Spring 2016 atHOME magazine Victoria

DESIGN JENNY MARTIN | VICTORIA VIBE DANA HUTCHINGS | REAL ESTATE TODD TALBOT

TAPAS MAKE AT HOME with CHEF DAN HAYES

s k c i P ’s r o t i d E

AFTERNOON TEA

BACKYARD COMFORT & JOY

MUST HAVES FOR YOUR 2016 GREAT OUTDOOR SPACE

HOW TO WIN IN A RED HOT

REAL ESTATE MARKET WEEKEND D.I.Y COFFEE TABLE TO UPHOLSTERED OTTOMAN IN 3 HOURS

SPRING 2016

ATHOMEMAGAZINE.CA

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contents

2

CONTRIBUTORS

4

ISSUE FEATURES

5

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

6

RIGHT AT HOME

10

EDITOR’S PICKS

12

MUST-HAVE GUIDE

14

CHEF AT HOME

16

INTERIOR BY: DESIGN

22

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

27

DESIGN WITH JENNY MARTIN

40

WEEKEND D.I.Y

42

BORROWED TIME

44

CULINARY TRAVEL

46

THE WINE LIST

52

VICTORIA VIBE

54

FOODIE AT HOME

56

TRAVELLING EDITOR

58

THE ARTFUL HOME

60

ENTERTAIN WITH DOROTHY

64

A CONVERSATION WITH

66

#YYJ LOOK WHAT’S LOCAL

68

STEVE NASH FITNESS WORLD

70

ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS

72

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BUYING A HOME IN A HOT MARKET If you want to know how to win the real estate game in this competitive market, do not miss expert Todd Talbot’s top tips for buying your first home right now. by: Todd Talbot

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SPRING SCENT-SATION Home decor isn’t just about sofas and paint chips. atHOME’s interior designer is showing us how fragrant flowers and creative arrangements make all the difference. by: Jenny Martin

46

STREET FOOD AROUND THE WORLD Join us on a culinary trip to distant lands and learn which street foods are popular in other countries; what it looks like, how it tastes and of course, what to avoid. by: Frank Bures

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contributors CHEF DAN HAYES

DESIGNER JENNY MARTIN

WINE EXPERT STUART BROWN

is owner of The London Chef in Victoria. Chef Dan combines classical French training and a love of rustic Mediterranean cuisine to create outstanding dishes, memorable events and cookery lessons.

is one of Vancouver Island’s premier interior designers, and a name synonymous with timeless interiors and truly functional spaces.

She owns and manages Victoria based firm, Jenny Martin Design.

SPANISH TAPAS

SPRING SCENT-SATION

p.16

p.40

is a Victoria based certified Sommelier and regarded wine expert. Stuart spends his time educating others about wine around the world, and is an instructor for the International Sommelier Guild on Vancouver Island.

SALT SPRING ISLAND ALES

p.52

VICTORIA GIRL DANA HUTCHINGS is proud to call Victoria home.

Dana’s family has been here for five generations.

She is an awardwinning journalist and Director of Advancement and Communications at Power to Be Adventure Therapy.

NEW BEGINNINGS

p.54

ART LOVER EMILY DOBBY is an art professional with gallery and museum experience, currently managing Richard Roblin Fine Art Inc. Emily first fell in love with Victoria while completing a History in Art Master’s degree at University of Victoria.

MATT DI CASTRI

p.60

HOME EXPERT & TV PERSONALITY TODD TALBOT With a stage and screen career that began at an early age, Todd Talbot currently stars in Love It or List It Vancouver, was a guest judge on Game of Homes and voiced the show Who Lives Here, both for the W Network. Todd has also starred in dozens of award-winning productions around the world, and joins atHOME magazine as a home and real estate expert columnist for 2016.

HOW TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME IN A HOT MARKET

p.28

AH

4

features

INTERIOR by: design

p.22

Character home floor plans don’t always work with modern living, leaving many homes with unloved spaces. Jane Cross is sharing design ideas to turn an unused dining room or cluttered sunroom into a beautifully functional guest suite, play room or home office.

SPRING INTO ACTION ISSUE It’s the season to get things done.

Whether we are digging in the garden, renovating the kitchen or getting the house ready to sell in this sizzling real estate market, this issue of atHOME is hands-on, interactive and here to help with your spring plans and projects.

FROM THE COVER

AH

p.16

CHEF AT HOME Chef Dan Hayes has a love for Mediterranean cuisine, and with the trend for small plate eating on the rise, he’s showing you how to make Spanish tapas and giving readers his special recipe for sangria!

atHOME magazine

SPRING is the time of

plans and projects.

– LEO TOLSTOY

S

pring is definitely the season that homeowners, D.I.Y’ers and design aficionados wait for all year. We begin to formulate our plans in the fall, and as winter sets in, we research and budget and plan some more. Tolstoy was right - spring is the time of plans and projects.

This is our most hands-on issue ever! We are helping you get your home and family ready for outdoor adventures, warm weather living, moving and spring renovations.

Turn a forgotten room in your home into a functional place of beauty [Interior by Design, page 22], transform an ordinary Ikea coffee table into an upholstered ottoman in three hours, and for less than $50 dollars [Weekend D.I.Y, page 42], discover the art of decorating your home with fresh flowers with our resident interior designer [Design with Jenny Martin, page 40], and learn how to make homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream in our new local recipe series [#FoodieAtHome, page 56].

A must read, as part of our regular segment on real estate in this city [Victoria Real Estate Guide, page 21], television personality and real estate expert Todd Talbot is helping first time home buyers navigate a very competitive real estate market [Todd Talbot, page 28].

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I love afternoon tea, don’t you? I’m sharing my favourite local spots for the best scones, pastries and of course, tea [Editor’s Picks, page 12].

Showcased on this issue, our very first culinary inspired cover, Chef Dan Hayes is sharing his favourite recipes for deliciously authentic Spanish Tapas and a Spring Sangria recipe you won’t want to wait for the weekend to try [Chef at Home, page 16].

As always, thank you for spending time with us. I love sharing our HOME with you.

It’s good to be home,

Tracey Drake, EDITOR IN CHIEF editor@atHOMEmagazine.ca

the art of

DON BASTIAN

at HOME VICTORIA

PUBLISHER GLOSSY MEDIA EDITOR IN CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACEY DRAKE SALES & CIRCULATION DIRECTOR STEVE DRAKE PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL TEAM STUART BROWN FRANK BURES JANET COLEMAN JANE CROSS ELIZABETH DEAN EMILY DOBBY STEVE DRAKE TRACEY DRAKE DOROTHY HAWES DAN HAYES DANA HUTCHINGS RASHIDA MALIK JENNY MARTIN JOSIE SALDAT GREG SZABO TODD TALBOT CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY ADOBE STOCK JOHN CARREIRO CHASE CLAUSEN MATT DI CASTRI STEVE DRAKE FLINTSTONES MASONRY DANA HUTCHINGS HOMESENSE CANADA ELIZABETH PARSONS PUNTA MITA BEACH FESTIVAL ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA POWER TO BE DEBBIE STEEPER REBECCA WELLMAN

Art is no longer just for the walls. donbastian.com

8

250.514.5030

ADVERTISING & PUBLISHING RIGHTS ENQUIRIES 250.595.7870 | sales@atHOMEmagazine.ca | atHOMEmagazine.ca Published by: Glossy Media All rights reserved. No part of atHOME magazine, Victoria edition may be copied or reproduced without permission. atHOME magazine is proudly produced in Canada Canada Post Publication Agreement #42520516 © COPYRIGHT atHOME VICTORIA MAGAZINE | GLOSSY MEDIA 2014-2016

GET OUT OF THE SHADE!

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rightat HOME T

his local photograph, titled Ancient Totem was taken in Victoria by photographer Chase Clausen.

WHERE WAS THIS PHOTO TAKEN? Tell us where you think this photograph was taken and win! Enter on our website at www.atHOMEmagazine.ca. One lucky winner will win a custom framed print, courtesy of The Print Lab.

CONGRATULATIONS Abby Campbell was the winner of the framed print Winter Moss from AHV’s Winter 2016 issue. The correct answer was the Japanese garden at The Butchart Gardens.

10

AHV WANTS TO FEATURE YOUR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPH! Send an email to editor@atHOMEvictoria.com for details on how to submit your Victoria photography.

editor’s PICKS AFTERNOON TEA I REVEL IN THE TRADITION

of afternoon tea... it never gets old for me. I love getting dressed in something nice, and spending time with cherished friends or the lovely girls in my life and getting lost in conversation and laughter over delicate sandwiches, savoury pastries, sweet delights and delicious hot tea. These are my top four places in Victoria to enjoy afternoon tea.

#1 VENUS SOPHIA TEA ROOM My favourite in the city! I indulge as often as I can and this has become my go-to place when I want to share a special afternoon with a good friend or client.

Signature Afternoon Tea, $30.00/pp

#2 WHITE HEATHER TEA ROOM If you want the authentic English “tiny tea shop on the corner” experience, this is it! Try the special Mad Hatter blended tea with vanilla, grenadine, passion fruit and papaya.

Not So Wee Tea, $26.50/pp

#3 FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL Sitting in the tea lobby of the Fairmont Empress, sipping the Empress Blend tea from fine china teacups is how afternoons are meant to be.

Especially nice as a holiday treat.

Traditional Afternoon Tea, $51.00/pp

#4 ABKHAZI GARDEN Tucked amidst secret gardens and enchanted meadows, this is a wonderful place to experience afternoon tea. The smoked salmon profiterole is worth the trip.

