Winniepg - Mint July 2021

GREY PEARL Interior Design and Courtney Huston REALTOR Rated S for Summer Transform your space The Mint Experience Winnipeg VOL 1 ISS 3 July 2021

What is

The Mint Experience is a local magazine that strives to entertain, inform and connect with the Winnipeg community. We truly aim at being an outlet who really cares and nurtures the people who we are fortunate enough to work with and share their stories with our readers.

The Mint Experience

We want to create an experience that can be shared and felt through the pages of our magazine no matter where you are. Our goal at The Mint Experience is to inspire our readers with fresh, smart content. For the foodie, we vow to share great local spots and refreshing beverages.

We strive to look and feel our best with fabulous accessories, all things home and well, life. Diverse in culture and local talent, we highlight extraordinary people, innovative entrepreneurs and the latest musthave finds. Our readers savour and then save each issue to have on hand at the lake or when making reservations at the best restaurants. Our articles are crafted with authenticity for people living right here in Winnipeg.

Join us as we shine a positive light and learn about everything that Winnipeg has to offer.

We create & deliver your local Brand Story to targeted clients.

Advertise Now Back To School & Best Of the Best Issue September 2021 Mint’s Must Have Holiday Shopping Guide & Winter Wonderland November 2021

The Mint Experience Winnipeg MB Brandon MB 204-721-1296 jamie@mintmarketingexperience.ca

An Entrepreneur with strong network makes money even when he is asleep.

JOIN OUR Community of Investors, Entrepreneurs, Executives & Leaders, Industry Influencers, Leaders & C-Suite Professionals About the CYNDICATE Family Joint Ventures, Referrals, Learning, Support System, Training, Perks Card Etc. are the ways our members benefit Broad and supportive, CYNDICATE leverages the collective effort of its members to educate, motivate and empower each other, utilizing its collective member power to help build strong relationships and community.

Each CYNDICATE community is comprised of up to 3 business professionals per industry/ category and each chapter meets on a regular basis. Meetings (face-to-face or online) allow for open networking or “meet and greet” time, speakers, one-minute business commercials/ elevator commercials, education, community building, and most importantly, referrals! We are looking for business professionals who are excited about growing their business and helping those in their chapter grow as well!

Cyndicate 204-721-1296 jamie@mintmarketingexperience.ca cyndicate.org

For more information about Cyndicate Manitoba Jamie Willey | jamie@mintmarketingexperience.ca | 204-721-1296

FIRST WORD From Editor in Chief

JAMIE WILLEY

Volume 1 Issue 3, July 2021 Publisher Mint Marketing Experience Inc.

Editor Jamie Willey

Graphic Designer Ghislaine Moffitt

Writers Lisa Cress

Contributing Writers

don’t know about you, but I love when the warm feeling of summer and longer days arrive! We continue to live in changing times, however this summer there seems to be a new energy. Our spring issue was about growth, and this summer issue is about blossoming.

I

In this issue, we highlight the importance of our mental and physical health. Now more than ever, we cherish and discover the roots of our province, so get out there, explore and revitalize yourself. Our mission at The Mint Experience for you to feel and anticipate the connections from our featured articles through our pages – and then to experience them in real life. The Must See Manitoba feature takes you through all parts of Manitoba for day trips or longer. Pack your gear and your imagination.

Our cover feature this issue pairs together two industries that are very well intertwined – Real Estate and Interior Design. We learn about how each play a different role yet can have a huge impact on each other. While the Real Estate industry seems to be fast paced and uncertain, read more about how they can keep you on the path to your dream home.

As I feel with each issue, this one is my favorite! We have really enjoyed the collaborations and creating treasured ideas to share with you. From sun safety on your excursions, to dressing for the perfect backyard BBQ, to packing the perfect picnic basket – oh yes and don’t forget the wine – this issue is jam packed with awesomeness and we are so glad you have a copy!

No matter where we work, live or play, we all have our love for local and our community in common. Fill your bucket with fun, laughter and memories. Enjoy reading the summer issue of The Mint Experience and learning more about our Manitoba landscape.

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Shelby Wood Kim Raaikamakers Michael van Lierop Patent 5 Distillery Anna Dumas

Photographers Studio 78

Cover Photo Ashleigh Hamm & Kalina Denault

PRINT ADVERTISING & DIGITAL MARKETING INQUIRIES Anna Dumas anna@mintmarketingexperience.ca 204-228-2825 FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES Jamie Willey jamie@mintmarketingexperience.ca 204-721-1296 mintmarketingexperience.ca The Mint Experience is published by Mint Marketing Experience Inc. The Mint Experience Winnipeg is published 6 times per calendar year. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the Publisher. Mint Marketing Experience Inc assumes no responsibility to return any unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Mint Marketing Experience Inc. considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently readers using this information should do so at their own risk.

Mint Marketing Experience Inc. 29 10th Street Unit J Brandon, MB R7A 4E4

CONTENTS 8 20 44 50

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Fashion & Beauty

20

Wellness

32

Eats & Drinks

48

House & Home

56

Local Culture

FEATURES 8

Rated S for Summer

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Cover Story: GREAY PEARL Interior Design & Courtney Huston REALTOR

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Transform your space

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CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE

JAMIE WILLEY Born and raised in Manitoba, Jamie comes from a long line of entrepreneurs.

Owner of Studio 78, and Editor in Chief of The Mint Experience, Jamie has a soft spot for the fearless business community. Combining her creative photography talents with her business roots, she is proudly bringing stories and inspiration with Manitoba’s best magazine. Jamie also combines her print marketing skills to the digital marketing platforms, and along with her team The Mint Marketing Experience collaborates with businesses countrywide. Jamie has a love for cooking, and of course delicious wines.

DARRIN BAUMING Patent 5 Distillery consists of many talented individuals. Dinah Santos, pharmacist, parent, and keen salesperson – Dinah wears many hats! She can often be found at the helm representing us at markets and events. Brock Coutts, a craft beer enthusiast and home brewer with a chemistry degree.

Mike Borgford, a true engineer and problem solver by nature, he can often be found puzzling over devices and their functions. Mike McCallum, an entrepreneur and former business development expert, Mike McCallum is a Montreáler turned Winnipegger. All together bring the life in to the sprit of gin at Patent 5 Distillery. www.patent5.ca

GEOFF KIRBYSON Geoff Kirbyson is a veteran journalist who spent nearly 20 years as a business and sports reporter at the Winnipeg Free Press. He has also written for a wide range of other publications, including Canadian Business magazine, Western Investor, Investment Executive and The Hockey News. He has published two books, “The Hot Line – How the Legendary Trio of Hull, Hedberg & Nilsson Transformed Hockey and Led the Winnipeg Jets to Greatness” and “Broken Ribs & Popcorn – How the Winnipeg Jets Became the Best Team of the NHL’s Most Offensive Era to Not Win the Stanley Cup.

LISA CRESS Lisa Cress is an advertising specialist, writer and wannabe fantasy author living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She started her freelance career under the name Slay it in Writing in 2019 and has had the opportunity to write and create for a variety of publications and companies. Her expertise is in connecting businesses to their audiences with copy and creative that engages, entertains and inspires. Get in touch with her at slayitwithlisa@gmail.com.

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SHELBY WOOD Shelby absolutely has a deep appreciation for food, and is working on putting together a cookbook, which is a real passion project for her. Since her Dad passed pretty horrifically 3 years ago she found herself searching for understanding and mainly ways to work through trauma and grief. For Shelby, food it is not only nourishment, but a real form of love, bringing people together in a special way. Especially right now with what is going on in our world, it can connect us from right inside our homes. The kitchen is the heart, it’s where the tunes get turned up! “Probably embarrassingly, if you could be a fly on the wall, as I sing into my kitchen utensil, and sassily dance like I’m Beyonce, but hey, that’s the joy!” says Shelby

MICHAEL VAN LIEROP Michael van Lierop is President & Founder of New Outlook Wealth, a Manitobabased wealth & advisory firm that brings financial planning and low investment management fees to all Canadians, regardless of their wallet size. Visit their website at www.newoutlook.ca to learn more and to find an advisor!

KIM RAAIJMAKERS Kim Raaijmakers is a mom of two, a business professional of 20+ years and personal development junkie turned transformation coach. Kim is helping women leaders create their best lives, by creating clarity of their vision, developing undeniable belief and discovering strategies that make success inevitable. What began as a personal journey, she has turned into a mission to help women experience the same freedom. When you’re ready for your best life, reach out for a conversation at info@kimraaijmakers.com or check out kimraaijmakers.com

ANNA DUMAS Anna is an avid food lover. She has worked in the restaurant industry since she was 18, and specializes in mixology and bartending, and is the Office Manager at WLB & Assocoates. Anna is well known for her unique love of Tequila, Orange, and Cinnamon. She has a passion for wine, and took her WSET level 2 Wine and Spirits course at Banville & Jones. Her two children take up any additional time she has, unless it’s selflessly trying wines and making pairing notes for Mint.

