Volume 4, Issue 3
THE GENESIS
PROCESS THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
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Contents Volume 4 • Issue 3
COVER FEATURE
The Genesis Project
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22 STYLE 22 Saying Sayonara to Summer 28 Get Your Glow On 32 Bring Your Inner Beauty Out
34 WELLNESS 34 Sleep Yourself Healthy 38 The Act of Journaling
42 BUSINESS 42 46 50 52
RISE with Rachel Hollis Reinventing Yourself After 50 Helping Entrepreneurs Thrive Community over Competition
62 CITY LIFE 62 Shoulder Season Travel 66 Tchukudu Women’s Centre 68 A Journey Towards Healing
70 FOOD & DRINK 70 Delicious Granola
74 HOME & PROPERTIES 74 A Statement in Style 78 Absolutely Amazing Service 80 STONE: Luxury Flooring
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From the
PUBLISHER
The Cover: What a joy this cover shoot was — from concept to completion. Working with friends who trust and share in your vision is one of the many rewards of publishing a magazine for our community. Dive into the story of The Genesis Process and read how these three friends turned partners are changing the way we think about wellness in the workplace. Cover Photography: Stephen Wild
Cover Photoshoot Location: Lilac Hill Estate — www.lilachill.ca
Contributing Writers: Katrina Geenevasen, Kimberley Falk, Anna Ruck, Trish Krause, Cheryl Hiebert, Lori Sweet, Henny Buffinga
Contributing Photography: Stephen Wild, Randy deKleine-Stimpson, Voyage Writers, Alexa Sorensen
Want to Get in Touch? Cathie Calarco Publisher/Owner cathie@refinedkingston.com
Katrina Geenevasen Editor katrinagcontentmarketing@gmail.com www.katrinagcontentmarketing.ca
Stephen Wild Art Director www.stephenwildphotography.com swild11@gmail.com
Spark Creative Communications Graphic Design contact@sparkslc.ca
Cathie Calarco Fall has officially settled in, the trick-or-treaters have come and gone for another year, and soon we will all be prepping our homes to celebrate the holidays. I always take pause this point in the year to reflect on all that has come and gone. Just over four years ago, we launched ReFINEd Kingston with a vision to create a beautiful publication that celebrates the people, products and services available in the Limestone City. With each issue, we try to push the limits a little bit more than the previous issue, bringing content that is interesting, dynamic and engaging. For this issue we connected with the team at The Hollis Co., which focuses first and foremost on giving women the tools to change their lives. You may recognize the founder’s name, Rachel Hollis. A media mogul, #1 New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, top podcast host, wife and mom, Hollis is now making an appearance in the pages of ReFINEd Kingston! It has been an honour to get to work with the team at The Hollis Co. I discovered Rachel’s work just over two years ago and found her message life-transforming. I setout to be able to share her message with all of you. Let that be a lesson to our readers. If you have a passion, and I mean true passion —something that you nurture and truly believe means something to people— put it out into the universe. You never know who believes in you and the work that you do. With Gratitude, Cathie
From the
From the
EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR
Stephen Wild
Katrina Geenevasen According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year. It’s an alarming statistic, and one that proves it’s an issue we can’t keep pretending doesn’t exist. It’s also a problem employers cannot keep sweeping under the corporate rug; study after study shows that mental health dramatically impacts employee absenteeism and presenteeism. If you’re an employer, consider this: can your business afford this loss?
Once again, it’s time to begin thinking of huddling around the warmth of fireplaces with hot beverages and big bulky sweaters. Some will be thinking about winter vacations, about trips that are about to become reality. And there’s no better way to do that than with the latest issue of ReFINEd Kingston magazine. From food to fashion, to stories of life experiences that you can nod your head in agreement to, our magazine has always been about sharing; sharing with our community the best life has to offer.
It’s because of the answer to that very question that The Genesis Process was launched by Joanne McCormick, Morgan Pierce and Raphael Gomes; they’re a trio passionate in the belief that selfcare is the key to personal and professional success.
I have the best time meeting new people and returning to our ReFINEd community of clients. I enjoy photographing their lives to showcase what they are up to in business for an editorial piece that draws you in.
The Genesis Process - a corporate retreat that launched this fall - aims to put employee mental wellness at the forefront so your team can gain the tools necessary to unlock their greatness. Be sure to read their feature cover story.
Our team makes magic happen, and so does our cover story team. These three — Joanne, Morgan and Raphael — bring you the most exciting triple threat to your wellness. We chose the open road… there are so many possibilities to discover how to navigate your way to total wellness with their guidance.
Our fall issue also features a selection of stories on starting your own small business and pursuing your passion. Whether you’re an entrepreneurial wannabe, are just starting out or you consider yourself a small business virtuoso, there’s an array of resources right here in Kingston ready to help you succeed and grow.
Take care of yourself and others. Start warm, Stephen
Enjoy the latest issue, Kingston. Katrina
Refined Kingston Magazine is published by Refined Lifestyles Ltd. Refined Kingston is independently owned and operated. Opinions expressed in Refined Kingston are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the advertisers. Refined Kingston does not assume liability for content. All rights reserved ©Refined Magazines. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. For permission contact the publisher.
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EXPERT ADVICE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION
First School Report Card Important Milestone for Students school year is the first report card.
Five Tips To Talk to Kids About Their Report Card
Brooke Lewis, centre director of Oxford
These report card tips from Oxford
The first major milestone of the new
Learning Kingston, says that while
Learning help parents and children have
parents worry and wonder, they don’t
an effective report card discussion.
need to get too stressed about the first
1. Sit down and review together. Make
school report card. The first report card of the school year
can focus on one another and the
is like a check-up on how your child is
conversation.
adjusting to the new grade. The thing to keep in mind is that this report card is not the final word on grades — it is more about how your child is doing so far this school year and what they need to focus on for improvement moving forward.
Brooke Lewis B.A. (Hons), B.Ed. (OCT) Centre Director
If there are poor grades, Brooke recommends reading the teacher’s comments for more insight into your child’s classroom behaviour. Sometimes a poor math or English mark can be linked to other issues, such as being too talkative, distracted, or daydreaming in class. These types of behaviours — and others — can mask a skill gap that is often
Oxford Learning Kingston 793 Blackburn Mews Kingston, Ontario (613) 384–7323 www.oxfordlearning.com kingston@oxfordlearning.com
the root of poor report card grades. Oxford Learning’s Dynamic Diagnostic
until you can speak calmly and rationally. 3. Start with empathetic and positive comments. Highlight something positive about the report card, no matter how trivial. For instance, “We are pleased with your spelling grade.” 4. Listen to your child. Recognize your child's struggles. School can be tough. It is helpful for students to know someone is listening to their concerns and complaints. 5. End with a plan. Be optimistic and identify any next steps before you leave the table. Founded in 1984, Oxford Learning uses
tool that pinpoints learning strengths
innovative approaches to learning that
and weaknesses, can help parents get
have helped thousands of students
a better understanding of the causes
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at the root of their child’s poor grades
Customized programs based on the
and difficulties.
science of cognitive development help
much that parents can do at home to help themselves see the bigger picture.
children develop the skills they need to succeed in school while they develop the confidence they need to succeed in life.
Sitting down with your child to go over
Do you have questions about your
the report card is a simple way to get
child’s report card? Get answers!
extra insight into your child’s grades
Contact Brooke Lewis or Alexandra
and classroom performance. A report
Moore at Oxford Learning Kingston at
card discussion is an important step in
613-384-7323 or kingston@oxford-
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learning.com.
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2. Don’t get upset. If you’re upset or angry about grades, hold the discussion
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COVER STORY
GEN•E•SIS noun
the origin or coming into being of something.
written by Katrina Geenevasen photography by Stephen Wild
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In this day and age, the experience is perhaps a necessity. With the statistics as stark as they are – Global News says one in four Canadians cites stress as the reason for leaving their job — can employee’s overall well-being continue to be pushed aside?
N
estled in a picturesque area just northwest of Kingston sits a centuries-old red brick estate with hundreds of stories to tell. It has served as a home for generations, and only it knows the vast number of secrets that are held within its walls.
What’s not a secret, however, is that after undergoing a monumental renovation, Lilac Hill Estate redefines luxury and pastoral bliss. This fall, it now offers a three-part transformational corporate wellness movement that helps employers give their staff the necessary keys to unlock the true greatness that’s buried deep within them.
The Genesis Process Founded by Joanne McCormick, owner of Touch of Wellness AVEDA Spa and Founder of Kind Women in Heels, Morgan Pierce, lifechanger and founder of Black Sheep Thinking, and Raphael Gomes, internationally renowned interior designer and founder of Raphael Gomes Interiors, the experience identifies itself as an enhanced corporate wellness retreat. Its goal is admirable: to give leaders and their teams the tools to experience personal and professional growth and well-being.
“Employee wellness may seem like an unaffordable luxury, but happy and healthy employees are the key to every business’s success,” says Joanne. “I sincerely believe and have proven it in my own business that employee wellness does pay off. With a team of more than 18 ladies, investing in physical and mental wellness has yielded amazing benefits for me.” Morgan agrees, stating that happiness is our superpower. “It allows us to live longer, learn and retain more. The opposite is the top reason people leave jobs, costing the employer money. Even if they stay, mental health issues can cost the employer productivity in poor quality work and absences.” Raphael, who hails from Toronto, was inspired to create Lilac Hill to escape the busyness of the city. He found his own sanctuary within
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the zen-inducing home, and the decision to share the space with others only seemed natural. “If the vessel’s empty, you have nothing to give,” he says. “You need to fill the vessel; you need to be whole. If you’re not whole, if you’re fragmented or if you’re lacking and missing something, then you are not able to give back, and you are not able to achieve your goals. You will always have roadblocks in front
of you, and not know how to overcome the challenges to succeed.” The trio says there is a new day dawning in the business world; companies can’t help but take a more holistic approach to employment to achieve success. Just targeting performance reviews and the standard sales metrics are but a piece of the bigger puzzle where employee physical and mental wellness are front and centre.
“Companies are just starting to become aware of how important the mental health aspect is – CEOs and owners of businesses will soon realize that people need to train for mindset and not just skillset,” explains Morgan. They’re tasked with cultivating an environment that promotes healthy living, inspires creativity and collaboration, reduces stress and sick days, and encourages an engaged and happier workforce.
Transform and Heal with a Personalized Program A two-day transformative program, The Genesis Process begins at Lilac Hill Estate, which is located about an hour from Kingston in serene Tweed, Ontario. It’s centrally located just off Highway 401, attracting participants from Montreal to Toronto.
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“It’s a sanctuary from the rest of the world,” says Raphael. “I’m hopeful that it will give others the same overall peace, quiet and mental stillness that it has given me.” The contemporarily-designed estate property features a full chef’s kitchen with a stocked pantry, and state-of-the-art amenities with every design detail planned meticulously to ensure the space exudes peace and tranquility. The wraparound deck and covered hot tub complete the luxurious experience, all with the peacefulness of nature serving as the perfect backdrop.
Guests are invited to relax and settle into the Lilac Hill on their day of arrival, prior to being escorted by a private limo to Touch of Wellness AVEDA Spa in Napanee. Known as a “total relaxation destination”, Touch of Wellness is a fully-licensed spa that helps each and every guest sink into total bliss.
“pampered” and will set the tone for the rest of what The Genesis Process has in store on day two. And there’s no denying the power of a simple trip to the spa: study after study has shown that massages alone can help ease anxiety and depression, improve sleep, boost immunity and relieve headaches.
Here, guests will enjoy a variety of wellness treatments that help guests rejuvenate, relax and learn the true meaning of the word
“We will provide them with the ultimate environment in rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, which creates the perfect setting for our minds and bodies to embark on a journey of self-discovery,” says Joanne.