Garden Afternoon Tea, $28.00/pp

MY ABSOLUTE FAVES!

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Tea cups and saucers - Bird and Nest - from Melody Rose London. melodyrose.co.uk *�rices were correct and verified at time of printing

your LIFE. your STYLE. your C I T Y. Fashion and beauty should be fun, flattering and effortless.

Forget about trends. First, get to know your body and skin type. Next, choose colours you love, silhouettes that compliment your body shape and styles that fit your unique lifestyle.

— TRACEY DRAKE, EDITOR IN CHIEF NICHE MAGAZINE | atHOME MAGAZINE

Join us!

LIFE + STYLE PROGRAM A unique LIFE+STYLE program created by the fashion, beauty and lifestyle experts at NICHE magazine and atHOME Victoria magazine, in partnership with Victoria’s favourite downtown shopping destination, The Bay Centre. Watch for events like Lunch & Learn, Fashion & Lifestyle Exhibits, Beauty Demos, Home Decor How-To Sessions, and Celebrity Guests!

UPCOMING SESSIONS: SHAKE UP YOUR STYLE. 6 WAYS TO CHANGE UP YOUR EXISTING WARDROBE. COLOUR BLOCKING. THE TRICK TO LOOKING LEAN AND STYLISH IN YOUR CLOTHES. COME & LEARN HOW ITS DONE.

magazine.TM

is your local fashion & lifestyle expert.

Our internationally recognized magazine is a go-to source for millions of readers. Our local team of style experts will help you look and feel amazing!

w!WORK WITH A NICHE STYLIST e N

Need a little fashion advice? Do you know your body type and how to dress it? NICHE offers private and small group (BFFs and bridal party) style sessions at The Bay Centre. Fun, educational, affordable!

RE-STYLE YOUR HOME. 10 WAYS TO GO FROM DULL DRAB TO ELEGANT GLAM IN JUST A WEEKEND. LET’S TALK BODY TYPES. DEBUNKING THE MYTHS OF WHAT YOU REALLY CAN WEAR ON YOUR BODY. SECRETS TO A CLOSET PURGE. WHY THIS WILL SAVE TIME AND HAVE YOU LOVING YOUR WARDROBE AGAIN.

Details, pricing, event tickets & style session bookings:

www.NICHE.style

By appointment only.

magazine.TM

™

atHOME’s six favourite

Must haves for great outdoor living

We do a lot of living outdoors in Victoria. As soon as the cherry trees burst into colour, and the city blooms are counted (25,864,976,064 counted for 2016), we cannot wait to dust off the patio furniture and get outside.

For this issue, we’ve rounded up our favourite save and splurge items that your Victoria backyard needs this year. From cooking and serving to kicking back in comfort, we’ve got you covered.

{

This local outdoor living space photograph was provided by Flintstones Masonry who custom crafted this beautiful backyard fireplace. Details at flintstonesmasonry.com

AZUL HAND PAINTED DINNERWARE COLLECTION

Set the patio table in style with this imported dinnerware in a colourful floral pattern. Dishwasher safe and made of durable melamine for outdoor use.

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PRINCEVILLE OUTDOOR SECTIONAL SOFA

Woven resin furniture in weathered espresso finish.

Sunbrella fabric for durability and style.

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SEA STAR ORTEGA WHITE WINE

Bright floral aroma and crisp, clean finish. Perfect for seafood, spicy dishes, or enjoyed on its own!

Sea Star Vineyards, $20.00 seastarvineyards.ca

FORNO 4 OUTDOOR PIZZA OVEN

Made in Italy by Alfa Pizza, this authentic wood fired oven for your backyard delivers restaurant quality performance. Perfect for year-round use and lightweight for easy moving.

Wayfair Canada, $4,799.99 wayfair.ca

NAPOLEAN ST. TROPEZ PATIOFL AME TABLE

Elegant and modern, the rustic bronze finish of this fire table will match any décor.

Comes with an aluminum burner cover, converting firepit to table. 60,000 BTU’s of heat, and hidden storage for propane tank.

FlameTech Heating Victoria, $1,299.00 flametechheating.com

atHOME magazine

CHEF AT HOME BY: DAN HAYES | THE LONDON CHEF

PHOTOGRAPHER: REBECCA WELLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE LONDON CHEF EXCLUSIVELY FOR atHOME MAGAZINE

16

MAKE CHEF DAN’S AUTHENTIC SPANISH TAPAS AT HOME THIS WEEKEND

T

apas, of Spanish origin, refers to small plates of food meant to accompany a drink. Tapas can be served hot or cold, fresh or fried. The beauty of Tapas is that you can prepare (or order) many different dishes to sample and share with friends and family. In Spain, the serving of tapas is to encourage conversation and community. In Victoria, tapas has become quite popular. Why not create your own tapas menu and serve it Spanish style at your next gathering? Here are a few of my favourites: char grilled vegetables, pan con tomate, Spanish style cuttlefish and squid a la plancha, aiolo and of course, freshly made spring sangria!

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FROM THE COVER!

CHAR GRILLED VEGETABLES • ZUCCHINI, SLICED APPROX 1/2 THICK ON A BIAS • EGGPLANT, SLICED APPROX 1/2 THICK ON A BIAS • ASPARAGUS, TRIMMED • RED PEPPERS, SEEDS REMOVED, SLICED INTO THICK PIECES • OLIVE OIL • SALT *swap out vegetables for whatever is fresh and in season

METHOD: • In a bowl, toss vegetables with large pinch of salt and generous pour of olive oil.

• Place griddle on high heat, and when pan is smoking hot, grill vegetables. Start with zucchini and eggplant, then red pepper and then asparagus.

• Work in batches, and avoid crowding the pan. Turn vegetables over only once char marks have formed. The second side will take less time.

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PAN CON TOMATE • 1 BAGUETTE OR CRUSTY WHITE BREAD, • 2 LARGE RIPE TOMATOES

• 5 GARLIC CLOVES, PEELED • EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL • SEA SALT TO TASTE

METHOD: • Slice baguette on an angle, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sea salt.

• Place on a roasting tray in 400 degree oven until bread turns slightly golden and crisp, approximately 5-10 minutes. Bread can be toasted on one side only or flipped half way through.

• Cut tomato in half. Rub bread with garlic clove and tomato.

SPANISH STYLE CUTTLEFISH & SQUID A LA PLANCHA • • • • • • • • • •

1 SMALL SQUID, CLEANED, PREPPED, DRIED 1 CUTTLEFISH, CLEANED, PREPPED, DRIED 2 TSP TOASTED CUMIN SEED 2 CLOVES GARLIC 1 LEMON, ZEST & JUICE 1 RED ONION, FINELY SLICED 1 TSP CHILLI FLAKES 1/2 CUP CHOPPED PARSLEY & CILANTRO SEA SALT, TO TASTE 2 TBSP EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

METHOD: • Starting with a very hot skillet pan, add olive oil. When oil is very hot, add dried squid and cuttlefish.

• Wait about 30 seconds, and add chilli, onion, and garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes or until all seafood is cooked.

• Finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs.

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atHOME magazine

SPRING SANGRIA • 1 BOTTLE DRINKABLE QUALITY RED WINE • 1/2 LITRE SPARKLING WATER • 1 BUNCH OF MINT

• SELECTION OF FRUITS INCLUDING: LEMON,

ORANGE, MELON, PEACH, AND STRAWBERRIES

• 200 ML BRANDY

• 1 TBSP WHITE SUGAR • 50 ML TRIPLE SEC

METHOD: • Chop all of the fruit and put in two large serving jugs.

• Sprinkle in sugar. Add triple sec and brandy.

• Cover jugs with saran wrap and leave for at least 4 hours, but ideally longer (up to 12 hours).

• Pour in wine and sparkling water. Mix well.

• Add mint including stalks.

• Finish with lots of ice cubes.

• Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Serve cold.

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AIOLI • 5 EGG YOLKS

• JUICE OF HALF LEMON

• 5 CLOVES OF GARLIC, PEELED AND GERM REMOVED

• 2 CUPS CANOLA OIL • 1 CUP OLIVE OIL • PINCH OF SALT

METHOD:

• Combine egg yolks, lemon, garlic and salt in a deep, narrow container (i.e. something the shape of a pint glass) and blend with hand blender.

• Pour in oil very slowly, continuing to blend until a thick emulsion is formed.

• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Keep refrigerated and well covered.

• Use within 48 hours.

EXTENDED VERSION ONLINE Go to atHOMEmagazine.ca for behind-the-scenes video and photos of these and other recipes by Chef Hayes.

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INTERIOR by: design

22

TURQUOISE AND

TANGERINE DREAMS HOME INSPIRATION FOUND IN

forgotten places BY: JANE CROSS

I

think that each of us has a lonely space in our home.

You know… the room that sits there collecting dust and overflow clutter from the rest of the house; the space that is screaming out to be brought back to life.

It might be a spare bedroom but I encourage you to look beyond the usual suspects.

ISN’T IT ODD?

If you are like me, you probably find it fascinating that because a floor plan states that ‘this’ space is a dining room, that it must be used for that function forever and ever. Why? Culturally, we don’t dine formally any longer so in many homes, that eating space sits alone – rarely used.

