PEI LIving Magazine Fall 2018

LIFE | HOME | STYLE | FOOD&DRINK

www.pei-living.ca | FREE COPY | ©Little Bird Publishing

VOL 2 • NO 2 | FALL 2018

Tops to Floors Designing and Creating Beautiful, Livable Spaces SEE PEI LIVING MAGAZINE AT THE PEI PROVINCIAL HOME SHOW IN MARCH 2019

LATTE DA

hidden perks

GREAT EXPECTATIONS a dream house

JENNA MacMILLAN director & producer

CRAFTING THE WORLD’S FINEST BED Every Stearns & Foster is handcrafted by certified craftsmen who have been specially trained and pay relentless attention to detail to build the best beds.

Beck's Furniture | 18 Water St, Montague | 902.838.5882 | www.beckshomefurniture.com

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Fall in love with the season

T

his is our annual Home edition, where we focus on all things Home & Cottage. We’ve fallen in love with the season and have so much to offer with this issue - from guest suites to house plants and everything in between, we’ll have you dreaming up new fall projects to keep busy until the snow flies.

Our cover story, Tops to Floors, truly represents home design from the ground up. Their beautiful modern home is incredible - with sleek kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops and lowprofile window coverings. Incorporating brilliant custom designs – extravagant oversized marble showers, clever laundry room custom cabinetry, innovative kitchen cabinets and shelving – it’s incredible, really. It’s these innovations, combined with the fine finishing details that make their work one-of-a-kind. Gold cabinetry hardware? Yes please.

We’re delighted to have our Home Editor, Susan Snow, sharing another amazing home with us. Large common spaces with crisp bright colour and modern finishes are on trend this year, and this dream home does not disappoint. The beautifully clean design aesthetic gives this space both comfort and warmth with a modern feel.

But this issue isn’t just about homes. Fall is in the air here at Little Bird Headquarters – with visions of preserved sugarplums dancing in our heads… along with beets, and kimchi, and sauerkraut, just to name a few. Check out our feature Brine It On, where we chat all about fermenting foods - we’ve added some great drink recipes to try (the fermented ginger beer is delicious, I promise).

In our Family section we have included some great yarn projects for those chilly fall days spent curled up on the couch. You’ll be “all thrums” “yarn-it”, with these great little pieces to try.

And finally, if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the whole summer without a regular workout routine, and you’re just now thinking about getting back to the gym. Check out our editorial “Sculpting a Lean Physique”.

So drop into your favourite locally-owned café, grab a latte or a hot tea, and unwind with this copy of PEI Living Magazine.

▲ Story Sheidow, story@pei-living.ca (Photo: Buffie Boily Photography)

We hope you enjoy what we’ve put together for you!

Story FALL 2018

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CONTE FALL 2018 Vol 2 • Issue 2

F E ATU R E S

ON THE COV E R Lisa and David vanDuinkerken founded Tops to Floors in November 1999. Originally based in Summerside, the business expanded into Charlottetown in 2009. Tops to Floors now employs 40 people, and operates dual locations: a Summerside showroom and manufacturing shop, and a Charlottetown showroom.

Two decades on, David vanDuinkerken says, the brand remains “a family-owned business, with exceptional staff who’ve been key to our growth and success.”

Cover Photo by Buffie Boily Photography Flowers courtesy of Hearts and Flowers, Charlottetown On the Cover: Lisa and David vanDuinkerken

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20. Latte Da Hidden Perks 56. Great Expectations Dream House Feature 74. Ginger Snaps 84. Sculpt a Lean Physique 94. PEERS Alliance 106. Women in the Spotlight Jenna MacMillan 112. Five Common Business Mistakes

ENTS

www.pei-living.ca

DEPARTMENTS

home & cottage 32. Integrate Accessories For Added Luxury 34. Guest Wishes Create a Guest Suite

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food & drink

6. Wine Red, White & Rosé 10. Good Eats Rosemary Lemon Tart 14. Brine it On Fermented Harvest

48. Picture This The Gallery Wall 68. Home Source Marketplace Resource

style 80. Let’s Do Coffee Style Trend

health & wellness 88. Natural Immunity Boost Your Immunity

family

16. Good Eats Vegan Potato Soup

98. 10 Things To Do With Your Kids

16. Good Eats Tomato Soup Cake

100. Home Spun All Thrums & Yarn it

24. Vegan 101

art & entertainment 102. Four Events For You 104. Good Reads

business 108. Five Minute Life Hack 110. New Face of Business Changing the Way We Do Business

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Editor-in-Chief Story Sheidow E: story@pei-living.ca • Lead Writer/ Copy Editor Rebecca Spinner • Home Editor Susan Snow E: info@movingdesignz.com • Art Director/Layout Jacqui Chaisson E: jacqui@pei-living.ca • Photography LaVie in Pictures Buffie Boily Photography Susan Snow Story Sheidow • Contributing Writers Rebecca Spinner Cassandra Bernard Story Sheidow Susan Snow Ada Madigan Emilie Stevenson (EA Home) Kristen Johnson (Good Reads) Ann Myers (EA Education) Julia Campbell (Style with Jewls) Darren MacKenzie (EA Home Builder) Lori Ashley (EA Technology)

Advertising Inquires Jacqui Chaisson 902.394.7499 jacqui@pei-living.ca Story Sheidow 902.313.0359 story@pei-living.ca

Little Bird Publishing 29 Valley Street, Unit 2 Charlottetown, PE C1A 4H9 902.394.7499

www.pei-living.ca @pei_living

peilivingMagazine

PEI Living magazine is published quarterly by Little Bird Publishing. Little Bird Publishing is independently owned and operated. Opinions expressed in PEI Living magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the advertisers. PEI Living Magazine does not assume liability for content.

All rights reserved ©Little Bird Publishing.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. For permission contact the publisher.

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FOOD & DRINK - WINE

Red, White, Rosé?

What’s the difference between red, white and rosé? Here’s our quick and easy guide so you can impress your friends.

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After reading through this guide, you should have a working knowledge of the different types of wine and enough vocabulary to set out and buy your first serious bottle.

Red Wine vs. White Wine: What’s the Difference?

Okay, you probably don’t need any help recognizing a white wine versus a red wine. They look different and they certainly taste different as well. But since we’re in this to find you a bottle of wine that you’re going to enjoy, it’s worth your while to try and understand why they look and taste so different. The culprit in both cases: the skins, and a little something they bring to the party called tannins.

Remember the word tannins and what it means, because wine people talk about tannins a lot.

Tannins are a naturally occurring substance in grapes and other fruits and plants (like tea, for example). The taste of

tannins are often described as bitter, causing a dry and puckery feeling in the mouth.

Tannins end up in your wine when the vintner allows the skins to sit in the grape juice as it ferments. This is also how wines get their color. Wines that have little or no skin contact end up pink or white, with far fewer tannins. Wines that ferment with the skins for a longer period end up red, with high tannin content. As you’d imagine, red grape skins have more tannins than white grape skins.

Tannins provides the backbone of red wine, which is why you might describe a red wine as “firm” or “leathery” or just plain “bitter.” Tannins also give red wine texture, making it feel “smooth” and “soft” or “rough”

and “chewy.” In general, the darker the wine, the more tannins and the “bolder” the taste.

White wine has tannins, but not enough to make it the star of the show. Instead, white wines are backboned by acidity.

That’s why you might say a wine is “crisp” or “tart.” Or, if there isn’t enough acidity, you might call a white wine “flabby” or “flat.”

Rosé, or blush wine, is pink in color. It gets that way because it is allowed to stay in contact with the red grape skins for a relatively short time compared to red wine. On the spectrum between red and white, rosé is much closer to the light side, with relatively low tannins.

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FOOD & DRINK

The Preserve Co.’s Online Gift Boutique Offers “A Taste of PEI”

Words by Rebecca Spinner Photos: Katherine MacLaine

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Countless “Islanders at heart” live in other provinces--or even other countries. Some grow up on PEI before leaving for school or work; others discover the Island as visitors and make it their second home. All will tell you PEI’s magic is unique.

Since 1985, The Preserve Co.’s lavish selection of preserves, tea blends, sauces, salsas, antipastos, and more has been a cornerstone of PEI food and drink. The brand deliberately remains elusive at brick-and-mortar stores off-Island, but its signature products--like “Strawberry & Grand Marnier,” “Raspberry & Champagne,” and “Wild Blueberry & Raspberry with Champagne” preserve--have long been available online. “Our new ‘no added sugar’ preserves are a real hit, too,” observes MacNaughton.

“

The website lets Islanders send many well-known Island foods to friends and family on and off the Island.

“

As it turns out, that unique magic can be shipped by mail, by visiting Prince Edward Island Preserve Company’s newly-expanded website (www.tastepei.ca). “The website lets Islanders send many well-known Island foods to friends and family on and off the Island,” explains The Preserve Co.’s Bruce MacNaughton.

include items from The Preserve Co., plus local seafood such as lobster, smoked salmon, and oysters, as well as creamery products from ADL and Glasgow Glen Farm. Strategic packaging, careful packing, and rapid delivery help keep these Maritime delicacies fresh.

-- Bruce MacNaughton

Once the company’s restaurant serves summer’s last guests in mid-October, he says, “our dining room becomes the shipping department, where a dozen employees assist in helping to pick and pack orders. We love helping others meet their gifting needs in time for the holiday season, especially with a taste of Prince Edward Island.”

Employees devote themselves to taking orders, packing them attractively and securely, and sending them out promptly: “On average, we ship products within 24 hours of the order. It’s like a little beehive.”

Website visitors now have the ability to send custom Preserve Co. gift boxes to loved ones throughout North America. Choices

Hardy baked goods like fruitcake, oatcakes, and pecan shortbreads can now be shipped from The Preserve Co.’s prolific bakery to any North American address.

The wider range of goods available for local delivery includes more perishable cheesecakes, pies, and sticky date puddings. Gluten-free baked goods--a Preserve Co. specialty--are also available online.

Thanks to rapid shipping, Preserve Co. boxes intended as holiday gifts can be ordered well into December. Within the Maritimes, says MacNaughton, Christmas orders may be accepted as little as one week before the 25th. However, delivery speed needn’t impact affordability. “There are a number of free shipping options, based on purchase value,” he says.

Each Preserve Co. box arrives sealed with red ribbon and a label depicting a John Sylvester photograph of an Island lighthouse, and each package includes a pen-and-ink note for the recipient.

“We handwrite all the cards,” says MacNaughton. “They’re not typewritten; they’re personalized.”

Whether your loved ones are in Summerside, Seattle, or New York City, The Preserve Co.’s mail order service provides them with a rare chance to join you in enjoying PEI treats.

PEI Preserve Co. 2841 New Glasgow Road, New Glasgow 902.964.4300 www.preservecompany.com www.tastepei.ca

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GOOD EATS

INGREDIENTS

Lemon Tart with

Rosemary Crust

for the crust 1 1/3 C spelt flour 3 tbs cane sugar 1 tbs fresh rosemary, chopped pinch of salt 1/3 C cold butter, cubed 1-2 tbs ice water for the filling 1 C plain Greek yogurt 1/2 C cane sugar 2 eggs 1/2 C fresh lemon juice 1 tsp lemon zest

METHOD Preheat the oven to 350ÂŞ F. Lightly butter a nine-inch tart pan and set aside.

Place the flour, sugar, rosemary, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times. Add the butter and pulse until little pea sized bits start to form. Add in the ice water, starting with just one tablespoon. Pulse a few more times, then check the dough to see if it holds together when pressed between your fingers. If not, add the second tablespoon. The dough may still seem crumbly, but as long as it holds together when pressed it will be perfect.

Dump the dough out into the prepared tart pan. Starting from the center, work your way out to the sides by pressing the dough firmly into the pan. Make sure you press it up along the sides evenly. Pierce the bottom with a fork a few times and place in the oven to bake for about 15 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack for at least five minutes before filling.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Place the yogurt and sugar in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then add the lemon juice and zest.

Whisk until smooth and everything is evenly combined.

Pour the filling into the crust and bake in the oven for 2530 minutes or until the center is set and only slightly jiggles when shaken lightly. Allow to cool completely then place in the fridge to chill for at least one hour before serving.

Tart can be made the day before and kept covered and chilled in the fridge.

Serve with fresh whipped cream if you’d like.

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FOODIE FUN

Fall Additions from Prestige Kitchens With the holiday season just around the corner it’s the perfect time to drop into Prestige Kitchens in Summerside. Whether you’re looking for a hostess gift, something for that special ‘someone’ or a fabulous addition to your home - Prestige Kitchens has it all.

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Airomé Ultrasonic Diffuser Aromatherapy meets elegant décor with our Airomé Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffusers.

Diffusers come in 100 ml and 250 ml capacites to provide you with aromatherapy benefits.

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Table Talk Lazy Susan

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Pokoloko Alpaca Dr yer Balls

Artful lazy Susans bring thoughtful table talk and family sharing to the dinner table. Fresh spin on a classic kitchen tool.

Exquisite craftwork and construction.

These 100% chemical-free, ecofriendly dryer balls are the perfect solution to cutting down on energy, time, and most importantly, cost. Canadian-made - set of three.

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Prestige Kitchens

595 Read Drive, Summerside, • 902.436.5236 www.prestigekitchens.com

Andreas Silicone Trivets

Elegant and whimsical, Andreas Silicone Trivets are beautifully designed. Our silicone over fabric trivets are functional, fashionable and durable for years of everyday use or for that special occasion when a little extra style really counts!

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Lampe Berger Paris

Each lamp comes in an elegant gift box, complete with catalytic burner, solid snuffer cap, decorative shade, filling funnel, and instructions for use.

Lampe Berger eliminates undesirable odours, creates a beautiful scent in the home, and decorates the home with exquisite lamp designs.

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Ellen Degeneres Dinnerware

Inspired by her love of artisanal design, the ED Ellen DeGeneres Grey Lines Dinnerware will transform your table with simply chic style.

Beautifully crafted by Royal Doulton, this sophisticated stoneware is perfect for everyday and casual entertaining.

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FOOD & DRINK

DISCOVER THE DINING ROOM: Dishing Up Pure Talent Photos: LaVie in PIctures

You might be surprised to learn the location of some of PEI’s most picturesque dining.

“The Dining Room at The Culinary Institute of Canada offers the best view in the city,” reveals Food & Beverage Operations Manager Celeste Coles. “Every table has a gorgeous water view.”

This sleek, elegant, recently renovated location (previously called the Lucy Maud Dining Room) also offers another interesting perspective: an open-design kitchen. Throughout lunch or dinner, guests can glimpse the intensity many restaurants tuck out of sight.

“For interested guests, this is like live theatre.”

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When it comes to seaside sophistication, The Dining Room has stepped up its game, incorporating a lounge and sit-down bar featuring local spirits and draft beers. The interior is astonishingly roomy. “Our use of space is critical to ensure effective training,” explains Chef Austin Clement, The Culinary Institute of Canada’s Program Manager.

“The kitchen and front-of-house teams work together to provide interactive, integrated delivery. The Dining Room’s design ensures that it’s a smooth educational and production environment.”

A core kitchen crew of students allows every course, from appetizers to dessert, to be crafted inhouse. Key ingredients (cocktail infusions, cultured butter, fleur de sel salt blends) are commonly produced by culinary and hospitality students. Even chorizo, prosciutto and other in-house charcuterie are prepared onsite. “We’re fortunate to have our own temperaturecontrolled butchery and smoker,” explains Chef Clement.

Within The Dining Room, second-year Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, and International Hospitality Management students are overseen by Red Seal chef instructors and

hospitality industry professionals, who ensure the students receive relevant, real-life instruction.

“Our guests are cooked for--and served by--our industry’s next generation of superstars. There’s nothing our culinary team is scared to tackle in the name of education,” Chef Clement laughs. Guests may have a chance to choose between dishes ranging from Maritime-sourced halibut to Cajun-inspired alligator, he says.

“The kitchen uses local ingredients when possible, but isn’t limited to them.”

“Out-of-province visitors often find their way to The Dining Room, especially during the summer,” notes Coles, who attributes these visits to recommendations from hoteliers and bed-and-breakfast owners. Locals, however, are still rediscovering the restaurant.

“People often refer to us as PEI’s best kept secret. Whether you’re discovering great food for the first time, or you’re a veteran foodie, this is the place to be.”

The Dining Room at The Culinary Institute of Canada

4 Sydney Street, Charlottetown 902.894.6868 CIC@hollandcollege.com www.hollandcollege.com/dining

Meals that Medal. The Culinary Institute’s PEI-trained students often enjoy international interest upon leaving school, says Chef Austin Clement. “Our grads have a 98% placement rate. They’re employed all over the world, and they’ve earned accolades in many competitive settings.

Recently, we received double gold in the 2016 World Culinary Olympics--fourth place worldwide, overall.”

In 2017, he notes, The Culinary Institute of Canada (CIC) was chosen by the Canadian Culinary Federation to represent the nation as the Culinary Youth Team Canada (CYTC) team. It wasn’t the first time The Culinary Institute provided a national team--prior to being honoured in this manner from 2017 to 2020, the school received the designation from 2003 to 2008.

The team is currently preparing for November’s 2018 Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg. When they return, they’ll ready themselves for America’s 2019 Culinary Cup. After that, it’s on to Stuttgart, Germany, for the 2020 Culinary Olympics (IKA).

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FOOD & DRINK

Brine it ON Words by Story Sheidow

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in foods as a way to preserve them is absolutely magical to me. It’s a process that’s been around for thousands of years, and yet it still remains popular today.

Fermenting things is fairly easy, and the healthy bacteria used to preserve these foods are rich in probiotics, and are amazing for your health.

When ingredients ferment, their flavour gradually changes in complexity.

The method of fermentation can be applied to a wide variety of ingredients, each with a very different result. Sourdough bread cultures, for example, remain alive and active through a fermentation process, capturing natural yeast and using it as a leavening agent for the bread. Each culture is unique in flavour, and by regularly feeding your sourdough starter, you can hand it down to friends and family, and keep it alive for many years. I’ve tried sourdough breads made with strains from California, from BC, and from the next town over. Each has a certain something special, and bakers are often proud of their own distinguishable starters they’ve kept throughout the years.

From kefir to kombucha, sauerkraut to sourdough – fermented foods can be so diverse. Some sweet, others sour, but they all have one thing in common: they’re incredible for your gut - and tasty too!

P

reserving foods has certainly evolved since my childhood. I remember watching my mother canning vegetables each fall, mesmerized by the jars upon jars of mustard pickles, harvard beets, and bread-andbutters making their way through the kitchen, down the back porch, and into our old-fashioned root cellar to be eaten over the next 12 months. And while I do enjoy her bread and butter pickles (she makes the best), and her quintessential tomato chow-chow, in recent years I’ve begun delving deeper into the art of food preservation with that same wide-eyed amazement; simply awestruck over the methods, versatility, and extensive flavour profile options. Preserving can be so many things: pickling is just the beginning.

In my preservation journey, nothing has piqued my interest through the years quite like fermentation. This unique process of isolating and nurturing healthy bacteria

Similarly made, is the increasingly popular beverage, kombucha - however instead of using a yeast starter, this drink is cultured with something called a “scoby”. These gelatinous, pancake-like, living growths often referred to as “mothers”, lay on the top of each batch of kombucha, slowly turning tea and sugar into a fizzy, slightly sour drink. At the end of each batch, a new scoby has grown on top, and can be peeled off, shared with others and used to create a new batch of tea. It’s a great alternative to sodas or other fizzy

drinks, and touts an impressive list of health benefits. Kombucha is actually fairly simple to make at home, and if you can’t find yourself a scoby starter, you can grow your own from an existing store-bought bottle.

If gelatinous pancakes are a little much for you, then maybe cultured milk products are the way to go. Yogurt is well-known for its active cultures and probiotic qualities, but have you ever heard of its lesser-known cousin, kefir? Kefir is milk fermented with kefir grains (sort of like how sourdough is leavened). It tastes like a tangy, creamier version of milk, but it contains more protein, more probiotics, and a larger number of healthy bacteria than even yogurt. One great thing about these cultured products is that they’re not limited to using just one type of milk. Sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or even soy or coconut milk can be used to make your own yogurt and kefir. Yogurt and kefir is fairly simple to prepare – simply mix milk and yogurt starter (or kefir starter) and keep it at a steady temperature for an extended period of time. Yogurt machines are great for this; but ovens, or even large pots wrapped in towels can also do the trick.

And what would a fermenting article be without mentioning sauerkraut, fermented pickles, and kimchi - the very “brine”s in “Brine It On!”? These fermenting styles are some of the most commonly utilized.

Fermenting using brine is quite possibly the easiest method of all. It doesn’t take much, just water and salt, to preserve in this fashion. This method is often used for those garden vegetables we tend to have an eccess of: things like cabbages, carrots, and cucumbers. It can be as simple as adding vegetables, water, and salt to a jar and waiting a few weeks, but brining can also be about thinking outside the box and trying new things. Fermented lemons, for example, sound simply amazing.

Or, have you ever tried beet kvass or ginger beer? Check out the next page for my favourite recipes. Enjoy!

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Fermented Ginger Beer INGREDIENTS 1C sugar 1 1/2-2 tbs freshly grated ginger root Juice of one lemon 1/4 tsp baker’s yeast Cold fresh spring or filtered water

Use the freshest ginger root you can find, it really makes a difference.