Nourish the Mind, Body and Soul What’s the point of feeding the soul and the mind if the body isn’t being nourished, as well? Alongside the luxurious treatments from the Touch of Wellness’ AVEDA Spa Menu will be a lunch served
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with guests’ choice of beverage. Upon returning to Lilac Hill, a farmto-table dinner will be served to wrap up the blissful day. Of European descent, Raphael is passionate about whole food and what it can offer us. “For my family and I, food is not just food; it’s an experience, it is the centrepiece to great conversations and the table is where you gather to create memories,” he says. As such, The Genesis Process will be working in tandem with local farmers and chefs to provide a nourishing, healthy and delicious menu that is in keeping with the program’s overarching goal of total wellness.
Finding Your Inner Greatness On day two, the transformative journey continues. In the Creative Suite at Lilac Hill, Morgan will lead a series of workshops that will help participants uncover their inner greatness.
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While the sessions are tailored specifically to each group, the workshops will have one thing in common: they provide a chance to be vulnerable, heal, remove limiting beliefs and to take ownership. In the end, participants will gain tangible steps they can take away and use in their real life. “I will set the pace, but it is the quality of the conversation and the unique issues of those that attend that will lead the learning,” explains Morgan. Morgan, who holds his degree in Psychology, takes from many schools to comprise a unique program, mixing ideas from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, philosophy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. He’s constantly enhancing Black Sheep Thinking’s unique, all-encompassing workshops. “It is the entire team’s experience that will allow people to be openminded and consider a new way of
approaching their work and their environment. But it is my job to help them shift into a new philosophy that allows them to remove ego, choose happiness and heal others in the process,” Morgan says. As someone who once thought work , accomplishments and material possessions would prove his worth, Morgan knows all too well how burnout can happen, and how easily we can lose ourselves. He came to see he wasn’t alone and with research, dedication to a new thought process, and using proven approaches, he was able to turn his life around. “We can use happiness as our fuel to find a flow for our work when the ego is removed,” he says. “A team with no ego and that is healthy and positive will move mountains for organizations. Money is no longer enough of a motivation for many – personal growth and happiness is the new value organizations must deliver.”
to be part of this. I’m so grateful. I’m beyond excited.”
Joanne, who uses Morgan’s workshops with her staff, believes employers can no longer ignore the importance of employee well-being. “There’s nothing that will destroy your business faster than a disc o nte nte d , u ns atisf i e d , a nd unmotivated workforce,” she says. “I believe employees need to feel that they’re being listened to, they need to feel they’re important, they need to feel inspired, and experience is part of that.” Morgan, she says, has estab lished an “amazing” process that will help teams grow. “He absolutely will change your team and when you marry that together with Lilac Hill and Touch of Wellness, there’s no end to the great things you can achieve.”
A Joining of Forces Like many good things, the idea of The Genesis Process came to be while enjoying a good bottle of wine, says Joanne with a smile. And now that it’s underway, they can’t wait to share it with everyone. “I’m so happy to be able to offer this to clients,” says Joanne, tearing up as she explains. “I have sat here and watched my team listen to Morgan, and I’ve watched them a week later be completely changed, and I’ve had them come to me and ask, ‘When can we do this again?’ So not only did it change them, it changed how they are in their homes, how they responded to clients at work, it changed how they looked at life. I’m so beyond blessed to be asked
Morgan feels the same way and is proud to be able to offer something so unique and healing. “It’s an opportunity to help people in a way that is underserved and can create a large impact, not just their pocketbooks, but in their lives,” he says.
A Genesis In the end, explains Pierce, “Genesis means, ‘Where something begins.’ “We want to be the place for management teams and groups looking to reset their culture,” he says. “They can begin with this experience and grow from their time with us, and then move forward.”
raphaelgomes.com blacksheepthinking.ca touchofwellnessnapanee.com
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STYLE
Saying Sayonara to Summer While Keeping the Colour by Anna Ruck
HOW TO INCORPORATE SUMMER HUES INTO YOUR FALL WARDROBE.
If you’re anything like me, you have some difficulty parting with the summer season. I’m the girl who’s in sandals until my toes are cold or wearing dresses with my legs exposed for as long as I can stand it. However, we all must come to terms with the changing temperatures eventually, myself included. But that doesn’t mean I don’t keep summer in my heart, and sneakily incorporate it into my outfit all year long. Colour is one of my favourite ways to pull this off, as a pop of a bright hue can immediately conjure up images of lively blooms and summer sunshine. So, as fall approaches, I slowly transition my look into the cooler months. I’ll keep wearing many of my boldly-coloured pants and dresses but add key pieces to create a complete fall look (and not freeze, of course). If many of your most vibrant pieces are technically summer attire and you want to continue to flaunt your colourful favourites, here are a few tricks that will help you sneak a little bit of summer into the fall season in a bright, bold and (obviously) stylish way.
PAIRING FOR THE CHROMATIC QUEEN You’re someone who doesn’t shy away from colour. You take one look at those boldly-coloured pants and start mentally cycling through your wardrobe to determine what you can pair them with just so you have a legitimate reason to race to the register. If this is you and it brings you sorrow to stash your pastel pants until next season, stop right there. Of course, it’s easy to wear brilliant colours in the summer when bright tones feel trendy and tropical.
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But you can certainly incorporate summer pastels into cooler seasons if you marry them with their earthy-coloured counterparts. Take the piece in question and hold it up against your wardrobe to see if anything pops out at you and easily pairs together. Look for common colours and whether you have any tops or accessories that contain elements of the same tone. Perhaps you have a darker blouse or sweater with a stripe or pattern that consists of the same shade. Choose one colour within the pattern that you can feature elsewhere and suddenly you have a well-put-together outfit; that’s the secret behind combining patterns and colours.
Next time you’re itching to sport that dazzling piece in the middle of November, consider what colour you would like to highlight throughout your look. You don’t need to spend a fortune on new pieces every season if your closet is already full of versatile and wellmade clothing that can be paired in new and unexpected ways.
CLASSICALLY CHIC DRESSER You can certainly exercise your stealthy skills to wear vivid hues well into the fall season. But with certain pieces, such as easy, breezy cotton dresses (particularly those with striking colours and patterns), this can seem somewhat
tight, purse, or jacket. Ankle booties with some flashy detailing or a knot tied in the hem will surely help to make your trusty summer favourite feel new again. If the colour scheme of your fall wardrobe is looking a little drab, I encourage you to dip your fashionable toe into the land of colour. Maybe you’re a technicolour queen, or perhaps you prefer a more subtle approach. Regardless of what option speaks to your personal style, you don’t need to put away those brilliant summer pieces just because the seasons have changed. When those gloomy fall days have got you down and the sun doesn’t want to make an appearance, it’s up to you to bring the colour instead. challenging. Overcome this without hanging up your hat, or in this case, your favourite summer dress, with the addition of complementary darker tones. Make your look autumn appropriate while letting those dazzling colours shine with layers and accessories such as tights, a hat, leather jacket, or a sweater that will add warmth and interest to your look. Depending on the pattern or colour of the dress in question, choose a neutral tone such as black, brown, earthy olive or burgundy as to not compete with the vibrant colours of the piece. You don’t want to steal the spotlight from your favourite frock. Choose a neutral tone that will act as an anchor to tie your outfit together to create a complete (and weather appropriate) look.
With the help of a neutral tone, a summer dress can easily transition into chillier months, especially if the length is longer and the pattern is a little darker. Should your favourite dress be one solid colour, consider pairing it with a patterned
Anna is a Canadian Lifestyle Blogger living in Kingston, and is the creator and writer behind STRUCKBLOG.com. STRUCKBLOG explores a variety of topics including style, beauty, food, travel, and all things motherhood. She hopes to infuse the lives of her readers with an abundance of creativity, connectivity, knowledge, and laughter.
Anna Ruck www.struckblog.com facebook-square twitter-square pinterest-square instagram
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EXPERT ADVICE SKIN CARE & COSMETICS
fall into a
New Beauty Routine It’s not just your fall and winter wardrobe that needs to adjust to the colder weather… your makeup and skincare routines need to, as well. Here are some simple tips to help your natural beauty shine through despite the plummeting temps.
Fall and Winter Make Up 101 Wear warmer lip colours in shades of plum and cranberry. Your lips will stand out and look gorgeous on pale skin. With a bold lip, you can minimize your eye makeup. Simply apply mascara and eyeliner, and you’re ready for the day.
Debbie Goulding
Debbie Goulding (613) 329–2950 dg.makeupartist@kos.net www.debbiegoulding.ca
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Put the bronzer away and apply pink or rosy shades of blush. Your cheeks naturally get flushed and rosy in the cold weather, so keep that look going indoors by applying a pop of pink to the apples of your cheeks. Avoid using coloured eyeliners such as blue or purple. Instead, line your eyes with warmer colours; black for younger skin or brown for mature skin. If you must wear a colour, gold is suitable as it is a warmer shade. It’s also beautiful for a festive eye. Avoid neon eye shadows. Your best choice is to opt for copper and gold. They are suitable for daytime and can be transitioned easily into a smoky evening eye. If these colours don’t suit you, try using shades of taupe, grays, plums and deep purples. It's important to note that beautiful makeup means nothing if it's not applied to a great base. Maintain a healthy glow all winter long by establishing (and maintaining!) a great skincare routine. Here are my top tips: Cleanse: This step should be done both a.m. and p.m. If you have dry or mature skin, use a multi-tasking balm that hydrates while it cleanses and doesn’t strip away your natural moisture. If you
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have oilier skin, consider using a cleanser that removes impurities without surfactants that can strip away natural oils. Exfoliate: Our skin gets drier in the colder weather and needs help shedding dead skin cells. Consider a gentle overnight resurfacing peel with a multi-acid complex and leave-on AHA/BHA peel. This will improve skin texture and boosts skin clarity without irritation or over-drying. Treat and Nourish: What Mother Nature takes away, we must replenish. Facial oils and serums deliver a concentrated dose of ingredients right where your skin needs it the most. All skin types — including normal skin, dry skin, combination skin, and oily skin — can benefit from facial oils and serums. Hydrate: Whether you have dry, combination, or oily skin, you need hydration. Breakthrough Bio-Mimic Technology harnesses the unique life-giving properties of plants to exactly match the structure of the skin, giving it precisely what it needs and nothing it doesn't. Not only does it provide up to 24-hours of hydration, but it also adjusts hydration levels throughout the day. For more information on products best suited for your skin type, please contact me.
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Join us at the earliest opportunity to secure a spectacular new lot! Register at tamarackhomes.com for more info or contact
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jcollier@tamarackhomes.com Sales Centre Hours Monday to Thursday, 12–7, Saturday and Sunday 11–4, Friday closed.
How to find us West Village and Woodhaven Sales Center plus Model Homes, located at 1060 Woodhaven Drive. Take Princess Street west of Gardiners. ■ Riverview Sales Center and Model Homes located at 880 Stonewalk Drive. Take HWY 15 to Waterside Way, to Stonewalk Drive.
GET YOUR GLOW ON
Skin Candy Kingston
You’d be hard-pressed to find any Friends fan who doesn’t recall the 2003 episode in which the affable Ross Geller gives spray tanning a whirl. Things don’t end up going exactly as planned (he mistakenly counted “Mississippi-ly”, after all) and Geller doesn’t emerge with the sun-kissed, golden glow he’d been hoping for. 28
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Words by Katrina Geenevasen Photos by Stephen Wild
Luckily, spray tans - such as the ones offered at Skin Candy Kingston - have come a long way since this episode aired, giving would-be sun worshippers a healthy (and beautiful!) alternative to harmful UV rays, which not only increase your chance of getting skin cancer, but also contribute to premature aging, sunburns, and eye problems.