A back porch or sunroom is often an underutilized space in a home because of its removed location, but what could be more wonderful than your house guests waking up to the brilliant sunlight in their own private retreat?

atHOME magazine

BACK PORCH/ SUNROOM TO CHEERFUL GUEST ROOM

er v o e k a m

24

This spring, shake things up and redecorate that unloved space in your home! Sometimes all you need is an idea, a purpose and a little inspiration. Here are a few great common sense tips and ideas to get you started...

MOVE YOURSELF.

Just like anything else in life, it is difficult to get going on a project if you are not motivated. Home decor is a personal affair, and because guests don’t always see those forgotten rooms, we are left uninspired. The internet, home magazines and furniture showrooms are a great place to find inspiration. Discover what you like, what you want and embrace the design dreams you have for your home.

Now – move! Take a long, slow tour of your own home. As you move from room to room, be mindful of how you use each room, whether it is doing its job and could it be used for something else – something better. Take along your cell phone and take pictures of what you see in each room.

Have pen and pad at the ready to take notes of what you feel in each room.

As you continue to move through your home, keep your eyes and your mind wide open. There may be a quieter place for your home office, or perhaps consider turning the dining room into a playroom that promotes fun family time but keeps the mess contained.

DEFINE YOUR OWN INSPIRATION!

There truly are no hard and fast rules about how you decorate your home. Yes, there is questionable taste. I will give you that and sure, there

DINING ROOM TO PLAYROOM

er makeov

are interior design rules that do work when it comes to balance and space planning. However, if you want to break the rules – go ahead!

Create an inspiring place that speaks to your lifestyle and your unique sense of decorating.

Twenty years ago, designers would not have dared create an entire room in vibrant turquoise blue and vivid tangerine orange. Today, it is a very popular colour palate. Hot pink and lipstick red; navy blue and lime green; rich eggplant and bright yellow - all great and unexpected colour pairings.

Lucky for you, fabric and paint don’t have to last a lifetime so if you make a boo-boo, get tired of a pattern or want to change your look, it is very easy to do. Just take a walk around your home again and instantly be inspired!

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VICTORIA REAL ESTATE GUIDE Spring 2016 Edition Welcome to atHOME’s real estate feature. Look inside for homeowner renovation tips and spring decor ideas, an exclusive with Todd Talbot, and home sale listings that might get you motivated to star t pac king!

BY: TODD TALBOT

BUYING A HOME IN A RED HOT

MARKET

I

t’s difficult for anybody at any time to buy their first property. It can be frustrating, overwhelming and scary, but it can also be fun and rewarding! The good news is that real estate, as a commodity, moves slowly so you can take your time, ask a ton of questions and enjoy the process of buying your first home.

I’ve spent countless hours helping first time buyers understand the market and the process to ensure they make smart choices when losing their property virginity.

We are currently in one of the hottest markets which means all the same principals apply, but you need to be ready to move faster when the property is right for you.

In the case of a bidding war, decide upfront what you value the property at and stick to your guns. If someone wants to go crazy in terms of price, let them, and move onto the next property.

Here are my top tips to remember as you take this real estate journey...

FINANCING This may sound like the equivalent of eating liver as a kid but understanding the money side of buying a property can save you tens of thousands of dollars if not more. It’s as important as the purchase price. You not only need to know what different types of mortgages there are but a little interest rate savvy will really make a difference in the long run. I’ve personally saved thousands by being proactive with my financing choices.

PROFIT OVER PRETT Y I tell anyone who listens that you are a real estate investor the moment you buy your first property and you should think of yourself as your own tenant. Keep this perspective and you will always keep your priorities straight. Forget the idea of a ‘dream home’, you can deal with that later in life.

28

REAL ESTATE feature

atHOME magazine

LOOK AT 100 HOMES RESEARCH 10 BUY 1 NATURAL ADVANTAGE I’ve made a ton of money and beat the market by using little nuggets of information that I know about a neighbourhood that others don’t. Invest in what you know. This information gives you an advantage and understanding as to where, what and when to buy. Little influences like the types of cars parked on the street, how busy is that new restaurant, or where Starbucks is opening.

100-10-1 RULE Look at 100 homes, research 10, and you will end up buying 1. I read about this idea about 15 years ago and I really like it because it makes you slow down. Before people were searching online you had to get out and walk through properties. Until you have walked through 10 properties that are similar you don’t have an instinct for current value. After a minimum of 10 you will start to get a ‘feel’ for value and be able to guess what a property should be listed at.

RENTALS ALLOWED Life is fluid and unpredictable and so is the real estate market.

I’m a big believer that not only do you want the ability to rent the property if you need to move for work, kids, family, health, etc. but if you can’t afford to live there and it’s a bad time to sell you need a back up plan and renting is the perfect option. Know the rental market and what your prospective place will rent for before buying. It provides peace of mind.

LOCATION Buy in the best location you can possibly afford and sacrifice space if you have to. The future potential of your investment is directly related to location. You can renovate pretty much anything in a house except location. Get the location right.

FREEHOLD FREEHOLD FREEHOLD There are many ownership structures that fit different people at different times in their life but when it comes to climbing the property ladder the most powerful ownership type is ‘freehold’.

Whatever it takes, make sure you understand the capital appreciation trend of the type of property you are buying. In almost every case, freehold beats all other types.

30

NO EMOTION Don’t get emotionally attached to a property. It’s a bit of a oxymoron because you need to fall in love in order to pull the trigger but you can’t let that feeling cloud your judgement.

You make your money when you buy. Every dollar saved in the negotiation is a dollar earned when it comes time to sell.

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THINK LONG TERM Remember that real estate is a long-term investment.

Don’t get spoiled by the past performance of the market.

Real Estate is cyclical, it WILL go up and down in value but history shows us that over a 7-10 year period smart real estate investment will perform well.

GET CREATIVE Sometimes you don’t have enough money to buy what you want or even buy anything at all. There are many creative solutions that you may not have thought of. Buying a house and living in the basement and renting out the more expensive part, for example. You may partner with someone, or do what I did when I bought my first condo buy a 2 bedroom and rent out the other room to a friend who covers half the costs.

Nobody has a crystal ball but I am a believer in the real estate market and I put my money where my mouth is.

Only take advice from those with real experience and ‘skin’ in the game. It’s easy to be negative. It sells papers to publish that ‘the sky is falling’ especially after the unprecedented run the market has had. If you have any questions about buying or selling, you can visit me at toddtalbot.ca

TODD TALBOT With Love It or List It Vancouver, Todd has returned to the small screen where he first made his start as a teenager on the hit Nickelodeon TV series Fifteen. A veteran theatre artist for more than two decades, Todd has starred in dozens of award-winning productions across the country and around the world.

Todd’s professional life has never been busier. Todd travels between the U.S. and Canada, speaking at and emceeing a wide variety of events. Todd was a guest judge on Game of Homes and voiced the show Who Lives Here, both for the W Network.

An entrepreneur from a young age, Todd’s company currently owns and manages multiple residential properties as well as several real estate ventures in renovation, marketing and design. Todd also leads an experienced team helping clients buy and sell homes.

Visit toddtalbot.ca, for a journey behind the scenes into life both on and off screen as well as any upcoming events/projects.

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Follow Todd Talbot: Instagram, Twitter and Periscope @ToddTalbot

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REAL ESTATE

REALITIES

The day you turn that key and move into your very first home is a moment in time that you never forget. It is a culmination of working hard, saving money, and the realization of a dream. With the rising costs of real estate, stricter credit guidelines, and the current economic climate, realizing this dream may be impossible for young adults, without the help of their parents.

BY: RASHIDA MALIK

THE SALARY YOU NEED TO BUY A HOME IN CITIES ACROSS CANADA

INFOGRAPHIC SOURCE: RENTSEEKER.CA

R

ecently, I was reading an article that included the above infographic created by RentSeeker.ca. For me, it contains eye-opening realities of how much it actually costs to get onto the property ladder.

SETTING THE TONE: YOUR CHILD’S FINANCIAL FUTURE

Things have changed in the last two decades. It is a fact that more adult children are staying in their home towns to attend university and after graduation, moving back in with mom and dad because they cannot afford to buy a home.

University is expensive, and one of those costs is rental housing.

At the end of a 4-year degree, you can spend upwards of $50,000 in Victoria and with nothing to show for it financially. However, if you were to purchase a property in the vicinity of the school, you and your child will reap all kinds of positive rewards.

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FINANCIAL FITNESS Putting your money to work on a rental property close to school means you are investing your money in a high equity situation. If you sell the property when your child finishes school, you most certainly will see a healthy return on your real estate investment.

You might also want to keep it and rent it out as student accommodation for a few more years. Further, as graduation approaches, now is the time to think about real estate investment for kids who are finished their post secondary education, coming home and starting their first job. Helping them get onto the property ladder might be a good idea.

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY You might also consider purchasing the property as a first home for your child. He or she would then be responsible for upkeep, securing roommates to cover mortgage payments, and acting as landlord. These are all excellent life lessons.

it becomes to purchase a home. That is because there are many other financial stressors in life as we age; factors the bank looks at when determining your mortgage application.

BRIGHT FUTURE Whether it is an investment in your own retirement plan, or you are helping your child to buy their first home, it is a win-win scenario. With your financial investment in real estate, your nest egg will grow. With your money invested in your child’s future, their financial fitness will be that much more certain.

I asked Desiree Palfrey, a Mortgage Broker in Victoria, and someone that I trust implicitly, how a parent can assist in purchasing a home for their child, or how purchasing a home for investment, could be beneficial for both in the future. “There are several options available, including purchasing with as little as 5% downpayment or by assisting with as much as 20% downpayment to avoid extra premium costs. In the long run, it would be a good long term investment potentially for both, and that is a positive thing.”

