PEI Living Magazine Spring 2020

peiliving LIFE | HOME | STYLE | FOOD&DRINK

VOL 3 • NO 4 | SPRING 2020

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

OUR WOMEN’S ISSUE

Celebrating Island Women in Business

We've added bonus content to this digital edition

Featuring Thamara Paparoni Provincial Realty

Wine Tasting

The Board Walk

Stay Safe PEI

Spring Fashions

Suite Side of Life

Why Choose a Maple Leaf Home?

• Maple Leaf Homes are one of the most energy efficient homes in Canada • Maple Leaf Homes has been manufacturing modular housing for over 30 years.

• Your home can be built any time during the year – spring, summer, fall or winter – regardless of the weather!

• Maple Leaf utilizes a computer aided design system (CAD) to allow them to customize any of their standard layouts

Residential Styles • Cape Cod, Chalet and Two Storey • Cottage Series • Recreational Park Models

• Bungalow / Ranch • Split Entry • Mini Homes

Commercial Styles • Commercial / Industrial • Global Accommodations • Container Sized Modules

Contracted Services MacKenzie Builder Services is the official construction firm for on-site installations.

w w w. l e g a c y h o m e s p e i . c a Legacy Homes P.E.I. Ltd. • 12745 St. Peters Road • 902.676.3200 • Darren: 902.969.0425

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Editor-in-Chief Story Sheidow

Brighter days ahead

Copy Editor Rebecca Spinner

It’s been warmer these days—the sun’s shining a little brighter, the days are a little longer. The good weather is just around the corner, I can feel it in my chilly old bones.

Home Editor Susan Snow Style Editor Kimberly Rashed

I myself have had a busy winter and spring— and am elated to introduce you to the newest member of the Little Bird family, Ira James.

Pictured here at three months old, Ira is now a whopping five months and is an absolute joy. His laidback attitude and generally chill demeanor are the perfect addition to our family. He’s our cherry on top, without any doubt.

Art Director/Graphic Designer Jacqui Chaisson Photography Evan Ceretti Photography Kimberly Rashed Photography Alaina Rashed Omar Broderick Jenna MacFarlane Susan Snow Buffie Boily Story Thorburn Photography

Life outside these four walls is a different story. It’s definitely not the spring we were all anticipating, I’m sure. Social distancing and self-isolation have become regular phrases in our vocabulary. We’ve all had to make many changes—both personally, and here at PEI Living—to get through this. As folks work from home, many with young families, we all need a little escape from reality to get us through the days and to feel in touch with the outside world.

Sales Manager Lorraine MacAulay 902.213.6463 lorraine@pei-living.ca Contributing Writers Brianne Hogan Katrina Geenevasen Katie Ingram Susan Snow Kimberly Rashed Jackie Herbert Kristen Johnson (The Book Report) Darren MacKenzie (EA Home Builder) Leslie Quinn Clara Deacon

So, with all that said, this issue is our annual “Women in Business” edition: our tribute to the inspiring women who make our Island a better place. We’re highlighting some incredible people this year! Entrepreneurs, large business owners, managers, and “side hustlers”— these women help to make up the beautiful framework that is our local business-scape.

PEI Living is not affiliated with That’s Great News. We never share client information and we do not endorse or support this company. They violate Canadian copyright laws, please do not support this business.

Featured on the cover is real estate agent Thamara Paparoni. Through her expertise with Provincial Realty, Paparoni is a glowing example of passion, power, drive, and determination leading the way to success. Read all about her in the Women in Business feature!

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.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg for content this issue.

So, pull up a lawn chair or pour a warm bath, grab a locally delivered craft beer, and dive into this spring edition. We hope it brings you joy and positivity in these uncertain times.

All rights reserved ©Little Bird Publishing.

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

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

Story Sheidow & Ira James (photo: Buffie Boily)

Editor-in-chief story@pei-living.ca

Story

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CONT SPRING 2020 Vol 3 • Issue 4

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ON THE COVER After buying and renovating properties with her husband for over a decade, Thamara Paparoni finally decided to take the leap and make it official, becoming a realtor five years ago. A real estate agent with Provincial Realty in Charlottetown, Paparoni says that her varied life experiences, which have included living in different countries around the world, help her stand out and connect with clients.

Featured on the Cover: Thamara Paparoni, Provincial Realty Cover Photography by: Kimberly Rashed Photography Styled by: Style Becomes Her Wardrobe: JEMS Boutique Shot on Location: Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites, Charlottetown

We've added bonus content to this digital edition Stay Safe PEI

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TENTS www.pei-living.ca

food & drink 8. Good Eats Grilled Chicken Burgers

10. Good Eats Mixed Berry Pie

12. Cookbooks

For Someone Who Can't Cook

14.Will Travel for Wine Wines of Portugal

16. Smooth Moves

features 6. Wine Trends

Wine Tasting for Anyone

18. Food & Drink The Board Walk

26. Business Island Women in Business

54. Family

Connect with Your Library

84. Style

Spring Transitions

90. Home & Cottage The Suite Side of Life

Five Smoothies under 350 Calories

22. Grow Your Own Food Veggies for Small Places

24. Getting Figgy With It

90

98. Hello Spring

A Spring Refresh

The Glorious Fig

family

104. She Wants A She Shed 108. DIY

Flower Power

50. 10 Things...

Save the Planet

112. Home Trends Decorating with Books

56. ProCraftinating Mobile Makery

114. Before & After A Home Refresh

health & wellness

arts & entertainment

66. Natural Immunity

Herbs to Boast Your Immunity

70. Astrology

Good For The Psyche

116. The Book Report

2020 Women's Prize for Fiction

118. Women in the Spotlight

style 76. Spring Forward Spring Fashions

82. Curly Girl

The Curly Girl Method

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12. Five Trends 2020

Hair Trends We Love

home & cottage 96. Me, My Shelf and I Styling a Shelf

Savannah Belsher-MacLean

120. Goodwill Hunting Thrifting in PEI

122. In Pursuit of the Pinterest Closet 124. PEI Delivers Your Online Shopping List

wheels 126. Keep Cruising

Vehicle Maintenance

130. Between You and the Road Tire Safety

FOOD & DRINK - WINE

Wine for Tasting anyone

Do you ever ask yourself, what’s a good wine, and who decides that? The answer is, only you can!

It’s not essential that you’re an expert when it comes to participating in a wine tasting. However, it’s always great to have at least some understanding of tasting fundamentals in your realm of wine knowledge.

Words by JACKIE HERBERT

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I

don’t consider myself an expert on wine, but I can tell you with certainty that I know exactly which wines I prefer, why, and how to find them. It’s easy—all you need are your normal senses: sight, smell, taste, and touch.

Let’s start with some simple vocabulary.

Tears and legs. These are common visual descriptions during a wine tasting.

Legs or tears are what flow back down the sides of the glass after you give it a swirl. The fatter the legs, the richer and sweeter the length or finish will be.

The quicker the tears dissipate, the less concentrated and less sweet the wine will be.

One of the best parts of a wine tasting, in my humble opinion, is aromatics.

When you add air to your wine, that helps its aromas to become more noticeable. This is called aeration. We often do this to our red wines, and only some white wines, when we decant and allow them to oxidize or breathe.

With aeration, the more undesirable compounds will evaporate faster, leaving behind the more desirable and notable aromatics and flavours.

Acidity is an important component in winemaking. It influences the wine’s flavour and colour, and depending on the variety, protects it from bacteria—all of which also contribute to the aromas we experience during a tasting.

Woody is the term often used to describe the flavour profile of something that has been aged in oak barrels. Since oak is grown all around the world, its flavour changes according to its terroir (taste of place) and comes through in wine while it’s aged in the barrel. If you can smell the oak, you can surmise that, yes indeed, your wine has been aged in a barrel. French oak has characteristics of warm vanilla, chocolate, roasted coffee

beans, and toast, along with nutmeg and cinnamon. American oak tends to give off stronger aromatics like coconut, clove, smoke, and hints of dill—yes, dill!

Wine takes on all the forms of its terroir. Terroir takes on everything from its surroundings. The soil; the flora; the slope of the land, climate, and environmental conditions; even a nearby farm. They are often described as earthy, and have characteristics like wild herb, fallen leaves, minerals, graphite, “barnyard,” and of course dirt—all of which contribute to the earthiness of wine, influencing its flavours and aromas.

to make way for the final sip. The third sip will be the truest. Not only will you now be able to accurately taste all the complexities of the wine, you will have developed a bona fide appreciation for it. Congratulations, and enjoy your next tasting with confidence!

Though you may not be an expert now, you have a great list of vocabulary to take with you at your next wine-tasting event. Grab a few glasses of your favourites, line them up, and compare.

Look for the differences in aromatics, flavours, and mouthfeel. You’ll soon be an expert in your personal preferences

Tannins are found in the nature all around us, in wood, leaves, and fruit such as grapes. Simply put, they are the backbone of wine, and are extracted from the grapes’ skin, stems, and seeds. Coupled with the alcohol and acidity of a wine, and depending on quantity and quality, tannins can give your mouth the feeling of silkiness and velvetiness. “Green” tannins will have a slight bitterness with unpleasant astringency. This feeling you get with the first sips is something you either enjoy or not. Again, it’s your palate, and only you decide. Look for tannins, and you may start to notice them in things like rhubarb, walnuts, and your dark chocolate or cup of tea too!

Lastly, I want to share with you an amateur tip that was shared with me during my first wine tasting ever. In order for you to appreciate the wine you sample, you must give it three tries. First, the attack. This is the initial taste of a wine in the mouth, and it may not be the most appealing. Let it cleanse the palate, getting rid of whatever was in there before, which probably isn’t compatible with the wine you’re about to taste.

Next, use the second sip to fully coat the palate. A little swishing may be required

Originally from South Eastern Ontario, Jackie, her husband and teenage son, moved to PEI in 2016. While taking on a rather ambitious home renovation project, she also started a tour operation.

HOP|SIP|SWIRL TASTING TOURS is a private winery, brewery & distillery business focusing on the evergrowing local artisan beverage industry. She's a true believer that life doesn't get better by chance. It gets better by choice.

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G O O D E AT S

PINK BURGER BUNS WITH CHIA INGREDIENTS 4 cups all purpose flour 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tsp sea salt 1 cup beetroot juice 1 tsp raw cane sugar 1 cube fresh yeast, crumbled 3 tbsp soy coconut yogurt 1 tbsp olive oil

GRILLED CHICKEN BURGERS WITH PICKLED BEETS

& Pink Burger Buns with Chia

METHOD Preheat oven to 180° C | 360° F. Mix flour, chia seeds and salt in a large bowl.

Lightly heat the beetroot juice in a pan.

IMPORTANT: the juice should really only be lukewarm (ideally 35-38° C | 95-100° F), otherwise the yeast will die and your buns will turn out rock hard. If you are unsure, simply test with a spoon on your wrist. If it feels pleasantly lukewarm there, it’s the right temperature.

Pour the warm juice into a small bowl and add the sugar and yeast. Stir well until the yeast has dissolved.

Add the yeast-juice mixture, the yogurt and the oil to the dry ingredients and mix everything into a dough. Then knead for five minutes on a lightly floured surface until you have a flexible, slightly moist yeast dough.

Form 12 round burger buns and place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Cover with a dishcloth and leave in a warm place for one hour.

After the resting time, the buns should have visibly enlarged. Now bake them for 12 minutes.

Allow the finished buns to cool on a stove rack.

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MAKE IT LOCAL Autumn Collection Pickled Beets are made in Montague!

GRILLED CHICKEN BURGERS INGREDIENTS Burgers: 2 tbsp olive oil 2 large onions, halved then sliced (white, brown or yellow) 400 - 500g / 14 oz - one pound chicken breast (two pieces), cut in half horizontally into two thin steaks 4 – 8 slices Swiss or other melting cheese 1 avocado Pickled beets Seasoning: 1/3 cup white flour 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 3/4 tsp paprika 1 tsp thyme 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder Garlic Mayo: ½ cup mayonnaise (I use whole egg) 1 large garlic clove, minced

METHOD Mix garlic mayo ingredients in a small bowl, set aside for 20+ minutes. Mix seasoning in a flat bowl/dish.

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat Add onion and cook, turning regularly, for five minutes until golden. Season with salt and pepper, toss, then remove.

Heat one tablespoon of oil into the same skillet, still on high heat. Dredge chicken in seasoning, shake off excess, then place in skillet. Repeat.

Cook for two and a half minutes until golden, then flip.

Top with cheese then leave for one minute.

Remove chicken from skillet onto plate.

Cover loosely with foil while you start assembling the burgers. Toast buns if desired.

G O O D E AT S

MIXED BERRY PIE MADE WITH FROZEN BERRIES INGREDIENTS 1 cup granulated sugar 2 to 4 tablespoons of cornstarch (if you prefer a runny pie, go with 2 or 21/2 tablespoons. For a firmer filling, use 4 tablespoons) 3 cups of frozen mixed berries Zest of 1 lemon Egg wash (1 egg plus a pinch of salt, beaten) Sanding sugar for the top (optional) Homemade or prepared pie crust

METHOD Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and cornstarch and set aside. Remove the berries from the freezer and toss them with the sugar mixture to coat them completely. Pour the berries into the shaped, chilled pie shell. If desired, cover with the rolled, chilled top crust and crimp the edges to seal.

Chill the pie for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove from the fridge, brush the top with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar if using, and cut a few slits in the top with a sharp knife. Bake the pie centred on the lowest rack of the preheated oven for 20 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Drop the oven temperature to 375°F, and continue baking until the top is golden brown AND the filling is bubbling up through the slits. If parts of the crust begin to look too dark, cover these spots with patches of foil to protect them from burning. Cool pie for 30 minutes before serving.

!

Use your favourite combination of berries.

Choose local fresh berries when they are in season.

Serve with your favourite ice cream or whipped cream.

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FOOD & DRINK - FOODIE FUN

Chef Favourites From Kitchens Unlimited Kitchens Unlimited, House of Kitchens & Fine Dining, features a wide selection of stylish, functional top-quality kitchenware, from brand names you know and love.

Kitchens Unlimited Confederation Court Mall 134 Kent Street, Charlottetown 902.566.2252

Ann Chaisson, Manager

Double Prong BBQ Skewers

Baguette/Italian Baking Pans

Two prongs secure food so it stays put when turning.

Dishwasher safe, heavy duty plated steel. Great gadgets.

Non-stick and perforated for crisp golden bread every time. The air circulates freely around the dough creating crisp, golden-brown crust. Use your favourite recipe or use ready-to-bake dough.

• Double prong kebab skewers • Make turning food easy • Plated steel

Meyer Cookware

Kitchen Scrubbers

Meyer Cookware is made on PEI of heavy gauge steelsuitable for all cooktops, incredibly durable and heat efficient.

All A Board Handcrafted in PEI

These kitchen scrubbers are safe on most surfaces, reusable and long lasting, easy to clean and replace traditional scouring pads that can be messy and hold germs. Made in Poland and available in fun colours and designs.

Zipped Patio Tablecloth Have you been searching for a tablecloth that fits your patio table and has an option for your umbrella? The solution – a zippered tablecloth with a hole for the umbrella!

There's a board for every purpose and they are handmade in PEI. Hand crafted kitchen boards. Butcher blocks, cheese, sandwich & serving boards. Great gifts for weddings and bridal showers.

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FOOD & DRINK

FAVOURITE COOKBOOKS FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN’T COOK Words by JACQUI CHAISSON

for

I’m not a terrible cook, but I’m not a great cook either.

My mother says I lack the passion to become an accomplished chef like my younger brother, Ken. He could whip up a gourmet meal with the leftovers in my fridge. I always looked forward to his visits and hovered over him as he chopped vegetables at breakneck speed, his fingers curled against the back of the 12

dum m

ies

knife - each perfectly severed carrot slice mirroring the one before.

It was actually my brother who bought me my first cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, from a vintage bookstore.

He told me everyone should have a copy, and so I do. I treasure it and years later I bought myself the 75th anniversary edition.

I’ve never developed that passion, but I have an

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appreciation for cookbooks and now own a moderate collection. They line my kitchen shelves, the top of my fridge, and sit strategically upon my countertop.

Occasionally I even use them for recipes.

I especially gravitate towards vintage cookbooks from the 1940s to the 1970s.

After all, who isn’t looking for a SpagettiO Jello Mold recipe? Or my favourite, Dole Pineapple Jello in a Can.

Cookbooks can be found in most thrift stores for a fraction of their cover price.

One of my favourite finds was The Home Cook Book, published by the HunterRose Co. Ltd. (1923). The recipes were compiled by “Ladies of Toronto and chief cities and towns in Canada.”

These are my favourite cookbooks. Someday I hope to use one to create a culinary masterpiece.

The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart: A Cookbook

by Alex Guarnaschelli (2017) The all-in-one cooking bible for a new generation with 300 recipes for everything from simple vinaigrettes and roast chicken to birthday cake and cocktails.

For Alex Guarnaschelli—whose mother edited an edition of The Joy of Cooking, which defined the food of the late twentieth century—a life in food and cookbooks was almost predestined. Now an accomplished chef and author in her own right (and mom to a young daughter), Alex pens a cookbook for the way we eat today.

For generations raised on vibrant, international flavors and supermarkets stocked with miso paste, harissa, and other bold condiments and ingredients, here are 300 recipes to replace their parents’ Chicken Marbella, including Glazed FiveSpice Ribs, Roasted Eggplant Dip with Garlic Butter Naan, Roasted Beef Brisket with Pastrami Rub, Fennel and Orange Salad with Walnut Pesto, Quinoa Allspice Oatmeal Cookies, and Dark Chocolate Rum Pie.

Joy of Cooking - by Irma S. Rombauer (1931) A St. Louis widow named Irma Rombauer took her life savings and self-published a book called The Joy of Cooking in 1931. Her daughter Marion tested recipes and made the illustrations, and they sold their motherdaughter project from Irma’s apartment.

The span of culinary information is breathtaking and covers everything from boiling eggs (there are two schools of thought) to showstopping, celebratory dishes such as Beef Wellington, Roast Turkey and Bread Stuffing, and Crown Roast of Pork.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume I: 50th Anniversary Edition: by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, et al.

(2001) For over fifty years, New York Times bestseller Mastering the Art of French Cooking has been the definitive book on the subject for American readers.

Featuring 524 delicious recipes, in its pages home cooks will find something for everyone, from seasoned experts to beginners who love good food and long to reproduce the savoury delights of French cuisine, from historic Gallic masterpieces to the seemingly artless perfection of a dish of spring green peas. With over 100 instructive illustrations to guide readers every step of the way, Mastering the Art of French Cooking deserves a place of honour in every kitchen.

The Home Cook Book - The Hunter-Rose Co. Ltd. (1923) A true Canadian cookbook compiled by cooks across Canada. Some of the fun recipes you’ll find include toast, Tongue Toast, Steamed Cornbread, and White Mountain Jelly Cake. There is also a section dedicated to housekeeping and a chapter that features everyday remedies for lightning strikes and salve for chilblains. This one’s a keeper!

You can also download a PDF file of the entire cookbook. https://archive.org/stream/homecookbook00unse_1#mode/2up

F O O D & D R I N K - W I L L T R AV E L F O R W I N E

Wines of Portugal

Words by LESLEY QUINN

As I sit down to write this article, I am hopeful that, by the time the spring edition is published, our world will be returning to some semblance of normalcy. I have always believed in the power of words and wine to help transport you, so if we're still stuck in our homes by the time you're all reading this, then at least I hope to take you on a journey with a story and some sipping suggestions.

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D

id you know Portugal has over 200 different native grape varieties? That it is one of the oldest countries in Europe? Lisbon is even older than Rome. Portugal also has 15 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The night I arrived in Lisbon was the annual Feast of St. Anthony, also known as the Sardine Festival. The entire city is filled with the aroma of char-grilled sardines being flame-cooked by the hundreds in every square. As a pairing to this traditional feast, I’m suggesting red wine. The wine called Colares is made from the Ramisco grape, which

grows in the sandy soils near the ocean. In its youth, it has that “tea that has been steeped too long” sensation we winos call “tannins.” However, the winemakers don’t release the wine into the market until those tannins have softened, so you’re left with a savoury combination of herbal and salty flavours, making Colares ideal for the smoky, intense flavours of the sardines.

My five days in Lisbon were filled with long walks, long stares at street art, and long meals that lasted late into the nights. My favourite meal was at a little wine bar called Senhor Uva; it turned out to belong to a Quebecraised Portuguese couple. I met Luis and Eduarda of Vadio Wine there and fell head-over-heels for their wines.

They make organic wines in an area called Bairrada from a grape called Baga. We started with their sparkling wine, and it reminded me of the great Champagne producer Gaston Chiquet.

Then we had their red. Rather than give you a tasting note, I decided to compare that wine to celebrity Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, because it’s a strong, powerful, meaty wine but is also suave and elegant—coupled with the fact that I wanted to hold it close and never let it go. When I found out that it had arrived in Nova Scotian liquor stores, I couldn’t help but buy a case. But wait, there’s more—you’ll be able to buy Vadio at the Founders’ Hall store here in PEI too!

After Lisbon, I took a train up to the Douro Valley, the region that produces Portugal’s most famous wine, port.

First, let me briefly explain what port is. Port is made from a blend of grapes—115 varieties of red and white grapes are allowed to be used to make port. In some cases, the winemaker doesn’t even know what grapes are in each row. They just pick, press, and ferment it all together into what’s called a “field blend.”

After the grapes have been picked and pressed—in some cases, the pressing is still done by foot—a high-alcohol grape spirit is added to stop the fermentation, preserving sweetness and giving you a fortified (aka higher in alcohol) wine. Then the wine goes through different aging processes that result in many different flavours and styles of port. There are white ports, rosés, rubies, and tawnies.

The idea that port is only for dessert is incorrect, as it can be used throughout an entire meal. There is even a famous cocktail called Portonic. White port loves oily appetizers like smoked salmon and olives. Foie gras or liver paté are great with a young tawny.

Vintage port is excellent served with game, or earthy-type dishes like a mushroom risotto. However, port really is one of the best choices out there for desserts like chocolate mousse; creme brulée; and rich, creamy cheeses like brie and blue.

The production of port is steeped in history, but the people of the Douro have adapted with modern wine preferences. Those same grapes that make an exquisite fortified treat are also used to make dry table wines in red, white, and rosé colours. The whites are full-bodied, with citrus and floral notes, similar in style to Chardonnay; the reds are full-bodied and robust like a Cabernet and also have a great potential for aging.

The rosés have floral and red fruit notes, but are more similar to rosés from Spain than those from France.

They even make sparkling port for bubbleheads like me!

Just south of the Douro Valley is an up-and-coming wine region called the Dão. I think it’s producing some of the most interesting wines in the country.

They produce what’s a rarity in Portuguese wine: single-varietal wines from a white variety called Encruzado, which reminds me of Chablis, and

reds from Touriga Nacional, which has beautiful bouquets of violets and eucalyptus. The red and white wines are both high in acidity, making them perfect for food.

These are just a few of the different wines from Portugal to explore. I didn’t even touch on the slightly effervescent Vinho Verdes of the north, or the island wines from the Azores and Madeira—but, if you get a chance, give them a try. We may not be able to fly to these places yet, but a great wine has the unique ability to transport you to the place it was grown by simply opening the bottle.

▲ Lesley Quinn (Photo: Kimberly Rashed)

CMS & FWS SOMMELIER 2017 Atlantic Canada Top Sommelier 403.835.5939 Lesley Quinn was born and raised in Prince Edward Island. Her first opportunity in wine came as Junior Sommelier at the Ritz-Carlton in the Cayman Islands. They supported her as she completed the first two levels of the Court of Master Sommeliers to become a Certified Sommelier. Work has taken her to Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax, and Turkey.