HOW IT WORKs
While poor Ross’ experience may have scared you away, spray tans these days will not leave you with discoloured skin that forces you to hide away until the colour fades.
“You absolutely will not turn orange,” laughs Sabrina D’Amour, certified spray tan technician and owner of Skin Candy Kingston. “A spray solution is totally customized for each individual, designed to work in harmony with each individual’s pH levels.” These same solutions are used for models in Sports Illustrated magazine and on the women that strut their stuff down the Victoria’s Secret runway, she assures. “It’s almost like airbrush makeup,” she says. “I find that you don’t have to wear makeup for like two or three days afterwards because
READY FOR YOUR FIRST TAN?
Here are some tips for newbies: The day of your spray tan or the night before, shower make sure you exfoliate from head to toe. Avoid using any products with heavy oils;
you look so flawless. The formula is made to work with your skin, so you’ll always have a perfect glow. Everything is professional and perfected. You won’t look like an orange tiger leaving.” Despite these reassurances, first-timers are oftentimes hesitant, says D’Amour, but they always leave feeling beautiful, confident and ready to show off their tan to the world. “When people first come to me, I find that they’re they're a little bit skeptical. But time and time again, I've seen people leave and they feel so good; they’re confident and happy.” Says one customer, “Sabrina was fantastic. Professional, thorough and very detailed. If you're looking for a natural glow, she is your girl. I came out feeling fantastic having no discoloration, no orange tint. It just looks like I have a sun kissed glow. I highly recommend Skin Candy as your spray tan go-to.”
COMPLETELY CUSTOMIZED COLOUR
Whether you’re after a slightly sunkissed glow, or desire more of a bronzed goddess look, each and every tan at Skin Candy Kingston is completely customizable. There are even vegan and cruelty-free products to choose from, as well as solutions that can give you a tan immediately, or colour that develops over the course of a few hours. Furthermore, clients also have the option of taking advantage of Skin Candy Kingston’s mobile services (you can tan from the comfort of your own bedroom) or they can visit D’Amour’s brand new studio. Experience the fine art of sunless tanning with Skin Candy today and add some colour to your life tomorrow.
LEARN MORE AT
www.skincandykingston.com.
Arrive at your appointment with bare skin that’s free of any oils or perfumes, and be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing; You may need to avoid showering for up to 24 hours following your appointment. When you do shower, avoid using any soap; just rinse off; Don’t shave for at least 24 hours after your appointment, and moisturize frequently to maintain your gorgeous glow. Avoid exfoliating while you have a spray tan; this will scrub it off.
Skin Candy Kingston (613) 389–6372 www.skincandykingston.com
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EXPERT ADVICE WOMEN’S FASHION
SHAPE UP! Foundation Wear 101 For years, foundation wear was synonymous with discomfort. Corsets and girdles made of industrial-strength fabrics haunted women's wardrobes. Back in the Victorian era, there were couches at the ready for catching poor, beautifully-adorned ladies who would routinely collapse onto these "fainting chairs" due to the tightness of their undergarments.
Joanne & Maria Angelis
Thank goodness that’s over! The stringent world of corsets and girdles has been replaced by a whole slew of fantastic products. Shapes and fabrics have evolved, creating garments we no longer need to dread.
Here are a couple of things to consider: Foundation Wear is a Personal Choice
House of Angelis 63 & 65 Brock Street Kingston, Ontario (613) 549–0511 www.houseofangelis.ca
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No one should feel they have to wear foundation wear, as used to be the case. You can rock that dress looking and feeling fabulous au naturel if that’s what is right for you. Love the skin you’re in. Many people — ourselves included — like the feeling of being held up and held in, especially in certain types of clothing like formal wear or lightweight fabrics.
Foundation Wear Can Be Comfortable Seriously, it’s true! One of the best innovations has been the use of tulle in control pieces. It’s super strong, breathable and its sheer fabric even makes the garment sexy. Bet you never thought a control slip could be all that! 30
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Two of our bestsellers are the slip dress from Prima Donna and the high-waisted shorts from Body Hush. The slip dress, which one client calls the “magical slimming device” is an excellent smoother. It has lighter control, tulle panels down the sides to hug you perfectly, and fits just underneath the bra. Because it’s more about smoothing than control, it simply allows fabrics to drape beautifully without bunching or clinging. Prima Donna offers a matching bra to this piece for a seamless look, but wearing a bra you already own works just fine. On the other side of this, Body Hush’s “Sculptor All-In-One” is high-waisted short that doesn’t quit. It’s lightweight, but still offers firm control in all the right places, and has an anti-slipping band designed not to roll down. While some people don’t want a leg, this piece sells well because it prevents chaffing on the inner thighs. This is something to consider, especially in the summer months. The best thing about both products is that neither of them "over shapes" you; this is crucial. While you may think, "The tighter the better!", sometimes, this can ruin the fit of the garment on your body because it alters you so much. Whatever you need, both these lines carry an extensive collection from light to firm control camis, shorts, slips and dresses. You name it, we can find it for you!
63 & 65 Brock Street, Kingston (613) 549–0511 www.houseofangelis.ca
Determined to be a diva? A salon in downtown Kingston is making it easy for you to do just that. At Total Diva Boutique Spa, there’s a constant, happy buzz in the air as an expert team of hairstylists and estheticians laugh with their clients, making every guest that enters the downtown Kingston spa feel welcome, at home, and truly pampered. “We promote a really fun atmosphere, and we’re all laid back,” says Drea Latimer, spa owner, as she lounges on one of the spa’s comfortable couches during our interview. “The staff really treats everyone like family.” And it’s true; as we chat, the steady stream of customers coming through the door are all greeted with genuine smiles, despite it being a chilly Monday morning.
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total diva boutique spa
Bring Your Inner Beauty Out and feel like a total diva! Written by Katrina Geenevasen
Whether clients are there for a Goldwell Color application, waxing, a manicure and pedicure, or a restorative massage, the wide range of services at Total Diva promote an environment of peace and tranquillity—all with a dash of fun. “It’s the staff that really makes this a great place to be,” says Latimer. “We have the best of the best here; we have experts that really know what they’re doing, and all of our clients are made to feel super comfortable.”
Photography by Stephen Wild
Even more, the spa recently welcomed Kelly Hallett, North A m e r i c an gu es t ar tis t wi th Goldwell Canada, to the team. With multiple awards under her stylist’s hat, including being named the Canadian silver finalist in a Global Zoom competition, Hallett prides herself on staying on top of the latest trends and styles. “My belief is to never stop having fun and continue to strive for excellence,” she says.
Fur thermore, Hallett holds a Canadian copyright for a program she teaches across North America that teaches stylists how to customize colours and cuts to clients’ face shapes. It’s a truly personalized experience.
David Barker Massage Therapy While there’s something to be said for the esthetics side of things, whole-body wellness is also a primary focus at Total Diva. Nestled within the salon, registered massage therapist and professional laser therapist David Barker offers clients a range of treatments designed to help with everything from stress to fibromyalgia to back pain. Massage therapy, says Barker, should be a part of everyone’s regular health regime. “It’s about taking preventative measures,” he explains. Often offered in conjunction with traditional massage therapy, laser therapy “ is the best way to heal,”
says Barker, explaining that it uses monochromatic light emission from a low-intensity laser diode or an array of Super Luminous Diodes to treat musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and to heal wounds. Following treatment, the immune response is stimulated, lymphatic drainage is improved, the histamine response is positively altered, and the stimulation of the healing process is accompanied by a relief of systems. And this is just for starters. “There are so many different reasons people will seek out massage therapy, however, if it’s for inflammatory reasons or a muscular-skeletal problem, then laser therapy is an incredible enhancement in treatment for them,” he explains.
Be a Diva
Total Diva Salon prides itself on being active supporters of the local Alzheimer’s Society; Latimer’s own father passed away from the disease that currently affects half a million Canadians. By 2031, that number is expected to rise to 937,000; an increase of 66 per cent. Each November, the salon hosts a fundraising event in partnership with Crave Coffee House & Bakery to raise much-needed funds for the Society. For more details on the event, which features a silent auction and free massages for caregivers, find Total Diva on Facebook at @ TotalDivaBoutiqueSpa.
Total Diva Boutique Spa (613) 544–4067
You deserve to be pampered and feel like a total diva from the inside out. What are you waiting for?
www.totaldivaboutiquespa.com
For a full list of services and to book your appointment, visit www.totaldivaboutiquespa.com
www.davidbarkerclinic.com
David Barker Clinic (613) 544–2502
336 Princess St, Kingston ON
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WELLNESS
Sleep Yourself Healthy Trish Krause CNP, RNCP, Bite Out of Life Wellness
“A good night’s sleep is the Swiss Army knife of health. When sleep is deficient, there is sickness and disease. And when sleep is abundant, there is vitality and health.” Matthew Walker, neuroscientist and author of Why We Sleep, has nailed it. From a wellness point of view, you can eat a healthy organic diet, hop on the exercise train, and grant yourself lots of ‘me time’, but if you’re not getting proper shuteye, you won’t be at your best. In fact, you may be headed toward a variety of serious health concerns. In Canada, one in three people report being chronically sleep deprived, making this country the third most sleep-deprived nation on the planet. Fully 30 per cent of adults get less than six hours of sleep each night. And that’s not near enough if you want to stay healthy. The healthy number for adults is between seven and nine hours — consistently, seven days a week.
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Here are some facts we know about the relationship between good sleep and good health: Lack of sleep increases our level of the hormone ghrelin, which regulates and stimulates our appetite. It also suppresses leptin, the hormone responsible for satiety. So, net-net, if you are sleep-deprived, you’ll be driven to eat more and your signal to stop eating will be blunted. Research says that on average, that adds up to consuming about 300 calories more than someone well-rested. and that can mean a gain of up 24 to 30 unwanted pounds in a year.
Insulin, which regulates our fat cells’ ability to process and use carbohydrates, is also influenced by lack of sleep, leading scientists to believe that this is one reason why people who are poor sleepers struggle to lose weight even on very low-calorie diets. Chronic sleep issues have also been correlated with depression, anxiety and mental distress, including PTSD and general anxiety disorder (GAD). There is also a connection between long-term sleep disruptions and some cancers such as breast, ovarian, prostate and colon.
Your body needs sleep to fight infectious and inflammatory diseases including colds and flu, as well as more serious concerns like shingles, Lyme disease and arthritis. While you sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines that play a key role in boosting your immunity and tamping down inflammation. These and other infection-fighting anti-bodies are vastly reduced when you don’t get enough sleep. What can you do to ensure you are not in permanent sleep debt?
1
Turn off your electronic devices at least one hour before bed. The blue light emanating from your smartphone, tablet or even the TV disrupts your pineal gland, which is where the hormone melatonin is made. T his hormone regulates your sleep-wake cycles. So if you’re checking out the latest so cial media feed or binging on Netflix late at night, insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are in your future.
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Forget the nightcap. As much as we point fingers at caffeine as a sleep disrupter (and make no mistake, it is!), alcohol is often thought of as a relaxant. Not true. While a toddy before bed may help healthy people fall asleep, it
reduces rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is the most restorative type of sleep. Disruptions to REM will cause daytime drowsiness and poor concentration.
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Nutrition plays a major role in helping to promote sleep. If you struggle with sleep, choose bedtime snacks that are easy on the digestion and contain the sleep-regulating compounds of melatonin, tryptophan, potassium, and serotonin. These include kiwis, walnuts, yogurt, tart cherry juice, and a wide variety of nuts and seeds.