METHOD Through a funnel, add sugar and yeast to a two-litre plastic bottle. Mix grated ginger root and lemon juice and then add to bottle. Add water to fill halfway and shake well to mix all ingredients. Add more water, leaving about one-inch head space, screw the cap on and shake again.

You can also mix all the ingredients in a jar and then transfer it to the plastic bottle, if you’d prefer. Leave in a warm place for about two days and then refrigerate to stop fermentation process. Leave refrigerated overnight, pour through a strainer, and enjoy.

Fermented Beet Kvass INGREDIENTS Filtered water 3-4 beets 1 ½ tablespoon unrefined sea salt

METHOD Wash the beets of any dirt but, do not scrub or peel the beets. The goal is to keep the delicate bacteria on the skin of the beets intact to encourage their multiplication during fermentation. Dice the beets to a medium size. Add the beets to a one-gallon jar. Then add unrefined sea salt.

Add filtered water to ½ inch below lid. Affix lid tightly and label with date.

Allow to ferment for 10 days or more, out of direct sunlight. You may strain through a cheesecloth and decant into smaller containers, taking care to redistribute a handful of beet pieces into each bottle and then store in the refrigerator. Or feel free to store in the refrigerator as is.

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G O O D E AT S

KEEP IT LOCAL

vegan potato leek soup INGREDIENTS 1 tbs olive oil Two large or three-four small leeks, dark green stems removed, washed thoroughly and sliced thinly Two stalks celery, chopped Three large PEI potatoes (about 2-2½ lbs), peeled and roughly chopped 1 tsp salt Black pepper to taste 4 C vegetable broth + two cups water 1/3 cup nutritional yeast Optional: Four heaping cups washed and chopped kale, collard greens, or spinach

Nothing goes better with this hearty soup than a slice of Sobey’s Potato Bread!

METHOD Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks have completely cooked down. Add the potatoes, salt, and pepper.

Add the broth and water. Bring to a boil and lower to a simmer.

Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are so tender that they’re almost falling apart. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend about half the soup, so that it has a creamy, thick texture but chunks of potato and celery are still visible.

Stir in the nutritional yeast and adjust salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like to add greens, stir them in now and keep simmering the soup until they’re wilted and tender. Serve the soup with toppings of choice.

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G O O D E AT S

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You would never guess that a can of tomato soup is the secret ingredient in this retro cake! A recipe that has been around for decades, this tomato soup cake recipe with cream cheese icing is so simple yet a total crowd favourite.

Tomato Soup Cake INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup 1 tsp baking soda 1 C white sugar 1 egg 1/3 C butter

Combine the tomato soup and the soda in a bowl, and let it stand.

1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1 1/2 C self-rising flour 1 C raisins

Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for one hour, or until done.

Cool the cake, and top with cream cheese icing (recipe below).

Cream sugar, egg, butter, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix in tomato soup and soda mixture, and then flour. Stir in the raisins, and pour the batter in a greased baking dish or bundt pan.

CREAM CHEESE ICING INGREDIENTS 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2 C unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 to 3 C sifted confectioners’ sugar 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

METHOD To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth and light.

Add the butter and beat into the cream cheese. Add two cups of the confectioners’ sugar and beat until combined. Continue to add confectioners’ sugar until you have your desired consistency. Beat in the cinnamon.

Spread the frosting on top of the cooled cake. Cut into slices to serve.

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FOOD & DRINK

Latte Da the MAROON PIG Art Gallery & Sweet Shop

HIDDEN PERKS grind • perk • steep • repeat While the downtown Charlottetown core is home to a variety of coffee establishments where you can get your caffeine fix, there are many uniquely local cafe experiences to be had outside the Capital City’s downtown area.

Often these locations are found slightly off the beaten path, and offer a one-of-a-kind experience for their patrons. These “hidden perks” include local coffee shops spanning from West to East - tip to tip - with something

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special about each and every one.

From Summerside to Georgetown, and everything in between, these establishments pair serving high quality, locally roasted coffee and espresso with everything from craft beer, to Hatha yoga.

Visiting these inventive and artistic spaces should be on everyone’s to-do list - you won’t regret it!

37 Water Street Georgetown www.maroonpig.ca

Situated on the Georgetown harbourfront, The Maroon Pig (or “The Pig” as it’s fondly known by locals) is an iconic local destination, offering a unique experience with an exceptional collection of original art and vintage finds, coupled with exquisite hand-baked items including artisan breads, candies, cupcakes, sticky buns, and squares, just to name a few. Everything on their menu is made from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Owned by Richard and Stacy Toms, the expansive property includes several quaint and whimsical buildings surrounding a central outdoor art space, including an onsite art studio, and indoor seating area for customers to enjoy their delights year-round.

Offering lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, and their own custom blends of freshly roasted coffee beans such as the Georgetown Fisherman’s Blend, as well as delicious daily lunch specials spanning from chowders, pizza, and lasagna, to their Island famous Christmas Dinner in a Bun; there’s something for everyone at The Maroon Pig.

SAMUEL’S coffee house

NOW N ZEN

4 Queen Street Summerside www.samuelscoffehouse.ca

17 Glen Stewart Drive Stratford www.nownzen.ca

Now n Zen Coffee House, Wellness Centre and Yoga Studio certainly have your “good vibes” on lockdown with their trifecta of peaceful offerings. This café serves up a great selection of teas; food such as sandwiches, soups, and sweets; and espressobased drinks, exquisitely executed. They also offer a small market of items such as salt lamps, crystals, incense, yoga stuff, art, and teas and coffee. Their eclectic, nurturing, and relaxed atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

This space happily acts as a community hub as well; hosting events from open mics and workshops, to social gatherings.

The Wellness Centre offers a variety of skilled talent, such as Registered Massage Therapist Christy Richardson; Abi Totty - a classically trained homeopath, doula and Reiki master; Julie MacDonald, Bowen therapist; and owner Yvette Doucette, a Vedic palm reader and Lomi Lomi massage practitioner.

Established in 2011, and located in the historic Journal Pioneer Building, formerly the Summerside Bank, Samuel’s Coffee House is “steeped” in history, and we’re not just referring to their own full line of specialty teas and coffees: SipT. With a blend of striking architecture and modern furnishings, the cafe utilizes two existing vaults from the former historical bank: one is used as a seating area and the other houses their tea production facilities.

At the forefront of the newest trends in coffee and tea, they offer educational, hands-on workshops in brewing methods and espresso making, and their menu mirrors their modern decor with items such as their delightfully bright matcha latte, and faire like their Reuben Sandwich - a delicious delicacy featuring Island Taylored Meats smoked meat, Swiss cheese, local sauerkraut and a homemade secret sauce.

Offering catering and event hosting, Samuel’s is a vibrant community hub of culture, coffee, and local healthy food in the core of downtown Summerside.

The Now n Zen Studio rounds out their facilities: offering yoga classes, and also doubling as a gathering place for dance, Zumba, drumming, women’s workshops, band practice – you suggest it, it might work. With a strong sense of community and togetherness, walking into Now n Zen is like walking into a group of old friends – no matter what path you choose you’ll walk out of there feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, with a smile on your face.

BAR 1911

Beer + coffee 113 Longworth Avenue Charlottetown www.bar1911.com

From their rotation of coffee beans locallyacquired across the Maritimes, to their ever-changing selection of local craft beer and cider on their 20+ bar taps; Bar 1911 is where work and relaxation meet up for a drink.

Bar 1911 houses an array of unique seating arrangements dominated by oversized armchairs and cozy couches, creating intimate and inviting lounging areas perfect for anything from group gatherings, to answering emails and deep conversations.

Offering an in-house small bites menu, quick and easy take-out fridge, and extensive catering menu, 1911 is a great spot for both grabbing a quick meal, or hosting a private event. With ample free parking and an inviting laid-back atmosphere, this place delivers all the ease one wants in a cafe and bar experience.

Located in the historic 1911 Jail, stop in for a pulled espresso shot and study session, then unwind with a quick stroll along the adjoining Confederation Trail - a perfect way to decompress and enjoy some fresh air, all while staying within city limits.

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FOOD & DRINK

Lady’s Slipper Café Comfort Fare with a Caribbean Flair

“I

’ve worked in so many different restaurants and have seen everyone cooking and presenting food the easy way. I realized I wanted to open a place where everything is made from scratch,” says Cesar Muniz. Muniz and his wife Andrea moved from Ely, Nevada to Prince Edward Island four years ago. In that time, with the opening of their Montague restaurant Lady’s Slipper Café, they’ve accomplished exactly what they set out to do. “I do it all. Plan the menus, make every sauce. It’s hard work, but it’s a great feeling,” explains Cesar.

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Words by Ada Madigan Photos: LaVie in Pictures

It’s easy to tell Cesar’s passion for food is profound. He describes how his culinary endeavours started when he was just ten years old, cooking with his mother in his birthplace of Manhattan. Over the course of his youth, living in the city, then the Dominican Republic and Cuba, he learned the ways of his mother’s Caribbean cooking. After moving to Las Vegas, he had an opportunity to attend school at the Cordon Bleu and his culinary profession gained speed. Today, the same flavours and spices he grew up watching his mother work with, greet customers at his and Andrea’s very own restaurant.

“Cesar’s dream was to have a restaurant and mine was to be able to spend some time on Prince Edward Island with family.

After Cesar found this on Kijiji, things just place just fell into place for us.” says Andrea.

Every day, you’ll find breakfast and lunch served up at their cozy café. Classic breakfasts like French toast and eggs Benedict are listed with Caribbean inspired dishes, like Cesar’s famous Cuban sandwich. There is care put into every bite that leaves Cesar’s kitchen, where pulled pork stews for twelve hours and everything is made from start to finish by Cesar himself.

“I do it all. Plan the menus, make every sauce.

It’s hard work, but it’s a great feeling.”

- Cesar Muntz

◀ (L-R) Andrea Boyle, Cesar Munz ▼ (L-R) Ron Waterman, Susan Herring, Ella Kingdon, Lori Wight, Nancy Cooper.

One day, Cesar hopes to introduce a dinner menu, one comprised of Caribbean dishes only. “I love to get people to try new things. Anyone can do fried chicken and a burger, but when it comes to a different style of food on PEI, people should try it,” says Cesar.

In the summer, Cesar and Andrea run Lady’s Slipper Express by the visitor’s centre in Wood Islands. Here, the menu is smaller, but with a focus on seasonal seafood.

walk into Lady’s Slipper Café, it feels like home. A community haunt for customers who are steadfast and loyal. “I think that if someone tried to create it on purpose it probably wouldn’t happen. The food is good, it’s in a good location, and it has just come together on its own,“ says Andrea, “Sometimes I sit back on a Sunday morning, this place is packed, people are waiting outside the door, it’s so loud it in here because everyone is chatting with each other. It’s become such a beautiful thing..”

Lady’s Slipper Cafe 500 Main St., Montague 902.838.7088 www.ladysslippercafe.ca

The couple are continuously thankful for the Island community they’ve been fortunate to build since moving here. When you FALL 2018

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FOOD & DRINK

The vegan movement has been steadily on the rise since its inception in 1944. But what exactly is veganism?

Vegan 101 Words by Story Sheidow

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Q

uite different than more recent up-and-coming lifestyles such as keto, paleo, and primal; veganism has been around for over 70 years and has a fairly simple set of guidelines. So what are they exactly?

The term veganism refers to a philosophy, way of living, and diet aiming to exclude (as much as practicable or possible) the consumption and use of animals, animal byproducts, and animal-derived substances. Vegans abstain from eating meat, dairy, and eggs, in all forms (including their derivatives - often used in processed foods). This lifestyle is usually adopted for several reasons, ranging simply from a health perspective, to an ethical or moral standpoint. Dietary vegans refrain from consuming animal products and bi-products, as well as animal-derived substances. Ethical vegans also apply these standards to clothing, make-up, and other daily-use products, as well as aim to avoid products tested on animals.

EASY “PEAS”Y To some people, the thought of not eating cheese, burgers, or eggs seems nearly

impossible! But, nowadays it’s actually easier than ever to find vegan foods at restaurants, and in grocery stores.

In the last 20 years, there has been a profound shift in corporate grocery store culture. We’ve seen the introduction of the “natural food section”, as well as widespread shifts to clearly mark packaging when vegan (as well as gluten-free, nut-free, dairy free, etc.). Even still, navigating the grocery store with a newfound vegan diet isn’t always easy, and there are tons of everyday foods that just also happen to be vegan. So where do you start? How do you know what to buy?

The first thing to do is look in your cupboards. What’s in there? How much of it is already vegan? If you’re not certain, a quick internet search, or scan into an app such as Is It Vegan? should let you know with certainty if you’re on the right track. The first few trips to the grocery store might be tough, but once you get to know which of your regular items are vegan, and have chosen suitable substitutions for the ones that aren’t, you’ll fall into a routine fairly quickly. And if you see something you like?

Just check. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are many regular foods, and even some “guilty pleasures” out there that are totally fine to eat as a vegan,

like Oreo cookies, many flavours of chips (Sweet Chili Doritos, for example), Jello vanilla pudding, Ritz crackers… you get the picture.

Aside from that, many large companies now offer vegan versions of their regular products. Brands such as Becel margarine, Hellman’s mayonnaise, and Ben and Gerry’s ice cream, just to name a few. And there are also many amazing local brands to discover that can satiate your need for cheese, meat alternatives, creamy potato salad, and even Big Macs. Yes, I said Big Macs. Fresh Start Fauxmage, for example, offers luxurious vegan chese substitutes, and is available at a variety of locations.

All this is not to say you should become vegan so you can eat junk food guilt-free.

As with any lifestyle, you should eat a wellbalanced diet high in nutrient-dense foods.

Due to the make-up of a balanced vegan lifestyle, however, you may already have an advantage.

HEALTHY BELLY Studies have shown that a vegan diet reduces the overall risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and eliminating dairy

consumption has long been connected with alleviating arthritis symptoms. Women who cut meat out of their diets have a much lower rate of breast cancer than women who have a higher meat consumption, and studies show that men in the early stages of prostate cancer who switched to a vegan diet either stopped the progress of the cancer, or have even reversed the illness. Due to the natural reduction in saturated fats, and the increase in fibre, antioxidants, and essential nutrients found in most vegan diets, the implementation of a vegan diet can often have a dramatically positive impact on your health. Just check with your doctor first before making any significant changes to your diet – vegan or otherwise - to ensure it’s the right choice for you.

WHERE TO BEGIN? You can easily start by changing the way you order your morning coffee, for example.

Or, try cutting out red meat initially, and then phase out chicken and fish more slowly if that’s what works best for you. Start experimenting with meat alternatives like beans, tofu, nuts and nut butters, avocado, and hummous in your cooking. There are some great vegan blogs, YouTubers, and

e-books online with incredibly well thoughtout recipes available, so you’ll never have to worry about compromising on flavour.

Often, one of the greatest challenges for vegans is dining out, however, we are lucky to have some incredible vegan restaurants on the Island, such as My Plum, My Duck and Stir It Up! (both located in Charlottetown), and you will even find that most other restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian options which can usually be made vegan – just ask your server, and if they’re unsure, get them to check with the chef.

Veg PEI is another great resource, offering monthly vegan potlucks to keep you inspired, and there is even a handy Facebook group for “veggie” Islanders, highlighting some of the many lesserknown vegan and vegetarian treasures offered from tip to tip on PEI. These local resources are great for asking questions, looking for suggestions, sharing recipes, and connecting with like-minded individuals.

There is a huge community – both locally and online - passionate about supporting this movement, available to help you along the way.

So don’t be overwhelmed. If you decide to make the leap to veganism, you can always start slowly – one product at a time.

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NOTE FROM THE HOME EDITOR

Take time for what matters

welcome home

Susan Snow Home Editor

I am so very pleased to be working with PEI Living Magazine on this edition and upcoming issues as their newest team member.

Lady Baker's Tea sales@ladybakerstea.com Prince Edward Island www.ladybakerstea.com Photos: Caley Joy Photography

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This is the largest home section to date and lovers of interior design and decorating will enjoy the variety of beautiful spaces full of eye candy, helpful tips and local resources to help you with your home projects. From beautiful modern kitchens to traditional style homes and cozy guest rooms you are sure to be inspired with this issue.

Susan

E L E VAT E E V E R Y T H I N G

86 Kensington Rd, Charlottetown | 902.566.1156 www.hamblysbrandsource.ca

H O M E & C O T TA G E - C O V E R F E AT U R E

TOPS to

Floors:

C abi n et s, C o unt er t o p s, Fl oori ng and M ore

Designing and Creating Beautiful, Livable Spaces Photos: Buffie Boily

W

hen it comes to creating and upgrading home interiors, PEI residents--whether seasonal, or year-round Islanders--are choosing Tops to Floors for cabinets, countertops, flooring, and more.

“We’re having an exceptionally busy year.

Renovations and new construction are booming. It’s been great for our industry,” says Tops to Floors coowner David vanDuinkerken.

There’s little doubt that Prince Edward Island is an amazing place to live. “Homes are our ‘rewind and recharge’ areas. People are focused on organizing and decorating their spaces to suit their preferences,” explains vanDuinkerken. Since many home design investments can improve a home’s net worth, it’s an easier decision to build or renovate.

Lisa and David vanDuinkerken founded Tops to Floors, their PEI home supply and installation brand, in November 1999. Originally based in Summerside, the business expanded into Charlottetown in 2009. Tops to Floors now employs 40 people, and operates dual

▲ Lisa and David vanDuinkerken.

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“We’re having an exceptionally busy year. Renovations and new construction are booming. It’s been great for our industry.”

- David vanDuinkerken.

locations: a Summerside showroom and manufacturing shop, and a Charlottetown showroom.

installation teams ensure customers’ selections are implemented beautifully.

Cabinetry Two decades on, vanDuinkerken says, the brand remains “a family-owned business, with exceptional staff who’ve been key to our growth and success.”

In addition to cabinet, countertop, and flooring options, Tops to Floors supplies and installs stairs, window coverings, custom showers, and backsplashes. Specialized

Tops to Floors’ Summerside location manufactures custom cabinetry onsite, offering unique elements such as builtin appliances; cabinet door power technology; dedicated storage for spices, utensils, and baking trays; integrated recycling and waste disposal areas;

small appliance lifting systems; pot-andpan organizers; pull-out trays--endless possibilities, vanDuinkerken explains.

“Kitchens meant for entertaining often include a spacious central island, wellplanned seating spaces, elegant wine storage, and carved-out pantry areas... organized, functional cabinetry with adequate storage is key,” vanDuinkerken continues. “White kitchens remain popular, but we’re seeing more pops of colour and warm wood accents.”

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

The vanDuinkerkens say customers increasingly visit websites like Houzz and Pinterest for project ideas. Tops to Floors’ staff can develop those ideas into functional, beautiful spaces using virtual reality and 3D software, as well as help customers choose cabinet and door styles, customize spaces, add functionality and accessories, and complete the look with hardware.

Countertops Countertops are custom-cut in Tops to Floors’ Summerside shop; both the Summerside and Charlottetown showrooms display an array of laminate, solid surface, butcher block, stone, Dekton, and quartz options.

Affordable laminate, says vanDuinkerken, comes in various colours and patterns.

Meanwhile, nonporous solid surface countertops offer aesthetic appeal similar to glass or granite, and feature unique advantages. For example, seams can be hidden during manufacturing, and wearand-tear can be buffed away during upkeep.

Alternatively, butcher block boasts a warm, natural hardwood appearance, vanDuinkerken says. While it requires sealing and mineral oil treatments, superficial wear-and-tear (like light knife marks) can be sanded off butcher block surfaces.

“It provides some character... it’s a great contrast material.”

Stone, Dekton, and quartz countertops can add value to any home; they’re beautiful, heat-resistant and durable, vanDuinkerken emphasizes. He notes that Dekton’s unique properties make it especially well suited for staircases or outdoor kitchen applications.

However, he adds, the area’s local preference for quartz is clear. “Quartz is strong, and its durability means it’ll look new longer.”

Tops to Floors also offers countertopenhancing quartz, stone, and tile backsplashes. In fact, vanDuinkerken says, backsplashes and tiled walls can create both functionality and personality throughout the home. “A lot of people 30

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like playing with backsplash colours and patterns. However, if your countertop stands out, we generally recommend something simple. Vice versa works, as well.”

Flooring Tops to Floors offers numerous flooring styles and materials. “There are so many products today. It’s important to consider factors like the installation area, how much wear and tear the floor will undergo, and the maintenance requirements,” vanDuinkerken says.

He reports that wood floors and tile remain the most popular flooring choices; wide-plank wood floors in warm, natural shades are especially popular. Tops to Floors suggests engineered wood flooring over solid hardwood: engineered wood “provides a real wood finish,” and its stable core is better at withstanding PEI’s moisture, humidity, and temperature changes.

Many tile styles are available, with large format sizes prevailing. “Tile is the real deal when it comes to durability, but it is an investment,” says vanDuinkerken. “You want to be happy with your selection for a long time.” While vanDuinkerken says classic, elegant styles have remained popular, he’s also noticing more unconventional shapes, eye-catching hues, and retro designs being made available.