Studies have shown that the longer a person waits, the harder

There is a signficant difference in the positive financial impact on a 25 year old purchasing their first home with the help of parents, compared to someone who waits until they are 35 so they can save the minimum downpayment. That ten years can drastically impact your child’s financial fitness in a very positive way.

If your child is attending school in Victoria, there are great properties for sale in the neighbourhoods near University of Victoria and Camosun College. These areas consistently have strong rental opportunities, and yield high return on investment.

I would love to show you what is currently available, if this is something that might work for your family.

TOM CROFT

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MBR w/walk-in closet, ensuite and shower w/2 shower heads. Within walking distance to parks, schools, downtown. $709,000 MLS® 358077

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TASTEFULLY UPDATED TOWNHOUSE RARE OPPORTUNITY IN LANGFORD

Almost 2000sqft of comfortable living in this 3BR, 2BA townhouse in a very popular & well-maintained 29 unit townhouse neighbourhood bordering Langford Lake. Large, modern Ikea Kitchen, LR/DR w/wood-burning insert, new roof, newer vinyl windows & Hardi-Plank siding. Walk-out basement, and a fully fenced, W-facing yard ideal for kids & pets. A great central location on a quiet cul-de-sac. $324,900 MLS® 358107

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801-845 YATES ST

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This 3bd, 4 bth home is situated on a large private lot next to Hollydene Beach. Walking distance to UVic and some of Victoria’s best schools. This spacious home also has suite potential

801-845 Yates St $345,000 Heart of the City! Spacious 8th floor, 1 br suite offers southerly views to the Juan de Fuca Straits & the city through floor to ceiling windows. Electric fireplace, gourmet kitchen, in suite storage and laundry, plus in-house gym and storage locker. This prime location is literally steps from shopping and your favourite coffee hangout!

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23 - 1000 Silver Spray Drive $829,900 Imagine living on the vibrant edge of nature with surging surf and romantic sunsets This plan can be either 2 or 3 bedrooms.

Offering a “lock & go” luxury lifestyle and you have the option to rent when you are not home. It comes fully furnished and equipped! Just bring your suitcase! Price exclusive of GST.

7450 Thornton Heights $1,400,000 With over 4,200 square feet of open concept living, beautiful custom interiors and unparalleled views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympics, this immaculate private home is the perfect balance of design and nature.

7180 EAST SOOKE RD

7180 East Sooke Rd $912,000 Yet to be built, this home offers privacy and spectacular panoramic westerly views spanning the Olympic Mountains, Juan de Fuca Straits and Whiffen Spit. This superb Ridgeco Developments custom home offers 3 levels of luxury living.

5000 SOOKE HANGER DR

5000 Sooke Hanger Dr $1,090,000 This gracious custom home sits majestically atop a superb west coast acreage overlooking the Olympic Mountains and Sooke Basin. On 10 pristine acres, the 4000+ square foot home exudes elegance & a perfect mix of traditional and casual. 3 bedrooms have en-suite baths and for a larger family an en-suite is plumbed to create a 4th bedroom with en-suite. Secluded and tranquil, yet close to all amenities. 35 minutes to DT Victoria.

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A MODERN FIX FOR AGING STUCCO

Renew, protect & beautify the exterior of your home, once & for all.

BY: ELIZABETH DEAN

F

or homeowners living on British Columbia’s spectacular West Coast, spring is a wonderful time. The garden blossoms are starting to show their faces, the days are getting longer and the sun is getting warmer. Unfortunately, year after year, those dull days of winter have taken its toll on the stucco veneer of your home and the daunting task of stucco repair and painting can no longer be ignored. It has to be done this year.

Enter – the liquid vinyl coating system.

Liquid vinyl was originally developed in England in the 1960s as an extremely thick liquid applied coating system, designed to provide long-term protection to exterior surfaces. This is not just another form of paint, liquid vinyl is an engineered multi-coat system that has been designed to provide long lasting protection and aesthetic beauty to the exterior of your home.

Available in any colour imaginable, liquid vinyl is not only waterproof but it also prevents moisture and driving rain from penetrating the surface. Liquid vinyl is breathable, which means moisture can escape from within the wall cavity. This allows the coating to maintain its solid adhesion, preventing substrate damage which may otherwise result from moisture entrapment.

Stucco is one of the most common finishes for this treatment but liquid vinyl can also be applied to other surfaces including wood, fiber-cement, brick, block, aluminum and vinyl siding.

Modern liquid vinyl systems are environmentally friendly. Source out dealers whose product contain no heavy metals, are low odour and non-toxic. Look for companies that use a multiple coat installation process. In Victoria, Coastal Home Improvement Centre offers the CHIC™ Advanced Coating System, a product with a lifetime warranty that is recommended by Shell Busey, Canada’s most trusted name in home improvement for more than thirty years.

Is liquid vinyl right for your home?

. Weatherproof – provides superior protection from the elements . Dirt and Mildew Resistant – walls are easier to keep clean . Fills and Seals Cracks – since the coating is much thicker than paint, it will seal cracks . Long Lasting – some companies offer lifetime warranties More information about liquid vinyl and its many benefits and applications can be found online at liquidvinylsystem.com

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DESIGN WITH JENNY MARTIN

SPRING SCENT-SATION

BY: JENNY MARTIN | INTERIOR DESIGNER

Feeling fresh? So are we. This season, we want to share our tips and tricks on how to really bring spring into your home. First things first - step away from the stereotypical singular centerpiece and embrace a more holistic design approach. Add a vase of tulips to your kitchen island, place a glass jar with peonies on a bathroom vanity – bring those sweet aromas into every room! My designs are never complete until I’ve garnished them with a display of beautiful flowers - a sprinkling of blossoms adds just the right touch to every space.

You don’t have to be a florist to create a beautiful display. Sometimes simple is the most chic! Lately, I’ve been using just one type of flower in an arrangement. Fill up a short vase with voluptuous blossoms and let the petals do the talking. Or, try layering a lone bloom (like an orchid) with decorative items of varying heights to create eye-popping visual interest. If you’re feeling bold, centre one dramatic flower amidst some smaller, neutral buds.

40

Popular flowers to flaunt include orchids, roses, tulips, hydrangeas, peonies, lilacs and cherry blossoms. Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of flora, the next step is to find the right vase. It can be tricky, but don’t be intimidated! Here are a few tidbits to ease your potting problems.

+ Stuck for space? Give a small countertop instant drama with

a short, narrow vase. Snip stems to emphasize the fullness of the flowers.

+ Trying to outfit a long console or dining table? Consider

breaking up your arrangement into 3 matching vases - the eye is naturally drawn to groupings of odd numbered items, and you’ll fill up any excess space!

+ For a crisp, clean look, stick with a clear vase. This light and airy feel is perfect for springtime!

+ Create a vignette by pairing vases with paintings or decorative

items that have similar colours. A gallery wall makes a great back drop for a floral display, for example, place your arrangement on a table with a chic lamp, books, or a small trendy sculpture.

+ Place single blooms into interesting kitchen containers, vintage teacups or decorative egg cups.

ARRANGE LIKE A PRO

+ Putting roses in warm water will gently coax petals to open.

+ Trim flower stems at a 45-degree angle; water will be absorbed much easier and you’ll be amazed how much longer your bouquets live!

+ Put those old pennies to good use – drop one in the bottom

of your vase to stop yeasts and funghi from growing, and to keep your tulips standing tall.

LOCAL FLOWER FINDS Rook & Rose on Lower Johnson is one my local favourites! They have everything from exotic blooms to simple succulents.

Moss Street Market (May to October) a hub of activity with local vendors who sell the freshest of flowers. Show up early - the best ones go fast!

Thorn & Thistle is a charming locally owned boutique on Bowker Avenue. They cater to the everyday flower enthusiast with a lovely selection.

atHOME magazine

I

don’t know about you but boredom with my home’s decor is a problem for me. It hits often, and without warning. Luckily, I love D.I.Y and so I find myself thinking about interesting ways to reimagine a space. As early spring started to bloom outside the many windows of my breakfast sitting room, I wanted to echo that effortless comfort and seasonal cheeriness in this special room where I spend a great deal of time.

I decided that I could not live without a padded upholstered ottoman; one that was big enough to hold a tea tray, my laptop and whatever books I am obsessed with.

WEEKEND D.I.Y IKEA COFFEE TABLE TO FAB UPHOLSTERED OTTOMAN IN THREE HOURS BY: TRACEY DRAKE

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I started with a Lack coffee table from Ikea that was the perfect size but was too tall and had no character. After disassembling the table, I asked my husband to saw 3.5 inches off the legs (power tools and I don’t always get along).

Foam is expensive, so I searched Used.ca and within a few minutes found a large memory foam 2” mattress topper in as new condition for $25. I ran out to pick it up, and on the way back, made a stop at Fabricland, where i purchased two metres of this awesome geometric linen/silk blend fabric off the sale wall for $6.00 a metre. I had everything I needed and headed home to get to work.

fabric was cut to allow for a 4” drop on each side, plus an extra 2” which was fastened to the underside of the tabletop using a staple gun and 1.5” heavy guage staples.

Lastly, I took extra care to make sure the four corners folds were extra neat before driving in the corner staples.

Start to finish, I spent $42 and three hours of my time, included the roadtrip to pick up foam and fabric. This is a beginner level project and an inexpensive way to add colour and function to a well-loved space.