Wine has taken her to France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Chile, and California. In 2017 she won the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers Top Somm Competition Atlantic division. Now back on PEI, she’s sharing her knowledge under the guise of Stellar Somm Wine Experts. Ask her what her favourite wine is and she says “I love all my babies equally.” Want to learn more about wine?

Head to www.stellarsomm.com SPRING 2020

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FOOD & DRINK

5ive Smoothies Under 350 Calories

SMOOTH MOVES

Per Serving: 293 calories; 0.3 g fat; 75.5 g carbohydrates; 3.4 g protein; 0 mg cholesterol; 13 mg sodium

Per Serving: 318 calories; 4.7 g fat; 58.6 g carbohydrates; 11.7 g protein; 16 mg cholesterol; 134 mg sodium.

Intense Mixed Fruit Smoothie

Fresh Berry Smoothie

• 10 oz package mixed frozen berries • one 15 oz can sliced peaches, drained • 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 cup hulled fresh strawberries • 1/2 cup frozen raspberries • 1/2 cup low fat milk • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend until smooth

Blend until smooth

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Per Serving: 188 calories; 1.1 g fat; 44 g carbohydrates; 4.3 g protein; 0 mg cholesterol; 314 mg sodium.

Carrot & Oran

• 1/2 inch piec • 1 lb carrots, scr • 2 oran

Juice ginger oranges in a jui Serve imm

nge with Ginger

ce fresh ginger root rubbed and trimmed nges, peeled

r, carrots, and icer, respectively. mediately.

Self isolation, stress, Netflix binging, and just way too much time on our hands can lead some of us straight to the fridge. Here are five smoothies that are quick and easy and the bonus is they are all under 350 calories.

Per Serving: 118 calories; 0.6 g fat; 28.5 g carbohydrates; 1.6 g protein; 0 mg cholesterol; 16 mg sodium.

Breakfast Smoothie • 1 quart strawberries, hulled • 1 banana, broken into chunks • 2 peaches • 1 cup orange-peach-mango juice • 2 cups ice In a blender, combine strawberries, banana and peaches. Blend until pureed. Blend in the juice. Add ice and blend to desired consistency. Pour into glasses and serve.

Per Serving: 190 calories; 8.2 g fat; 27.5 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 2 mg cholesterol; 45 mg sodium.

Mean Green Smoothie • 1 banana, sliced • 1/2 avocado, peeled and sliced • 1/2 cup fresh spinach • 1/2 cup 1% milk • 6 ice cubes • 2 teaspoons honey • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Blend until smooth

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FOOD & DRINK

the

R A D O B For my birthday this year,

I went for brunch with a small group of

friends. At the restaurant, I decided to order a cheese board for us to munch on while waiting for our food.

In doing this, I realized a few things.

One: charcuterie/cheese boards are quite filling, especially for the price, considering that a whole table of people shared the board.

Two: charcuterie is a really fun way to eat.

And three: we should organize an entire day spent eating charcuterie.

It was then that the idea for the “BOARD WALK� was born.

WALK 18

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Words by STORY SHEIDOW

O

ur plan: To spend an afternoon hopping from restaurant to restaurant, buying only charcuterie boards. By the end of the day, hopefully, we would be full, have dined at four to five restaurants, and only have spent about $30 each (minus drinks).

We agreed on a day for BOARD WALK 2020—a Saturday in January. Doing the Board Walk on a Saturday would give us the entire afternoon to “crawl.” We could take our time, and escape the need for reservations. Eager and anxious to begin, we met early afternoon at our first stop.

The Gahan House, Brewer’s Board My initial impression of this board was the presentation. Wow. The large stone slab offered a wide array of bright vegetables, from cherry tomatoes and quick-pickled onions to their house-made beer pickles, all paired with an artistically arranged cascade of blue cheese, two types of meat (pepperoni and salami), and two additional cheeses. The bread was an artisanal-style loaf, complete with fresh grill marks.

Served with grainy mustard and preserved caramelized onions, this board was absolutely massive. We thoroughly enjoyed the Brewer’s Board, which was named for its use of beer within the offerings. Though there wasn’t a lot of meat, there was a wide variety of components, and it’s always fun trying different combinations of spreads and veggies.

On Gahan Matt: “Good cheese.”

Piatto , Tagliere di Salumi Though smaller than the previous board, this was far more meat-heavy, and still ticked most of the “must-have” boxes we gradually created as the day went on. The pickled vegetables included delightfully crisp thick-sliced pickles with cauliflower and cocktail onions, hot peppers, and two types of olives. The restaurant played on their strengths and Italian background by accompanying the board with miniature pizza-style bread, wood-fired in Piatto’s open oven and sprinkled with garlic and

range of flavour profiles. The board also included crisp crostini bread and classic grainy mustard. The lovely pink pickled eggs were a definite high point, and the restaurant’s blue cheese was especially sharp compared to others.

On Redwater Rustic Grille Kyle: “I like the goat cheese with cranberry.”

herb seasoning.

Piatto offered two cheeses—one of which was an incredible basil mozzarella—and three meats: pancetta, prosciutto, and pepperoni. We all especially enjoyed how thinly shaved the meats were. Sliced in that fashion, they really went a long way, and had an incredibly fresh flavour. If you’re a lover of fine meats, then this board is for you.

On Piatto Jared: “The Gouda’s good-a.”

Kyle: “A pizza take on a charcuterie board.”

Redwater Rustic Grille, Cheese Board We ordered the large size, excited to dig in. This spread offered the most creative arrangement of veggies and sides of the day. It included green apple slices, pickled red pepper, and what we’re pretty sure were pickled rosehips, along with dried cranberries and beet-dipped pickled eggs. It was fun trying all the different combinations. The cheeses were unique varieties of Brie, goat cheese, and Gouda, allowing us to work with a wide

What is Charcuterie?

Charcuterie (pronounced “shahrku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and other meat products. But, many people use the term charcuterie to refer to an assortment of meats that are paired with different accompaniments, such as toast, fruit, cheese, and sauces. If you want to offer charcuterie on your menu, there are a handful of basics to understand first, from identifying some of the most popular types of charcuterie, to what makes a really impressive completed board.

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How to Make a Charcuterie Board An ideal charcuterie board has a good balance of flavours and textures and has items that contrast and complement each other. Here are some tips for making pairings and choosing ideal options for your charcuterie tray: • Pair a chewy salami with a rich and smooth pate.

• Complement spicy chorizo with sweet fruits.

• Contrast cold cheeses, fruits, or meats with warm sausage or cheese.

• Limit yourself to one smoked meat option per tray.

Smoke has a strong flavour that can easily overwhelm more delicate flavours on the board.

The basic goal of a charcuterie board is to create contrast between all of the different qualities in each morsel that makes sense. Additionally, many charcuterie boards will include toast, fruit preserves, and even mustard or fancy olive oils to mix up the possible combinations.

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Upstreet Brewing, The Graze By this time, we were feeling quite full, and headed off to our last stop—Upstreet Brewing—for their charcuterie board, entitled The Graze. These folks really know how to put together a tasty spread. All the elements were there, including sweet sauce or jam, multiple bread types, various pickled vegetables, and several meats. The fan favourite on this board (and of the whole day) was Upstreet’s date and bacon jam, with a close runner-up being their sautéed mushrooms. The Graze had a great variety of spreads, including curried mayo, garlic hummus, and that sweet, sweet date-bacon jam. The board offered two meats, salami and prosciutto—ultra-thinly sliced to our preference—and three cheeses. I feel like Upstreet really sealed the deal with the details. They served their olives warm, and also included bonus pickled veggies like carrots, garlic, and cucumbers. This board was downright amazing.

On Upstreet Jared: “The date jam is the champion. This is the ‘bang for the buck!’”

The Lucky Bean Café, Charcuterie Due to its location, we didn’t get to The Lucky Bean Café in Montague on the actual “board walk” day. However, a few of us did get a chance to try the Café’s new charcuterie board, a build-your-own version of this classic appetizer. The large size included six proteins (a choice of cheeses and meats), three spreads, and three breads or crackers. At Lucky Bean, you get to choose all your elements from their extensive charcuterie menu. I was delighted to see a broad selection, providing something for every palate. I

thoroughly enjoyed this method of creating a charcuterie board, and had a great time browsing the menu and learning about each item.

I must say, The Lucky Bean Café’s spread was loaded. It was refreshing to see a charcuterie board as a focal point on a menu, rather than including whatever the kitchen happened to have on hand.

We chose a wide variety of meats: spicy soppressata, warm smoked paprika chorizo, and Montreal smoked meat. For cheeses, we opted for applewood smoked cheddar, cumin Gouda, and blue. We chose ciabatta and two cracker styles as our breads, and for spreads, we went all out with local blueberry mustard, pear jam, and mango chutney. Included as well were olives, an ample supply of grapes, and The Lucky Bean Cafe’s best-kept secret— spicy praline pecans. Those pecans were next-level tasty, offering equal parts sweet and spicy. I could have eaten a whole plate, and if I knew where to get them, still definitely would.

The jams and spreads made this experience a most enjoyable one, and paired perfectly with the sharpness of the blue cheese and smoky cheddar. With such a balanced combination of sweet, spicy, smoky, and sour, this board checked off most of the boxes for me, and we enjoyed it immensely. Although I missed more pickled elements within the spread, the portions were great, the selection was vast, and the “choose your own adventure”-style format was by far the most unique way I’ve ever had charcuterie.

I highly recommend you try doing your own board walk or charcuterie crawl! It’s a great way to visit new restaurants, try some new local flavours, and spend the day with your friends—all without breaking the bank. We plan on doing round two soon—I’ll let you know how it goes!

Tips for Ordering • Always include extra bread when you place your order.

• Every good board needs at least one sweet element. This is ideally a spread, but could also be a sweet cheese, like cranberry or blueberry goat cheese.

Tip for Restaurants Keep your charcuterie fairly consistent. No one likes to go out for a great board, only to return and be disappointed that their favourite elements have changed, or are missing.

On The Lucky Bean Café Matt: “Nice touch with the Montreal smoked meat.”

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FOOD & DRINK

GROW YOUR OWN FOOD: Veggies in Small Spaces Words by STORY SHEIDOW

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TRELLIS GROWERS

into your hanging basket without compromising on beauty.

With smaller urban and apartment-style living on the rise, outdoor space for growing can sometimes be an issue.

Why not choose, then, to grow up, instead of over?

For upward growth, choose trellising veggies such as runner beans, snap peas, and cucumbers. These can be grown in a small window box, yet still supply you with a whole summer’s worth of fresh vegetables. For maximum yields, bring your window box indoors to start your seeds, and place it outside once the weather warms. Reverse in July for a second planting.

Trailing herbs like creeping rosemary, oregano, and mint make both beautiful and functional additions to any hanging baskets, decorative or otherwise. When it comes to flowers, chamomile, nasturtium, and pansies are all beautiful, edible flowers with delightful flavour, and make great additions to salads and other dishes.

Combine herbs and edible flowers for a low-maintenance edible display, and use lettuce or other greens as filler to provide you with additional tasty treats.

tomato hanger—simply cut a small hole in the bottom of a plastic hanging basket, and plant the tomato seedling once true leaves have appeared.

STRAWBERRIES Speaking of “upside down,” strawberry hangers are a great way to grow fresh fruit with limited space. Hanging strawberry planters can be bought with or without seedlings at many local garden centres, and can usually hold up to a dozen plants. Grow these for a steady supply of fresh berries from July until September, and add a pop of colour to your outdoor area while you’re at it.

TOMATOES When trellising your vines, try stringing your plants along an overhanging area, or keep boxes on the ground and use balcony railings to allow the plants to climb. Remember when choosing seeds to be sure to pick a climbing variety, as many of these veggies come in both climbing and bushing growth habits.

Hanging Baskets One of my favourite things to do is use edible plants in my hanging baskets.

There are many ways to integrate herbs, greens, and even edible flowers

Tomatoes are the perfect starter for any patio gardener. With several varieties geared towards container gardening, tomatoes are relatively easy to grow. They also produce high yields, providing enough for two people from just one or two plants.

So, whether you have space for two or ten planters, consider edible produce instead of ornamentals this year. You’ll no doubt appreciate the easy access to tasty treats once harvest begins!

For ground containers, choose varieties such as Tiny Tim or Patio.

These are designed to be shorter and stockier and will thrive in a container environment. If floor space is limited, try growing your tomatoes in an upsidedown planter. No need for a fancy

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FOOD & DRINK

getting

Figgy with it!

This jam pairs beautifully with soft, mildly acidic cheeses such as chevre or feta. Double up the fig flavour by combining chopped fresh figs with fig jam, and balance it with chunks of juicy cantaloupe or honeydew melon for a special fruit salad. Also, try spooning some fig jam into yogurt for a quick breakfast or snack.

Last but not least: yes, fig jam with wine and balsamic vinegar is also delicious on bread.

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mong the first fruits cultivated by humans, the humble fig features largely in history.

A common food for ancient Romans, figs aren’t just delicious, figs may offer many different health and beauty benefits.

Typically eaten as fresh or dried fruit, figs are also featured in jams and jellies and used in a wide array of culinary dishes. Deliciously flavourful, figs can be a regular part of your diet, where they can enhance your nutritional needs and even deliver some surprising health benefits.

Prevent Heart Disease: Figs have the power to reduce bad cholesterol in the blood. Figs are rich in the soluble fibre known as pectin, which is adept at eliminating excess cholesterol from the digestive tract before it can make its way into the rest of the body to cause problems.

Figs are also rich in healthy fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 that can help keep triglyceride levels in check to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cancer Prevention: Figs contain many nutrients that are associated with cancer prevention. Figs are loaded with antioxidants, which are essential for reducing the number of disease-causing free radicals in the body. Additionally, researchers believe that the fibre figs contain can help reduce the risk of breast

cancer. Women who eat figs after menopause may be able to benefit from the cancerfighting properties of figs in particular.

Promote Digestive Health: Figs are regarded as one of the best foods you can eat if you are suffering from constipation. Eating a diet that includes figs can help keep you regular and prevent constipation from happening in the first place. Because fiber can add bulk to stools, it can also help to guard against diarrhea.

Strengthen Bones: Figs contain nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are associated with optimum bone health. For instance, calcium is needed to keep bones strong. Diseases such as osteoporosis can also detract from bone health.

Figs and their nutrients can protect bone health and reduce the risk of disease and age-related bone fractures.

Gorgeous Skin: Figs have long been associated with skin health and skin beauty. Many cultures have used figs since ancient times to treat painful skin blemishes like boils by directly applying a fresh fig to the boil or abscess. You can also make a paste from figs and honey to apply to the skin to rejuvenate and refresh its appearance.

Fig Jam INGREDIENTS 3 pounds ripe fresh figs 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 cup local organic honey 1/2 cup dry red wine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

METHOD Wash the figs. Cut off the stems. If the figs are small, just cut them in half. Cut larger figs into quarters.

Put the figs in a large stainless steel pot. Stir in the sugar, honey, red wine, and the balsamic vinegar.

Cover the pot and let the ingredients sit at room temperature for one to two hours.

Remove the cover from the pot. Bring the ingredients to a boil over high heat. Continue to cook over high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken.

Once it begins to thicken, stir constantly to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

Test frequently at this stage for the gel point (220ÂŞF on candy thermometer).

Once the jam reaches the gel point, turn off the heat.

Ladle the jam into clean canning jars, leaving half an inch of space between the top of the food and the rims of the jars. It is not necessary to sterilize the jars for this recipe. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean dishcloth or paper towel. Screw on the lids.

For long-term storage at room temperature, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (adjust the canning time if you live at a high altitude). The jam will keep, unopened, for at least a year.

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Each spring PEI Living Magazine focuses on Island women who have chosen the entrepreneurial career path. Being an entrepreneur is challenging, terrifying, frustrating and most of all, rewarding.

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Building a business – and maintaining its success – takes confidence, determination and the ability to take risks.

According to Statistics Canada, there were 1,079,000 self-employed women in Canada in 2018, accounting for 37 per cent of all self-employed persons. Almost 60 per cent (635,000) were unincorporated businesses with no employees.

C O V E R F E AT U R E

PEI has more than its share of female business owners, and in typical Islandstyle, these entrepreneurs are eager to support each other in any way they can through groups and organizations across the Island.

Ashley Green, leader of the Facebook Empower PEI Group (formerly, Girl Bosses of PEI) tells me, “We have about 915 members. Currently we’re offering as many educational workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities as we can.”

In the future Green is hoping to offer small business grants, more opportunities to learn, and an online directory of members' businesses.

“Overall, I think the advantage of the group is how quickly you have feedback, recommendations, advice, etc. at your fingertips.” explains Green, “ The casual atmosphere of the group and open, nonjudgmental culture is a truly wonderful thing to be a part of every day.”

PEI Business Women’s Association Executive Director Margaret Magner says, “Thanks to the support of our funders and more than 475 active members, the PEI Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA) strives to meet the growing needs of our clients from across the Island. Whether it’s providing one-on-one business development consulting, networking mixers or full-day events, we are here to help women in business, wherever they may be on their career path.”

Statistics taken from the GEM [Global Entrepreneurship Monitor] Canada Report on Women’s Entrepreneurship 2015/16 state:

• Nearly 85 per cent of Canadian women surveyed indicated they were interested in starting a business.

• Most are highly educated - the vast majority having college diplomas or university degrees.

• 13.3 per cent were involved in newer businesses and 10% in established businesses (those operating for more than 3.5 years). For men the figures were 20.3 per cent and 7.1 per cent, respectively.

• Globally, Canadian women rank first in terms of involvement with newer businesses, ahead of the U.S., Britain, and other innovation-based economies, and sixth for established businesses.

• The consumer services sector accounts for over half (54.4 per cent) of earlystage female businesses, followed by business services at 28.2 per cent.

• Female business owners are on average less likely to engage in international trade than their male counterparts.

For businesses that had 25 per cent or more of their customer base outside the country, 31.7 per cent were run by women and 37 per cent by men.

With a global pandemic affecting businesses not only on the Island, but worldwide, I've witnessed a surge of women entrepreneurs reaching out to advise, mentor and support each other.

Many Island-owned businesses have been forced to adapt and innovate their ventures in order to survive. Simply doing business has changed and there will be a new normal when this has ended.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

Looking at the past year, the national economy and job market were relatively healthy. In February, the country's unemployment rate was 5.6 per cent, and 245,000 jobs had been created in the previous 12 months. Due to COVID-19 they are predicting the unemployment rate could reach 85 per cent in some areas of Canada unprecedented numbers.

How are some local businesses innovating? Many have increased their online presence and are offering delivery for many of their products. Local coffee shops, breweries and restaurants are doing curbside deliveries and creating online ordering systems.

Some have completely revised their inventory to coincide with customer demand, while others have joined the fight to flatten the curve by offering completely new products. For instance, Christine Zareck of Material Girl in Charlottetown is manufacturing vinyl shields to protect frontline and essential workers, and Upstreet Craft Brewing is now manufacturing Do Gooder hand sanitizer.

One dollar from every bottle sold will be used to provide hand sanitizer to those non-profit and community organizations who need it most.

These are just two of the many Island businesses that are stepping up to make a difference. As Islanders, we should be especially proud of how we're striving as a community to look out for each other.

Stay Strong and stay safe, PEI

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

“I work really hard and always think outside of the box.”

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

Connecting With Clients Thamara Paparoni - Provincial Realty

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fter buying and renovating properties with her husband for over a decade, Thamara Paparoni finally decided to take the leap and make it official, becoming a REALTOR© five years ago. A real estate agent with Provincial Realty in Charlottetown who speaks fluent Spanish, Paparoni says it’s her varied life experiences, which have included living on three continents—and in 14 different houses—that help her stand out and connect with clients.

“I know what it takes to make such a change of life, but I also understand on a deeper level what it feels like,” she says.

“I have also experienced moving multiple times, so I understand the concerns and emotions of my clients.” Paparoni says she is more interested in quality of service than quantity. “I work really hard and always think outside of the box.”

One of those “outside of the box moments” occurred during her first year of real estate. She had a client who wanted to live in a specific neighbourhood in Charlottetown, but there was nothing for sale in the area at the time. “So, I decided to knock on doors in the middle of the winter and find someone who would consider moving and selling their home,” Paparoni says. “Finally I found someone interested, and it was the perfect house for them! It was just perfect!”

It’s this type of passion and enthusiasm that keeps Paparoni’s clients satisfied and only too quick to sing her praises.

"I have been fortunate to have Thamara

Paparoni act as my real estate agent for a few years now,” says Pat Sherk. “Having both bought and sold houses through Thamara, I have always found her to be extremely professional, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Thamara ‘knows her stuff,' and I highly recommend using her services."

It’s her dedication to her job and her passion for her clients that keep Paparoni going the extra mile. “I love helping people, getting to know them and doing something different each day. Most days I feel like a matchmaker.”

That is something William Harper and Stiana Qui can attest to. “What made Thamara different and what we believe set her apart was her humanness,” they wrote in an email. “What we mean by that is, no matter how miniscule our questions were, she always had time for us. We never felt like we were a bother, and she always made us feel important.

She made us feel like more of a friend than a client, [and was] someone we could really trust. She helped us find a number of potential options, and in the end, we found the right property.”

concerned about the real estate market during the time of Covid-19, Paparoni is quick to point out that the market will not only bounce back but thrive.

“In the 2008 crash, we can see how the prices of homes went down throughout the country, but it wasn’t too long after when the price of homes started to rise again,” she says. While she says prices will likely fall in the short term, the long term fundamentals haven't changed. “We have seen huge price increases on PEI for the past five years due to immigration, which will likely continue after we have this situation under control. Thankfully, in previous recessions, we have seen the economy not only get back to where it was, but [become] stronger than before. These recessions only push us to work hard, become more creative and prepared.”

While the future is still unknown, Paparoni says she’s optimistic. “I feel pretty positive we, as an Island, will come out stronger. We will support more local businesses, and work together and drive our local economy to succeed.”

It’s no surprise then that Paparoni was the recent recipient of the Provincial Realty Titanium Award, which awards team members with some of the highest sales in the company. “Her business continues to grow dramatically each year with her easygoing, positive attitude,” says her broker, Greg MacDougall.

You can add that to her keen business sense. While some people might be

By BRIANNE HOGAN Photo by KIMBERLY RASHED Wardrobe by JEMS Boutique Shot on location at SYDNEY BOUTIQUE INN & SUITES

Thamara Paparoni - Provincial Realty 18 Great George Street, Charlottetown 902.316.1623 thamara.paparoni@provincialrealty.ca www.provincialrealty.ca

Business is Brewing SAMUEL’S Coffee House

A great environment, friendly people, and healthy, local food.

“I feel strongly that we should celebrate our past and where we came from, and the individuals that brought us here.”

Owner/Operator

Moyna Matheson Contact Information 4 Queen Street, Summerside 902.723.2300 www.samuelscoffeehouse.ca

- Moyna Matheson

Opening Hours Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Photo: (L-R) Bev Blanchard, Moyna Matheson

H

istory is important to Moyna Matheson. “I feel strongly that we should celebrate our past and where we came from, and the individuals that brought us here,” says Matheson, a sixth-generation descendent of Samuel Holland, and the owner of Samuel’s Coffee House and SipT in Summerside.