Customers are reportedly also opting for water-resistant products like luxury vinyl tile, plank, and laminate; these are particularly popular in high-traffic environments. Alternately, low-maintenance sheet vinyl--which vanDuinkerken says is comfortable underfoot--is often mistaken for real hardwood or tile. And since carpet provides warmth without hindering acoustics, it remains a consistent choice for bedrooms, basements, and home theatres.

Other Specialties Tops to Floors’ custom stairs elegantly reinforce home aesthetics. “We design, fabricate, and install prefinished stair systems to complement flooring and accent cabinets,” vanDuinkerken explains.

“Staircases can be stained or painted, and paired with glass, metal, or wooden railings.”

The trendy minimalism of glass, in particular, is reportedly drawing increased interest.

The business also provides custom window coverings in countless fabrics and colours; these afford privacy, shade, and UV protection. Motorized models can be managed “with a simple tap on your mobile device,” vanDuinkerken says. Full automation is possible: “You can set your blinds to open at 8:00 AM, and close at 8:00 PM.” Islanders curious about integrating a custom shower, whether for practical or aesthetic reasons, may wish to begin their research by consulting Tops to Floors. “We do lots of custom showers. That’s something we tend to be known for,” vanDuinkerken says. They also offer a range of materials: waterproofing supplies, niches, benches, curbs, drains, shower doors featuring custom glass, and hardware. Both tile and quartz finishes are available.

Tops to Floors’ strengths lie in its product selection--cabinets, countertops, flooring and more--and its remarkable team’s home design and installation expertise.

The brand’s goals are summed up in their slogan: “We design and create beautiful, livable spaces.”

Tops to Floors 26152 Route #2 Summerside 902.436.6070

“Quartz is strong, and its durability means it’ll look new longer.”

11 MacAleer Drive Charlottetown 902.894.6070 info@topstofloors.com www.topstofloors.com

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

Integrate Accessories for Added Luxury Words by Jacqui Chaisson

Accessories bring a sense of purpose into a space and, with thoughtful selection, can transform a room into an elevated experience. When used creatively and in unexpected ways, they add the perfect finishing touch to a space and can transform the overall aesthetic and design. From hardware to purposefully placed dĂŠcor, integrate accessories artfully and functionally to achieve beauty and balance for an even more luxurious space.

A balanced perspective Assess the space and identify underutilized areas of the room - opportunities to bring a design to life. Choose accessories featuring a variance of shapes, sizes, colors and textures to establish visual and spatial equilibrium. Boldly patterned pillows add dimension among solid tones, while lush flower arrangements effortlessly fill negative space, striking an unexpected balance of comfort and intrigue.

Sophisticated hardware Complete a luxurious design with sophisticated fixtures that serve as anchoring details, thoughtfully integrated for aesthetics and utility. These necessary pieces add opulence to a room while

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providing unexpected functionality.

Reimagine the use of hardware by adding robe hooks to a walk-in closet for belts or scarves, or to hang clothes.

Harmonizing accents Find the perfect blend of tones and textures by sourcing contrasting, but complementary accessories to finalize a design. Contrast an industrial coffee table with an acacia wooden bowl, or furnish a sleek, modern shelf with coarsely textured relics. As inspiration strikes, pursue the unexpected. Fill the space, maintaining a balance of polished and personal, soft and avant-garde, and strong yet fluid elements, adding just the right level of contradiction to create the perfect harmony.

An elevated update Once a design is complete, statement pieces can have surprising transformative power when updating a space. Select high-end pieces for major impact, such as a bold area rug or an oversized piece of original art to instantly augment a design.

Update an existing piece with new drawer knobs for a fresh look, integrating smaller elements that reflect the personality of the space in new ways. From a one-of-a-kind sculpture to a tasteful timepiece, always keep in mind that small-scale updates have the unexpected potential to make a largescale impression.

EXPERT ADVICE HOME BUILDER

Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builders Services Ltd.

The biggest issue you’ll face when building a new home?

Is the lowest quote the best quote?

MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 E: darren@mackenziebuilders.ca www.mackenziebuilders.ca

T

he biggest issue you’ll face when building a new house? Is the lowest quote the best quote? We would like to think yes, but in most circumstances, the correct answer is no.

What can you do to ensure you’re making the right decision when choosing a home builder or contractor?

First - decide on a general plan of what you are looking to have built and then go to an architect or a qualified draft person to make any changes. Having a ‘solid’ building plan will ensure the contractor can give you a ‘solid’ quote.

Next, you need to concentrate on the contractor. Do your research! Check the contractor’s reputation, their qualifications, memberships with organizations like the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association, and what type of warranty they will provide.

Check references and ask for proof of their license and insurance. A good builder with all of these qualifications will usually be listed with the Better Business Bureau.

Frequently, after they’ve had a house built by other contractors, people will ask me, “How could that builder charge me so much more than what he’d quoted?”

It turns out, they had multiple contractors provide a quote - sometimes as many as a dozen - and typically, the homeowner chooses the contractor with the lowest quote.

Remember, you get what you pay for and maybe the quote was too good to be true.

Meet with each builder and find out about him and his business - see how your personalities work together. Trust your instincts, not having good chemistry with your builder from the onset should be a concern. Narrow your choice of builders down to two or three.

Considering that most contractors will be paying similar rates for materials, labour costs and sub-contractors, the quotes you receive should be very similar as well.

A good strategy is to remove the highest and the lowest quotes and concentrate on the ones in the middle. Read the small print - what does the quote include or not include? Ask questions and get everything in writing - everything!

Keep in mind, changes you make during the construction process can greatly affect the final cost, so talk about the details and finishes with the builder before the build begins.

If the contractor and the owner go in with realistic expectations and an honest relationship you’ll build more than a house you will build a solid friendship as well.

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

Guest Wishes Words and photos by Susan Snow

With the holiday season approaching many of us will be hosting family and friends. Welcome them with these simple and easy tips to ensure you get a five-star rating from your guests. Creating a wonderful guest experience for your family, friends or loved ones is easy with a little forethought and planning.

Shot on location at The Black House, Charlottetown 34

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*

Be the perfect guest and don’t forget to thank your host.

A handwritten ‘thank you’ note with a bottle of wine, specialty food item or any token of your appreciation is sure to put a smile on your host’s face.

Set the scene: Launder the bed linens and make up the bed a few days in advance, saving you time and stress on arrival day. Everything will feel fresh and clean and you can now focus your time on your guests instead of tasks.

Wow factor: Create that feeling of hotel chic with a clean and clutter free space.

A simple bouquet of flowers left on the nightstand will ensure your guests feel extra special. No time for a florist? Place flowers or greenery from your garden on their bedside table.

Inviting touches: A welcome basket with travel sized toiletries and other goodies is a thoughtful touch and sure to be appreciated. Once you make this welcome basket all you have to do is refresh it after your guests leave. See the sidebar on the right for ideas.

Make them feel at home: Show them where everything is located and welcome them to help themselves - coffee, breakfast items, or midnight snacks, and an iron and ironing board. Don’t forget to provide your guests with your Wifi password, house keys, security alarm codes, spare device charger and emergency contact information.

Be aware: It’s a good idea to find out if your guests have any food, pet, dust or

scent allergies. If they do take precautions to eliminate anything which could cause a reaction and have some allergy medications on hand in case of need.

Share local knowledge: Offer your guests suggestions on special points of interest, eateries, shopping centres, beaches, festivals, events, sporting venues, concerts, spas, fitness clubs, yoga studios, walking trails and restaurants.

Welcome Basket Essentials

Room service: Clear out a drawer and place extra coat hangers in the closet so they can unpack. Place guest towels, a hair dryer or, if needed, a fan in the room.

A spare robe and slippers are also a nice touch.

Parking: If your guests have a vehicle ensure there is a parking space set aside for them. If parking on-street is the only option advise them on the local rules and laws.

Make time for them: Treat your guests to an evening at your favourite venue, theatre, dining, event or give them a tour of your area.

R & R: Add an assortment of magazines, books, crossword puzzles or other reading material to your guest room so they can enjoy some quiet time on their own. If your guests are the active type gather some tourist guides and maps that will help them plan an adventure.

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap • Hand and body lotion, dry shampoo • Razor, hairbrush, manicure set, hair-dryer • Toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, toothbrush • Makeup wipes, Q-tips, cotton pads, Kleenex • Pain reliever, Band-Aids • Washcloths and hand towels • Bottled water, snacks, gum, mints • Pen and notepad, reading glasses, sewing kit • Magazines, books • Local tourist guide and map • Wifi password and spare house key • Local wine with glasses (optional)

Thank you to James Ormston and Steven Fudge of The Black House (www.charlottetownaccommodations.com) FALL 2018

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Beck’s Home & Heating Brings

“URBAN LOFT CHIC” to a Charlottetown Landmark Words by Rebecca Spinner Photos: LaVie in Pictures

“Urban loft chic” isn’t often encountered in PEI, says interior designer Alisa Beck.

“Modern farmhouse designs tend to be most popular.”

Yet when a client approached Beck’s Home & Heating to reinvent the Red Cross building’s interior, “urban loft chic” was the target aesthetic--which intrigued Alisa. “It was a departure from the everyday.”

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B

eck’s Home & Heating--a PEI brand run by a local couple-provides a range of services from heat pump and ventilation installation (handled by Ryan Beck) to interior design (Alisa’s domain). The Red Cross building required the talents of both.

The project’s scale was exceptional. When the Becks began their work, “the interior was gutted down to the studs,” says Alisa. “We treated it like a new build.” The owner had the Becks plan, assemble, and install air-toair heating and cooling systems in all four units, as well as design an “urban loft chic” interior in a single unit.

Ryan Beck’s first task was to draft air delivery plans; such plans are customized by definition, notes Alisa. “It’s impossible to compare residential duct systems. Every floorplan is completely different.”

Once those blueprints were drafted, inhouse manufacturing through Beck’s Home & Heating advanced the installation process as quickly as possible. “Ryan hangs his hat on having an educated, experienced team that can complete plans very effectively.”

Brick accents and exposed spiral ductwork, specifically requested by the owner,

became the condo’s visual centrepieces.

Alisa devised an interior to complement the ductwork, as well as the brick that predominated inside and out. “A space’s exterior plays a huge role in its interior design,” she explains. “The homeowner sourced a brick veneer; my job was to apply those finishes properly.”

Alisa set the condo’s eye-catching elements-- brick walls, exposed ductwork, “concrete-look” fireplaces--against greige walls and two-tone trim. “I wanted the continuity of monochrome walls,” she explains. “The black-and-white trim is sharp and bold--it makes such a statement. It’s an incredible backdrop to furnish and accessorize against.”

Although Alisa and her client collaborated throughout the design process, she nevertheless finished her work with a final “staging” of the space--complete with “modern accents and high-end furnishings”.

“He called when he arrived home, and seemed thrilled with the space,” she laughs.

“He was very happy.”

Now, Alisa reveals, this same client has enlisted Beck’s Home & Heating to design the interior of a second residence. “That’s the biggest compliment ever to me,” Alisa

says. “This project has a completely different vibe from the condo. It embraces a more upscale, ‘beach house’ style. I’m anxious to complete the look; it’s coming together nicely.”

“Overall, working with Alisa was a great experience,” says the condo owner, who discovered Beck’s Home & Heating via word-of-mouth referral.

“There were just four walls when we started--a blank slate. But we had a vision. I wanted to keep the building’s historic charm.”

Now that the condo is finished, he continues, “I like the exposed ductwork, the brick, the big windows, the trim, the furniture Alisa picked... it makes such a difference. She’s doing another project for me now, and I’m optimistic it’ll be another home run.”

Beck’s Home & Heating 27 MacDonald Road Montague 902.838.5886 beckshomeandheating@gmail.com beckshomeandheating FALL 2018

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Stow-It-All Self Storage Why Choose Stow-It-All? Stow-It-All is a locally owned and operated business, offering a wide range of storage solutions to keep your belongings in a safe and secure location. A home away from home.

At Stow-It-All we strive to provide both individual and commercial customers with our Best Friend Service and meet all of our customers’ unique storage needs.

• Secure Premises • Climate Control Units Available • 15 Different Unit Sizes • 24/7 Access • Online Account Access • Pay Online • Moving Cart • Moving Supplies • 10% Discounts to Seniors, Students, Military • Business-Advantage Solutions

Whether you are moving, renovating, de-cluttering or need more permanent storage, we have a unit for you!

Stow-It-All Self Storage | 28 Thomson Drive, Charlottetown Local Phone: (902) 368-7000 | Toll Free: 1-877-370-7869 stowitall@stowitall.com | www.stowitall.com

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Innovations in Home Organization Words by Emilie Stevenson

A place for everything. No more clutter, organized kitchen drawers are a breeze with the right insert.

▲ Emilie Stevenson Cabinet Designer Tops to Floors (Photo: Story Sheidow)

T

o avoid having clutter in your kitchen you may want to explore the accessory options that can be incorporated into your design to make the best use of your space.

Some options that we tend to use in our kitchen designs are garbage pullouts, drawer inserts for your cutlery and utensils, spice racks, and pullouts for those hard to reach areas such as corners and deeper cabinets. You may notice that some kitchen designs are now using fewer upper cabinets and more open shelving. This is why dishware in drawers are becoming more popular. There are various dividers and peg systems that can be used to accommodate multiple sizes.

With technology playing such a big role in our lives it’s not surprising that they came up with ways to include this within the kitchen accessories. When you have your hands full in the kitchen it is convenient to be able to open your garbage can by a motion at your feet. Another great feature is powered doors that can be opened by a touch, and closed with the press of button. This works well in areas where doors are slightly out of reach, as they can be easily closed with the button placed at a lower level.

◀ (top- left) Drawer inserts are the perfect option for organizing spices. (middle) The ‘‘drawer pegs’ can be rearranged to fit your dishes. (bottom) Drawer inserts can be a functional and elegant design feature in your kitchen. ▲(above) This cabinet is the perfect solution for an ironing board.

Although there are multiple kitchen accessories to consider, don’t forget about the other areas of your home as well. Laundry rooms can be made more functional by adding in pullouts for laundry baskets and ironing boards, or something as simple as a rod for hanging your clothes.

When designing your home or renovating your existing one, think about how you work in the space and what accessories would be helpful to keep your home functional and organized.

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list to sell Platinum Award Realtor Anthony Delodder’s Selling Tips

Words by Rebecca Spinner Photos: LaVie in Pictures

A

► While showing off your home, highlight the surrounding neighbourhood’s appeal. “You’ve got to sell the town, the experience. The house is just one piece of the puzzle.”

nthony Delodder is one of PEI’s most talented realtors. Still, he’s choosy about the language used to describe those talents. He flat-out refuses the adjective “lucky.”

“People see my sold signs everywhere, and say it’s because I’m ‘lucky.’ But there’s no luck involved in what I do,” Delodder says firmly.

Granted, it’s easy to leap to “luck” to describe his success. Despite Delodder’s relatively recent debut as a Royal LePage realtor, he reports that he’s on track for the firm’s prestigious Diamond Award (he’s already collected a Platinum Award). But that has less to do with luck than with work ethic, staging techniques, and a maverick taste for creative selling strategies.

“The way you showcase properties can create heat in the market,” Delodder says. Here, he walks PEI Living readers through strategies to entice buyers.

► When it comes to a home’s odour, Delodder strongly prefers a specific scent profile. “Citrus is best,” he explains--naming Citrus Bliss (doTERRA) and Ylang Ylang (Young Living) as his preferred blends. “That citrus smell creates a sense of cleanliness.” He’s so adamant on this point that he personally provides clients with essential oil diffusers. ► Delodder is an animal lover (his own family includes two dogs). But when it comes to selling homes, he warns pet owners to be pragmatic.

“Pets can be extremely distracting when showing a property,” he says.

“Take them with you when you leave, or find someone to care for them.”

“You’re not buying a home, you’re buying a lifestyle and a properly executed listing sells that in the camera work, the staging and the description. It all has to come together.”

► When laying groundwork for successful property sales, everyone involved should commit. “I ask couples all the time, ‘do you both want to sell?’” he explains. “The universe picks up on that stuff.”

► Sometimes, Delodder says, pulling out all the stops simply means treating a prospective buyer to a meal. On other occasions, it’s a more dramatic affair. To attract attention to a vacant restaurant listing’s open house, he hired servers, kitchen staff, and even a live band. “I always wanted my own restaurant!” he laughs.

Anthony DeLodder Royal LePage Prince Edward Realty 539 Main Street, Montague Cell: 902.218.6700 902.838.5885 anthonyd@royallepage.ca www.thinkanthony.ca

► Rushed or amateurish property listings are at a disadvantage; time, technology, and expertise are key to attracting buyers.

Delodder himself showcases clients’ homes through professional photography and drone videography - and devotes hours to composing client listings. ► An overly busy or untidy interior can overshadow a gorgeous home. “Buy storage containers and load them up--declutter, declutter, declutter.” ► “The airiness of the home seems to impact offers. The brighter the better,” Delodder muses. He recommends white window treatments and brightly-coloured accent pillows and throws to make the most of light levels. ► However, Delodder offers one caveat on the above: “Don’t confuse ‘bright’ with neon colours. Think of ‘bright’ in gentle, soft shades.” Grey, he notes, suits dining rooms well. ◀ Mega Open House event, April 13, 2018.

Executive Assistant, Taylor Ferguson serving guests.

► Overall, Delodder advises restraint while painting. While he suggests touching up concrete foundations, he says “the majority of non-resident buyers this year seem to favour unpainted, natural wood shingles.”

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

ARM YOUR KITCHEN WITH MAYTAG® APPLIANCES Get a full fingerprint resistant stainless steel suite that looks as good on the outside as it does on the inside.

Words by Jacqui Chaisson Images courtesy of Maytag®

Maytag® has always been known for their exceptional quailty and reliability. They even used this great reputation for marketing with the Maytag Repairman, who described himself in his first commercial as “the loneliest man in town” — because the appliances never broke. Although the Maytag® Repairman has changed over the years - the company’s reputation has remained the same.

Beck’s Furniture in Montague offers a full line of Maytag® appliances for your home, and their appliance specialist is on hand to assist customers looking to make their next purchase. ▲ The Maytag Repairman (actor Colin Ferguson)

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rely on, and its backed with a 10-year limited parts warranty, so if something does go wrong, Maytag® will be there to fix it.

Our homes wouldn’t be complete without the conveineces modern appliances offer us, and Maytag®’s combination of style and innovation allows us to purchase with confidence.

There have been many innovations to appliances over the past few years, and among the most popular are the fingerprint resistant stainless steel appliances.

“Having to continually wipe off smudges on stainless steel was always an issue, “ said Jeff Beck, owner of Beck’s Furniture, “With Maytag®, you no longer have to worry about fingerprints on your appliances with the fingerprint resistant stainless steel.”

Maytag® kitchen appliances, washers and dryers, and other durable appliances and accessories are built to handle all of your daily chores with ease. Their stainless steel appliances give your kitchen a sleek and powerful look, while keeping your food cold, your dishes clean, and your dinner hot. Maytag® has built its reputation on making dependable appliances you can

The experts at Beck’s Furniture have years of experience and product knowledge combine that with free, Island-wide delivery and you will understand why so many Islanders recommend the trip to Montague.

Shop the full line of Maytag® products at Beck’s Furniture to find what you need today.

Beck's Furniture 18 Water St, Montague 902.838.5882 www.beckshomefurniture.com

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PROUD SUPPORTER OF YOU™

Since 1881, Sealy has built mattresses that focus on support, comfort, and value. Our beds are designed to give you the rest you need to wake up renewed, refreshed, and ready to face your day.

Beck's Furniture | 18 Water St, Montague | 902.838.5882 | www.beckshomefurniture.com

H O M E & C O T TA G E

SUCCULENTS

AIR PLANTS

These trendy plants, similar to cacti, are very droughttolerant and easy to care for.

They require bright light, and need little water.

Succulents look great on windowsills, and planted together in containers. Popular succulents include aloe, echeveria, haworthia, and jade.

These versatile plants can be hung and placed in a variety of containers and are easy to care for. Unlike other houseplants, they don’t have a root system, and can be watered by submerging them in warm water for just 15 minutes, once a week! They are ideal in rooms with indirect light, and higher humidity levels such as the bathroom.

PLANT

ARTIFICIAL

THIS

Many of us are interested in following the latest trends, and houseplants are no exception. Here is the lowdown on the most popular plants this year, and how to keep them thriving!

-Mya Cole, Prestige Floral Studio

Artificial plants are more popular than ever, and the perfect choice for a windowless room, or if you simply love the look but don’t have a green thumb.

CACTI

FIDDLE LEAF FIG These popular plants are frequently seen in home décor magazines. With their dramatic, broad leaves, fiddle leaf figs work well in rooms with bright light, and are perfect for filling large spaces. Water when the top few inches of soil are dry; they also prefer higher humidity. And don’t be afraid to prune — this keeps them bushy and full!

Bright light is the key for these desert-loving plants! Keep in a sunny spot, and check for dryness every one to two weeks. Cacti are very drought-tolerant, so it is best to underwater rather than over-water. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so the only difficult part about cacti is choosing one!

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

From Carter’s Creek to Melody Meadows,

Parker Built Homes Creates PEI Neighbourhoods Photos: LaVie in Pictures

Local developers Parker Built Homes may be best-known for creating the West Royalty community of Carter’s Creek.

