Mint Magazine Westman by Mint Magazine

Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Family Grown, Right Here, At Home Wedding Feature: Love Is Everything Designing A Rustic Bedroom

WESTMAN Vol 1 Iss 1 2017

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Contributors IN THIS ISSUE

JAMIE WILLEY Jamie Willey is the proud owner of Studio 78 Photography and Social Media Services. Jamie loves photography because a great image can tell your story, and last for a lifetime. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, this is where her interest in business started. Her passions lie in travel, to see and explore beauty and meet new people along the way, while discovering new wines and delicious foods. Her love lies with her 2 boys, Braden who is exploring in Victoria, and Nate. Their journey so far has been an adventure.

CALEY BROWN I was raised on an Arabian horse farm just outside of Carberry, Mb and have always had a natural love of the arts. I’m passionate about music, painting, gardening, decorating and in recent years have discovered an interest for photographing the beauty I see. I enjoy capturing the prairies, nature, kids, families and animals. I’m very blessed to be a Mom to two busy boys. Aside from a blossoming photography business, I’m a registered massage therapist. If you are interested in seeing more of my photography you can follow my Facebook page where my prints are available for purchase.

ANNA DUMAS Anna Dumas is an restauranteur and aspiring entrepreneur. She currently owns Prairie Firehouse Restaurant in Brandon MB and would love to move forward with several other unique restaurants in brandon as the food culture develops. She took wine training in Winnipeg and Kelowna and shares a strong passion for pairing wine and food.

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JILLIAN NESBITT Jillian Nesbitt is a styling consultant who works with businesses, groups and individuals looking for help refreshing their image through branding, photo styling and social media. A people person with a keen eye for style, she longs for building meaningful relationships while capturing the beauty in life’s little moments. Jill showcases her unique lifestyle brand on @lifestyledbyjillian, where she shares her passion for decor, design, fashion, food and family. Born and raised in Winnipeg, she has fallen hard for the sense of community in Brandon. Jill also pursues interests in social work and mental health activism while sharing adventures with her husband Ryan and kitty Willa.

BRANDI PARNELL Brandi Parnell is a freelance writer and editor who lives in words, loves to travel and has a true appreciation for all things grown on the prairies, including her two sons. When she is not writing for clients or recanting personal stories, she can be found at the rink or on a dock. She also loves to dabble in stones and eats pizza whenever she can. She is a thinker-on-her feet, a yogi and a Reiki Master.

JESSICA KUTOK Jessica Kutok has been a professional writer for 7 years. Radio, television, print, websites, blogs… there’s nothing she won’t tackle and she’ll always have a good time doing it. Writing for Mint is a naturally good fit because she’s a huge advocate of supporting local! Getting to interview local business owners and writing about them is a real treat to her. When Jessica isn’t writing, you can find her lost in a book, watching her favourite TV shows, cooking, playing with her cats, and hanging out with her bearded boyfriend. It’s a really nice life!

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FIRST WORD

From Our Associate Publisher

JAMIE WILLEY Volume 1 Issue 1, 2017 Publisher Mint Media Inc Editor Rhonda Tannahill Art Director Candace Haiko the design table

Writers Brandi Parnell Jessica Kutok

Contributing Writers Anna Dumas Photographer Studio 78 Cover Photo Keywest Photo

Image by Design Inc.

Fall Fashion Trends Photos Studio 78 Styled & Modelled by Jillian Nesbitt

elcome to the first issue of Mint Westman! We are excited to connect you with your community and help you acquire new business, friendships and experiences along the way. A part of your community, Mint Westman is all about you, your passions and your lives.

Best Dressed Guest Photos Studio 78 Styled & Modelled by Jillian Nesbitt

I have had the pleasure to meet and be inspired by so many local, humble heros and truly amazing people. In this issue, we are among those who recognize what it takes to build a thriving city, who lead fearlessly, and want to live their best lives. As you browse through the magazine, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrate your favorite local shops and their achievements in business.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES jamie@mintmagazine.ca.

This has been an extraordinary journey for me, with many more adventures to come. Hello Westman, this is your magazine!!

mintmagazine.ca /mintmagazines @mintmagazines @mintmagazines Mint Magazine is published by Mint Media Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Mint Magazine publishes 4 times per year. Copies are distributed to select homes, local businesses and offices in Brandon and surrounding areas. If you would like to subscribe to home delivery please email jamie@mintmagazine.ca

Mint Magazine 5261 Burnell Court Kelowna, BC 250.469.4447

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Becoming a parent is the most exciting life changing moments of our lives. Nothing can compare to holding your brand new baby in your arms and these moments pass in the blink of an eye. From the beauty of pregnancy to the arrival of your newborn and their milestones to come, it is such an honor to capture them. Rheanon Neale Photography is a Brandon based photographer specializing in the art of Maternity, Newborn and Family photography. Her sessions are natural and simple with a modern fine art feel. They can be done in your home or her fully equipped studio. Using whites and soft colors with minimal props to create timeless images for your family to cherish for years to come.

R H E A N O N N E A L E P H OTO G R A P H Y. C O M

CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE Fashion 11 Wellness 20 Eats & Drinks 42 Abode 56 Life & Local Finds 75

FEATURES 58 Cover Story: Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Family Grown, Right Here, At Home 28 Love is Everything 56 Designing a Rustic Bedroom

58 28

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MADE WITH LOVE FOR REAL LIFE Lucy Reimer, owner of Lucy Designs, has a passion for sewing, fabric, fashion and design. Lucy started this rewarding journey while working from home , alongside her husband and raising their 2 children. She started out with kids clothing and making dance costumes for local dance companies and the company grew from there.

Asked to attend TIFF 2012 was a career highlight, where she gifted purses to Madonna, Halle Barry, Eva Mendez, Selena Gomez, just to name a few. Lucy finds great fulfillment in designing one of a kind bags for her clients.

The past 10 years, Lucy has been designing faux and leather bags, including buffalo leather, which are named Aud after her past buffalo leather supplierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s late wife Audrey.

The Lucy wrap is her original design concept from the much loved poncho, some 15 years ago. This wrap is still as flattering and functional today, as the day she designed it for herself.

lucy designs 204.752.2034 lucydesigns.ca lucy@lucydesigns.ca

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Westman Spring Edition out February 2018 If you would like your business featured, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to hear from you.

jamie@mintmagazine.ca

FALL TRENDS

Fashion

BY JILLIAN NESBITT PHOTOS STUDIO 78

the Duster Nail simple weekend style with a lightweight long duster coat, instantly elevating your favourite basics. Paired with a white tee, light blue denim and boots, you'll look chic but stay comfy. Feeling adventurous? Add a wide brimmed western hat for an unexpected pop.

JACKET TOPSHOP

JEANS, HAT, BOOTS WINNERS

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RED PANTS H&M BLOUSE DYNAMITE CLUTCH WINNERS

Red

& OVERSIZED FITS Red is back and better than ever. This bold, orangey shade takes these of-the-moment wideleg trousers to another level. Pair them with a silk pajama blouse and nude heels for A+ office attire. Who said being cozy has to be boring? Sweaterweather has been punched up this season with striking colour and shapely arms. Ruffles, embellishments, necklines… it’s all in the details.

SWEATER H&M JEANS WINNERS 12

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Statement

COATS & NECKLINES Coats this season are about making a statement. Oversized, furry, loud and proud. Try one like this pink plaid… standing out from the pack has never looked so good. Layer with a fun neckline – such as this mock neck sweater – and a pair of boots to create your new go to fall outfit.

JACKET TOPSHOP SWEATER H&M JEANS DYNAMITE BOOTS WINNERS

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Introducing the Only A L L - N AT U R A L S A L O N & S P A I N B R A N D O N BY JESSICA KUTOK

If there’s one thing hair stylist and salon manager, Sarah feels more passionately about than providing a fantastic cut & colour and a great client experience, it’s protecting our precious Mother Earth from harm.

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PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

arah is someone who chooses to live a sustainable lifestyle, so joining forces with the owners of Riverbend Naturals made perfect sense given her own beliefs.

“Conserving natural lands and choosing a more natural way of living was a huge part of my upbringing. Growing up, my Dad worked for the largest leaders in the wildlife and wetland conservation corporations worldwide, Ducks Unlimited. So, discovering what Riverbend Naturals was all about made it a fitting partnership for me,” says Sarah. “We value positive change and giving the public healthier options. To be one of the first eco-friendly beauty boutiques in Manitoba is a journey we’re especially grateful for.”

The Riverbend Team makes it a top priority to operate a green facility. In fact, Riverbend Naturals is the only all-natural salon and spa in Brandon, and is one of the few salons in town that’s a part of the Green Circle Program, where they recycle everything from papers, plastics, metals, colour, and yes, even hair. Sarah explains, “Hair helps create emergency animal beds for shelters and assists in cleaning up oil spills globally. Any leftover colour gets broken back to water form at our Green Circle facilities and is returned back into our lakes and rivers. We make it our mission to band together to see positive change in our environment.” The sustainability of Riverbend Naturals doesn’t just stop at the services. They’re also an exclusive Western Manitoba carrier of Rocky Mountain Soap Company products, a popular ecofriendly seller in the salon. Patrons will also find Pure Anada Natural Cosmetics, providing everything from tools and brushes, lipsticks and eye shadows, and liquid and pressed powders. Of course, these are all green products, as well. “No matter what our customers are looking for, everything they find in our salon will be sustainable,” says Sarah. “We’re told all the time how nice our hair products are as well as

the makeup we sell giving a nice soft finish with excellent pigmentation and full coverage.” Whether a client is eco-conscious or not, the team at Riverbend Naturals does a terrific job of educating people on the importance of using natural products for our Earth, while of course, delivering great service and products. “We continue to receive great feedback on our customer service. It’s always a top priority. Our environment here is relaxed and very welcoming. There are only three of us girls; born and raised here in the prairies, kind, genuine and down to earth. We get plenty of reviews of how comfortable people feel in our space.” Join Sarah and the rest of the Riverbend Naturals team in helping protect our planet one salon and spa service at a time. Book your appointment online at riverbendnaturals.ca or call 717-8550.

Riverbend Naturals 1005-13th Street, Brandon 204.717.8550 | riverbendnaturals.ca

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C R E AT I V E SOLUTIONS BEGIN WITH STUDIO 78 BY JESSICA KUTOK

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

fter speaking with Jamie from Studio 78, I realized something. I was speaking with a true creative superwoman. A true example of a “boss woman,” this extraordinary person takes her career goals and goes after them without hesitation.

Jamie has spent 10 years as a wedding and family photographer, and now, she’s venturing onto a new and exciting path into more weddings, portraits, marketing, and most recently, a new role as an Associate Publisher for the very magazine you’re reading right now, Mint Magazine. See what I mean? A boss woman. But where did her creative journey begin? Jamie explains. “I’ve always been into photography. As a teenager, I brought a camera with me wherever I went. While I was on maternity leave, an opportunity came up where I could open up my own photography business and it was nice because this new role allowed me to still spend time at home with my family while pursuing my passions.” As a seasoned photographer, Jamie takes extra care to make sure she’s delivering images that her clients will absolutely love.

