ReFINEd Kingston Magazine — Volume 4 Issue 2 by Refined Kingston Magazine

Volume 4, Issue 2

KINGSTOWN

FINANCIAL LIFE’S BRIGHTER UNDER THE SUN

INTERNATIONAL DINING IN YGK JUDGEMENT OF KINGSTON YOUR BACKYARD COTTAGE

F R E S H | L O C A L | L I V I N G

(613) 384â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2629 www.autobuf.com Est. 1989

Real Estate Law Residential • Commercial • Bankruptcy Mortgage • Leasing

Garth B. Allan

Cormac L. Trainor

Carolyn J. N. Knight

Michael D. D. Adams

The Royal Block, Suite 300, 366 King Street East, Kingston (613) 542–7867 www.vinerkennedy.com

Contents Volume 4 • Issue 2

COVER FEATURE

Kingstown Financial — Life’s Brighter Under the Sun

20 STYLE 20 Celebrating Summer with Swimwear

30 WELLNESS 30 Mindful Busyness 34 Kingston’s First Medical Wellness Campus 42 Field to Table to Tummy

50 CITY LIFE 50 Safe Haven 52 The Forever Gala 56 PROUD to support the community 64 East Coast Travel

68 FOOD & DRINK 68 Judgement of Kingston 74 L’affaire Française 76 A Taste of India 78 A Twist on Flavour

82 HOME & PROPERTIES 82 Turn Your Backyard into a Cottage Oasis

82 68

From the

Volume 4, Issue 2

KINGSTOWN

FINANCIAL LIFE’S BRIGHTER UNDER THE SUN

INTERNATIONAL DINING IN YGK JUDGEMENT OF KINGSTON

PUBLISHER

YOUR BACKYARD COTTAGE

FRESH | LOCAL | LIVING

The Cover: When our team first sat down with Tania Ashe Santin to toss around the creative concept for our summer cover she was all ears and open to our ideas. We wanted to highlight the success she’s had for her clients to date and introduce her as a great choice for anyone looking to work with an Advisor who really connects with clients. We hope you enjoy learning more about this kind, dynamic and strong woman.

Cover Photography: Stephen Wild

Cover Photoshoot Location:

Cathie Watson

The Grocery Basket – Rooftop Patio

Cover Hair: CHIC Hair and Esthetics Centre

Cover Makeup: Oh So Pretty

Cover Wardrobe: House of Angelis

Contributing Writers: Katrina Geenevasen, Kimberly Falk, Taylor Mitchell, Rob Elvy, Anna Ruck, Trish Krause, Lori Sweet, Cheryl Hiebert

Contributing Photography: Stephen Wild, Ian Nicholls, Shannon Goulet, Ash Nayler Photography, Beauty Light Love, Kaufmann Photography, Olliebee Photography

Want to get in touch? Cathie Watson Publisher/Owner cathie@refinedkingston.com

Katrina Geenevasen Editor katrina@refinedkingston.com

Crystal Wyatt Social Media Manager crystal@refinedkingston.com

To me, not much beats summer in the Limestone City. After all, is there anything better than dining al fresco, while watching the sailboats floating by in the harbour? I didn’t think so. This is just one of the reasons our team decided to include a Dining Around the World feature in this issue; we love team meetings the most when they can take place on a patio. (Drinks may or may not be part of our creative brainstorming process!). Whether you have a craving for a heaping plate of pasta, are longing for some French fare, or have a hankering for something that includes a hearty dash of curry and mouth-burning spices, #YGK has you covered. This issue also includes an introduction to Kingston’s first medical wellness facility: Kingston Medical and Wellness Campus. Known to many as KOPI, the campus offers a assortment of partners, all with a common purpose top-of-mind: providing a health and wellness centre where every business neighbour is relevant to one another. We hope you enjoy learning about it! Finally, while summer may bring with it fabulous weather and ample excuses for ice cream, it also brings with it the need for bathing suit shopping. If you’re anything like most women, it’s an excursion you dread. This season, fashion expert Anna Ruck is here to help; check out her advice on how to rock a suit you’re confident in. Enjoy our latest issue, everyone! Here’s to sunny days, sandy beaches, and great times with friends and family.

Spark Creative Communications Graphic Design contact@sparkslc.ca

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.