They’re now at it again, embarking on a new development venture: the Melody Meadows subdivision.

T

he success of Carter’s Creek was key to raising Parker Built Homes’ local profile, company cofounder Parker Perry notes.

When asked what led him towards his work developing subdivisions, he explains that he and his wife, Andrea Perry, personally experienced the challenge of choosing a neighbourhood as they tried to find a lot on which to build their family home.

“We weren’t just looking for a lot in a subdivision,” he explains. “We wanted a strong sense of community, in an area with a great school and all the amenities for everyday convenience.”

Perry ultimately cofounded Parker Built Homes, his Island-based family business, alongside his father-in-law, Paul Gallant.

Andrea Perry serves as the company’s administrative lead. “She’s key to running the office and keeping client satisfaction at the forefront of our business,” says Parker.

It took less than three years for Parker Built Homes to succeed in selling every lot in Carter’s Creek. Parker quickly realized other Islanders were also in search of a community atmosphere, as well as the everyday convenience provided by easy access to amenities. This led Parker Built Homes to move on to their second development, Melody Meadows, which Parker says has “a similar feel” to Carter’s Creek.

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MELODY

107.38’

In September, Parker Built Homes put its finishing touches on the Melody Meadows area. The burgeoning Winsloe/West Royalty development may now be Charlottetown’s most charming new neighbourhood.

LANE

141.07’

95.25’

59.06’

118.63

4.6 5’

121.96’

’ A RC R=1 =53 .1 5’ 60 .0 0 ’ R=160.00’

55 ARC= 0’ ’ 160.0 .07 ’ R= 72 0 A= 0.0 16 R=

’ .0 6 ’ 59 0 A= 0.0 16 R=

99.10’

ARC= 60.49

.91 ’

68.65’

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.0

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6’

59

5’ ’

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.0 6

22

9’

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7. 9

.0 6

25

59

LOT 3

LOT 2 25

7. 9

59

68.65’

’

59

68.65’

00

’

3 1’

51.

.0 6

121.

LOT 19

9’

LOT 4

66.46’

’

4’

.9 0

59.8

130

LOT 18 59

9.1

9’

.0 6

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LOT 1

N LY

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E AV

.

59

.0 6

’

59

ATHOL DR.

123.00’

4’

LOT 17

LOT 5

18

59.06’

Melody Meadows properties will hit the market in October, says Parker. Since the neighbourhood consists of fewer than 20 lots, they’ll likely be spoken for quickly: “Melody Meadows will probably sell out in a year,” he predicts. Parker also expects new home construction in the development to conclude completely within “two or three” years.

0’

0.3

LOT 13

58 .9

14

’ .07

15

’

59.06’

59.07’

LOT 16

59

LOT 6 3 4 .2

LOT 14

117.58’

5’ 12 .0 ’ C=1 .0 0 AR 00 D =1 RA

.81’

59.05’

LOT 15

105.73’

88.10’

LOT 7

119

1’ 3 .0 ’ 16 .0 0 0 C= AR D =10 RA

105.79’

LOT 8

120.00’

16

’

A=59.14’ R=160.00’

’ 72 .10 ARC= 00 ’ 0.

R=16

6’ .3 72 0 ’ C= 0.0 AR =16 R

LOT 9 94

LOT 12

4’

LOT 10

103.

124.69’

167.0

LOT 11

▲ Andrea and Parker Perry LOT PRICE LIST LOT 1 – $74,900 *

LOT 8 - $66,000 *

LOT 2 – $74,900 *

LOT 9 - $69,900 *

LOT 15 - $57,500 *

LOT 3 - $69,900 *

LOT 10 - $79,900 *

LOT 16 - $56,000 *

LOT 4 - $69,900

LOT 11 - $72,900

LOT 14 - $57,500 *

*

LOT 17 - $59,900 *

LOT 5 - $69,900 *

LOT 12 - $59,900 *

LOT 18 - $59,900 *

LOT 6 - $69,900 *

LOT 13 - $59,900 *

LOT 19 - $59,900 *

*

LOT 7 - $69,900 * *

HST extra. Prices are valid until September 30, 2018 and are subject to change without notice.

For more info please contact us at 902.394.6669 • info@parkerbuilthomes.ca

Melody Meadows lots--many southern-facing-range from one-fourteenth to one-half of an acre in size. Once purchased, buyers are at liberty to select the builder who constructs their home, as well as their building supply company of choice.

While Melody Meadows buyers have their choice of builders, those who select Parker Built Homes enjoy the advantage of the company’s unique “turnkey” approach. Parker Built Homes recognizes that selling an existing home--plus selecting a lot and a new home floorplan--can already feel overwhelming to clients; that feeling can be compounded by the challenge of simultaneously adhering to a strict timeline and budget.

Parker Built Homes can guide clients through this transitional period from the beginning phases until the very end, Parker explains. “Essentially, we offer a process that creates little or no hassle for clients.

We work in tandem with reputable designers, draftsmen, architects, and engineers to keep every step as seamless as possible.”

When asked to identify the key to his business success, Parker offers two pieces of advice.

“Surround yourself with good people, from talented and valued employees to mentors,” he suggests, and “focus on ensuring your clients’ needs are not just met, but exceeded.”

Parker Built Homes 902.394.6669 info@parkerbuilthomes.ca www.parkerbuilthomes.ca www.melodymeadowspei.ca

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

PICTURE THIS Mastering the Gallery Wall

Words by Susan Snow

So, you have an empty wall and plenty of photos or artwork that you love, or you have minimal wall space to hang your treasured pictures.

Create a gallery wall.

G

ather the photos and artwork you would like to hang.

They should all be framed prior to starting. Try to mix your wall art pieces to relate to each other in some way or theme.

Any groupings can be used in gallery walls: paintings, prints, family photos, maps, menus, letters, mirrors or any other form of wall art that appeals to you and fits your home décor.

Determine if you are doing a freeform, a grid or a diagonal line (perfect for stairs). The freeform style uses various sizes and/or shapes; grids use photos of the same size, creating symmetry; and a diagonal line will have your pictures travel up a wall.

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Prepare yourself with the tools you will need: a hammer, picture hangers, small nails, picture wire, level, pencil, white eraser, measuring tape, and painter’s tape.

Place your pictures out on the floor and play with the arrangement until you are satisfied with the grouping. Next take a picture with your phone so you remember the layout. You will want to refer back to it as you hang them.

You can also make templates of your pictures using newsprint or craft paper. Trace and cut out each picture individually so they are the exact replica of the sizes you are working with.

If you are using the template method simply transfer your paper cut outs to the wall and tape them on with painter’s tape until you are satisfied with the look.

With each piece of artwork measure the distance from the top edge of the art down to the hanging wire or hook on the back of each piece. Now mark this distance on the wall using a pencil.

This is where you will place your nail.

Start with the centre picture and begin hanging them one by one. Try to keep the spaces between them fairly even, a tape measure will help with this.

Once you are done sit back and admire your gorgeous new gallery wall.

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PEI HOME CHECK: Travelling Islanders’ Professional Protector Words by Rebecca Spinner Photos: LaVie in Pictures

“It’s a great service for both short-term travellers and snowbirds, who may be away for months at a time...

It’s not seasonal. I’m here year-round.”

When it comes to protecting their homes while they’re away, “homeowners don’t necessarily want to rely on friends or relatives,” says former police officer Rick Milsom, founder of PEI Home Check.

That’s partly because no one wants to saddle loved ones with an unexpected emergency. But emergencies aside, “housesitting” is still a time commitment.

Even well-intentioned loved ones may rush the odd visit. And if a housesitter misses problems requiring immediate attention, Milsom points out, homeowners may face financial consequences.

Still, travellers can’t just lock their doors, drive away, and tune out. “Home insurance policies require that an empty home be checked,” explains Milsom. A neighbour casually peeking in may not qualify.

“Homeowners risk having their insurance claim denied if they can’t prove anyone was there.”

The Service

Timeframes and Timestamps Timeframes are flexible at PEI Home Check.

“Clients can plan their holidays months in advance, and secure my services,” Milsom explains. “But I can also help if there’s a last-minute emergency.”

Visits are documented both on paper, and digitally, via timestamped photos. “If there are issues down the road with an insurance claim, homeowners can produce those photos to the insurance company as proof of visit.”

Emergency Monitoring In all cases, Milsom says, “I’ll visit the house and do a walkthrough with the homeowner, prior to their trip.” He and the client will agree on emergency contacts and protocols, allowing Milsom “to act on your behalf if and when something occurs.”

Once the client departs, PEI Home Check will monitor for everything from broken windows to burst pipes to sewage backup.

PEI Home Check eases clients’ travelinduced anxieties through its flagship service--monitoring temporarily vacant residences according to a homeownerchosen schedule. Milsom personally conducts each visit “to help minimize any damages that may occur,” he explains, “so that a minor problem doesn’t become a major problem.”

Maintenance Management

To the best of Milsom’s knowledge, PEI Home Check’s services are unique on the Island. “It’s a great service for both shortterm travellers and snowbirds, who may be away for months at a time.” He expects PEI Home Check to grow busier as cold weather rolls in; however, “it’s not seasonal.

I’m here year-round.”

In PEI Home Check, Greater Charlottetown residents have gained an ideal neighbor, conscientious caretaker, and eagle-eyed security guard, rolled into one. This may well be Island homeowners’ first opportunity to enlist the services of a professional protector.

PEI Home Check provides the following services:

Scheduled home visits.

Flexible schedules are finalized with homeowners’ input and approval.

Timestamped photographs for insurance purposes, optionally emailed to homeowners via TimeStamps app technology.

Interior/exterior damage monitoring and management — minimizing risks presented by extreme temperatures and weather.

Security checks to deter break-ins and vandalism.

PEI Home Check also performs maintenance tasks, such as collecting mail from the front entrance to ensure a home appears occupied, or caring for plants, small pets, and cats. (In fact, difficulty finding a cat-sitter led Milsom to create PEI Home Check in the first place.)

Mail pick-up to minimize signs of vacancy.

Pet care for cats and other small pets.

Plant care and watering.

PEI Home Check 902.388.1263 info@peihomecheck.ca www.peihomecheck.ca

Watch our video

www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=6obkrbha1iQ

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

TRAVELLERS HOME CENTRE Custom and Modular: Kent Homes Delivers!

Words by Jacqui Chaisson, Cassandra Bernard Photos courtesy of Kent Homes

Is a modular home right for you?

If you are looking for a custom home with quality guaranteed, where you can be as involved or hands-off in the design process as you choose — if you care about your budget and getting value for your spend while having a smooth predictable process — then the answer is YES!

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M

odular homes are no longer the mobile homes of the 1980s, you’ll be surprised to find modular builds have all the elegance and style of a traditional built home, yet offer so many advantages.

You can expect a faster completion with your modular home. Because they are built indoors, they’re typically completed in weeks rather than months. They also don’t normally experience delays caused by weather or labour shortages.

Because they must meet industry specific standards, rules, guidelines and building codes that are often much stricter than those required of a traditional on-site home, modular homes are built to superior quality. This results in a home that’s better built, more efficient and less likely to experience problems than a typical new home.

Building modular is very cost effective, because building materials are bought in larger quantities, so that savings can be passed along to the consumer. Smart design and assembly line efficiencies make the building process quicker, easier and cheaper.

The biggest misconception with modular homes is the belief that you can’t customize.

“Every floor plan can be changed to reflect your vision of a dream home.” said Brent Lewis, the exclusive Kent Home retailer in PEI. Brent Lewis, Sales and Project Manager, says Travellers Home Centre has catered to clients from East Point to North Cape, PEI, to help design their dream modular homes.

With design flexibility and a stress-free process of purchasing and building, a wide range of clients choose modular homes to avoid dealing with multiple sub-trades. “We offer a true turn-key service from the design of their new home to having the home cleaned before it is ready to move into,” explains Lewis.

Brent has worked in the construction field for over 15 years, with 10 of those operating his own company - B&B Carpentry, and has the expertise to custom design a Kent Home to best suit your needs while giving you step-by-step guidance to make it a pleasurable experience.

Designing and purchasing a modular home is simple and hassle free. Clients can begin by browsing plans on the Travellers Home Centre website and gathering ideas to incorporate into their new home. This is where Brent Lewis can offer his expertise, by meeting with the client to discuss the details and their ‘wish list’.

“I encourage clients to visit our BordenCarleton location, see the show homes, and browse through our sample boards to discuss various available features.” Lewis said, “Once a plan is selected and the buyers are happy with the design, finishes such as cabinets, flooring, light fixtures, siding and roofing are all chosen.”

The home centre also has a tiny home, The Haven, onsite for viewing. “The interest in the tiny home movement is very strong on the Island. It is a trend that is for many people looking to change their lifestyle and have a smaller footprint on our Island,” he says.

The Haven, which is only 283 square feet with one bedroom and one bathroom, has a well-designed kitchen, and the bedroom upstairs allows you to gaze at the stars in the cozy loft with windows, dormers and skylights.

“I enjoy the work as I get to meet a wide range of clients, such as new immigrants to our province, to a new couple starting out a life together, to someone looking to downsize for their retirement home.”

- Brent Lewis

Lewis says there is nothing more satisfying than walking through the finished homes with his clients. “I enjoy the work as I get to meet a wide range of clients, such as new immigrants to our province, to a new couple starting out a life together, to someone looking to downsize for their retirement home.” He even gets Christmas cards every year from past clients, and plays golf with some whom he’s formed great, long-lasting friendships with. “Those are the clients that make it all worthwhile doing,” he smiled, “I was walking a client through her new home and she started crying. Thinking that I did something to upset her, I asked what was wrong and her response was, ‘Nothing, everything is perfect!!’”

Travellers Home Centre 23724 Trans Canada Hwy Borden-Carleton 902.855.3333 www.travellershomecentre.ca

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

Island Craftsmanship from a “Fourth-Generation Carpenter”:

JOE DUNPHY CUSTOM WOODWORKING Words by Rebecca Spinner Photos: Story Sheidow, Susan Snow

“Fourth-generation carpenter” Joe Dunphy constructed his first dresser at age 14, says wife Lisa.

Come 2018, that dresser’s still in service in the Dunphy household.

◀ (L-R) Michael Dunphy, Joe Dunphy (Photo Story Sheidow)

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“I

t can’t be compared to what he puts out today,” Lisa laughs. “But it’s lasted 45 years, and it’s still used.” In fact, she says, “everything in our house is handmade by Joe.” Nothing could paint a clearer picture of Joe Dunphy’s incredible craftsmanship.

Joe is the namesake cabinetmaker at Joe Dunphy Custom Woodworking, an Islandbased custom cabinetry shop that’s served PEI for three decades. “We started out of the basement,” recalls Lisa, the business’s bookkeeper. “We built our first workshop, in our backyard, the same year our son Michael was born. Through the years, we added pieces on as we grew.”

The brand’s transformation from backyard business to Island success story faced a major challenge five years ago. “In 2013, a fire burnt our workshop to the ground.

We lost everything,” Lisa recounts. “The only thing we were able to haul out was a box of pencils.”

Joe Dunphy Custom Woodworking survived that workshop fire, and the Dunphys chose that moment to expand their business’s scope. “We started from scratch, building a new workshop next to our home,” Lisa explains. “That gave us the opportunity to evolve the way we did things. Now

everything in the workshop is new. It’s stateof-the-art.”

As the Dunphys rebuilt, their “family business” status was a source of strength. “Our son Michael was instrumental in bringing our business into the future, where it needed to be,” Lisa says. Nowadays, she notes, Michael continues to work for the shop two days each week; the Dunphys’ four grandchildren are also a frequent presence at their showroom.

Custom cabinetry is Joe Dunphy’s stock-intrade. Two model kitchens are displayed at the business’s St. Peters Road showroom-one classic wood, one frameless white Shaker. Nowadays, Lisa says, savvy Islanders use Joe Dunphy’s services to craft clever, creative, individualized kitchens: for example, by pairing white kitchen cabinets with custom-coloured islands. “They can choose any colour at all.”

Joe Dunphy Custom Woodworking specialties include, not only kitchens, but also laundry rooms, built-in bathroom vanities, and custom walk-in closets. “Some are quite elaborate – like things you’d see in a home design magazine.”

Design technology available through the showroom and workshop allows clients to view potential kitchens as digital mock-ups, enabling them to tinker with colour, finish, and placement until the finished product

mirrors their mental picture. “Before we start cutting the kitchen, the client knows what it’s going to look like.”

The shop also provides itemized quotes listing each element of a project, enabling clients to finetune according to budgetary requirements. Once clients settle on a kitchen design, the Joe Dunphy Custom Woodworking team will visit their home for measurements; cut, assemble, and finish the project; and install it in the client’s home.

Countertops and hardware may also be ordered through the shop.

The warranty on Joe Dunphy’s handiwork is impressive: “we guarantee our kitchens forever,” Lisa says. That 45-year-old dresser in the Dunphy’s own home is the proof.

Joe Dunphy Custom Woodworking 7997 St. Peters Road, Morell 902.961.2848 www.joedunphy.com

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GREAT expectations Words by Susan Snow

Photos: LaVie in Pictures, Susan Snow, Story Sheidow

For homeowners Brett and Jennifer building their new home was a dream come true. Their vision was a home that was quietly elegant, rich in design details yet felt cozy and inviting.

Design tip: A piece of glass custom cut for the coffee table protects the wood finish from marks and stains.

Photo: LaVie in Pictures

Furnishings and appliances available at Hambly’s BrandSource. Home Furnishings Kitchen by Joe Dunphy Custom Woodworking

t

he heart of the home is the great room that encompasses the living room, kitchen, entry and dining areas.

The expansive space is decorated in a harmonious palette of neutral colours featuring creams, beiges and pale ocean blues. It’s a space that is both serene and pleasing to the eye.

With the careful layering of furnishings, fabrics, textures, artwork, carpets, draperies, plants, family photos and accessories the home has a feeling of being lived in for years. The design features a stunning coffered ceiling, dark hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry, and walls of windows that allow natural light to filter into the room enhancing the sense of space.

Two chesterfields combined with two side chairs offer generous seating for entertaining, watching TV, reading or lounging. An oversized coffee table accessorized with favourite books, candles and flowers anchors the large sitting space.

â–ş The entry of the home sets the tone for a warm welcome.

The placement of an oversized leaning mirror behind the live edge wood bench is simple yet tasteful with a pretty punch of hot pink flowers and personal touches.

(Photo: Susan Snow)

Interior Design: Susan Snow of Moving Designz FALL 2018

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Photo: LaVie in Pictures

In an open concept space it is vital to link the flow from one area to another by continuing with similar colour choices, flooring and finish details.

t

Kitchen by Joe Dunphy Custom Woodworking

he large kitchen is awash in light, function and personality. The classic style of the kitchen features pale cream coloured cabinets, cream subway tiles, a marble tile detail above the gas range, a custom range hood, and upholstered counter stools. Thoughtfully designed with loads of upper cabinets and lower drawers with an 8’ center island it offers plenty of space for storage and meal preparation. Durable quartz countertops, a pot filler and state of the art stainless steel appliances are a home chef’s dream and perfect for the homeowners who love to cook and entertain.

But what really makes this kitchen design stand out is the attention given to architectural details like fluted corner edges, trim mouldings, custom cut edge profiles on the island and the craftmanship of the cabinetmaker. ▲ Photo: LaVie in Pictures

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▲Just off the dining area is the sunroom. The room is completely enclosed on three sides with walls of windows and screening filling the room with sunlight and adding protection from the elements and pesky mosquitoes. (Photo: Story Sheidow)

▲ The homeowners had their existing table and chairs, which were once a golden pine colour, refinished in a much deeper and darker stain. The new finish adds beauty and warmth to the dining set and it now works seamlessly with the rest of the space.

(Photo: Susan Snow)

The appliances, purchased in Charlottetown at Hambly’s BrandSource Home Furnishings on Kensington Road are the GE Monogram series. In the world of high-end appliances, GE Monogram stands out with its own brand of luxury. GE appliances are not only great products, but are dependable and timeless.

The chesterfields with elegant tufting, and the accent chairs are also from Hambly’s.

With their classic lines, these pieces are both comfortable and beautiful.

“With its comfortable seating arrangement it’s the perfect relaxing atmosphere to start the day with a cup of coffee and a quick read of the morning paper or end the day with a glass of wine,” says Jennifer.

◀ The large center island is the

ideal spot for entertaining and kitchen parties. With a bar sink and beverage centre it offers modern convenience and comfort for large gatherings. Three glass pendants above the island provide light without interrupting the sightlines.

(Photo: Story Sheidow)

Thank you to homeowners, Brett and Jennifer for so generously allowing us to share their beautiful home.

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Modular to Custom Homes

MacKenzie Builder Services & Legacy Homes

Building Dreams Words by Jacqui Chaisson Photos: Story Sheidow

D

arren MacKenzie launched his construction company, MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. in 2007, but the business really evolved from Darren’s years of experiences in the industry — including carpentry, fine furniture and cabinet making, home inspections, commercial construction, and modular and custom-built homes.

Years as a home inspector changed the way he saw the construction industry, “Over the course of more than 2,000 inspections – pre-purchase or insurance – I saw first hand the many problems that result from improper building techniques and lax building code application.”