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“I start out by having a consultation with my client. I ask how they want their images to feel and what it is they’re looking for as a result of the photoshoot. From there, I put my own creative spin on their vision to create something beautiful.” With popular apps like Instagram, today’s marketing world is extremely visual. Putting out high-quality photos is an absolute must to stay relevant. As someone who always wants to do the best for her clients, Jamie saw another opportunity to offer social media services along with her photography. “When I meet with a client and talk about their goals, I let them know about my social media offerings. I can come and take personal branding photos of their employees or business location and present the images in a way that looks appealing on their site or apps like Instagram or Facebook,” explains Jamie. “I also do social media coaching, social media management, and marketing campaigns that are directed towards what

they want to achieve. My clients may be experts in their field but might need help in the social media area. They put so much effort into what they offer, that the social side of it should fit what they’re already doing.” “Something I’m really wanting to promote right now is my portrait photography services, especially for women. I want to help them feel beautiful,” says Jamie. “They can come here, get their hair and makeup done and not have to worry about a thing besides having a great day. Afterwards, they’ll have amazing photos to pass down to their kids, grandkids, and for all the generations to come. A unique photographer, a passionate marketer, and a dedicated Associate Publisher at Mint Magazine, if you need a creative solution, Jamie is your woman. See her gorgeous work at www.studio78.ca.

Studio 78 728 -10th Street jamie@studio78.ca 204.721.1296 |

TOP RIGHT BEHIND THE SCENES WITH JASON & ROBYN SNEATH AND WESTMAN COMMUNICATIONS. MINT Westman

THE INCREDIBLE SALON & SPA EXPERIENCE YOU’VE BEEN MISSING BY JESSICA KUTOK

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Is there anything better than going to the salon and getting your hair done? To be honest, I can’t think of something more blissful. Perhaps the only thing that makes the experience better is when a place transforms what could be a simple service and makes it extra special. Pantages Salon & Spa does that.

antages has been around for over thirty years, and about five years ago, Sasha and Maryke took over the business while ensuring the same values that made Pantages such a beloved salon in Brandon remained intact.

“Anytime a client comes in the door, someone is at the front desk to greet them. Then, we offer them a coffee, water, or even a glass of wine,” explains Maryke. “Once they’ve had a consultation with their stylist, they receive an amazing head massage, and then they get their cut, colour, or whatever service has brought them in.” As I was speaking with Sasha and Maryke, they often mentioned the importance of their customer service. “We want to make sure the entire experience is great for the client. We naturally create a friendly environment while filling the room with a team that really knows what they’re doing.” In an industry where trends are constantly evolving, stylists need to keep educated; learning new techniques is a must to give clients what they’re looking for. Sasha explains, “We’ve sent our girls to places like Monaco, San Diego, and Toronto so they can get the best training possible. We think it’s so important to keep our team educated.” Having someone who specializes in specific techniques can be useful, especially with so many arising hairstyles. Sasha and Maryke remind me that Pantages is a salon with around twenty

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people on staff, each bringing their own touch of uniqueness to their chairs. “We would consider ourselves to be more of an elite salon. As a client coming in for the first time, it’s nice for them to know there are different calibers of stylists to choose from,” says Maryke. “We have someone for every individual person coming through those doors. It’s a really good balance.” While it’s nice to go to a salon who has a great team and provides an excellent cut and colour, sometimes it’s those little bonuses that make all the difference. “We have great products like Unite, a natural hair care line exclusive to Pantages as well as Eminence, an all-natural organic skin care line. We also offer lash lifts and lash extensions, facials, and we even specialize in wedding parties,” says Maryke. “Because we have such a big staff, we can do big wedding parties which is a great offering. We’ll provide mimosas, food trays, muffins… we try to make the whole experience really special for the group.” The next time you need a day of pampering, don’t miss out on what could be the best salon & spa experience of your life. Book an appointment with Pantages at 204-727-2053. Pantages on Park Salon & Spa 1360 Park Ave, Brandon | 204.727.2053 pantageshair.com |

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Wellness

BY BRANDI PARNELL

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There is an Irish proverb that states, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.”

With self-made PHDs in loving life, we’re here to help you improve your life by adding more zen to your bedroom. Green thumb or not, perhaps it’s time to invest in a new plant. After all, leafy greens are no slouch to awesome; they also oxygenate your home, filter the air you breathe and can help you sleep more soundly. Adding a touch of greenery to your coveted space is not only appealing to the eyes, these living organisms interact with your body, mind and home to improve the quality of your life. So follow doctor’s orders, laugh until your belly hurts and get your zzz’s. Here are four houseplants to enhance your bedroom and your rest.

LAVENDER Lavender is one essential oil everyone should keep on hand. It can aide in easing allergy symptoms, is known for its relaxing effects on the body and can help with many minor skin irritations. When it comes to rest, its scent can release soothing, sedating effects.

ALOE The soothing gel from the inside of an aloe vera plant can increase healing, act as a natural after shave and help detoxify the air in any room of your home. Sleeping in a room free from dust and air pollutants brings you one step closer to an uninterrupted slumber.

JASMINE These flowery vines exude a beautiful aroma in any room. Jasmine has long been an ingredient found in many beauty products. Used in lotion, it can soothe dryness and ease irritating, itchy skin. But there’s more, its fragrant aroma can be beneficial for anyone whose mind tends to run over. Leave the wandering to Jasmine’s vines and put your brain to bed.

SNAKE PLANT Pay no attention to its name. The plant is easy to care for, readily accessible and inexpensive. While its healing properties may not be as vast as the aforementioned, what’s great about this plant is that it emits oxygen at night while consuming carbon dioxide – something we do naturally while breathing – while we sleep. And as you know by now, better air quality leads to a better night’s sleep. You don’t need to be a fēng shuǐ master to enhance your sleep. Tonight before crawling into bed, take inventory of ways you can improve your sleep space and get more rest. Sweet dreams.

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A PAIN FREE APPROACH TO LIFE BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS USED FOR THE FOLLOWING: ADD/ADHD Alzheimer’s Disease Anxiety Arthritis Auto Accident(s) Back & Neck Problems Brain Injury Cancer

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Chronic Nausea Chronic Pain Colitis Crohn’s Disease Depression Eating Disorders Epilepsy Fibromyalgia

Gastrointestinal Disorders Hepatitis C HIV/AIDS Irritable Bowel Syndrome Kidney Failure/Dialysis Migraines Multiple Sclerosis Muscle Spasms

Muscular Dystrophy Parkinson’s Disease Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Severe Arthritis Sexual Dysfunction Sleep Disorders Spinal Cord Injury/Disease

ick Macl understands just how easy it can be to want to give up, especially when it comes to health. Having suffered extreme back pain, for years without relief, emergency surgery, and months on various prescription drugs, he is now pain free.

Macl is the owner of Growers N’ Smokers, a client-focus business dedicated to helping people who live in pain. He sells everything one could need for growing and consuming medical marijuana, with a focus on education, free of judgement. “Our goal is to create an open environment where people can come and talk about their prescription and their options, from edibles and oils, to tinctures and inhalation,” he says. “Many people are living in pain unnecessarily. Mostly just because they do not understand that there is a better way.” Growers N’ Smokers not only helps people to become familiar with the equipment and supplies, but also with the administrative part of the process. “I am never going to try and advocate for anything other than wellness. I want to help people get the supplies they need to grow their medicine and make their own edibles. And I believe heating it or eating is best for your body as smoking degrades your cannabis.” Growers N’ Smokers is open to the public, seven days per week. They assist with filling out patient intake forms and will even send the paperwork to Ottawa on your behalf, linking patients with doctors and producers, of which there is currently 59 in Canada. “Many times marijuana is foreign to most people – brand new. We act as the go-between with patients and doctors.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” THOMAS A. EDISON We talk about the stigmas and help to guide patients to the best products for them.” On their Facebook page, Macl posts instructional videos to assist people who are just getting started. “I see many people who come in out of curiosity. They are taking a whack of prescriptions and feel helpless. They leave knowing they have choices.” Macl has worked with local oncologists from CancerCare and physicians alike. “We do not promote recreational consumption, but realize some use it that way. Growers N’ Smokers’ mandate is to help people to function optimally in day-to-day life, without a foggy head. It’s been an incredible opportunity. I never imagined I’d be here today. Or the impact helping others has had on me.” To learn more about whether or not medical marijuana is available to you or how you can live pain free, stop by Growers N’ Smokers today.

Growers N’ Smokers 7-223 18th Street N, Brandon 204.717.9333 | growersnsmokers.com info@growersnsmokers.com

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C H A N G I N G T H E W AY YOU APPROACH FITNESS BY BRANDI PARNELL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

OWNER AND HEAD COACH ZACK MCMILLAN

f the term CrossFit is unfamiliar to you, you’re not alone. And, even if you have heard of it before, perhaps you’re unsure exactly what goes on in the big open gyms, with hanging ropes and boxes here and there.

Zack McMillan, Brandon native, and his wife Jenn own CrossFit Rocked, a space dedicated to helping people surpass their physical limitations and connect with like-minded people. Like Glassman says, it isn’t easy, but neither is living your best life. Crossfit utilizes functional movement based on real world situations to push boundaries and improve strength, ultimately increasing one’s mobility and overall fitness — not only in the gym —in life as well. CrossFit is primarily focused on short, but intense physical challenges, and while each individual works out independently, there is a collective feeling that everyone in the room is rooting for one another. 24

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Greg Glassman, founder of CrossFit Inc. said, “No, it doesn’t ever get any easier. You wouldn’t want it to either.” “The best part about CrossFit is that it’s for absolutely anyone.” says Zack who came to love the methodology of CrossFit after finishing out his hockey career at Acadia University where he obtained his degree in Kinesiology. “The thing I loved most when I first discovered CrossFit was that it felt like I was part of a team again. At Rocked we are a strong community made up of positive people who help one another stay on track of our fitness goals. It’s hard work but if you’re committed and you push yourself, you’ll see incredible results.”

“Our community (“the Rockers”) is made up of people of different ages, skill levels and athletic backgrounds. We have the opportunity to work with teenagers all the way to people in their 60’s and everything in between. We have experienced athletes in our classes working alongside people who are starting to workout for the first time. It doesn’t matter who you are; it’s just about having fun and working hard. CrossFit really is for anyone. Everything we do in class can be modified to meet anyone’s abilities. It doesn’t matter if you’re a high-level athlete or have never been to a gym, we can help you become healthier and stronger.” One of the main differences between a CrossFit gym and a traditional gym is that every 1-hour class is being instructed by experienced certified CrossFit coaches. “Everyone that works here is very passionate about what we do. We just love helping people. Our coaches are highly invested in your wellness and personal goals.”