From the

EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

Stephen Wild

Katrina Geenevasen Nearly forty per cent of Canadian women admits they know “very little” about finance and investment, according to the national Financial Independence survey.

As we welcome the warmer weather (at long last!), I’m grateful for photo shoots that don’t require heavy jackets and woollen mittens. Bring on the heat, I say!

It’s a disheartening statistic, isn’t it? As a woman, I’d like to think we’re being more proactive when it comes to managing our money. But sadly, it seems many of us are not, and that we have a long way to go in terms of our comfort when it comes to money matters.

As always, our team has worked tirelessly to assemble a magazine we know you’ll love; whether you are looking for the next best place to enjoy an evening out, need some advice on how to be a little more mindful, or just enjoy sitting back and learning about all the amazing businesses our great city has to offer, there’ll be something in this issue for you to enjoy.

The good news is this: we have every opportunity to seek education and grow in our understanding, especially with the help of Tania Ashe Santin, a Certified Financial Planner with Sun Life Financial here in Kingston. Half of marriages end in divorce, so it’s likely that if you’re a married woman, there’s a 50 per cent chance you will one day need to know how to manage your finances. It’s important to know how to properly budget, save for retirement, and protect yourself from unforeseeable circumstances. Now, I must admit something: I feel like a hypocrite writing this. Because you know what? I’m part of that 40 per cent. I joke all the time that as a writer, I have no sense when it comes to math and money management. But the truth isn’t all that funny. If you’re like me, let’s pledge to take more of an active approach to our money. Financial Advisors like AsheSantin are standing by and ready to help; why not take the steps that are necessary to become more confident and feel empowered about your financial future? I know I am ready. Are you?

ReFINEd Kingston Magazine

It was an absolute pleasure to work with Tania Ashe Santin for this issue’s cover story; it was inspiring to meet with a Financial Advisor that truly understands all of her clients’ needs and will work with them to build a lifetime of financial security. Enjoy the story on page 14. If healthy eating is on your agenda this season, there’s never been a better time. Take a look at how eating local can shape the way you look and feel on page 40. As we welcome long, hotter days, we invite you to pull up your favourite Adirondack chair (is there anything more quintessentially Canadian?) whether it’s at your cottage or in your backyard, and enjoy learning about all the amazing businesses that make this city such a great place to live and work, not just this season, but all year long.

@refinedmagygk

ReFINEdKINGSTON

KINGSTON MEDICAL WELLNESS CAMPUS 800 John Marks Avenue

(613) 985–7836 www.kopiregenerative.ca

(613) 541–0998 www.kingstonmindfulness.com

(613) 329–5988 www.kopifit.com

(613) 767–2641 www.v2innovations.ca

(613) 547–2222 www.alignkingston.com

(613) 507–2626 www.annexspa.com

(613) 507–7246 www.bridgenutrition.ca

(613) 547–3444 www.jdphysiotherapy.ca

EXPERT ADVICE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION

Learning Doesn’t Stop Just Because School is Out When the final bell rings this school year, students of all ages and grades will head home to hang up their bookbags for the last time. They (most likely) will not give the books inside another thought until it’s time to head back to school. While it’s important for students to take a break and enjoy their summer, it’s equally impor tant students continue to keep their brains challenged. After all, the brain doesn’t stop seeing connections, growing, or processing information during the summer.

Brooke Lewis B.A. (Hons), B.Ed. (OCT) Centre Director

Oxford Learning Kingston 793 Blackburn Mews Kingston, Ontario (613) 384–7323 www.oxfordlearning.com kingston@oxfordlearning.com

The brain functions much like muscles in the body. When not used properly, it begins to deteriorate. As the saying goes: use it or lose it. “Without continual exercise over the summer, students’ brains can lose learning momentum, which can lead to trouble in the fall,” says Brooke Lewis, centre director of Oxford Learning Kingston. Known as the Summer Brain Drain, students who don’t engage in active learning over the summer can lose up to two months of academics, putting them at an academic disadvantage in the fall. Students have to spend the first weeks of school playing catch up. Summer is an opportunity for students to secure their footing for next year’s grade. Without the homework, assignments and projects of the regular school year, students can really focus on the areas that are the most challenging for them.