From the onset, MacKenzie Building Services took pride in doing the best job possible for its customers, and over the years the company’s reputation has grown as quickly as the business.

In 2011, MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. became a broker for Sunward Steel Products, a company based out of Denver, Colorado, which specializes in manufacturing high quality steel building kits.

These kits range from simple steel storage sheds to large commercial/industrial buildings.

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“In some incidents, a steel fabricated building may be a more economical choice than building a traditional wood constructed building.” said MacKenzie, “Although its still considered new to the Island, the demand is growing.”

Always looking for innovative opportunities, in 2014 MacKenzie became the exclusive Island retailer for Maple Leaf Homes and added Legacy Homes as a division of MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. MacKenzie was impressed with the craftsmanship and quality of the company, and with over 30 years of experience in manufactured housing, Maple Leaf Homes were able to offer homeowners the advantages of move-in-ready homes, built to their exact specifications.

“I have always been interested in providing customers with a great product at a fair price,” said MacKenzie. “From my experience installing Maple Leaf Homes, I was already sold on their engineering and quality and knew this product would be a valuable complement to MacKenzie Building Services. We help Islanders realise their dream of owning a home, either through the purchase of a mini (one piece) or modular (two or more piece) home.”

Maple Leaf Homes can be customized to

your specifications and MacKenzie can guide you through the process of creating your dream home.

Both MacKenzie Builder Services and Legacy Homes have high standards, and offer nothing but the best in service and integrity for every client.

“If a homeowner is not happy with the finished product, the buck stops right there.

There is no finger pointing involved, we just go ahead and resolve any concerns.”

MacKenzie is proud to have been the first Islander to be awarded a Master Builder designation, through the Canadian Home Builders Association. He sees this designation as the best guarantee of quality he can offer clients.

Darren MacKenzie continues to set the bar in the building industry on the Island, “In the end it’s as simple as offering my customers the same high standard of service I’d expect.”

H O M E & C O T TA G E

MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 E: darren@mackenziebuilders.ca www.mackenziebuilders.ca

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

City Flooring: Unmatched Selection, Exceptional Service

Words by Rebecca Spinner

Images courtesy of City Flooring

P P

icking out floors may be the trickiest aspect of interior design. For one thing, nothing reveals homeowners’ tastes more clearly than their choice of floor (Marfil marble? Versatile vinyl? Cozy carpeting?).

On top of that, floors endure more wear and tear than any other home decor element: extreme temperatures, spills, cleaning products, heeled shoes, scratchy-clawed pets.

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“Flooring is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Islanders searching for floors that balance style and durability can’t skip a visit to City Flooring, which offers the opportunity to browse an inexhaustible range of floors and home design products. “We’re always complimented on how spacious our showroom is,” says City Flooring Retail Sales Specialist Lynda Cameron.

The PEI-based business is managed by Katie Fraser; top Canadian brands, such as Quebec-based Ceragres, comprise its core product lineup. “Katie wanted to highlight Canadian content,” says Cameron.

“We’re the only Ceragres boutique on PEI. We carry products you can’t find anywhere else on the Island.”

When choosing wood floors, Cameron warns, considering a home’s location is crucial. “If you’re in a cottage on the water, you don’t necessarily want hardwood, due to the humidity and moisture.” However, she notes, Ceragres’ uniquely beautiful hardwood-style ceramic tile suits custom cottage showers perfectly.

“We focus on customer service... we want to ensure customers are happy and taken care of.”

Ceragres’ appeal can be partly credited to its versatility. “Tile has taken off. It’s not just for floors anymore,” Cameron says, pointing out that Ceragres tiles complement projects as diverse as accent walls, backsplashes, and custom showers.

City Flooring also offers cushioned Mannington vinyl floors, as well as Kraus carpeting. Despite the current appetite for sleek vinyl, tile, and wood, carpet reportedly remains a favourite in bedrooms and on stairs: “it’s the best, slip factor-wise,” points out Retail Sales Specialist Chelsay DesRoches jokingly.

Customers preferring elegant, minimalist wood floors can browse natural and engineered hardwood brands such as BSL and Mirage (both Quebec-sourced).

DesRoches also notes carpet’s special appeal to empty-nesters. “People go back to carpeted living rooms after their children leave, when it’s just them at home. They

2017 Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award

don’t have to worry about spills, or kids horseplaying, so they’re looking for comfort underfoot again.”

City Flooring’s accommodating sales team expertly guides clients through the showroom’s selection, which includes doors, heat pumps, siding, windows, and window coverings. In every case, “we focus on customer service,” says Cameron. “We want to ensure customers are happy and taken care of.” Their exceptional performance received public recognition last year, in the form of a 2017 Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award.

The calibre of City Flooring’s service extends beyond the showroom. Employees visit customers’ homes to take measurements, provide quotes, perform installations--and alert customers to unique home quirks that might affect the finished product. “It’s not ‘just’ flooring,” Cameron emphasizes. “There are all kinds of levels underneath that help make a good floor. Flooring is just the tip of the iceberg.”

City Flooring 601 Read Dr., Summerside 902.724.3220

◀ FACING PAGE: Top: Ceragres - Charleston Bottom right: Mannington - Versailles Courtyard • Bottom left: Ceragres Lux - Acquamarina THIS PAGE: Left: Mannington - Tapestry (cushion vinyl) • Right: Kraus - Liberty Terrace

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

SUSTAINABLE. EFFICIENT. GREEN. M.B. Eye Electrical: Innovative Electrical Solutions Words and photos by Story Sheidow

Imagine selling electricity back to the power company, or better yet, having them store a surplus for you to use during the winter months when power bills are traditionally at their highest? With innovations in solar - including smaller, more powerful panels, paired with the most efficient cutting-edge options in heating and lighting, having an energy consultant is almost essential when planning a new project, renovation, or simply when looking for advice to lower your energy consumption.

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M

att Eye, of M.B. Eye Electrical, along with his wife, Katherine, are passionate about offering their clients the right solution, and not just a “quick fix” for their projects. Says Matt Eye regarding his company’s mantra: “Energy Consulting, for me, is ‘providing the right solution for the situation’.

for a large-scale home sound system, or we are upgrading the heating sources with zone-controlled, efficient electric heaters; we have our finger to the pulse of what’s new and current. We want to be a resource for home and business owners looking to find the best way to approach their project for maximum efficiency, performance, quality and overall cost-savings” explains Eye.

Some of these new technologies include integrated smartphone apps such as MyEnlighten, which allows home and business owners access to all of their solar power information, monitor their system for issues, report how much power is being produced and consumed, and track how much electricity is It’s M.B. Eye’s being exported extensive “toolbox” through their meter “We can put people at that provides them back out into the ease by building their with the confidence grid. Simply put, M.B. to find precisely the Eye has the ability trust in who we are, what right combination to put the “power” we do, and why we do of innovations back into their to ensure every customer’s hands. what we do.” customer is happy “We pride ourselves with their end result. in being a forwardthinking company.

M.B. Eye is far from your ordinary electrical We don’t want to be a ‘same-old, sameservice provider: Working all over PEI, and old’ electrical contractor, doing things the across Atlantic Canada, their customers way they’ve always been done. We build include everyone from large-scale relationships with customers and always businesses, to small-scale homes and communicate new ideas and products to cottage properties. “Whether a business satisfy their needs.” owner is retrofitting their building with LED And to the folks who may feel intimidated lighting, a new homeowner is having us wire by solar? Eye says, “It seems more “Our level of solar and electrical experience, combined with our background in heating allows us the ability to find what makes each project unique, and show clients what makes their home different than their neighbors, and why.”

complicated than it is.” People want to know how big of a system they require to meet their needs, how much energy they will produce, how much money they will save, and what percentage of costs will be offset by what they produce. These are all great questions that Eye is more than happy to answer. “We can put people at ease by building their trust in who we are, what we do, and why we do what we do. We are always transparent with our customers every step of the way, so they know exactly what they’re getting and what to expect from their system in terms of performance and reliability.”

By providing fully licensed and insured electrical design, engineering, installation, and service, M.B. Eye Electrical is a cuttingedge, professional leader in the industry, and a family-run and owned business you can count on.

M.B. Eye Electrical 60 St. Peters Road, Charlottetown Office: 902.892.8839 Mobile: 902.940.5241 www.mbeyeelectrical.com

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

Experience Outdoors with EARTHFORM There’s something unique about the way Earthform approaches an outdoor space their ability to see a project in its entirety from hardscape to landscape truly sets them apart.

Words by Story Sheidow Photos: LaVie in PIctures

Many factors are involved when planning an outdoor area - walkways, garden beds, seating areas, and the flow from one area to another has to be meticulously planned to account for views, sunlight exposure, and the aesthetic fluidity of the space. Having a unified vision, a strong design, and the ability to coordinate even the smallest details of a space to all work harmoniously is essential in bringing your outdoor area to its full potential.

What makes Earthform so unique in this way?

Simply, they specialize in all things outdoors without compromising quality and expertise.

From hardscape like patios and walkways, to landscape such as garden beds and planters, Earthform can take your space from start to finish, and even maintain it for you long term.

“Earthform loves to create places where people come together - but we also love maintaining them,” says owner, Darcy MacNeil.

Over the company’s lifespan Earthform has expanded to include all of the essential aspects of hardscape and landscape design, having recently added pool and spa installations to their impressive roster of services. “We have introduced several

packages and are streamlining services to get the right service to the right client.

Our team works hard to make sure that each element is installed with all other elements considered, that continuity across the job is important for ensuring everything works together and lasts,” say Todd McCabe, General Manager.

With the integration of all of these services under one roof, creating your perfect space can now be not only simple – but also exciting and innovative.

Every project begins with a great design, and Earthform offers the latest technology in 3D rendering; providing a real-time walkthrough of the finished project complete with both accurate sun and shade representation, and daytime and nighttime viewing capabilities. Earthform strives to find the right design for each space – one that will perfectly fit the client’s vision and needs.

Once you approve your design, you can sit back and leave the rest up to them.

Starting from the ground up, the hardscape team can install all of the groundwork needed for your dream space. Paving stone walkways and patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchen areas, propane or

wood burning fire pits, and even intricate water features can be integrated into your design, extending your outdoor patio season and making every inch of your space usable and well thought-out.

Next comes landscaping; and by utilizing their Garden Centre located on St. John Avenue in Stratford, knowledgeable staff can choose just the right shrubs and flowers for your space, considering aspects such as sun and shade, wind and salt exposure, bloom times, and even winter foliage. And just as your landscaping starts from the ground up, so does their business.

“The landscape industry is growing fast and we want to be a big part of the growth, but we can only do it by hiring the best people available and growing and cultivating them as leaders,” says Craig Bugden, Vice President. This “grassroots” approach is quite fitting, to say the least.

Earthform Landscaping, Garden Centre, Pool & Spa 18 St John Ave, Stratford 902.892.2699 www.earthform.ca

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HomeSource

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Travellers Home Centre Want the ability to design a modular home to suit any family lifestyle or budget?

Travellers Home Centre will help make that dream a reality!

Travellers Home Centre, a retailer of Kent Homes, has sold modular homes from East Point to North Cape on PEI. Clients have come from all over Canada and the U.S.A for the design flexibility &stress free process of purchasing & setting up a modular home on PEI. 23724 Trans Canada Hwy, Borden-Carleton | 902.855.3333 | www.travellershomecentre.ca

Barnwood Boys Custom hand hewn pieces made from Prince Edward Island’s barn wood. Claim a piece of Island history that tells a story on its own. Each piece is a unique, one-of-a-kind design. Contact us for your custom order (deposit required).

Brackley Beach | 902.388.7983 | www.facebook.com/barnwoodboyspei

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Material Girl Offering all kinds of custom sewing for the home, such as custom slipcovers, draperies and home decor. Material Girl also offers repairs to sailboat sails, boat covers and patio enclosures. Visit the North River Road showroom which has a 1055-square-foot sewing workroom and books of fabric choices for any sewing project.

565 North River Road, Charlottetown 902.218.7128 www.facebook.com/materialgirl.pei

Beck’s Home Furniture & Appliances

Earthform Landscaping, Garden Centre, Pool & Spa

Visit Beck’s beautiful waterfront showroom and browse the latest in furniture and appliances from La-Z-Boy to Maytag. Browse their selection of unique gifts and décor, and speak to their knowledgeable staff.

Offering landscaping, hardscaping, lawncare, and pool and spa services, Earthform can complete your outdoor space from start to finish, and maintain it for you long term. Realize your vision with Earthform.

18 Water St., Montague 902.838.5882 www.beckshomefurniture.com

18 St John Ave, Stratford 902.892.2699 www.earthform.ca

PEI Home Check

MB Eye Electrical

Becks Home & Heating

Going on a trip or vacation?

Want some piece of mind that your home will be safe while you’re away? Call PEI Home Check. Offering services such as scheduled home checks with real-time updates, heat and flood monitoring, and small pet care.

From energy efficient electrical to cutting-edge solar, M.B. Eye Electrical offers the latest innovations in energy efficiency, serving all of Atlantic Canada since 2010. Specializing in custom electrical designs for every customer, quality service is of utmost importance to M.B. Eye Electrical.

Beck’s Home & Heating pair stylish home décor and interior design, with home heating solutions, and will work in-home to create customs designs and heating solutions for your home or business.

902.388.1263 info@peihomecheck.ca www.peihomecheck.ca

60 St. Peters Road, Charlottetown Office: 902.892.8839 Mobile: 902.940.5241 www.mbeyeelectrical.com

27 MacDonald Road, Montague 902.838.5886 beckshomeandheating@gmail.com

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STYLE

Designer Labels at Consignment Prices Words by Alana Lauren Photos by Story Sheidow Makeup and hair by: Jenepher Reynolds, About Face Models: Mary Beth MacDonald, Izzy Fitzpatrick, Bobby Zinkan

Designer labels such as Gucci, Escada and Prada are not something we normally have available on PEI — and never at 70 per cent off the retail price. Charlottetown’s Luxury Market is delivering high-street to lower Queen Street.

Mary Beth is wearing: Heather Campbell Vest Coat $395 Heather Campbell Scarf $96 Bloomingdales Cashmere Sweater (ORG* $210) $70 Jewellery Genie Virginia Hoops $54 Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 (ORG $1350) $480 *(ORG= Estimated Orginial Retail Price) FALL 2018

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W

ith items collected from consignors across Canada and the US, Luxury Market’s inventory is constantly reinventing itself, bringing high-end, fashion-forward items to Islanders that may have not been previously available on our gentle island.

This was precisely the vision Mary Beth Campbell and Kaley MacDonald had when their passion for fashion led them to open the boutique’s doors last January.

Sharing a background in business, both owners have been avid followers of all things fashion, and are thrilled to expand the diversity of the Island’s thriving consignment industry with their large Queen St. storefront.

With designer fashion for men and women of all ages, customers can be excited to save up to 70 per cent off retail prices on items spanning from clothing and shoes, to jewellery and handbags.

“We want our customers to be excited when they come into our boutique, and our goal is to always be evolving the shopping experience. We are working on new connections to bring more amazing products into the store, both in women’s and menswear” says MacDonald.

Their hard work definitely shines through when you browse through their shop: “Part of the store is focused around designer sections. This way if a customer has a Models: Izzy Fitzpatrick, Bobby Zinkan, Mary Beth Campbell. Shot on location in Historic Downtown Charlottetown.

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Izzy is wearing: Escada Sweater (ORG $500) $120 Vakko Skirt (ORG $240) $80 Yves Saint Laurent Heels (ORG $800) $350 Michael Kors Bracelet (ORG $300) $100 Banana Republic Clutch (ORG $80) $30

▲ Mary Beth is wearing: Vintage Tadashi Gown (ORG $700) $130 Bobby is wearing: Gucci Suit (ORG $1400) $400 MICHAEL Michael Kors Shirt (ORG $100) $30

designer they love, they can always start their search in that section of the store. We also have sections for sportswear, holidays, cruises, vintage, and so on” mentions Campbell. “We are also very excited to have expanded our section for curvy women, as well as increased our selection in menswear.”

▲ Mary Beth is wearing: Jewellery Genie Angelina Earrings $35 Jewellery Genie assortment of rings $35$84 each

Luxury Market loves to support local so you will find some designer and artisan products in the boutique. They sell local textile designer Heather Campbell’s line which consists of luxury silk scarves, wool outerwear, Mongolian fur boas, etc. all made in Canada. Luxury Market is also the exclusive

(top) Izzy is wearing: Improvd Blazer (ORG $284) $120 MNG Suit Shirt (ORG $50) $18 Paige Jeans (ORG $175) $55 Valentino Heels (ORG $1400) $680 Coach Tote Bag (ORG $398) $198 Bobby is wearing: Emporio Armani Shirt (ORG $335) $98 Moschino Pants (ORG $500) $120 Coach Duffle Bag (ORG $770) $398

▲ Izzy is wearing: Helmut Lang Coat (ORG $1500) $520 BCBG Scarf (ORG $120) $48 Ralph Lauren Handbag (ORG $300) $140 Bobby is wearing: Dolce & Gabbana Shirt (ORG $500) $120 BOSS Hugo Boss Coat (ORG $800) $160

retailer for locally-owned online company, Jewellery Genie which offers modern trendy sterling silver jewellery with a very affordable price tag.

When asked if they have had any rare gems in-store, MacDonald responds, “We have had a few Chanel bags in, and just to be able to hold some of the most sought after designer bags in the world is something special.” She quickly adds, “Currently in the store we have a rare Gilles Montezin blazer, and skirt suit from the first Sex and the City movie: the piece is an exquisite one-of-akind, and a must-see.”

Luxury Market 94 Queen Street, Charlottetown 902.439.4301

Luxury Market’s official grand opening will be held on October 26 • 6:30 pm to 9:30pm. ▲Mary Beth Campbell and Kaley MacDonald FALL 2018

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STYLE

“Red hair is my life long sorrow.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

GINGER snaps According to Wikipedia, red hair (or ginger hair) occurs naturally in 1–2% of the human population.

It occurs more frequently (2–6%) in people of northern or western European ancestry, and less frequently in other populations.

Red hair varies in hues from a deep burgundy or bright copper (reddish-brown or auburn) through to burnt orange or red-orange and strawberry blond. It is characterized by high levels of the reddish pigment pheomelanin and relatively low levels of the dark pigment eumelanin. It is associated with fair skin colour, lighter eye colors (gray, blue, green, and hazel), freckles, and sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Cultural reactions have varied from ridicule to admiration; many common stereotypes exist regarding redheads and they are often portrayed as fiery-tempered. If you do opt for a red hair colour shade, get ready to turn heads. To help you decide on the right red hair colour for you, here are some great options, along with tips for going red.

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Bright copper hair colour is vivid and intense—like a shiny, new penny. It’s an exciting choice if you have fair, peachcoloured or golden-toned skin and green or hazel eyes.

Ginger red hair colour is a spicy, light or medium reddish brown tone that is one of the most natural-looking reds in the spectrum. (In fact, in the UK, natural redheads like Prince Harry are called “gingers.”) Natural redheads have fair skin and green or brown eyes, and often have freckled complexions, so opt for this shade if you can tick those boxes on your skin tone and eye colour profile.

Light auburn hair colour is a blend of light golden red and light brown. It’s been worn to perfection by actress Emma Stone! It’s a beautiful shade if you have a creamy, peach-toned or golden complexion with blue, green or warm brown eyes.

sallow and ill! As a general rule of thumb, select warm red hair colours like ginger, copper and auburn if you have very fair or very warm skin. Select cool red hair colours like red violet, ruby and red velvet if you have dark or cool skin.

Red hair colour looks best when it’s vivid.

To prevent red hair colour from fading, ask your hair stylist for shampoo and conditioner formulas that are specifically made for coloured hair. These formulas are free of the ingredients that tend to strip hair colour, and they keep hair shiny and keep red hair colour vibrant. For cool reds, Brass Off system can be used to neutralize brassy, orange tones.

Red hair colour should be kept out of the sun. The sun will cause any hair colour to fade, and since it’s important to keep red hair colour bright and vivid, it’s a good idea to keep it covered with a hat or scarf when outdoors to avoid UV exposure.

Medium auburn hair colour is a combination of medium golden red and medium brown. Scandal’s Darby Stanchfield’s remarkable hue is a perfect example of this shade. It’s striking with her porcelain complexion and blue eyes. It’s also an ideal red shade for people with green or warm brown eyes.

Avoid over-shampooing. Shampooing too frequently is another way that red hair colour can become faded. Try to skip a few days between shampoos if possible. If your roots become oily or dirty, try using a dry shampoo to keep your scalp fresh between shampoos.

Golden copper is a warm and spicy hue—a blend of dark golden blonde and light, bright red. Actresses Amy Adams and Jessica Chastain wear this shade beautifully.

Choose this shade if your complexion is porcelain, peach, golden or neutral, and if you have blue, green, hazel or warm brown eyes.

See your stylist regularly. Because red hair colour can fade quickly, it’s important to make regular appointments for retouches.

Your stylist will touch up your roots, and also use a gentle, ammonia-free hair colour on the rest of your hair that will keep your red hair colour even and vibrant without damaging your hair.

