredients, the way it used to be done! “Savor every bite of your favorite pastry and do not feel guilty about it. Desserts are like all good things in life - they need to be enjoyed in moderation but everyone deserves to treat themselves”. Andrea Higgins 10 Ross Street, Barrie | 705-726-0121 www.sigridsbakery.com

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Freshii’s mission is to change the way the world eats. By making superfoods like kale and quinoa convenient and affordable for every citizen of the world, while continuing to introduce the latest culinary health trends. Turmeric juices, energii bites and grain bowls only skim the surface. Whether plant-based, vegetarian, low-carb, high-carb, to keto, we can accommodate! Freshii donates one meal from the sale of each WE menu item to developing communities.

• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner • Cold-pressed Juice Cleanse • Customized Menu Offering • Kid’s Menu • Catering • School Lunch Program

90 Park Place Boulevard, Unit 8, Barrie (705) 230-1940 parkplace@freshii.com www.freshii.com

GoodLife | Barrie Nov - Dec 2019

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On November 13, 2019 the Barrie Advance hosted their annual Readers’ Choice Awards celebration at Town and Country Steakhouse in Downtown Barrie. Dozens of Barrie’s favourite local businesses came out to celebrate. Thank you to everyone who voted. Pick up a copy of the annual Readers’ Choice winners magazine to see who was chosen in each category.

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Countdown to 2020

Join thousands of New Year’s Eve revellers at Barrie’s City Hall for Downtown Countdown, one of Central Ontario’s largest celebrations. The family-friendly evening includes horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting and entertainment by Fred Penner, the Sam Roberts Band and local rock trio Cousin Jack. Warm up by the bonfire after skating at City Hall. Fireworks happen early for kids and again at midnight. 6 p.m. 70 Collier St. Info at 705-739-4285 or www.barrie.ca/culture/Festivals.

All is Bright By the Bay

Some grumble about winter’s short days, but less daylight means more time to be dazzled by Barrie’s Winter Lights Display beside Kempenfelt Bay in Heritage Park. Thousands of gemcoloured lights merrily glow from tree branches, hillsides and illuminated scenes featuring friendly critters and frosty cheer. Bundle up the family and head out for an evening of winter fun in the Park. Presented by the Rotary Club of Barrie until Feb. 29.

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Meet You At The Ice Maze

It’s snow surprise that Barrie Winterfest is among the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario. Visitors can watch 300 lb. ice blocks become translucent carvings, ride a giant snow slide or mini tube run, take a polar bear dip or navigate an ice maze. Battle of the Chainsaws, the Fire and Ice Show and historical walking tours draw crowds, as does the fresh maple taffy. Feb. 1-2 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m. Visit www.barrie.ca/Culture/ Festivals/Pages/Winterfest.aspx.

Sweet Winter Blues

Quench cabin fever with a big helping of blues at the February Blues Festival on Jan. 30 – Feb. 2. Hear some of Canada’s best blues and jazz musicians at Simcoe County’s libraries, community and cultural centres, pubs and restos. Swing over to Royal Victoria Hospital’s cafeteria for Out To Lunch, and join the blues jam at Barrie’s City Hall Rotunda. For venues, visit www.barriejazzbluesfest.com or call 705-739-9444.

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Vintage Jewellery Specialists For that special gift search from over 1000 vintage and estate pieces at www.BillLeBoeufJewellers.com We Buy and Sell All the Top Brands Custom Designs Since 1958 52 Dunlop Street West | Downtown Barrie | 705-728-3343

Custom Design | Gold Buying | Vintage Jewellery Specialists | Jewellery Repairs

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PAXTON Stationary Sofa

lazboy.com/gta Barrie · 491 Bryne Drive · (705) 735-3337 Newmarket · Scarborough · Vaughan Mills · Mississauga · Oakville · Etobicoke Burlington/Hamilton · Markham · London · Kitchener · Whitby/Oshawa · Barrie

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