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FASHION

Summer RATED S FOR

FASHION BY STYLE BAR PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78 MAKE UP BOBBI TANGUAY HAIR KATIE MINSHULL

Daisy Field Midi Dress $139

Distressed Drawstring Jean $74 and Snap Button Tank $39

Whether you’re sipping on a glass of bubbly on a deck or at an outdoor wedding, Comfort is key. Delicate smocking details on the dress make it an easy fit and comfortable and find a denim like these made with a super soft stretch fabric that will have you wanting to rock these all summer long!

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Add some detail to your outfit with this delicate ruffle sleeve. Top is available in multiple colors.

Wear tucked in with shorts or skirt, or casually with your favorite denim. Subtle colors like sage will make this item easy to transition into the Fall Season.

Aster Short $59 Kaitlyn Top $39

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Take some shade with one of the season’s hottest trends, wide brim hats. Adjustable and UV Protection make these a win-win!

Belt your favorite dress to add shape, these crocheted belts make it so easy as they are fully adjustable so you can wear high, low and on all bodies.

Skye Stripe Dress $52 Gambler Hat $72 Belt $44

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Skye Stripe Dress $52 Gambler Hat $72 Belt $44

Aster Short $59 Kaitlyn Top $39

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Summer Hair Care Tips

BY STYLED BY KATIE

Summertime is all about spending care-free days outdoors enjoying the warm weather. But with that comes a whole host of elements that can wreak havoc on your hair.

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That’s why adopting a summer hair care routine is so important to the health of your strands and in keeping the style you love.

But when you’re battling heat and humidity and swimming pool chemicals, how do you know which treatments are best for you? And is there anything you can do to prevent damage from happening to begin with?

1. Protect your hair colour with a hat! This is the number one tip to keeping your colour fresh throughout the summer. While the sun can have lovely effects on our hair, too much of it can cause damage, dullness and dryness.

2. Be careful when applying sunscreen if you wear extensions. The SPF in your sunscreen mixed with the UV rays can create a chemical reaction when it soaks into your extensions. When the hair is rinsed in water, from showers and pools, the particles in the minerals in the water attach to the hair cells and can turn your extensions a pink or orange colour.

elements, we need to be hydrating regularly.

My all-time favourite deep conditioner is from Canadian company Voir Haircare. The Rhythm of the Rain Hair Masque and Scalp Detox is incredible for hydrating those strands as well as removing buildup from your scalp.

Go out and enjoy yourself this summer, and now you know how to beat the heat and keep your hair looking healthy and its absolute best all season long.

3. Always pack a detangler and a brush when going to the beach for the day. With wind, lake/ocean water, sand, and sun, our hair gets tangled way faster. I always recommend spraying detangler in your hair when you are out at a pool or beach to protect it from the sun and future tangles. This makes it way easier to manage in the long run!

4. Keep your bright blonde hair out of chlorinated pools as best you can. If you do want to get your hair wet in a pool, wet your hair first under the tap so it is less porous. If you go in chlorinated water and your hair has a green tinge to it, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup.

5. Use a purple shampoo to keep sun-bleached hair looking fresh. Be careful not to use too often because it can dry your hair out. Try and shoot for once a week!

6. Use a deep conditioner weekly! It is so important to hydrate your hair in the summer months. With the sun, lake water, pool water, and all of the other

KATIE MINSHULL

Styled by Katie katieminshull1@gmail.com www.styledbykatie.ca

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Summer looks that are going to take over your feed!

BY BOBBI TANGUAY, PRIMPED & POLISHED

Before we know it, our zoom encounters will be replaced with real life gatherings! Eeek… are we ready for natural light highlighting our faces instead of the ring lights we have grown accustomed to? There is so much to love about summer – longer days, patios, and new make up trends that we have been dying to try for the world to see!

In the summer months, keep makeup at a minimum and sweat proof! Using a tinted moisturizer with an SPF (preferably) La Roche Possay. Bioderma has a really nice tinted moisturizer with an added SPF. Primers are also a must! My personal favorite is Laura Mericer primer in radiance! It has a subtle glow that will shine through your foundation or tinted moisturizer. Summer is all about looking tanned and glowy!

BRONZER: Dewy skin, warm cheeks, bronzed lids and lips, will have you wearing this look all summer long.

Using a nice bronzer will achieve that look – and knowing your undertone will be very helpful. If you tend to wear gold jewelry, you are warm toned. If you tend to wear silver, you have a cool undertone.

and blend it into the apples of your cheeks and then up an out towards your cheekbones.

TIP:

It’s all about the eyes for 2021! Dramatic, colorful liners are a hit this year. Always follow the color wheel to know what will contrast your eye color.

You want to use the color that’s opposite to your eye color. The same rule applies for shadows. You always want to contrast. Pull out your brow pencils, volumizing mascara, most colorful eyeliners and get to work!

Make sure that you are using the right bronzer! An orange toned bronzer won’t look nice on cool toned skin.

Opt for a cooler shade bronzer like Nars “Vallerta” If you can wear both gold or silver jewelry, you’re neutral! Neutral undertones can pull off either a warm or cool bronzer effortlessly.

CHEEKS Flushed cheeks will always be my personal favorite. No matter the time of year or season. A nice wash of blush will always be on point. Use a rosy-colored cream blush

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EYES

Primped & Polished primpedndpolished@gmail.com 204-807-0068

Your makeup should never precede you, but walk with you - Estee Lauder

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Sun Safety WE BRING YOU SOME OF OUR FAVE BRANDS THAT TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN … AND FEEL GREAT! It doesn’t matter if it’s record breaking heat, or cloudy days, sunscreen is one thing you should never skip in your routine before you head out for the day. Apply and reapply SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, minimize your risk of dark spots, skin cancer and painful sunburns.

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Amazing for Sensitive Skin How do you navigate through the sea of sunscreen options? Lotions or sprays, tinted or natural, we have compiled our list of our favorites.

Choosing and using the best sunscreen for your skin: • Select an SPF 30 or higher, and that protects against both UVA & UVB rays.

• Choose water resistant options, even if you aren’t swimming.

• Rub it in well. Let it sink in, and apply a second time.

Sunscreens that we love Overall Favorite Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+ We love this sunscreen as it’s non-greasy and fast absorbing – perfect for those long beach days.

Starting out with a higher SPF gives a higher level of protection for a longer period of time.

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 70 Oil Free.

Noncomedogenic. Superhydrating Aveno keeps skin soft and smooth without feeling heavy.

Enriched with colloidal oatmeal, it helps hydrate and protect the skin barrier. Anyone can use this sunscreen, including those with eczema and dry skin.

Best Fast-Absorbing Sunscreen La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 Fast absorbing with a velvety finish, apply all over without any greasy feeling. A broad-spectrum protection, we love it for it’s non-greasy texture that is great for all skin types.

Planning a beach day?

Reach for the SPF 100 for extra protection and water resistance.

Fave All in One CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Suncreen SPF 50 A gentle mineral formula that is a great option for your body and face as it doesn’t feel heavy.

Oil-free, paraben-free, noncomedognic sunscreen contains niacinamide, as well as ceramides that will help skin retain moisture.

With so many options that are suitable for all skin types, it’s time to start upping your SPF game. Gone are the days of applying copious amounts of baby oil or greasy pore-clogging sunscreen. Sunscreens have evolved into top level formulas that not only avoid these annoyances, but bring extra benefits – moisture, protection, glowy skin … and so much more.

If you choose a brand new formula or stay with your tried and true favorite classic, there is no excuse not to give your skin the protection it needs.

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The ideal order to apply skincare products: 1. Cleanser 2. Toner 3. Serums 4. Eye Cream 5. Spot Treatments 6. Face Oil 7. Sunscreen (am only)

YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE How to really apply all of your products 18

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Planning your skin care routine can be SO confusing. Do I need 12 products (NO)? What comes first, spot treatments or serums? Or eye cream? Where does moisturizer fit into all this?

While you don’t necessarily need an 8 step skin care routine, keeping it simple with 3 steps will do your skin wonders. Clean. Moisturize.

Sunscreen. Have acne, dry skin or sensitive skin, then you can add on serums or toners if you need.

What you use, and how you use it actually matters. Layering them incorrectly or picking the wrong formula for your skin type could irritate your face, or render them ineffective.

STEP 1 – CLEANSER AM & PM Remove your make up and wash your face before applying your products. For ingredients to absorb properly, your skin needs to be clean and clear of oil and grime. Unless you are stuck in the woods with no water, skip the make up wipes. They leave a layer of residue.