How to choose the best red hair colour shade and red hair care tips:

Select your makeup carefully. Play up the warmth of your red hair colour with rosy or peach cheek and lip colors. Green shadows and liners can be beautiful on eyes if you have red hair colour, as can various shades of brown!

Shade selection is critical! The right red hair colour will make your skin come alive; the wrong choice will make you appear

T

STYLE

here’s something spellbinding about walking into a jewellery store. Is it the diamonds and gemstones that sparkle on all sides? Or does the magic have more to do with the reasons why people visit — birthdays, graduations, engagements, weddings, anniversaries?

Peter Norton of Nortons Jewellers might prefer the latter explanation. “Jewellery serves as a memento,” he muses. “It celebrates a specific moment in time. When you receive a piece of jewellery, you’ll always remember that moment, and the person who gave it to you.”

“After all,” he adds, “how many people do you know who still have their grandmother’s ring, or their grandfather’s watch?”

A permanent fixture in downtown Charlottetown since 1974, Nortons Jewellers remains one of the last independent jewellery stores on PEI. In an era of big box stores and mass produced merchandise, Nortons Jewellers is distinctly different. You might say a cut above the rest. Their success lies in their ability to balance beauty, price points, style and customer service.

Nortons Jewellers Ltd. This Iconic Island Jewellery Store “Celebrates Everyone’s Special Occasions” Words by Alana Lauren, Cassandra Bernard Photos: LaVie in Pictures

Peter Norton and his son Craig carry on the family business by carefully selecting each and every piece of jewellery in the store. “Whether it’s a gold bracelet, a one carat diamond stone, or a strand of pearls, you can be sure it has been chosen for its beauty and inherent value.”

▲ Image courtesy of Forevermark Diamond 76

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“Where Islanders get engaged”

“When you receive a piece of jewellery, you’ll always remember that moment.” ▲ Tanzanite and diamond ring “I love my job. I get to take part in a very important moment of people’s lives” says Norton. “Helping our customers create lasting and cherished memories”.

And when it comes to diamonds Nortons Jewellers are the experts. “We keep a large inventory of loose diamonds that meet our specific criteria for beauty, value and uniqueness. The same can be said for our diamond ring settings. We have a vast collection of settings and we also offer custom made settings, there is always something perfect for every taste and budget”.

Peter credits his son Craig for having a keen and enthusiastic eye on design trends.

He follows trends and knows what’s in style.

When asked about what’s hot this season, Craig says “there is a huge demand for oval cut diamonds and coloured stones”.

He also says gold and rose gold are very popular with their customers.

Another huge part of the store is the team of knowledgeable staff members who really know their stuff. “Our staff are like family to us, some have been here for over 30 years.”

Peter and Craig choose the centre stone for nearly every piece of custom jewellery in the store, utilizing Canadian or Forevermark diamonds. “Our jewellery designs aren’t rigid; we can play with details to accommodate clients’ wishes,” explains Peter, noting that the customization process also allows Nortons to cater to specific styles and budgets.

▼ Image courtesy of Pandora

The most telling testament to Nortons Jewellers’ quality may be the wide range of services provided by the shop — from jewellery services, watch repairs, and of course, custom design. Clients requiring personal attention may book an appointment by calling the boutique, or via the Nortons website.

After nearly 50 years serving Charlottetown, there’s a strong possibility that many of your loved ones already cherish at least one piece of Nortons jewellery. As the winter holidays and Valentine’s Day approach, the staff at Nortons Jewellers can help find them another piece, every bit as perfect.

Nortons Jewellers 160 Queen Street, Charlottetown 902.894.3922 www.nortonsjewellers.com

Nortons Jewellers stocks luxury jewellery brands such as Forevermark, Pandora, Simon G, and Swarovski; elegant watch brands including Citizen, Gucci, Fossil, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors are also available through the boutique.

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STYLE

T

here’s no telling where you’ll spot an impeccably effortless ensemble.

A striped maxidress in a coffee shop, a crisp white blouse in the office, a flirty cold-shoulder top one table over. There are great outfits all over the Island, and many share a source: Go 2 pieces from JEMS Boutique on Queen Street.

JEMS’s house line, Go 2 Clothing, was created by boutique owners Julia and Maureen Campbell.

For the mother-and-daughter designers, versatility remains a constant Go 2 touchstone. “You can style Go 2 pieces different ways, make them work for various aspects of your life: student, businesswoman, stay-at-home mom, retiree,” explains Julia.

“They’re ‘go-to’ pieces you’ll wear again and again.”

Julia and Maureen founded Go 2 about five years ago, and the brand is now offered in around a dozen Canadian boutiques, including JEMS. The Campbells personally choose every element used to craft Go 2 designs-fabrics, zippers, buttons. To find perfect materials, Julia reveals, “We travel halfway around the globe, to Guangzhou, China-the fabric hub of the world.”

Fabrics sourced form Guangzhou, she says, make up a huge slice of international fashion. “No matter where they produce--Europe, Asia, South America--ninety-five per cent of people source fabric from that city.”

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BEHIND THE SEAMS The Campbells’ annual Guangzhou trips are spent in a fashionable flurry. “In a single day, we’ll go around and feel thousands of different fabrics.”

Julia credits Maureen with hunting down quality cloth for Go 2 designs, noting that her mother draws on three decades of retail experience. “She can feel fabric and know from the weight whether it’ll pill or not.”

Choosing a suitable workshop for Go 2’s designs involved legwork, says Julia--but paid off in peace of mind. “We took extra steps to be comfortable with our manufacturers: what they stood for, how they ran their business,” she says of Go 2’s Guangzhou partners. “We’ve been to the factory several times. We’ve met the workers.”

Although Go 2’s products are an international collaboration,

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JEMS Boutique’s house brand debuts its fall/winter line Words by Rebecca Spinner Photos courtesy of Jems

Julia emphasizes that Go 2, and JEMS itself, are Island brands.

“Our local demographic keeps us in business. We employ locally and give back locally,” she says, naming the Canadian Mental Health Association and Island Mothers Helping Mothers as two of JEMS’ chosen causes.

This autumn, JEMS will debut its first fall/winter collection. While Go 2’s spring/summer’s offerings were athleisure-inspired, says Julia, the fall/winter collection is “cozy and chic,” featuring an array of tunics, sweaters, ponte pants and more in neutrals (white, charcoal, black), and jewel tones like cranberry and raspberry.

One of the eight newly-designed fall/winter items--a leisure suit-was directly inspired by the Campbells’ Guangzhou trips, Julia

▲ Maureen and Julia Campbell. notes. “I wanted a perfect leisure suit for the long haul to China; one that looked smart, and wouldn’t wrinkle,” she explains.

“Something comfortable on a twelve-hour flight.”

Whether you’re jetsetting this autumn or not, the Go 2 leisure suit--and the rest of the fall/ winter collection--might prove a perfect addition to a flexible, fashionable cold-weather wardrobe.

JEMS Boutique 102 Queen Street Charlottetown, PEI 902.894.1457 www.jemsboutique.ca

Style with Jewls - Accessorize Let’s talk about that stunning pair of gorgeous dangle earrings, those perfect shoes that spoke to you, the cocktail ring that stopped you in your tracks and you ‘had to have.’ The beautiful pieces you knew you were going to base your entire ensemble around, and time and time again make you happy just looking at them.

Accessories can give new life to classic pieces we’ve had in our wardrobe for years, take us from season to season and don’t have to break the bank to be effective. Whether you’re a less is more, or more is more (guilty!) type, accessorizing is a really fun way of amping up your personal style.

Jewls

From jewelry to boots, scarves to handbags, and watches to jackets, the contribution of an accessory gives us confidence knowing the look is totally and completely ‘ours’!

FRINGE COLLAR Over a LBD or with denim and a white tee this piece will transform any outfit into something fabulous!

LAYERING JACKET Leather, vegan leather or denim are great choices for a waist length layering jacket.

Wear a shirt, tunic, or dress underneath it, and pop on a heavier scarf for cooler days!

BOOT My boot of choice for fall is the military boot.

High enough for ankle pants and great with leggings, stockings or skinny jeans.

JAPANESE KNOTTED HANDBAG Simple and chic, these knotted clutches are adorable and will amp up your wardrobe using textured fabrics or chain handle details.

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STYLE - TRENDS

Let’s Do COFFEE Is brown the new black? Is ‘coffee’ the new brown? This rich, full-bodied hue is perfect for fall and may just become your new favourite.

From chunky sweaters and leather boots to manicured nails and coiffured tresses - we love this colour so, espress yourself this season.

◀ Vegan Leather Jacket by TRIBAL., Pearl embellished crop denims by FDJ (French Dressing Jeanswear), Scarf by Soya of Denmark, Handbag by Nuzi.

Available at Chameleon’s Hanger, Confederation Court Mall, Charlottetown.

Model: Dawna MacDonald

◀ Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 (ORG $1350) $480 Vintage Celine Handbag $230 Rioni Handbag (ORG $250) $127 Vintage Salvatore Ferragamo Passport Holder $58 Available at Luxury Market, 94 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

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►Donna Karan New York Dress (ORG $210) $60 MK Michael Kors Handbag (ORG $250) $80 Alice + Olivia Dress (ORG $300) $110 J Crew Blazer (ORG $ 198) $68 Elie Tahari Dress (ORG $298) $70 Available at Luxury Market, 94 Queen Street, Charlottetown.

▼ The perfect blend of highlights and undertones create a rich, vibrant hue.

◀ Women’s Clarks Marana Trudy Boot Distressed leather and a stacked heel provide this tall boot with a vintage, Western-inspired appeal. An inside zipper makes stepping in easy, and layers of Clarks Cushion Soft™ padding with an OrthoLite® footbed allow for all-day comfort. An instant match to your favourite jeans. ► Clarks Hinman Chelsea Mens Boots A faithful take on the classic Chelsea boot, crafted from soft suede. A flexible elastic gore completes the look while offering a flexible fit and Clarks Cushion Soft™ padding supplies soft underfoot comfort. A neverfails pairing with jeans and a tee.

Available at Uptown Shoes, Confederation Court Mall, Charlottetown.

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Be a Beautiful You

Oftentimes the key to recreating a salon-perfect style is in products. At Sherwood Styling Salon, we sell only the finest hair sprays, gels, shampoos and conditioners. Our stylists can show you exactly how to use our products to recreate your new style. Anything we get on-sale we put on-sale.

Shampoo • Conditioners • Hair Accessories • Straighteners • Skin Care & Makeup • Nail Polish • Jewellery • Purses • Wallets • Scarves ISO • Redken • OPI • Hempz® • Bioelements® • Moroccanoil® • Joico • TIGI • Allpresan® • Rusk® • Nioxin®

Sherwood Styling Salon & Inspire Esthetics 166 St. Peters Road, Charlottetown | 902.892.2334 | www.sherwoodstyling.ca

A Natural Choice Facial Moisturizer • All-Natural Deodorant • Medicinal Tinctures • Herbal Tea • Hand-crafted Jewelry • Cremation Jewelry

Townes Herbal products are food-grade, and 100 per cent natural - Essentially food for the skin.

•townes•

@townesherbals

townesherbals

townespei@gmail.com | www.t o w n e s h e r b a l s. c o m | www.townesherbals.etsy.com Available at Green Eye Designs (Victoria Row) and Riverview Country Market (Riverside Dr.)

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Sculpting a Lean Physique Word by Story Sheidow

There are many misconceptions to the science behind sculpting a lean physique. Is building lean muscle possible, or is a lean look simply based on body composition?

Lean muscle is somewhat of an elusive concept – the “unicorn” of the fitness world, so to speak. Does it exist? Are there even different types of muscle at all?

In short – the answer is both yes and no.

The body is comprised of two types of skeletal muscle fibres: slow-twitch and fast-twitch. The difference between these two types has less to do with the size of the muscle, and more to do with what they’re used for.

Slow-twitch muscle fibres help enable us to perform endurance-based exercises such as long distance running, biking, or swimming. Fast twitch fibres fatigue much quicker, and are used for shorter, more powerful bursts of movement such as sprinting and heavy lifting. Muscle groups within the body are generally comprised of both - with one type being slightly more dominant in each area.

Fast-twitch fibres grow larger than their counterparts in response to strength training.

They activate quicker, but also fatigue faster.

Slow-twitch fibres, on the other hand, are almost as strong, but take a second or two longer to respond and are slightly more resistant to growth with training. Each muscle type is activated differently.

Lean muscle is somewhat of an elusive concept – the “unicorn” of the fitness world, so to speak. Does it exist? Are there even different types of muscle at all?

By focusing less on heavy weight training, and more on performing endurance-based and functional isometric-type exercises (like the examples below), you can target your slow-twitch muscles and improve stamina, performance, and increase strength without significantly gaining muscle mass. There are a variety of low-impact ways to achieve this, offering a lower risk of training-related muscle and joint injury. Whichever method you choose – be sure it’s right for your needs, your body, and your abilities.

YOGA Yoga brings a variety of health benefits - offering a physically intense full body workout, as well as a reduction in stress and anxiety. The low-impact nature of yoga is great for all ages and abilities. It incorporates a variety of muscle groups simultaneously, and can be very physically challenging to the body. The mental health benefits are an added bonus, especially when practiced regularly over a longer period of time.

PILATES Pilates has a large emphasis on core and back strength, and is often likened to an amped-up version of yoga. People often ask the difference between the two, and while there are many, one of

the key differences is that yoga is largely practiced while standing, whereas pilates is predominantly performed on the floor.

Many of the positions in pilates involve balance, and focus on the centre of your body. Control, flow, and precision are key elements with pilates, and concentration is of utmost importance. Deep concentration is required to position the body properly and maintain poses, all while focusing the mind on breathing patterns. It’s no surprise then that it can have major benefits to memory and cognitive functions, as it’s what some refer to as “the thinking person’s exercise”. Pilates is great for people who enjoy yoga, but are looking for a more vigorous work out.

BARRE Barre is fairly new to the scene, and incorporates small isometric movements that can build strength without putting strain on tendons or ligaments. With a focus on the repetition of small movements, it can strengthen and tone without increasing bulk. Barre improves posture, and results can often be seen quicker than with yoga or pilates. By incorporating music it can be fun and upbeat, and give a cardiovascular element to your workout that neither yoga nor pilates offers to the same extent.

FUNCTIONAL ISOMETRIC TRAINING PROGRAMS Functional training programs are great if you like to work out at a gym, or enjoy having a quick set of exercises you want to be able to do when you’ve got some spare time at home. Isometric training is essentially working out without actually moving. Sound easy? Well, not exactly.

Think planks, bridges, lunges, and squats.

Now picture holding them for 30 seconds, or a minute, at a time. Holding these static poses can help increase strength, flexibility, and mobility. They can build tendon and ligament strength, and holding a single position can also help to teach your body proper form for day-to-day repetitive movements.

There are many unique ways to get fit – often encompassing great additional mental health benefits. Finding the right program for you, one you enjoy and benefit from, is the most important part of the whole process. Enjoying your exercise routine is the best way to keep your momentum going – and your mind at ease. So be sure you love what you do – it may be the key to your fitness goals.

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Atlantic Fitness Centre: PEI’s Fitness “Family”

Photos: LaVie in Pictures

“At Atlantic Fitness Centre, we know how much our clientele value customer service,” says club co-owner Chris MacPhee. “So, along with our many other amenities, Atlantic Fitness Centre provides all members with free personal training. This outstanding service helps members establish a relationship with staff. It’s really added a lot to our family environment!”

At Atlantic Fitness Centre, “it’s just one big family,” says manager Stacey Lund.

When clients visit, “they’re called by name.”

Co-owner Chris MacPhee feels similarly. “Our club has a small-town, family atmosphere that the members and staff have truly embraced,“ he says.

Prince Edward Island residents have responded with enthusiasm to Atlantic Fitness Centre’s neighbourly atmosphere. The PEI-founded brand, which comprises two thriving locations on Garfield Street and Kent Street, has been an Island fitness mainstay for almost 25 years.

With two clubs in the Charlottetown area, Atlantic Fitness members can alternate on a daily basis to suit their convenience. Those who choose the downtown facility will experience a fresh corporate environment, under the guidance of manager Monique D’Amour. Monique brings over 30 years of customer service-based fitness industry experience, as well as a positive Island attitude, that fits nicely with the close-knit downtown clientele.

Atlantic Fitness Centre’s exceptional employees have helped the branch strengthen its “family atmosphere.”

Lund praises the high quality of Atlantic Fitness Centre’s customer service. Some staff members, she and co-owner David Edgett point out, have been with the club for upwards of two decades. In fact, MacPhee echoes, “we have some people who have been with us for 24 years.”

MacPhee’s ability to praise staff members by name for specific professional strengths speaks to Atlantic Fitness Centre’s staff camaraderie. He’s clearly aware that, when it comes to Islanders’ workouts, the Atlantic Fitness Centre team’s loyalty and knowledge are an exceptional resource.

“Over the past 24 years,” he explains, “it’s been our pleasure and our goal to provide top-notch customer service to the people we’ve grown to know so well... our fellow Islanders.”

PEI’s relationship with physical fitness has evolved over the years, says MacPhee, who has observed Islanders’ awareness of--and enthusiasm for--fitness increase.

“People are paying more attention to their physical fitness.”

Those signing up at Atlantic Fitness Centre for the first time will find that its competitive pricing reflects the club’s respect for its family of patrons.

MacPhee emphasizes that members and guests, including newcomers, will feel comfortable in the workout environment.

“At AFC, we are fortunate to work with members of every size, shape, and age,” says MacPhee. “We are proud to say no AFC member ever feels left behind.”

All Atlantic Fitness members have access to club amenities, including scheduled fitness classes. Plus, members receive a perk that’s hard to beat--complimentary personal training. (MacPhee himself serves on the club’s roster of personal trainers.) Whether workouts are a new routine or an unbreakable habit, such one-on-one time with a fitness expert is often key.

Atlantic Fitness Centre 18 Garfield Street, Charlottetown 902.892.1999 119 Kent Street, Charlottetown 902.368.3622 managementafc@live.ca www.atlanticfitness.ca

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

naturally

B o o s t Yo u r I m m u n i t y Words by Story Sheidow

While herbs like echinacea, goldenseal, and elderberry are well known for their immune boosting effects, they can often be expensive and hard to find (especially when you need them most!). However, they’re not the only go-to herbs when you’re feeling under the weather. Here’s a few herbs that you can find either fresh, or dried in the spice section at your grocery store that work wonders for your immune system.

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*

Another great thing about these herbs is that they can all be grown indoors in pots, all year round. For ginger and turmeric, simply buy the fresh root, soak overnight, and plant as you would a bulb in a large pot, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist. It takes a very long time to sprout, so don’t be discouraged. As for garlic, simply pop individual cloves (organic garlic usually works well as seed in a pinch) into a large pot, making sure to water it evenly and regularly, and wait.

Garlic is a Go-To

Turmeric for Chronic Conditions

Besides lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and generally being allaround great for heart health, garlic also strengthens your immune system using several unique mechanisms. By stimulating and enhancing your body’s immune and “natural killer” cells, supplementing your thymus gland’s immune response, as well as releasing immune-boosting enzymes studies have shown that garlic has strong antiviral behaviour against several strains of influenza and the common cold. But one thing to note: in order to get the most from your garlic, it must be used freshly crushed and left uncooked, as the allicin (an immune-boosting agent released by the crushing process) is very unstable and is lost over time or with the heating process.

This is an herb where fresh truly is best.

A relative to the ginger plant, Turmeric is used similarly as an immune-booster, however it is known primarily for its active ingredient curcumin and the antiinflammatory benefits it brings to the body in fighting chronic conditions and inflammatory ailments. But these two things really go hand-in-hand: inflammation is a response used by the body’s immune system as a way to fight against tissue injury caused from bacteria, toxins, viruses, or other foreign substances. When chronic inflammation is taking place in the body, its immune system is constantly working. This is very draining to the body, and leaves it more susceptible to other illnesses.

Feel Better with Ginger Ginger, like garlic, is another amazing herbal powerhouse. Known for its immuneboosting abilities, anti-nausea effects, and detoxifying qualities, it’s also a delicious herb used in many culinary preparations.

Ginger affects the immune system in similar ways as garlic: by stimulating the body’s T-cell production. Ginger is also an excellent anti-inflammatory, and is by far the most commonly used herb to fight nausea.

So, not only does this herb help kick the virus that’s making you feel ill, but it also quells the nausea you may be experiencing along with it. And did I mention it’s delicious?

In order for the curcumin to be the most bioavailable (that is, in order for your body to be able to use it most efficiently) it is best taken with a fat (coconut oil is one great option) and combined with black pepper (pepper contains the active ingredient piperine, which inhibits the body’s ability to metabolize drugs and helps boost curcumin levels in the body).

Fresh turmeric can be a bit tricky to find, but is often available at most Sobeys grocery stores here on the Island. That said, if it’s not available in your area, don’t fret; the powder form will work very well in its place.

*Using organic herbs is always ideal, but if this is not possible, peeling and washing conventional versions works well in a pinch.

Ginger Tea 3 cups water 1-2 cinnamon sticks 4-5 slices of fresh ginger 1 lemon, cut in half Honey to taste Bring all ingredients (omitting half the lemon) to a boil, decrease heat to low and simmer covered for 20 minutes.

Squeeze remaining lemon into tea.