The McMillan’s are committed to making CrossFit Rocked an inviting and encouraging place to become stronger, happier and healthier. From the constant support of coaches and fellow members to the smart and safe approach to training, the reasons are plenty to join their community. “I want our members to think of CrossFit as an investment in their health and how they approach life. We want their hour at CrossFit Rocked to be the best hour of their day.” CrossFit Rocked 215 6th Street, Brandon 204.721.2829 | crossfitrocked.com

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WHAT IF FITNESS WAS FUN? WITH ZACK MACMILLAN

OWNER & HEAD COACH AT CROSSFIT ROCKED

The world of health and fitness can be boring and extremely confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. We are here to provide some honest and helpful advice, and show you that getting fit can be fun and exciting! STRENGTH > CARDIO As you age, strength is one of the

largest determinants of your quality of life. The ability to perform simple daily tasks such as climbing stairs, shoveling snow, or getting in and out of a car all rely on strength. Building muscle also increases your ability to burn fat so strength training is essential for men and women of all ages.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER You are never too old, too weak,

or too “out of shape” to start CrossFit or any type of strength training. We work with many people who are in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s and all of them have unique needs and abilities. They are all constantly improving their strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health ensuring that they live a long healthy life. It seems like in today’s world there are a million-diﬀerent diet and eating strategies and it can become very confusing. Well, it shouldn’t be. Your nutrition should be very simple and maintainable for the rest of your life. Here are a few tips to get started:

NO CRAZY DIETS

•

Eat good foods more often and bad foods less often. Simple but it works!

•

Drink more water and cut out all sugary drinks. Ie. juices, smoothies, soda, etc.

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Eat real foods like eggs, steak, yams, and chicken, and avoid processed foods like cereals, granola bars, pasta, muﬃns, etc.

•

Use the plate method for every meal: ¼ of your plate is meat, ¼ of your plate is a carbohydrate (rice, potatoes, etc.), ½ your plate is vegetables.

•

Weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Just stay consistent and keep improving week to week.

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NEVER WISH FOR IT MORE THAN YOU WORK FOR IT Real fitness comes from working hard. That’s it. There are no secrets, special diets, super foods, seven-day cleanses, or silly six-pack ab exercises that are going get you the body you want. If you want to look better and feel better, then you need to work for it! CrossFit will simplify your entire view of fitness. At CrossFit Rocked, we truly enjoy helping people become fit, happy, and healthy and we would love to work with you! CrossFit Rocked zack@crossfitrocked.com 204-721-2829 www.crossfitrocked.com

STUDIO78.CA

Wedding Feature

Love is Everything BY BRANDI PARNELL

Congratulations, you have found your ultimate happiness and have decided to share your union with the world; you’re tying the knot! (Insert jumping for joy!) Today our professions of love, our proposals and our celebrations are grander than ever before. Husbands and wives share more than their aspirations as traditional roles cross over and couples shower one another in love without reason.

“To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness.” ROBERT BRAULT 28

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f love is the new black, wedding receptions are the kaleidoscope of life. In honour of wedding planning season, we at Mint decided to shed a little love light on what makes for the perfect wedding celebration.

SAY GOODBYE TO CHICKEN CORDON BLEU Because we’re not in real estate, it’s all about food, food, food. From sushi stations to custom-made ice cream sandwiches,

nothing says love like mouth-watering nourishment. Long gone is the stuffed chicken breast. Instead, indulge your guests with decadent bites from happy hour through dinner, right up until the gourmet food truck pulls up with thick cut fries, gourmet dipping sauces and baby beef sliders. Food is a time for fellowship and often the start of great beginnings - so let love rain all over your food choices.

SET THE STAGE Choose a venue that is everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Get married beneath the stars, starboard or star struck in a grand ballroom on the prairies. Get hitched in a repurposed barn or in between rows and rows of corn fields. Like your menu, venue is completely customizable. Be choosy; select a location that can execute exactly what you envision from hanging lanterns to uncle Larry.

SPEAKING OF GUESTS You can leave the crowd-pleasing meal and the closed bar during speeches in your bachelor pad. Craft your guest list like your beer offerings; invite top-shelf folk who will support you and your spouse throughout life’s trials. Be choosy – good energy is contagious.

GOT A REQUEST? Hire a band or a soloist, create personalized playlists that catalogue your courtship. Music has the power to

transport us through time; John Denver or Johnny Cash, The Tenors or Tina Turner all enhance the mood and either lure friends onto the dance floor or into a warm embrace. Rock all night or swing low in a sophisticated setting that beckons slow dancing.

PROPS ARE NOT JUST FOR HOLLYWOOD Lastly, wrap the entire day up in memorable decor. Rent vintage furniture to create the perfect backdrop for a lifetime of anniversaries or surround yourself in seasonal blooms. Accent your venue with beautiful, kitschy and personal props. Build a candy bar enviable by children, display your favourite art, display great works of fiction on every table, rent a photo booth or ride in on a bicycle built for two. Whether you dream of having a chic or charming wedding, you can do it yourself or hire a professional to take care of every detail. The sky is the limit for expression and love. Spend this winter snuggling up to your soon-to-be life partner planning, booking and dreaming up your perfect day. Famous author, Ian McEwan of Atonement said, “I never had a moment’s doubt. I love you. I believe in you completely. You are my dearest one. My reason for life.”

LOVE COMPLETELY, HAVE NO DOUBTS.

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I T ’ S R E A L LY H A P P E N I N G ! BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Congratulations! You’re getting married! Whether you’ve just said, ‘Yes!’ or have been thinking about making your commitment to one another official, now’s the time to engage the experts and tie the knot. 2018 marks The Westman Wedding Expo’s 10th anniversary. And while this occasion traditionally calls for gifts of tin or aluminum, this year, they are celebrating with more of everything beautiful, fashionable, elaborate, elegant, fun and romantic. In fact, whatever you imagine your day to be, they can help. Planners, lovers of Pinterest or even people who feel stressed just thinking about the number of things to do, help is on the way. The Westman Wedding Expo will walk you down aisle after aisle of wedded inspiration for every budget and bride, or groom!

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On February 4th, 2018, the day begins in true celebratory style, beginning with mimosas and ending with head-totoe anticipation of your big day. Bring your best gals, your husband-to-be or your mom.

From the range of exhibitors to the creative possibilities, it is a fun way to see what’s en vogue, what’s realistic and what you never even considered. One of the event organizers, Katrina Sigurdson, owner of Party Professionals, says, “The day is dedicated to helping couples envision what they want their wedding to be. It is often the first step in planning, in starting to fall in love with the details and nuances that make an event uniquely theirs.”

This February grab a few of your closest friends or your soonto-be life partner and let the planning begin. Unknown Author said, “Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” From all of us here at Mint, we are wishing you many happy anniversaries. westmanweddingexpo.com

Mint is the proud sponsor of the fashion show put on exclusively by Muse Boutique and Bridal Studio, a showcase of trends for everyone from the bride to the guest. And, Expressions Entertainment, musical hosts, are looking after all things audio and visual. “The sky is the limit for expression really,” says Sigurdson who plans on turning the venue into a spectacular display of wedding day décor. “It’s all about being inspired, having a great time and enjoying the process.” From calligraphers to soloists, from photographers to make up artists, travel agencies and everything in between, if you’re getting married, The Westman Wedding Expo is not to be missed. “Last year we had multiple caterers who had food tastings. There was a food truck and this year, we’re serving mimosas. The fashion show is a crowd favourite – it really is a fantastic day,” she says. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. and the event goes until 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, online and $15 at the door.

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BEST DRESSED GUEST Fall and weddings go together like peanut butter and jelly. You may already have an invitation hung on your fridge. If you’re attending a wedding this fall and want to look beautiful but not upstage the bride, we’ve got you covered. Don’t have to compromise, feed your 5 and shop local. Here’s some inspiration for the perfect outfit no matter the venue or look you seek.

the new classic Dreams do come true. Dress to impress while feeling cozy AF by jumping into a romper. This elegant black is taken to the next level with its ruffle detailing and fan favourite pockets. ROMPER WINNERS SHOES ALDO

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think pink Light pink is in and it isn’t going anywhere. Soft and feminine, this hue is accented beautifully by bold embroidery and embellished trim. DRESS & CLUTCH WINNERS

our crush

We’re super into crushed velvet right now and a pastel is the perfect way to carry it into spring. This wrap dress with a higher slit is the right mix of class and sass. DRESS ZARA CLUTCH WINNERS SHOES FOREVER 21

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staceyhannesonmakeup@gmail.com /MakeupbyStaceyHanneson @staceyhannesonmakeup

“Makeup captivated me from a young age. For me, it’s not about covering flaws but enhancing one’s natural features and beauty. It is about feeling beautiful and being unique. I hope to foster those feelings in each and every client. Makeup is truly an art form to me and my clients are my canvas!” This small-town girl is making a big impression on her clients. When she’s not traveling around central and western Manitoba, you can find her farming with her husband Eyvi and raising their two young children (Isabel 2.5 and Markus 1).

TRAVEL TIPS WITH THE TRAVEL TEAM AT

MCPHAIL TRAVEL

DESTINATION WEDDINGS There is nothing more romantic than exchanging vows in a dream-like locale. Keep these tips in mind when planning your destination wedding with the help of your travel agent. •

Choose a destination that ﬁts your style

•

Consider ease of getting there

•

Determine whether you want a symbolic, legal and/or religious ceremony.

*TIP* Group excursions for everyone. A cultural tour or a private sunset catamaran sail, arranging an outing for the group is a fun way to include everyone in the festivities.

these locales closer to home: New York City, New Orleans, Las Vegas, South Beach or Nashville. Working with our qualiﬁed travel agents, we can help you plan the perfect honeymoon or destination wedding!

MEMORABLE HONEYMOONS Your honeymoon is not just your reward for months of planning, but also the blissful ﬁrst days of your new union. Here are some factors to help you choose the ideal locale. •

Take into consideration where you have traveled before and what you liked about that destination.

•

Look into the amenities oﬀered in the destination

•

Set a budget and be prepared to exceed it

McPhail Travel K-435 Rosser Ave, Brandon 800.417.0250 mcphailtravel.net |

*TREND ALERT* Couples are looking for more exotic experiences for their honeymoons to such places as Greece, Costa Rica, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTY DESTINATIONS Couples are now traveling with their parties for an epic last hurrah! If you’re looking for a quick getaway, consider MINT Westman

I DO! BY BRANDI PARNELL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Author Tom Mullen said, “Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry.” For three local entrepreneurs, planning your wedding day is the start to a happy marriage, a day of cascading memories, from your much-loved guest list to your chosen dessert. Large or small, a wedding day should be spent enjoying every moment. Party Professionals, Expressions Entertainment and Muse Boutique and Bridal Studio cater to the day you say, ‘I do!’ They are united in a passion for executing and a desire to make your wedding day exactly as you envision it to be. Specialists in their respective areas, they are committed to helping you achieve your dream come true day.