“My mother’s family had strong business roots in Summerside’s earlier days, and I remembered those vibrant days as a child,” says Matheson. When

she and her family moved back in 2009, she saw the opportunity to build something important in her community. “A passion for business was embedded in me for as long as I can remember,” she says. “A combination of fear and circumstance always held me back from taking the leap. When we moved to Summerside, I saw the opportunity and felt the community needed this business.” Matheson’s hard work has paid off. With its delicious drinks, inventive menu, and fantastic vibe, Samuel’s is a mainstay.

There is now a second Samuel’s in Cavendish at Avonlea Village, and a new line of teas can be found in both locations as well as online. Matheson and Samuel’s alum Bev Blanchard started the custom-blend brand SipT in 2017. Blanchard custom-blends all the teas, and many include Islandgrown products such as blueberries and lavender.

SipT has approximately thirty varieties of black, green, and herbal teas, ranging from Summerside Fog (a creamy Earl Grey) to PEI Lavender Fields.

Between Samuel’s and SipT, Matheson has brought Islanders something new and unique while honoring her roots. “Creating a coffee shop was about many things: creating employment for myself, bringing quality roasted and brewed coffee to Summerside, and creating that special place for people to gather,” states Matheson. Stop by Samuel’s for a coffee or tea, and you will see that she achieved this goal and so much more.

By KRISTEN JOHNSON Photo By BUFFIE BOILY

Empowering Women STEEL HEELS

Automotive Service & Repair

A for-women, by-women auto repair shop - a rarity in an industry that is more than 98 per cent male.

For those looking to go into automotive repair, Miranda MacIsaac’s advice is to just “go for it.”

Owner/Operator

Miranda MacIsaac Contact Information 19 Camburhill Ct, Charlottetown 902.367.2690

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“It

certainly isn’t easy, and I have learned a lot in the last year and a half, but I wouldn’t change it,” says MacIsaac, owner of Steel Heels, the only female-owned and operated repair shop on the Island.

As someone who always loved go-karts, motorbikes, and “basically anything with an engine,” MacIsaac was naturally drawn to the repair side of things. She opened Steel Heels in 2019, but started her goal in 2012 by working toward a Red Seal certification. Having

a Red Seal shows that tradespeople have met the standards required for their trade.

With Steel Heels, MacIsaac wanted to make knowledge about the repair industry more accessible to women.

“Starting Steel Heels was about helping those in the community feel comfortable and confident when dealing with automotive service,” she says. “I want my clients to feel like they understand what is going on with their cars, and feel like they can ask questions with confidence and comfort.”

Steel Heels also offers Auto Know Clinics, where the community can come in and learn a bit about the repair and mechanic process.

Despite the repair industry being traditionally maledominated, MacIsaac says the community has been nothing but supportive.

Even though Steel Heels has only been open for a little over a year, MacIsaac is also starting to think of the future. Among other things, she would like to bring in more bays and more female technicians, as well as be able to take on a few apprentices.

Although, she says, running a business can be tough, it’s the small things that show her it’s worth it.

“I want to support the community like they have supported Steel Heels,” she says.

“A simple text message or phone call from someone just giving you that little extra push always helps,” she says.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

By KATIE INGRAM Photos By STORY SHEIDOW

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Stephanie Briggs

Leading By Example Words by Alana Lauren Photos by Jenna MacFarlane

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

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omen are known to have a great deal of tenacity as part of their DNA, and that quality is all-important in the business world. One person with an abundance of that treasured commodity is Stephanie Briggs, who co-owns Wicker Emporium in Charlottetown, and a Montreal-based furniture business that serves all of Canada and the USA.

air and approach to business and life extends to her travels around the world, sourcing best-of-the-best products for Wicker Emporium’s retail and wholesale operations.

“Understanding customer needs is a cornerstone of any business. That’s a fairly obvious statement,” says Briggs.

“However, the reality is, we provide many products that customers have no idea they need until they see it!”

Briggs fundamentally believes that, to be successful, a business leader must possess complete engagement and understanding of every facet of the business. “Lead by example” is her mantra. She also believes in tactical focus on issues of the day, and always puts the customer first. Briggs ensures that adequate time is scheduled and taken to look strategically at future business needs. These are not options; they are necessities in the world of business, she confidently proclaims.

Wicker Emporium in Charlottetown was carefully selected for acquisition, as it’s a key location for the niche market that Wicker Emporium serves so well. “You have to have confidence in your beliefs, and be prepared to take rational risks to be successful,” Briggs says. “The Wicker Emporium store was, of course, one of those risks. However, there was a strong belief that the supply-chain support from the Montreal-based operation would be a key enabler for its success.”

That belief proved correct. The Wicker Emporium store now carries diverse home furnishings and décor products that have never before been seen at that location, allowing it to bring its offerings to a whole new level for Islanders.

“All of us live in our own world, full of things we like,” she adds. “But, somewhere in the undercurrent of our imaginations, we long for something different to add that special look to our living space. Part of our job at Wicker Emporium is to ignite that spark of imagination. Our unique offerings can add unusual richness and warmth to the homes of Prince Edward Island and the Maritime provinces.”

Briggs fundamentally believes that, to be successful, a business leader must possess complete engagement and understanding of every facet of the business. “Lead by example” is her mantra.

Briggs is an assertive character who works hard to meet personal and business goals, firm in the belief that she does not know it all. She seeks guidance and help where she can.

“Learning never ends,” she says. “When you stop learning, you stagnate, and basically stand still.” Her confident

To help Wicker Emporium succeed, Briggs relies a lot on her trusted staff and other businesses in the community. She has complete trust in the store manager, Cedalia, who shows a similar resilient character to Briggs, along with a similar ability to mentor new staff. “Cedalia is regarded as an extension to the overall business, and that’s very important to me.”

As the store approaches its first anniversary under new ownership, and its fiftieth anniversary as a brand, Briggs says she is confident that Wicker Emporium will continue to be the treasure trove Islanders look to for their exclusive décor and furniture needs for many years to come.

Wicker Emporium 43 Babineau Avenue, Charlottetown 902.370.9245 www.wickeremporium.ca

◄ Stephanie Briggs, owner ▲ Cedalia Brum, manager

Passing the Fashion Torch: Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel and Accessories Transitions to New Owner Words by KATRINA GEENEVASEN Photos by EVAN CERETTI

When Debbie Matthews first hired Carolyn MacKinnon as a store manager in 2001, MacKinnon never for a moment imagined that, one day, one of Matthews’ fashion stores—Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel and Accessories— would become her own.

But, as fate would have it, that’s exactly what’s happening.

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fter decades as a seasoned business owner in downtown Charlottetown, Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel and Accessories’ current owner Debbie Matthews is set to retire following 35 years in business to spend more time with her husband and her dogs.

She is leaving Lady Slipper in the capable hands of Carolyn MacKinnon, who looks forward to working with the store’s manager of more than 30 years, Rita Ramsay.

“During her [MacKinnon’s] first interview, when I asked about her aspirations, she said she wanted to own a retail store,” explains Matthews. “That was also my dream when I was in high school, so we had something in common from the start.”

Now a mother of three young children, MacKinnon is excited to grow the business with its existing customers while, at the same time, continuing to attract new faces to the store every day.

“Lady Slipper offers many unique and exclusive lines,” says MacKinnon. “Paired together with our high level of customer service, we truly offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.”

Having known her professionally for nearly 20 years, Matthews is confident that MacKinnon—who earned a degree in business administration with honours while working full-time for Matthews—will continue to grow the business with both a forward-thinking vision and a nod to the past at the same time.

“I have full confidence Carolyn will continue with my vision for Lady Slipper, along with some new direction of her own,” says Matthews. “I feel very comfortable with her ability to operate a retail business. There has to be a great amount of trust when you are allowing someone to manage your investment. But she can analyze the numbers and relate them to a plan. This business is more than buying pretty clothes.”

MacKinnon is indeed passionate about every aspect of the business—and it shows. “I look forward to continuing the business with the knowledge and experience Debbie has taught me firsthand,” she says. “Things in the retail world are constantly changing, and I love the challenge of keeping up with trends and the way we do business.”

For Matthews, it wasn’t even a question who would take over her business as she prepared for her retirement. She always thought of the young lady she had interviewed years ago who dreamed of a store of her own. All these years later, that same young lady has grown into a talented businesswoman whose future is bright.

“This business is tough and competitive. It is also experiencing the biggest changes in its history,” says Matthews. “But I’m confident there is still room for shopping in a one-on-one social atmosphere with retailers that understand your needs, and are honest about what they can or cannot offer. The proof is in the continued loyalty and growth in our customer base.”

Her best advice to MacKinnon? “Enjoy the ride. I know I did.”

◄ Carolyn MacKinnon ▼ Debbie Matthews

Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel & Accessories 65 Queen St, Charlottetown 902.892.6525 www.theladyslipper.ca

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

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Oh Fudge, That’s Good!

OH FUDGE

PEI Potato Fudge It’s not your regular fudge!

Owner/Operator

Patricia McLean “I wanted to offer something healthier, with fewer calories, and made with an Island product ...this fudge is totally different.”

It

was at the hip of her grandmother that a young Patricia McLean mastered a secret recipe for potato fudge that makes those who first taste it weak at the knees.

Years later, McLean—who is now the owner of Oh Fudge Potato Fudge—continues to honour her grandmother’s legacy with more than 20 different flavours of homemade PEI potato fudge that dare you to claim just one bite is enough.

What makes McLean’s recipe a success (don’t ask her exactly what’s in it—it’s

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Contact Information 112 Main Street, Souris 902.940.9171 ohfudgepeipotatofudge @peiseaglass4u

Whether you’re hosting a wedding, birthday party, or anniversary celebration, Oh Fudge’s potato fudge offers a distinctively delicious way to add some PEI flair to your event.

Contact them with your special requests for parties both big and small. top-secret!) is that her fudge is not only made with potato puree, it’s also gluten-free, and not sweetened with added sugar. No added sugar means a third of the calories of traditional fudge.

Instead of including processed sugars, McLean makes the most of her fudge’s components, using high-quality chocolate, pure extracts, and other ingredients to add a natural sweetness that’s beyond compare.

“It’s not like regular fudge,” says McLean. “It’s soft, and creamy, and melts in your mouth. I wanted to offer something healthier, with

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fewer calories, and made with an Island product. I wanted to offer something nobody else would have; this fudge is totally different.”

With a range of fudges to choose from, there’s something to suit everyone’s palate; think flavours such as lemon-cranberry, orange creamsicle, vanilla, chocolate-salted caramel, Skor, and old-fashioned maple. Is your mouth watering yet? You’re welcome.

Satisfy your sweet tooth by picking up Oh Fudge products at several

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

locations, including in-store or at the Riverview Country Market in Charlottetown, the Chuckwagon Farm Market, the Seaglass Shanty at Souris Beach Gateway Park, and the Chotto Shoppe in the Delta Hotel

by Marriott Prince Edward.

If you’re based in Ontario, check out the Sunflower Health Shop & Services in Brighton.

Can’t get to the store? Oh Fudge Potato Fudge can also be easily ordered online at www.ohfudgepei.com.

By KATRINA GEENEVASEN Photo By STORY SHEIDOW

Explore Your Style DOW’S FASHIONS For looks as unique as you are.

Owner/Operator

Mirna Dow Contact Information

“When you look good, you feel good,and so I love to help women look their best.”

Confederation Court Mall 145 Great George St, Charlottetown 902.566.3566 www.dows.ca

► Mirna Dow (Dress by Joesph Ribkoff)

Opening Hours Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

S

ome people believe the right clothes can transform your outlook, boost your confidence, and make you feel as if you can take on the world.

Mirna Dow, owner of Dow’s Fashions in downtown Charlottetown, is one of those people.

“When you look good, you feel good,” she says, “and so I love to help women look their best.”

Offering Charlottetown’s most extensive selection of women’s wear, Dow’s Fashions has catered to every shopper from ages 25 to 95 for more than 20

years. Whether it’s a dress for a wedding, an outfit for that dream job interview, a distinctive look for a first date, or an ensemble for a glamorous night out on the town with the girls, Dow’s Fashions will have just what you need to own your look.

“We have a huge store and a wide selection,” says Dow, guiding me through the store’s impressive collection of dresses, which are available in every size, look, and style imaginable.

From Joseph Ribkoff, a Canadian line that focuses on providing women with highquality, uniquely-designed products, to Montreal-

based Dex clothing, Dow’s Fashions places emphasis on offering shoppers quality products that make a serious style statement. Ted Baker, Mavi Jeans, Betty Barclay, Canadian-made Yoga Jeans®, and Denmark-based line Junge round out the shop’s beautifully impressive collection.

“I’ve gotten to a point where I know what works and what doesn’t,” says Dow, adding how important the fit of clothing is. “You can see a lot of stuff that’s fashionable, but if they don’t fit, they are useless. For us, quality is so important. Trends are good, but trends alone are not good enough.”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

Clothing and products aside, it’s the superior customer experience at Dow’s that makes it one of Charlottetown’s premier shopping destinations.

“When customers come in, they will have a positive experience,” assures Dow. “They’ll enjoy that part of it.

Not only that, the selection of clothing is wonderful, and we have a range of prices for all shoppers.”

For looks as unique as you are, shop Dow’s Fashions.

By KATRINA GEENEVASEN Photo By EVAN CERETTI

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Get the 3rd Degree 3RD DEGREE Training

Stress-free and enjoyable fitness.

Owner/Operator

Holly Isnor “Having a fitness family, motivation, and accountability from a group setting really allows you to feel comfortable and stay on track.”

At

3 rd Degree Training in Montague, Holly Isnor and her team are dedicated to making sure that exercise and fitness are as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

“We often feel intimidated to start a new fitness routine, but walking through the door is the hardest part,” says Isnor. “Having a fitness family, motivation, and accountability from a group setting really allows you to feel comfortable and stay on track.”

Specifically, she says, 3rd Degree makes sure

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Contact Information 501 Main Street, Montague, 902.838.7575 www.3rddegreetraining.com

its programs and classes are designed around the idea that “fitness is for everybody.”

“We have multiple programs that can all be modified to every fitness level, from beginner to advanced,” says Isnor. “We provide a welcoming and motivational atmosphere as soon as our members walk through the door with any of our programs.”

Among these programs are eight-week group fitness classes, drop-in classes for those who want to try the facility out, and one-on-one personal training. While all

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programs are adaptable, some are specifically designed with certain fitness levels in mind. They offer a zero-impact program, which Isnor says is “perfect” for those who are older, have chronic pain, or have mobility issues.

“We also have programs for our youth that help promote activity at a young age, and teach our youth the fundamentals of exercise,” she says, adding that clients’ own schedules are also kept in mind when determining a class schedule.

“[It’s also good] for anyone who’s looking for a program to start and keep moving,” she says.

“We provide multiple class times, which gives our members lots of options to have a successful fitness routine,” she says.

While programs are tailored toward personal fitness levels and capabilities, 3rd Degree also makes sure to offer programs that appeal to all ages.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

By KATIE INGRAM Photo By STORY SHEIDOW

More Than A Workout!

3RD DEGREE Training

Your body is your gym!

Owner/Operator

Pam Collette Contact Information

“Our tagline is ‘your body is your gym’; functional fitness is making everyday movements easier.”

At

3rd Degree Training in Stratford, clients do more than work out; they become part of a community.

Pam Collette, 3rd Degree’s co-owner and co-founder, says this is done by personally getting to know each of the clients. Staff will often ask them how they are doing in and outside of class.

“For a lot of places, you just sign up for a membership, and they take your dues— so, if you don’t show up, it doesn’t matter,” says Collette. “We’re the

16C Myrtle St, Stratford 902.370.7575 www.3rddegreetraining.com

opposite. We want you to show up.”

Along with providing a sense of community and accountability, 3rd Degree’s programs are designed to break down “the barriers people feel they have when trying to jump into fitness,” says Collette.

One such program is Adaptive Athletics, a zeroimpact program designed for those with mobility issues.

It uses a modified workout structure that allows participants to move at their own pace.

“At a typical gym or fitness class, there will be running,

jumping, moves on the floor where they’re doing push-ups or planks,” says Collette. “In our Adaptive Athletics program, we adapt all of these movements and take the impact out, so that everything is a step movement.”

And while there are many other programs offered at 3rd Degree, including weight circuits and personal training, they are all adaptable to some degree.

This flexibility, says Collette, reemphasizes 3rd Degree’s motto.

Another barrier that people often face is having the time to do programs. To help parents who don’t have childcare, 3rd Degree offers family-friendly classes, which Collette says helps kids, as well as parents.

“It shows the children that physical activities are important at a young age, and it’s not just sports,” she says.

“Our tagline is ‘your body is your gym’; functional fitness is making everyday movements easier.

Squatting mimics picking up children or groceries, lunges mimic climbing stairs,” she says. “[It’s] helping strengthen your everyday life.”

By KATIE INGRAM Photo By EVAN CERETTI

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Adapting With A Plan SRL

SOLUTIONS Inspiring Women to Lead, Sustain, and Grow Their Businesses Owner/Operator

Sara Roach-Lewis

History has shown that female-owned businesses don’t survive crisis well.

There’s a reason. Let’s change it.

I

t’s jarring to learn that women-owned businesses don’t often fare well during pandemics and economic downturns, says Sara Roach-Lewis, owner of SRL Solutions.

However, it’s easy to see how it happens.

“In the regular world, women have more childcare, elder care, and household responsibilities,” says Roach-Lewis. “In COVID-19 world, for some of us, we’ve added in working at home with children, and taken away many of our outside supports.”

Not only this, she says, but because women often make

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Contact Information

www.srl.solutions

How to survive during crisis: 1. Be strategic.

2. Create a plan.

3. Take action. Take action.

Take action.

less in their businesses, it’s a natural financial decision to shift more additional responsibilities to their shoulders. Furthermore, she adds, women don’t always have equal access to supports such as loans and funding programs to help weather financial storms.

While sobering, there are ways to overcome these challenges. Here, Sara explains a few.

1. Be strategic.

Although you may have a long-term vision for your business, right now, you want to look more short-

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term. What do you need to do to stay in business? How much money do you have to maintain your operations?

How’s your cash flow?

2. Create a plan.

Brainstorm all the things you can do to maintain your business during this time.

Get clear on how much time you have to work on your business. Reduce your list to laser focus on activities that will help in the short term.

3. Take action. Take action. Take action.

You likely have less time and more distractions these

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

days, but we’ve all had the experience of the magic we can create on a tight deadline.

Adopt a new mantra: “Done is better than perfect.” Send the email. Make the call.

Finish the deliverable.

Sara’s final piece of advice?

“Don’t let your business fall to history. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish with a realistic plan.”

Find more resources to help: www.srl.solutions/plan

Photo By STORY SHEIDOW

Where Good Dogs Become Great RED DOG Training

Owner/Operator

Joyce Robertson BA, BSW, CPDT-KA

Contact Information

“I have put my whole heart and soul into the development of my business."

242 North River Rd., Charlottetown 902.213.1043 www.reddogtraining.ca

• Private Sessions • Basic Obedience • Puppy Socialization • Carting • Retrieving At Red Dog Training we believe that all dogs get a sense of well-being when they are learning.

W

hile Joyce Robertson has always been a dog lover, it wasn’t until Jackson—a Chesapeake Bay Retriever of award-winning lineage—came into her life that her passion extended into her profession. Robertson was “bitten by the bug,” and has spent the past five years sharpening her skills, becoming one of the most unique and accomplished dog trainers here on the Island.

And accomplished she is.

With accreditation as a Certified Dog Trainer with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and continuous development through various outlets, Robertson is always keeping up with the latest techniques.

“I have been fortunate to

attend several significant international dog-training conferences in Hartford, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Ohio,” says Robertson.

to focus on their training priorities.

fun finding and retrieving items.

“What I love the most about training is being able to see the positive changes in both people and their dogs.

Observing the connection happening between a person and their dog, and knowing that I helped them make a difference in their relationship, is truly satisfying,” she says.

Robertson is also well-versed in specialized training, offering a Cart and Wagon Course that teaches dogs to pull carts. This provides a great source of exercise for the dog, and a sense of job fulfillment. “Imagine how much fun it would be to have your dog helping you around the yard, or pulling a cart or sled with your children,” says Robertson.

“Dogs absolutely love these activities, and it’s great mental stimulation and a confidence builder for them,” says Robertson. “It develops a relationship of cooperation between dogs and their owners.” Robertson is also currently developing a Recreational Tracking Course to begin this fall.

Red Dog Training offers a full range of courses, from Puppy Classes and Basic Obedience to more advanced training programs. In addition to group classes, Red Dog also provides private training as an alternative for clients wanting

Red Dog Training offers a Nosework Retrieving Course as well. The course provides a variety of unique exercises to practice what comes naturally to all dogs— it’s a chance for dogs to use their sense of smell, and have

Red Dog Training’s relaxed and positive learning environment is the perfect atmosphere for any dog, young or old, to learn from the best.

Photo By EVAN CERETTI

STRONG, STRIVING AND SUCCESSFUL The Women of the Confederation Court Mall

Known as “a staple of downtown Charlottetown,” the Confederation Court Mall offers a fresh, local approach to retail therapy. And let’s be real, PEI: we all need it right about now.

As businesses grapple with the effects of COVID-19, supporting the local economy has never been more important. Together, we need to ensure that businesses can continue to add vibrancy and uniqueness to our city once this crisis has passed.

The women we’re highlighting in this story are going to help make it happen. They’re each contributing in their own unique ways to inspire shoppers, bolster the “shop local” movement, and help everyone discover what makes our Island such a wonderful place to call home.

We hope you enjoy meeting them as much as we did.

Words by KATRINA GEENEVASEN

►( L-R) Jennifer Ridgway (Photo: Evan Ceretti), Madi Finlayson, Viginia MacIsaac (Photo: Evan Ceretti)

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Photos: Courtesy of CONFEDERATION COURT MALL & EVAN CERETTI

Kimberley Milette Owner | eco.spirit.emporium

Emma Hill Owner | Isla Clothing

For Kimberley Milette, there’s no end to the pleasure that sharing sustainable products brings.

Ready to express yourself with forwardthinking, one-of-a-kind fashion? Emma Hill, owner of Isla Clothing, makes it possible.

“I advocate for and am passionate about the environment as a whole, and offering sustainable choices—mainly in clothing, the second-largest polluter on our planet,” she says. “I feel blessed every day to be able to work in this field and the natural lifestyles platform.” eco.spirit and naturallycanada. com feature a collection of unique items, including clothing made from 100 per cent natural materials such as hemp, bamboo, linen, and merino wool. eco. spirit.emporium rounds out its diverse selection with jewellery, aromatherapy products, and home decor as well.

“I enjoy styling women who are open to eco-friendly clothing and seeing the joy in their purchasing something of quality that is Canadian and sustainable, as well as featuring local artists and crafts of PEI,” says Milette. eco.spirit.emporium 902.790.6323 www.naturallycanada.com Facebook: @ecotrendsemporium Instagram: @naturallycanada

A women’s clothing and accessory boutique, Isla Clothing gives shoppers an opportunity to explore their true style with fashion that can’t be found anywhere else on the Island.

Even better? You’re guaranteed a retail experience that proves that shopping is always a good idea. “As the owner of the store, I like to be there as much as possible to ensure customers are getting the quality shopping experience I hope for everyone to have,” says Hill.

Isla Clothing 902.892.4048 Facebook: @islaclothinginc

Her clothing store, Chameleon’s Hanger, specializes in offering its clientele looks that aren’t just stylish and contemporary, but affordable and available in a wide range of sizes as well.

Merle Norman Cosmetics, meanwhile, offers innovative skincare and cosmetic products that make getting ready in the morning a breeze.