Finally, make sleep a priority. Tennis champ Roger Federer, who is Swiss, takes sleep as seriously as any other part of his training. “If I don’t sleep 11 to 12 hours per day, it’s not right,” he says. And with an all-time record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles to his credit, it’s hard to argue with his Swiss Army knife sleep strategy.
Trish Krause,
CNP, RNCP is the founder of Bite Out of Life Wellness and a trusted source for health and lifestyle information. As a certified and registered holistic nutritionist, health writer and educator, she helps busy, overwhelmed professionals, in particular, women aged 40+, to find their nutritional footing and transform the relationship with their bodies to regain vitality and health. Trish has a thriving practice based in Kingston, Ontario, but coaches and supports clients far and wide through online private consultations or specialty programming.
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EXPERT ADVICE MEDICAL COSMETICS
Revitalize, Refine and Renew Exploring Botox Myths and Misconceptions In the 80s, Vancouver-based doctors Jean
re-treatment is required to maintain the
and Alastair Carruthers unintentionally
desired results.
discovered cosmetic properties in a toxin normally used by ophthalmologists. In that pivotal moment, the couple’s discovery forever changed the face of beauty and shifted the way women and men alike approach aging.
Dr. Diane MacGillis & Dr. Kerri Hoffman
Botox: Popularity Growing in Canada
(613) 384–4200 www.kingstonlaser.com
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myths to help you decide.
Myth #1: Botox is Unsafe Fact: Botox has an extensive safety history. It has been used for more than 20 years for a wide range of medical and cosmetic treatments. It is a very safe drug when administered by a qualified, licensed medical professional who follows all the proper protocols for dosing, storage and admin-
in their 20s and 30s are choosing to start treatments as a preventative measure.
Myth #6 Botox Only Works on Wrinkles Fact: In the right hands, Botox can do so much more than just treat wrinkles, such as lifting brows, correcting asymmetry and improving jawline appearance. Botox is also effective for treating many medical conditions, such as excessive sweating
Kingston Laser and Cosmetic Clinic: Look and Feel Your Best
anywhere on the face to rebalance facial muscles to create a relaxed look without changing the essence of you.
At Kingston Laser and Cosmetic Clinic, our goal is to help you look and feel your best. All injections are completed by our expert physician injectors, Dr. Diane MacGillis and Dr. Kerri Hoffman, who have more than 35
Myth #3 Botox is Poison
years of combined experience.
Fact: Botox is not botulism and cannot
For more information, call us at
make you sick. Botox is a purified protein
613-384-4200 or email at
that works by blocking the chemical nerve signals in select muscles to relax them temporarily. The effect on the muscle will wear off in three to four months, and
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and trusted that many men and women
Myth #2 Botox Will Make You Appear Frozen
ly-skilled injector, Botox can be used
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Fact: Botox has become so well-known
and migraines.
brighter and well-rested. With a high-
no one will know.”
can resume normal activities right after
istration of the drug.
Fact: Botox relaxes muscles so you look
“Everyone will notice, but
called the “Lunch Break Treatment” as you
Myth #5: I am Too Young for Botox
we explore some of the more common
info@kingstonlaser.com
often described as a slight pinch. It is often
are embracing injectable cosmetic
the topic of Botox. Is it right for you? Here,
Clock Tower Plaza
pain-free. A very fine needle is used and no topical anesthetic is needed. It is most
More than ever before, everyday Canadians
and yet, many misconceptions surround
863 Norwest Road
Fact: Botox treatments are quick and, with an experienced injector, can be nearly
your treatment.
enhancements for natural-looking results,
Kingston Laser Cosmetic Clinic
Myth #4 Botox is Painful
info@kingstonlaser.com
The Act of Journaling Written by Cheryl Hiebert
Remember when we used to have journals as children? 38
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We would write down all of our deepest thoughts, without reservations. This act of journaling is a practice I have continued my entire life. Why journal? Recent studies have found journaling helps improve our mental health. When we allow ourselves to let our thoughts and feelings stream
out onto the pages of a journal, it helps us decompress. We tend to –and are often taught to– suppress our emotions. This isn’t good; doing so can cause anger, frustration and even depression. What is journaling? It is a way for us to have a written record of our thoughts, feelings, observations, experiences and challenges.
feel complete; when you have emptied your mind and heart of all that needs to be written. If it contains a lot of negativity I would suggest not re-reading it unless you need to clarify something or get back to a particular topic.
Instead of running away from life, we can move through what is going on and look at it straight on in our way, on our own time, and in private. It forces us to slow down and be more aware. It might also be something we share with a therapist.
How does journaling help our mental health? • It clears our head and heart of issues that might be creating tension and stress; • It acts as a dumping ground for us to privately express what we might not be able to verbalize; • Journaling helps us get to know ourselves better and become more aware; • It clarifies our goals; • It lets us take control of life so it feels more manageable; • It processes difficult situations; • It shifts our viewpoint; • Journaling puts things into perspective and brings us back to reality; • It records our triumphs and achievements; • It’s a wonderful tool for recording your observations while travelling.
Journaling Tip: I have a journal that is completely dedicated to inspiring me when I feel stuck in a rut or upset. It contains favourite quotes, poems, sayings and reminders to get me back on track again. Try creating a journal like this for yourself. It will be one you come back to for years to come. How to begin: You can journal daily, or whenever you feel the urge to do so. Get a journal you love; something that inspires you. You may want something unmarked to keep it private.
Allow this process to be one that you return again and again – something you look forward to and trust as a part of your life and personal growth. An amazing speaker and inspiring Canadian author Robin S. Sharma has this to share: “I write in a journal daily. This extraordinary ritual has revolutionized my mindset, transformed my heart set, and generally influenced my life exponentially.”
Feel free to reach out to me for a private session to get you going! www.cherylhiebert.com
While you write, don’t stop to edit and don’t worry about grammar and punctuation. Write until you
EXPERT ADVICE CHIROPRACTIC CARE
5
Ways to Avoid Backache WHILE WITH YOUR NEWBORN
Consider the fact that parents may be lifting a seven to 10-pound baby 50 times a day. By 12 months, your baby weighs approximately 17 pounds, and at two years, that child has become a roughly 30-pound toddler. The repetitive lifting of your child may put you at risk for back problems.
Dr. Jason Young & Dr. Rebecca Huddleston
ForeverYoung Chiropractic 3-510 Canatara Crt, Kingston (613) 507–5007 14 York Road, Shannonville (613) 966–5855 fychiropractic@gmail.com www.foreveryoungchiro.ca
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What’s a parent to do? Well, here are some simple tips that can help parents avoid some common aches and pains.
Lifting
Always sit in a chair with back support and avoid leaning forward to reach your newborn’s mouth. Instead, use pillows or blankets to support and position your baby closer to you.
Carrying
Exercise
When carrying your little one, pivot with your feet instead of twisting your back. This will ensure that you’re turning with your hips, which will reduce your risk of back pain. Lower your child into the crib or onto the floor by bending at the knees, with a neutral back.
Holding
Hold your child in an upright position, directly against your chest. Carrying a child on one hip creates postural imbalances that can lead to low back pain over time. 40
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Feeding
Stand with your feet at least a shoulder width apart. Keep your back in neutral position and bend your knees. Bring your baby as close to your chest as possible, and then lift using both arms.
Exercise can help increase muscle support for your aching back. While your baby is enjoying tummy time, join them on the floor and do some exercises to help strengthen your core. There is no time for back pain in parenthood. Talk to your chiropractor about specific exercises to stretch and strengthen your muscles so that you can stay on your toes and a step ahead of your toddler.
PERSONALIZED PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS A 4 WEEK PROGRAM DESIGNED TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO TALK CAMERA!
STEPHEN WILD
swild11@gmail.com
stephenwildphotography.com
BUSINESS
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UP WITH RACHEL HOLLIS Photos Provided by Alexa Sorensen
Out of Rachel Hollis’ international Facebook groups, Rachel HollisxCanada has the largest community at just over 7,500 members.
In 2020, The Hollis Company is taking RISE Conference international and Canada will be one of the lucky two countries to experience the magic on March 5th – 7th 2020. With Kingston being just 263km away, we anticipate lots of carpooling to the conference come Spring. If you aren’t yet convinced that it’s worth the drive, we’ll bet you will be after you learn just who Rachel Hollis is and why she is one of the most inspirational women of the decade.
For those who don’t know, Rachel Hollis is a two time New York Times bestselling author, a podcaster, speaker, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of four. Before her massive 2018 breakthrough, Hollis spent 15 years chasing after her dream career. Her resilience and nonstop energy has kept her always reaching for more, no matter what life has to throw at her. With a current combined social media following of more than 3 million people, Hollis is leading
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a movement that inspires personal and professional growth through her unwavering transparency and unapologetic, straight forward advice. Hollis does not have a college degree and she does not hold the key to some super secret recipe to success. She grew her empire by teaching herself through books, podcasts, attending every conference she could and asking for advice from anyone who would offer it to her.
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She recently grew her company from 4 to 50 employees this last year — Their mission is to arm people with the tools to make positive and lasting change. They believe that everyone can benefit from a personal growth mindset — most especially people who’ve never encountered it before. At just 17 years old, Hollis moved to Los Angeles and ended up in the event planning industry, eventually launching her own event company. It wasn’t long after that she launched her blog, The Chic
Site, where she was able to bring in enough revenue from sponsored content to support 5 full-time employees and the life she had always wanted. Being an entrepreneur is not easy and anyone who has ever owned their own business will tell you that it’s often filled with anxiety, tears, stress from the unknown and the constant need to always be “on.” These exact feelings are what sparked Rachel into her journey with self-care, personal development and the life-changing
magic of therapy. She began sharing in-depth aspects of her journey and the raw reality of what she was going through. She started working on herself and it wasn’t long until The Chic Site started to take on a whole new identity focusing on growth and personal development. In March 2015 she shared a bikini photo that showed off her stretch marks from having three children, a post that went viral and further grew her loyal following who always appreciate her transparency and realness. While running The Chic Site and nurturing her community on social through this type of raw content, Rachel continued to build upon her passion.
growth. Upon founding The Hollis Co. with her husband Dave, they chose to create a company that would provide the daily tools for self-growth and empowerment. The dream for The Hollis Co. is to have a media empire aimed at bettering the lives of millions of people, with over 100 employees, a Hollis Company Foundation, even more conferences, more tools that help people change their lives and of course, more books.
This process was gradual and by no means an overnight success. You may have heard about her first number-one New York Times bestselling book, Girl, Wash Your Face, but did you know that before that she also published a cookbook and three-part novel series that failed to take off? Girl, Wash Your Face was the catalyst that propelled Hollis into writing her second New York Times bestselling book, Girl, Stop Apologizing, inspired her to launch The Hollis Co., produce RISE events with over 7,000 attendees and create products that were built to change people’s lives. Today, Rachel is continuing to lead a global movement surrounding goal setting, gratitude, and the overall practice of personal
Stay up to date on all things Rachel Hollis
by following along on Instagram at @msrachelhollis, and be sure you snag your ticket to experience Rachel’s magic live in March at
RISE Toronto
March 5th – 7th 2020.