STEP 2 – TONER AM AND/OR PM Today’s toners are not like the stinging, alcohol based toners from years ago. They are now filled with exfoliants to treat acne or hydrating ingredients. Toner is optional, and they are essentially priming your face for ingredients to be better absorbed.

STEP 3 – SERUMS AM AND/OR PM Serums are shots of concentrated nutrients that boost your skin’s health as soon as you apply them. With so many serums on the market, how do you fit them into your routine? These are absolutely optional, however they will help you level up your skin care routine.

In the morning, reach for Vitamin C serum. This serum protects your skin from inflammation and damage, while brightening skin and lightening dark spots over time. This serum is amazing, but also quite strong. If you have sensitive skin, use it every other morning instead of every day.

At night, reach for a serum filled with hyaluronic acid which keeps your skin hydrated while you sleep.

STEP 4 – EYE CREAMS AM & PM Lighter and thinner than face moisturizers, make sure to apply before your creams and oils. Eye creams are known for their anti-aging properties, they are optional as well. Your sunscreen and moisturizer are already protecting your skin. Using a rollerball applicator in the morning with a caffeine formula can help with fluid retention, and tighten puffy undereyes.

Your undereye area is delicate, so be gentle.

STEP 5 – SPOT TREATMENTS AM OR PM Tap on your spot treatment before your moisturizer so it can really sink into your skin without having to get through another barrier to do its work.

Ideally, apply spot treatments at night, as that is when your body is working to repair itself. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) can be used daily as it gently brightens marks and scars over time.

STEP 6 – MOISTURIZER AM & PM This step is not optional. You need to be using a moisturizer twice a day. No matter your skin type, there is a formula for you. A moisturizer will infuse your skin with hydration AND create a barrier for all the products beneath to make them even more effective.

In the morning, try a gentle hyaluronic based moisturizer to hydrate without a greasy feeling. In the evening, your moisturizer can be on the heavier side and filled with lipids and proteins.

STEP 7 – FACE OILS – AM AND/OR PM Face oils seals everything in and keeps all the products from evaporating as quickly. While they don’t moisturize your face all that well, they leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, and helping the other products do what they were meant to do. Always, always apply last.

STEP 8 – SUNSCREEN AM Sunscreen is there to protect your skin, not penetrate your skin like all the other steps – so that is why this is the last step – yes even after face oils.

Sunscreen is a shield to protect your skin. It’s not adding nutrients to your skin – it’s protecting it. SPF 30 is the minimum you should be using on your face. And NO, the SPF 15 that is in your foundation is not enough to protect your beautiful skin.

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WELLNESS

Is it ok to want more?

BY KIM RAAIJMAKERS

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When you want more, you also take actions and take initiative to realize new things. Your desire for more, brings out your creativity and your passion.

Are you eyeing a new promotion, another home, a different holiday or something else that would be ‘more’ in your life? As you desire this more in your life, is the feeling of guilt also creeping in? Do you wonder what others will think of you wanting more? As I build my life how I want it to be, I find myself feeling guilty at times because I am living a great life and yet I still desire more.

More time with family, more experiences, and yes even more nice things to make life comfortable and luxurious.

Should we be constantly desiring more, thinking that the grass is greener on the other side? Or can this desire for more actually be a healthy and needed within our lives?

If your neighbor’s yard is greener - they may just be watering or fertilizing more.

We were all born wanting more. As a baby, you weren’t happy to stay on your blankets, you wanted to crawl, then walk, talk etc. As you grew up, you wanted what adults and friends around you had, a faster car or a bigger apartment, house. Now, as you have accomplished goals and outcomes you have set out for yourself in the past, you are again wanting more – and that it completely natural. This keeps you moving forward in your life, keeps you dream and inspires creativity.

You can be grateful and happy with what you have and still want to have more. What you don’t want is that you keep pushing your feelings down. When you keep ignoring your feeling of wanting more, you will find yourself ignoring your instincts and you will only increase the feeling of guilt and frustration. When you want more, you also take actions and take initiative to realize new

things. Your desire for more, brings out your creativity and your passion.

If you look to companies, especially those that have been successful and grown into large corporations, they have accomplished this because the leaders of those companies continuously strived for more. This has created innovations across all sectors of society, economies have been built because companies and people have wanted more! If you’re an entrepreneur or have a professional career, you get to the next level by wanting more.

If you’re a parent, you would encourage your children to do more, achieve more and be more! Allow yourself the same freedom. There is no guilt in wanting more.

What if this means that you have more love in your relationships, you have more freedom in your life, more fulfilling memories and more experiences allowing you to get the most out of life?

So rather than supressing your desire for more, give it space. Add what you want more of to your vision for the future – and be specific! Look at all the different areas of your life – health, money, career, family, personal development and learning, your partner and love life, community, environment, fun and recreation. As you begin to accept wanting more, it may feel strange and you can have moments of either guilt or judgement rushing back in. Hold true to yourself, YOU ARE WORTHY OF MORE and reach out when you need help.

Asking for help is an amazing way to bring having more into reality.

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Why Yoga is the Perfect Summer Pandemic Activity for Parents and Kids

BY STEFANIE BARANOWSKI, DIAMOND LOTUS YOGA

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When I reminisce on what it was like to be a kid, the one thing I looked forward to was the end of the school year and summer holidays. It was a marker of freedom from the confinements of my school desk, homework and no running in the hall way rules. Summer meant I could spend hours upon hours playing outside with my friends, riding my bike and climbing trees and going to camp.

I loved summer camp because I was an active kid and loved to learn and explore. As a kid, my whole world was in my backyard and my neighborhood. I had no idea that what I was engaging in was the idea of living in the present moment, free to explore who I was and staying active. That dream reality fades away as we enter into a confined restriction centred summer for the second year in a row. Mask wearing is mandatory, fear of the known drives anxiety and playing outside with your friends and going to summer camp is no longer an option.

This year for parents, the covid struggle is real. Finding the answer to the daunting question of how do I keep my kids entertained while I still continue to live a life of work and responsibility can bring on stress. Two weeks’ vacation hardly covers the entire summer and the kids seem to have more energy now than they did during the school year. That dilemma has hit harder during covid times. This will be the second year that parents will have the privilege to spend more time with their kids at home as the world slowly gets vaccinated and lock down restrictions in some places are still yet to be lifted. Parents

and kids are struggling during this time to find a sense of entertainment, fun, exercise and peace.

“Mindfulness” and “Wellness” are two buzz words that have come up recently and are now creating waves of new perspectives on living. “What do these words mean and how do I practice them?” and “I wish I would have known about this earlier in life” are common spoken words from people that come across these buzz words. As adults we are starting to learn them and understand them and as we learn and understand what they mean, these become concepts that we can teach kids so they can grow up knowing them and understanding them lot younger.

Mindfulness programs are being integrated into school curriculum and mindful movement breaks and wellness spaces are introduced into the classrooms. You can bring mindfulness and wellness into your home space for the summer that creates connectedness, and a balance of movement activity and peaceful stress management for both parents and kids. One way to do this is through the practice of yoga. There are so many benefits that practicing yoga brings that encompasses wellness as a whole.

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To help kids understand the postures, stories, games and sometimes music are used to create a sense of fun while learning mindfulness of the body. Giggles are always permitted.

Yoga improves the body’s: • balance • strength • endurance • aerobatic capacity in children.

Yoga and mindfulness also has incredible psychological benefits creating an overall emotional balance such as: • improving focus • memory • self-esteem • academic performance • reduce anxiety and stress creating an overall of emotional balance.

A kids yoga class is not the same as adult yoga classes. In adult classes we walk into a silent room, lay out our mats, 24

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lay down in savasanna and wait for the yoga instructor to instruct a class of adults where the only sound you hear is the instructors voice and the sounds of breath from the class of students. Kids yoga is meant to be playful and interactive. A typical kids yoga class includes being creative in the yoga postures and allowing kids to explore how the postures feel in their body and explore their own bodies capabilities; sometimes that requires falling in order to observe what our bodies can and can’t do. To help kids understand the postures, stories, games and sometimes music are used to create a sense of fun while learning mindfulness of the body. Giggles are always permitted.

To encourage awareness of breath and a sense of peace and calm, kids are encouraged to engage in different breath exercises and imagery during yoga practice to find the peaceful component to yoga. Here is a simple exercise you and your kids can do to cultivate focus, a sense of calm and quiet awareness of self.

1. You’ll start laying down on your back, eyes closed and hands on your belly 2. Imagine that there is a balloon in your belly. Imagine what colour that balloon is. Taking a breath in, imagine that you are filling that balloon up with air. Open your mouth and sigh it out letting all the air out as if you are deflating the balloon in your belly. Repeat 3 times.