Boil two cups of water with six to eight crushed and peeled garlic cloves, then simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in two teaspoons of honey (or to taste), and the juice from one lemon.

Golden Turmeric Milk 2 cups almond milk (or one cup of canned coconut milk and one cup water) 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp honey or to taste 1 tsp turmeric pinch of cinnamon pinch of pepper Combine all ingredients in a pot on medium high heat and stir until warmed.

Story Sheidow is a Chartered Herbalist, Certified Natural Product Advisor, and owner of Townes Herbals Apothecary.

Her many years of experience working in greenhouses and landscaping professionally, working within the health food industry, as well as gardening at her home in Cardigan keep her constantly inspired by the power of nature- and always looking to further her knowledge and share it with others.

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SIMPLY FOR LIFE Words by Cassandra Bernard Photos: LaVie in Pictures

Fueling the body with real, whole foods is becoming more and more of a science.

Studies tell us every day which foods can help lower our risk of disease, and which foods are progressively being recognized as the cause of bad health and certain ailments. Scholars are constantly searching for ways to better understand how food affects our bodies, evaluating the eating habits of people with cancer and heart disease, including research focused on helping people with weight loss. The Simply for Life organization shares those very same goals. The Canadian company, founded in New Brunswick, has been spreading its passion for health and wellness for over 17 years, helping clients achieve their optimal level of health through nutrition, and to ultimately live a longer, happier lives. Whatever your nutrition and weight loss goals may be, Simply for Life will help get you there.

Kaitlyn Reher, owner of the SFL Charlottetown location off of Mount Edward Road in the Shops of St. Avard, says SFL offers all kinds of nutrition services including one-on-one nutrition counselling and individualized meal planning targeted towards aiding people with things such as weight issues, digestive health issues, and diabetes, with a goal of reducing medications. “We don’t count calories or anything. We teach you how to eat healthy meals and how to fit them into your lifestyle, something you can sustain too; getting back to the basics,” she explains.

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▲ (L-R) Nicole Haddad, Kaitlyn Reher (owner), Janessa Wolters

Anyone can walk into the Charlottetown location to see Reher and her staff, Janessa Wolters and Nicole Haddad, having fun while guiding their clients to great health.

They dish out large portions of motivation, accountability, and undivided support.

Clients and members from the public can even shop at the natural market for healthy, delicious products!

“We teach you how to eat healthy meals and how to fit them into your lifestyle.”

◀ Kaitlyn Reher

Typically, clients begin at Phase 1: Nutrition Transition where they set goals, receive education and weekly accountability sessions, and meal plans based on their personal needs. Once those goals are met, the client moves on to Phase 2: Lifestyle Maintenance where they work to maintain those goals with more freedom and less accountability with bi-weekly coaching sessions. Phase 3: Health Freedom is the beginning of a healthier life for the client.

They learn to maintain these habits on their own with monthly accountability sessions, before graduating to Member for Life at which point the client is gifted with an unlimited membership for life. “Every single one of our clients that have made it to Member for Life has had long-term success. They just love it. They love coming here once a month and checking in and asking questions about whatever is new in nutrition,” Reher gushes.

It’s simple: eat balanced meals. Eat whole foods; practice portion control. Eat your veggies and protein and carbohydrates.

Eat your fruit, starches and grains. “It’s about changing long-term habits for most people and just practicing them over and over until they become normal,” Reher says. “If people are committed to a change, they’ll succeed. I ask people if they are ready to change their lifestyle, and if they are then they’re going to do great.”

Learn more from a SFL professional about nutrition programs, restorative detoxes, workplace programs, nutrition for athletes and more!

Simply For Life Shops of St. Avards 8 Mount Edward Rd., Charlottetown 902.892.3107 info.charlottetown@simplyforlife.com www.simplyforlife.com

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Make Ocean Memories Aboard

NORTHUMBERLAND FERRIES Words by Rebecca Spinner Photos: LaVie in Pictures

H

ave your friends and family been saving precious vacation days for the autumn months?

Jessica Gillis, Northumberland Ferries’ Marketing and Customer Experience Manager, says autumn getaways are on the rise. “It’s an Atlantic Canadian trend.

September and October are so beautiful now, we see lots of people travelling.”

But how many shoulder-season vacationers get a sailor’s-eye view of our gorgeous autumns?

The stunning oceanscapes visible from Northumberland Ferries’ two PEI-to-Nova Scotia vessels (mv Confederation and mv Holiday Island) are enhanced come fall,

says Gillis. “You can see everything--the coast, the red sand cliffs, the leaves. It’s beautiful.”

The ferries don’t just showcase autumn foliage. Beyond deck, passengers can glimpse one-of-a-kind ocean spectacles.

“If the weather’s warm into fall, we may sight marine life, like porpoises,” says Gillis. “During evening crossings, herring fishing boats often light up the Northumberland Strait.”

Peckish passengers should dive into the Salt Water Cafe’s new menu, which mixes seafood specialties (lobster rolls, fish and chips) with cheeky comfort food (donair egg rolls and dill pickle fries). PEI favourites like The Handpie Company and mv Confederation’s Cows Ice Cream round out the dining options.

Throughout peak season, the Music on Deck program transforms ferry passengers into audiences; travellers can also enjoy exceptional Maritime handicrafts via Seaside Experiences. “Seaside Experiences allows PEI and Nova Scotia vendors to sample and sell products onboard--

Those travelling by ferry from PEI disembark near Pictou, on Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore. From there, they can cruise the Cabot Trail or Sunrise Trail, delving into two of the province’s loveliest landscapes. Others may explore Halifax’s diverse shopping scene, which ranges

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chocolate, preserves, wineries, breweries, local chefs, and more,” explains Gillis.

from big-brand hubs like Halifax Shopping Centre and Mic Mac Mall to Spring Garden Road’s boutiques.

Closer to port, Pictou culture and history are showcased at the McCulloch House Museum and the Northumberland Fisheries Museum. Afterwards, a tour of the Grohmann Knives Factory may be in order, followed by a pick-me-up from Mrs. MacGregor’s Shortbreads or Uncle Leo’s Brewery.

Overnight visitors can check in at Pictou Beach Lodge Resort, then take breakfast in its Oceanside Dining Room. “It’s a one-stop resort; you can go kayaking, swimming, have a bonfire,” enthuses Gillis.

Those disembarking in PEI, meanwhile, may visit countless local treasures. (A quick flip through PEI Living ought to showcase a few.) Rossignol Estate Winery, Copper Bottom Brewing, and the Wood Islands Lighthouse are especially convenient to the ferry, says Gillis.

Mature Islanders may recall Northumberland Ferries as part-and-parcel of their childhood vacations. (Indeed, Gillis adds, they may be thrilled to discover that the retro arcade games that defined their teenage crossings are still playable onboard!)

The Maritimes’ many autumn celebrations make fall travel especially tempting.

Island-bound foodies can indulge at the Fall Flavours Festival and PEI International Shellfish Festival, and the Island’s summer season of live theatre continues into September at some venues. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia’s autumn highlights range from Tatamagouche’s Oktoberfest to the hip Halifax Pop Explosion.

But for young Islanders, Gillis continues, the ferry can be an extraordinary adventure, rather than a routine pleasure. “Many Island children haven’t yet experienced the ferry,” she says. “It’s always amazing to witness them do that for the first time. It’s a magical experience.”

“You can see everything — the coast, the red sand cliffs, the leaves. It’s beautiful.”

Northumberland Ferries Ltd. Toll-free: 1.877.762.SAIL (7245) www.ferries.ca www.seasideexperiences.com

- Jessica Gillis

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“Ensuring we all have the information that we need to make informed decisions is essential for all us to live our full lives.

This is true of information and access to services related to sexual health and access to information about safer drug use.

We are very pleased to be partnering with Health PEI on a number of initiatives to ensure this access and information is expanding across the province!”

Words and photos by Story Sheidow

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– Cybelle Rieber, Executive Director of PEERS Alliance

F

rom working with the LGBTQ+ youth community, to teaching harm reduction practices in relation to drug use, PEERS Alliance is such a critical part of our community, and supports Islanders in many ways. The valued organization offers educational sessions on sexual health and harm reduction, as well as sessions to organizations and institutions focusing on providing welcoming services to LGBTQ2S+ folks – an essential piece in creating safe and inclusive spaces in our community.

With a large focus on Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Illnesses (STBBI’s), PEERS continues to break down the barriers and stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and all sexually transmitted infections.

Knowing your risks is very important, and getting tested regularly is a vital part of your health and wellness.

PEERS Alliance strives to help make this easier, by providing navigation and support for getting tested. By working in tandem with other health organizations, they endorse and support many accessible services such as pop-up testing sites, and one-day sexual health testing clinics. These sites can be located anywhere from an ordinary walk-in clinic, to a downtown park. By providing these sites in unlikely locations, it gives an opportunity to reach many types of people, to share important literature and free safe sex protection options with passers-by, and to continue to be a seamlessly integrated part of our diverse community.

HEPATITIS C – Know Your Risks An estimated 44% of people living with chronic hepatitis C infection are unaware of their status. Hepatitis C can be cured, but no vaccine exists to prevent infection. This disease can affect anyone, and it’s important to know your status to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.

Don’t share personal care items. Many items that we use on a daily basis will occasionally be exposed to blood. Often people will cut themselves while shaving, or their gums will bleed while brushing their teeth. Even small amounts of blood can potentially infect

◀ Cybelle Rieber, Executive Director of PEERS Alliance

Sexual health clinics are offered free, monthly on Tuesdays, upcoming dates and times below: Sexual Health Services are provided by Summerside: Health PEI through the Women’s Wellness Harbourside Health Centre Program to Islanders of all genders, 243 Heather Moyse Drive orientations and ages at various sites November 13: 4 – 8 p.m. across Prince Edward Island. STI and STBBI testing available, no appointment Charlottetown necessary.

The Polyclinic 199 Grafton Street, Suite 203 For more information or to access safe, December 11: 4 – 8 p.m. confidential and supportive services, call 1-844-365-8258 (toll-free). someone, so it is important not to share items such as toothbrushes, razors, nail and hair clippers, and scissors. If you are already infected with hepatitis C, make sure you keep your personal items, such as razors and toothbrushes, separate and out of reach from children.

Choose tattoo and piercing parlours carefully.

Only use a licensed tattoo and piercing artist who follows appropriate sanitary procedures.

A new, disposable needle and inkwell should be used for each customer. If in doubt, inquire about their disposable products and sanitary procedures before getting a tattoo or piercing.

Practice safe sex. It is rare for hepatitis C to be transmitted through sexual intercourse, but there is greater risk of getting hepatitis C if you have a sexually transmitted disease, HIV, or multiple sex partners or if you engage in rough sex.

Avoid direct exposure to blood or blood products. If you are a medical worker or health care provider, take precautionary measures to avoid coming into direct contact with blood. Any tools that draw blood in the workplace should be discarded safely or sterilized appropriately to prevent hepatitis C infection.

Never share needles. Intravenous drug users are at greatest risk of becoming infected with hepatitis C because many share needles.

In addition to needles, the virus may be present in other equipment used with illicit drugs. Even sharing a straw or dollar bill when snorting cocaine could lead to hepatitis C transmission. Bleeding in the nasal passages frequently occurs when taking cocaine this way, and microscopic droplets may enter the straw and be passed on to the next user, even if they can’t be seen.

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F A M I LY - E X P E R T A D V I C E : E D U C AT I O N

I S E D U C AT I O N W O R K I N G FOR YOUR CHILD?

Working together to ensure your children have the best school year possible Words by Ann Myers, Sylvan Learning PEI

“As a classroom teacher, I want to know I can best help my students. As a mother, I want the same for my son and I reach out to his teachers to ensure he has the best school year possible.�

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How can parents help?

Parents often ask what they can do at home to help their child. A favourite answer of mine is read with them. Reading is such an important part of all learning that it really needs to be nurtured for success to follow in other areas of study. You can also easily incorporate extension activities. For example, have your child make predictions about what might happen in the story. Have them change a character’s role, add or delete characters to see how the story line can be changed.

Do they want to make a different ending or perhaps tell you their ideas for a sequel?

Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter what they read, as long as they are reading.

Once students reach junior high and high school, parents are still able to help by using similar techniques, now it’s just at a more advanced level. Try to get your child to tell you about what they are reading. Do they like it better than their last book and if yes, or no, then get them to explain why? If parents are really struggling to get their child to read, librarians are an excellent secret weapon.

They truly have a wealth of knowledge for you. Librarians can direct you to areas of interest that your child has, can advise on what is popular among their peers, they can also find high interest/low vocabulary books for those who may still be overwhelmed by full chapter books.

How can parents ensure a good start to the school year?

Communication really is key. I encourage parents to meet with their child’s teacher as soon as possible, especially if the parent has specific concerns. As a classroom teacher, I want to know how I can best help my students.

The more information that I have, the better I can do that. As a mother, I want the same for my son and I reach out to his teachers to ensure he has the best school year possible.

Let them know what works and what doesn’t.

What learning challenges should they be aware of and how can they help?

Organization is also a huge part of being successful in school, well truthfully, in all aspects of life. Agendas are probably the easiest one to use, but they can often get lost or forgotten in lockers, classrooms or under beds. Most students will need a lot of coaching and reinforcement to use them effectively. Communication books are another tool that allows a consistent flow of information between home and the school.

Often these are started in elementary and for some, continue through junior high. It reinforces the need to stay organized and helps prevent missed homework. Google classroom has been a fantastic creation to further help foster that communication piece between home, school and students. Parents are able to confirm what is due and when, what is missing and for how long its been overdue, see upcoming tests and assignments, and also check notes that the teacher has given on particular tasks. If you haven’t tried it yet, you will be pleasantly surprised.

When is it time to get help?

That can depend on many factors. How is your child doing academically? Are they behind by a few weeks, months or more?

Sometimes getting support is the answer because parents don’t feel comfortable helping their children with the school work, especially in the high school math and sciences. Others don’t want the frustration that often results from trying to complete homework at the kitchen table. Sometimes tutoring is needed for only a short time because it is for a specific course, other times it may be for the entire school year or years. For parents of children with learning disabilities, autism or who have missed large periods of time due to illness, it is often a long-term investment.

Sylvan, a Professional Learning Centre begins with a skills assessment to determine where the child is on his/her learning path. Sometimes there are skills that are missing or need to be strengthened before grade level concepts can be learned. Sylvan’s role is to help fill in those gaps. Ultimately, we want to see confidence increased and learning become easier. Every student works on an individual program at their own pace.

Sometimes parents suspect that there might be something bigger going on with their child’s inability to do well in school. If so, they can contact a clinical psychologist who can determine if there are any disabilities that impact learning and offer valuable guidance on how to move forward.

What are some hidden signs or behaviors that could be a flag?

These may appear in different levels of intensity or frequency for children but some common ones can include; acting out at home or school, homework is a huge struggle which may result in tears, arguing or takes far longer than what you feel is reasonable.

Other signs might be excessive complaining

of headaches or stomach aches and trying to get out of going to school. Amongst the hardest to hear is when your child says they feel stupid, that they have no friends, no academic interest and hate school. This is overwhelming for any parent. Time to take a deep breath and reach out for help.

What about after high school?

For many students, finishing high school means moving on to a post secondary education. This is a huge step in their educational journey and many things need to be discussed and planned to ensure that they take the best path for them. A good first question to ask or sort out is why are you going on to post secondary? It will make a lot more sense if there is a big picture goal.

Next, what school will be best for you? Do you want to stay here on PEI or is there a school or program somewhere else that appeals to you more? How can you decide between university or college? This comes back to knowing that big picture goal. What do you need to achieve it? For some, it will be university, others it’s college, and for others still, it might mean taking some time off to sort things out.

Ann Myers Sylvan Learning

Ann is a former public school teacher who chose a career at Sylvan because she is passionate about education and wants to make learning personal for all children. Ann received her Bachelor of Arts and Education degrees at UPEI and continues to take courses to ensure she is fostering her own love of learning. When Ann isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her son or reading a favourite novel.

Sylvan Learning 18 Superior Cresent, Charlottetown 902.367.3678 www.sylvanlearning.com

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F A M I LY

FUN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS THIS FALL

!

Summer may be over but there’s still so much to do.

Everything from a day at the library to an evening at the Haunted Mansion. Get out and explore our Island home this fall.

Visit your local library Spend an afternoon at your local library, this is a great idea for all ages. There are 26 public libraries across PEI. They are one-stop locations where you can borrow books, DVDs, and more; access the Internet; and enjoy a variety of free programs.

For more information about PEI libraries visit: www.library.pe.ca

Confederation Centre Art Gallery Instill a love of art and culture in your children by visiting the Confederation Centre Art Gallery.

Explore the Confederation Chamber The Upper Foyer of the Confederation Centre of the Arts has been transformed into a stunning replica of the historic Confederation Chamber where the Fathers of Confederation met during the Charlottetown Conference.

While there, watch Parks Canada’s new film, “A Building of Destiny”, which transports viewers back in time to the first eight days in September, 1864, when the discussions that took place at Province House would change the face of North America.

To book a private tour, or more information, please contact chamber@confederationcentre.com

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Haunted Mansion - Nights of Fear On a hill overlooking the town of Kensington, you will find a large Tudor-style mansion. It’s a fun-filled attraction suitable for the young and the young at heart. Open during October, consider it a must-see for those with an adventurous spirit.

For a spooking good time this Halloween, gather up a group of ghouls and head out to visit the Haunted Mansion for the ‘Nights of Fear’. Children and the faint of heart should come during the daylight hours before the spooks come out. they treat everyone as children from 2-4 pm at the $10 children’s price and at night from 6-9 pm admission is $17 for everyone.

81 Victoria St. West , Kensington 902.836.3336 www.hauntedmansionpei.ca

Charlottetown Skateboard Park

Generation XX

328 Notre Dame St., Summerside 902.436.7699 www.genxx.org

Drop-in youth centre and indoor skate park. The centre is open six days a week, with a focus on casual, recreational peer interaction.

They provide a free hot meal to members each day; they supply youth with telephone and internet access; they teach youth how to positively interact with each other and also with adult volunteers.

Yearly membership: $50 or $5/day.

Safety helmets are required. The use of other protective equipment (i.e., elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist protection) is highly recommended. The park is supervised during the fall. Schedules are posted at the park.

Victoria Park, Charlottetown (Behind Memorial Ballfield) www.charlottetown.ca/leisure_recreation

Brookvale Nordic Centre

Explore the shorelines

Confederation Trail

The Toy Factory

The Nordic/X-Country site features 24.5 km of groomed recreational trails, 7.5 km of competitive trails and biathlon trails, a complete rental shop, lodge, waxing huts, biathlon range, and toboggan hill. www.tourismpei.com

The beach is not just for the summer! Explore the PEI shorelines during the fall for a unique experience. Collect sea glass, driftwood and shells or simply enjoy the views.

The 435 kilometres of rolled stone dust trail have gentle gradients which never exceed 2% (up or down). This Island wide exploration corridor is ideal for visitors of all fitness levels. www.tourismpei.com/peiconfederation-trail

Worth repeating! This store is filled with unique and imaginative toys and games.

Open weekends during November and December or shop online 24/7.

5607 HWY-13, New Glasgow 902.964.2299 www.toy-factory.ca

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F A M I LY - H O M E S P U N

alll thrums The technique of thrum knitting came to Canada with the early settlers from England.

The thrum, a small piece of unspun fleece, is knit into the mitten at regular intervals. The front will show a V pattern and the fluffy ends will remain loose on the inside, creating a soft bed for the hand. As the mitten is worn and gets wet the inside fleece will felt (mat) to produce an extremely warm lining, similar to sheep skin. Even if the mitt gets completely wet the thrum layer, as insulation, keeps the hand warm, you may actually see steam come off the mitt.

Belfast Mini Mills, established almost 25 years ago, offers a large selection of yarn from a variety of fibre sources, ranging from sheep and alpaca, all the way to more exotic fibres such as camel, muskox, yak, and even longhaired german shepherd.

Offering in-house knitting and felting workshops, as well as tours of their mill manufacturing facilities, Belfast Mini Mills is a destination for both tourist and locals alike.

Belfast Mini Mills 1820 Garfield Road Belfast, PEI 902.659.2202 www.minimills.net

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Hosting weekly summertime knitting drop-ins, knitters of all levels are encouraged to bring their own knitting projects - there’s always an expert knitter on hand to help with questions.

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This will make a pair of regular sized adult mitts SUPPLIES: 1 Skein of Belfast Mini Mills worsted weight superwash merino.

1/2oz bag of roving (you will have enough for two or three pairs of mitts with this bag).

3.5mm double pointed needles 9 (set of four) Stitch holder Needle to weave in the ends INSTRUCTIONS: Pull the thrum the length of three inches, then separate that into four pieces.

Continue as thrum is needed.

Cast on 48 stitches to three needles (16 on each) Rib K1, P1 for three inches, or desired length of cuff HAND PATTERN: Rounds 1, 2 &3 - knit.

Round 4 – K2, K thrum (repeat to end of round).

Round 5 – K2, K in back of combined thrum and stitch. repeat to the end of the round.

Follow pattern four times (four rows of thrum).

THUMB HOLE: Round 1 of pattern: K4 put 10 stitches on stitch holder, cast on 10 stitches, K to the end of the round.