After measuring and marking the foam, I used a sharp knife and cut it to the same size as the table. Using spray adhesive, I affixed the foam to the tabletop. Next, the

GET THIS LOOK Furniture featured belongs to our family but this is where we bought it: Natuzzi Editions sofa in grey boucle, Standard Furniture. Four Hands Marlow wing chair in peacock blue, Standard Furniture. Glass lamp and peacock shade, HomeSense, Lindved side table in white enamel, Ikea. Lack coffee table in white, Ikea. Geometric upholstery fabric, Fabricland. Accessories, local and vintage finds.

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BORROWED time LIVING LOCAL FOR THE SEASON

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BY: ELIZABETH DEAN

1.

T

here is something freeing and utterly romantic about having a picnic. Here in Victoria, we are lucky that spring comes early and picnic worthy weather can start as soon as early April.

BEST PICNIC SPOTS IN VICTORIA

There are dozens of places in Victoria to lay a blanket and have a wonderful picnic. These are a few of my favourites:

MOUNT TOLMIE This might be the prettiest vantage point for a picnic in Victoria.

Views from the top of Mount Tolmie are awe-inspiring.

2.

WILLOWS BEACH PARK Family friendly for sure but also a wonderful couples spot to lay out on the grass with a picnic and watch the world sail by.

GYRO PARK IN CADBORO BAY Tucked behind my favourite village, Gyro Park offers beach, grass and sheltered water views.

SAXE POINT Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the scenery here is everchanging, making it a nature lovers paradise.

BEACON HILL PARK Victoria’s most iconic picnic destination, you could easily choose a different spot for every Sunday of the summer.

ARBUTUS COVE Off the beaten path, this park rarely gets crowded and the sheltered beach makes it ideal for dinner and a swim.

3.

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4. atHOME magazine

CULINARYtravel

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F O O D L E S S T R AV E L L E D STREET FOOD ENJOYED AROUND THE WORLD

by Frank Bures

The best meal I ever ate was at a roadside restaurant in the middle of Nigeria. I was in a microbus heading north through an otherworldly landscape strewn with giant boulders. It was midmorning when we pulled over at an open-air restaurant. The counter where people were ordering was jammed. An old man, seeing my confusion, explained the menu and ordered for me.

We sat down, and the waiter brought our food: a ball of pounded yam and a bowl of egusi soup, made with crushed melon seeds and containing a hunk of beef. The waiter asked if I wanted utensils. I looked around. No one else had them. The old man leaned over.

“You know,” he remarked, “they say your food tastes better when you eat it with your hands.”

So I waved the waiter off, broke off a piece of yam, dipped it in the soup, and scooped up a piece of the meat. It all melted together in my mouth, sweet, savoury and delicious. The meat was tender and rich from stewing in a sauce.

Sometimes I still wonder why that meal was so transcendent. I was hungry, but that can’t have been the whole reason. It must have had something to do with the experience with the people, the place, the journey itself. Of all the meals I’ve eaten in my life so far, only a few stand out in my mind. Most of those I’ve eaten while travelling.

STRANGE FOOD CAN BE ONE OF THE GREAT JOYS OF TRAVEL, BUT THERE’S AN ART TO EATING IT. IT HAS TO DO WITH LETTING GO OF WHAT YOU THINK FOOD SHOULD BE, AND BEING OPEN TO WHAT IT IS. IF YOU CAN DO THIS, YOU WILL BE REWARDED WITH AN EXPANDED SENSE OF WHAT YOU CAN LOVE. YOU WILL ALSO, WITH ANY LUCK, DEVELOP A STRONG STOMACH.

atHOME magazine

T R A VE L I S WRITTE N I N T HE F O O D IN F R O N T O F YO U .

I remember, for example, sitting with my wife in a field next to the Cloudy Bay Vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand, with some cheese and bread. In the tasting room, we’d emptied our pockets and pushed a pile of change across the counter for the cheapest bottle of sauvignon blanc they had. We lay in the grass, gazing at the mountains in the distance, sipping one of the best wines in the world. I can still taste its fruity crispness.

I felt the same sense of perfection at a pizzeria in Italy and at a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Thailand.

Some meals, of course, are memorable for less idyllic reasons. In Tanzania, where I was teaching school, we were once served rice with a kind of cow stew poured over it. Dora, the other American teacher, leaned over to me. “Do you want these?” she asked, pointing to some large meaty tubes and a bit of stomach lining.

“Sure,” I said. When no one was looking, she forked them onto my plate. I ate them happily.

If you go to Bologna, Italy, you might order lasagna in hopes of eating an authentic Italian meal. And it is one, except that two of the main ingredients are not native to Italy. Pasta arrived from North Africa in the early Middle Ages, and the tomato which came from the Americas along with potatoes, corn, peppers, avocados and squash didn’t appear in Italian recipes until the 1700s, and was originally called pomo di moro, or ‘apple of the Moors.’

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atHOME magazine

O F ALL TH E ME ALS I’VE EATEN IN MY LIF E , O NLY A F E W STAND O U T IN MY MIND. MO S T WERE E ATE N WH ILE TRAVE LLING. Everywhere people have travelled, conquered, or proselytized, they have left culinary tracks. The baguette is sold all across French speaking West Africa, where it’s sliced open and slathered with meats and sauces. In former French colonies like Vietnam and Cambodia, you will find those same baguettes filled with cilantro, marinated meat and vegetables. Across East Africa, corn is a staple of local diets, often ground and made into a kind of porridge. In Somalia, the Italian and Indian influences have led to dishes such as pasta with goat meat and mild curries.

As I walk around my hometown, I can inhale the smells of kitchens from around the world. I stroll through Asian grocery stores and wonder at the fishballs and giant waterbugs. At a little Vietnamese restaurant, where no English is spoken, I stop in regularly for the banh mi sandwich. At an East African restaurant not far from my house, the ugali (stiff maize porridge) and nyama choma (roasted meat) bring me closer to Tanzania than I’ve been in many years.

And that is what I love most about food when opening my mouth means opening my mind, and I’m transported into another world.

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R U L E S TO EAT BY You’ll find some of the best (and cheapest) food in the world at street stalls. Many travellers fear what their local health department might say, but the food is often at least as safe as your hotel buffet.

GE T IT H OT. Fresh off the fire is best, so look for food that’s prepared while you wait.

FOLLOW TH E CROW D .

Local people know which food is the best, and the safest.

HOL D TH E M AYO .

A condiment such as mayonnaise must be refrigerated. If a sandwich looks like it’s been sitting out for a while, steer clear.

IC E : NOT S O NICE .

Order drinks without ice, because you don’t know if treated water was used to make the cubes.

L I V E A L I T T L E. If you do get a stomach bug, it’s usually not a big deal and will pass in a day or so. If you’re worried about it, bring along some Pepto-Bismol or Imodium.

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THE WINE LIST BY: STUART BROWN

Have We All Gone Craft Beer Crazy?

I

have to admit, over the past few years, most of my studies and attention has been focused on the local and international wine industry. During this time, I heard rumblings about the cider, spirits and beer industries; how they were evolving and changing, but my focus largely remained on the world of wine and food. If I needed help with beer programs in the bars and restaurants I have managed over the years, I always asked my industry colleagues that specialized in those areas for guidance. Then I had an awakening! Late last year, I took the job as General Manager of Salt Spring Island Ales, which is a craft brewery that was established in 1997 on Salt Spring Island. From that point on, my latent interest has had to jump into high gear as I dove into this expanding industry.

52

I enjoy beer. I have always enjoyed beers and I have enjoyed the explosion of craft breweries. Some of the beers have been interesting, but the beer I consumed were really just beer to talk over, not talk about. Now all of that has changed. I am now surrounded by craft beer knowledge, intelligence and experience. This was a bit daunting at first, as I was not used to being the least educated person in the room at work and in the field. Now I was representing a producer at the craft beer festivals and events and knew I had to catch up.

VICTORIA IS THE CRAFT BREWERY CAPITAL OF CANADA

A few favourites I have recently quaffed:

A LES

SWANS - SUCKER PUNCH CATEGORY 12 - INDUCTION DUBBEL SALT SPRING ISLAND ALES – EARL GREY IPA TOFINO BREWING – HOPPIN’ CRETIN IPA DRIFTWOOD – BLACK STONE PORTER MOON UNDER WATER – CREEPY UNCLE DUNKEL DARK LAGER

WIN ES

I honestly did not realize how much catching up I had to do.

The craft beer industry has grown so much in the past decade and continues to evolve in so many ways. Lucky for me I live in Victoria, which is the craft brewery capital of Canada. We are fortunate in British Columbia that there are so many amazing craft breweries here. In Victoria and the surrounding area, we have legendary names like Phillips, Vancouver Island Brewery, Spinnakers, Swans, and Canoe are now joined by others like Category 12, Hoyne, Moon Under Water, and Driftwood. Incredibly, there are now over 100 craft breweries in B.C. with 25% of those residing on Vancouver Island.

I have also started to catch on to a completely new craft beer lexicon. New words like saccharomyces, lactobacillus, IBU, Saison, dopplebock, porter, ABV, dubbel, weizenbock, wort and rye IPA, not to mention about 1000 more, are thrown casually around the tap house and tasting floor of craft beer gatherings. The nice thing about this crowd is that they are happy to take the time to explain what they are talking about when you look at them with a quizzical eye.