3. Come back to a natural breath in and out of your nose.

Count each inhale counting up to 5 and then from 5 back down to 1.

4. Think of the word peace. Think of some examples of what the word peace means. If peace were a colour, what colour would it be? Imagine peace as a colour.

5. To finish off the practice, imagine breathing in the colour of peace in your body. Where does the colour go as you inhale. Breath out the colour of peace to share

with others and imagine where that peace would go.

Repeat the peaceful inhales for 10 rounds of breath in silence.

As adults, we sometimes forget how to play; we forget the simple pleasures of just being present in exactly what we are doing without entertaining the monkey mind. Kids are an inspiration for that live to learn spirit, their capacity to be fully submerged in the present moment and their openness to explore new facets of themselves through play. Kids yoga can be enjoyed as family yoga to set the foundation of mindfulness through kinesthetic learning and peaceful breathwork practice. Wellness can be accomplished when we take an active step towards creating good health both body and mind. Try out some kids and family yoga this summer to bring more fun, active living and a sense of calm and peace into your home and watch how the ambience of wellness unfolds.

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Create your own adventure!

Essential tips when tackling hiking trails 26

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When it comes to getting outside, nothing beats a hiking day trip on the many paths in Manitoba. Hiking is an excellent work out and offers multiple physical and mental health benefits. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature, get a good workout in and recharge your batteries.

Unlike walking on a path or a treadmill, you are faced with more variables when you are hiking – of course that’s what makes it so much more enjoyable. Here are some tips for a successful hiking trip.

1. DRESS FOR SUCCESS. The best thing about hiking is that it doesn’t require any special gear, and you probably already have everything you need.

Your feet will top the list on what to wear. Painful feet can ruin a walk and a good pair of sneakers is

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HIKING IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE OUTDOORS AND CAN BE A SOLO OR FAMILY ADVENTURE.

your best bet. Pair the right shoes with the right type of socks. Avoid cotton as wool or synthetic socks are the way to go.

Dressing right is the key to comfort on your hike. Stay away from jeans that will chafe, or anything cotton that will get damp and feel clammy. Dress in layers to easily adjust for changing temperatures so that you can add or shed layers as needed. Long sleeves and pants make sure that you don’t get scratched up and protect you from the elements.

2. PACE YOURSELF. Hiking is better steady than quick. Conserve your energy, especially on long hikes, as you never know when an unexpected hill may appear. Hiking at a comfortable pace is not only a smart matter of safety, 28

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it’s also a great way to soak it all in. Enjoy the fresh air, the outdoors and wildlife that may cross your path.

enthusiast to take care of natural spaces – and to educate the next generation of hikers.

If you are hiking with a group, stay with your group. If you do decide to split up, plan regular meeting points.

a. Don’t litter or throw fruit peels.

3. CHECK THE WEATHER AND KNOW YOUR TRAIL. Once you have set your destination, map out the path you will take. Find out the path’s distance, if the path is a loop or has a separate exit. Look for peak points for a picnic or a peak with a view.

Leading up to the hike, just before your hike, and during your hike, check the weather. This will help you plan the length of your hike and help you plan on how to dress.

b. Don’t leave the official trail. c. Don’t disturb the environment around you (breaking branches etc.) d. Be considerate of other hikers – no loud music, let others pass, keep dogs leashed etc.

4. LEAVE NO TRACE.

Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors and can be a solo or family adventure.

Discover the beauty of nature with your own two feet, at your own pace with only what you need for the day.

With a little planning, preparation and consideration, it’s an activity for almost anyone!

No matter the path you take, have respect for the trail, the wildlife and other hikers. It’s up to every outdoor

See you on the trails!

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Summer nutrition tips

BY JENN MCMILLAN, ROCKED COMMUNITY FITNESS

Summer is officially here, which means we are faced with a whole new routine – or lack of routine. Without a daily structure, it may be difficult to balance work, kids, and a nutritious diet. While routines are more flexible during the summer, keeping an easy plan in place can help you enjoy summer and stay on top of your health goals.

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HYDRATION GOAL Have a daily hydration goal 2L of water per day. When you hit that goal 10 days in a row, bump it up to 2.5L or 3L per day.

SUPPER BECOMES LUNCH Take advantage of the beautiful weather and BBQ lots of meats and vegetables. Cook enough so that you always have leftovers the next day.

USE THE PLATE METHOD A healthy balanced meal should be ¼ plate of protein, ¼ plate of starch and ½ plate of vegetables.

Focus on the plate method for lunch and supper.

BBQ’d zucchini strips Ingredients 2-3 medium zucchini, cut into equal slices 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice Lemon zest ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp minced garlic 2-4 garlic cloves 2 tbsp parsley, chopped Optional – add a pinch of Red Pepper Flakes for a touch of spice.

Instructions

K.I.S.S Keep It Sustainable and Simple. Try something new like BBQ’d zucchini strips, pineapple slices, chicken thighs, bell peppers or mushroom kebobs. If you can cook it, then you can BBQ it!

DITCH THE SUGARY DRINKS This is the simplest habit to boost your health. Replace sugary drinks with flavoured sparkling water. You can even mix gin or vodka with it for a healthier cocktail.

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic and cloves.

2. Add zucchini. Toss to coat. Refrigerate for 30 mins up to 2 hours.

3. Preheat BBQ to medium- high heat.

4. Add zucchini to heated grill, in a single layer. Cook 3-4 minutes per side. Season with additional salt and pepper.

5. Remove and serve immediately.

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EATS & DRINKS

S Easy ipping

BY ANNA DUMAS

Summertime is perfect for brunching (yes, brunching is an acceptable activity), basking in the sun, real life company of those we have been missing and intimate date nights.

The best wines pair with fresh veggies or fruit, grilled food and are as refreshing as a gentle breeze on a warm sunny, summer day. Take your summertime sipping to the next level with these summer wines.

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Sensi Collezione Chianti

Gigglewater prosecco With the past year, nothing feels better than sitting on the deck with your girls. A crisp, light prosecco is the perfect pairing for the day. With notes of pear and a slight taste of honey it is a delightful addition to the warm days or crisp evenings of summer. This delicious prosecco has the ideal balance of crisp bubbles and tree fruit to compliment any dish or to drink by itself. A smooth but playful aperitif to an evening giggling with friends.

Embracing summer means outdoors, sun, and picnics. There is something about packing cheese, meats, jellies and of course wine for a visit and cool- down in the grass.

This full bodied chianti has a punch of red cherries and white pepper which would be complimented and mellowed with aged cheeses or rich meats. A mouth taste of fruit notes such as red currant and cranberry would be enhanced by a sweet jelly and cheese on a buttery cracker, it’s the final touch to the perfect picnic.

Pack your basket with wine and treats from Calabria Market & Fine Wines. Call ahead to save a trip and have a custom basket prepared for you, or browse the aisles to select your own local tastes and delicious wines.

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Packing for the Perfect Picnic

BY CALABRIA MARKET & FINE WINES

Outdoor picnic season is on its way!

Whether it’s in your backyard, a local pack or a Must See Manitoba location, we want to your basket to be stocked with everything you need to make a memorable time. Fascinate your tastebuds with local flavours from Calabria Market.

UTOFFEEA Delicious hand crafted toffee made with layers of roasted cashews, buttery toffee and chocolate.

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COOMBE CASTLE MAPLE SYRUP CHEDDAR Combining the truly Canadian Maple flavour with one of England’s treasured cheese.

This merger in flavours creates the exact right sharpness for a smooth and inviting taste sensation.

SMAK DAB CANADIAN MAPLE GOURMET MUSTARD

CASTELLO BRIE Boasting a soft consistency that melts in your mouth. Prepared by hand, Castello Brie strikes the perfect balance between savory and smooth. Light on the palette, tasteful on it’s own or as a supplement to your dish.

This classic Canadian flavour uses pure Quebec maple syrup and prairie grown mustard seeds. Add depth and flavour to the your meats and cheeses.

FANCY INFUSIONS SPICY POMEGRANATE PEPPER JELLY

MARETTI BRUSCHETTE STYLE CHIPS

This classic with a twist with tease your tastebuds and have you wanting more. This perfect balance of sweet and heat. Serve with your favorite cheeses and crackers to create a simple and delightful snack.

Maretti Bruschette are generously seasoned and you can enjoy them as a delicious snack straight from the bag or together with your favourite dips and toppings.

KURTZIE’S MILANO SALAMI Made with the finest grades of meat and reinforced with a special blend of seasonings.

Distinct for it’s hearty consistency and savory flavor making it a gourmet choice.