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In a single summer, students can review concepts learned in the previous grade, improve their study and organizational skills, and even get a head start on next year’s subjects so that they are starting the new school year ahead. Rather than playing catch up, students are actively learning the new curriculum from the first day of classes. Students who are ahead when they start a new grade are more likely to stay ahead for the entire school year. The opposite is also true; students who are struggling to catch up when the new school year begins are more likely to play the catch-up game for the entire school year. By continuing to learn over the summer months, students prevent the brain from losing neural connections that were built up during the school year. Maintaining learning momentum is an easy process: in as little as two or more hours of active learning per week, students can achieve that head start.

Contact Brooke Lewis or Alexandra Moore at Oxford Learning Kingston for more information on making the rest of the summer count.

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COVER STORY

Life’s Brighter

Under the Sun Written by Katrina Geenevasen Photos by Stephen Wild 14

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Tania Ashe Santin was just 19 years old when she began investing money, putting $75.00 twice a month from every pay cheque into a universal life insurance policy that she never gave a second thought to. It was six years later when that money “gave her a breath to carry on” after life threw her an unexpected curveball – she became a single mother – and she needed to make ends meet. Now as a mother and step mother to six children, Dylan, Reisha, Alexandra, Emily, Taylor and Zachary, she is hoping to pass her “save for a rainy day” mindset to her kids. Tania is now a Certified Financial Planner™ and Sun Life Financial advisor in the Limestone City. To this day, she continues to believe in the “ just in case” philosophy that gave her a renewed sense of hope all those years ago. That ability to maintain her independence through a difficult time inspires her to encourage clients to adopt the same forward-thinking attitude towards their money. “I tell all clients, ‘Put this little bit of money away today, and it will help you tomorrow,’” she says, explaining how she strives to help clients throughout every stage of their lives. Money for Life is Sun Life’s approach to helping people work towards and achieve financial security. “I take all my clients

through three to five-year strategic increments. It’s like mapping out a journey. I ask my clients where they see themselves in the future, and where they would like to be.” Financial planning can be viewed as a puzzle, she continues. “First, we put the framework around the puzzle, and then we put the pieces together to make sure everything fits. We help take care of the ‘what-ifs.’”

A Full Range of Financial Planning Services KingsTown Financial Services Inc. is dedicated to helping every client achieve financial success through high-quality insurance and investment products and a commitment to excellent service. Whether you’re an individual seeking financial planning advice to help you meet your short and long-term goals, manage debt repayment or plan for retirement,

or you’re a business owner seeking solutions to help protect your business and the people that work for you, Tania and her team work tirelessly to help provide tailored plans to help you thrive financially.

More Than Just a Business To Tania, financial planning isn’t just a business. It’s been her way of life since 1993. “It’s about relationships and helping people when they are the most vulnerable.” she says, adding “Clients are all like family to me. My husband Rob can attest to this. When someone is experiencing a difficult time, I take their pain personally.” On the other hand, Tania also finds joy in being able to celebrate a client’s happy life moments, whether it’s the birth of a child or grandchild, the purchase of a dream home, the beginning of a career or the start of retirement.

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Tania loves that her chosen career allows her the opportunity to grow, to learn, to celebrate, alongside the clients she works with. “I know all them intimately,” she says, explaining that most meetings don’t necessarily take place inside the confines of an office, but instead, dining in town, at the clients’ home, or their place of business. “I cry when clients cry, I laugh when clients laugh. It’s not about the business, it’s not about the money, it’s about the relationships. It’s a family. I know all their names, and I know the situations. It’s not transactional.” It’s this personal approach that sets her apart from other advisors. Tania also takes pride in how she brings in new clients. “I don’t prospect,” she says matter-of-factly. “New clients come to me, through

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referrals from existing clients and my professional network. This is a family approach. It’s small, it’s intimate. There’s no 1-800 number with my firm. You get me, or you get one of my team.” Clients could not agree more.

sincere, direct approach and always look forward to our meetings with her in the comfort of our home. We continue to recommend her to others.”

“It’s a pleasure to work with Tania on both a business and a personal level. Tania provides the right insurance and investment products to help ensure your needs are fulfilled. She is always available to chat, and she delivers solutions very efficiently!”

“Tania always has a client’s best interests in mind. Since taking over our personal and corporate accounts, we finally feel properly educated, protected from the unexpected and invested wisely! Tania knows the rules and regulations to maximize our efforts and works with accountants and lawyers, so we don’t have to worry about something being missed.”