The loyal clientele that shops at Wellner’s boutiques speaks to both stores’ dedication to exemplary customer service. “Getting to know our customers comes naturally, and they become our friends,” says Wellner.

Chameleon's Hanger & Merle Norman Cosmetics 902.566.1063 www.chameleonshanger.com www.merlenorman.com Madi Finlayson Manager | Bizou International

Debra Wellner Owner/Operator | Chameleon's Hanger & Merle Norman Cosmetics For as long as she can remember, Debra Wellner has enjoyed the “people” aspect of running a business, and the cosmetics, clothing, and accessories almost as much.

It’s been said that accessories are always a great way to complete any look. Madi Finlayson, manager of Bizou International, tends to agree.

She loves what she does, and that passion shows. “I’ve worked in so many different fields, but never really enjoyed

◄ Emma Hill (Photo: Evan Ceretti), Kimberley Milette, Debra Wellner

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what I did, and I thought that was normal,” she says. “Managing my store has completely changed my opinion on that; I love my customers, the mall regulars. It’s created such a positive place to be in.”

Her focus? Building a bond with every shopper. “I feel like I create a more personal experience for them. I’ve found by doing this, I’ve created regulars, and it makes me happy to see them return to my store.”

Bizou International 902.892.4544 www.bizou.com Facebook: @bizou.bizou Instagram: @bizou_official Jennifer Ridgway Owner | Luna Eclectic Emporium Offering a well-curated and unique assortment of everything from clothing and accessories to footwear and books, Luna Eclectic Emporium lives up to its name.

“We have something for everyone,” says owner Jennifer Ridgway. “You can find the perfect gift for any occasion, or something for yourself. Luna has an open and friendly atmosphere, with great customer service.”

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Even better? The store actively promotes browsing—which, rest assured, you’ll want to do plenty of here.

“We give a caring, kind, and empathetic personal experience to all customers,” says Ridgway. “We do it because we love it.”

Grand Senses Spa 902.894.8332 www.grandsensesspa.com Facebook: @GrandSenses

Luna Eclectic Emporium Facebook & Instagram: @lunaemporium 902.892.5862

For as long as she can remember, Mirna Dow has loved everything to do with fashion, but she especially loves how clothes can make women feel.

And so, her mission when she opened 21 years ago was simple: to make shoppers look and feel their absolute best.

Virginia MacIsaac General Manager | Grand Senses Spa Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is relax and calm your mind.

“It is my responsibility to ensure each guest has a truly positive experience,” says Virginia MacIsaac, Grand Senses Spa general manager. “It must be customized to each guest and what they perceive as their perfect guest experience.”

An Aveda Lifestyle Salon offering a full range of salon, spa, and massage therapy services that “rejuvenate your senses,” the Grand Senses Spa promises a personal touch every time.

“I love going to work daily to see our team provide exceptional services to our guests,” says MacIsaac.

Mirna Dow Owner | Dow’s Fashion

“I love dressing women, helping them find what they’re looking for, and ensuring they look good and feel good,” she says. “Some women don’t even know where to begin, but when I help them find the perfect dress, it feels amazing.”

Dow's Fashion www.dows.ca 902.566.3566 Facebook: @DowsFashions Janet Qian Owner | Golden Fox Home Decor & Beyond Janet Qian isn’t about to claim that she has years of retail experience. What

she does have, though, is perhaps even better: an unyielding passion for everything and anything “home decor,” and a willingness to learn about the latest home-related products and trends.

Her store, Golden Fox Home Decor & Beyond, is known for whimsical decor that brings a little magic to your home.

It’s all carefully curated by Qian herself.

“I try to be in the store most of the business time, and love observing what people are interested in buying, talking about, and questioning,” she says.

“Learning from customers’ feedback helps me to build a positive shopping experience as much as I can.”

stock as many products as possible, so that beginner, novice, and pro chefs alike have all the tools they need to create culinary masterpieces.

She also maintains that the term “customer service” is not just a cliché at Kitchens Unlimited. “We strive on a daily basis to give the best service we can, and to show that we care,” she says. “We also think it is the reason many of our customers become like family.”

Golden Fox Home Decor & Beyond Facebook: @Goldenfoxhomedecorinc goldenfox.homedecor@gmail.com

Meghan Coffin Manager | Manager Island Retail Group Ltd. (Taylor’s Jewellers, Uptown Shoes, Kitchens Unlimited, PEI Co. Store, Kent Street Market, Loto Booth & Cigar Corner and the Clearance Centre)

Ann Chaisson Manager | Kitchens Unlimited Ann Chaisson believes that the right tools make all the difference when it comes to preparing a meal, whether it’s a five-star feast or a humble casserole.

“The best way to accomplish your goal is to have good-quality utensils,” she says.

As the manager of Kitchens Unlimited, Chaisson has made it her mission to keep up-to-date on all the latest trends, and to

Kitchens Unlimited 902.566.2252 www.kitchensunlimited.ca Facebook: @kitchensunlimitedPEI

The Confederation Court Mall is a unique shopping destination known for its variety of stores that are locallyowned, explains Meghan Coffin, manager of Island Retail Group Inc. "These are hard-working, dedicated Islanders who want to provide the best products and services they can," she says.

(L-R) Janet Qian, Meghan Coffin, Ann Chaisson, Mirna Dow (Photo: Evan Ceretti), Susan Trueman.

She feels lucky to have a team of dedicated staff that takes pride in the stores they represent. "Some of our staff have been with us since the stores were opened, or shortly thereafter. They are the faces of our company, have built strong relationships with our customer base, and go above and beyond for each one."

Island Retail Group Ltd. 902.894.6042 mcoffin@islandretail.ca Uptown Shoes Susan Trueman | Manager Seeing smiles on her customers’ faces— whether they’re a friendly “hello,” or the result of finding that perfect pair of shoes—is why Susan Trueman, manager of Uptown Shoes, loves her job so much.

“My goal is to listen to what my customers are asking for, and to deliver and exceed their expectations as the store to shop and ‘get your shoe fix!’” says Trueman.

Offering well-known brand names such as Michael Kors, UGG, Clarks, Skechers, and Joules rainwear, Uptown Shoes proves that good shoes speak louder than words.

Uptown Shoes www.uptownshoes.ca Facebook: @UptownShoes

Confederation Court Mall 134 Kent St., Charlottetown 902.894.9505 www.confedcourtmall.com

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BUSINESS

Support.

Inspire.

Succeed.

Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association

Words by KATRINA GEENEVASEN Photos by STORY SHEIDOW

Nearly 30 years ago, PEIBWA began with the “mandate to educate, empower and inspire PEI women to succeed in their business endeavours.” Today, it’s home to nearly 500 members who support, encourage, and learn from one another.

It’s been said that when women support other women, incredible things can happen; that one woman’s success does not mean another woman’s failure. The Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA) is all the evidence one needs to see just how true this is.

“A Mandate to Educate, Empower and Inspire”

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“I can’t even tell you the knowledge, support, and encouragement I have received over the years,” says Carol O’Hanley, co-owner of EXIT Realty PEI. “It’s a really great resource for women getting started in business, or already in business and trying to grow, or women who have been in business for a long time and want to be involved in the community and give back.”

“Here on PEI, there’s no denying the importance of connections and how vital it is for women to support one

another,” says Margaret Magner, executive director of PEIBWA. “That’s why we’re working so hard to represent women at every stage of their careers and businesses, from students and young entrepreneurs just launching their businesses to seasoned professionals.”

“It’s ambitious, but we want to be as inclusive as possible, and recognize the diversity of needs that women have across the province,” says Magner.

That’s one of the reasons PEIBWA is often out on the road, offering training and networking opportunities to women in both urban and rural areas across the province. PEIBWA’s Rural Women’s Business Centre is a crucial piece of this puzzle, located in Central Bedeque, and serving women predominantly in the central Queens to West Prince regions.

PEIBWA is now sharing some $2 million in Women Entrepreneurship Strategy funding with Nova Scotia’s Centre for Women in Business; the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs; and the New Brunswick Association of CBDCs Women in Business Initiative.

Through this Atlantic Canadian Women in Business Growth Partnership, PEIBWA will expand

▲ Shelley Jessop, Manager of PEIBWA’s Rural Women’s Business Centre, and Margaret Magner ◄ (Facing page) Top: PEIBWA Executive Director, Margaret Magner Bottom: PEIBWA’s Rural Women’s Business Centre

its offerings to Island women with programs designed to help womenowned businesses in years one to five scale up and consider exporting.

It will also ensure women in the trades, technology, and STEM fields—as well as Indigenous women, newcomers, women with disabilities, and women in rural areas—have the support, training, and mentorship they need to succeed.

“Not only will this broaden PEIBWA’s capacity, but it will also give us a big boost and a national presence, and enhance our offerings to women on PEI, particularly when it comes to mentorship,” says Magner.

“PEI is such a great place for women in business,” O’Hanley adds.

“Because we have such a strong, supportive community, I think more women are feeling it’s a great place to own a business; there’s a lot of potential. If PEIBWA didn’t exist, and I was hoping to become a woman in business, I don’t know if I would be as brave to do so.”

PEI Business Women’s Association 25 Queen Street, Suite 25 Charlottetown 902.892.6040 PEIBWA’s Rural Women’s Business Centre Wm Callbeck Centre 106 Linkletter Avenue Central Bedeque 902.887.3171 www.peibwa.org

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CBDC: People Helping People in Eastern PEI

If you’re an entrepreneur on the Island brimming with a brilliant new business idea, but are having trouble with getting it off the ground, consider visiting your local Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) to help get you started.

Words by BRIANNE HOGAN Photos by EVAN CERETTI

“The

CBDC was formed when the federal government could see that the commercial banks were backing off from lending in rural communities,” says Martina MacDonald, the executive director at the CBDC in Main Street Montague. As a result, the CBDCs were started in the 1990s. “The government started giving money back to those communities under the direction and guardianship of the CBDC volunteer board of directors.”

“We handle all types of businesses, from fabrication, restaurants, and nurseries to childcare. There is not too much that our board will not participate in. We consider taking risks that the commercial banks won’t normally take. It’s this money that is used as investment capital that new businesses need in order to get started,” MacDonald says, adding, “We have a very engaged board of directors who take their jobs very seriously, so we have a very well-oiled machine here. A lot of success stories have graced these doors.”

With three locations across the Island (Alberton, Summerside, and Montague), the CBDC offers financial assistance, including loans and equity financing, as well as training and services for new small businesses.

The CBDC is one of the main tenants at the Rural Action Centre in Montague, which acts as a one-stop service centre where established businesses and start-ups can access varying support programs to help launch and grow their business or community projects.

One of those “success stories” belongs to Jason Tompkins, owner of One Tuna Inc. “As I was looking to build Canada’s first bluefin tuna processing facility, I was introduced to CBDC in Montague. They helped me develop my plan and helped finance the business. Without their help, it never would have happened,” he says. “They are the very best to deal with. Not just during the funding process, but the continued advice and consultation after getting started is invaluable. The staff and their service is second to none here in PEI.”

“In the Rural Action Centre, we provide a lot of training for these business start-ups, including the Success Series that

Jim Conohan, the artisan and owner of Along the Edge Juniper Works, echoes that. “They’re great people, and they make sure

“We have a very engaged board of directors who take their jobs very seriously, so we have a very well-oiled machine here. A lot of success stories have graced these doors.”

we’ve developed in-house,” says MacDonald. “The Success Series includes learning how to create successful business plans, as well as successful business basics, successful social media and marketing. So, when a new client comes in here, and they want to start their own company, they will have the basic requirements for running a successful business.”

- Martina MacDonald

you’re ready to handle the opportunities that come with owning your business. They really helped me make the right decisions.”

In fact, Conohan was so pleased with his experience at the CBDC that he made them a plaque engraved “‘CBDC: People helping people in Eastern PEI.’ That’s who they are.”

While proposing a new business venture might sound daunting at first, MacDonald says that it is not as intimidating or overwhelming as you might suspect.

“A client comes to the office and has a dream or has a passionate idea for a business; we sit down and talk with them about it,” she says. From there, MacDonald takes the proposed business loans to her board of directors, a regionally located group made up of volunteers, which meets once a month to discuss and vote on various business proposals and loans.

CBDC / Rural Action Centre 540 Main St, Montague 902.838.4030 www.cbdc.ca www.ruralactioncentres.ca

▲ Patsy Gotell, ED Island East Marketing Group, Gerald Arsenault, Innovation PEI. ◄ (L-R) Terri Taylor , Holly Fitzpatrick , Martina Mac Donald, Krista McKeeman WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2020

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!

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP SAVE THE PLANET

This is the only home we have and everyone is striving to make our planet a better place for all creatures. So, here are our 10 things to help save the planet.

Plant a garden Growing your own food is so satisfying, you know exactly what goes into your fresh vegetables if you’ve grown them yourself. Garden fresh tastes better, is obviously as fresh as possible and is much healthier for your family. No room for a large garden? Grow your favourites in containers and buy the rest at a local farmers’ market.

Just say no to plastic As consumers we have the power to eliminate plastic.

Support local business Supporting locally-owned businesses has so many advantages. Local business owners spend up to 70 per cent of their profit at a local level through wages, community support and purchasing local for their own shopping. As well, locally-owned businesses support community initiatives, local sports teams and charities at a much higher level than big-box corporate enterprises.

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Leave your car at home Make a point to use your bicycle instead of your vehicle this year. Not only is it better for the planet - it’s better for you!

Check out Cycling PEI for tips and information about cycling on PEI. Cycling PEI is a non-profit, volunteerdirected provincial body for bicycling. They represent a large range of disciplines including road, mountain bike, BMX and track in areas of recreation, youth and competition. Cycling PEI is affiliated with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) through their partnership with the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) and is a member of the Atlantic Cycling Center in Dieppe.

Cycling PEI | www.cpei.ca

Bird-friendly garden

Leave the weeds to save the bees!

Allowing weeds to grow and flower in our lawns is one of the recommended ways to save bees from extinction and to help prevent starvation.

Encourage other gardeners, farmers, schools and homeowners to create havens and resources for the Island’s threatened species.

Plant a bird-friendly garden instead of adding feeders to your yard. Options like an open compost pile that attract insects and pesticide-free gardens will allow the birds to thrive on a natural diet.

Put up bat houses

If you’ve been having mosquito or insect control issues, then buying a bat house may be on your mind. Bat houses offer one of the best ways to control mosquitoes throughout your backyard and property.

Four Easy Changes Refill Cups

One-Bag Challenge

Zero Waste

Shop Responsibly

Establish a zero-waste lifestyle. Buy in bulk whenever possible, use refillable containers and choose zero-waste options first! Check out local shops like Riverview Market or the Farmers’ Market for zero-waste options.

Do the “one-bag challenge” - one garbage bag a month. Recycle, compost, reuse and donate as much as possible! Be aware when you’re shopping - avoid Styrofoam, excessive packaging and anything that is headed for the landfill. I’ve managed to get down to one bag every two months - you can do it! Challenge your family and yourself.

Buy a few refillable cups for coffee and water and make 2020 the year you say no to takeout cups. Many coffee shops will offer a discount when you bring in a refillable cup and stop buying plastic water bottles! Instead purchase a water bottle and refill it throughout the day.

Don’t get caught up in the fashion frenzy. Buying cheap disposable garments is irresponsible. If you love shopping consider the second-hand or thrift stores where you can often find brand names at incredible discounts.

When you are ready to remove pieces from your closet simply donate them and keep fashion from the landfill!

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Preserving the Ways of Times Past BASIN HEAD FISHERIES MUSEUM Words by KATRINA GEENEVASEN Photos by EVAN CERETTI

For thousands of years, PEI’s inshore fishery played a vital role in the lives of Island Mi’kmaq people and their ancestors. Since the early 1700s, European settlers also relied heavily on the abundant sea life that calls the area home.

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T

oday, this fishery remains one of the Island’s most important industries.

PEI’s Basin Head Fisheries Museum exists to tell the tale of our area’s fascinating oceanic history, sharing with locals and visitors alike the heritage and culture that are uniquely Prince Edward Island.

With photos, displays, and exhibits chronicling the past, the museum offers a journey back in time to see how our ancestors lived, making it a real Maritime treasure.

“The museum showcases what life was like in the past, with a true PEI flavour and an authentic PEI interpretation,” says Dr. David Keenlyside, executive director of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation.

“The kinds of treasures you’ll see are quite typical of Maritime culture, which has evolved over hundreds of years,” he says. “They provide stories of the people that lived and died here. They’re true Maritime stories of how people adapted, how people met the challenges, and how they survived.”

Situated on the bluff overlooking the Northumberland Strait, and within steps of one of our country’s most idyllic beaches, the museum hosts countless artifacts just waiting to be discovered, says Elizabeth MacDonald, museum site manager.

“It’s exciting, especially for the younger crowd, to come in and see how things were done back then, and how technology has changed,” MacDonald says. “In some ways, things are so advanced, and in other ways, things are very much the same.”

Of particular interest to many guests is the museum’s two-metre diameter Fresnel lens. A type of composite lens originally developed by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel for lighthouses, this treasure has been coined “the invention that saved a million ships” by a 1 BBC article.

1 http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20190620-the-invention-that-saved-a-million-ships

The Fresnel lens is made of crystal prisms that concentrate light to increase its power, explains MacDonald. “It was so innovative for its time. It could take the energy of a candle or a kerosene bulb, and condense that light to make it so strong that it could be seen 20 miles out to sea.”

Many guests are also intrigued by the museum’s 80-year-old fish Cannery, which is the only original structure that remains on the property. Home to many different types of watercraft and fishing equipment, the Cannery also holds one of the last remaining Island iceboats.

Before icebreakers and ferries existed, iceboats provided Islanders with the only access to the mainland across the Northumberland Strait in winter. Relics such as iceboats not only give a glimpse into the past, but also demonstrate how much technology has changed.

“As the years accumulate, it’s easy to lose our history,” says Dr. Keenlyside.

“When we go to one generation from the next, unless you deliberately preserve the stories in this fashion, you risk losing your past. And it is the essence of what people have been through over many hundreds of years. It’s about our roots; our ancestors. It can tell us about the past, but also show how we are moving into the future.”

A visit to the Basin Head Fisheries Museum, paired with a stop at the impressive “Singing Sands” beach, is the recipe for a perfect day for families and people of all ages. During the summer months, be sure to set aside enough time to enjoy a cold treat (or two!) from the Cannery’s ice cream parlour.

Fun Fact: The waterway, the lagoon behind Basin Head, and the coastal dunes have the status of Marine Protected Area under Canada’s Oceans Act. They are home to many diverse species, including a rare type of Irish moss called Chondrus crispus.

Basin Head Fisheries Museum 336 Basin Head Road, Souris 902.357.7233 Off-Season: 902.368.6600 basin_head@gov.pe.ca www.peimuseum.ca

GPS: N46 22.734 W-062 6.594

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Connect with your local

LIBRARY

The PEI Public Library Service boasts 26 libraries across the province.

They may vary in size, but they all have one thing in common: they are community spaces that encourage you to soak in literature for as long as you wish. But, did you know you can connect with your library online and access so much more?

Words by ALANA LAUREN

“Y

our local library is one of the last free spaces where you are welcome to spend the entire day if you'd like to; there's no such thing as loitering at the library," says Beth Clinton, librarian for Confederation Centre Public Library in Charlottetown.

"The library is a true community space,” says Clinton. “It’s a perfect venue to host community events, meetings or public forums. We encourage partnerships and offer information sessions, cultural programs and other events."

The library offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including those that bring generations and even species together. Examples are the computer lessons for seniors by local

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teen volunteers and the Paws to Read program, which gives young readers non-judgmental audiences as they practice their reading skills.

learn English. Through this program, learners may receive one-on-one tutoring or have the opportunity to join a conversation circle."

The library is free to join for residents of the Island and your membership is valid and interchangeable at all 26 locations in any of the three regions. “You can check out an item in Charlottetown and return it to Souris,” says Clinton, “or use our online checkout service, Overdrive, 24 hours a day to download e-books, audiobooks or Freegal to download music.”

There are a number of online services and programs offered that ensure everyone can take advantage of their local library. The Centre for Equitable Library Access offers a collection of alternative format materials for people with print disabilities. TumbleBooks help to teach kids the joy of reading by using animation, music, and narration to bring picture books to life. Read along online, or have TumbleBooks read to you. TumbleBookCloud Junior is a collection of e-books, read-along books, and graphic novels. Meanwhile, there are also National Geographic videos and audiobooks suitable for elementary

"Our volunteers are a valuable asset of our library system,” Clinton says.

"They enable us to offer programs like the EAL Volunteer Tutoring Program, a partnership with the Newcomers Association, to help adult newcomers

grades or EAL students. Items in the collection feature adjustable text sizes, full narration, and a read-along function, which highlights text as it is read.

Rocket Languages is a web-based language learning service ideal for beginners and travellers. Your library card gives you access to 14 self-paced foreign language courses, including Egyptian Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, American Sign Language, advanced English (for EAL learners), English for Japanese

Teen Collection: https://peipls. overdrive.com/library/teens TUMBLEBOOKS COLLECTION https://bit.ly/2wdqRTz Helps to teach kids in grades K-6 the joy of reading by using animation, music, and narration to bring picture books to life. Read along online, or have TumbleBooks read to you.

TUMBLEBOOKCLOUD JUNIOR www.tbcjr.com/home.aspx A collection of e-books, read-alongs,

AUDIO BOOK CLOUD https://bit.ly/393EMsr Provides streaming access to over 1,400 audiobooks for all ages. Titles in the collection cover a range of topics and genres.

ROMANCE BOOK CLOUD www.romancebookcloud.com/Home. aspx An online collection of over 1,800 romance e-books for older readers.

Major genres like historical, time travel, paranormal, and inspirational romances are all represented.

CELA LIBRARY www.celalibrary.ca CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access) is a non-profit organization that provides public libraries with access to materials in alternative formats for printdisabled Canadians. Print disabilities can encompass a visual, physical or intellectual condition that prevents an individual from being able to consume traditional printed materials.

CELA’s collection includes over 700,000 items (newspapers, magazines, and books) in accessible formats such as DAISY audio files, and e-text. Materials are available in both French and English for adults and children.

speakers, and English for Spanish speakers. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android.

Resources available for Islanders to access at home for free with their PEI Public Library Card: OVERDRIVE Use your library card for 24/7 access to a wide variety of e-books and e-audiobooks. Download titles onto your mobile device via the Libby app available for free on Google Play and the App Store.

Adult Collection: https://peipls. overdrive.com/ Kid Collection: https://peipls. overdrive.com/library/kids

graphic novels, National Geographic videos, and audiobooks suitable for grades 3-6 or English as an Additional Language (EAL) students. Items in the collection feature adjustable text sizes, full narration, and a read-along function that highlights text as it is read. www.tumblemath.com/home.aspx A collection of math picture books for grades K to six. These books also include supplementary material like lesson plans and quizzes.

TEEN BOOK CLOUD www.teenbookcloud.com/Home.aspx Includes e-books, graphic novels, videos and audiobooks aimed at grades seven to 12. This collection includes fiction and nonfiction titles.

Educators and professionals can access CELA’s digital collection via the Educator Access and Client Access Programs as well on behalf of their students/clients. https://celalibrary.ca/educators https://celalibrary.ca/client-support “Our libraries offer something for absolutely anyone,” says Clinton. “Drop in to your local branch or ‘check us out’ online; you’re always welcome at the library.”