Reinventing Yourself After 50 Shari Doherty,
sales representative
re/max finest realty inc.
by Katrina Geenevasen
For Shari Doherty, a perfect home sets the stage for the story of your life. “My personal belief system is everything comes from the roots of your family and that family is absolutely everything,” says Doherty. “To me, ‘home’ has to be a safe place at the end of the day you want to land; somewhere safe. No matter what’s happened in your day, you want to
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know you’re coming home to your comfortable, safe, happy home.” After a lengthy career in the insurance industry, and with years of experience in customer service, Doherty embraced the opportunity for change when it was presented to her, knowing in her heart that something else had been calling to her for as long as she could remember. “After 50,” she says, “I was given a chance to start over. To pursue my dreams.” That dream was beginning a career in real estate. As a wife and mother of two grown children, she has built her business on the belief that a comfortable and happy
home serves as the foundation for one’s life. “In real estate, people are making one of the most important decisions of their life and likely their largest single purchase,” she says. “Seeing somebody’s eyes light up and seeing them excited when they start to visualize themselves and their family in the home is really heartwarming.” For her, it’s not simply about a sale. Rather, it’s about ensuring each client — whether they’re setting out on their own for the very first time, expecting an addition to the family, or downsizing now that their children have grown — aren’t just content with their new space, but are excited about it. “I’ve literally told people not to buy a house...but I don’t know if that makes me a good real estate agent or not,” she says laughing, recounting a story with a recent client. “We left this house, and she told me to put in an offer, but I could see she just wasn’t excited about it. I told her that her heart was not in the house, so I didn’t want to see her in it.” And so, no offer was submitted; Doherty was looking for the sparkle in her client’s eyes; the look that clearly said, “This feels like home.” “I wanted to see her light up. I wanted to see her excited thinking about her children being there.” And it’s like that with each client she works with; perhaps it simply harkens back to her nature. Actively involved within the community,
Doherty is known for her kind and compassionate nature. She sits on a variety of boards and volunteers her time for a number of causes. She prides herself on building positive relationships, and providing honest service that people can rely on and trust. “You only buy a house once, twice, or maybe three times in your lifetime,” she says. “It’s not just enough to be “okay” at this job; I want to build a trusted advisor relationship with my clients. I think that it should be a time you remember forever, in a really positive way.”
“I’m excited every day when I wake up,” says Doherty. “I’m learning something new, I’m having different experiences and meeting new people and hearing about their lives. I love knowing I’m helping them in an exciting time in their life.”
Stage One Real Estate Team 1329 Gardiners Road, Unit 105 Kingston ON (613) 217–9398 shari@stageonerealestate.ca www.stageonerealestate.ca
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Whether you’re buying or selling, Doherty will show you the way home with first-class service and the promise to deliver customerfocused results.
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EXPERT ADVICE ACCOUNTING
Motor Vehicle expenses —
What Can I Deduct? If you use your automobile in any way to earn income or to maintain the operations and administration of your business, you should be deducting your motor vehicle expenses. The types of motor vehicle expenses you can deduct include: • fuel (gasoline, propane, oil); • maintenance and repairs; • insurance; • license and registration fees; • capital cost allowance;
Rhonda Neulander, CPA, CGA
• eligible interest you paid on a loan used to buy the motor vehicle; • eligible leasing costs.
R.E. NEULANDER & COMPANY Professional Corporation 4 Cataraqui Street, Suite 314 Kingston, ON K7K 1Z7 (613) 389–1994 www.reneulander.ca
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Receipts - original or electronic - must be kept for all expenses just in case you're ever audited. There are many great apps out there (such as Receipt Bank) that enable you to take a picture of the receipt and keep it in a safe location for review or printing when needed. If you have an electronic copy of the receipt, you do not have to keep the original. The total amount of the expenses is not completely deductible, however. You are only able to deduct the expense based on the percentage of the car that you used for business purposes. This is tracked by keeping an auto log. Unless you have an auto log available to support the business percentage use of the automobile, there is a good chance that if you’re audited, the CRA would not allow the automobile expense deduction. There are many apps available that can track your travels and differentiate between business-related kilometres versus personal ones.
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Lease Versus Purchase You can deduct Capital Cost Allowance on your vehicle if you own it. This means you can expense the cost of your vehicle over time based on the CRA rates of 30 per cent per year (15 per cent in the year of purchase of the vehicle). The maximum amount you can deduct is $30,000. Any amount you spend on the purchase of your vehicle more than $30,000 is not an allowable deduction. However, if you lease your vehicle, the maximum lease cost you can deduct is $800 per month. So, if the vehicle you are looking to purchase is more than $30,000 and you use it for business purposes, you might want to ask about the lease options, as well. Typically, this will allow a much larger deduction over time. Then after a few years of leasing, you could purchase the vehicle once the post-lease cost (buy out option) of the vehicle is around $30,000. If you are using your vehicle to earn income, start tracking your mileage and keep your receipts. Then talk to your accountant when completing your tax return so you can have support for the expense that you are entitled to deduct.
Keep that hard-earned money in your pocket!
CLOUD ACCOUNTING SPECIALISTS Easily Manage your business anywhere, anytime! We help you grow your business in today's fast-paced, technology-driven climate. We believe Cloud Accounting brings the power of technology to you with Anyway, Anytime Access. Our Cloud Accounting specialists work with you to fully integrate into a Cloud environment and realize all of its benefits.
CUSTOMIZED ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS • Business Setup • Assistance with incorporation of a business • Bookkeeping and accounting services • Accounting system setup • HST/GST registration and filing • Payroll registration and remittance preparation • Full payroll service provider • T4 Preparation and filing • WSIB filing remittances and compliance adherence
The Woolen Mill - Suite 314, 4 Cataraqui Street | (613) 389–1994 | info@reneulander.ca | www.reneulander.ca
Helping Entrepreneurs Thrive By Kimberley Falk | Photos By Stephen Wild
The City of Kingston is known for being full of creatives and artists, so naturally, there are many small business owners following their passion and doing what they love— —many with the help of Amanda-Marie Consulting. Owner, Amanda-Marie Desjardins, has developed strategies for local entrepreneurs. “Most people don’t want to run the business; they want to focus on their passions and whatever the heck they’re good at and my passion just happens to be helping others run their businesses.” “I kind of have two dimensions to [what I do]. First, I take the back-end stuff they need to know [to succeed] and I help them put it into their way of doing things. Sometimes people just don’t know how to get past what they don’t know.” Amanda-Marie creates the operational strategies and components that her clients need in their business. And, sometimes that’s the foundation.
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Amanda-Marie has also created the Female Professional Network, a dinner group that meets monthly in an effort to challenge traditional networking. “Most people find networking uncomfortable because it’s full of forced conversations, and referral-based thinking.” The goal is to encourage connections and create a safe place to celebrate each other’s success and share in times of struggle.
“Sometimes it’s the basics or it’s that moment when they can no longer be the one person show anymore and need to grow [their] business but don’t know how.” “On the other side, I also work on protecting the human behind the business.” As part of a brokerage, Amanda-Marie is able to provide access to insurance and investment options including health benefits, that most entrepreneurs believe they can’t afford or weren’t even aware of. “I was working with a lot of business owners that had been in the industry for a long time but their business relied on them functioning at 100%, 100% of the time. This is not a long-term plan. I often see people in business for multiple decades, but never have anything left over for retirement because they just don’t know that there are programs or benefits available for the self-employed. It’s about educating them on their options and developing a plan of
security - whatever that means to the business owner.” O ve r t h e p a s t fe w m o n t h s , Amanda-Marie has started doing clarity sessions for those in need of a little structure and focus. “It’s basically an hour where we chat all things business. It’s great for those that need a little support with an idea, or accountability on a project, but don’t need the commitment of a long-term program.” It’s focused time for creativity and revelations.
Not claiming to be an expert on everything business, AmandaMarie has developed a network of resources in the Kingston community. “Through my work, I’ve become a connector of people. I’m not a tax expert, but I know enough people that I can find someone really reliable. If someone needs a photographer or a graphic designer, I know where to connect them.” With a background in business administration and human resources, Amanda-Marie has naturally been someone that others have come to for help. By turning her own passion into her business, Amanda-Marie is able to do what she loves - educating others and giving them the tools to build a successful business.
Amanda-Marie Consulting (613) 888–1283 hello@amandamarie.biz www.amandamarie.biz
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Community Over Competition Written by Kimberley Falk Photos by Stephen Wild
When women support each other, incredible things happen. This is the thinking behind Boss Babe Squad YGK, which connects female entrepreneurs who are eager to support and encourage one another as they work to build their entrepreneurial dream. “In business as in life, it’s okay to be vulnerable and say, ‘I don’t know,’” says Ena Holtermann, the group’s founder and the owner of Hair Candy Extensions, a local
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM @BOSSBABESSQUAD.YGK
business specializing in high-quality, bespoke hair extensions that she sells to licensed hairstylists across Canada and the U.S. “Being an entrepreneurial woman can be a very lonely thing,” says Colinda Carroll, owner of Kingston’s Envy Hair Studio, and a member of Boss Babe Squad YGK. “You are working 24/7 on the dream, and most times you don’t have someone to bounce things off of as easily. A sense of community is so important.”
Insta Support Holtermann responded to this growing need by creating an Instagram group – @bossbabessquad.ygk – that supports and celebrates local women entrepreneurs. She is hopeful local women in business will embrace her vision of “community over competition.” This collaborative endeavour is the “real deal”, says Holtermann. “The beauty industry is not typically known for open collaboration between artists and brands. Colinda [Carroll] and I have co-hosted clients where we openly share services to ensure our guests receive the absolute best service possible.” Holtermann and Carroll — who has been named one of Canada’s Top Five Colourists by Goldwell Canada — collaborate within their businesses regularly, from client consultations to planning goals. “It began with client collaborations and has developed into a beautiful brand partnership. We’ve supported one another for years. I do hair
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extensions, but if someone wants a colour specialist, why wouldn’t I send them to one of the best in the country? Why wouldn’t I want my guests to have access to that expertise?” asks Holtermann. While there are plenty of business networking opportunities in the city, that sense of community over competition and women truly supporting women still needs to gain more traction. “A lot of times we say it. We share memes and a nice quote on social media, but behind closed doors, it’s not happening the way it should be,” says Carroll. “It’s often wrapped up in our identity as women and our lived experiences; we get up, get
dressed, and rock it all day long to get to where we need to go.” Want to be part of a movement that focuses on lifting other women up? “Look at @bossbabesquad.ygk,” says Holtermann. “These are women looking out for each other and supporting each other. We need to believe in one another. Women need to stop competing, stop putting one another down as a way to draw attention to themselves. We need to celebrate our strengths. My supporting Colinda or her supporting me doesn’t take away from my business or hers. My abilities don’t diminish because I shine the light on someone else.”
“I always believed a woman’s success can only help another woman’s success,” Gloria Vanderbilt once said.
Let’s prove her right.
Ena Holtermann Hair Candy Extensions (613) 539-6714 www.haircandy.studio
facebook-square instagram Colinda Carroll Envy Hair Studio (613) 545-3689 www.envyhairstudio.ca
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EXPERT ADVICE FINANCIAL ADVICE
Group Benefits Are Vital for Your Business There are plenty of reasons group benefits are vital for all businesses. Regardless of size, companies need a healthy, productive workforce and the ability to compete for the talent they require to achieve success. Here are just a few reasons group benefits are crucial:
1
5
Health benefit plans are part of an overall human resources management strategy and play a key role in attracting and retaining employees.
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They Help Attract and Retain Employees
It’s now a necessity for employers in today’s workforce to be competitive in the pursuit of talent.
Tania Ashe Santin CFP CLU CHS Certified Financial Planner™ Kingstown Financial Services Inc. 1443 Cottsmere Crt. Kingston (613) 539–3662 tania.ashe@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/tania.ashe
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They Attract Gen Y
Gen Y’s are highly valuable employee assets that will soon take over the workforce. These employees value core benefits and even more so wellness-related benefits. Ignoring this generation’s benefit needs will only put employers at a competitive disadvantage.
3
They Foster a Healthy Workplace
Benefits help foster a healthy, productive workforce and help employees manage their health by reducing absenteeism and improving productivity.