– Anita Blommestyn, CaraCo. Other clients appreciate Tania’s direct approach; she doesn’t provide sugar coated advice, and she is known for “shooting from the hip.”

“Tania has looked after our investment and insurance needs for the past six years, we appreciate her

– Larry and Ileana Ottenhof, Tailco Renovations

– Mitch Bender Link Line Fence Ltd.

The Importance of Proper Planning Tania, who had a modest upbringing as the daughter of a truckdriver and a cook in a retirement home in Cape Breton Nova Scotia, was taught the ethic of integrity, compassion and hard work. Being a Certified Financial Planner™ is all about being able to help families, no matter what they might be going through. She just wishes more people understood the importance of proper planning. “It’s difficult being introduced to someone when they haven’t done any planning, and they have lost a spouse, a job or become disabled — they feel like they are losing everything. It confirms the importance of being financially prepared because life is unpredictable.” If she could, she would make sure everyone saved 10 per cent of their income, to help them be ready if something happens. “If something goes wrong, it’s nice knowing the money is there to take care of it,” she says. “It’s the security, being able to sleep at night and not worry about the ‘what-ifs.’”

Money for Life At the end of it all, Tania is grateful that every single day, she gets to wake up, do what she loves, and be able to help so many clients learn what Money for Life really means. “I love being needed,” she says. “There’s something about having someone trust you, need you, and confide in you. There’s something about people knowing that you always have their best interests at heart.”

Whether you’re thinking about your family, home, career, health or retirement – or any combination of these – Sun Life can provide advice, products and services to help you live a financially secure and healthier life. Contact Sun Life advisor, Tania Ashe Santin CFP® CLU® CHS™ to learn more about how you can prepare for life’s most important moments.

Kingstown Financial Services Inc. 1443 Cottsmere Crt, Kingston (613) 539–3662 www.sunlife.ca/tania.ashe tania.ashe@sunlife.com

ReFINEdKINGSTON

EXPERT ADVICE FINANCIAL ADVICE

Do you need critical illness insurance? Recovering from a serious illness can come at a significant cost. If it happens to you, how will you pay for it?

• 80% of heart attack victims and 75% of stroke victims admitted to hospital survive, says the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Imagine this: You’ve just been diagnosed with cancer.

The odds are that you or someone in your family will experience a serious medical setback at some point – and survive. But while you’re dealing with your illness, your finances could be suffering, too. For example, research by the Canadian Breast Cancer Network found that 44% of Canadians surveyed with cancer depleted their savings and retirement funds to cover treatment costs and make up for lost income.

While your doctors say your chances of a cure are good, the weeks and months of treatment and recovery you’ll need can come at a high price. Not the surgery or the hospital stay. Not the radiation treatments. Not even the chemo (if they give it to you in the hospital).

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

*There are no specific income tax laws for critical illness insurance. Based on current tax laws, Sun Life Financial believes any cash benefit from critical illness insurance will not currently be taxed when the policy is owned by and the benefit is payable to an individual.

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Those costs are generally covered by your provincial health insurance. But if your spouse has to take several months off work to look after you when you get home, or you’ve been prescribed expensive drugs that provincial health insurance doesn’t cover, or you need months of physiotherapy – you’re on your own. Where will the money come from? You could raid your savings, run up your credit cards or even borrow against the value of your home – all of which have the potential to derail your plans for retirement. Or critical illness insurance coverage can help leave your retirement plans on track.

Will you suffer a critical illness? You could. The Canadian Cancer Society says 40% of Canadian women and 45% of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetimes, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation estimates there are more than 70,000 heart attacks and 50,000 strokes in Canada each year. There is good news, however. More Canadians than ever are surviving lifealtering illnesses. Some more stats: • There are close to 1 million cancer survivors in Canada today, according to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

How does critical illness insurance work? If you’re diagnosed with one of the conditions covered under your critical illness insurance policy, after the required waiting period you’ll receive a lump-sum, tax-free* payment once your claim is approved. You can use that money for whatever you want. If you have disability insurance or extended healthcare benefits through your employer, it’s important to understand exactly what those benefits cover, and for how long. It’s a good idea to review your disability policy or healthcare benefits in comparison with the features of a critical illness insurance plan. Compare: • Maximum benefit amounts • Deductibles and waiting periods • Employment requirements (i.e., you can't take benefits with you when you leave your job) • P ercentage of income replaced, and for how long

Wise financial planning takes into consideration not only building your savings, but also protecting it. An advisor can help you to determine how critical illness insurance can support your overall financial plan.