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

F A M I L Y - ProCRAFTinating

The Mobile Makery: Knot Your Average Plant Hanger W0orkshop Words by CLARA DEACON

While exploring options for trying a new craft, I was drawn to the sessions offered by the Mobile Makery. Led by Island makers, the Mobile Makery offers creative hands-on workshops, open to individuals of all skill levels.

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W

hen I arrived at my macramé plant hanger workshop hosted at the Small Print Board Game Café in Charlottetown, I felt immediately welcomed and at ease. I could tell from the start that, while learning a new skill can be intimidating, the Mobile Makery offers a relaxed environment and an emphasis on having fun.

After the small group of us were settled and sipping on our fancy Nutella lattes, the workshop began with some simple instructions, some cautionary tales about not cutting the rope too quickly, and some helpful encouragement. While there were official names for the knots, my friend and I quickly took to making up our own names, and you better believe the puns were flowing. Much of this felt natural and like a throwback to making friendship bracelets.

One highlight for me was when our kind and knowledgeable instructor told us that we wouldn’t be following a pattern. My assumption was that the goal of this workshop would be to replicate an existing plant hanger.

Instead, we were encouraged to experiment and make our own patterns. I later realized that this was intentional, so that we would not only be creative and design our own unique plant hanger based on our own comfort and skill level, but also so that we would be better

equipped to learn from our mistakes. Try it out and if you don’t like it, take it out and try it again. “Embrace the suck” was our mantra – meaning we should welcome mess-ups as an opportunity.

While this approach was outside of my comfort zone, this new way of learning helped me to establish more confidence and ultimately a more lasting skill – I ended up finishing mine on my own at home.

Whether you’re making a large living room plant hanger, a teeny baby succulent holder, or maybe someday graduating to a hammock, macramé is a great craft to explore, and the Mobile Makery is a great host for a Saturday afternoon.

The Mobile Makery offers hands-on workshops for the public at all skill levels, all while having fun and feeling good about supporting Island artists and Makers in a range of media.

While there are no workshops planned currently, given our collective commitment to social distancing, I encourage you to check out more information on online tutorials on their Facebook and Instagram @themobilemakerypei.

Clara Deacon is a communications specialist from the South Shore of PEI. Outside of writing, she also enjoys dancing, knitting, cooking, and playing the piano.

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Rising Tides and Wetland Restoration From space, Prince Edward Island looks like a skiff of sand on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. From the ground, it’s a postcard-worthy sight of red sand, farm fields, and seaside views. Here, the ocean is a constant we have also learned to guard against—and prepare for—as sea levels continue to rise, changing the shape of this picturesque province.

Words by ALANA LAUREN Photos by STORY SHEIDOW

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▲ (Top) Canadian geese in flight above Glenfinnan Salt Marsh ◄ (Left) Black duck

R

ising global temperatures are melting glaciers and sea ice, pouring an excess of water into Earth’s oceans. This is being exacerbated by the fact that our region’s landmass is also slowly sinking after the last ice age.

According to research by the University of Prince Edward Island’s Climate Lab, an average of 28 centimetres of coastline is eroding on PEI each year. That puts more than 1,000 homes, cottages, and commercial buildings; 17 lighthouses; and ten bridges at risk over the next 70 years.

While there is no way to stop what has already started, there are some places on the Island where natural solutions can lessen the impact of rising seas. That’s why wetland conservation organization Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is restoring salt marshes along the coast.

“Given the effects of sea-level rise we’re seeing here, it’s become increasingly important to restore salt marshes where possible, and to think about how we develop, live, and work along the coast,” says Jonathan Platts, DUC’s PEI-based conservation specialist.

Fullerton’s Marsh is a 67-hectare estuary that also encompasses a 20-hectare freshwater wetland managed by DUC. The marsh sits on Fullerton’s Creek near Stratford, with an old rail line running down the middle of it. When those tracks were put in, in the late 1800s, the earthen mound built to support the tracks acted like a dike, separating the south end of the marsh from salt water flowing in from the Northumberland Strait via Fullerton’s Creek.

In the 1940s, the province decommissioned the rail line, and ten years later provincial staff approached DUC about managing what had essentially become a freshwater marsh on the south side of the tracks. DUC continues to manage the site as a freshwater marsh, but now higher tides are eroding the dike faster than it can be fixed.

Fullerton’s Marsh is a perfect example of the tidal marsh restoration work DUC has started to focus on. This year, DUC’s conservation team will begin engaging the public on whether to let the tides back into the freshwater portion of Fullerton’s Marsh for the first time in almost a century. If this project proceeds, within a year or two salt marsh plants, including salt grass, will stabilize the wetland as it transitions.

As a renewed salt marsh, this area will act as a coastal buffer against rising sea levels and stronger storms and will help to decrease the energy produced by waves, which, in turn, will prevent erosion along the shore.

It will also provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and waterfowl. “With climate change, we’re seeing more black ducks stay the winter here in Atlantic Canada,” says Platts. “Black ducks are a species-of-concern here. Having more over-wintering tidal habitat could be beneficial for them, since the birds would be in better condition come the breeding season.”

Ducks Unlimited Canada is striving to be a leader in conserving wetlands and manage infrastructure on the coast— and they hope others will do the same, because it’s imperative that we need to start thinking critically about how we develop and live on these lands.

▲(L-R) Jonathan Platts, Tom Duffy (Photo: J. Chaisson) ▲ (Above) Glenfinnan Salt Marsh

Ducks Unlimited Canada 420 University Ave., Charlottetown du_charlottetown@ducks.ca www.Ducks.ca Ducks Unlimited Canada would like to thank Scotiabank for sponsoring this article and for supporting wetland conservation and awareness in PEI.

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Great Memories Start Here With Along the Edge, visitors to PEI get an authentic look at some of the aspects that make the Island an exceptional place to visit. For Islanders who want to stay close to home, this is a fun way to explore PEI.

Part of Experience PEI, and located in the Points East Coastal Drive area, Along the Edge was created and is run by local fisherman Jim Conohan. Conahan has been fishing for most of his life, starting when he was 14 fishing for lobsters and giant bluefin tuna (PEI is the bluefin capital of the world).

Words by KATIE INGRAM Photos courtesy of Experience PEI

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“My life as an Islander, a fisherman, that’s an experience all on its own for anyone who doesn’t live on PEI,” says Conohan, who adds that he wanted to share his life and knowledge in a handson visitor experience.

It was a domino effect of events that led to Along the Edge. In 2015, Conohan had the idea, but didn’t know where to start, so he visited an entrepreneurs’ event.

There he met Patsy Gotell of the Rural Action Centre, who then introduced Conohan to her husband Perry of Tranquility Cove Adventures, and Martina MacDonald of the Community Business Development Corporation.

Eventually, this led to a meeting with Bill and Mary Kendrick of Experience PEI, and Along the Edge was born. “(They) were interested, so I had to be good enough for their business, and to serve tourists and people from all over the world,” Conohan says. “They came to my place for a three-hour experience and were happy with what they saw; we became partners.”

Activities in the Along the Edge experience include making a juniper coaster to take home (known as the “Original Jostr,” or “Original Juniper Coaster”), as well as mussel, oyster, and lobster boils with salad, rolls, tea and coffee, and a dessert. There are other food options if a person wants to take part, but can’t eat or doesn’t like shellfish.

But Along the Edge guests do more than just eat and watch someone cook shellfish; they also learn a bit about the world just off the Island’s shore.

“I tell them I’ve learned a lot on the water, and I’ve seen a lot of things, and we also catch giant bluefin tuna here… we catch them off North Lake Harbour on the north shore of PEI… so we learn about that, and I have lots of pictures and videos,” says Conohan.

When asked what else makes his experience unique to others, Conohan praises the thing that led him to Along the Edge: the ocean.

“We’ve got a crystal-clear river here; it’s a beautiful place,” he says, adding that, while the location is river-based, it is also close to the ocean.

To book an experience with Jim Conohan, contact Experience PEI, or book through their online-book system.

Information about some of Along the Edge’s specific experiences can also be found on the Experience PEI website under “Mussel & Lobster Shore Boil” and “Beachcomber’s Clam Boil.” Conohan also offers a “Tong & Shuck” experience at which guests can eat raw oysters.

Experience PEI - Along the Edge W: 902.368.1670 | C: 902.388.4378 adventure@experiencepei.ca www.ExperiencePEI.ca

“It’s lots of fun,” says Conohan, adding that he uses a not-so-secret way to cook his shellfish: salt water.

“Anything that you cook in salt water from the river is so sweet,” he says. “You wouldn’t believe the difference; I have so many people ask me ‘what did you put in them?’”

902.838.4030 www.ruralactioncentres.ca

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How to Take Care of Your Pets This Spring With spring fast approaching, so are seasonal allergies and a number of other health issues involving our furry family. Around this time of year, we might hear a lot about detoxing to combat these issues— but what does that really mean?

Words by BRIANNE HOGAN Photos by EVAN CERETTI

G

iving supplements and herbs to detox is great, but my main “go-to” at my clinic was to look at which parts of the body are actually responsible for detoxification; if the body is not ready, it can actually cause more harm than good. For ideas on how to better support and detox your pet’s body for springtime, here’s what you need to know.

Bathing Try to avoid it at all costs. The skin is the first and largest organ to detoxify and protect the body. If you must bathe your pet, just use water or green tea rinses to reduce pollen and toxins. The use of antibacterial shampoo strips the skin of important “fighter” bacteria that prevent invaders from going deeper. Combine goat milk or kefir with a quality probiotic and use it as a skin mask—it’s so helpful to create a balanced skin microbiome to help prevent seasonal allergies and bacteria.

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Support the Gut The gut is the foundation of pet health. If the gut is healthy, chances are detoxification is happening automatically—just like your computer automatically creates a back-up! Keeping it healthy requires species-oriented preand probiotics. This means using those specifically originating from a dog, cat, or horse’s gut so it has the correct species and strains, not just human strains. A prebiotic like “larch” is vital at this time because it has the immune-modulating effect that helps the body’s immune system find balance.

Take Care of the Liver This supercharged detox machine has some best friends and helpers—like the kidneys, gallbladder and pancreas—that we also want to help support. During spring and allergy season, the liver has to deal with a ton, because it also plays a large part in histamine. By supporting the liver and its helpers, we make sure no one burns out; herbs like milk thistle (Cardus marianus), Dandelion (Taraxicum), Chelidonium and Berberis are essential in this. Clean food and nontreated water also help the liver perform, and things that can compromise the liver include anything chemical—for example, flea and tick treatments, over-vaccinating, and pesticides and insecticides on lawns and in parks.

Helping to Address Bug Bites Be careful when trying to address bug bites, because there are many DIY essential oil sprays out there. Be sure they are compatible with your animal, because many are not, which is why it’s important to purchase them or get

advice from a qualified pet care store or your holistic veterinarian. When it comes to preventing Lyme disease, keeping the immune system intact is key. This means feeding high-quality foods with antioxidants, providing lots of love and time in nature, and combing for fleas and ticks daily.

Keep Them Lean and Limber With spring comes playtime! That means keeping the joints healthy by eliminating, or greatly reducing, grains.

To a carnivore, lots of grains equal lots of sugar, which causes inflammation.

Inflammation can result in ACL issues, as well as compromised muscles and joints leading to premature aging and arthritis. Feeding loads of antioxidants like phytoplankton, fresh whole foods, collagen like bone broth, and homeopathic remedies can help support health and longevity not only for the joints, but the entire body.

Julie Anne Lee, DCH Founder of Adored Beast Apothecary Opening the first licensed holistic veterinary clinic in Canada, Julie Anne has used her experience as an animal care provider and compassionate advocate to aid the advancement of holistic pet care. She brings her wealth of experience to all aspects of the Adored Beast Apothecary as a practitioner, teacher, and consultant, and continues to expand the world of animal wellness using the time-honoured, common-sense practice of nature-based animal healthcare.

Global Pet Foods 405 University Ave, Charlottetown 902.368.1326 454 Granville St, Summerside 902.724.1326 www.globalpetfoodspei.ca

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Protecting Watercourses and Wetlands Protects the Island’s Future When Islanders start thinking about construction season, Greg Wilson hopes they’ll also be thinking about how to protect watercourses and wetlands in the process.

Words by ALANA LAUREN

“The

Island’s wetlands and watercourses are very special places. With a growing awareness of climate change and sea level rise, more and more people are recognizing the need to take special care when planning to develop property,” says Greg Wilson, manager of Environmental Land Management for Prince Edward Island.

▲ Greg Wilson

Environmentally sensitive areas include watercourses such as streams, brooks, ponds, bays, and estuaries. Also included are wetlands like marshes, swamps, and bogs—and, where it applies, the 15-metre buffer zone around them.

These are all protected areas under the Environmental Protection Act. Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970-2015, and PEI has seen its share. For decades we have diked, drained and filled in these

Wetlands are shallow, wet areas that support aquatic plants such as sedges, bulrushes, and cattails, as well as shrubs and trees. These areas provide habitat for waterfowl, fish, amphibians, and hundreds of invertebrate species.

Wetlands cover five per cent of the surface area of Prince Edward Island.

About 20 per cent of those wetlands are salt or tidal marshes, and considered to be among the most productive ecosystems on earth. Tidal marshes are common along the edges of bays and estuaries.

The remaining 80 per cent of PEI wetlands are freshwater wetlands. These include open water ponds, marshes, small wet meadows, wooded swamps, and bogs.

Wilson says that, in an era of climate change, there is growing recognition of the importance of wetlands to help protect the Island.

“Tidal wetlands, such as salt marshes, protect us from the impacts of severe storm events, including waves and storm surges. They provide space for floodwaters to disperse and wave energy to decrease, protecting roads and buildings located further inland,” Wilson says. “Tidal wetlands also stabilize the shoreline, making it less vulnerable to erosion. Climate change makes these functions even more important.”

sensitive ecosystems, and we are only recently starting to understand just how important they are.

“The first thing we recommend people do when buying, selling, or developing property is to be aware of these sensitive features. Go online and check the inventory in PEI Land OnLine. If you have any questions about the size or exact location of these sensitive features, or think you may need a permit, come talk to us,” Wilson says.

“Not only do wetlands help us adapt to a changing climate, they’re also helping to combat the climate crisis. Wetlands store carbon in plants and sediments, helping [to] lower levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere,” Wilson notes.

Wetlands and watercourses provide critical habitats for a vast number of fish, wildlife, and waterfowl. Wetlands also offer safe places for waterfowl to raise their young, and are important resting areas for migratory species.

Wetlands purify water by trapping and breaking down contaminants, organic waste, and sediments.

“This role is so important in Prince Edward Island, because we get all of our drinking water from the ground, and our fishing industry depends on healthy coastal environments,” says Wilson.

Wetlands perform a variety of important functions, such as: • providing habitats for fish and wildlife species • contributing to the productivity of rivers and estuaries •forming a vital link in the water cycle by acting as groundwater recharge, discharge, and storage • acting as water purification systems by trapping and breaking down contaminants such as manmade chemicals, organic waste, and sediments • acting as carbon sinks, thereby helping to reduce greenhouse gases • providing recreational opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, birdwatching, and canoeing • sustaining food and habitats for commercial fish species

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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 are 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. They take 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 a 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 anti-inflammatory 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 by 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 a similar way 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 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 ginger 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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NIP YOUR SEASONAL ALLERGIES IN THE BUD AT YOUR LOCAL PHARMASAVE When spring is in the air, that means there are also pesky allergens like pollen floating around.

“While the longer days and green leaves beginning to show on trees are always a welcome sight, it can be a challenging time for people with seasonal allergies,” says Jonathan Broderick, pharmacist at Pharmasave in Montague.

Words by BRIANNE HOGAN Photos by EVAN CERETTI

With Pharmasave locations in Souris, Montague, and Cornwall, the pharmacists are only too happy to help out Islanders when it comes to their seasonal allergy needs.

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ymptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes can be a huge barrier for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors, says Broderick. Luckily, the antidote is as simple as visiting your local Pharmasave to check out their array of allergy-relief items, as well as have a chat with the pharmacist on hand if you have any questions.

With Pharmasave locations in Souris, Montague, and Cornwall, the pharmacists are only too happy to help out Islanders when it comes to their seasonal allergy needs.

“When a patient comes into the pharmacy looking for seasonal allergy advice, the conversation normally starts with us asking what symptoms they are having to determine what medication or products would best suit them,” says Wally Kowalchuk, owner and pharmacist at the Cornwall Pharmasave location.

“We always ask them for a list of any medications they may be taking and what health conditions they may have.

Different antihistamines, for instance, can interfere with certain types of medications and health conditions.”

Along with various antihistamines, pharmacists may suggest other medications—such as nasal sprays or decongestants—to treat the symptoms. “We will also discuss what the patient may be allergic to [and] provide advice on how to prevent allergic reactions if possible,” says Kowalchuk. “If a prescription medication is required, we can also assess and prescribe when appropriate, so the patient does not have to go to the doctor.”

Chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for. “We have a great product selection here at Main Street Pharmasave,” says Karen Creighan, owner and operator of the Souris location. “We also have excellent staff who are always available to assist and answer questions here for you seven days a week.”

Other than allergies, the start of spring also brings more sun exposure. While a daily dose of vitamin D and sunshine is always a good idea, it’s important to keep yourself protected.

“We are outside more in the spring and summer as the UV ratings increase,

“Our pharmacists are always there to provide advice and help with product selection as well.”

- Jonathan Broderick

so cover up and use sunscreen,” says Kowalchuk, who notes that you can “cover up” by wearing a wide-brim hat and proper sunglasses.

“Sun protection is extremely important for all ages,” says Broderick. “No one likes sunburns, and preventing skin cancer is also extremely important.”

In addition to helping clients choose the best products for their needs, including sunscreen and after-sun care, Kowalchuk says that pharmacists “remind patients of which medications make us more sensitive to sun exposure, as extra precautions have to be taken.”

Adds Broderick, “Our pharmacists are always there to provide advice and help with product selection as well. When spring comes, we all want to be outside more. The outdoors is great for both physical and mental health, so we try and make sure our patients have the ‘protection’ part covered, so they can enjoy what our community and province have to offer.”

Pharmasave Montague 521 Main Street, Montague 902.838.2561 Pharmasave Cornwall 25 Meadowbank Road, Cornwall 902.629.6870 Pharmasave Souris 175 Main Street, Souris 902.687.4104

www.pharmasave.com ◄ (L-R) Wally Kowalchuk, Karen Creighan, Jonathan Broderick

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Psyche

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Words by STORY SHEIDOW

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Be Go o n a dF C y o og

I’m sure you’ve heard of the elusive Mercury retrograde (no, it’s not a new flavour of sports drink), or of signs entering—or leaving—your house (or someone else’s). But what does it all mean, and why are we so connected to it?

In my teenage years,

in the depths of the 90s, I became interested in tarot cards, black lipstick, and all things “witchy.” I bought runes to decipher, crystals for under my pillow, and probably at least 1000 candles. But one thing I didn’t get into was astrology.

I don’t know if it just wasn’t part and parcel, or if my lack of Internet access left me out of the loop. But the 90s— and my “witchier” intentions—came and went, and now after ten years of marriage, I still don’t know my husband’s sign.

However, it feels like only recently did this all seem to matter. Because, suddenly, astrology is everywhere.

The Babylonians are generally credited with the birth of astrology. Their astrological charts allowed them to predict the recurrence of seasons and certain celestial events. So in the beginning and for more than 2,000 years, astrology and astronomy were the same science.

Babylonian astrology was introduced to the Greeks early in the 4th century B.C. and, through the studies of Plato, Aristotle, and others, astrology came to be highly regarded as a science. It was soon embraced by the Romans (the Roman names for the zodiacal signs are still used today) and the Arabs and later spread throughout the entire world.

So, why the sudden surge of interest? I’m sure the witchy aesthetic has something to do with it, but I think it’s more than that. You see, we live in a time ripe with uncertainty. Fewer and fewer of us Gen Xers and Millennials have a “plan.”

We are more likely to live paychequeto-paycheque, with fewer long-term plans, no pension, and no “sure thing.”

We divorce more, have more debt, and generally speaking, We Struggle. So, of course we would then also gravitate towards astrology: you see, we do it for the answers.

Astrology has a way of making us feel reassured. It validates our quirks, explains our deepest traits, and justifies our misfortunes. And many folks these days need that. The deep desire to understand—or at least try to—in an age of broken hearts, pandemics, and an epic class war: if the stars have something to say, we’re all ears, because what have we got to lose?

The takeaway? In an age of uncertainty, astrology can make us feel better. With all the difficulties of our time, people should be allowed to believe in magic if they want to.

THE ELEMENTS

Fire signs: known for being passionate, opinionated, and bold.

Aries (March 21-April 19), Leo (July 23-Aug.22), and Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Water signs: are sensitive and deeply intuitive, idealistic, and altruistic.

Cancer (June 22-July 22), Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21), and Pisces (Feb. 21-March 20)

M

Air signs: are all about expression, being extroverted and fluid.

Gemini (May 21-June 21), Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 20), and Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Earth signs: are pragmatic, stubborn, logical, and practical.

Taurus (April 20-May 20), Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19), and Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

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

Words by KRISTEN JOHNSON Photos by OMAR BRODERICK Shot on location at SYDNEY BOUTIQUE INN & SUITES (Charlottetown)

Did you know there is a premium skincare line made and packaged on the Island? Trillium Skincare offers clinical-grade products made from healthy, naturally-sourced ingredients and plant botanicals.

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Founder Reid Barnett has been in the skincare industry for 15 years.

He previously worked with two companies formulating and producing clinical-grade products for the aesthetic market. He has turned those years of experience into an exceptional new line. “I am using some of the best technologies I have uncovered in the past, and combining new and exciting ingredients, to raise the bar on product quality and performance. These are among the highest-performing products you will find in the marketplace,” says Barnett.

In addition to using the best ingredients and working with small-batch production, Trillium Skincare has developed a proprietary technology called Skin Quench. It is used in most products in the line and addresses deep skin hydration and rejuvenation. Barnett says, “Dehydrated skin is common among men and women and can lead to other skin conditions, or make things worse for pre-existing issues.

Hydrating the skin plays a key role in all of Trillium Skincare’s formulations and is a foundation of the line.”

Interestingly, two of the ingredients used for hydration and rejuvenation are locally sourced. Trillium Skincare uses Abyssinian oil grown by PEI farmers and a regenerating starfish extract harvested on PEI using a cruelty-free method.

Other locally sourced ingredients are currently being investigated for use in new products.

Lisa, a user of Skin Quench Moisture Infusion, posted on the website, “I always go back and forth between products and never stick to the same one. This is a must and I will absolutely continue to buy it! My skin looks good again. Definitely recommending to my friends and family!”

Quality is of the utmost importance to Barnett, but he wants to offer high-quality products at a reasonable

price. “I have learned that there is little correlation between price and performance,” he says. Trillium Skincare is currently available online, which allows for a lower price point, but some Island locations are being investigated.

“We have been able to remove many of the handling costs and pass the savings on to our customers,” says Barnett.

The product prices have shown to be between two and three times lower than other comparable premium products currently on the market.

Trillium offers the best ingredients and the newest technologies, and is produced locally and available at a reasonable price. If that isn’t enough, there is also a product guarantee.

“Anybody that uses skin care products has probably thrown products because they do not deliver. We offer a 30-day, full money-back guarantee to ensure

that everyone is not just satisfied, but totally blown away, with their Trillium Skincare product experience,” states Barnett.

Products currently available include four powerful serums addressing hydration, rejuvenation, and anti-aging. Trillium Skincare will be adding several new products for spring and summer. An eye cream and face lotion will be available by May, with three men’s products following.