LOVE SHACK – THE DÉCOR At Party Professionals — their motto is "Dream it, Want it, Have it" — a onestop shop for everything you need to make your wedding day décor spectacular. “I love helping people to create their story – to take a dream and turn it into a reality,” says owner Katrina Sigurdson. “No two weddings are the same. It’s an honour to be able to help two people bring to life a visual representation of their love.” In order to do that, Katrina and her team meet with you to understand the environment you wish to create. They consider the season, the location, your budget and the inspiration. From there, they work ceiling to the floor thematically accounting for colours, flowers, venue and even, weather conditions. 36

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“I always begin with a must-have list and go from there. I love that we do something different every time, every day. Weddings are the expression of the love shared between two people. I wouldn’t do anything else!”

YOUR SONG – T H E E N T E R TA I N M E N T Bryan Podworny, owner of Expressions Entertainment, agrees and he believes the right entertainment does not only enhance the environment; it can make all the difference when it comes to an event to remember. “There are people who simply play music and there are people who create parties,” he says. “I get to know my clients personally; in fact, they often become friends because the service I provide is so personalized.” From the initial consultation to every detail of the event, Bryan will customize the experience. “I want to know how my clients want their guests to feel when the night’s over? Do they want a nightlong day party or a romantic, intimate gathering? Together we create a memorable day. I cue the dinner, the speeches, the first dance and of course, curate the playlist. I work with the caterer, the venue and the wedding party. Everything is about them, which is so rewarding and inspiring.”

WONDERFUL TONIGHT – THE DRESS With your venue, décor and guests looked after, it’s time to be pampered. Muse Boutique and Bridal Studio specializes in everything beautiful from bridal gowns to bridesmaid dresses. They will outfit your mom or mother-in-law, the flower girl and even your guests as they offer an extensive evening wear collection, and accessories from veils and hair pieces to jewellery. “Our goal at Muse is to create a unique shopping experience. We want our brides to feel special in an atmosphere that is fun and engaging, which is why we recommend booking an appointment,” says owner Britt Lawson Corbett. The staff at Muse are industry experts. They understand the importance of feeling your best and they value your time, which is why they set aside dedicated staff and space when you book in advance.

“Come in with a budget and an open mind, we’ll help with the rest.” Muse offers a complete selection of gowns, which can be ordered in or bought off the rack. “Bring your favourite people and let us treat you like a queen!” Let these experts take the stress out of your day so that you can get lost in loving the day you say, ‘I do. ’

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Cauliflower Makloubeh

INGREDIENTS 2 cups 1 head 1 md 1 tsp ½ tsp ½ tsp

short grain rice cauliflower onion, chopped all spice cinnamon cardamom

2 tsps 3 pcs 7-8 3-4 1 stick 3 tbsps

salt of chicken, thighs or breasts whole all spice berries cardamom pods cinnamon olive oil

Toasted almonds and chopped parsley for decoration

DIRECTIONS Wash the rice and soak it in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and discard water. Cut the cauliflower into florets. Fry cauliflower until golden brown (you can brush it with oil and grill it, but I feel it tastes better fried). In a pot, add chicken, onion, whole all spice, cardamom pods, and a cinnamon stick, then add enough water to submerge the chicken and rise above it by 3-4cm. Cook the chicken until it’s done (you can use a pressure cooker to save time. With a pressure cooker, 3-5 minutes after it starts to whistle is more than enough). Reserve the water, you’ll use it to cook the rice. In a pot, start by adding olive oil followed by a thin layer of rice. Arrange the chicken on top of it and fill the gaps with rice. Add a layer of cauliflower, then top with remaining rice. Sprinkle the salt, all spice, cinnamon, and cardamom on top. Add enough of the chicken broth for it to submerge the rice and rise by 1-2cm. Cook on very low heat, covered for 30-40 minutes. Note: You can place a small plate on top of the last rice layer to help keep things in place. Allow to cool in the pot for 20-40 minutes. This will help the layers hold together. Place your serving dish on top of the pot and flip the pot. You may tap the bottom of the pot gently to help the makloubeh slide off. Decorate with toasted almonds and chopped parsley. Serve with yogurt or a simple salad.

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CHEF PROFILE

AIDA TA H H A N Aida’s Catering BY JESSICA KUTOK

Aida has been cooking for her family for years, and now that her kids are all grown up, she has plenty of love to give to her community the same way she gives it to her family: through really good, homemade food. Growing up in Bethlehem, Palestine, food was at the centre of everything. Now that she’s in Canada, she loves to share her Middle Eastern heritage through her cooking. A chef for fifteen years and a caterer for two, Aida describes the journey as lifechanging. What started out as cooking at the hospital, she now caters big weddings, small events, and so much more. Aida splits her catering menu between Middle Eastern and Canadian dishes; everyone will find something to love when Aida cooks it for them. Cooking is her passion and she does it exceptionally well.

Aida’s Catering | 2037 Princess Avenue, Brandon MB 204.725.2792 | aidascatering.ca | /Aidas-Catering

Wooden Arrow Designs is Lindy and Karly, sisters in Southern Manitoba, started with a simple gift, and has grown to shipping out their hand painted signs. Taking in their local surroundings, staying in touch with their roots, designing rustic pieces from local suppliers.

woodenarrowdesigns.com

Creating unique custom pieces for your home, your wedding day dĂŠcor, and gifts to share with your loved ones. We bring your style and personality to life, with our one of a kind signs, to share in your home.

HAIR TIPS FOR THE SOON-TO-BE BRIDE WITH SASHA & MARYKE FROM

PANTAGES ON PARK SALON AND SPA

Prior to your hair trial we recommend your hairstyle to be something that you are comfortable with, yet elevated for your special day. Get your trial done roughly a month before your big day. It’s a good idea to get your hair and makeup trial done on the day of your social or wedding shower. Below are some extra things to consider before the big day. 1.

Match your hair to the style of your dress/face shape.

Extensions are always a nice touch to add volume and length. Hair jewelry and/or hair pieces are a nice way to accentuate your hair do.

On the day of your trial, it is a good idea to bring a picture of your desired look, as well as anything you will want to incorporate into the look.

The week leading up to your wedding, it is recommended to do all your desired spa services. ie. waxing, manicures/ pedicures.

If you are planning to do a skin care regime, we suggest you do that at least two weeks before your wedding day. (in case of any skin irritations or breakouts)

Any hair coloring or chemical services are to be done 7 -10 days before the wedding, so you have a fresh shiny ‘do.

The day before your wedding we recommend to wash your hair, so that you have “second day” hair.. It gives

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the hair a better hold for lasting the duration of your special day. 8.

It is the salon team’s goal to make your day as stress-free as possible and to achieve your fairy tale look. Pantages on Park Salon & Spa 1360 Park Ave, Brandon | 204.727.2053 pantageshair.com |

IMAGES PROVIDED BY KEYWEST PHOTO IMAGE BY DESIGN INC

Located in the Historic Central Fire Station in downtown Brandon Manitoba, Prairie Firehouse is as unique as it gets! Because we are a one of kind restaurant we believe that every event we put on at The Firehouse be as you unique as you are. From formal weddings to casual birthday parties we customize each event at the Firehouse to you and your guests. With over 800 different combinations of plated meals, buffets, late lunches, platters, and desserts we want to tailor every aspect of your event to you. Because no two events at Prairie Firehouse are alike. We offer everything from the meals, decorations, DJ services and more. Let us plan your next function for you and take all the stress off your shoulders.

637 Princess Avenue | Brandon, MB

204.727.3117 prairiefirehouse.com | anna@prairiefirehouse.com MINT Westman

Eats &Drinks

Served on pumpernickel rye, with a sour cream horseradish sauce, pickled beets and fresh cucumber and dill. 42

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Smoked goldeye is a local delicacy caught in Lake Winnipeg and smoked whole to a lovely coppery colour. Flaky, pinkish flesh, red on the edges, with a nice smokey flavor. This dish will ignite the senses with the immediate taste of horseradish cream mellowed by the fresh cucumber and dill, then ignited with the rich Manitoba smoked goldeye and earthy but tart pickled beets, all served on Manitoba pumpernickle rye bread. THE PERFECT WAY TO COMPLEMENT THIS DISH IS TO PAIR IT WITH A WINE.

If you are a red wine drinker, the Ghost Pines Merlot in on the dry medium bodied side of the spectrum. It has an earthy and mocha tone to begin with that will nicely parallel the smokey goldeye flavor, and spicy horseradish, then moves to a fruit forward finish that enhances the fresh cucumber and dill. Sure to please the tastebuds with this very plush and balanced wine.

If you are a white wine drinker, we recommend 5 Vineyards Mission Hill Chardonnay. This Chardonnay is very versatile with notes of fresh peach lemon and jasmine that will excite the senses when tasting the fresh cucumber and dill. The rich creaminess of the oak will come through and compliment the smokiness of the goldeye and kick of the horseradish cream. The conditions in each of the 5 vineyards that grow the grapes for this delicious wine give it layers of complexity that is sure to compliment an appetizer of intricate ingredients.

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TOP ANNA DUMAS ABOVE REBEKAH ROBERTS

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CANADIAN INSPIRED, MANITOBA GROWN Experience Hospitality and a Whole Lot More BY BRANDI PARNELL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

nna Dumas has always had hospitality in her blood; a trait she never waivered from, even when she was taking her Firefighter Training. She grew up in a home where food was prepared, slowly and with care; where people sat together for long stretches of time, savouring the dishes laid before them, lost in conversation; the meal was the experience and for a short while, nothing else mattered.

“I had been in the restaurant business since I was 18 years old,” she says. Back then she had been living in Winnipeg. Her husband, Geoff, was stationed in Shilo, Anna heeded a call to change directions; and that’s when she decided to take her firefighting training through Criti Care EMS. Lucky for hungry Brandon residents, Anna’s plan wasn’t exactly the same one life had in store for her. “After I completed my training, a hiring freeze took me back into the hospitality industry. I moved to Shilo so Geoff and I could be together,” she says. Together with Rebekah Roberts, the two women started a catering company. One chance evening, Anna was presented with the opportunity to open her own restaurant in the fire hall. “And that’s when my two careers collided and Prairie Firehouse was born.” Anna and Rebekah are still working together with a bent for local food infused with great conversation, loyal hearts and a dining experience that lasts. “Being a business owner, I’ve always believed in supporting small enterprise. The local community and the farmers – are all very important to me. Not only do local growers produce better products, but plain and simply, they produce better dishes, infused with fresh, homemade recipes.” “All of our meats come from within 35 km, except for our chicken, which comes from Winnipeg. Even our mussels are Canadian. We do not use any US products and our menu reflects seasonal and daily specials including everything prairie from Saskatoon berries to local beef, pork and produce.” With fresh, delicious food, local history around every corner and live music, there is no shortage of home-grown goodness at the Firehouse.