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Tania Ashe Santin* * CFP®, CLU®, CHS™ * * Tania Ashe Santin CFP®, CLU®, CHS™ Tania Ashe Santin CFP®, CLU®, CHS™ Tania Ashe Santin CFP®, CLU®, CHS™ KingsTown Financial Services Inc. KingsTown Financial Services KingsTown Financial Inc.Inc. KingsTown Financial Services Inc. Services 613-539-3662 613-539-3662 613-539-3662 613-539-3662 tania.ashe@sunlife.com tania.ashe@sunlife.com tania.ashe@sunlife.com tania.ashe@sunlife.com 1443 Cottsmere Court 1443 Cottsmere Court 1443 Cottsmere Court 1443 Cottsmere Court Kingston, ON K7L 4V4

ON K7L Kingston, ONKingston, K7LKingston, 4V4 ON K7L 4V44V4

*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.

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STYLE

Celebrating Summer with Swimwear How to Flaunt What You Love Most About Your Summer Bod in the Right Bathing Suit Written by Anna Ruck

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The summer season is syn o n y m o u s w i t h s w i m w e a r, but this cer tainly shouldn’t cause you any undue stress. Finding the right suit for your body can be a challenge, but it shouldn’t be the reason you stay sequestered indoors or avoid lounging poolside.

With a multitude of styles available, it’s just a matter of identifying what cut will make you look and feel your best on the beach. This summer’s styles will help you accentuate what you love most about your body, because selflove is always on trend.

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Busty Beach Babe

If you’re the kind of girl who likes to show off your girls, or you could use a little extra oomph in the bust department, finding a suitable bikini top should feel akin to bra shopping. If you have a large bosom, make sure that the tag details the cup size instead of just small, medium or large, as you may benefit from the additional underwire reinforcement and proper fit. Thicker straps are also on trend this summer, which is good news if you’re busty and feel more comfortable with the added support. If you’re on the smaller side, you may find bikini bra tops are more flattering with a little extra padding that lifts your breasts. Ruffles, bold prints, and any other embellishments such as rings or buttons will also draw the eye to your perfect pair.

Baywatch Booty

Some of the same rules apply in terms of drawing attention to your derriere if you love your booty and aim to leave a lasting impression as you strut towards the shore. Details such as ruffles, bold prints, and patterns will amplify your behind. If you feel your bum is on the smaller side and you prefer to keep it simple, go with solid white as it has the opposite effect of slimming black. String bikinis, Brazilian style, and high-cut bottoms showcase a little more cheek and create the illusion of a bigger behind. But

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this may be uncomfortable if you’ve got an ample backside, so instead, choose a bathing suit that has enough coverage to ensure you’re not spending any sunshine time tugging at your bikini line.

panels that draw the eye inward towards your waist. A pattern or solid in a differentiating colour along the sides of your torso will create an hourglass shape even if you feel your build is more athletic than curvy.

Waist No Summertime

You can achieve the same illusion with fabric that gathers at the side or in the middle of your waist or a faux belt that highlights the narrowest part of your body. If, however, you prefer a two-piece vintage-inspired look, try a highwaisted bathing suit bottom that

Contrary to what you may think, showing off your waist doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear a barely-there bikini.

You can emphasize your curves in a one-piece with patterns and

hits you right around the belly button to achieve the same effect. Low rise bikinis and halter tops that lift your bust and show lots of tummy will of course also flaunt your belly.

Legs for Long Summer Days

If you love your legs, summertime is when you get to show them off! When it comes to swimwear, the easiest way to do so is to remember that less is more: less fabric, more leg. Channel your inner 80s Baywatch goddess and choose bathing suits with high-cut bottoms. This will make your legs look that much longer as the line of your leg extends all the way towards your hip bone. Those who are especially daring can also sport string-tie or strap bottoms instead of their full-coverage counterparts. Take the opportunity this summer to celebrate what you love the most about your body instead of hiding in the shade. Before you begin to shop for swimwear, consider what cut and style will help you feel like your best self on the shore instead of concerning yourself with how you can conceal your curves. The right suit can help you feel confident if you focus on what you love about your summer bod. Every body is a beach body, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a matter of knowing how to dress it.