Products are available at www. trillumskincare.ca; all ingredients are listed on the website.

Trillium Skincare www.trilliumskincare.ca

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F R O M T H E S T Y L E E D I TO R ’ S D E S K

Reinventing Your Spring This spring, whether you've chosen to put your gears into overdrive or taken some time to chill, I think we are all learning something new about ourselves. I challenge you to devote some time to shift the focus onto you. Use this opportunity to define you. The you that got neglected. Don't let that person continue to get lost in the shuffle.

Among a few other additions to our vocab this spring is the word "pivot." Some are pivoting in their business and some have needed to apply it to their own family day to day. We've definitely felt the pivot in this issue and as Style Editor I've seen firsthand how many of our local boutiques are finding ways to adapt in their everyday business. I'm so happy to bring a strong focus to some of my favorite boutiques in this issue.

As always, I pay homage to our local boutiques, but in this issue more than ever I'm happy to focus on all the fab fashion our own downtown shops have to offer. As your Style Editor and wardrobe consultant, I work closely with most of our downtown boutiques. I know firsthand that they offer quality products and amazing hands on service.

I always encourage my clients to build relationships with our local boutique owners.

It's the best way for them to get to know their customer and their needs. Now is as good a time as any. Most shops are offering online services and curbside pick up, making your seasonal shopping easy.

Kim Rashed, Style Editor kimberly.peiliving@gmail.com 902.628.7403 (Photo: Jenna Keenan)

"Clothes aren't going to change the world, the women that wear them will" ~ Anne Klein 74

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STYLE SMOOTH OPERATOR

SEEING SPOTS

Buttery leathers in both vegan and genuine varieties are holding steady this spring.

Some fun new ways to incorporate leather into your wardrobe are with skirts, pants and dresses.

Choose your hues in softer tones to lighten up the look. If you opt for the versatility of darker leathers keep them of the season by adding some vibrant color alongside.

This staple print, though delicate in its manner, is making a strong impact.

From beautiful dresses to tops and pants, it is the absolute perfect print to try your hand at mixing it up. It stands as a neutral, making it easy to fit into a combo with just about any other print.

PUMP UP THE VOLUME With ruffles, puffs and frills, sleeves are making a major statement. My top tip for this trend is to let this added volume speak for itself. Always balance out an oversized top with something more sleek on the bottom.

SPRING TREND WATCH

Spring's long awaited arrival is here and brings with it some much needed fashion pick-me-ups.

CHOOSE THE HIGHLIGHTS Take a bold step into neons this season. What better way to brighten your mood than dipping your toe into this 80s revival? For those that require a little ease into color, choose an accessory such as a shoe pop or fun statement earring paired with a neutral head-to-toe look.

"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life." ~ Bill Cunningham

- Kimberly Rashed, Style Editor

NOT YOUR FATHER'S TRENCH Though it does bear some resemblance to the double breasted beige classic of yore, with any new trend we are adding a modern flare.

Reconstructed silhouettes, leather panels with button and belted details: This rain-ready trend definitely makes the list for must-haves in any closet.

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forward SPRING

STYLE STYLE

Baroque print is everywhere this season. This blouse hits the mark with print and styling. Check and check!

Model: Kimberly Rashed Photo by: Alaina Rashed Wardrobe: KC Clothing

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Bright floral prints are just what we need to brighten up our spring.

Model: Mirna Dow Photo by: Evan Ceretti Wardrobe: Dow's Fashions (Dress: Joseph Ribkoff)

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A sweet floral paired with an edgy combat boot offers a fresh new spin on an otherwise typical spring look.

Model: Mary Beth Campbell Photo by: Kimberly Rashed Wardrobe: Luxury Market Consignment Boutique

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An adorable little dress if we ever did see one. Chambray, stripes, pockets and the perfect silhouette.

Model: Kimberly Rashed Photo by: Alaina Rashed Wardrobe: JEMS Boutique

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A western flair is in the air, taking this basic tie-dye dress to the next level.

Model: Kimberly Rashed Photo by: Alaina Rashed Wardrobe: JEMS Boutique

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The ultimate in transition pieces, this bone colored leather jacket is just what's needed to lighten up a dark denim look.

Model: Julia Campbell Photo: Kimberly Rashed Wardrobe: JEMS Boutique

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STYLE

Words by JACQUI CHAISSON

l

I've been battling my hair for decades. When I was in my early teens my hair was waist-length and a strange mix of golden blonde and brassy red. Never curly - it always had a frizzy wave that was exaggerated by even a tiny bit of humidity. It wasn't until I was almost 30 that I discovered I had curly hair.

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I've been seeing the Curly Girl Method (CGM) all over YouTube and social media in the past few years, bu, it was just recently that my daughter suggested I try it myself. With self isolation because of COVID-19 I've had more opportunities to try new things - so, I tried the CGM with surprising results.

DO USE

START WITH A NO-POO SHAMPOO

GENTLE CLEANSING INGREDIENTS - cocamidopropyl betaine & decyl polyglucose

Sulfates are a no-go. Most traditional shampoos contain sulfates; they are found not only in shampoos but also in many household products, like dish soap. If you've ever washed your hands with dish soap, you know how drying that can be for your hands. Since curly hair is already naturally on the dry side, it's best to avoid ingredients that further dry or strip the strands.

EMOLLIENTS - shea butter, olive & vegetable oils PROTEINS - wheat, wheat germ or soy

According to the official CGM, my hair is in between type two: "wavy," and type three, "curly" - (the fourth type is "coily.")

HUMECTANTS - panthenol, vegetable glycerine, sorbitol

My hair has defined curls and, to my delight, I even spotted a few ringlets.

There are a few things I feel I need to include in my new routine before I'm completely sold on the CGM. It's recommended you visit a professional stylist who has experience with curly hair for a proper curl-friendly cut and a deep hydrating treatment. For the best results you should buy the appropriate hair products made especially for curls.

Although they are more expensive, you should be reducing the number of days per week that you shampoo your hair so the costs will balance out.

STYLING GEL INGREDIENTS - PVP and PVP/VA

You should be gently pulling your hair into a ponytail on the top of your head for sleeping - use a scrunchy instead of an elastic as they cause breakage and damage your curls. Each morning simply spray your curls with water to reactivate them and scrunch as usual.

I think 2020 is going to be the year of natural beauty trends. Self isolation gives us the time and opportunity to experiment with our style, and the inability to visit your stylist on a regular basis has changed the way we look at ourselves.

Embrace your natural beauty and make 2020 the year you found yourself.

Cheers, curly girls!

MOISTURIZERS - amino acids & aloe vera

REMOVE BUILDUP - use a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup once a week or try an apple cider vinegar rinse instead

WHAT TO AVOID

CONDITION One pro tip is to leave a bit of conditioner on the hair rather than rinsing it all out.

Leaving a little conditioner in can help hair strands trap hydration in for longer periods of time, which means frizz control and longer lasting definition.

CURL-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Don't be afraid to add curl-enhancement products - and add a lot. Use both a curl defining gel and a curl cream. Apply from roots to tip and blot the excess with a microfibre towel.

STYLE WITHOUT HEAT OR COMBS

Shampoo & conditioners that contain sulfates & silicones

Combs & brushes. Use fingers to detangle.

Heat from blow dryers, curling irons or curlers

Hair products that contain fragrance & alcohol

Terrycloth towels. Use a microfibre cloth or cotton t-shirt.

After products are applied and before styling, turn your head over (with a towel covering your face). Give your hair a shake turning your head up and down and side to side. After this step, you'll move into your preferred method of styling. Wavy hair textures are generally encouraged to scrunch the hair with a microfibre towel or t-shirt to soak up the excess water without causing frizz.

The curly girl method recommends low manipulation for all hair types. The only thing you shouldn't do is use any heat, but if you're in a hurry, using a diffuser on low heat is an option.

SCRUNCH THE CRUNCH This is the step most curly girls don't know about, and it's often the reason they choose to go straight. To avoid that 90s crunchy hair (the wet look) simply scrunch your stiff curls with a microfibre towel or an old cotton t-shirt. It works!

Just have faith and scrunch your curls until the softness returns.

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STYLE

SPRING Words by Kimberly Rashed Photo by Jenna Keenan Model Jessie Inman (Corporate Director/Motivational Speaker) Jessie's Wardrobe by Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel & Accessories

LEATHER Add some interest to those light and airy looks of spring.

We love a fanciful print with the added contrast of an edgy leather.

Mid-season faves to transition into spring. The weather this time of year, though we are enjoying brighter days, can be tricky at best. As you pack away the winter wardrobe, hold on to these five essentials.

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ANKLE BOOTS

DENIM JACKET

Don't ditch these little cuties just yet. They've still got some walking to do. Pair them with skirts, crops and even shorts for a fun and versatile look.

This awesome staple piece will layer well over that spring floral dress. It always adds that fun and fresh vibe and provides just the right amount of warmth on those cooler spring daysys.

,

CHAMBRAY/ DENIM SHIRT A shirt that stands all on its own and also acts as a great layering option holds a strong place in any seasonal wardrobe. It can be tied up with a maxi skirt or thrown on over a basic tee. Based on how many different look options you can create with this piece, we consider it a definite keeper.

CARDIGAN You know you've got a few of these piling up. Choose the lightweight pieces that will serve you well when you need them, while staying season appropriate.

Don't forget to give them a little refresh by de-pilling any that need it to make it through another few months.

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STYLE

5IVE

HAIR TRENDS FOR 2020

1

Curly Girl Curly girls, this is your year! For beautiful, healthy curls, try the “Curly Girl Method."

It’s all over the web and easy to follow. (CGM on page 83) Words by ALANA LAUREN

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3

Classic Bob Short Short styles are on-trend for 2020. Cut those long locks and put away your extensions because short is hot!

This look has staying power and versitility. Wear it smooth or tousled, chin or collarbone length.

Natural Texture Natural beauty is where it's at for 2020. No need for straighteners, let your hair’s natural texture be your crowning glory.

5

Silver Fox Embrace your inner silver fox and let your locks go natural.

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F R O M T H E H O M E E D I TO R ’ S D E S K

Welcome Spring

Spring has finally arrived and with it the fresh new beginnings of a new season. This year has been a particularly rough time for all of us, as by now many of us have spent much of our time pent up inside our homes. A long cold winter, a slow arrival of spring and the COVID-19 health crisis have affected our normal routines and changed the way we live.

With all this extra time on our hands I know many of you are busy organizing and cleaning, not to mention baking, in an effort to stay busy and use this time in a way that brings positivity and a sense of accomplishment to your daily lives. We're taking care of children, family members and friends in new loving and thoughtful ways.

Our team at PEI Living, the publisher and all the editors have been busy working in a new way behind the scenes while practicing social distancing to be able to bring you this Spring 2020 issue of PEI Living Magazine. Inside the Home and Cottage section we are sharing helpful advice, gorgeous interiors and articles to inspire you to tackle some home décor projects in an effort to keep busy and happy in a productive way.

With the weather gradually getting warmer and plants springing to life I know all you gardeners will be happy to finally be spending time outside tending to your plant life. I also encourage condo or apartment dwellers to consider planting flowers and/ or veggies on your patios or decks. ▲ Susan Snow, Home Editor | susan@pei-living.ca (photo: LaVie in Pictures)

I am wishing you all thoughts of positivity for health and happiness as we continue to move forward. A very special thank you to our health care workers and frontline staff in essential businesses working diligently to keep us safe, happy and fed.

Stay strong, stay safe, stay home, we are all in this together.

"Where flowers bloom so does hope" - Lady Bird Johnson

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Susan

H O M E & C OT TA G E DIY ARTWORK

DUAL PURPOSE FURNITURE In this day and age we are all looking to conquer our clutter.

Look for extra storage in items like lift up beds, ottomans, cocktail tables that feature drawers, and hardworking wicker baskets.

Personalize your space by framing your own photos. Your choices are limitless whether they be landscapes, black and white photography or famous landmarks taken while on holidays. Many companies offer services to have your images transferred and printed onto canvas.

VELVET So soft to the touch, easy maintenance and an endless array of colours. Choose velvets for upholstery goods like sofas, chairs, ottomans, or benches. Wanting just a touch of velvet? Opt for toss cushions or throw blankets.

SPRING IT ON

BOLD FLORALS Add some sunshine and life into your house with happy brightly patterned florals on cushions, artwork, and dishes.

As spring approaches, people instinctively want to improve and refresh their surroundings, especially after spending so many months inside. This spring invite some energy, fun and organization into your spaces with these practical and inspiring ideas.

Susan

CLASSICALLY INSPIRED ACCESSORIES

WALLPAPER MURALS

Infuse your home and daily life with art and beauty using pretty objects. Coffee table books, obelisks, crystal vases, globes or statues are always in style.

Still as strong as ever, this spring is a good time to take on a wallpaper project.

Make a style statement with oversized gorgeous florals, tone on tone patterns or wall murals.

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

the

suite side

of life

The bedroom. The most important room of your home. A bedroom should be a place of rest, a place where one can escape from the stress and rigors of daily life, a place to be romantic. A room to spend some peaceful time recharging and hopefully getting a good night's sleep while dreaming your cares away.

Follow these decorating ideas to make the most of your bedroom.

Words and photos by SUSAN SNOW

“To sleep, perchance to dream�

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- Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Colour choices Whites, creams, pale greens, and soft blues are the basis of this room's watery colour scheme. Choosing muted colours with warm undertones is a proven decorating strategy to enhance a feeling of restful ambiance.

Focal point The natural starting point for designing a bedroom is the bed. It is by far the most important piece of furniture not only for comfort but also establishing the overall feeling of the space and making your own personal style statement.

Inviting comfort Outfit your bed with good quality sheets, a duvet cover with an insert or a comforter set. Add two sets of pillows for propping yourself up to read or watch TV. In addition to these basics, an extra blanket or quilt will be helpful during seasonal temperature changes. Add in a few toss cushions for design interest.

Design Tip: For ease of use, look for bedside lamps with pull chains or switches on the bases, as they are much easier to reach and operate.

Furniture essentials All you really need is a good bed, a pair of nightstands, bedside lamps and clothing storage. However, if you have the space, consider adding optional items like a chair, a reading lamp, a TV, a bench or an area rug.

â–˛ Look at using multipurpose pieces to find storage opportunities. A good looking console cabinet can function as a TV stand while storing off season clothing behind closed doors. If considering a bench, a good choice is one that has hidden storage for extra sheets or blankets.

Bedside tables should have at least one drawer for containing reading material and other personal items.

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► A extra wide hallway leading to the master bedroom is a great opportunity for “found space." A simple white console table from a big box retailer conveniently houses extra footwear while protecting them from dust and dirt.

Soft landings An area rug provides a soft and warm landing in rooms which feature hardwood floors. The right size will be a rug that extends a minimum of twenty to twenty four inches all around the perimeter of the bed.

For a queen size bed this typically means an eight by ten, as shown in this room.

Window treatments Generally a layered approach works best.

Room darkening or blackout shades fitted inside the window frame, combined with drapery panels, will offer the most flexibility and light control for sleeping, privacy and preventing drafts or heat loss.

Little extras Keeping your bedroom as serene as possible should be your number one goal. Limit your accessories to just a few carefully chosen statement pieces. A clock on the wall, plants or flowers, personal photos or mementos, candlesticks, and minimal artwork pieces will do the job nicely.

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► A compact vanity area with cabinets and drawers for personal care items, a large mirror, a stool and great lighting. Accessories like the silver tray displaying a collection of perfume bottles, a vase of flowers and a large capiz chandelier add a glamorous touch. www.pei-living.ca SPRING 2020

Photo LaVie in PIctures

Design Tip: The vanity counter has a custom sheet of glass protecting the surface from heat caused by hair appliances and also preventing stains from make-up spills.

Photo LaVie in PIctures

Ensuite details If your master suite has an adjoining bathroom, it is important to continue the colour scheme from the bedroom right into the bathroom, so they flow as one cohesive space.

In the bathroom it’s not so much how much space you have but how you use it. To keep the bathroom feeling light and airy try limiting your colour choices. For towels and floor mats white is always a great choice.

As in the master bedroom use accessories sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space. Be extra choosy and pick display pieces that either have meaning to you or work to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Organization tips On the countertop corral everyday accessories on a tray. To add some personality and glamour rethink and reuse silver or crystal serving pieces as they make perfect vessels for holding cotton swabs and make-up remover pads.

A large wicker basket is an ideal container for towels, extra tissue paper or magazines. Be sure to position towel racks or robe hooks directly outside the shower where they are needed most.

Easy maintenance Take a tip from cleaning services and keep a set of cleaning supplies specifically for your bathroom close at hand. Place glass cleaner, paper towel, cleaning cloths, and other products in a useful bucket hidden under your sink.

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

Not Your Average Agent When buying or selling PEI property, Charlottetown RE/MAX realtor Kevin Quinn goes above and beyond his job title.

By KATIE INGRAM Photo By JENNA MACFARLANE

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“I

pride myself on integrity and professionalism. I wouldn’t sell my clients property that I wouldn’t sell to one of my kids,” says Quinn, adding that he ensures a property is the perfect fit before completing a transaction.

“When there’re significant problems with a home, I won’t advise a young buyer to buy it. They may not have the financial ability to repair those problems later. I wouldn’t sell them something they couldn’t handle.”

In his business, Quinn follows the idea of thinking local, but acting globally. He’s aware that buyers and sellers approach situations differently. An approach that might work for one client isn’t best for another, and Quinn will adapt accordingly. “That way, I can make them comfortable.”

Quinn’s buying and selling area stretches across the Island, and many types of people choose him as their realtor.

He’s familiar with various property types, including single- and multifamily dwellings, raw land, commercial properties, lakefront and beachfront properties, cottages, and farmland.

Properties themselves are as unique as the people buying them, Quinn says; and although individual properties may fall into one category, from there, each property is different.

“You have to understand what part of the Island you’re working with. In the east and west, farmland prices are different,” he says. “Understanding whether woodland is lumber or scrubland really helps when providing a price. You need a good price point.”

Quinn says that client happiness is his end goal. He’s prepared to go the extra mile, providing knowledgeable advice and potential contacts, and staying with clients until a purchase or sale is finished. He stays in touch with clients long after completing a transaction.

Since that transaction may be one of the largest in their lives, he says, it’s important that an agent is with clients every step of the way.

Whether his client is a first-time homebuyer or investment purchaser, or selling their home after 45 years, Quinn believes that it’s important to provide costs they may incur, as well as contacts for lawyers, inspectors, mortgage brokers, and other contractors. He says clients should be aware of hookups and disconnects, so they aren’t caught by surprise.

Quinn has good knowledge of the construction industry, since he’s built and sold five times, and has worked on the construction of dozens of homes.

That’s an asset when helping clients deal with home repairs and inspection items, he says.

international softball. He’s been part of the Softball Canada board for 31 years, and president for 18. He’s currently technical delegate for the World Baseball Softball Confederation, and will supervise the Tokyo Olympics. Quinn continues to sponsor four minor softball teams in the Stratford area. He says it’s important to give back to communities supporting local businesses.

Quinn’s work as a reputable advocate for clients has been recognized; he’s been a top-three RE/MAX salesperson since starting as a realtor. He says that shows his dedication and work ethic.

“My belief is that, if you believe in yourself, and you’re willing to work hard enough, anything is possible,” he says. “I like that people ask me to list their home, or help them buy property. They’re comfortable that I’ve got the experience, knowledge, and sales ability to find or sell a property for them.”

Kevin Quinn Re/Max Charlottetown Realty 268 Grafton St, Charlottetown 902.629.0201 www.peirealestateagent.com

Quinn has avidly volunteered for 40 years with provincial, national, and

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ME, MY SHELF AND I. Words and photos by SUSAN SNOW

There’s no doubt about it, the focal point of this room is the fireplace combination TV wall with built-in cabinetry.

Flanking the TV, the open shelving artfully displays a balanced selection of accessories that harmonize with the laid back feel of the room.

I

n advance of starting this DIY task, I highly recommend getting inspired by checking out Pinterest accounts, design magazines or the internet, using searches for “styling book shelves."

This will help you to identify looks you love, similar spaces to yours, and provide a good reference point if you get stuck. Remember, you are not cheating, you are educating yourself.

sure to unify items into like groups, considering texture, finish, colour and size. Leave some blank space around items to avoid the cluttered look. Keep working shelf to shelf, stand back from time to time and if something isn’t looking right try swapping things around until you are satisfied. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your new look.

ELEVATE WITH BOOKS

Set aside a few hours to concentrate on the job and give yourself lots of time for your creativity to flow.

Try not to rush things along, and repeat to yourself, "Rome was not built in a day." Begin by removing all the current items from your shelves and give everything from the shelves to the accessories a good dusting.

With your accessories close at hand, take stock of what you have. If you are looking to make substantial changes, shop your house to add items that you love and/or have special meaning. Don’t forget decorative items that may be tucked away in your closet or basement between seasons. You may even want to pre-shop at local stores and thrift shops to freshen things up. Depending on your space, choose pieces that complement and work with the your room's overall décor and theme.

With all your fabulous choices close at hand begin by focusing your energy on one shelf at a time. Your goal is to stagger items from shelf to shelf so that your eye travels easily without any jarring stops. Use a variety of heights and widths to balance out your shelves. Be

NATURAL FIBRES

USE PRETTY VASES

STACK DECORATIVE BOXES

ADD COLOUR & HEIGHT

NATURE INSPIRED

TEXTURAL OBJECTS

TREASURED ARTWORK

TRAYS OR BASKETS

A wicker tray acts as a collecting zone for favourite books, candles and remote controls.

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hello

H O M E & C O T TA G E

spring

Words and photos by SUSAN SNOW

Could there be anything more promising and welcoming than seeing those first bursts of plant life poking up through the warming spring soil?

With spring finally here it’s officially the perfect time to rethink and change up your living room décor.

HAPPY THOUGHTS Lift up your spirits with a change of seasonal accessories using colours inspired by nature. Fresh flowers, floral prints and bright colours are sure to inject a sun-filled mood in your home.

INSPIRATION In the same way that a beautiful piece of jewellery or scarf can complete an outfit, carefully chosen accessories will give your home a completely new seasonal look. Take a cue from spring clothing fashions for where it’s at in home décor.

Bright and pastel colours, bold floral patterns and animal prints are all the rage.

TRANSITION TIME Don’t know where to start? Changing out your toss cushions is the number one way that you can make a huge difference in your room with very little expense or effort. If you already have lots of cushions in your collection you will

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▲ If you have no idea what to do with that long blank space above your sofa a gallery wall is the perfect solution.

A good rule of thumb is to begin by hanging one piece in the middle and work outwards, arranging your artwork in a pyramid shape around it. ▼Mix and match fabrics until you come up with colours that you will love to live with.

only need to purchase cushion covers, saving you money and also storage space as you seasonally decorate.

In this room, last season's toss cushions and colour scheme were swapped out in favour of hot pink, pale blue and yellow, creating a “happy spring moment." Not a fan of pink or yellow? No worries, pick any colour combination that speaks to you. It could be pastels, or deep saturated colours and prints. Keep in mind this rule for coordinating and mixing toss cushions - use a variety of solids, and mix in a large-scale pattern, a medium-scale pattern and smaller-scale patterns. Also vary the sizes/shapes of your cushions.

CLUTTER BUSTING They don’t call it spring cleaning for nothing. Prior to redecorating, shine, dust and clean all surfaces, windows included. This will involve clearing off all

your surfaces, so set your accessories, books, boxes, vases, candles, etc. aside.