“We have no TVs and a voluntarily lock box for cell phones, where guests are rewarded if they participate (free latte at lunch or nachos in the evening),” she says. “I believe in producing the best food, delivered in a great atmosphere - without distractions. The location has been a part of Brandon’s history for over a century and the perfect place for friends, family and neighbours to gather. With all dietary restrictions respected and a dedication to hiring local, from staff to growers, integrity and pride is evident in everything they do. “I just really want people to get back to the experience of sitting down and eating slowly, enjoying the conversations and people around them, appreciating the flavours, the craft beers, the wine pairings.” Prairie Firehouse has live, local music in the evenings and for late night cocktails and appies. They have literally thought of everything, from the time it takes to make fresh, tasty food to the way their guests feel when they leave. They have private dining rooms and will happily host an array of events. To gather your best people or plan your next celebration, stop by the Firehouse today and prepare to be impressed. Prairie Firehouse 637 Princess Avenue, Unit 1 | Brandon 204.727.3117 | prairiefirehouse.com anna@prairiefirehouse.com

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S U G A R C O O K I E S T H AT A R E “A L M O S T ” T O O G O O D T O E AT BY JESSICA KUTOK

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Lori Bessant makes really good cookies. In fact, her cookies are so unique, you almost feel guilty actually eating them! Versatile, creative, fun; there are plenty of ways to describe Hillbilly Hills Cookies and baker extraordinaire herself, Lori, pours her heart and soul into every single one.

So, how does someone create what is possibly the best job ever in the first place?

One day, I was asked to provide dessert for my friend’s baby shower and after I was done making the cookies, her mom approached me and said I should really look at building my own business out of this,” Lori explains.

“

Thank goodness Lori took their advice. She started making cookies on a part-time basis and after a while, was able to quit her job and that’s when Hillbilly Hills Cookies was born. Specializing mainly in sugar cookies, these little treats are anything but ordinary. Almost anything you can think of,

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1 cup 1 cup 1 1 tsp 1 tsp 2-3 cups 2 tbsp

butter granulated sugar egg vanilla extract baking powder all purpose flour cocoa powder

Combine butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla. Add baking powder and cocoa powder and 2 cups of the flour. If the mixture is soft and sticks to the edge of the bowl, add more flour until sides of the bowl come clean. Use leftover flour for rolling. Cut out shapes, place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake in preheated 350° oven for 8-12 minutes. Let cool and decorate.

Lori from Hillbilly Hills can make a cookie out of it; Harry Potter, Despicable Me, and what’s arguably two of her most popular requests, Paw Patrol and Trolls… there’s always a cookie just waiting to be baked!

Birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries; nothing is off limits to Lori. Whatever cookie requests you have, from hockey jerseys to superheroes, she’s up for the challenge and looks forward to baking for you!

“I’ve always been into baking. I started watching tutorials and quickly realized I also had a talent in decorating. Now, people send me images from Google or Pinterest for ideas they want me to turn into cookies, and I make it for them.”

Send in your custom order through Facebook or hillbillyhillscookies@gmail.com.

As for the actual Hillbilly Hills Cookie making process, it takes quite a bit of creativity, inspiration, and quite simply, looking at cookie cutters from a different perspective. “You have to look at the cutter and think, what can I use this for? I had once bought a Super Mario cookie cutter and realized, if you turn him upside down, he’s Gru from Despicable Me.” Like most things, the learning never stops with Lori’s business. “I’m part of a Facebook group called ‘Flip That Cookie Cutter’ where people share their cookies and help out other bakers who need it. It’s nice to be a part of a community of people I can learn from.”

LORI BESSANT

Hillibilly Hills Cookies hilbillyhillscookies@gmail.com /Hillbilly-Hills-Cookies | #hillbilly_hills_cookies

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LOCAL LIBATION S, GL OBAL GLUTTONY BY BRANDI PARNELL

The very dinner gatherings, regardless of the season, include a menu of great friends and even better food. With a host of grapes growing in our backyard, wine is our water. Still, our accessible world has allowed our palettes to reach to exponential heights. Here’s Mint’s guide to a delicious dinner party. BE PRESENT As is the case with any social event, always start with ambiance. Sometimes the simple sounds of nature are just enough to unwind the day; in other instances you might choose a jazzy playlist that includes woodwind instruments and a sultry baritone. Maybe

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you’d rather the eclectic feel of female Indie artists, or coast into the night alongside John Legend. Be it the sounds of countryside or the sounds of a crooner, set the tone for a fabulous night. SINK INTO THE NIGHT Next, enhance your evening with a relaxed, earthy atmosphere that invites your guests to kick off their stress and forget all about their day job. Decks and pergolas can be a perfect mental escape from weeks without a vacation. Dimly lit rooms with fresh flowers are a whimsical way to rid responsibility. Festival table decor dotted with tea lights take your dinner guests on a creative journey as they “nibble nosh” and catch up on one another’s week.

Sample Menu STARTER Farmery Premium Lager and oysters with Mignonette sauce

APPETIZER: Antipasto including curried cauliflower hummus, pickled everything, locally made jam and rice crackers

SALAD: Local beets, walnuts and feta cheese with a honey balsamic dressing

DINNER: Grilled Tuscany pizza made on a cauliflower crust with proscuttio, crimini mushrooms, Brussel sprouts and red onions, drizzled with a balsamic vinegarette such as Prairie Oils Dark Balsamic Vinegar

DESSERT: Fresh fruit, dark chocolate banana cream pie and port

Refreshing cocktails such as a Pimm’s Cup or a gin Caesar are the perfect beginning. Prosecco is a light, fun way to ease into an evening, as is white wine from local vineyards. Finger food is forever in fashion. Some fun appetizers can be made right on the grill such as BBQ nachos or flatbread pizzas. Get organized ahead of time and cook food in close proximity to your guests to ensure you don’t miss out on the festivities. Switch to craft brewed beers that can be chilled in steel buckets, create fabulous salads with local ingredients, and grill meats and fresh produce slowly to draw out the evening. These days, we can’t get enough oysters on the half shell or sautéed escargot with freshly chopped shallots and garden Italian parsley. What ever your menu, stretch your imagination. Think Chilean, Peruvian or South African. The Internet will

take you into any kitchen in the world with just the click of you mouse. Our culinary metropolis stocks gourmet ingredients form all over the world. Don’t be afraid to turn up the heat, try exotic spices or make too many sharable sides. With great food, plates small or large, your guests will have plenty to discuss. COZY UP The dishes can wait. After dinner is served, enjoy espresso alongside a fresh fruit pie, offer up blankets or if the option is available, light a fire. Making the most of each day can be as easy as choosing local ingredients and extending your hospitality well into the night. Fresh ideas and engaging conversation are the best side dishes to any fabulous dinner spent at home.

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Close to 20,000 of our closest friends joined us for our first ever Food Truck Warz on September 16th & 17th in Brandon. Despite the rain on Saturday, everyone enjoyed the food and fun provided by the 18 vendors onsite. Special thanks to CKLQ and STARFM for the additional media coverage and all of the sponsors who helped make this event a huge success. Stay tuned to www.foodtruckwarz.com for information on the second edition of Food Truck Warz coming in 2018.â&#x20AC;&#x192;

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WARM Spiced WINE This holiday season, feel warmth right down into the depths of your yuletide spirit. Keep on low in a Crockpot or simmering on the stove. It not only tastes yummy, it smells amazing!

INGREDIENTS 1 (750 ml) bottle of regional red wine 1/4 cup Cointreau 1/3 cup honey 1 orange cut into slices 2 sticks of cinnamon 1 tsp cloves 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp nutmeg DIRECTIONSâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; Combine all ingredients in a pot and cook on low until wine is steaming, or 20 to 25 minutes. MINT Westman

C H E Z A N G E L A M A K E S R E A L LY, R E A L LY G O O D B R E A D BY JESSICA KUTOK

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Bread. It’s a household staple that’s been marginalized and takes a back seat to other flavors on the table. Chez Angela hopes to change all of that in Westman with delectable breads (and other baking) both savory and sweet. reated by a wife and husband duo (Angie and James), Chez Angela specializes in baking pastries, cakes, and yes, fresh artisan bread. Currently serving the region with pickups throughout the week and presence at the Global Market, they’re excited to be opening a permanent downtown location in late 2017.

Everyone loves pastries and cakes, which are staples at Chez Angela as a full-service bakery, but today we’re talking all about the bread. Chez Angela combines simple ingredients to create dynamic flavours that will have you rethinking your bread entirely.

KNOW YOUR BAKER

Angela Chambers Born & Raised in Brandon, Manitoba Graduate from of the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts and Brandon University (BBA) Baking from scratch for almost 20 years

“One of our regular customers told us how she’s rediscovered her love of bread since trying our product,” explains James. “She was describing how the bread from our kitchen is an entirely different experience compared to what you find on the shelf elsewhere.”

But their passion for baking great food is what sets them apart. “Everything we bake is made right here in our kitchen. A lot of love is put into the products we make and I want people to feel a connection with us when enjoying our food.”

When introducing their baking to the public earlier this year, they didn’t expect to receive such a large customer base so quickly.

“Bread is how community used to happen,” James adds. “Our goal is a community that breaks bread together again. We’re so humbled and happy to be a part of that.”

“We’ve only been open a few months, but it’s so encouraging to see so many regular faces already,” says Angela. “We’re also very excited about our bread subscription service and how quickly people are adopting it.” That’s right. Fresh bread on your table every week.

Change the way you think about and discover bread with a Chez Angela bread subscription! You can subscribe or place orders for other great, local baking on their site.

Besides serving up delicious treats, another solid reason for Chez Angela’s success is their dedicated passion towards supporting local whenever possible. “Supporting local has been a big part of our plan from the beginning,” explains Angela. “We use local products whenever we can, trading and bartering with other producers. We already use a variety of produce, meats, beer and syrups, and we’re sourcing honey, roasted coffee, and flour that’s grown and milled in Manitoba.” Environmental sustainability is another commitment they are making. Angela and James have sourced out wooden pie rings instead of foil plates and they use compostable packaging made from post-consumer waste. These are just some of the ways they’re going the extra mile to be eco-friendly. 52

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Chez Angela Bakery and Café chezanglea.ca | orders@chezangela.ca 204.721.0719 |

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“OH, SWEET! Q D O B A’ S H E R E . ” BY JESSICA KUTOK PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

hese are Laird Lidster’s four favourite words and as the owner of Qdoba Mexican Eats’ Brandon location, there’s nothing better. Paired with the pride of being Qdoba’s first Canadian location, Laird is proud of everything this restaurant has accomplished since opening in December 2012, including its success in catering events.

“We cater groups from 10 to 100 plus people. We’ve catered everything from a two year old’s birthday party to office functions, reception based events, and meetings,” explains Laird. “You can build your own taco bar, a hot burrito bar… anything you want. It’s creative catering for sure.” Most people in Brandon know how delicious Qdoba Mexican Eats is, whether you’re getting a catered meal or you’re coming in for lunch. And if you don’t know already, Laird tells me just what makes this restaurant experience so special. “One of the biggest draws for our customers is our good quality products across the board. The ingredients need to pass a lot of screening tests before we serve it in the stores. That’s the great part about Qdoba… they’re continuously sourcing good products. Recipes are built with a purpose and plenty of thought goes into everything they’re building.” Consistency was a word that came up numerous times during my conversation with Laird. He spoke about how serving a consistent offering helps keep Qdoba so successful. “What I love is the amount of work Qdoba puts in to deliver a consistent product. The queso recipe went through 47 variations before they found the one they wanted,” explains Laird. “With every recipe, they make sure to get it perfect before introducing it to the public.”