The best way to learn something new is to jump in with both feet and see what splashes, and I have learned that the craft brew group are excited to have you on board and will gladly explain and share their knowledge. Some excellent events to check out are Victoria Craft Beer Week, Vancouver Craft Beer Week, The Great Canadian Beer Festival, Hopoxia, and the Nanaimo Kinsmen Beer Festival just to name a few. The culture has deeply developed and the opportunities to enrich our knowledge are vast. There are truly beers for every palate, so even if you have not had good experience in the past with beer, there is probably something out there that you will truly enjoy. It looks like we are going craft beer crazy!

Here are some fantastic BC Craft Beer resources: Beermebc.com, Left4beer.com, Beerontherock.com, Victoriabeers.com, Craftbeerrevolution.ca, Thirstywriter.com.

SPIR IT S

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VICTORIAVIBE BY: DANA HUTCHINGS

S

pringtime in Victoria, there is nothing like it! Yes, I say that knowing that cherry blossoms, crocuses and daffodils started sprouting in February. That is truly the beauty of where we live. There are snowstorm back east while blossoms start raining down. This time of year the weather gets better and the days get longer.

We gloat. We love it.

Springtime is about change, renewal and for many… renovation. Sometimes it isn’t just your home that needs a little updating or a little spring-cleaning. Sometimes it is your life as well.

People get restless heading into spring; restless for something new, ready for growth and change.

Sometimes it’s about taking your life from good to great.

Taking a leap and making a change.

That is what has been happening in my life. I have just learned transformation is the best form of renewal or as a lot of people have said to me lately, “A change is as good as a rest.”

October 19, 2015 marked 15 years since I walked into CHEK News as an intern. I grew up there. Staff became my family and buying the station in 2009, going through one of the biggest emotional roller coasters only solidified that bond.

CHEK became like my first-born; then, 2016 brought a massive decision for me.

It was time for Mama to leave the nest; high time to take on a new challenge.

DANA HUTCHINGS is a very proud Victorian whose family has been in Victoria five generations, longer than the city has been in existence.

Always a journalist, Dana recently began a new career path as Director of Advancement and Communications at Power to Be Adventure Therapy.

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SPRINGTIME IS ABOUT CHANGE, R E N E WA L A N D F O R M A N Y. . .

R E N OVAT I O N .

SOMETIMES IT I S N ’ T J U S T YO U R H O M E T H AT NEEDS A LITTLE UPDATING. S O M E T I M E S , I T ’ S YO U R L I F E .

Part of my love for my job at CHEK was working with the amazing charitable organizations we have in the city. As one wise friend pointed out, “Working with non-profits is what gets you up in the morning.” It’s true. It’s what drives me, what excites me. I am most happy when I feel I am making a difference.

So I took the leap, joining the amazing (yes I’ll say it again) AMAZING team at Power To Be, as the Director of Advancement and Communications.

If you have not heard about Power To Be, I hope you take this opportunity to learn about this incredible non-profit organization focused on youth and families; supporting them to discover their limitless abilities through naturebased programs. Whether physical, mental or socioeconomic barriers, Power To Be works to remove those barriers and help people discover their own full potential.

In many ways, this is what I needed to do so I can discover my own full potential.

The first question I received, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING? You have it all.”

Again this is the story of good to great. Yes, I loved what I was doing and will always be an advocate for the importance of local television and diversity of voices in media. But what was presented was the ability to make a difference. A direct, tactile, hands-on difference. If there was going to be a change, this was the leap, that I needed to take.

Was there fear? Sure. Was there doubt? Of course. I was leaving everything I had come to know.

But I read a saying on social media while making the decision, it has become my mantra for the year. “Great things never came from comfort zones. “ Part of renovating my life is knowing that I am pushing myself. Power To Be is all about breaking through your own barriers and challenging yourself.

I am up to it. Ready for more. Ready for the power to be me.

A new me. A renovated me. And I like it.

READ MY INTERVIEW WITH

POWER TO BE FOUNDER TIM CORMODE PAGE 66

I T WA S A J U M P. A T R A N S F O R M AT I O N , A C H A N G E , A C H A L L E N G E !

atHOME magazine

#FOODIEATHOME

atHOME reader Janet Coleman is sharing her ice cream recipe, two ways.

HOMEMADE MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM Ice cream is a popular treat in the summer and I love making my own. I don’t know why most people think it’s a difficult chore. Flavour combinations are endless and with the help of modern technology, it is quick and easy to make. Mint and chocolate are my favourite flavours together!

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

READY IN: 3 HOURS

Ingredients: (Serves 6 - 8) From the pantry: - 2 cups heavy whipping cream -1 can sweetened condensed milk - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon mint extract - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Fresh recipe variations: - Replace mint extract with 4-5 fresh mint leaves, muddled - Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with Belgian dark chocolate chunks - Replace vanilla extract with seeds from 1 fresh vanilla bean pod

Made using BREVILLE Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker but you can use this recipe with most other brands.

Directions: 1

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Mix milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, mint, vanilla, and chocolate in bowl. If using fresh mint, muddle before adding to bowl. If using vanilla bean, remove seeds from pod before adding to bowl.

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Immediately pour mixture into your ice cream maker. Freeze to a soft frozen consistency. Freeze time will vary according to the manufacturer’s instuctions (generally 30-75 minutes).

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Transfer ice cream to container with lid.

Cover surface of ice cream with cling wrap and seal with lid. For best flavour, allow ice cream to sit in freezer for at least two hours before enjoying.

Explore and savour our family of wines crafted from grapes organically grown on our Pender Island ocean-side vineyards.

26 acres of the most beautiful winery property in British Columbia featuring two beautiful vineyards. The upper vineyard beside the Winery terraces up to Mount Menzies, while the lower vineyard cascades down to the beach.

Our Tasting Room opens April 16th, 11:00-5:00 Open all weekends and week days vary.

Please check for updates seastarvineyards.ca or facebook.com/ StarEstateFarmAndViney

INVENTION OF THE WAFFLE CONE The first ice cream cone was created by exhibitor Ernest Hamwi at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. The ice cream vendor at the booth next to Hamwri’s ran short of dishes, and so Hamwi rolled a fresh waffle to hold the frozen treat.

CANADIANS LOVE ICE CREAM In 1988, the world’s largest ice cream sundae was made in Edmonton, Alberta. It weighted 24 tons.

Are you a #YYJ FOODIE?

Sea Star Vineyards has been recognized as “One of British Columbia’s 8 Wineries of Distinction”.

Sommeliers from numerous prestigious restaurants and resorts now include Sea Star on their wine lists.

We would love to feature your favourite recipe!

Send us an email: editor@atHOMEvictoria.com

6621 Harbour Hill Drive, Pender Island, BC

250-629-6960

TRAVELLING EDITOR

PUNTA MITA

is on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, a scenic 40-minute drive from the airport in Puerto Vallarta.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME?

BY: TRACEY DRAKE | THE TRAVELLING EDITOR

T

he third annual Punta Mita Beach Festival, which took place at the St. Regis Punta Mita, a short drive from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, was a wonderful mix of culture, marine education, fun, food and surf. There was so much to do (if you wanted to keep busy). You could also just lounge on the pristine white sands in front of the St. Regis and take in all the action from your beach chair, sipping a Tequila Patrón margarita.

On my first morning, I spent time practicing yoga in a beachfront open air cabana with Ana Paula Dominguez, Director of the Mexican Institute for Yoga. Her wonderful, quiet energy stayed with me for the rest of my stay in Punta Mita. In the afternoon, I went off on a sea adventure with Dr. Fabio Esteban Amador from National Geographic. Such an interesting man and a great ambassador for his field; he showed me underwater treasures and taught me about the importance of protecting coral reefs.

Although I didn’t partake in the SUP polo games or mini triathalon, I loved watching all the action from the beach restaurant. While enjoying foods prepared by renowned chefs Thierry Blouet and Jose Meza, I looked on and cheered as young and old, professional and amateur alike, took to the waters for a few hours of good fun.

PUNTA MITA BEACH FESTIVAL

FOLLOW @TraceyDrakeEditor ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER, OR GOOGLE HER HASHTAG #TheTravellingEditor

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A die-hard travel foodie, one of my favourite sessions was an afternoon with Chef Diane Dimeo, hearing about her Korean roots and learning to make foods from her beloved Mesoamerican ingredients, including an exceptional fresh ceviche. Dinner each evening was a feast, for the eyes as well as the stomach. This was as much a culinary festival as it was a beach festival. I was so impressed with the diversry and complexity of the the dishes prepared by all of the exceptional chefs. This alone was worth the trip, and I would recommend it to anyone who, like me, loves culinary travel.

Another festival high for me was time spent with Punta Mita Expeditions. They took me aboard their helicopter for an aerial tour of Punta Mita and the Marietas Islands – home to Hidden Beach. That afternoon, we snorkeled in the turquoise waters and swam beneath the arches into Hidden Beach. Put this on your travel bucket list.

It is a small, exclusive festival, attended by less than 200 guests.

Although I met people from all over the globe who travelled to Punta Mita for the festival, there were many locals who bought day passes. This made for a really nice mix of participants, as well as really great conversations.

I stayed at the St. Regis Punta Mita, the resort that was hosting the beach festival. True to the St. Regis brand, this beachfront resort is Mexican elegance at its finest. It is a tropical paradise that was meticulously curated to maximize guest privacy; private casita-style suites and lush landscapes meant it never felt crowded. The St. Regis Punta Mita offers its guests the most stunning collection of infinity pools, beach cabanas, Remède Spa, numerous dining options, access to two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf courses and an intoxicating champagne sabering ritual every Friday at sunset. As part of their longstanding signature St. Regis Butler Service, I was assigned a personal butler who was always just a quick call, text or email away. I wanted to bring Oscar home with me!