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

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EXPERT ADVICE SKIN CARE & COSMETICS

Effortless Summer Makeup Cool, calm and collected is how we all want to feel during the hazy, lazy days of summer. So how do we keep a cool complexion throughout the heat of summer?

Here are some tips so the soaring temps don’t ruin your look: First off, it’s important not to neglect our winter moisturizing habits. Don’t be fooled by the damp glow on your skin. That is moisture being drawn out by the heat (also known as sweat!). It’s important to nourish and replenish.

Debbie Goulding

Debbie Goulding (613) 329–2950 dg.makeupartist@kos.net www.debbiegoulding.ca

To maintain your moisture levels while keeping your oiliness at bay, consider my go-to product, Countercontrol by Beautycounter. This “mind over matte-r” formula controls excess oils while giving nourishment and the right amount of moisture throughout the day. In addition to this, we should “refresh” with a spritzer! (I don’t mean the kind you drink, but they’re pretty “refreshing” too!). No matter your skin type, there is a facial mist to relieve and cool your overheated skin. My go-to is Beautycounter’s brightening, plumping, or balancing facial mists. Keep it in the fridge and spritz your complexion throughout the day. Now, as we all know, makeup and summer don’t mix well; makeup will move around with the humidity. The best way to avoid the slipping, sliding and creasing is to wear less. We all tend to glow naturally in the summer, anyway. However, if you choose to wear makeup, here are my pro tips to help you maintain a beautiful look from early morning to late evening:

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1. Moisturizing is key. I find a mattifying moisturizer is best to get the moisture you need without all the excess oil. 2. Apply a lightweight tinted foundation with SPF. Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer by Beautycounter delivers lightweight hydration, a hint of sheer coverage and SPF 20 protection. 3. Skip the shimmer! Everyone loves a nice dewy glow, but don’t overdo it. Avoid anything too luminous, as the humidity will make you look extra shiny and sweaty. 4. A pply a cream blush instead of a powder to avoid creasing and caking. To increase its wear, dust a light invisible setting powder overtop – just enough to lock in the colour, but not mattify it. 5. T his is the perfect time to play up the colours in your makeup palette. Besides looking summery, lively colours brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to the skin. 6. If you prefer neutrals, experiment with colour on one area of your face. A pop of blush on the apples of the cheeks is a good place to start. 7. Mascara that is water resistant is a must. Personally, I stay away from waterproof as it contains some pretty nasty ingredients. 8. Finish with a cool spritz of facial mist. It’ll set your makeup and enhance your healthy glow. Pro tip: Keep blotting papers in your purse. They eliminate unsightly shine and they're inexpensive and easy to use — just press and go!

For additional information or to book your summer makeover, please contact me!

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63 & 65 Brock Street, Kingston (613) 549â&#x20AC;&#x201C;0511 www.houseofangelis.ca

6 Speers Blvd Amherstview, Ontario www.changeshairsalon.ca (613) 389â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5181

EXPERT ADVICE WOMEN’S FASHION

Easy Care for Your Delicates: Soak That feeling of soft luxurious silk against your skin, that sensation of being wrapped up in your coziest cashmere sweater, that sense of French lace on your favorite new bra, that feeling when you see “ handwash” on the label.

Joanne & Maria Angelis

We’ve all been there. You take one look at the garment and think, “Am I really going to put the effort in to hand wash this?” and “Would the washing machine really be that bad?” In truth, a good machine’s handwash cycle is usually fine, but now there’s a better way to handwash and it’s called Soak. Soak makes handwashing incredibly easy, and it can be used in high-efficiency washers, as well. It’s great for all types of delicates, such as lingerie, swimwear, activewear, sweaters, and even make up brushes. (We can definitely attest to this one. Our brushes are super-clean and still as soft as the day we bought them.)