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ABOVE OWNERS TRACY AND LAIRD LIDSTER, MANAGERS SHEZ KAZIC AND BRAD MITCHELL

PHOTO BY STUDIO 78

“We still slow roast our pork and beef in store and then hand pull it with tongs once it’s done. Steak and chicken are cooked multiple times throughout the day. The final product build is done right there in front of the customers because of our open concept restaurant. It really adds to the quality of the food and the experience for the customer. Not everything can be done ahead of time to achieve that level of freshness.” The team at Qdoba Mexican Eats was another hot topic. Laird is extremely proud of the staff that work hard to keep Qdoba a success in Brandon. “It really comes down to the people. If you want success in the restaurant industry then you need a team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff who share the same goals. I take a lot of pride in treating my team well. It really does feel like a family and that helps deliver a positive customer experience because they can feel the positive energy in the restaurant.” With all of that said, to Laird, it always comes back to those four words when they deliver catering: “Oh, sweet. Qdoba’s here.” Laird’s favourite; a true sign that you have something special. For your next event, get it catered by Qdoba Mexican Eats. View the menu online, then call to place your order. Qdoba Mexican Eats 2-1830 Park Ave, Brandon 204.717.3622 qdoba.com

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Abode

How to Design a

Rustic Master Bedroom Whatever style of décor you’re using in your home, a master bedroom should always be decorated to feel cozy and relaxing. One way to achieve this feeling is with rustic pieces. But don’t think that such items only fit in with country interior designs. Rustic furnishings run from casual to sophisticated, so you can find great looks that will fit many types of homes.

BED FRAME -- For a softer look in your bedroom, consider a handcrafted rustic bed made of cedar. This light-colored wood will keep the room feeling spacious and bright. For a classy look, opt for a darker, handcrafted hickory bed frame. This wood will add a richer feeling to your bedroom. If you want to bring even more of an outdoor feeling into your room, try a twig-styled headboard and footboard. This gorgeous design will give your room a distinctive look that you're sure to love.

FURNITURE PIECES -- If you’re interested in a full rustic look, try adding other wooden furnishings to the area. Place a rustic nightstand on each side of the bed that matches the wood used for your bed frame and set an antler or candlestick table lamp atop each one. A rustic dresser with a log-framed mirror hanging over it will help to complete the look. If you have space, select a wing-back style chair for the corner made from soft leather for a comfortable place to relax.

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RUSTIC ACCENTS -- You don’t need to go overboard in your bedroom when using rustic designs. A few accent pieces can make a large impact. Consider including rustic decorator pillows on your bed. Pillows made with faux leather will look stylish. For a fun touch, try faux fur in various colors. Pillows with Concho accents also look great. An additional option is to place a trunk bench made with hand-tooled leather in the room. Set the bench at the foot of the bed where it’s certain to become a treasured item and useful for storing miscellaneous belongings.

Many options exist when trying to design a master bedroom that feels cozy. You'll love the warmth that rustic furniture will bring to your space. You can also combine rustic décor with other styles in your bedroom -- or any other room in your home -- to create a truly unique look that you and your family will enjoy! MINT Westman

Cover Story

F A M I LY G R O W N , R I G H T H E R E , AT H O M E W I T H A LT E R N AT I V E BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ALTERNATIVE LANDSCAPING LTD.

For almost two decades, Westman area residents have turned to Alternative Landscaping Ltd. for all of their outdoor needs. Locally owned and operated, Chris and Karin Griffin started Alternative Landscaping in 1998 with a goal to provide superior workmanship by people who care. 58

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FRANCIS BACON SAID,

“Gardening is the purest of human pleasures.”

SUMMER ON THE PRAIRIES Imagine coming home from work after a long day. Imagine the feeling of leaving your inbox at the office. It’s time to hit the patio and unwind the week; your patio that is. Open a bottle of wine and fire up the grill while you prepare dinner in your outdoor kitchen. A myriad of colourful, blooming flowers set against a backdrop of trees, shrubs and even the soothing sound of a bubbling pond, can change completely the way you look at family time. Alternative Landscape has everything you need to make the most of your backyard leisure time. From landscaping materials such as soil and bedding plants to full-service landscaping including hardscaping and yes, they will even build you a kitchen outdoors. “We have always offered complete landscaping for our customers. From design to installation, but as we’ve grown, so too have the services we’ve offered,” says Karin. So whether you want to roast marshmallows around a fire pit built by the Alternative professionals or you

want to sink into the scents of your own backyard botanical garden, they are your trusted source. From landscape materials to year-round yard maintenance; from softscaping to hardscaping, heavy excavation and their hundreds of annuals as well as perennials; from their greenhouses and gift shop to their Christmas tree sales, Alternative Landscaping is all encompassing when it comes to gardening, outdoor creation and design as well as unique gift offerings for Brandon residents and the surrounding area. But even more than that, they are the right choice to bring more pleasure to your life. “Whether you are a homeowner looking for help with your yard or someone to build you the outdoor space of your dreams, we can help.” One service that has really taken off is their custom potting program. “Last spring we created more than 700 custom planters for our clients. We work with a variety of budgets, colours and requests. We offer this service at Christmas as well.” Not only a perfect gift, but the staff at Alternative will even pick up your pots, store them MINT Westman

Cover Story and plant them again in early spring so they are ready to enjoy as soon as it’s warm enough to relax outdoors. STAYING TRUE TO THEIR ROOTS “Life is busy,” she says. “We understand. Some of our customers find planting and working in the yard therapeutic – a break from life. We are here to help them get lost in the garden,” says Karin. “More homeowners find entertaining in a beautiful backyard the way they reconnect, hang out with their favourite people. We do it all.” And they do it beautifully. The Griffins are ‘growth’ minded entrepreneurs who have brought their children up in the business. Their son, Spencer, who works in the business in the excavation department, operates large equipment; while their daughter, Emma, is being trained in the administration role for yard care and gardening. “I guess you could say, as the needs of area residents evolved, so too did we. Although, we started as a landscape company almost 20 years and many people still think of us that way, but we have so much more to offer.”

In 2013 the company moved their small operation on Maryland Avenue, to expand and build their greenhouses, which included new office spaces to the corner of 34th Street and Patricia Avenue – a change that became a real destination. “This provided more space for our clients to see everything we offer.” In the fall of 2016 they were able to lease 1307 18th Street N. (the old Patmore location) for more opportunity to expand the growing side of the Alternative Choice Garden Center; a department of the business, this space is used for growing all their annuals in the spring and to sell Christmas trees in the winter as it turns into a cold greenhouse in the fall. All the Christmas trees are hung for all clients to view, plus it houses our second location gift shop. With the changing of the seasons, Alternative Landscaping is preparing for the colder weather, which means you don’t need to break your back this winter. They can help with snow removal, will create for your holiday arrangements and make shopping a breeze. The additional gift giving stock in the gift shop means you can do your shopping and pick our your Christmas tree at the same time. “People love walking into the cold storage to see the trees hung. It’s a fun thing for families to do together.” PHOTO BY KEYWEST PHOTO IMAGE BY DESIGN

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Because Alternative is a family business, the Griffins are cognizant of working hard, “We just truly love what we do and we love seeing all of our regular customers and helping them however we can. It doesn’t feel like work to us,” she laughs. “We take a break in January to recharge, so that when we come back, we’re ready to start all over again.” CREATE YOUR PERFECT LIFE Alternative Landscaping believes your yard should be a reflection of you. “We specialize in designing and installing custom landscape projects of all sizes. We combine natural beauty with function and sustainability. We’ll work with you to create the outdoor space you want, providing visual harmony that will enhance the value, but also the enjoyment of your home or business.” Yes, Alternative Landscaping will also take care of all of your commercial needs. They will install water features, custom outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, execute complete yard makeovers and even excavation work, sewer and water. “Our goal is for everything to be done with excellence. We carefully plan each unique design, and our installations are executed with precision; whether the scope of work is a small gardening project, weekly maintenance or a brand new yard, we do it to the best of our ability with quality workmanship and the Manitoba climate in mind.”

This winter, be sure to browse their beautiful gift shops. Get lost in the magic of the season. Listen to jazz music softly playing while you cross off items on your gift list. Or to tide you over until the snow is gone and the grass has returned, they welcome family, friends and all clients to gather and, let Alternative host a fun night out.

“We love to hold workshops, and we also plan and host weddings on a regular basis.” Alternative Landscaping should be top of mind when you think local and landscaping. The Griffins are Brandon residents who have raised their family and built their business here, one yard at a time. They also support area growers and purchase as much locally as is available. Regardless of the season, Alternative Landscape has everything you need for every outdoor project. To begin creating your outdoor oasis, to send someone you love a custom made arrangement or to purchase your Christmas tree, stop by Alternative today. Alternative Landscaping Ltd. 34th Street and Patricia Ave, Brandon 204.727.7289 www.alternativelandscapgingltd.com

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S AY H E L L O T O YOUR NEW ELECTRICIANS BY JESSICA KUTOK

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Whether you’re a business owner or a homeowner, if you’re not an electrician, it’s in your best interest to let the experts take over. But, who do you choose? ntroducing Mulligans Electric LTD, proudly celebrating their one year anniversary. The team brings plenty of experience to the business and have proven themselves to be trustworthy and reliable, exactly what you look for in professional electricians.

I spoke with owners, Rob and Terri, and they happily told me the story of their business and how they’re quickly catching up in the industry. “Rob has tons of electrical experience and I have a strong administrative background,” explains Terri. “Our competence, high quality work, and organization is what keeps our customers happy.” “We work with people from all over, even outside of our community as far as Cartwright,” boasts Rob. “We’re quoting on some really big jobs and working on several projects. It seems as though our business just keeps growing.” Terri chimes in, “We’re so glad we jumped into this when we did. It’s going better than we ever could have imagined and we make a great team.” When looking for an electrician, you don’t want to hire just anyone. You want an electrician who provides quality workmanship.

often utilize the I.B.E.W local 2085’s training and education center where they frequently hold different courses.”

“Safety is our key focus. We keep our employees, including ourselves, up to par with safety standards,” says Rob. “WHMIS, confined space, and other safety courses are a priority for our business.”

By providing excellent training to their team, Mulligan’s Electric is able to offer plenty of services in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. You can hire Mulligan’s to install cable trays, cable, and conduit, troubleshoot problems, swap lights with LED lights, install receptacles, and yes, even install solar.

“Terri keeps an eye on the employee records and ensures that their safety certifications are up to date,” explains Rob. “We

“Solar is fairly new to Canada and it’s such a great way of going green. With Manitoba hydro rates on the rise,

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TERRI GIESBRECHT & ROB MULLIGAN

installing solar allows you to take power from the sun without paying a hydro bill,” says Rob. With all this talk about what Mulligan’s Electric LTD offers, we can’t forget about their great customer service. HERE’S WHAT SOME OF THEIR CUSTOMERS HAD TO SAY:

“Rob Mulligan is one of the few contractors I know who are committed from beginning to end at the job site. No matter the time or complexity of the project, he’ll remain focused on the scope of work.”