Create your own masterpiece – or let Calabria Market design custom gift baskets or charcuterie boards for girls night out, family gathering that are filled with fresh cheeses, fine wines, cured delicacies and more!

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Summer at Home

BY SHELBY WOOD PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

What can I say other than, who would have ever thought we would still be living through a pandemic… It has been tough on a lot of us in more ways than could count.

To say it feels like a bad cut of meat, would be saying the least.

BUT if you really think about it, you can in fact always turn it around… it’s just how we choose to look at it.

You can transform it into something really special and delicious, with just a little extra love and care… which we all need right now.

Give yourself that added time and energy. For me... it’s stepping outside of the box and having some fun and of course, any excuse to enjoy what nature has to infuse us with during this hot and fabulous season. Putting on a fun summer dress with a cool cocktail in hand, while I throw

a pizza on the BBQ, sounds just about the perfect way to help change any mood around.

Take a deep breath or a bigger sip... look up at the clouds, as you decide if you see an elephant or a dog, while you have a light hearted moment that gives you a laugh.

Hear the birds sing us songs or turn on your favorite music, but the kind you know every word and takes you back to Summers without worry or stress. Mine would be Bryan Adams “Summer of 69” because, well, it’s just a classic ;and makes me smile thinking of the good memories of my Dad, in missing him since he passed.

Take in the sunny days that seem to last forever, as evenings that stay light until well into the night.

And if you by chance can catch a sunset, let your mind be lost in it’s beauty and get to rest and reset.

Xox Shelby

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BBQ stone pizza

Caramelized onion and pear pizza with prosciutto and spicy salami DOUGH Ingredients 1 ¾ cups lukewarm water 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 tsp salt 1 ½ tsp dry yeast (fast-rising or active dry) 1 ½ tsp granulated sugar 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1. Pour the water into a large bowl and add in oil, salt, yeast, and sugar.

2. Add the flour and mix until uniformly moist. The dough will be a bit tacky.

3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for 2 hours at room temperature.

4. After the dough has risen, punch and knead the dough. If the flour is sticky, add a dusting of flour.

5. Refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours before using. Punch and kneed again right before making into crust for your pizzas. Dough recipe- makes two medium sized pizzas

PIZZA TOPPINGS Prosciutto Spicy Salami 1 Pear 1 medium onion 1 tbsp brown sugar 1/3 cup crumbled Feta 1 tbsp butter Shredded Mozzarella cheese Pesto sauce 1. In a small frying pan, melt with 1 tbsp of butter.

2. Add 1 medium onion cut in string lengths, half a pear sliced and 1 tbsp brown sugar.

3. Cook until all caramelized then set aside to add as a topping.

4. Form the dough into rounds directly on your pizza stone.

5. Spread pesto on the dough, add mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions and pears, 5-6 pieces of prosciutto, 5-6 pieces of spicy salami and lastly top with your crumbled feta.

6. Place the stone on the grill and grill for 25-30 minutes – check for desired crispness.

7. Remove, drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!

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Pineapple Delight Pie Ingredients CRUST

FILLING

1 ½ cup Graham cracker crumbs

1.

In a large bowl mix pineapple, pineapple juice and dry pudding mix together.

2.

Fold in Cool Whip

3.

Pour filling mixture on top of your crust and refrigerate.

4.

Top with extra pineapple pieces.

½ cup melted butter

FILLING 1 can crushed pineapple with juice 1 pkg vanilla instant pudding 1 small container Cool Whip, thawed

PIE CRUST

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1.

Mix graham crumbs with melted butter.

2.

Press into pie dish, set aside.

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A delicious light and easy summer dessert.

Sour Raspberry Apple Margarita 1 oz Raspberry Sour Puss

1.

Cover bottom of a plate with salt. Wet the top of your glass rim with your lime. Salt the rim of your glass.

2.

In a shaker, add ice, Sour Puss, Triple Sec, Tequilla, Apple Juice, Lime Juice and shake.

3.

Pour into your glass, top with Perrier and a Lime slice garnish.

1 oz Triple Sec 1 oz Tequila ½ cup Apple juice Half Lime squeezed Splash of Perrier Salt Ice

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Premium spirits and craft cocktails

created in the heart of Canada

BY PATENT 5 DISTILLERY

Gin is distilled with a very unique blend of ingredients and botanicals, resulting with a distinct intentional flavour. No matter the blend of these assertive and unique flavours, you’ll always find an expression of juniper – some more mild than others.

PURPLE BLOSSOM GIN

Kit contains:

A colour changing London Dry gin made with Manitoba violet petals, rose and coloured with Thai Butterfly Pea Flower. The secret colour changing magic comes courtesy of nature, thanks to the Thai Butterfly Pea Flower. This flower enables colours to change from a deep blue to a pink with the addition of an acidic mixer such as Tonic.

1 x 750ml Purple Blossom Gin

For the perfect Patio Pair this summer, skip all the guesswork and try Patent 5’s Gin Fizz Cocktail Kit. A kit to create a light and floral classic gin cocktail using our award-winning Purple Blossom Gin. With hints of rose and lavender, and a soft purple hue — this is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

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1 x 340ml Prosyro lavender syrup 1 x Ms Better’s Bitters miraculous vegan foamer Purchase your kit at Patent5.ca

POCKET FULL OF SUNSHINE Enjoy our Pocketful of Sunshine signature drink in the comfort of your own home. Try it with our very own in house made Lemon Cordial.

1 oz Purple Blossom Gin 1 oz Lemon Cordial Ice Pour Gin and Lemon Cordial over ice. Top with soda water, stir and enjoy.

Did you know …

1. Gin and curry are a perfectly paired. The marriage of flavour works well because neither overpowers the other.

2. Thanks to the James Bond film, the martini has became the most sought after cocktail, made from a mixture of gin and dry vermouth, shaken not stirred.

4. Gin and tomato juice was all the rage as a hangover cure in New York City in 1928, years before the vodkabased Bloody.

3. There are more gin based cocktails than any other spirit. Most popular ones are negroni, martini and of course the humble G&T!

5. The best way to taste gins for comparison is at room temperature, diluted with an equal measure of water.

This reveals both qualities and flaws.

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Pulled Pork The Ultimate Camping

BY PIK-A-DILLY RV CENTRE

Take along the easiest and sauciest pulled pork recipe on your next outing. Pulled pork should be tender, not mushy! We want tender, juicy pork that can be pulled apart effortlessly, but still has the texture of meat. To achieve that, you just need to cook it for the right length of time (10 hours on low is long enough) and toss with the sauce gently.

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The secret is in the sauce.

With Pik-A-Dilly’s custom BBQ sauces.

INGREDIENTS 5-7 lb pork butt, with fat cap on 1 cup beer (or apple cider) 1 bottle Poncho’s Pik Honey Hickory Chipotle Sauce

RUB 3 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp paprika 1 tbsp garlic powder 2 tsp onion powder 2 tsp mustard powder

HOW TO SERVE PULLED PORK

1 tsp cumin

Two classic ways to serve pulled pork are:

1 tbsp salt 1 tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Mix spices for the run together and rub all over the pork.

2. Place in slow cooker. Pour in beer. Slow cook on low for 10 hours. Pork should be tender enough to easily shred with a fork.

1. Sliders – Create your own sliders and top the pork with home made coleslaw.

2. BBQ Dinner Plate – be the envy of the campground with your specialty BBQ platter complete with classic sides like Baked Mac and Cheese, Steamed Corn slathered with butter, and coleslaw.

3. Remove pork from slow cooker, place in a roasting pan and transfer into a preheated 180°C / 350°F oven. Reserve liquid.

4. Scoop the fat off the surface juices in slow cooker and drizzle over pork, about 1/3 cup.

Roast pork for 15-20 minutes.

5. Remove from oven, cut the thick layer of fat off the top and discard. Drizzle another ¼ cup fat from slow cooker juices and roast another 15 minutes.

Stop in at 320 Highland Ave in Brandon to purchase your very own unique blend of Pik-A-Dilly BBQ sauces.

SHREDDING 1. Shred pork using 2 forks. Pour BBQ sauce over shredded pork and toss gently.

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COVER FEATURE

More than just a pretty space Amber Bauman, Grey Pearl Interior Design specializes in creating smart, attractive and functional spaces.

BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH HAMM

When it comes to creating the look, feel and flow of a room, interior designers dive deeper. Interior design itself is both an art and a science – it is a systematic process that uses the understanding of human behaviour to create functional spaces.

“A building’s interior should always be planned by a qualified interior designer. We understand building materials, code compliance and construction,” explains Amber Bauman, Grey Pearl Interior Design. “Through programming, space planning and design development, we explore a client’s goals, specify their needs and present

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solutions that ensure the desires of the client and the requirements for the project are met.”