Once you have your new cushions and flowers in place look to change up and streamline your accessories for a more minimal yet done look. Store the accessories that didn’t make the cut for another seasonal change.

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL Adding to the sense of a new season, flowers like tulips are sprinkled throughout the room, adding much needed colour and life to the spaces they adorn. As the spring months go by you can begin to exchange tulips for flowers that may be blossoming in your yard.

Design Tip: Go out for a drive in the country.

Bring a pair of small pruners and keep your eyes on the look out for pussy willows or blooming branches to add to your bouquets, or let them stand alone in tall vases.

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Iconic style: Barcelona chairs, designed in 1929, are always a classic chair choice with their simple elegance and modern design.

Spend wisely and stay with the basics - choose neutral well constructed furniture, subtle wall colours and classic window treatments for years of staying power. Trust me, with the right accessories and artwork, your room will never be boring. This room is a perfect example of how you can achieve a “put together� look that can flow from season to season and year to year with minimal changes.

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a sim ple refresh you can do in a day

A simple refresh you can do in a day?

Sounds impossible but it’s true. There are many things you can do quickly and easily in one day to make your home feel more springy.

sag but the fabric and sofa are still in great shape consider refilling the cushions with new foam easily purchased from an upholstery shop. And don’t forget to get your carpets cleaned.

Spring is a great time to do chores that otherwise get forgotten. Pay some love to your upholstered pieces by giving them a vacuum, brush off any pet hair, air them out on your deck, rotate the cushions and treat any stains. If your cushions are starting to

Everybody knows that painting is the quickest and least expensive way you can change a room quickly, but there are many other things you can do with paint if your walls are where you want them to be. Retouch any surfaces like corners that are prone to chipping from

day to day activities. Reinvent a piece of furniture by giving it a fresh new life with paint.

Using latex paint you can apply one coat of paint in the morning, and another in the afternoon for a project that is completely new and fresh in time for dinner.

Every decorator knows that flowers are a secret weapon for setting the mood and brightening up any space. Bring the outdoors in and gather flowers or leaves to display in pretty vases on tables, countertops or night stands.

a simple refresh Rearrange

Toss it up Change up your pillows for an instant new look. If you can sew, this is a simple DIY project that takes very little time or effort. Or check out local shops for the latest colours and styles.

Go Green

Shake things up and move your furniture around for a new look. Edit your display accessories and only keep out those pieces that hold the most meaning for you.

Group them in displays or elevate them on hardcover books.

Invite some permanent life into your house with plants. Look for low maintenance varieties to make life easier. Already have plants? Do a spring replant and place them into new pots or textural wicker baskets.

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E X P E R T A D V I C E - R E A L E S TAT E

No-Nonsense Advice About Selling Your Home!

What are the most important strategies for homeowners who are serious about selling their home?

Here are Kris’s top 10 tips.

Words by ALANA LAUREN Photo by EVAN CERETTI

1. Price it Right The difference between a SOLD sign on the lawn and a home sitting on the market for months could come down to the asking price! Strategically listing a home at the right price, taking into account the home and its features, the area, and the current market conditions, is an essential tool in the sales process.

2. Marketing Sales in today’s market are complex. Buyers have access to so much information.

Successful property marketing must be strategic and multifaceted, well-planned, and consistently implemented. Look for a customized marketing strategy that maximizes the unique features of your home.

3. Teamwork It is so important for sellers to work effectively with their agents during the home-selling process. Communication is key. Working together to prepare the home to show well, sharing important information about the condition of the home, setting up showings, 102

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and providing feedback to the owners are just some of the ways that communication and teamwork sell a home.

4. Deep Clean Inside and Out This should go beyond the day-to-day or weekly clean. You may even want to consider bringing in a professional for help.

Buyers often commit to a home based on the look of the seller’s floors. For worn and stained carpets, rent a carpet-cleaning machine, or have a professional do the work.

On hardwood floors, refinishing products (Bona or Rejuvenate restoring solution) make a noticeable difference. Pay particular attention to the bathrooms and kitchen(s).

You’ll want to make yours as spotless and uncluttered as possible. You never know where a buyer will look, so be sure the inside of the refrigerator and cabinets are clean and orderly. Clear off countertops, storing away all non-essentials. Thoroughly clean the countertops, backsplash, and grout. Anything that will go back on the countertop should be wiped clean. In the kitchen, keep out only those appliances that are used daily. In the bathroom, hang fresh towels, and make it a habit to keep the toilet lid closed.

Bad odors are a big turnoff, so clean and air out musty areas. You want to consider not cooking anything with a particularly strong smell the night before a known showing. If you have pets, keep on top of the litter box and possible dog odor. You may want to consider purchasing some neutral, pleasantly scented candles.

Wash the windows inside and out. Use a pressure washer to spray down the sidewalks and exterior. Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks.

Polish chrome, dust furniture, clean ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.

5. Incentives & Extras Every home has items of interest that could entice a buyer to make an offer. Sometimes, the buyer is willing to offer more money for extras that sellers are willing to include.

During showings, make sure to highlight every possible “extra” feature. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure it’s burning. If you have radiant heat in the floors,

make sure it’s on. During the winter months, provide summer pictures of the yard and landscaping. If your home is energy efficient, leave out some power bills.

6. Curb Appeal Stand outside your home, and put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Make an objective assessment of your property. Is the lawn neatly mowed? Is there debris in the yard?

Pay attention to the details. Replenish any mulch, weed flower beds, pressure wash the siding, freshly stain or paint the front steps.

Small details will impress and entice potential buyers before they even walk in the front door.

7. Make Necessary Repairs We suggest consulting with your real estate agent for advice. You don’t want to waste money and time with needless projects, but if you leave must-fix problems, they will show up in inspection and possibly turn away buyers.

Make a list of all the things you’ve meant to fix around the house (cracked tile, dings in the wall, a leaky faucet, doors and drawers that don’t close properly, burned-out light bulbs, etc.) and hire a handyman to make any needed repairs. Anything structural or mechanical in nature should be fixed if the seller knows of the defect. Your willingness to do needed repairs will ultimately help the home sell quicker.

8. Home Staging You want to show off your home in its best light, with the right furniture, décor, and accents. This can decrease your time on market and help the house sell for more money. The living room and family rooms are the most important rooms to stage.

With guidance from your real estate agent, staging doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

If the house is adequately cleaned and decluttered, you’ve done much of the required work. We will even assist in helping stage a home.

compliment your kitchen? Your yard? That special reading nook? Make a list of all the positive features of your home. Remember to include any recent updates and information about the neighbourhood, the school district, parks and trails, and other things that you love about your home and area. Make copies so that potential purchasers can take the list with them.

10. Use a REALTOR® REALTORs® are professionals with training in sales. They understand real estate transactions from both a financial and legal perspective. They are connected with other REALTORs® and offices, and they know how to use this network to market your home. We hire professional contractors to build houses and skilled mechanics to repair our cars.

Choose a professional REALTOR® to get your home sold. Experience and knowledge in today’s market is a must. Choosing the right agent will maximize your chances of selling your home, and may even impact what you get for your home.

Ready to get started?

Kris and his team are passionate about real estate! Kris is so genuine, down to earth, and easy to talk to. His knowledge and understanding of the real estate market are evident, and he clearly cares about his clients and forming relationships based on trust. If you are thinking about selling, reach out to Kris today.

RE/MAX Charlottetown Realty 268 Grafton Street, Charlottetown 902.629.4889 kris@krisfournier.com www.weknowpei.com

9. List the Positives When friends and neighbours visit, what do they notice in your home? Does family SPRING 2020

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She wants a

She Shed by the seashore Men have always claimed the garage as their space, mancaves where they can hang with their buddies, drink beer and make a mess. She sheds are backyard hideaways - a cozy little place for ladies to call their own. Whether you plan to use it for gardening, a home office or just somewhere to curl up with a good book, a she shed is anything you want it to be and quite simple to create.

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So, how do you get started? Whether you have a neglected storage shed in your backyard, plan to buy a building or want to build your own from scratch, we’ve put together the tips, tricks, and inspiration you need to bring your outdoor oasis to life. Here’s how to create the perfect garden getaway.

Getting started Before you break ground or purchase a shed, check the local building codes to see if there are any restrictions and what permits, if any, are required.

Building from the ground up is a great option if you have something in particular in mind. You can hire someone or do it yourself if you’re handy.

If you don’t have a building to convert and don’t want to build from scratch, there are several great options on the Island to purchase a shed or mini barn.

Home Hardware offers an eight foot by 12 foot storage shed that comes with two windows, a double barn door and single door.

If you’re looking for something a little bigger, Spruce Grove Lumber in Cardigan has a 12 foot by 16 foot shed which includes two windows and a front door.

Spruce Grove Lumber will deliver the shed to your property and set it up for you. If your dream is a quaint cottage, consider putting two sheds together to double your space or add onto an existing or purchased building.

Both of these options get you started but don’t include insulation, electrical or any finishing, so be prepared.

Seasonal or all-season You can simply decorate your shed and move in for a great warm-weather get away. How you finish your shed is completely up to you and your needs.

Adding insulation, drywall, electrical and a heating source can allow you to use your shed year long. Always consult a professional for electrical, plumping and heating.

Make it yours Decorating your she shed is all about you! Fill your space with things you love and make the space yours. Add a comfortable spot to relax, either a big comfy chair or a Boho hammock hanging from the rafters.

upcycle with a coat of paint. Decorating a she shed isn’t about spending lots of money, it’s about creating a space that feels relaxed and cozy.

As your hobbies and aesthetics change, update your shed to reflect them—after all, it’s your space! It should transform with you. And of course we can’t forget the best tip of all: There are no rules when it comes to creating the perfect she shed, it’s completely personal.

Surround yourself with nature by adding plants and flowers inside and outside.

Look for solar lighting options if you don’t have electrical hookups or use an extension cord from the garage or the main house to string lights.

Built-in shelves or storage can be casual using reclaimed lumber, and visit your local flea markets for furniture you can

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EXPERT ADVICE - HOME BUILDER

Building A

Green HOME

Green home building is an expanding market, and using today’s green practices and technologies can create a comfortable home with excellent resale potential.

Words by DARREN MACKENZIE Photo by STORY SHEIDOW

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So if you’re planning to build a new home, here are some green home building ideas you may want to consider: SUSTAINABLE MODULAR Some methods of construction have inherently sustainable characteristics.

Many modular or prefab homes can be classified as sustainable not just because of their energy efficiency and the materials used, but also because the process of building the home’s elements in a controlled setting produces many material and labor savings and can decrease waste. Modular homes have become increasingly popular and are considered an accepted form of green home construction.

SIZE MATTERS A smaller home with energy-efficient and eco-friendly construction techniques will have a smaller environmental impact. Be thoughtful about how you use your space when planning and building your home. Design your home around your lifestyle, and keep the space manageable and cost effective. Think of square footage as an investment; put it where you want it most instead of expanding in every direction.

GO SOLAR The sun is the ultimate source of clean, low-cost energy. When you build, you have a unique opportunity to plan for solar power and by making solar power native technology in your new home, you can take advantage of light, positioning and geography to get the most efficiency and energy for your investment.

WORK WITH THE LAND If you design your home to take advantage of the surrounding landscape from the outset, you can design the build to be as efficient as possible.

Work with your builder to determine the best placement for your home to take advantage of natural light, shade opportunities and natural protection from the elements.

choices you make affect the pricing? Is there an emphasis placed on sustainable materials and materials with low level toxin emissions? Sit down with your builder and discuss green options for your build.

MAKE GOOD CHOICES There are choices to be made around everything from insulation to windows and doors, and the choices you make will have a long term impact on your energy costs. While materials like triple-pane windows cost more at the outset, in the long run they’ll greatly improve energy efficiency, plus they offer the added advantage of dampening noise.

DETAILS & FINISHES Look for green options when choosing the details and finishes. Bamboo flooring, LED lighting, and recycled building materials are all sustainable choices for a green build.

Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd.

THE RIGHT BUILDER It’s important that the builder you select is passionate about creating healthy, eco-friendly homes. Ask for references from other green home building projects the builder has worked on. Inquire about any certifications they may have. It’s also important to be on the same page as to what your goals are in going green.

Are you concerned about reducing construction waste? How will the green

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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DIY

Take in branches of bridal wreath spirea to place in vases around your home for a week's worth of “free happiness”

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

q

Flower Power Buy or forage in your yard, a friend's yard, or even on the sides of the road for flowers, blossoms or branches. Pretty spring flowers that you will find blooming in succession are bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. Shrubs such as azaleas, forsythia, rhododendron, and pussy willows are sure to add a much needed hit of colour and cheery note to your house.

Be a good family member and/or friend and treat your loved ones with a welcome gift of handpicked flowers.

Words and photos by SUSAN SNOW

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Small Town Attitude, Big Work Ethic WM Services and Painting

B

ig and small, they do it all. Keir White and Trevor Morrison make up WM Services, a small, local company that provides Islanders with quality commercial and residential home services. With a downhome attitude and friendly faces, they help clients with any number of jobs. “We’ve done it all, from taking a garbage bin to the curb to hanging a disco ball in a renovated church,” says White.

They specialize in property care, painting, and landscaping, but they provide many other services and are always willing to lend a hand.

White and Morrison, both of whom grew up in the Belfast area, 110

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Words by KRISTEN JOHNSON Photos by OMAR BRODERICK

are dedicated to serving their community. They have deep roots in Eastern PEI and a passion for helping others. White has served as the general manager of the Belfast Community Development Corporation, manager of the Belfast Recreation Centre, and president of the Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce. He was also on the PEI Golf Association Board of Directors and the Quality Tourism Services Board of Directors, and he helped head the fight to save Belfast School.

Morrison is a minor hockey coach from a farming family with a strong work ethic. Together, White and Morrison strive to offer Islanders affordable, reliable services.

The two started out with a small

lawn-mowing and handyman business in 2017, but quickly built a local clientele and grew their services to meet the needs of their clients.

They were able to do this with the help of a start-up loan from CBDC (Community Business Development Corporation). White says of his experience with CBDC, “They have helped us right from year one. They have also helped us grow, and have always been just a phone call or email away to lend a listening ear or provide helpful advice.”

Spring is a busy time for all property owners, and WM Services is able to help. “Spring can be a good time to do your interior painting project, get prepared for your exterior painting

WM Services Provides: Property Care project, or get your flower beds cleaned and mulched or perhaps get a walkway installed,” says White.

“We also provide spring cleanups and help maintain seasonal properties.” Other spring clean-up projects could include pressurewashing your siding and porch areas, sidewalk repair from freeze and thaw patterns, and gutter cleaning. They service most areas of the Island and provide many ways of increasing property value to their clients.

WM Services strives to deliver quality service to Islanders. White says, “Our ideals include being affordable, reliable, flexible, humble, and kind. And we are always willing to lend a helping hand.”

Painting Tilling Flower Gardening Planting & Weeding General Property Maintenance Hedge Trimming

Keir: 902.969.4798 Trevor: 902.940.9888 www.wmservices.ca

Gutter Cleaning Pressure-Washing Garbage Removal Wood Splitting & Piling Walkway Shovelling Roof Clearing Painting (Exterior & Interior) Moving Assistance Property Oversight and General

902.838.4030 www.cbdc.ca

Maintenance Off-Season Supervision SPRING 2020

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

DECORATING with BOOKS

Words by Jacqui Chaisson

I

grew up with books. My mother was a teacher and she encouraged me to read every day.

By elementary school I was a voracious reader with a collection of favourite books that filled every corner of my room.

I still surround myself with books, my most coveted are hardcovers. Hardcover books and coffee table books have been incorporated into the best designed spaces for many years, but recently decorating with books has become popular for its aesthetic appeal.

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Using books as design elements is pretty easy, the following are some simple ideas and tips: Colour block Organize your books according to the colour of the cover, specifically the spine. If you’re filling a bookcase consider starting with the boldest colours and build a gradient.

You can also organize each shelf with a different colour.

Stacked Hardcover books look great in stacks on coffee tables, book shelves or anywhere you need a pop of colour. Choose titles that go together like a stack of biographies, home decor or fashion or your favourite author.

Cover up

Kid’s Books

If you’re looking for a completely uniform design or favour one particular colour, consider covering your books with decorative or kraft paper. This will also protect your books from sticky fingers or spills, it’s also really simple to change the paper.

Using books as decor in children’s rooms offer many advantages. Books encourage a love of reading at an early age and the cover artwork inspires imagination and play. Every child’s room should include as many books as possible. Consider trading books with other parents as your child either outgrows or is eager for new books.

Collect A collection of books tell a story, whether it’s cookbooks from your favourite chef, the entire library of Nancy Drew from your childhood or photography and travel books that inspire you everyday, book collections are personal.

Under the Jacket Consider removing the dust jacket from your hardcover book, the cover design is often simple and elegant. Many have embossed titles and linen-like covers that look beautiful on their own.

Multi purpose Large stacks of books make perfect and interesting side tables. Check out your local thrift store for old encyclopedias and stack them to the desired height. To secure them, you can drill a hole through the stack (skip the outside cover of the top book) and insert a metal rod or dowel.

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HOME & COTTAGE - BEFORE & AFTER

▼ It is often said that good fences make great neighbours. When the new homeowners purchased this house, the first thing on their “to do” list was to replace the dilapidated fence. A new fence design had to be well thought out to address the issues of pool safety and privacy.

before

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Backyard Bliss Words & photos by SUSAN SNOW

A beautiful backyard deserves a matching fence. The horizonal

perennials and shrubs, the fence acts as a canvas accentuating the plant life growing in front of it. Electrically wired wall lights were strategically spaced out to provide a soft glow of light at night,, which highlights the vegetation. By using black sky light fixtures that cast a downward ligh,t the lighting fixtures prevent night sky light pollution.

The gate to the backyard was constructed to hang on barn door style hardware, allowing it to lock securely and to be accessed and only opened from the interior of the yard, adding an additional level of safety. The custom gate door was outfitted with a frosted plexiglass panel, adding a unique window feature by allowing light to flow through while still providing privacy from the street.

Once the new fence was installed, the deck was treated to a good cleaning using deck wash and a pressure washer to eliminate years of build up.

clean lines of the fencing material add a modernistic design approach in keeping with the house. This fence was built to last using pressure-treated lumber, with extra-long posts anchored deep into the ground to support it against high winds and the elements.

As an almost solid backdrop to the garden, with its ornamental trees,

Hang some beautiful lanterns on your trees to add atmosphere or to create a pretty backdrop for an afternoon party. Look for lanterns made from weatherproof vinyl and equipped with solar powered LED lights to carry your party from day to night.

From Dreary to Cheery â–źA tiny bedroom with bulky furniture that adds to space issues; the space is a lacklustre bedroom with little personality and dark green walls in a room that receives very little natural lighting.

Photo: LaVie in Pictures

before

From dreary to cheery, this project proves that any space can look brand new and inviting thanks to some new furniture and the power of paint.

The solution?

Installing a multifunctional bed unit which housed underbed storage drawers eliminated the need for a dresser and gives way to more usable floorspace.

The new floor plan accommodates a queen-sized bed, which allows this room to function as an inviting guest room.

The new wall colour, combined with a pair of bedside lamps, light bedding and simple artwork visually fill the room with lightness.

Accessories and decor are kept to a minimum, meaning the bed remains the focal point of the room.

This simple refresh was an easy solution to an uninviting space.

Wall mounted bedside shelves instead of nightstands create the illusion of more space.

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THE BOOK REPORT

2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction Your TBR (to be read) list is about to get longer.

Words by KRISTEN JOHNSON

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T

his year marks the 25th anniversary of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, an award given to a work of fiction written by a woman and published in the United Kingdom during the previous year. The authors considered for the prize can be of any nationality, and the work must be a full-length novel.

Founding director Kate Mosse says on the website for the award, “[The Women’s Prize] celebrates the very best full length fiction written by women throughout the world.”

Past winners of the award include Barbara Kingsolver, Zadie Smith, Hilary Mantel, Téa Obreht, and Ann Patchett.

Last year’s winner was Tayari Jones for the novel An American Marriage.

Marriage.

This year’s longlist, released March 2, is superb. There are big names, debut novels, and past winners among the sixteen nominated novelists.

Bernardine Evaristo, author of Girl, Woman, Other, Other, is one of the six authors nominated for a debut work. She shared last year’s Booker Prize with

Margaret Atwood, who is absent from this longlist (but who has won the Women’s Prize in the past). Other notable debut novels on the list include The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo, Queenie by Candice CartyWilliams, and Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

Past winner Ann Patchett is nominated for her book The Dutch House.

House. Her novel Bel Canto won the 2002 prize, and she was shortlisted in 2012 for State of Wonder.

Arguably, the brightest star on this year’s list is Hilary Mantel. She is nominated for The Mirror and the Light, Light, the very highly anticipated finale of her Thomas Cromwell trilogy. The first two books in the series both won the Booker Prize, Wolf Hall in 2009 and Bring Up the Bodies in 2012. She has been shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction three times previously, but has never won.

2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist • Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara • Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner • Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams • Dominicana by Angie Cruz • Actress by Anne Enright • Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo • Nightingale Point by Luan Goldie • A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes • How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee • The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo • The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel • Girl by Edna O’Brien • Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell • Weather by Jenny Offill • The Dutch House by Ann Patchett • Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

The Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist will be announced April 22 and the winner awarded June 3.

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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WOMEN IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Q&A with Savannah Belsher-MacLean

Savannah Belsher-MacLean (Photo: Robyn Gallaway-Horne)

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Savannah Belsher-MacLean is a woman who will surely inspire you. With a laundry list of successful businesses, both past and present, she has accomplished much as a young entrepreneur on the Island.

An integral member of the local crafter—or “maker”— community, Belsher-MacLean is always finding new outlets to express and reinvent her creativity. This is impressively evident in Swoon Creations, her jewellery-design company, and through her recently acquired local consignment shop Green Eye Designs.

Belsher-MacLean is a force to watch and a pleasure to work with—the perfect combination for any successful entrepreneur.

“

Q: A jeweller, dancer, makeup artist, and more—so many unique outlets of creativity. What’s led you to such a wide variety of businesses and pastimes?

A: I was raised by very artistic parents, so growing up in the music, theatre, and handcrafts communities, I was always exposed to different types of art and encouraged to try new things. It was too hard to choose a favourite, so I decided to do them all, ha ha!

Q: As the owner and designer of Swoon Creations jewellery, what brought you to jewellery making?

A: I’ve always loved working with my hands, and tiny, meticulous things like miniature furniture and doll clothes. I started making jewellery shortly after being the main repair person at an accessories store I worked at in Toronto.

Q: Tell me about the businesses you are involved with?

I took over Green Eye Designs at the start of the year after admiring the shop since it was opened in 2013.

It’s a beautiful boutique that sells exclusively items made by Islanders at the ideal location on Victoria Row in Charlottetown. I’m also the maker and curator behind Swoon Creations and vintage, and have been selling my work

“My work life got a whole lot easier and more productive when I realized I’m not naturally a morning person, accepted that I’m probably never going to be a morning person, and stopped trying to be a morning person. Sometimes we need to give ourselves a bit of grace when we don’t fit into the business norm, and it works out in our favour!”

in Green Eye Designs for seven years.

Hazelbrook Homestead is a wedding venue and vacation home. The house was built in 1875, and my husband and I restored and updated the building to be in keeping with its original heritage charm but with all of the modern comforts. Last year, we were thrilled that the Homestead received the honour of becoming a designated Heritage Place of Canada, and [we] proudly hang a plaque on the front of the house.