“Mulligan’s Electric wants your business to succeed as much as their own. It’s like working with partners rather than tradesmen.” It’s clear that Mulligan’s Electric is a prime pick for electrical companies in Manitoba. The next time you need the help of an electrician, pick the organized, safe, and personable team at Mulligan’s Electric. Online at www. mulliganselectric.ca.

Mulligan’s Electric 762 6th Street, Brandon 204.724.9288 mulliganselectric.ca |

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BOOMERS WANT TO RETIRE IN LUXURY WITH

ROTARY VILLAS

The Boom. We’ve all heard about it, we’ve all talked about. Increased birth rates from the mid 1940s to 1964 occurred following World War II, which makes the Baby Boomer generation one of the largest and most well-known. “The Baby Boomer and Silent Generation are not at all alike. Unlike their grandparents and parents, Baby Boomers don’t necessarily want to age in place and as a result they are keeping the senior living industry busy,” said Debbie Brown, Senior Living Specialist. Broaching the conversation with the Silent Generation to relocate to a senior living community is often diﬃcult, however Baby Boomers are much more open to making the move, as long as it’s for something better. Studies show that almost three-quarters of baby boomers want to move into a better home than what they are currently occupying. “Boomers don’t want to settle for less. Seventy per cent of Baby Boomers think their current home is not the best they can get. They want to be out on their own, in a more luxurious place. Instead of retiring to rocking chairs on the front porch, they are actively looking for newly constructed homes where they can continue to pursue an active lifestyle surrounded by the latest amenities,” said Brown. Boomers who are active and independent expect more for their money. They are looking for retirement options in urban centres that have health-care and are focused on providing a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental and spiritual health. They have lived in the suburbs and continue to own their 64

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homes, so when it comes to having the ﬁnances to fund the move to a more grand home, they’ve got that covered. “Knowing that baby boomers want to upgrade their homes and have the money to do so means that there will certainly be a shift in the housing market as new home builders and senior living communities compete to create lifestyle and luxury homes that meet the high demands of this signiﬁcant generation,” said Brown. Rotary Villas at Crocus Gardens Unit E – 1340 10th Street | Brandon, MB 204-725-1340 rotaryvillas.ca | info@rotaryvillas.ca

SELLING YOUR HOME

3 Important things to look for in a Real Estate Agent WITH REALTOR®

Kevin Gregory of Royal LePage Martin-Liberty

Finding a trustworthy and effective real estate agent to represent your interests is one of the most important aspects of selling your home. Here are three critical things to look for in a real estate agent before you hire one. 1) CREATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Any real estate agent that’s worth trusting your listing to will have a helpful and intuitive website. For instance, my website can be used in over 30 diﬀerent languages and has advanced search functions to narrow down your search. They should also be listing your home on all of the major online real estate search platforms and use social media to market their listings as the vast majority of buyers are using online searches to locate potential properties. An eager community of social media followers they can share your listing and reach a wider audience of buyers. 2) RELIABLE REFERENCES

There’s no better way to determine the talent of a real estate agent than to hear about them directly from clients they’ve already worked with. Ask any agent you’re considering hiring if they would connect you with clients they’ve made sales for in the past. Any reputable agent will have no problem doing this for you. When you speak with these past clients, bring up any questions or concerns you may have about the sales process and the agent themselves. Finding an agent whom you have a great rapport with can make the selling process a smoother process.

Tara Sutherland will market your home, who they will market it to and how they will keep you updated on the progress they’re making. Establish a clearly deﬁned way to communicate with them, so that you know you’ll always be able to get in touch when you have additional thoughts or concerns. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll ensure that you ﬁnd the best possible real estate agent for your home sale. Having the right agent on your side will provide you with peace of mind during the oftentimes stressful sales process and give you the best chance of selling your home quickly and at the price you desire.

Royal LePage Martin-Liberty Realty 633 18th Street, Brandon 204.740.0090 kevingregory@royallepage.ca royallepage.ca

3) DETAILED PLAN

You should never hesitate to ask a real estate agent for speciﬁcs about their marketing plan or the process of selling a home. There’s no level of detail that they shouldn’t be willing to explain to you. Ask your agent exactly how they MINT Westman

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BEAR OR DEER SUITE 66

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MOOSE SUITE

BENEFITS OF A LIFE LEASE BY WANDA KUCHURBA

life lease is a rental arrangement where the tenant makes a cash contribution called an entrance fee at the start of their tenancy. When the tenancy ends, the entrance fee is returned to the tenant (or their estate in the event of death).

The entrance fee is held in trust by a trust company. The developer is not able to use or access that money, however they can borrow against it to complete the project with less equity than would be required under a traditional multi-family residential construction project. In addition to the tenant’s deposits held in trust, the developer must contribute a certain amount of entrance fees to be held in trust as a float in the event of multiple move outs. THE BENEFITS OF A LIFE LEASE INCLUDE: 1.

Tenants find they are part of a community of like-minded people with common interests and of similar age and values.

The rent is reasonable and their entry fee is safe from fluctuations in the real estate or investment markets.

The entrance fee generally allows for tenants who care for the property and take pride in the appearance of their community.

If circumstances change in a tenant’s life, only three months’ notice is required to move out and have the full entrance fee returned. This gives tenants piece of mind instead of having to worry about selling their home if they wish to relocate.

Although the entrance fee is not earning interest, the contribution itself helps by saving monthly rent as a portion of the equity required for the project is funded by the tenants.

Brandon’s Newest Life Lease Community “The Summit” is coming in the Summer of 2018 and will be located on Braecrest Drive overlooking the City of Brandon. With suite sizes ranging from 1,048 square feet to 1,523 square feet there will be options for those wanting to take advantage of the life lease lifestyle. For leasing details contact Jeff Temple at Vionell Holdings. VIONELL HOLDINGS PARTNERSHIP Unit A 1340 10th Street, Brandon 204.726.1681 | jeff@vhproperties.ca vhproperties.ca |

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Beautiful home dĂŠcor, workshops, custom potting to weddings in the Greenhouse. Come and visit us at our beautiful Garden Centre. This season come visit our Winter Wonderland from November 2nd - December 23rd

For the month of November and December, our cozy, festive Garden Centre will put you right in the Holiday Spirit. Explore the most amazing winter scenes, and browse all this Christmas boutique has to offer. From ornaments to fun and modern dĂŠcor, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best place to pick out your favorite holiday items to bring home to your house. There is nothing like the feel, the look and the scent of a real Christmas tree. Let us help you choose the perfect, fresh cut Christmas tree.

2 convenient locations to serve you:

Alternative Choice Garden Centre Our main location at 34th st and Patricia Ave & Another Alternative Choice our seasonal location 1307 18th St N

W H AT E X A C T LY I S A L O C K S M I T H ? BY JESSICA KUTOK

hat do you think of when you hear the word “locksmith”? I know before I spoke with Jason of C&E Locksmiths, I thought it meant the people I frantically called when I locked myself out of my car. But to my surprise, a locksmith means so much more than getting you back into your home or vehicle, and we use them for an amazing amount of “security” type solutions than a lot of people probably realize.

I spoke with the owner’s son, Jason and he educated me on plenty of eye-opening facts about the locksmith industry as well as C&E Locksmiths themselves. 70

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PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

“My dad has been a locksmith over for 30 years, and I’m a certified journeyman who’s been in the construction industry for over 15 years and a locksmith for 5 years,” explains Jason. “Opening up vehicles and homes or businesses is definitely something we do; the bulk of those calls are actually taken after hours on our 24 hour emergency services.” When I asked about what other jobs a locksmith takes on, Jason enlightened me. “We get lots of walk-in traffic… people needing copies of keys, residential and commercial door hardware, or making

keys for things they’ve lost the originals to,” says Jason. “We also cut and program automotive keys and fobs for basically any vehicle.” “We offer high security locking solutions with key control, meaning we keep records of dates and quantities of keys that have been cut as well as who has key cutting authorization. This is ideal for property management and commercial buildings where you don’t want unauthorized copies of keys.” Okay, so 24 hour emergency unlocking services, programming car keys, providing keyless entry, key control… that’s already a lot more than just helping people when they’re in a bind. Jason continues. “I’m AAADM certified to supply, install and inspect automatic doors which is important to our customers

when it comes to making buildings ADA compliant. For example, door operators, handicap switches, sensors, and guides. Also, if you have commercial hardware that breaks, or you’re just looking to upgrade or update your door hardware, you can come to us for a more reliable solution.” I could continue to write about all the different jobs C&E Locksmiths does in a day, but you’d be reading this for hours. The team at C&E Locksmiths does a ton of important stuff and it was a real pleasure to understand that whether you’re a business, an industrial company, an institution, or an individual, the world relies on the work of a locksmith for almost all of our high-security needs. What’s nice about C&E Locksmiths is when we do have something we need to get done like a panic exit device, high security locks, key controls, and door closers, you’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting a local team that’s been in the business for a combined total of over 35 years. Support your local locksmiths and stop in to see C&E Locksmiths, a full sales and service shop right here in Brandon. C&E Locksmiths 636-10th Street, Brandon 204.725.0459 celocksmiths.com

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AN AUTO BODY SHOP T H AT G O E S T H E E X T R A M I L E BY JESSICA KUTOK

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Talking with Shaun Earl, operations manager and owner of Central Auto Body, it’s clear how proud he feels about the company that’s been in his family since 1959. Passed down through the generations, Shaun’s Grandpa was the one who started it all. In 1984, the business was passed down to Shaun’s dad, and now Shaun is taking over. 72

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Our customers love that we’re a family owned business. Growing up, I learned so much off of my parents which is a huge benefit to running Central,” says Shaun. “We do our best to show our customers they’re appreciated. We try to give them as much as we can and at the same time, offer a more personal experience in each interaction.”