WANT TO GO THIS YEAR? The 4th Annual Punta Mita Beach Festival takes place July 7-10, 2016 at St. Regis Punta Mita. Full details online at: eventospuntamita.com/beachfestival

atHOME magazine

THE ARTFUL

HOME MATT DI CASTRI

INTERNAL LANDSCAPES BY: EMILY DOBBY

I

f you are starting to build an art collection, or wanting to invest in some contemporary art from emerging local artists, you may want to pay attention to Matt di Castri’s work.

His work has appeared in several small shows around town - most recently at Fol Epi/Agrius and at Is this Menswear. His work is recognized for its’ pop art, abstract expressionist and dada influences; vibrant hues and loose, vigorous brush strokes. His technique is strong and distinct and his unusual, playful and sometimes dark subject matter draws the viewer in. His career is on the upswing.

Matt is the son of noted Victoria architect John di Castri. As a young man, John admired the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and went to study with the formers most eminent pupil, Bruce Goff, at the University of Oklahoma. Returning to Victoria and opening a practice in 1951, Di Castri became the architectural brains behind the modernist movement, displayed in some of Victoria’s most well-trodden landmarks; including the addition to the Royal B.C. Museum, Centennial Square, the CNIB building, several local churches, and University of Victoria campus buildings.

John is also an accomplished painter in his own right.

Colour, line and texture are foundations that Matt and his father - while he painted - continuously deconstruct and build on. Like his father, Matt is a poet of form but he focuses more on internal landscapes and his process is more about playing.

Matt attended the Victoria College of Art in 1978. He moved to Calgary shortly after and while there he explored colour, sound, writing, video and performance. He loves working with different media. He received a Canada Council Grant

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in 1980 and made a feature length, black and white sci-fi thriller called “Crazy 8’s” which he wrote, co-produced and co-directed. Matt is a dynamic, multifaceted artist, moving fluidly from medium to medium, exploring all possibilities.

I curated a show featuring the work of Richard Roblin and John di Castri that is on display at the Union Club for a few months. The show “Poetry of Form: an Homage to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Organic Design” features Roblin’s painted architectural drawings of Fallingwater and photographs of di Castri’s midcentury homes around Victoria. It was here that I first met Matt Di Castri. A while later, we met again and talked about inspiration, colour, art and music.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS AND INFLUENCES? Influences can be tricky, they can confine or liberate, having said that, I admire the work of Caravaggio, Duchamp, Bacon and Warhol. When I look at these fellas output (and many others) it is not style or technique (you can’t imitate genius) rather it is the pure joy and sense of play that radiates out from their work that draws me in.

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS? Rapid fire spontaneous combustion. I live in a cabin where I can leave everything set up, allowing me to work on multiple pieces at once (one piece always leads to the next).

Painting is a solitary activity, a constant and much like the quantum realm, observation interferes with and fluctuates outcome. Painting hordes time in order to pursue the dance of the brush... as the sun rises, so does the need to explore and play with colour, line and texture.

I LOVE THE DANCE OF THE BRUSH,

each mark is unique, each stroke a story.

– MATT DI CASTRI

atHOME magazine

DID YOU EVER COLLABORATE WITH YOUR FATHER? Pa’s approach to creativity was some what formalistic/ structured, I think out of necessity. A means to an end.

Whereas my approach has generally been a bit more loose and chaotic, with no particular purpose other then the pure joy of playing with and exploring the infinite possibilities of colour and line. Circumstance sometimes dictates choice. Pa’s design through the 50’s and 60’s was stellar : the Actum house, Utley, Cash and Thompson are brilliant examples of his skill with site specific design and his mastery of craft. The balance he achieved between organic and inanimate objects and materials is stunning.

Some of these structures creep out of, perch on top of or blend back into the landscape with the ease and assurance of a masters hand at play. My only real collaboration with pa was a cd I made. I recorded him over a couple afternoons, just he and I hanging out, giggling and laughing – very cool.

He had found some writings he had done over the years, ideas on architecture and several projects he was proud of.

I recorded him reading these essays and then edited them down and added a very sparse soundtrack. It was such a trip to see the smile on his face as he listene. I think he was relieved I hadn’t used one of my noise inspired pieces as the backing track.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEDIUM TO WORK WITH? Hard to pick a favourite. For now I’ll go with playing with colour . I love the dance of the brush, each mark is unique, each stroke a story. Each gesture an intuition, unspoken translated into non-verbal expression. Some of my best work happens when I stop trying to paint and simply begin to play. It is true there are conduits and zones that open during the creative process. It is such a gas to catch one of these waves, ride it out and see where it takes you.

WHAT ABOUT GRAPHICS DO YOU LIKE?

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My first introduction to graphics/print making was through books pa had on Japanese print making. Crazy stuff, beautiful. My interest in graphics is also a direct result of working in the print industry for the past 30-ish years.

Propaganda posters from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s intrigue me. Europe, Russia, Japan and China all produced stunning graphic designs . Their messages suck, but there use of colour, line, font, text and space was brilliant. Very bauhaus, stripped down, clean, less is more . I like these elements and the results they produced. I have a soft spot for raggedy Andy Warhol. Apart from all the other areas he played in, which were many and various, I think his contribution to the screen printing process is as significant as that of Japan or China. He took an established practice and turned it on it’s ear and took it in an entirely different direction . He brought chance into play, in a process (mechanical reproduction ) that strives to eliminate all possibility of variation (chance) . His prints have a kind of warm, cool, detached vibe that I like.

ENTERTAIN WITH DOROTHY BY: DOROTHY HAWES

Kitchen Kaffeeklatsch “I have measured out my life in coffee spoons.”

T.S ELIOT

W

hether you’re a coffee aficionado or not, there’s no doubt that a kitchen Kaffeeklatsch is all about friends clustered around your table, eating good food, and savouring great conversation. It could be that this spring has been focused on renovating a bedroom, a living room or even the kitchen. Perhaps you’ve decided to tackle those closets that have been begging for reorganization. No matter how your spring is evolving, don’t forget to take a break, relax, socialize, and best of all, sip on some coffee. So even if your house or your kitchen is in a state of disarray, don’t let this stop you from entertaining.

I love the word Kaffeeklatsch. It’s a classic German word that doesn’t quite have an English equivalent, but it does evoke images of great conversations spurred on by caffeine and tasty baked goods. A kitchen Kaffeeklatsch should be one of the easiest forms of entertaining you can do in your own home.

Forget driving to the local coffee shop. Keep your slippers and sweats on and have an even better time in the comfort of your own four walls. Whether you choose to invite two or ten friends, keep your menu simple and don’t stress about the state of your kitchen floor and counters. We all feel quite at home in a house that looks lived in.

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My personal favourites STREUSEL 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup butter 3 tbsp flour 2 tsp cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together until crumbly and set aside.

BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE 1/2 cup butter 2 cups flour 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 egg 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1/2 tsp vanilla 2 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter until soft. Beat in sugar and add egg. Beat until fluffy. Stir in milk and vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and baking powder. Fold in blueberries. Spoon into ungreased 9x9 inch pan. Top with streusel. Bake for 45-50 minutes.

The best thing about a coffee party is that it is easy to organize and doesn’t require a lot of advanced preparation. In fact, you can make it so simple that all you need to do is pick up muffins or cinnamon buns from your favourite bakery. If you want to be more creative, have fun with a new recipe for coffee cake or muffins. Any baking freshly made and served warm from the oven will be a treat for your guests. While it’s not necessary, you can always add a fruit plate to accompany your baking.

LAND OF NOD CINNAMON BUNS Here’s another great coffee party favourite and, best of all, you can prepare the night before. This recipe is adapted from the Best of Bridge Aces cookbook.

12-14 frozen dough rolls 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup vanilla instant pudding 2 tbsp cinnamon 3/4 cup raisins (optional) 1/2 chopped nuts (optional) 1/2 cup melted butter

Grease a 10” Bundt pan and add frozen rolls. Mix together brown sugar, pudding powder, cinnamon, raisins, and nuts and sprinkle over rolls. Pour the melted butter over all. Cover with a clean, damp cloth. Leave out at room temperature overnight. In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes and then turn out on a serving platter.

We’ll teach you how to cook, or we’ll do it for you.

Victoria’s premier cooking school, catering & events.

250.590.1865 thelondonchef.com

A CONVERSATION WITH

TIM CORMODE BY: DANA HUTCHINGS

THIS YEAR, atHOME VICTORIA DECIDED TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT LOCAL PROFESSIONALS THAT DO BUSINESS DIFFERENTLY IN OUR COMMUNITY – SHOWCASING THOSE THAT ARE NOT “BUSINESS AS USUAL”. IN THIS SEGMENT, WE HAD A CHAT WITH POWER TO BE FOUNDER, TIM CORMODE.

DON’T STOP

JUST GO DO IT. – TIM CORMODE

T

rying to slow Tim Cormode down long enough to interview him is a challenge. The man abounds with energy. It’s that same energy and enthusiasm that make him who he is and in part defines Power To Be, the nonprofit organization he established 18 years ago.

When asked if he ever slows down, he answered, “I believe I do, but others probably say I don’t.”