4
They Keep Talent Satisfied
Benefits plans contribute to job satisfaction. There’s a positive relationship between how plan members perceive their benefits plan and their job (2012 Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey).
They’re a Tax-Deductible Expense
Group benefits premiums paid by employers are a business expense deduction, making your group benefits plan cost-effective.
Group Buying Power = Attractive Rates
Having an employer-sponsored benefits plan in place allows for group buying power, which to employees, means reduced rates for their benefits coverage.
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They Offer the Convenience of Buying Coverage Through Payroll
For employees, the convenience of payroll deduction for payment of benefits is easy and hassle-free.
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Workplace Wellness Programs Offer Bottom Line Benefits
Organizations that implement wellness programs have experienced improved employee morale, reduced absenteeism and have witnessed improved productivity.
Source: Profits of Wellness – Turning the high cost of poor health habits into healthy returns, Sun Life Financial Survey, 2011.
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SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS NEEDS
Whether it’s an individual insurance plan, a retirement savings plan, or a group benefits plan, I have solutions for you. Let’s talk.
Tania Ashe Santin* CFP®, CLU®, CHS™ KingsTown Financial Services Inc. 613-539-3662 tania.ashe@sunlife.com 1443 Cottsmere Court Kingston, ON K7L 4V4
*Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2019.
small business Written by Katrina Geenevasen Photography by Stephn Wild
American author John C. Maxwell once said, “If you want to do a few small things right, do them yourself. If you want to do great things and make a big impact, learn to delegate.” 56
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And yet, the art of delegation is something an astounding number of entrepreneurs struggle with. There’s a fear, it seems, that if we let something go - in this case, a business-related task - control will be lost, and catastrophe will follow. The reverse, however, is often true. Mastering delegation not only frees up valuable time, it can help minimize stress (which, let’s be honest, we all have too much of these days,) reduce burnout, and grow your business. R i c h a r d C o s t r o n , o w n e r of DELEGATE Kingston, believes wholeheartedly in the art of delegation and what it can help entrepreneurs achieve.
With decades of experience serving entrepreneurs at a financial firm in the Limestone City, Costron has repeatedly witnessed the power of effective delegation firsthand. And he knew it was something he wanted to see more of in his everyday.
“I spent years supporting entrepreneurs and I could see what their challenges were and I could see the reward of helping them with those challenges,” he says. “It’s important business owners learn how to focus on what they’re good at, and to delegate the rest.” He’s at a stage in his life now where he wants to focus on helping those who have no support available - and it seems he’s found it. “I find a lot of satisfaction in helping small businesses become successful,” he explains. Willing to take on contracts of any size - whether it’s ongoing assistance with cloud-based bookkeeping, one day spent coordinating a corporate event, or a few hours helping a business owner recruit new talent, Costron’s services run the gamut, and are left to the discretion of each client he works with. And
yet, one thing remains consistent: Costron’s unwavering dedication to ensuring a weight is lifted. “There is a real need for support, and I get excited by helping someone become successful,” he says. “I’m committed to providing my clients with quality service for whatever tasks that they want to delegate, and I want to give them peace of mind in knowing that those things will be done according to their expectations on a timely basis.” Wondering what you, as a small business owner, can delegate in order to increase efficiency and decrease stress?
Richard has been an invaluable asset to my business since we started working together. As a small business owner, I am involved in every aspect of operations, and being able to pass over all of my bookkeeping has freed up my time to focus on areas of my business that allow me to operate with more efficiency and effectiveness. My business is more predictable and our processes have become more streamlined.” — Catherine Frost
Here are some services
Costron offers to entrepreneurs:
• Cloud-Based Bookkeeping • Event Planning • Sourcing and Hiring New Talent • Administrative Tasks
Richard Costron richard@delegatekingston.ca www.delegatekingston.ca
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Supporting People
On Their Journeys in Life and in Business Written by Katrina Geenevasen
Photography by Stephen Wild
Courage and confidence. Two seemingly innocuous words that have the power to transform our lives if only we can learn to harness the power that lies within them, making us empowered, full-filled and energized.
takes, that there’s too much competition, that we’re not worthy of our dreams, that we’re imposters.”
But sadly, it’s the inability to harness these qualities in ourselves that so often restricts as entrepreneurs, says Jacquie Costron, Kingstonbased business and life strategist. “It’s been my observation and experience that courage and confidence - or the lack thereof - are ultimately the things that hold entrepreneurs back,” says Costron. “So often, we have that voice inside our heads that tells us we don’t have what it
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It’s Costron’s mission to help change that.
seems that the universe had something in mind for Costron, and she decided to listen to its not-so-subtle demands.
After 27 years in a corporate leadership position, where her primary responsibility was coaching and developing the team, Costron was forced to slow down - literally - after a debilitating injury left her unable to walk for nearly 20 weeks.
While she was convalescing, a friend introduced her to Danielle LaPorte, founder of The Desire Map and The Firestarter Sessions. The Desire Map exists to help users find goals with soul, while The Firestar ter Sessions are designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners define what “success” means on their own terms. Together, the programs are a powerful force that can transform how we live our lives.
While suffering such trauma can hardly be called “serendipitous”, it
W h i l e s h e w o r ke d h e r w ay through the literature, something
within Costron clicked. She knew it was time to truly focus what lit her soul up: empowering others on their journeys to pursue their wildest passions. She quickly became a certified Desire Map Facilitator and Fire Starter Sessions Facilitator, and now marries her decades of business coaching and strategic planning experience with new tools. As a business and life strategist, Costron draws on her experience as a Certified Financial Planner, Registered Retirement Consultant, Certified Coach, and a member/ student of the Financial Therapist Association. It’s a combination clients are undoubtedly reaping the benefits from.
Costron couldn’t be more pleased with the direction her new adventure is taking her; she’s undoubtedly right where she belongs.
Costron has managed to beautifully blend these two seemingly different worlds together to help business owners achieve what they set out to do in the first place: follow their passion, and pursue what lights their souls on fire. Sometimes, all we need is an unwavering pillar of empowerment, and someone with
“The thing that’s always resonated with me is seeing the reaction of someone who moves forward in the direction that they want to go,” says Costron. “I’ve got numerous stories to look back on...people who weren’t in a place where they wanted to be and our paths crossed for whatever reason and I could play a part in
the know-how to give us a muchneeded nudge in the right direction.
lifting them up. Whatever small part I played in it has just always been very inspiring to me, and I enjoy watching people succeed.”
I have been working with Jacquie for eight months and in that time, I have implemented her suggestions and processes that have increased my overall efficiency and have helped me make significant improvements in every aspect of my small business. She is a thorough listener and takes the time to make sure she understands what my specific needs are and she helps me make sense of how to navigate even the most challenging aspects of my business with confidence and clarity.” — Peter Edwards Jacquie Costron Business Consulting (613) 929–8973 jacquie@jacquiecostron.ca www.jacquiecostron.ca
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Sheri Fardella – Owner
LET THE PROFESSIONALS TAKE THE LINE. WRITTEN BY KIMBERLEY FALK PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN WILD
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A busy dental office means your practice is growing and successful, but for every patient that comes in, your receptionist is possibly getting distracted from the phone and losing the opportunity to book appointments with new and existing patients. Serving dental offices all over O n t a r i o , D e n t al P ro d u c ti o n Professionals, owned by Sherri Fardella, ser ves as a unique, knowledgeable, cost-effective alternative to managing dental hygiene schedules. “If their schedule isn’t full, they’re not making money,” says Sherri, “we ensure the line is always covered.”
Sherri has an experienced history in the dental world, working as a hygiene coordinator for years before deciding to go back to school for dental hygiene and open Dental Production Professionals. There aren’t many similar businesses in the area. “I want to support local businesses while growing my own business. We remote into each office, allowing us to work alongside offices in any location nationwide to help them build their practice.” The process is easy. With a simple download of the software, when patients call the office, they are given options depending on their reason for calling. For example, if they are a new patient or seeking to
book a hygiene appointment, they will get transferred to a member of Sherri’s team. “It’s my job to make sure the dentists’ office is making money. We achieve this by ensuring patients are confirmed, filling the hygienists’ schedule, etc. Our team is knowledgeable about dental hygiene, the different oral diseases and how it affects overall health, and we educate the patients to help them understand the importance. We
begin building relationships with potential and current patients.” Every piece of information that is discovered by Dental Production Professionals is available in realtime by the dental office team. “Each team member is assigned to their own offices and becomes a fluid part of their in-office team. Most new clients are so eager to get going that the opportunity to meet in person comes after. We receive positive feedback and have
been referred by many of our clients to other dental offices. Every member is passionate, caring and works so hard to ensure complete satisfaction.” Sherri maintains that it’s not a miracle service, but once it starts working, it can save a dental office time, money, and resources. The system benefits the dental team, removing the need for hiring, training, and firing receptionists; there’s no CPP/EI to worry about and “we work when they don’t.” Even when the dental office is closed, Dental Production Professionals are always working for their clients. “It’s not automated - it’s a personal touch.”
Dental Production Professionals 112 William Henderson Dr, Loyalist, ON (613) 389–0007 www.dentalproductionpros.net
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CITY LIFE
shoulder season:
It’s a Great Time to Travel
By Lori Sweet — The Voyage Writers
What is Shoulder Season?
The term shoulder season is used to describe the months following or proceeding peak travel season. In general, it’s when you can expect fewer crowds, moderate weather and off-season pricing. In most par ts of Nor th America, the Caribbean and Europe, it is April to mid-June and September through October.
– Ibn Battuta
If t r ave l to S o u t h America is on your list, then remember that the seasons in the southern hemisphere are reversed. Shoulder se aso n c an dif fe r slightly depending on where in the world you are going, so do some research, but this is the general rule of thumb.
Also be aware of any holidays or school breaks, whether local or worldwide. They can have a significant effect on all aspects of your travel, no matter when you travel.
Alaska, USA
Why Travel During Shoulder Season
Travelling during this time has lots of advantages. Desirable prices, decent weather and fewer people are the top three.
Lower Costs
You can expect to pay less for transportation and accommodation, which are two of your most significant travel expenses. Flights and all-inclusive packages are more economical because the demand is less, but prices still are not as low as in the off-season.
“Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
Travel is something most people enjoy. What they don’t enjoy is high prices and crowds. Travelling during the shoulder season is a great way to get more for your travel money and time and in some cases, preserve your sanity.
Airlines want to sell those seats, and hotels, resorts and cruise ships want to fill their spaces. There are often opportunities to purchase last-minute tickets to shows or events once you arrive at a destination without paying premium prices.
The Weather Factor
While the weather is always a consideration no matter when you travel, it is usually more moderate, with fewer extremes, during shoulder season.
The saying “dress in layers,” is especially important and will ensure you stay comfortable no matter the weather.
Beat the Crowds
Most places welcome visitors 365 days a year. Since we all have the same 24 hours in each day, how we spend those hours can make or break a trip.
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Maui, Hawaii
During the shoulder season, locals are often less harried and more willing to have unhurried interactions. Great suggestions for things to do, places to eat etc., can come from these discussions. Visiting world-famous landmarks becomes more manageable during the shoulder season, as well. The lines are generally much shorter, and space to view what you came to see is easier to secure.
Papago Park, Arizona
There may be shorter operating hours and the possibility of fewer live English language tours, but the sheer fact that you aren’t slowed down by the usual high volume of other visitors is a plus.
Where to Go
There are many resources that can help you pick a destination and the best time to travel. Here is a brief overview of suggested places to travel during shoulder season.