“

While it’s nice that Central Auto Body has always been a familyowned facility, it’s their exceptional quality that really sets them apart from the competition. When a customer gets into an accident and is in need of a reliable auto body collision shop, you can’t go wrong with the team at Central Auto Body. “We understand that these days, vehicles aren’t cheap so we work really hard to do a great job every single time. With every customer, we go the extra mile in any way we can which is why we also offer structural repairs, a service that has the ability to save your vehicle from a total loss. As far as I’m aware, no one else offers structural repairs in Western Manitoba.” In terms of who trusts Central Auto Body with their vehicle, the answer is everybody. Everyone can use their services and has a high likelihood of walking out of their shop feeling satisfied. “We’ll help anyone who needs it. We’re qualified to work on all makes and models which helps out a lot of people” says Shaun proudly. “We try to make everyone happy when they walk through our doors.” “In December, we got our ProFirst Honda Canada Certification and then just a couple of months ago, MOPAR. We were one of the first auto body shops outside of Winnipeg with MOPAR so that definitely means a lot to us,” explains Shaun. As important as the building has been to Shaun’s family since it opened in 1959, it’s now time for a change. “We’re planning on building a new facility which is three times the size of our current one. It’ll be equipped with an estimating bay, bigger office space, two paint booths, and just more room for everything in general. We’re aiming for 10,000 square feet and hope it’ll be open in July 2018. But, that could change.” So why the switch up of location? “Operating Central Auto Body in a bigger facility will help our efficiency which means our customers’ vehicles will be repaired and back to them quicker.” For now, you can still find Central Auto Body in the location that’s been with them since the beginning, 1517 Princess Avenue. When your vehicle gets banged up, call 204-727-3630 to book. Central Auto Body 1517 Princess Ave, Brandon 204.727.3630 | centralautobody.ca CENTER SHAUN’S DAD, SHAUN’S GRANDPA, SHAUN EARL

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HOW TO LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE! “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ANATOLE FRANCE WITH Jocelyn Kish, B.SC.A., M.SC.

Top Spot Wellness, Brandon, MB

My passion is horses, and have been as long as I can remember. They are natural teachers for people, and spending time with them reveals so much to us if we let them. One of my other favorite thing is ‘horse matching’. Raising horses, working with them and ﬁnding their person that is the right ﬁt for them. Right now we have a stallion that my family has bred the bloodlines of for over 40 years. Seeing babies born with personalities as big as the room they’re in and creating that riding horse that wants to work with you and do anything for you is what it is all about for me.

WHY HORSES TO HELP YOU LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE •

Some of the most heart- warming parts of my life are when you meet people that haven’t spent a lot of time around horses. People open up to them and just want to be around them. We don’t have to ride or ‘achieve’ anything.... just spend some time together.

•

I’ve primarily been creating my life with horses, aiming towards what I desire. Now I want to spend time with people showing them they can create what they desire too. Horses are constantly looking to form bonds and relationships. They help us connect with others and ourselves.

•

Your life targets don’t have to be ‘horse’ related, however when you have something physically, mentally or emotionally challenging you, some non-judgmental time with horses can help your life expand again.

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Tara Sutherland

My goal is to help provide that for people. I know a ‘day in the barn’ certainly helps me, sometimes it is even just an hour. For more information on Equine Wellness Sessions, contact me today.

Top Spot Stables & Appaloosas Top Spot Wellness Brandon, MB 204-573-4328 | thetopspot@mac.com www.thetopspot.ca

Jocelyn Kish

Life & Local Finds

ARTIST PROFILE

CALEY BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY was raised on an Arabian horse farm just outside of Carberry, Mb and have always had a natural love of the arts. I’m passionate about music, painting, gardening, decorating and in recent years have discovered an interest for photographing the beauty I see. I enjoy capturing the prairies, nature, kids, families and animals.

I’m very blessed to be a Mom to two busy boys. Aside from a blossoming photography business, I’m a registered massage therapist. If you are interested in seeing more of my photography you can follow my Facebook page where my prints are available for purchase.

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For more information or full event listings visit www.brandontourism.com

OCTOBER

27-30

Grim Acres Scare Away Cancer Halloween Yard Haunt Grim Acres

NOVEMBER

2-5 11-12 17 17-18 18

Brandon Rock and Mineral Show & Sale Victoria Inn Brandon The Spirit of Christmas is Saved Craft Sale Clarion Hotel Ron James… Full Throttle WMCA 12 Angry Jurors, presented by 7 Ages Productions Lorne Watson Recital Hall, Brandon University Riverbank Christmas Craft Sale Riverbank Discovery Centre

18 20

Brandon’s Santa Claus Day Parade www.brandonsantaparade.com

Montreal Canadians Alumni Hockey game Keystone Centre

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker WMCA

DECEMBER

9 19

Fred Penner’s Christmas WMCA A Christmas Carol WMCA

JANUARY

11-13

Cabaret, presented by 7 Ages Productions WMCA

FEBRUARY

1-3 4

Westman Multicultural Festival Various Location Across the City Westman Wedding Expo Keystone Centre

Brandon Festival of the Arts WMCA

For The Love of Chocolate Victoria Inn MINT Westman

P R O M O T E Y O U R B U S I N E S S E F F E C T I V E LY BY JESSICA KUTOK

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

ne of the top forms of advertising is word of mouth. Another great way to spread the message is by showcasing products that promote your business brand. Branding can be found in many places including your logo, website, and social media pages, but what about your promotional products?

Scinocca Promotions has been helping their customers invest in promotional products for more than three years now. The owners of Scinocca Promotions; Dave, Jason and Ernie are here to offer more to the business community of Westman and surrounding area. “We’ve expanded our operations as our company has grown,” says Jason. “We’ve moved to a new location with a larger showroom and have invested in an embroidery division to help better meet the needs of our clients. Our main goal is to help our customers build their brand and that is something we take a lot of pride in.” “Our embroidery team has over 40 years of experience in the industry. They are very particular, precise and take pride in their workmanship,” explains Dave. “Having our machines in house is a big advantage; we can offer faster turnarounds, 78

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OWNERS DAVE, JASON AND ERNIE

quality control checks and custom designs which leads to better customer service. Our reputation is very important to us, we make 100% sure our clients are completely satisfied with their products upon delivery.” If you’re a business owner, you know how valuable your dollars are, and the team at Scinocca Promotions goes the extra mile to make sure your money is well spent.

Jason explains, “We meet with our clients to explain the importance of investing a little more to purchase better quality items. When promoting your company, we steer our customers toward items they would use themselves, not generic products that sit on the shelves or go to waste. We ask questions, take time to get to know our clients, meet with them in our showroom to better understand their needs, then make suggestions and show them samples.” Dave adds, “We have something for everyone here at Scinocca. From the corporate level to small business, schools and teams, if we don’t have it we will source out the products you want. We do the extra little things that separates us from the others in this industry, that’s what makes us different.” When speaking about a more personal customer experience, Ernie doesn’t miss his chance to explain the importance of supporting local. “When buying products online, remember how important it is to shop local. We try to invest back into the community in many ways,” explains Ernie. “We’ve supported organizations like The United Way, Operation Red Nose, and are proud members of The Brandon Chamber of Commerce. We’ve supported local golf tournaments and fundraising events and we’re always looking for opportunities to help support our community and its causes. We definitely pride ourselves on that.”

If you’re a business owner of any kind, Scinocca Promotions is eager to help get your name out there. Build your brand with the help of Scinocca Promotions. Set up an appointment by calling 204-725-8421 or by emailing info@scpromotions.ca.

1127 Braecrest Dr, Brandon 204.725.8421 | info@scpromotions.ca

MINT Westman

A D E A L E R S H I P B U I LT O N H E A R T BY BRANDI PARNELL

PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC has been serving the Westman area for decades. In fact, ask just about any area resident and they know the name. Many have bought, serviced and repaired their vehicles with Murrays. he area’s only luxury car dealership, by supporting Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, you not only contribute to the local economy, you save yourself the hassle of driving into Winnipeg to service your vehicle. Their award-winning business has a large inventory of new and pre-owned Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles. They also offer an expert service department, collision centre, accessory shop, and parts department.

“I feel a great responsibility to give our customers not only excellent products and service, but also to give back,” says CEO, Doug Murray.

Best of all, their professional staff are not only experts in the industry; they are committed to giving back to the Westman area.

In July 2014, Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC partnered with the Samaritan House and Helping Hands Soup Kitchen to donate $1 from every oil

MINT Westman

“We like to think of ourselves as community minded, all the time,” he says. “We’re just trying to be the best business and humans we can be; we’re not there yet, maybe we never will be, but we are always striving to be better. It is a constant work in process to stay customer and community centric.”

change done at the Murray Auto Centre. “Since then we have raised over $41,000,” says Doug who credits his customers for helping to support the cause. Annually they enter a team in the CIBC Run for the Cure and participate in raising funds for men’s health in the month of ‘Movember’. They arrange bake sales and host pancake breakfasts and fundraising barbeques to help support local charities. Each year they can be found afloat participating in The Santa Clause Parade and they sponsor a wide range of local, amateur sporting events including horse jumping and roping as well as amateur hockey and soccer teams, not to mention they are big fans and supporters of The Brandon Wheat Kings. However, one of their greatest contributions to date, was the creation of Murray House, a cancer treatment residence. “The Murray Family has had a long tradition of giving to worthy causes in our community, and supporting the “A Sense of Home” building campaign allowed us to become more public with our charitable work,” says Doug. “The Sense of Home Residence, now known as “Murray House,” was the perfect project for us to help ease the minds of our customers who were travelling to Brandon. Not only is this one less thing to worry about, but also now they can be closer to loved ones. We hope

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” JOHN HOLMES that “Murray House” makes contending to cancer a little less traumatic.” Doug’s wife, Laurie, helped immensely with fundraising for the campaign, “We are very fortunate as such I feel a sense of responsibility to help others whenever we can. I am truly grateful for my family, my health, both mental and physical, as well as the people I get to work with and the customers, especially the customers. Many of whom have become friends.” Their commitment to quality is common knowledge; now too is their commitment to community. Support Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC today and help continue the momentum of giving back. Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC 1500 Richmond Ave., Brandon murraychevbrandon.com 204.728.0130

MINT Westman

OPTION B Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy BY SHERYL SANDBERG AND ADAM GRANT REVIEWED BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTO BY FORTUNE.COM

Sheryl Sandberg had it all. She was a published author of Lean In, a book about women and leadership; she was COO of Facebook and married with two beautiful children. Her husband, Dave Goldberg, was her confident and best friend. They lived a favoured life marked with social events and accomplishments to envy. While on a vacation in Mexico for a friend’s birthday, everything she knew to be true, her Option A, vanished. “I have terrible news,” she told her children, after flying home from Mexico. “Daddy died.” Option B is a tale about Dave’s unexpected death and Sheryl’s survival. It’s real, raw and beautifully written. Sandberg along with coauthor and psychologist Adam Grant, a friend and an expert in the field of human resilience, recants 82

MINT Westman

how Sandberg followed the oldest data set in the world to get herself out of the fog; the one that states: The children are young, and you must keep going. Grant advises, “Option A is not available. So let’s just kick the shit out of Option B.” He “walked me through the data,” she writes, and what she learned about overcoming grief is at the heart of this story. Option B is riveting and tender. “This is the second worst moment of our lives,” she tells her sobbing children at the cemetery. “We lived through the first and we will live through this. It can only get better from here.” This book is about living with purpose. It is a universal tale about when the life we envisioned is no longer available, we must find ways to accept the one that is. It isn’t ‘outof-reach advice.’ Instead, it’s ‘count-your-blessings,’ ‘keep going,’ wisdom. It is a reminder of what is important and that you can only know what you do, looking back.

Photo sessions designed to

celebrate you.

A portrait of a woman reflects her true beauty. It can put her back in touch with parts of her personality and appearance that she has forgotten or put aside for the time being. When loved ones look for pictures of her, they will see her as she truly is.

STUDIO78.CA