Continue to follow pattern eight more times (total of 12 rows of thrum for whole hand).

TO SHAPE THE TOP: Round 1: K4 K2 together (repeat to end of round).

Round 2: K3 K2 together (repeat to end of round).

Round 3: K2 K2 together (repeat to end of round).

Round 4: K1 K2 together (repeat to end of round).

Round 5: Knit.

Round 6: K2 together (repeat to end of round).

Break yarn and thread through the eight stitches, then weave in tail.

THUMB: Put the 10 held stitches back on needle. Pick up 11 stitches from the cast on edge (21 stitches). Divide onto three needles (8, 8, 5). Continue pattern five times.

THUMB SHAPING: Round 1: K2 K2 together (until end of round).

Round 2: K2 together (until end of round).

Round 3: K2 together (until end of round).

Break yarn and thread through the remaining stitches.

Weave in tail and all loose ends.

Knit two mittens identical. Folding to produce right and left mitten.

yarn it This DIY yarn wall art can be done in an hour, and is an easy sophisticated way to add a handmade focal point to any room.

STEP 1: Cut a long piece of jute and tie a knot at one end onto your wood. Wrap the cord several times around the branch.

Tuck the long strand of jute through one of the wrapped loops and tie another knot (repeat this step on the other side as well).

STEP 2: Hang your branch or dowel on the wall. Working on your wall art while it’s hanging will make it much easier to tie your yarn on, and to determine your overall preferred length.

MATERIALS • Branch or dowel • Yarn in a variety of colours & thicknesses • Jute cord • Scissors

STEP 3: Pick which colour of yarn you would like to begin with. Decide on the length of your hanging and double each piece.

It may be easiest to cut your yarn pieces in batches by colour, allowing you to concentrate on the installation process.

STEP 4: Tie your yarn onto the branch or dowel one piece at a time. Fold your first piece of yarn in half, wrap it around the branch and pull the ends through. Pull tight and secure it where you would like it to be. Repeat this until you have worked all the way down your branch, switching colours as you feel inspired.

Be creative and customize it in a way that works for you and your room!

STEP 5: Once complete, feel free to personalize your wall hanging by braiding single coloured sections, or incorporating several colours into your braid if you’d prefer.

STEP 6: Trim the ends. Choose a trim style that works with you and your space – some choices are straight across, V shaped, zig-zagged, or rounded. Remember, you can always change your trim at a later date if you want to change things up!

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A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Ghost Stories and Legends of Prince Edward Island October 22 • 7:30-9:30pm

Georgetown Book Club • Starting November 1 • Noon

Join in for a ghoulish event at The Carriage House, 2 Kent Street, for the launch of Ghost Stories and Legends of Prince Edward Island. Readings by members of ACT, Charlottetown’s community theatre group, as well as treats too. Offering a collection of haunting legends, delightful yarns, and spine-tingling ghost stories.

Come out and join the library’s newest adult book club.

A casual group, meeting every six weeks on Thursdays to discuss the book, and socialize. Coffee and tea will be provided, feel free to bring snacks!! Pop into the library to pick up your copy to join!

44U Four Fall Events For You

Holiday Craft Fair, November 3 • 12-3 pm Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre, Montague 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair this year, hosted by PEI Crafts and Vendors Market. Located inside the Montague Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre on Wood Islands Hill.

With over 40 vendors, there will be lots of holiday crafts and baked goods to take home.

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Art Battle, December 22 • Doors at 7 pm, starts at 8pm Grab your best pals and head out for an amazing night at the PEI Brewing Company...this is the best night of the month for fun, creativity and community! Art Battle Charlottetown is known across the country as one of the true hot spots for Live Painting!

OPEN UNTIL NOVEMBER 24, 2018 The Trailside Music Cafe & Inn | 109 Mainstreet, Mount Stewart | www.trailside.ca

OCTOBER 5 6 7 9 - 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 - 19 20 21 26 - 27 28

NOVEMBER

Patrick Ledwell & Mark Haines Nathan Wiley Christine Campbell & Blake Johnston Matt Mays with Adam Baldwin Chris Antonik & Ashley Belmer Museum Pieces & Racoon Bandit Wrong Planet Band Margie Carmichael & Blaine Krabi Paul Reddick Dave Gunning Liam Corcoran with Jerry Leger Ryan McGrath & Doc Landry J.P Cormier Old Man Luedecke

1-3

Irish Mythen

More shows at www.trailside.ca The Trailside is an all ages venue

*

Doors 6:30 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. nightly.

Please call for table reservations with the purchase of two or more tickets.

Trailside at the Pourhouse!

Catch Trailside at the Pourhouse in Charlottetown Saturday, October 6th with English folk trio The Young’uns. Going to be a special show so don’t miss out! The Pourhouse is located at 189 Great George St. above the Old Triangle.

Tickets available at www.trailside.ca or Back Alley Music in Charlottetown or call 902-394-3626.

GOOD READS

Submitted by Kristen Johnson

STATION ELEVEN Station Eleven is listed as science fiction, but it is a kinder postapocalyptic work than its contemporaries. Readers of literary fiction would also find it enjoyable.

Kristen Johnson is a homesteader and home-school mom who lives in Eastern PEI. She loves to spend her free time between the pages of a book.

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A band of travelling musicians and thespians treks across North America, performing symphonies and Shakespeare to small groups of people. Civilization has collapsed after a swift Georgian flu, and the survivors are few. The worst of the collapse occurred twenty years prior, so the reader isn’t privy to the details, leaving us, rather than the characters to ask the big questions. What would our world look like without electricity, fuel, law enforcement, governing bodies?

How would we feed and protect ourselves? What objects would we find valuable?

Mandel has written a beautiful, thoughtful and subtle postapocalyptic novel. Her characters are engaging and realistic, clearly rooted in our time, yet forced to live in a world uniquely different from our own. She presents a dystopian world, but this is not a dystopian novel. In this wonderfully balanced narrative, Mandel manages to give the reader hope without being saccharine.

Author: Emily St. John Mandel (Knopf, 2014) Winner of Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel (2015)

When the weather gets colder and there are less daylight hours, I find myself with a little more time to read. Because of that, I tend to branch out a bit in winter. Below is my list of winter recommendations from a few different genres.

- Kristen Johnson

HARK! A VAGRANT by Kate Beaton (comic) Beaton’s comics of historical figures are perfectly on point.

Share this one with the history or classic lit lover in your life.

BORNE by Jeff VanDermeer (seriously strange sci-fi) Woman picks up a nonliving entity and brings it back to her home.

It grows into something between plant/animal/AI. Then it keeps getting bigger. There’s also a bear the size of a building.

NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern (fantasy) The circus comes to town one night with no warning. The crowds wait for hours to see increasingly amazing illusions, but in fact the magic is real. This nonlinear narrative tells of two magicians involved in a lifelong challenge neither of them fully understands.

CALYPSO by David Sedaris (memoir) Like Sedaris’s other works, these essays have equal parts heavy themes (compulsion, addiction, suicide) and big laughs. His books are full of truth and wisdom, and are often both heartbreaking and hilarious. Pick this one up as an audiobook, as it is read by the author.

THE GREAT HALIFAX EXPOSION: A WORLD WAR I STORY OF TREACHERY, TRAGEDY, AND EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM (nonfiction) by John U. Bacon This book was published just after the 200th anniversary of the explosion. It’s a thorough account of what happened during the event, as well as the weeks leading up to and following the explosion.

THE MONK OF MOKHA (nonfiction) by Dave Eggers A young Yemini American man decides that he will single-handedly restore Yemeni coffee to its greatness. From the Tenderloin in San Francisco to the coffee farms of Yemen, Mokhtar chases his dream. Like Dave Eggers’s other nonfiction works, this one reads like fiction.

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WOMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Q

&A with

JENNA

MacMILLAN Words by Story Sheidow Photos courtesy of Jenna MacMillan

Island film director and producer Jenna MacMillan has traveled extensively during her career; and while film has taken her from Iqaluit to Georgia, she still feels most inspired here at home. As a Creative Executive for Northwood Entertainment, the company that produces Anne, and the recipient of the 2018 WIFT-T DGC Ontario Director Mentorship, MacMillan is truly an inspiration – and is certainly making an impression in her industry.

Q. Tell me a bit about your background.

Where are you from and what are your interests outside of film?

I was born in Summerside and grew up in Charlottetown, PEI. The Island remains a strong part of my identity to this day and will be with me my whole life – PEI’ers are a proud and loyal bunch. I’ve ended up spending a fair bit of time in the big city for work, but I always stick close to my fellow Island expats when I’m there. I spent four years studying Film Production at Ryerson University in Toronto, making friends and contacts that I keep today. Creatively, I’ve always been drawn to what makes people do the things they do; naturally, this interest dovetails with my obsession for storytelling – specifically, movies. I also love playing cards, red wine, swimming in the ocean, and above all hanging out with my nearest and dearest.

Q. What brought you to film?

I was originally an actor and always loved movies. I have vivid memories of being so excited when I got sick because it meant I could stay home and watch movies all day that my parents would rent from Jumbo Video. That’s how I watched Star Wars, The Little Mermaid, Titanic & Indiana Jones to name a few. When I graduated from Colonel Gray high school, I auditioned for the National Theatre School in Montreal and was shortlisted but didn’t get accepted. I decided to go to Concordia University for Psychology (back to the fascination with the mind) so that I could be closer to NTS – it was my goal to audition

again the next year. By December of my first semester, I had dropped my psychology classes and remained only in my film elective. I was introduced to Stagecoach, Singing in the Rain, The Apartment and On the Waterfront. I dug deeper into my love of movies and realized that I could possibly watch and make films for a living. I took this as a sign that I should probably first learn how to actually go about making a film since I had only ever been on the other side of the camera. I applied to Ryerson University a year later and much to my good fortune was accepted.

Q. What’s it like being an Island film director and producer?

During my time at Ryerson, I realized that PEI was the well I continuously drew from for inspiration – no matter how global I tried to go in my storytelling; it always came back to my beloved Island. There was a moment when I tried to resist that impulse but now I see it as an invaluable tool. My home, its people, the landscape and the perspective I have because of all of those elements is something I now cherish. I will continue to strive to bring the stories of the East Coast to the global stage. The more I work in the industry the more I realize that audiences are drawn to films with a sense of place. I’m so proud to be part of a community of filmmakers that have honed their skills despite the size of our industry.

Q. How do you feel after being chosen as the recipient of the 2018 WIFT-T DGC Ontario Director Mentorship?

What are your plans within that mentorship?

This mentorship represents a turning point in my career where I’m being recognized not only as a producer but also as a director in my industry. As part of the mentorship I will shadow a director who is working in the Canadian film and television industry. I’ll have one-on-one access to a directing and business mentor who I’ll be able to ask specific questions about how to navigate and customize my career path. It’s a humbling opportunity and I intend to take full advantage of it.

Q. What has your experience been working as a woman in the film industry?

I’m grateful to have a myriad of badass female mentors who have excelled and shone bright in the film industry. I have taken the trail they blazed while continuing to stick to my guns and use my voice to encourage other female content creators to do the same. There have been hiccups, of course, and I’ve had moments where I’ve felt silenced or marginalized – but overall, the tide is shifting.

Q. What would be your ideal career path? Where would you like to see yourself ending up long term?

Ideally, I’ll be showrunning a television series set and filmed on PEI in the next five to ten years. My goal is to make it more accessible for Island filmmakers and film industry professionals to work where they live while bringing our stories to the world.

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BUSINESS

Five-minute life hack: Tips to boost your career The rapid pace of change in jobs One of the means the era of one-and-done most important skills for learning is over. It no longer keeping your passions alive matters what you learned in is to be a lifelong learner. In any the past - to stay relevant industry, in any phase of life, there you need to upskill. So if are always new skills to be gained, you want to improve your and new knowledge to explore.

Committing yourself to being someone marketability and get ahead with a constant appetite for learning in your career, it’s time to think about the valuable skills will enrich you not only today, but that could open the door to throughout the course of your new opportunities. The good career.

1. Find the time The number one career goal for professionals in 2018 is to learn a new skill - but not everyone knows where to fit learning into their daily lives. Here’s a tip: In today’s ever-connected digital world, we’re living in the era of bite-sized learning, where new skills can be honed in minutes on the subway, or while you’re eating breakfast.

Start by picking five to 10-minute windows in your daily routine - you don’t need to find hours, minutes are fine. For example, try skimming through courses on a Sunday night, and make a wish list of courses to view throughout the week, whenever it’s convenient for your busy life.

2. Make it a habit They say a habit is formed in 21 days. Whenever you slot learning into your daily schedule, try to pick a time when you can make it routine - whether it’s on the bus during your morning commute, or in the 10 minutes after you brush your teeth at night. You’ll be growing in your skills before you know it.

3. Pick your skills Today’s skills landscape is changing faster than ever - with new technologies and digital techniques emerging at every turn. Whether you want to advance your existing career or begin a new one, start by identifying a few key skills you’d like to hone. For example, people in every job can benefit from learning soft skills that teach you how to get things done or achieve your goals. Soft skills, such as communication and critical thinking, will give you a competitive advantage in the workplace, and you never know when you’ll uncover a new passion or side project along the way.

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Words by Jacqui Chaisson

news is with tools and online courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning, you can explore and develop critical skills and interests right at your fingertips anytime, anywhere.

“Experience never gets old, but your skills can,” says Marci Alboher, author of The Encore Career Handbook and upcoming LinkedIn Learning instructor. “Re-skilling throughout your career will position you to ensure you’re finding meaning in your work, growing in your profession and making an impact along the way.”

Here are three tips for kick-starting your learning efforts.

EXPERT ADVICE - TECHNOLOGY

CARING FOR YOUR SMART DEVICE

Words by Lori Ashley, Cracked Device Co.

We rely on technology more and more each day, for staying in touch; business and even our social lives. It seems that we all depend on multiple devices to get through our day. In fact, 76 per cent of Canadians use one or more hand-held smart devices.

SO HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOUR SMART DEVICE AND ENSURE YOUR INVESTMENT WILL LAST LONGER?

KEEP IT SAFE FROM WATER.

AVOID EXTREME TEMPERATURES.

Damage from water or other liquids is one of the most common problems. If you do accidentally get your device wet — quickly unplug or turn off your device, clean the water and leave it for an hour before you turn it on again.

Try to keep your device in a temperate zone — extreme heat can damage your lithium-ion battery. If you keep all of your devices together ensure you give each one some breathing room so the generated heat won’t be compounded.

DO A FULL CHARGE CYCLE ONCE A MONTH.

BACK UP YOUR DATA.

BUY A CASE. Buying a case is probably one of the first things you can do after purchasing any smartphone. Get a case that suits and feels comfortable in your hand. Try to buy a case that is not only stylish but can also provide the best protection against damage.

GET A SCREEN PROTECTOR. Screen protectors are another important thing you should consider for your smart phone. Sometimes a case already has a built-in screen protector (e.g. OtterBox).

TAKE CARE TO AVOID DROPPING YOUR DEVICE. Accidents can happen so, don’t be surprised if you drop your phone once in a while. If you have a case that’s durable enough your device should be undamaged. Its always best to put your phone in your bag or keep in your pocket.

Apple recommends that you do a full charge cycle once a month. This means charging it to 100 per cent and then letting it die to zero per cent. Doing this will make your battery live a durable and healthy life.

Be sure to regularly backup your device to your computer or to the Cloud. It’s also a great idea to store large files to the Cloud or your computer as it will leave more memory on your device.

AVOID LEAVING THE BATTERY AT ZERO. Smartphone batteries will degrade over time, but there are some ways that can help slow down the process. It’s best to charge when you’re at 50 per cent - always leave a bit of battery power on your phone unless you’re performing a monthly charge.

KEEP IT CLEAN. Keeping your iPhone/Android smartphone screen clean will make your phone look great. Clean your device once in a while with a soft cloth. Don’t use tissue paper or anything else but a soft cloth, or microfibre, otherwise there is high risk of scratching the screen.

▲ Lori Ashley, Cracked Device Co.

Cracked Device Co. 61 Capital Drive, Charlottetown 902.218.6344 crackeddeviceco@gmail.com

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BUSINESS

the new face of business

By Story Sheidow

Gone are the days when brick and mortar storefronts were the only way to do business. In an exceedingly diversified marketplace, the face of business is reinventing itself.

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E-Commerce E-commerce business structures ranging from Etsy, Shopify, and Big Cartel to more basic, ad-based sites such as Kijiji or EBay are great for rural-based businesses wanting an expanded marketplace. The beauty of e-commerce is that your shop is open 24/7, at no additional cost to you.

E-commerce offers a wide geographical reach regardless of where you live, and sites are easy to build both from scratch or integrated into your existing website.

With online shops you have the ability to fully educate the customer on the product, publish reviews and tutorials, and offer promotions, all from the comfort of your own home.

Craft Fairs and Market Booths The resurgence of market stands and craft fairs has proven one thing: customers love to put a face to a brand. Fairs and markets offer a built-in customer base, and tend to be much busier than the more “traditional” shopping centres. This gives vendors the opportunity to test out new products and work in smaller quantities. These types of markets also offer vendors a built-in network of like-minded, fellow small business owners.

It’s a great opportunity for swapping insight, experiences, and business techniques specific to your region and selling style. The only downfall of this option could be the seasonal aspect and your reliance on similar businesses to attract customers.

Pop-Up Shops

Mobile Business

Co-op Ventures

Pop-up shops are a great opportunity for first-time business owners to try out having a storefront, without the commitment of opening a permanent location. This style of vending is becoming all the more common, and it’s easy to see why: temporary storefronts are great for generating buzz, and are much more affordable than opening a permanent shop. Pop-ups give business owners the ability to see what sells best in the short term, and fine-tune their product line for sales opportunities in the future, thus honing their trade without breaking the bank. Of course, finding a suitable location can be challenging.

Fashioned after the food-truck businessmodel, the mobile business is quickly gaining popularity with start-ups and consumers. Operating out of an equipped vehicle you'll find mobile vets, pet grooming, salon and spa services and fashions. It may require special permits but you never need to worry about choosing a location for your venture allowing you to bring your business to the market. It's a great solution for a business that has a mobile target market.

Sharing space and expenses with complementary businesses can be of great benefit for new ventures. For instance a flower shop and a bakery can be a great fit; or a yoga studio and a massage therapist. It offers an opportunity to reach a diverse target market and keep start-up costs affordable. The ability to share rent, marketing and staffing costs can be a benefit to both ventures.

These options are not only great on their own, but are also easily integrated into pre-existing business models. And because they can be paired with each other, they can truly help broaden the scope of your business, and give you the tools you need for success.

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five

BUSINESS

COMMON BUSINESS MISTAKES Words by Jacqui Chaisson

Nearly half of all new businesses don’t make it past their fifth anniversary. That makes it crucial for businesses to get basic strategies right from the get-go. And having a profitable business doesn’t guarantee continued success.

There are five common mistakes that stand out as potentially crippling problems for small businesses:

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NOT OUTSOURCING In a small business, everyone pitches in and does tasks that fall outside the lines of their job descriptions. But no matter how eager you and your employees are to do it all yourselves, know when you’re in over your head.

This includes location (if you plan to open a store-front), branding, product knowledge (including any advances in technology) effective marketing and market changes.

Don’t be afraid to outsource tasks that your team can’t handle. Your new venture demands that every aspect is handled by someone who understands what they’re doing. And no amount of good intention will turn an IT specialist into a good bookkeeper.

Marketing is often one area of business where mistakes are easy to make. Don’t make the mistake of not investing in your marketing budget - having lots of ‘likes’ on social media doesn’t mean lots of revenue. As well, when you do advertise your business — whether it’s a display ad, a radio spot or as simple as your business card — ensure it’s professional and accurate.

NOT UNDERSTANDING CASH FLOW

BEING AFRAID OF CHANGE

Profit means nothing if your bank account is empty. Cash flow can make or break a business so ensure you have firm control of both receivables and payables. Invoice and collect from customers as quickly as possible and avoid extra fees by paying your bills on time.

One of the worst things a business can do is to not change. Don’t be afraid of change - update your logo (hire a designer), innovate your advertising and attract new customers so your business can continue to be successful.

Today it’s important to have an online presence to remain competitive, social media accounts and a professional website can grow your business.

Know your ‘break-even’ — the revenue you need to bring in that will cover the day-to-day cost of doing business — and be sure this includes all of your overhead costs.

NOT KNOWING WHO YOUR CUSTOMER IS AND HOW TO REACH THEM You can’t make a living selling surfboards in Saskatoon - unless you do it right! It’s vital to understand who your target market is and how to reach them.

Local Business Resources

• Chamber of Commerce • Rural Access Centre • Innovation PEI • Canada Business Network • PEI Business Women’s Association • Skills PEI • Charlottetown BDC Business Centre • CBDC PEI East • CBDC West Prince Ventures Ltd. • Island Advance

NOT HAVING A PLAN Every business should have a business plan and it should be updated frequently to reflect changes in your market, customers or personal circumstances. Doing a business plan may seem intimidating at first - reach out to your local business development resource centre for some professional advice. Failing to plan is like planning to fail.

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Coming in the next issue - January 2019

the

BRIDE GUIDE

BOOK YOUR SPACE IN OUR SECOND ANNUAL BRIDE GUIDE.

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