Hawaii: There isn’t a bad time to visit Hawaii, but spring and fall offer the lowest prices. Just be sure to avoid Easter and the U.S. Thanksgiving. Arizona: This is considered one of the go -to states for those wanting to escape cold weather. September to December and April through May are shoulder season months. Alaskan Cruise: The warmer months of July and August are peak times for a visit here. Cruise lines usually start their cruises in late April, or the beginning of May and September is their last month of the cruise season. France: Shoulder season varies throughout Europe. A visit to France, from April to mid-June or September through October will get you great prices and much lighter crowds.
Nice, France Costa Rica: May and November are shoulder season here. It might rain a bit longer, typically in the afternoon, but you should still have lots of daily sunshine to enjoy the lush landscape. Caribbean: Late spring and early fall are shoulder season. Note that this time is hurricane season so, like all trips, travel insurance is a must. New York City: March through April and Sept through October are fabulous shoulder season months to visit here. Everything is open, the weather is good, and the crowds are less intense.
Where to Next?
The key to success is doing your planning and research on your own or with a travel professional. Weather is a huge factor and increasingly an unpredictable one.
Travel with an open mind, plan indoor and outdoor activities and bring clothes for every type of weather. Embrace the unique experiences that you might not get other times of the year.
Voyage Writers www.voyagewriters.com (613) 329–3435
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The Oculus, New York
AN EVENING IN SUPPORT OF THE
Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre Written by Kimberley Falk
Make a difference in her life. “Once you know something you can no longer retreat into the abyss of unconsciousness. Awareness must provoke action…” The Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre (A Par tnership with Heather Haynes' Worlds Collide Africa) in Goma opened in May 2014 with 16 generous women sponsoring 16 Congolese women to learn the trade of a seamstress.
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The facility is a place for women fleeing war in their villages to develop the skills needed to support themselves and their families. Since that time, the Training Centre has graduated nearly 60 women into the tailoring and seamstress business, 11 women into basket weaving, 36 women in tye-dyeing and 15 women completed micro-finance training in August 2019. Cathy Cleary, co-founder of the Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre, reached out to ReFINEd Kingston’s Cathie Calarco hoping to learn more about the possibility of creating a “look-book” for the fashion products created by the women in DRCongo.
“We met for coffee at Coffee Namoo. We threw around ideas and settled on running an event to bring the community together,” says Cleary. “The idea came that maybe we could do something ourselves to help the women in DRCongo to create and sell fashions that the women would make." Calarco suggested finding a fashion designer, and the timing, it seems, was everything. Cleary had recently seen a photo Gananoque - based designer Rebecca Watson had posted above her electric machine of a woman in Africa sewing. "It was a perfect fit. And Rebecca generously answered the call," says Cleary.
An Evening in Support of the Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre will be taking place at the Refinery Spa and Social House on Nov. 28. There will be drinks, appetizers and entertainment, but most of all, it will be a chance to truly witness the change the Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre is making in these women’s lives.
Cathy Cleary sitting with Heather Haynes’ painting of the first graduating group of women from the Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre.
“Cathie [Cleary] came to me about making patterns,” says Watson. “They were looking for patterns so Cathy could bring them to the Congo. The women would make them, and the garments would be brought back to Canada to sell. And, all the funds would go back to these women.”
So far, one pattern has been custom-designed by Watson, who also created a tutorial and finished garment example that went along with the pattern. A total of forty wraparound skirts have now come back from the Tchukudu Women’s Training Centre and are ready to be sold.
“It lets people have a tangible idea of what these incredibly brave women are doing in the Congo,” says Calarco. “These women are across the world, but they’re mothers and they’re trying to become independent. Cathy knows these women, who they are, and who their families are. All of the tags on the garments have a personal touch, including the women’s name that they’ve handwritten themselves.” Tickets are limited to 70 and every attendee will leave with a swag bag that contains one of the skirts or shopping bags made by the women. Olivea, located just below the Refinery Spa and Social House, is happy to be catering the event. “Bring your girlfriends, bring your spouse, bring your daughter - join us for a night of encouraging empowerment." Cost:
$75 Location:
Refinery Spa & Social House Date:
November 28, 2019 Time:
Doors Open at 7:30pm ReFINEdKINGSTON
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Kingston Interval House A JOURNEY TOWARDS HEALING:
Written by Katrina Geenevasen
N
early 14 years ago, the RCMP escorted a woman fleeing an abusive situation to Kingston’s Interval House. Throughout her first few weeks at the shelter, the woman was terrified to step outside, fearing for her life. It took months before she felt safe enough to leave, but eventually, she secured housing and began her journey towards healing. Fast-forward to today, and this woman has become an advocate for countless women, terrified and fleeing abuse, like she once did. She serves as a steady reminder to staff just why the work they do here in the Limestone City is so crucial.
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“Without having this service to offer in our community, women and children might otherwise be homeless or feel they need to remain living in an unsafe situation,” says Theresa Metcalfe, community services manager with Kingston Interval House. “We provide an option unlike any other in Kingston.” And they’ve done so for the past 44 years. A 24-hour safe emergency shelter, community-based counselling service and Second Stage Housing system for women, youth and children who have experienced violence, Kingston Interval House also provides crisis inter vention,
immediate safety planning, supportive counselling, advocacy and information, community referrals and assistance to facilitate a woman’s transition back into the community. “We support women wherever they are at,” says Martins. “If they want to come in to talk to someone and figure out what they want the next steps to be, they can do that. Alternatively, if they are ready to leave and need the support and a safe place to stay, then we are here. Women often report that they can start to relax and get some rest and feel safe once they arrive at our shelter.”
fourth annual
Kingston Interval House also offers Robin’s hope, a Second Stage Housing Program that provides the next step in supporting women as they transition back to the community. The 18-unit apartment building — named in honour of a woman who was murdered by her partner after returning home due to a housing waitlist — provides women and children with housing that is both affordable and supportive, explains Martins. During their stay, they’re also equipped with the tools, resources, and confidence to live independently and break free from the cycle of abuse. The numbers, sadly, speak for themselves, proving just how crucial the support at Kingston Interval House truly is: each year, the shelter supports nearly 200 women and almost 50 children, and answers roughly 1,800 crisis and support calls. Even more startling, perhaps, is that on average, 20 to 30 women a year are murdered in the province of Ontario. “Not across Canada, in Ontario alone,” emphasizes Mar tins. “This is a staggering statistic that shows that we still have a lot of work to do when it comes to ending violence against women.”
It’s important, however, not to just look at these women simply as numbers. The women Interval House is helping, have helped in the past or could help in the future might be you, your daughter, your mother, your sister, or your best friend, says Metcalfe. “As a community, it is important to work together to keep each other safe and understand that violence against women is a serious problem that is growing and we all need to be aware of and take action against in whatever positive way we can.” For Martins, it’s an honour to be able to help other women in such a profound and significant way. “When women come to us and they open up and share their story of abuse, it amazes me every time the incredible strength these women have. The women are the ones doing all the hard work, we are just here if they need help and support while they do it. What a beautiful gift to be able to help in some small way and watch a woman flourish and gain her self-esteem back.” Please join Interval House for its Annual General Meeting on Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston.
Fall Girls’ Night Out Fundraiser Shop, sample, eat, enjoy a beverage and enjoy pampering services from more than 70 local businesses offering a wide variety of products and services. “I began hosting this event because woman are incredible and that shozuld be celebrated! As a survivor of domestic violence, I want to help those who provide help and options to those living in and leaving these situations,” says Karen Crichton-Cadeau, event organizer. There will be 200 swag bags with samples, deals, and information from local businesses. when:
Nov. 8, 2019 | 6-9 p.m.
where:
Banquet and Conference Centre at St. Lawrence College
the details:
Admission is $5 at the door, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to Interval House. (Editor’s Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of canned goods in exchange for ballots to the door prizes!).
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FOOD & DRINK
Delicious Granola Recipes Provided by
Urban Hippie Granola Urban Hippie is a Kingston-based company dedicated to hand-producing in small batch the most natural and best-tasting granola possible.
CHOCOLATE DECADENCE SMOOTHIE serves: 2 prep time: 5 min I love sweets, especially rich decadent flavours. That’s why this smoothie is so satisfying. It tastes like melted ice cream but has all the health benefits of raw cocoa powder, flax seeds, oats, and pure maple syrup. You don’t feel like you are compromising at all. Top it all off with Urban Hippie Simply Sweet granola and coffee beans for an extra kick. 1 3/4 cups almond milk 2–3 pitted large Medjool dates, to taste or 2 tbsp. of maple syrup
www.urbanhippiegranola.com
3 tbsp. raw cocoa powder
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2 tbsp. hulled hemp seed
1 tbsp. of peanut butter or almond butter 1 large peeled & frozen banana 1/8 cup of Urban Hippie Vanilla and Cinnamon Flax Seed Granola 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 4 large ice cubes
1 Combine all ingredients into
a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
2 Top with more Urban Hippie
Vanilla and Cinnamon Flax Seed granola, and coffee beans.
FRESH APPLE CRUMBLE serves: 6-8 Cook time: 1 hour My favourite season is fall. I love how all of the colors change, and taking peaceful leisurely drives down country roads to apple orchards. I’ve been known to go apple picking up to three times in one week with my beloved husky Bandit. As you can guess, I’ve gathered a lot of apples. Here’s one of my favourite apple desserts. It’s so much simpler than an apple pie, yet extremely satisfying after dinner!
Filling:
2 pounds, approx. 3-4 apples (Golden Delicious or another tart, firm variety) — peeled, cored (save the peels and cores) 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 3 tbsp. sugar Urban Hippie Granola
glaze:
½ cup of sugar
1 Set oven to 350°F. Thinly slice
the apples and place into a glass or ceramic pie dish.
2 Brush melted butter over the
apples. Sprinkle sugar over the apples. Use a little less if you want it more tart and more sugar if you’d like a little extra sweetness.
3 Sprinkle your favourite flavour of Urban Hippie Granola onto the
apples, covering with about half an inch of granola, and add 8-10 ½ inch dollops of butter to allow granola to brown nicely.
4 Place the mixture in the centre of
sugar. Pour in just enough water to cover everything; then simmer for 25 minutes.
6 Strain the syrup through a
the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the apples are soft.
cheesecloth or fine strainer into a bowl to remove the apple pieces. Discard the cores and peels.
5 Now
7 Let cool for at least 15 minutes.
make the glaze: Put reserved peels and cores in a large saucepan, along with the
Drizzle your glaze over the apple slices and serve.
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HOMEGROWN OAT PANCAKES serves: 18 Cook time: 25– 30 minutes When I was a kid, my mom would make us pancakes on Saturdays. We’d watch cartoons all morning while she’d be in the kitchen flipping flapjacks. I have six siblings so we never had a stack of huge fluffy pancakes like the ones pictured here. To make that for a family of nine would have taken too long. So we’d eat each pancake one at a time, hot off the pan. When the next batch was ready, our sticky little fingers would come running back in again. I always tried to get the ones with the crispiest edges. How about you? 3/4 cup oat flour OR 1 cup of No Sugar But You So Sweet Granola pulsed in a food processor. 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tbsp sugar 2 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp kosher salt 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (plus extra for the pan) 1 1/4 cups almond milk (or whole milk) 1 cup cooked Urban Hippie Granola oatmeal* 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup 2 large eggs (or flaxseed egg substitute) 72
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1 Whisk the dry ingredients (oat
flour, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt) together in a large bowl.
2 In a smaller bowl, whisk the butter, milk, cooked oatmeal, honey and eggs together until thoroughly combined.
3 Gently fold the wet ingredients
into the dry ingredients. Mix gently for fluffy pancakes.
4 Heat a pan over medium heat until it’s hot. Lower to medium heat. Butter the pan.
5 Place 1/4-cup scoops of batter onto the pan.
6 Once bubbles have begun to
form on the top side of the pancake, flip the pancake and cook the other side until the bottom is
golden, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Continue with the rest of the batter. Add more butter to the pan for each batch as needed.