Bauman studied interior design at the Art Institute of Vancouver. After graduating with honours in 2008, she practiced in Winnipeg for 10 years before starting her own business.

“After I started my family, it felt like the right time to finally take the leap into sole proprietorship,” Bauman says. “As soon as I made that decision, things just fell into place. When I first started Grey Pearl Interior

“If you have something coming up that calls for the expertise of an interior designer, I’m happy to connect and discuss the possibilities for any space.”

- Amber Bauman

exam that focuses on health and safety, building code, accessibility, design fundamentals and professional practice.”

Bauman’s portfolio is well rounded. From residential homes to clinics and offices, she has built a solid reputation from a diverse group of satisfied clients. To date, Grey Pearl Interior Design has planned and designed spaces for doctors, hair stylists, lawyers and optometrists.

“I really enjoy the technical challenge of office spaces and clinics,” Bauman says. “While I will make an effort to fit in smaller residential projects here and there, my preference is to focus on custom homes or full renovations.”

Working with an interior designer requires collaboration and communication between the designer and client.

Bauman acknowledges that choosing an interior designer is a very personal choice. She encourages prospective clients to do their homework and know who they’re hiring.

“Interior design is backed by study and is a profession where ethics and integrity are an everyday practice,” Bauman says. “It’s important to check someone’s credentials and make sure they have the knowledge and skillset for the job.”

AMBER BAUMAN

Design, I had the unexpected opportunity to work with amazing clients which opened doors to other projects I’m really passionate about.”

Bauman is also certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). The NCIDQ is a certification that demonstrates a practicing interior designer has the experience, skill and ability to satisfy a client’s needs and resources.

“The NCIDQ certification sets one interior designer apart from another,” Bauman explains. “It’s a very challenging

With construction season well underway and more people finding the time to renovate, Grey Pearl Interior Design is hard at work overseeing multiple projects.

“I have a lot on the go but I am looking to book new projects later in the year,” Bauman says. “If you have a project coming up that calls for the expertise of an interior designer, I’m happy to connect and discuss the possibilities for any space.”

GREY PEARL Interior Design www.greypearldesign.ca 204-509-4020

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COURTNEY HUSTON

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Huston, we have a sale.

Courtney Huston, Royal LePage Prime navigates a tough housing market with charisma, commitment and expertise.

BY LISA CRESS PHOTOS BY KALINA DENAULT

For the eager house hunter, the current real estate market is (to put it bluntly) a real bummer. Between the lack of homes for sale and competitive offers driving up sale prices, it’s really easy for a prospective buyer to get discouraged.

“The market is tough right now but I think it’s really important for agents to keep their buyers in a positive headspace,” says Courtney Huston, Realtor.

“Communication, answering calls and staying connected is always my top priority. I try to be a source of support for clients – there will always be another house!”

Huston started working in Real Estate in 2011. In 2016, she became fully licensed and began her business venture with Royal LePage Alliance. She has received the Presidents Gold and Master of Sales awards two years running through the Royal LePage National Awards and Recognition Program.

“It’s very exciting. We’re going to become one super office and work out of four locations across Winnipeg,” Huston explains. “As Royal LePage Prime, we will have the biggest market share in the city. We’ll have a larger collection of realtors, buyers and sellers, which means there will be even more opportunities to sell your property off-market.”

To say that Huston is committed to her business, clients and the grind would be an understatement.

“I became a first-time mom on June 16 and it’s only added to my motivation as a business owner,” Huston says. “I haven’t stepped back because…that’s just showbiz, baby. I want to give my daughter the world and the best way to do that is by continuing to work, showing up for my clients and upgrading the real estate experience.”

“I absolutely love my job and working with people in all stages of their lives,” Huston says. “Helping clients find their forever home is the best feeling. I work really hard to educate and inform my clients – whether they are buying or selling – so that in the end, they are confident with their decision.”

Huston approaches her business with enthusiasm, positivity and personality. With over a decade of experience in Real Estate, she has collected a body of knowledge about the business and has countless tips and tricks for everything from buying, selling, moving and marketing.

“I always start with going over the numbers and data with clients to help us establish some very clear expectations,” Huston says. “I love creative marketing and finding new ways to connect with people. My goal is to help you find the right home or get the best sale price – but I start with the data because I’m not going to sugarcoat things or tell you what you want to hear.”

As a member of the Royal LePage Alliance, Huston was already well connected to a vast network of fellow Realtors. On July 1, 2021, that network evolved and expanded as Huston and her associates merged with and became Royal LePage Prime.

Courtney Huston, Royal LePage Prime 300-3025 Portage Ave 204-396-7877 hustonimhome@gmail.com hustonimhome.ca

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HOUSE & HOME

DREAMY BACKYARD OASIS

CHOOSE MULTIFUNCTIONAL FURNITURE.

DESIGN A COZY NOOK.

These pieces of furniture can be arranged in a number of ways. Flexible seating components can be changed to host every type of gathering. Starting with a conversational style set up, add coordinating pieces such a coffee table or a firepit table – the options are what fit best for your lifestyle.

Warm up the patio, add an area rug to bring it all in together. Outdoor rugs are a quick and easy way to add color and comfort. Synthetic outdoors rugs are durable, easy to care for and clean.

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH LIGHTING. Create the right ambiance with the right type of lighting.

Design lighting in three tiers. At the highest level, lofty lanterns, chandeliers or even an indoor lamp. Next, fill in the mid range with a string of lights to add in a warm glow. Finish off your look with low-level illumination.

This can be candles, or light sconces at foot level.

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Whether you have a tiny patio or a sprawling garden, creating a luxurious outdoor area will help you take advantage of the long summer days and well into the cool fall nights.

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Coordinate with throw pillows to finish your outdoor look. Swapping out pillows is an easy way to update your look every season.

Your backyard space can be a place to entertain guests or a private oasis to soak up the summer sun.

Make the most out of your space to create your own backyard paradise.

How to build a pallet planter for your home

STEP 1 Try to find a pallet that requires as little work as possible. Sand any areas that may need a touch up. Paint or stain the pallet – or leave natural for a rugged look.

If you are tight on space, vertical is the way to go!

Easy to make and versatile, pallet planters add color on any outdoor wall, fence or simply sitting on the patio. They look great with just about anything planted in them – succulents, herbs or flowers. Get creative, there is really no limit to creating your own one of a kind vertical growing space.

STEP 2

What you will need:

Plant flowers, succulents or herbs in planters.

Place planters in metal rings.

• An old pallet • Terra cotta planters • Wall mounted metal iron rings • Plants that don’t require a lot of water

Measure and mark the spots to hang the metal iron rings. We love those rings as they fold up nicely for storage. Secure rings in desired spots with screws.

Place pallet planter in desired location.

STEP 3

Voila – your pallet planter is complete. Your planter doesn’t have to be limited to the summer months – change out the pots for seasonal flowers in the fall, plant poinsettias or herbs in the winter.

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Easy home décor that will transform your space

On-trend and timeless

BY KATIE MINSHULL, SUMMER HOUSE WPG

Are you ready for a refresh in your home, but don’t know where to start? If your creative ability is lacking, as is your time, we have just the ideas to get you started. Your entire space can feel fresh, ontrend but timeless, and refined. You can tackle each of these decorating ideas in one day or one room at time, and the the results will look like it took way longer to pull off.

Pampas Grass Your pampas grass will naturally always shed. Give your plumes a good shake outside before bringing them into your house to prevent the shedding from going all over your home. Your pampas grass will naturally fluff out over time. However, if you’d like to speed this process up, you can use a blow dryer to fluff them up. Once the desired fluffiness is achieved, spray some hairspray to hold it in place and prevent excess shedding.

Setting up a centerpiece on a table or countertop I always recommend starting with your biggest or tallest pieces first. Then add in your medium pieces, and finally your smallest pieces to fill out any sparse areas. You can always finish your look with dried florals or garland to fill in any gaps.

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Your home should be the story of who you are & be a collection of what you love - Nate Berkus

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Adding natural textures Natural textures make your home warmer and more welcoming. Natural textures that we love are rattan, teak, wood, and natural dried grasses. Here at Summer House, we strive to bring in pieces that keep your space airy and bright, like your favourite beach house!

Keep some things tucked away and bring them out as the seasons change.

I always try to hold onto things even if I don’t like them in that season. I will rotate out my candles, small pots, décor items etc. every few months to keep my space looking fresh and interesting.

Try and layer your pieces.

Here at our house, we use our wedding album as a base for décor on our side table. I also love stacking different wood cutting boards with our Teak Board and leaning them up against the kitchen backsplash.