What others can agree on is his approach to life. “My intent is to always be as genuine, as helpful and as kind as possible. I live by that mantra, to be kind.”

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Tim’s parents, a pediatrician and a physiotherapist, instilled in him the importance of health and time in nature early.

“I grew up on a lake in Orillia, Ontario so I was always surrounded by outdoor activities and fun. Every day when I got home or on weekends, it was go play.”

You could call his life serendipitous. Tim’s first job at age sixteen was working with young adults and children with support needs and he has never looked back.

Tim is the founder and executive director of Power To Be, a non-profit organization that provides inclusive naturebased adventures for people living with a barrier, whether physical, mental, social or financial. It began after Tim volunteered in Colorado at Brechenridge Outdoor Education Center, which provides outdoor learning experiences to people of all abilities.

“I realized, this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to build a place that inspires me. A place where people can go and enjoy the outdoors. It was inclusive, affordable and accessible. I got really excited about it.”

Power To Be’s first program was a sea kayaking trip to the Broken Group Islands, off Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Organized in partnership with BC Children’s Hospital, Tim, along with medical volunteers and staff, took ten children who had survived cancer on the adventure of a lifetime.

“It was that first trip that gave us relevance,” he said, noting Power To Be continues to partner with BC Children’s Hospital. “There is no doubt that trip signified to me this was the right decision and we were onto something.”

From that experience the passion and the organization began to take shape. “The more I immersed myself in these programs, the more I saw the value. It was really the outcome that these kids were having fun and they looked at their lives differently. They felt they had purpose and life was more meaningful.”

Eighteen years later, Power To Be has grown. With offices in Victoria and Vancouver, the organization recently announced it’s first program hub, located on Prospect Lake.

Last year the non-profit organization offered more than 450 programs and created opportunities for more than 1,200 participants to get active in nature through activities such as kayaking, surfing, camping and hiking. For Tim, culture is key to creating those experiences. “It’s been really inspiring to see this organization grow and surround itself with great staff and volunteers that share a very similar vision around building something really cool.”

Tim is extremely proud of Power To Be, and he is quick to point out that family, health and travel are other defining themes in his life. For Tim, living life to the fullest every day is vital. Aside from working, he is happiest walking his dog, Finn, mountain biking and spending time with his fiancée and family. His parents now live in Victoria. His brother and two sisters live in BC as well.

Adventures near and far nurture Tim’s passion for travel; his favourite experiences include climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with his sister and surfing in Fiji. Still on his travel bucket list: the Seychelles and Maldives. There are a few Canadian destinations as well, among them Newfoundland and the Northwest Territories.

This summer he will marry his love, Brie. “It is a defining moment when you find someone you truly want to spend the rest of your life with. I am fortunate to have found that special person, who is my best friend, and a partner who I trust and love dearly.”

Tim’s happy and living with appreciation and gratitude. His best advice? “Live by and make decisions by your values.”

He believes life is short. “When you are ready, take that leap of faith and follow your passions. Don’t stop, just go do it.”

At 46, he’s taking his own advice, with no intention of slowing down. “I love waking up and being surrounded by the atmosphere, the place where I am. There is always something cool I’ve got going on in my life and I aim to share that with other people. So, as much as I have this great day, something neat is going to come the next day, the next challenge, the next opportunity. I look forward to that.”

For more information on Tim’s work and Power To Be visit powertobe.ca.

atHOME magazine

#YYJ LOOK WHAT’S LOCAL

CARREIRO THE STUDIO Salon & Academy

h

eaven

the spa on the rock

HEAVEN THE SPA ON THE ROCK Day Spa

1215 Broad Street, Victoria carreirothestudio.com

1050 Terrace Avenue, Victoria heavenspa.ca

Carreiro the Studio was founded eleven years ago by award winning industry veteran John Carreiro, who has been in Victoria for more than thirty years. John and his professional team have worked in film and television, including Canada’s Next Top Model, are often called upon to collaborate on fashion shoots and have been featured in leading fashion and industry magazines. The education team of stylists at Carreiro the Studio train at Sassoon in Santa Monica, California every year.

Heaven the Spa on the Rock is an exclusive little oasis tucked away on the edge of Oak Bay, close to the junction. Founded fourteen years ago by Elizabeth and Barry Parsons, the personalized treatments that this dynamic duo and their talented staff offer to every client would be hard to beat in this city. That is what happens when a passionate owner/ operator couple, both of whom are also practitioners, commit to creating something truly special in Victoria.

Located on trendy Broad Street, the salon is sophisticated yet approachable; a creative atmosphere where talented stylists and expert colourists make clients look and feel their best.

Carreiro the Studio is known for their exceptional customer service and as a member of Green Circle Salons, commits to eco-friendly sustainability practices. The salon strives to make each person feel not like just a client, but a very special guest.

Entering from the street, the reception and product area is on the main level. The salon is located on the chic lower level, offering calm and privacy from the street. Coffee and tea service, private treatment rooms for scalp massage and hair treatments are just some of the many elegant salon touches.

Although Heaven Spa has all the beauty menu items that clients expect such as manicures including gel polish application, pedicures, facials, waxing, lash extensions and massage, this spa offers so much more. One of just a handful of spas in Victoria that offers HydraFacial and VenusSwan skin treatments, Heaven Spa’s well qualified, professional and trained staff are always willing to customize for clients.

From medical grade skin renewal to anti-aging facials and skin tightening, combining an organic facial with a reflexology session, or microdermabrasion with a pedicure are just two of the many hybrid treatment combos available at Heaven Spa.

New for 2016, John Carreiro is excited to launch Carreiro Academy. In partnership with Sassoon, this innovative stylist school provides one of the world’s most recognized curriculum, and brings best in industry educators to Vancouver Island.

For pampering beauty services or medical spa treatments, Heaven the Spa on the Rock also has some of the best prices in the city. It is their goal to offer professional, affordable services in an elegant environment. Elizabeth Parson believes that everyone deserves a place to come as often as they wish and get the service they can rely on, at a fair price.

KERASTASE | DAVINES | DERMALOGICA| SHU UEMURA

ELIZABETH ARDEN PRO | EMINENCE| GELISH | COLORSCIENCE

LUXURY PRODUCTS

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LUXURY PRODUCTS

another quality project by Bayshore Construction

BAYSHORE CONSTRUCTION specializes in custom Residential, Commercial, and Industrial construction and Project Management. Every Bayshore project receives personal attention, and conscientious builders ensure even the smallest details meet your criteria.

(250) 248-6722 bayshoreconstruction@shaw.ca bayshoreconstruction.ca

STEVE NASH FITNESS WORLD BY: JOSIE SALDAT

We may be a few months into a new year, and perhaps your New Year resolutions have faltered a little. Not to worry! Any time of the year is the perfect time to start on a new path to health and fitness. If you are looking for a gym, you really should consder Steve Nash Fitness World. Owned and endorsed by Steve Nash, a Victoria born professional basketball player and revered athlete, Steve Nash Fitness World & Sports Clubs started with the original Vancouver location in 2007. Today, it is British Columbia’s largest fitness provider, with twenty one locations including Uptown.

Living on Vancouver Island, we’re surrounded with active people who enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Our city was in need of a fitness

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studio where athletes can train harder and locals can thrive in an inspiring environment. For gym patrons, locations and convenience is everything and often that equates to success.

Located on the fourth level of Uptown Shopping Centre, the spacious Steve Nash Fitness World is well located in an area of Victoria that is experiencing growth and urban development.

I have yet to come across a more spacious and strategically laid out space that caters to all members needs than the SNFW Uptown location. Starting with an original 15,000 square feet, in late 2015 the club added an additional 6,000 square feet, making a total of 21,000 square feet of space - all for you to get your sweat on.

I joined the club in early 2015 and walking through the doors for each workout still excites me. If the stunning large state-of-the-art studio doesn’t draw you in, the long list of club amenities will.

• • • • • • • •

New spacious gym with multiple areas Floor-to-ceiling windows State-of-the-art equipment Certified personal trainers Cardio & free weight area Full locker rooms Outdoor space Plenty of parking

Steve Nash Fitness World offers an extensive list of fitness classes that cater to every fitness level. The classes include yoga, pilates, dance, Zumba, Tabat, spin and more. This gym uses modern equipment: cardio and weight training equipment that includes the latest battle ropes, TRX suspension, Sandbells and Kettle Bells.

Steve Nash knows how important family is and for parents who love to work out, there is a new child minding area – The Kid Zone – where staff keep your children entertained while you work towards your fitness goals.

Highly knowledgeable and skilled professional personal trainers are constantly engaged with members and are always around for advice and to offer a free fitness assessment. I encourage you to start with the free 7-day trial. Once you get into the daily routine of working out, feeling healthy and happy, you will want to continue on your fitness journey with Steve Nash Fitness World.

“I love physical fitness and health; couple that with the fact that I love for people to be healthy, whether it’s mentally, physically, or emotionally, and it’s just a great opportunity for me to do something I love and have an impact on people’s health.”

- STEVE NASH

atHOME magazine

ARCHITECTURAL wonders

INDIA’S FLOATING PALACE Jal Mahal Palace, located four kilometres from Jaipur, India was built in 1750 in Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture and is completely surrounded by Sagar Lake. With spectacular views of the surrounding Nahargarh Hills, the majestic structure casts a magical reflection on the waters below.

Although it appears to be a single story, there are four additional stories below water. The solid red sandstone walls hold back millions of litres of water and the a specially designed lime mortar has prevented water seepage for more than 260 years.

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