7 Serve the pancakes hot, straight
from the pan or freeze and reheat in a toaster oven for the rest of the week.
8 Top with more butter, maple
syrup, blueberries and Canadian Maple Urban Hippie Granola.
*Oatmeal: Bring 1 cup water and a 1/2 cup of Urban Hippie No Sugar But You So Sweet Granola to a boil and simmer on low for 5 minutes until thick. Let cool.
COCONUT LIME ENERGY GRANOLA BALLS serves: 12 Cook time: 25 minutes Since I have such a sweet tooth, I like to be creative and make healthy snacks that I can eat whenever and wherever I want. This concoction is sweetened with maple syrup, tart with lime zest and an all around family favourite. Better yet, its perfect for those times when you don’t feel like turning your oven on as this is a no-bake energy ball! 1/2 cup Urban Hippie Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Granola 1 tsp coconut oil 1/3 cup almond butter 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 tbsp chia seeds 1/4 cup ground flax 1/2 cup shredded coconut (1/4 cup in the balls, 1/4 cup to sprinkle) 1 tbsp lime zest, reserve a pinch to sprinkle on balls
1 Melt coconut oil. 2 Mix melted coconut oil in with
the almond butter, lime juice and maple syrup until smooth.
3 In a food processor, add the
Urban Hippie Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Granola, chia seeds, ground flax, and coconut. Pulse for approximately 20 - 30 seconds.
4 Mix wet ingredients into the dry
mixture. Roll into 1 tablespoon balls.
5 Roll each ball in shredded coconut and sprinkle with lime zest.
6 Eat immediately or store in a
sealed container in the fridge for up to one week.
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HOMES & PROPERTIES
a
St
nt
m e t a in e Style
Home Design Trends You’ll Want to Embrace The end of the year may be approaching, but some design trends are truly timeless. Here are just a few that may be worth exploring this year and beyond. get fired up Linear fireplaces are the latest rage. If added to family rooms, they allow the homeowner to install their TV lower down on the wall, which promotes a better viewing experience.
It also modernizes a family room to give some design flare. Lately, we’ve noticed many of our “traditional” clients are transitioning to a fresher, lighter look, which these linear fireplaces offer. back it up Backsplashes are also a design feature that has changed recently. The latest trend is to take your countertop material and pull it up onto the backsplash. For some, this is cost-prohibitive, but it is a beautiful, clean look that adds elegance and seamlessness to kitchens. It’s well worth the splurge for those that can afford it.
dream in colour Colour trends for 2019 have seen the push for brighter and lighter colours. This has been the trend for the last few years, but throughout 2019, we have seen a huge push to fresher off-whites.
Add some colour to your space through your accent pillows, carpets and drapery. Keep your major pieces of furniture light and fresh and keep your walls light. This will give your room longevity and promote a sense of calm and happiness. I guarantee you will never get tired of this fresh look.
raphael gomes interiors is an experienced interior consulting firm operating from Toronto and its surrounding areas.
This dynamic company prides itself on great vision and its dedication to excellence and quality work. They pride themselves in producing exquisite, high-end custom homes and boutique commercial spaces designed for a discerning clientele.
Understanding both client objectives and design complexities are what sets this company apart from the rest in delivering quality work catered to every client while elevating design to the next level.
by the Canadian Home Building Association (CHBA) and they were also recently awarded the prestigious Best Model Home of the Year Award by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA).
Their project, Lilac Hill Estate (visit www.lilachill.ca to learn more) just north of Napanee was nominated for best renovation in Canada Raphael Gomes Interiors
new home - 2019 home renovation - 2019
209 Wicksteed Ave, Unit 25 Toronto, ON, M4G 2C1 Tel: (647) 347-2553 Cel: (647) 922-6300 design@raphaelgomes.com www.raphaelgomes.com
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EXPERT ADVICE REAL ESTATE
Real Estate Investing Real estate investing is why I became a Realtor 15 years ago in the beautiful city of Kingston.
can also affect buying or selling your real
Now, with 15 years of rental and real estate
estate investments because there are peak
experience, I still encourage people to consider buying real estate as a part of their
typical real estate spring market. Investment Strategy Goals: Of course,
esting stories because of that!).
real estate, you will need to make sure your
As it's been said, “Buy land: they aren't making
numbers work. However, there are different
invest because we have a solid economy that is well-balanced between public and private sectors and we have both the lowest Seller's Market. Kingston is in high demand! This is driven by Kingston's prime location between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal as well as the pricing in other cities driving has gone up a considerable amount in just a few years, but is still reasonable for investors when our vacancy rate is so low. When considering real estate investment, it's important to know the market extremely well and Kingston has some unique things to consider: Location, Location, Location: Kingston has two separate rental markets that are very different. The student rental market has an extremely specific area and style of property that appeals to students. Consider whether it’s close to transit, for example. If you're off by just one or two streets, you could have overpaid or have a harder time renting it out. Timing is Everything (Don't Miss the Market): The student rental market peaks at different times than the general housing market. It is essential to know the right time
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times to invest that are different than the
cash flow is important and if you are buying
people towards us. Our average sale price
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up with the right market or you could have an investment sit empty for months. Timing
be ups and downs and I have some inter-
vacancy rate in Ontario, as well as a driving
Jessica Hellard Real Estate Group (613) 532–5336 info@jessicahellard.com jessicahellard.com
lease to sign people up for in order to line
investment strategy (even though there can
it anymore.” Kingston is a fantastic place to
Jessica Hellard Broker
to market a rental or the right length of a
ways to go about your investment strategy. It may be hard to find a wonderful property that has great cash flow and no one else wants to buy it. You may want to consider real estate as an asset and holding it for appreciation. This should be a consideration for your investment strategy, anyways. There are also ways to buy a poorly producing rental and crank your ROI by completing smart renovations, altering the utility arrangements, and changing tenants over. You should look at all considerations when choosing a property and be prepared for up and down markets. Overall, one of the most important things I've learned about real estate investing is to have a knowledgeable and trustworthy team on your side. You'll want a fantastic real estate broker, but I also highly recommend hiring a top property management firm so that you know you have someone getting the perfect tenants and dealing with all the midnight emergencies that come up so that you can focus on growing your portfolio. It's extremely valuable. Having a great lawyer, paralegal, and contractors can really make the experience much smoother and profitable, as well. I am more than happy to help connect you to the right people and answer any questions you may have.
Delivering a 5-Star Real Estate Experience with Sophistication, Innovation and Integrity.
Jessica Hellard,
RE/MAX Finest Realty Inc., Brokerage
Megan Coleman,
(613) 532–5336 jessicahellard.com info@jessicahellard.com
Broker
Operations Manager & Sales Representative
Absolutely Amazing Service Written by Kimberley Falk
The best part of staying in a hotel is getting that pampered feeling. Towels are perfectly folded and even the smallest things like toilet paper are perfectly prepped for your arrival. Absolutely Polished, owned by Alyssa Levesque, brings that luxury service standard to your home. “Choosing a company that has a high standard and believes in the extra details, even the small ones, can make the experience,” says Levesque. “I like to consider Absolutely Polished a luxury
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detailing company.” And it’s a luxury service that’s not out of your price range. “We treat everyone as a luxury client.” Starting with the quote, Absolutely Polished strives to go above and beyond the average detailing service. Every client’s fee is based on their own specific needs and is tailored to the services or requests they require. Having a detailing service come to your home is not a necessity, it’s a nice extra to incorporate into
your life, and you should notice the difference it brings. “We use highend cleaning products. We stage the home; our clients come home and everything has been touched, even the corner folded on the toilet paper,” says Levesque, highlighting the importance in the details. “It takes five minutes to rinse out a coffee pot and wash a pet’s dishes, we shouldn’t need to be asked.” The passion that Levesque and the team at Absolutely Polished feel for what they do is clear in the service standard they provide and
the clients that continue to include Absolutely Polished as part of their routine. Absolutely Polished has truly become a part of each of their clients’ homes. Says Levesque, “My very first client is still with me today.” The long-term relationships that Absolutely Polished has developed prove how much the extra effort that each team member gives benefits their clients’ lives. Levesque and Absolutely Polished have been bringing that high-class feeling to their commercial and residential clients in the Kingston area for three years now. Every home is treated with the same amount of pride and respect. “We take pride in the little aspects every day,” says Levesque, “I’m so passionate about what I do. Building customer relationships is huge for me.” There needs to be that element of trust between a client and the person who details their home. “We see where [our clients] live, see their most private spots. We really care. It’s not a paycheque or a house on a schedule. It’s not commercialized, it’s personal.” There’s no need to travel to a hotel or spend obscene amounts of money to get that high-class feeling. You can bring it right to Kingston, right into your home, with the detail and passion of Absolutely Polished.
Absolutely Polished Alyssa Levesque (613) 539–1676 absolutelypolishedkingston.com
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STONE
The Next Natural Step in Luxury Flooring By Henny Buffinga
E
voking memories of rustic English farmhouse kitchens, there’s something satisfying about having natural stone in the home. Historically, stone was only affordable for royalty, but in the last 50 years the production of stone tile has made the material more accessible for homeowners. In a time when so many flooring materials do their best to imitate natural products, it’s an affordable luxury to have the real thing. One of the most popular choices in stone flooring is limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary stone
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Marble is a metamorphosed limestone, which gives it a hard surface that can take a high polish, giving it that glossy look it is known for. This glossy surface looks especially pristine in a kitchen or bath where the tile can be continued on the wall. Because of its associations with artistry, marble is often seen as a statement, but it is one that stands the test of time with a rich historical legacy. Travertine is a luxury stone tile that is often thought to be impractical because of its porous surface which lends itself to staining. However, with the proper milling and sealing, this stone can be a gorgeous addition to any home.
formed in ancient sea beds, whose characteristic colours include neutrals such as off-white, beige, tan, taupe and a light blue/grey. Popular in the medieval period in the construction of castles and cathedrals, limestone has been a reliable building choice for thousands of years. Limestone can have numerous fossil impressions in it, evoking memories of sand and sea. While it is a durable stone, it is relatively soft and shouldn’t be used in high-traffic areas of the home. Its porous nature makes it susceptible
to staining as well. A heavy-duty sealant can fix those problems, however, it will need to be reapplied every few years. For a traditional and elegant look, marble is a great choice. Used by Greek and Roman sculptors, marble has come to be a symbol for refined taste. What was once the choice of kings is much more accessible now, giving an old-world elegance to the home. A highly resilient stone, marble does need some special care when it comes to scratching and staining.
Travertine can be honed to give it a satinsmooth finish and very little reflection, or it can be polished, which gives it a high-gloss finish that reflects light and highlights the stone’s colour and markings. The characteristic colours of travertine are off-white, beige, tan and yellow, and it makes a great choice for hallways, entrances and living spaces. Its matte finish provides a warm look, and feels soft underfoot. Most quality travertine comes from Italy and Turkey, which have the biggest and most wellestablished stone quarries. Stone tile flooring works well in any season, whether you’re looking for the cool touch of stone in the summers or the luxury of heated tiles in the winter. Adding a touch of the old world and nature to your home, stone tile is a great investment
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same great stories,
WHOLE NEW LOOK.
www.ref inedkingston.com
CUSTOM HOMES AND RENOVATIONS
(613) 536–8910 paradiseconstruction.ca
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Home Comfort Specialists Serving Kingston for More Than 25 Years
2495 Princess St. at Gardiners Rd. HEATING | COOLING | SERVICE
(613) 634–7722 havenhomeclimatecare.ca facebook-square instagram