Bonus tip: Shop your own house! Look around different rooms and see what you’ve got. Maybe there’s a décor 52

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piece in a guest bedroom that would work better in the living room, or a picture that would look better hung on a different wall. Don’t be afraid to switch it up!

As we gear up for a fresh new, post-pandemic summer, finding inspiration doesn’t have to mean a big renovation or project – after all – we want to leave time for those patio gatherings that we have missed so

much. A redesign or refresh doesn’t mean you have to ditch all of your existing decor. Instead, pick pieces and elements that you can easily incorporate into your home to make the style your own. For more design inspo, visit www.summerhousewpg.com.

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Why you shouldn’t hold off on buying a home right now “This is your sign that it’s going to be okay.”

- Allan Asplin, Judy Lindsay Team Realty

BY LISA CRESS

If you’re a prospective homebuyer waiting out the current surge in the real estate market, this is your sign to stop waiting, get out there and start your house hunt. Don’t put your dream of homeownership on hold in hopes that trends will change. If the history of this industry has taught us anything – it’s that there’s never going to be a better time to enter the market than now.

“There’s a psychological element holding some people back,” says Allan Asplin, President, Judy Lindsay Team Realty.

“Prices have been in the same ballpark for the last decade and we’ve watched those prices inflate significantly and quickly over the past year. For example, a home you were able to get for 300k just last fall is now selling for 350k. It’s a natural reaction to not want to overpay for something.”

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ALLAN ASPLIN, PRESIDENT

The inflation of housing prices and the competitive market has some house-hunters ‘waiting for things to calm down.’

However, the laws of physics often don’t apply to trends in real estate.

“At any given point in time, people have always considered the cost of a house to be relatively expensive.

The thing is, you always look back and wish you had bought sooner,” Asplin says. “If you were ready to buy a house in 2018 but decided to wait a couple years to see what happens with the market – today, you would wish you had bought back then. It’s not a market that you time.

Real estate is just about getting in.”

Although these are challenging times, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad time to buy a home. Those who are willing to brave the current market, be patient in their search and invest in well-maintained properties are going to have no regrets in the long run.

And who knows? In two years from now, you just might wish you bought that home today.

While you can’t predict a home’s future value, you can go in with a long-term strategy and control the investment you make.

“You always want to make sure you’re purchasing a good house,” Asplin says. “It’s so important to work with a trusted advisor, realtor or home inspector. You don’t want the surprise of having to spend even more money to fix up your new home. Renovations and repairs can add up quickly. I also recommend you don’t sacrifice buying in a good neighbourhood. Homes in desirable neighbourhoods are always in higher demand.”

Asplin says that prospective homebuyers can find comfort in the fact that the real estate market will always evolve.

“Even when we thought the markets peaked back in 2008 – if you bought around that time and wanted to sell today, you would have come out with a profit,” Asplin explains.

“This is just the way it works. Have confidence – if you buy now, it’s going to be worth the investment.”

Judy Lindsay Team Realty 1919 Portage Ave, Winnipeg 204-925-2900 www.judylindsay.com

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LOCAL CULTURE

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Is your financial security plan a

“Gofundme” campaign?

BY MICHAEL VAN LIEROP, PRESIDENT & CEO, NEW OUTLOOK WEALTH INC.

“She was a great family woman.”

“They loved their family more than anything else.”

Sounds familiar? It should. These are the things we hear all the time when something tragic happens – a workplace accident leaves a wife and primary income-earner unable to work and collect a pay cheque; a child is hit by a car and is partially disabled, permanently.

We see social media inundated with desperate pleas for help from friends and family. Why? It’s fair to say, most Canadians understand that tragedies like these usually are followed by financial chaos – unexpected costs, an abrupt end to an otherwise steady income, and the need to dip into savings or borrow money. People know bad news is only made worse by the stress of money.

And so, if that’s true, why are so many Canadians leaving themselves vulnerable to one day becoming the focal point of a future Gofundme campaign?

There are several reasons for this, but the cost of insuring against such risks is actually not one of them. The issue is most Canadians are unaware of the personal insurance products available to them through licensed insurance advisors. There is a lack of awareness and financial literacy. The traditional way of gaining access to such advice is becoming harder as bricks-and-mortar financial branches (banks, credit unions) continue to vanish in large swaths of the country, and the insurance they do sell is truthfully not in the best interests of most clients. Alternative sources increasingly provide advice only to high net worth clients – leaving average families in the dark and without guidance.

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It’s ironic, at a time when information has never been so accessible thanks to the Internet, that some Canadians struggle with the basics of financial preparedness. It’s just not something we do. We’ll search up hockey scores and stats, tutorials on using a Cricut, or download the latest game in the app store. And yet, from product information to pricing to advice, the digital landscape overflows with resources to tap into. And for most Canadians, a referral to a reputable Financial Planner is likely little more than a phone call or email away. So what’s the excuse?

“They’d have stopped at nothing to help their family and his friends.”

This is another line heard countless times after a family tragedy. It tugs on our emotional heart strings. Truthfully, there is no greater sign of love than to leave your family without the burdens of a financial disaster in your absence. At age 35, a mere $40 a month could have left $1M for your family.

Personal responsibility drives much of what financial planning is all about – it’s taking stock of you and your family’s financial priorities and goals, documenting them with the help of a Financial Planner, and finding creative solutions that help you reach those targets while staying within your means. A big part of this reflects the adage: “plan for the best but be prepared for the worst”. A prime example is retirement planning – you save and curtail some spending during your working life in order to enjoy a post-work life that is comfortable and enduring. But to do so without also being prepared for an event that might severely curtail or interrupt your ability to earn a living (and therefore, save for retirement) is dangerous.

A premature death can lay waste to the financial security of a young family, and in most cases there are inexpensive life insurance solutions for less than a buck-a-day. While more expensive, disability insurance protects your capacity to generate an income for your family should you lose the physical or mental ability to do so. We have no trouble paying $150 a month for cell service, data, or Internet connectivity but have a kneejerk

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reaction to seeing a $150 per month personal insurance premium that ensures that we can keep paying the bills in the event of a sickness or accident. Similarly, a critical illness insurance plan can provide a tax-free injection of cash for pennies on the dollar. A well-rounded financial security plan for a family, covering most (if not all) of the risks for both income earners will likely cost less than you might expect, and infinitely less than the cost of not doing it at all.

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Community Profile | We Got This Canada

What is Severe Food Insecurity?

When individuals reduce their food intake, skip meals, or worse, go through a day without eating. Poverty is the number one cause of food insecurity, and people without proper nutrition are more likely to experience chronic diseases and mental health issues.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT Start with a little – Donate Now more than ever, our community needs support. Your friends and neighbors who are struggling need your help to get life-saving essentials like emergency food hampers and meals. A $50 donation could go towards feeding multiple meals to a family of four. Make an impact where it is needed the most.

CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT: $20 Provide take-away dinners to two families. $50 Send emergency food hampers to feed two families for a week. $100 Serve meals for 10 seniors in a care facility.

Thank you for choosing to support your fellow Canadians in need. Every donation goes a long way in fighting food insecurity.

organization leader who wants to positively impact the community, we invite you to partner with us in delivering hope to the city of Winnipeg.

BECOME A PARTNER – GET INVOLVED

• You don’t have to be a food-based business to be a partner; there are several ways that your business can provide assistance to the community.

We Got This Canada works in collaboration with local businesses and organizations to support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Together, we hope to create a sustainable community where everyone has access to healthy food and basic living essentials. If you are a business owner or an

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• Food Donations – food items that can go in the hampers, or meals that can be distributed to families • Funding – monetary donations that will support the activities of the organization

“Help us help others”

• In-Kind Donations – skills, transportation, accommodation, and other resources that will help We Got This Canada in fulfilling its mission • Event Sponsorship – products and services that will help low income families celebrate special occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Thanksgiving • Fundraising Event Partner – donations of any kind that will aid the organization in facilitating fundraising events

BECOME A VOLUNTEER – JOIN US NOW We Got This Canada is proud to be a volunteer-run, volunteer-led non-profit organization. Our team is composed of dedicated and committed Manitobans who donate our time to a mutual goal – fighting food insecurity.

Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and bring a variety of much-needed skills to the table.

We appreciate your support; rest assured that every donation you send goes to the impoverished members of the society. Sign up now and help eliminate food insecurity in Winnipeg.

We Got This Canada 204-480-8590 contactus@wegotthiscanada.org www.wegotthiscanada.org

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Must See Manitoba

We know you are ready for a getaway.

Explore some of the most beautiful scenery. Connect with your inner explorer.

Travel the many provincial paths to some not-so-secret gems that can't wait to open their doors to you on your travels this summer.