I’m co-owner of Essence Model Management along with PEI Living’s Kimberly Rashed. We primarily focus on lifestyle and commercial castings, and have done work for provincial and national advertisement campaigns for clients such as Parks Canada, Tourism PEI, and Metro Credit Union.

Q: You’ve recently taken over ownership of Green Eye Designs, a locally sourced consignment shop, on Victoria Row in Charlottetown. Where do you plan to go from here?

small business owner, and why?

A: Every day is different, and I love that I get to be creative and problem-solve with each challenge.

Q: How do you balance the many hats you wear?

A: There is no perfect 50/50 balance when it comes to owning a business, let alone multiple small businesses. Because each workday is different, I try to keep my morning routine consistent and relaxed.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Aside from still living on the Island, I honestly have no idea. And even if I did have an idea of my ten-year projection, it would likely be completely changed now after this global health crisis. Life is unpredictable! I do my best to go with the flow.

Q: Do you have any advice for others?

A: I’m so excited to continue to build Green Eye Designs, based on the foundation of supporting exclusively PEI artisans. I’m planning to keep helping this beautiful community of makers to grow, and expand the boutique’s offerings and services in the next few years.

Q: What’s your favourite part of being a

“Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived.

Live in the present and make it beautiful.”

- Unknown

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I know I have an affliction - an obsession, really. My heartbeat quickens, my palms begin to sweat and I feel anxious as I search for a parking spot in front of my favourite thrift store. I see a car parking, loaded with women.

I begin to panic just a little as they rush towards the doors. As I enter, all of my senses sharpen, and the slight ringing in my ear is deafened by the rhythmic rattle of my shopping cart’s wonky wheel.

GOODWILL hunting Words by JACQUI CHAISSON

I’ve

been a serious thrifter since my early teens. Sunday afternoons would find me elbow-deep in secondhand wares at the local Frenchy’s, and as I entered my adult years my love affair with all things thrift intensified.

In my 30s I operated an antique shop and my obsession became my vocation. I still find thrift shopping both relaxing and vexing. Where else can the average person go on a reallife treasure hunt?

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Thrifting includes secondhand shops, consignment stores, online markets and charity-based chain stores. It’s possible to thrift everything you need, with the exception of food and medical supplies.

Adopting the thrifting lifestyle is good for both the environment and your budget. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Savannah Belsher-MacLean is one of the four admins for the popular Facebook group, PEI Thriftspotting. The others are Katharine MacDonald,

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Shayna Johnston, and Aimee Power. The group was created on December 2, 2015 and now has over 4500 members. The group connects Island thrifters, allowing them to share favourite finds, search for particular items and brag enthusiastically about their latest acquisitions.

“I go thrifting at least once a week,” says BelsherMacLean, “I’ve been thrifting since I was about 10 years old. My mom is an excellent thrift shopper, and she taught me the best treasure-hunting tricks in thrift shops!”

Like all thrifters, she has her list of amazing finds. “I have so many, but my top three favourite finds are a vintage 1960s brass-and-glass bar cart for five dollars, my threepiece French provincial sofa set, and Alexander Wang boots in my size and in likenew condition.”

I too have my “big fish” tales, from the queen-sized Hungarian duck down duvet to the fifteen pairs of Rieker and Clark shoes and boots that line my closet shelves and the $200 Matt & Nat handbag for $4.99. At least

80 per cent of my belongings were thrifted.

So, what are the secrets and tips that serious thrifters know? The following is a guide for successful treasurehunting.

Try it before you buy it Always try on clothing before you buy it, even if it’s your size. Secondhand clothing is preshrunk so it may not fit the same as a new piece. If you find an amazing designer piece that doesn’t fit, have it professionally tailored.

Stains, holes and weird smells Carefully check for imperfections before you fall in love! Don’t convince yourself it will be fine - it won’t be fine - it will end up in your next donation bag so don’t waste your money.

Shop with a list Make a list of items you’re searching for and don’t be tempted to buy yet another black cardigan. Have a rule one item in the house means one item leaves.

Plug it in Never buy sketchy electrical items. Most thrift stores have an area where you can test electrical finds. If you simply can’t leave it behind be sure a professional looks it over before use. Older electrical appliances can and should be rewired before use.

Know your s@#t!

Although it does happen, you’re probably not going to find a priceless antique or diamond ring at the Village on seniors’ day. Asking the teenage clerk, “Is this real?” is not going to lead you to a missing Rembrandt.

Sign up Each store has a day during the week that offers additional discounts whether it’s for seniors or members.

Sign up for email offers and newsletters and stay informed about sales in advance. Some local stores will offer incentives to donate. I always have a few donations in my car for a quick 20 per cent discount.

My favourite five things to find: 1. Hardcover books: Consider removing the dust jacket from your hardcover book. The cover design is often simple and elegant.

Many have embossed titles on linen-like covers that look beautiful stacked on a table or a shelf.

2. Linens: Look for all natural fabrics like linen or cotton, and remember white can be bleached for a complete refresh.

4. Frames and artwork: Your local thrift store is a great place to pick up picture frames and artwork. If a velvet Elvis isn’t your cup of tea, print your own blackand-white photography and have Elvis leave the building.

5. Wooden furniture: Thrift stores have a treasure trove of discarded furniture. Look for solid wood - a fresh coat of paint or refinish the surface and Bob’s your uncle you’ve saved a bundle!

3. Glassware: Glasses and barware are easy to find secondhand. Always pass up chipped and cracked pieces and don’t be disappointed if you can’t find sets.

Surf for savings There are many online markets for everything from antiques and collectibles to designer handbags and fashions. Be careful of scams.

Never send money before checking out an item and pick a safe meeting place for the transaction. Get the item before handing over your cash.

The Internet is also a great place to sell your unwanted items. Be prepared for the tire-kickers and no-shows.

Selling online can be frustrating.

Clean before use Be sure to launder your items before use. If it can’t go through the wash, place it in a bag or container and leave it in the freezer or outside (in the winter) overnight. Or use a disinfectant spray.

Thrifting is fun, environmentally sustainable, and affordable. It’s exciting to see so many people catching on to it!

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I have closet envy!

There, I’ve said it! I’ll admit I have spent many wasted hours on Pinterest, studying perfectly coiffured and curated closets. Each item perfectly spaced and colour-blocked, no wrinkles, not one stray pet hair—simple perfection.

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My eyes gaze over the wooden hangers in precise little rows—Joan Crawford would have approved—each one cradling delicate silk blouses and wide-necked sweaters, balanced perfectly with neatly folded and creased trousers and jeans hanging below. Kitten heels, open-toed pumps, and strapless, bedazzled wonders line shelves, sharing space with an array of designer purses and handbags.

Drawers of lingerie are organized in sets of matching bras and panties and silk robes with lacy slips. You’ll find a multitude of tightly rolled socks nestled in tiny compartments—kneehighs in the back, sports socks in the front—such perfection. A harem of hats cling to crystal hooks that dot the closet door in anticipation of sunny summer afternoons or crisp autumn days.

Is the Pinterest closet an internet myth? Just beyond the reach of ordinary women? I’ve spent many Sunday afternoons staring into my closet, with its motley collection of ill-fitting and outdated pieces that I’m convinced will come back in style... eventually. Colour-blocking has no

advantage or appeal. The abundance of black would lead a stranger to surmise that I am either in mourning, or an ageing fan of gothic fashion trends.

The fact that I am the proud owner of pets is undisputable—everything in my closet has a heavy dusting of pet hair.

My dilemma is not unique. How many women will admit that they have a pair of “skinny jeans” and a pair of “fat jeans” that battle for supremacy?

How much money has been wasted seeking the perfect-fitting jeans, or the comfortable high-heeled black leather boot? We all have one weakness: shoes, handbags, jeans, t-shirts, blazers, coats...come on, pick your poison, you’re not fooling anyone.

When I was young and independently poor, my go-to purchase when I needed a bit of shopping therapy was lipstick. The cost was minimal, and it came in one size; the thrill of satisfaction was palatable. On reflection, lipstick was probably my gateway purchase.

As I matured, and worked my way towards becoming a professional shopaholic, I channeled my inner Imelda Marcos. Her collection of over 3,000 pairs of luxury shoes earned her the sobriquet “Marie Antoinette with shoes.” Kitten heels, dangerously high pumps, ridiculously flat ballet slippers, high boots, low boots, cowboy boots, rubber boots, sneakers, trainers, jogging shoes, walking shoes, flip-flops, sandals, gardening shoes... shoes, glorious shoes everywhere! I’m honestly hesitant to count the number of shoes I currently own, and there are several boxes marked “shoes” I have yet to unpack from two years ago.

I used to own a plethora of handbags—a serious quantity! I blame Sandra Bullock! The bag she sported in the movie Two Weeks Notice became my obsession; I had to have it! Finally, a Google search revealed the bag’s manufacturer, and the devastating reality that it was no longer available, launching me into a ten-year shopping frenzy in an effort to satisfy the caramel structured leather bag obsession.

Eventually I relented in my pursuit of a suitable contender, and today I’m proud to say I own only a few (okay, eight) handbags and some (sigh, four) workbags, and one or two woven tote bags (these are strictly utilitarian).

Recently, I seem to have acquired an unexpected number of yoga pants and a surprising collection of athletic wear.

If a burglar were to rummage through my closet, he—or she—would assume that I spend an inordinate amount of time working out at the local gym and that, surely, afternoons would find me perfecting the downward dog at yoga classes. Umm, no. Over the years, I’ve made questionable purchases; my “shapewear” choice was an impulse purchase that haunts me to this day. I recall that it was a Spanx “Suit Your Fancy High-Waisted Thong” at the bargain price of $84. It promised to smooth out my bits and bobs, and make me 10 pounds lighter in appearance. Instead, I had my sister cut it off my body with nail scissors in the restaurant bathroom stall.

A number of years ago, I discovered thrift and consignment shopping. It’s the perfect storm! A mix of treasurehunting, shopping, and discounted prices—seven days a week! Be still, my beating heart! Imagine...rows and

rows of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories offered at sharply discounted prices. It’s possible—and probable—to purchase an array of black cardigan sweaters on the same day. I kid you not, you too can own a minimum of five virtually identical black cardigan sweaters that were at least 70% cheaper than retail.

Consignment stores are, by far, the best places to shop. They offer discounted fashions and allow you to sell your discarded pieces to other shopaholics. Admittedly, I once purchased my own shoes from a local consignment store.

Throughout 2019, my calendar was witness to no less than a dozen scheduled and documented “Sunday closet-cleaning afternoon”s. They begin with me standing before the open closet, willing it to inspire me, and end with me lamenting over those $100 size-six jeans that have stalked me through five moves, and mock me with frayed-yet-intact price tags, and the strip of plastic running down the front thigh that repeats “Size 6, Size 6...” Inevitably, they conquer, and to this day remain tucked in the far reaches of my closet, next to the $60 neon yellow cropped t-shirt impulsively purchased on a trip to Montreal.

So, the perfect Pinterest-worthy closet remains my unicorn, the unobtainable goal that continues to escape me. I’ve learned to cope. Shopping definitely eases the pain.

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PEI

DELIVERS SUPPORT LOCAL! STAY HOME! STAY SAFE!

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These are just a few of the many local resources available during selfisolation. Please reach out to small local businesses before looking at larger chains or online. Local merchants need our support right now!

Riverview Country Market 21 Riverside Dr, Charlottetown 902.892.9632 • fresh produce, toiletries, and personal care products • coffee beans, teas • pantry food items such as flour, pasta, and canned goods • frozen meats • vegan and gluten-free entree options • local chocolate and more

JEMS Boutique 102 Queen St, Charlottetown 902.894.1457 www.jemsboutique.ca

Founders’ Delicatessen www.facebook.com/ FoundersDelicatessen 902.314.2132

Femme clothing. Free shipping and returns on PEI.

Offering deli meats, isolation packs, and value packs.

See social media and website for store selection.

Submit your orders on or before every Wednesday for delivery either Friday or Saturday. Payment will be processed every Thursday via credit card over the phone or via email transfer to foundersdeli@gmail.com. At this point in time, they are only able to deliver to Cornwall, Charlottetown and Stratford.

Saelvage www.saelvage.ca

Place orders online or over the phone for pickup. Orders must be placed the day before. Pickup hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday to Saturday.

Children’s clothing (pants, shirts, hats, bibs, etc.)

Heart Beet Organics/Farmacy + Fermentary 152A Great George Street, Charlottetown 902.964.3060 www.heartbeetorganics.ca

Gallants & Co. 18 Superior Crescent, Charlottetown 902.628.1818 www.gallantspeifood.ca

Local delivery options available.

Crab cakes, bread, and seafood.

• market vegetables • local chocolate • bread • fermented products such as kombucha, kraut, and kimchi Open two days a week from 3:00 to 6:00 PM for order pickup (including Saturdays).

The Root Cellar 34 Queen St, Charlottetown 902.892.6227 • dairy and milk substitutes • personal care items such as toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant • supplements and health food • vegan and gluten-free products • snack food, spices, etc.

Open with restrictions to limit number of customers in store.

KJL Select Meats 21 Riverside Dr, Charlottetown 902.892.6463 www.kjlmeats.com Local meats, including chicken, pork, and beef products.

Open for pickup and retail.

Receiver Coffee Co. 128 Richmond St, Charlottetown 902.367.3436 www.receivercoffee.com

Bogside Brewing 11 Brook St, Montague 902.838.4384 www.bogsidebrewing.com Canned craft beer.

Delivery Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in the Charlottetown and Three Rivers areas. Pickup at their Montague Three Rivers location.

Copper Bottom Brewing 567 Main St, Montague 902.361.2337 www.copperbottombrewing.com

Fresh bread, pastries, and bagged coffee.

Canned craft beer.

Delivery every Friday, or no-contact pickup.

Upstreet Brewing 41 Allen St, Charlottetown www.upstreet.ca

Delivery within one to two days Islandwide.

Bottled beer, cans, and crowlers. Craft Beer Corner open for retail.

Upstreet delivery available daily from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Murphy Hospitality Group mhgpei.com Download the MHG Delivered app for all of your favourite MHG restaurant meals, craft beer and market items.

Did we miss someone?

Email the publisher at jacqui@pei-living.ca and we’ll add them to our digital list!

Curbside pickup or delivery to your door.

Order over the phone for pickup.

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WHEELS

Keep Cruising!

Did you know that one in four drivers keep their vehicle for an average of seven years or more? Nearly another third (29 per cent) say they typically own their car for three to four years. When you’re keeping your vehicles on the road for the better part of a decade, it’s important to implement consistent maintenance habits to ensure a smooth ride.

The following are tips for drivers looking to keep their cars cruising well into the 2020s.

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Keep it on the calendar Whether consistency comes based on a mileage amount or a specific date on the calendar, setting and keeping regular tune-up appointments is a simple way to keep your vehicle healthy. Regular maintenance inspections can be a great time to evaluate other parts of your vehicle, not just what’s beneath the hood. For example, most drivers (78 per cent) also use their maintenance routine as a chance to check their tires. And be sure to examine your windshield wipers and headlights to see if they need to be replaced.

Adjust for the seasons

Repair and replace (when needed)

Clean it up

Over two-thirds of drivers (69 per cent) say all-season tires are interchangeable with winter tires. In some cases, that might be true, but we live in a climate with drastic weather swings as the seasons change. That can be like saying your favourite T-shirt is suitable for a frigid winter storm.

Winterizing your vehicle when the temperatures drop can help it last not only through the colder months, but also avoid potentially bigger problems down the road. Consider swapping the all-seasons for a set of winter wheels.

Sometimes, a routine oil change will shed light on a maintenance issue that requires more attention. In that event, consider your repair vs. replace decisions carefully - is the option you’re choosing a temporary bandage, or will it help lengthen the life of your vehicle in the long run? For many, this depends on what needs replacing, and whether that part is considered “essential.” For example, only 30 per cent of drivers will replace their tire pressure monitoring system sensors if they break. However, these sensors can offer vital information about the pressure in your tires, which has a lasting impact on your driving experience.

Keeping your vehicle clean is about more than appearances - it can also help keep it running smoothly for much longer, because dirt and grime can cause corrosion to the paint and even more, especially if it gets into the mechanics of the vehicle. Since Islanders are driving over salted winter roads, regular car washes become an even more significant step to extending your vehicle’s lifespan, as winter road salt can be particularly corrosive.

Your vehicle is an investment. Keeping it maintained means you can enjoy the ride a lot longer!

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WHEELS

A NEW ESCAPE Why the 2020 Ford Escape could be the perfect SUV for your young family.

If you’re looking to buy a new vehicle, you’ll want to consider something built both for work and play. Enter: the 2020 Ford Escape. Functional and stylish, this newest edition of the best-selling SUV offers an array of updated features. An EV version is also available for those concerned with carbon emissions.

With a sleek new design and lots of interior surprises, the 2020 Ford Escape can give you an incredible driving experience like no conventional car can.

Words by BRIANNE HOGAN Photos by EVAN CERETTI

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▲ (L-R) Chris Chaisson, Crystal Hill, Kendall Parsons, Leith Doucette, Jerry Heartz, Lucy Gotell, Ryan Williams

“I personally love the Escape’s new design and think it’s the perfect vehicle for young couples and families. It’s comfortable and spacious enough for longer road trips, but also offers a compact profile, and plenty of safety and tech features for daily driving,” says Lucy Gotell of Fair Isle Ford. “You really need to get behind the wheel for a demo to experience everything it has to offer.”

You need only look at the fourthgeneration Ford Escape to realize that it’s been overhauled inside and out. Here are three reasons why your next vehicle should be the 2020 Ford Escape.

Plenty of Interior & Cargo Space Heading away to visit the family out of province? Need to help a friend move?

No problem. The Ford Escape boasts a roomy interior by compact SUV standards and includes sliding rear seats and vast legroom. Let’s not forget the two-level cargo deck, which can be set low to maximize space for those huge hauls, or high to align with the folded seatbacks.

Lots of Powertrain Options The Ford Escape has four powertrain options to suit your needs: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology, a 2.0-litre turbo with 250 horsepower, a self-charging Hybrid

and a plug-in Hybrid. The latter model provides impressive mileage before the gas-powered engine has to step in.

This means that, if you have a shorter commute (like most of us Islanders), you might even be able to drive to and from work without using a drop of fuel.

Advanced Technology Driving just became a lot more connected. Ford Co-Pilot360 is an impressive suite of driver-assist safety technologies available with the new 2020 Escape. Features include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, LaneKeeping System, and Rear View Camera.

The hotspot lets you connect up to ten devices at once, so everyone’s connected on those fun road trips.

Lastly, have you heard of Head-Up Display? If not, you’ll definitely be intrigued. The Head-Up Display function creates an image of a clear display screen on the windshield as you drive, minimizing the distraction of having to frequently look downwards at the instrument panel. The Display shows several features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping System and navigation, ensuring that your drive is as safe as possible.

Interested in learning more about the new Escape? Contact Fair Isle Ford below.

Want to leave your phone safely in your bag while driving? Ford SYNC 3 lets you use an easy touchscreen to do things like search for and play music, find your destination and control the vehicle’s climate. Many features are also voiceactivated, which makes it even easier to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi Hotspot includes a smartphone app that allows drivers to find parking and fuel stations while on the road, contact their dealership and Roadside Assistance, and lock and unlock their vehicle remotely.

Fair Isle Ford 116 St. Peters Rd, Charlottetown 902.368.3673 5022 Hwy AA MacDonald, Montague 902.838.4775 lgotell@fairisleford.com www.fairisleford.com

Photos above: courtesy of Ford SPRING 2020

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WHEELS

BETWEEN YOU AND THE ROAD As you gear up for 2020 with new goals, now is the time to ask yourself if your wheels need a refresh.

And there’s no better time. Its recommended that tires be replaced every six years regardless of the number of miles driven. Research shows that improperly maintained tires are one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents, particularly among teenage drivers.

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Just in time for 2020, global tire brand Michelin provided key insights to kick start your shopping experience. The company shared that it starts with asking yourself a set of three brief questions before stepping into your local car or tire dealership. * How many? Are you looking at replacing one, two or all four tires? * What’s my make & model? Is this for the family crossover SUV or for the personal sports car? * What kind of driver am I? Arguably the most important of the three questions.. Are you more focused on reducing noise, enhancing performance, or somewhere in between?

What is important to you?

As the 20s come roaring in, here are some considerations to help you find the right fit for your new tires in 2020.

For wintry conditions For harsh climates, you want a tire that provides ultimate winter confidence - which means not just snow, but ice and below freezing conditions that cover many miles, enabling you and your loved ones to fully embrace winter even in the harshest conditions.

For that ultimate tread life If you’re on the hunt for a tire that will get you from Point A to B time and time again, look for a tire that combines proven tread design and a reliable compound to provide durable tread life, no matter the season.

The Michelin Defender is an all-season tire suitable for all types of cars with a warranty up to 90,000 miles.

For the expecting

For the performance-seekers Fall in love with your car’s untapped potential with a performance tire throughout the whole tire life; one that delivers excellent targeted features and benefits, such as dry and wet braking with no compromise in other areas.

For the wannabe track star Looking to take your sports car’s performance up a level in 2020? Duly noted.

Be on the hunt for a performance tire that allows you to make the most out of your time on the track - wet or dry!

Anticipating a new addition to the family in 2020? What’s more important than what’s covering your four wheels on baby’s first drive home? Look for a dependable tire that maintains its performance as it wears.

An important shopping tip The industry standard is to test wet-braking performance of new tires, not used. Worn tires should deliver good wet-braking performance versus new tires, and you should have access to worn-tire test results before you buy new tires.

Once you’ve decided what makes most sense for you, head into your dealership for more information on the right fit to make that drive a safe and fulfilling one.

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We hope you've enjoyed reading this edition of PEI Living Magazine. Our world has shifted considerably in the last few months, and a new normal has all of us adjusting both our personal and professional lives.

The entire creative team at Little Bird Publishing banded together to face the challenge of publishing a magazine during a global pandemic; it was important to all of us that we deliver this issue to our readers. The need to support local businesses is paramount, and we ask you to ensure locally-owned businesses are your first choice. Many Island ventures have innovated their business model to accommodate social distancing and welcome you to contact them via social media, websites and additional online services.

We sincerely thank the frontline heros who keep our lives as normal as possible while we self-isolate: medical professionals, essential workers, emergency personnel, local government and those who have reached out to help neighbours and strangers. I feel very lucky to call the Island my home.

PEI Living Magazine may be doing business a little differently in the next few months. Our Spring 2020 edition will be distributed in mid-May; each copy will be poly-bagged to reduce handling, and our distribution method will be adjusted as required. Our goal is to ensure you, the reader, have access to our printed copy.

We plan to publish the next PEI Living as a summer/fall issue with distribution in July or August. We thank you for the many phone calls, social media posts and emails of support and encouragement there are appreciated more than you know.

Feel free to reach out to us at any time, we love hearing from you.

Sincerely, Jacqui Chaisson (Publisher) & the PEI Living team jacqui@pei-living.ca 902.394.7499

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“Not just an Islander.

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As a real estate professional in my own community, I am dedicated to providing the finest service with that personal Island touch. My heart and family live here and so does my passion for selling real estate.

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A NEW KIND OF ESCAPE IS HERE

THE ALL-NEW ALL-NEW 2020ESCAPE FORD ESCAPE 2020 FORD ►Choice of Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBoost Engines ►Innovative Technology Including Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane-Keeping System

Available now at Fair Isle Ford, Charlottetown and Montague

www.fairisleford.com 116 St Peters Rd, Charlottetown • 902.368.3673 | 5022 Hwy AA MacDonald, Montague • 902 838 4775