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Must See Manitoba

Churro Sundae Banana Split Sundaes Ice Cream Cakes Soft Ice Cream Shakes Twisters 305 18th St N Brandon 204-725-3003

Twisters Ice Cream Shoppe

SPECIAL OFFER

Buy any specialty menu item get the second for 1/2 price!

*must present coupon* Coupon expires Sept 30, 2021

Must See Manitoba

After starting out as a small family business to provide summer jobs for their kids, Float and Paddle has evolved and blossomed into one of Manitoba’s favourite must do summer activities!

People from all over the province flock to Pinawa every summer to visit Float and Paddle and experience the best lazy river float our province has to offer.

The float is a 2-3 hour blissful journey down the Pinawa Channel on the edge of the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

This is a must do activity for all ages!

Float & Paddle | www.floatandpaddle.ca | 204-751-0405 |

Must See Manitoba

LUXURY RIVER TUBES

CANOES & KAYAKS

STABLE SUP BOARDS

*Starting at $16pp

*Starting at $20pp

Starting at $30pp

There is no better way to enjoy the water than on a Pinawa Channel tube float! We have top-quality Pinawa tube rentals designed specifically for our location. Our service and expertise will ensure you have a positively memorable experience!

Need a little more activity and adventure? Try a Pinawa canoe rental or kayak. We supply the safety equipment, quality boats, map, and local expertise.

Check-in is located the Pinawa Motel Office and the launch point is located at the downtown Pinawa Marina.

Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! Up the channel or down?

That is the question. Perhaps both!

Paddle your stress away with floating yoga, an upper-body, core workout, then relax with a horizontal float down the Pinawa Channel!

Float & Paddle | www.floatandpaddle.ca | 204-751-0405 |

Must See Manitoba

Albert’s Mini Golf Brandon Book your party for fun!

Test your skills on the rock climbing wall and batting cages. The 18-hole mini golf is a treat for all ages.

Navigate the course obstacles and take on some friendly competition on this fun and challenging course. albertsbistro.ca 204-727-3911

Aunt Sally’s Farm

A must see during your visit to the Zoo, Aunt Sally’s Farm creates a joyful experience. While not a traditional petting Zoo, get up close and personal with goats, llamas, pot bellied pigs, miniature donkeys and horses through the parallel playgrounds and overhead rainbow bridge.

Winnipeg

Located in the Assiniboine Park Zoo | www.assiniboinepark.ca

The Loop

Reston Lake & Campground

WALKING PATH

Winnipeg

Connecting The Exchange District, Old St. Boniface and Downtown, the Loop is a curated walking guide with over 50 iconic and historic landmarks.

A family oasis awaits you only 1 hour SW of Brandon on #2 HWY. Reston is home to a spray park with a waterslide, lake for swimming, beach, 9-hole golf course and campground! This family friendly area is located on the West side of Reston in the RM of Pipestone. The RM of Pipestone is home to an assortment of services, and hosts thriving programs such as the famous $10 residential lot program.

rmofpipestone.com | 204-877-3327

Must See Manitoba

Crow’s Nest GENERAL STORE Brandon Take the time to explore the many sights!

Cool down at the vintage Ice Cream Parlour, take a tour on the uniquely landscaped grounds, and hike along the Assiniboine River. The guided Assiniboine Food Forrest Trail is a great learning excursion.

Riverbank Discovery Centre

Gone Scrappin In Bloom Rossburn Stop in for a cold drink, treat yourself to ice cream and be inspired in this gathering space! Supporting artisans of all backgrounds, you will find so many handmade and small batch crafted items in the shop. Recharge your soul, take a breath and enjoy the slower pace as soon as you walk in the front door of this old 1938 general store.

204-859-3334 www.gonescrappin.ca flowers, scrapbooking, gifts & café

Brandon Riverbank is home to the Riverbank Discovery Centre, a facility that includes wildlife displays, an activity centre for families, kids programs, souvenirs and much more! It’s also home to the Brandon & Region Tourism Centre, which provides information on anything and everything to do in our city and region!

The Riverbank grounds include an extensive trail system that runs through wetlands, prairie grasses, native and introduced trees and shrubs, and connects to the Red Willow Pedestrian Bridge overlooking the Assiniboine River, as well as a playgrounds, art installations and Fusion Credit Union Stage, an outdoor covered amphitheatre, which hosts everything from small cultural performances to large summer concerts!

www.riverbank.mb.ca www.brandontourism.com

Must See Manitoba

Your Small Town Boutique providing home decor and gift ideas.

Candles | Pottery | Home Decor | Jewellery | Wood Crafts | Textiles | Art Health & Wellness Products | Handmade Soap | Repurposed Items

Take a short drive on Highway 83 through the scenic Assiniboine Valley to find yourself at the creative Studio 83 in Miniota MB. Extend your visit with a round of gold or a hike on the beautiful Silverbend Trails.

Studio 83 Jennifer Copet 204-567-3586 creativesoul82@hotmail.com

RESILIENT NEEPAWA Welcomes Summer Tourists

BY GEOFF KIRBYSON PHOTOS BY SANDY BLACK

Neepawa hasn’t been immune to the COVID-19 pandemic but you’d be hard-pressed to find a community that has weathered the storm better.

Located about a two-hour drive northwest of Winnipeg and about 45 minutes northeast of Brandon, not only did Neepawa not fall into a recession, the town of nearly 6,000 has actually added new businesses since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

“Our businesses are doing so well, I haven’t lost a single one to COVID,” says Marilyn Crewe, the town’s economic development officer. “Last year, we had seven businesses open their doors.”

They include a cannabis store, a physiotherapy clinic and a couple of legal offices. The Bay Hill Inn hotel and Westway Motel were also sold to new owners, too.

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“Where stories take a beautiful turn” Crewe is confident good times are just around the corner as vaccination numbers continue to rise around the province.

That’s why she and her team are putting out the welcome mat to convince other Manitobans to hop in their vehicles and drive to Neepawa.

Along with Travel Manitoba, Crewe has put together a “stay-and-play” package weekend featuring a one-night stay at the Bay Hill Inn hotel, a $40 gift certificate from a local restaurant and a gift from Neepawa Tourism for $140.

There’s no shortage of activities in Neepawa, including the Back Forty Trail Park, a five-kilometre cycling course for riders of all abilities; the Great Trail, 10 km of winding terrain for outdoor enthusiasts; and the the Neepawa Golf & Country Club, which offers 18 challenging holes along the winding Whitemud River.

In March 2020, Farmery Estate Brewery decided to pivot their business model to meet global demand for hand sanitizer. They did not expect the demand to be so high. “Within 15 minutes, we had 300 likes (and) shares, and it just kept going higher and higher.” said Co-owner Lawrence Warwaruk. It was a success!

The business shift was good PR for Farmery Estate Brewery to provide hand sanitizer during such a difficult time. Farmery made donations to health care facilities and other public spaces.

The requirements for the manufacturing of hand sanitizer caused them to close their building the public.

They had to stop doing tours and could not sell from their brewery. At this time, they pivoted again and found a commercial space offsite to open a retail store in Neepawa. In November, Farmery has opened a procurement centre in Winnipeg. More sales means more production and employment for the Neepawabased brewery. In the difficult year that was 2020, Farmery Estate Brewery is a great example of the resilience and tenacity of rural, small business.

In an unexpected twist, when the Pallister government mandated a province-wide lockdown, retailers in Neepawa benefitted. Residents who might otherwise have driven to Brandon or Winnipeg to do a big shop decided to stay closer to home.

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“Our local businesses saw more people choosing to shop local. This is one of the strengths of rural. We’re naturally distant, it’s how we live,” she says. “Our businesses have been very innovative and showed a lot of strength and resilience. Our individual business owners were constantly figuring it out in the midst of rules that were changing every few weeks.”

Grocery stores, electronics outlets and hardware retailers, meanwhile, saw their sales soar.

However, it hasn’t all been days of wine and roses.

Businesses such as hair salons were forced to close while gyms pivoted to providing online instruction and boot camps.

Crewe is optimistic that the entrepreneurs who had to close their doors during any of the three COVID waves in the province will see their dedication rewarded with a non-stop stream of customers.

“Neepawa is open for business,” she says.

Plan your visit at www.neepawatourism.ca

MAKE AN IMPACT… every bit counts!

Building a caring and inclusive society where everybody is well nourished, supported and nurtured.

We Got This Canada has thousands of members donating their time, food, and resources to those who needed it the most. Members of the group built a caring community who believed that they could overcome their challenges together.

Our team members have established regular programs to provide emergency meals and hampers, assistance, and engagement to people, with the help of local businesses and generous donors.

We Got This Canada 204-480-8590 contactus@wegotthiscanada.org www.wegotthiscanada.org