House of Angelis 63 & 65 Brock Street Kingston, Ontario (613) 549–0511 www.houseofangelis.ca

Soak, an all-Canadian brand, is also responsibly-formulated and manufactured right here in Ontario. So far so good, right? But we still haven’t told to you the best part. As the name suggests, you simply soak your garment for 15 minutes, wring out the excess water and you’re done. No rinsing required! So easy! Here’s what the soak school has to say about the no-rinse factor: “Because Soak is a low-suds liquid, the dirt and detergent come out in the water, and whatever is left in the item evaporates. When you squeeze out the water, all that’s left behind is a hint of fragrance that dissipates over time. You can certainly rinse if you

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want, but rinsing won’t affect how Soak cleans. It will just remove the fragrance. Because no-rinse requires less agitation, it’s easier on fabrics. Plus, the process uses less water, which is good for the planet.” Some other great attributes of this hero product: it’s made with plantderived renewable ingredients, it’s biodegradable, phosphate-free, dye-free and sulphate-free. It is also free from glycols. For those of you that don’t know what glycol is, let us tell you. Glycol is short for ethylene glycol, a chemical commonly used in many commercial and industrial applications including antifreeze and coolant. The fact that Soak makes a point of saying that this is not in their product means it probably is in many others we unwittingly use every day. We don’t really care for washing our favourite delicates in that kind of soap, do you? This delightful product is offered in six delicious scents. Tend to like fruitier scents? Try Celebration, Yuzu or Pineapple Grove. Lighter scents such as lacey and fig are fantastic for those who like a softer aroma. Prefer scent-free? You’ve got that option, as well. As a bonus, it’s as gentle against the skin as it is on the fabrics. Whatever the scent, Soak promises to be the easiest and best way to take care of those treasured delicates.

63 & 65 Brock Street, Kingston (613) 549â&#x20AC;&#x201C;0511 www.houseofangelis.ca

WELLNESS

Written by Cheryl Hiebert Wellness

Mindful Busyness

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“Time” has become elusive in our busy lives; just where does it go? With all the so-called modern amenities in our lives, do we truly have more time?

Life is busy. Juggling work, kids, cleaning the house, cooking, returning emails, and then trying to incorporate healthy practices into our day make it challenging to keep up.

and happiness amidst the chaos and endless busyness. Being mindful can be the first step. But what does it really mean to be mindful?

We want, need, and crave free time for ourselves. We want to be healthy and happy. I think I hear the voice in your head screaming, “Tell me how to do it then!” as I write this.

Being mindful is the state of being conscious and aware in each precious moment. We acknowledge the present and accept our thoughts, feelings and sensations.

The reality is that this busyness isn’t likely to change. Perhaps the truth is we aren’t going to do less. What we do need is to learn how to maintain a sense of joy, health

Are you truly present in every activity during the day? Or are you always thinking about the next item on the ‘to do’ list?

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Here are some tips, so you can incorporate mindfulness into your everyday routine:

• Use those seemingly ‘wasted’ periods of time and make the most of them. Those little glimpses of time might be all you get some days, and they might

• Instead of rushing the kids out the

also become a slice of time you relish.

door, take a few seconds to connect with a sincere hug. Look them in the eyes and tell them how much they

Time may remain elusive because we’re not actually in it at all.

mean to you. This is why you had them in the first place. Enjoy them every minute you can; • When you are sitting at a red light or waiting in line at the grocery store, take the time to take a few deep breaths, which calms the agitated nervous system from all the rushing around;

We need to mindfully function and stay present in each moment. Remember that we do our best knowing that our “best” changes each day depending on what we have to undertake, how tired we are and how well we have taken care of ourselves.

• S ilently repeat positive affirmations to yourself. Need an idea? Mentally list off everything you love and are grateful for;

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If you find yourself feeling guilty when you take time away from work or family to refresh yourself, let’s reframe it.

Never underestimate the power of a good sleep, meal or hug.

How do you feel when you do take the time to do something for yourself? When you take the time to sit and enjoy tea, go shopping with friends, have a night out? It’s likely you come back refreshed, rejuvenated; your well is full. You can give more when you are filled to the brim. You cannot give from empty. A car with no gas isn’t going anywhere.

We simply have to be gentler with ourselves.

Here are a few more ways to take a snippet of time for you and mindfully make the most of moments in life: • Tea time. Sitting with my tea last week, I reflected upon how soothing it is, and all the times tea calls me to brew a cup and sit and relax. I bask in the soothing warmth with hands wrapped around the big mug, steam on my face; being warmed from the inside out. That takes five minutes. • Take a relaxing bath to soothe the senses. Shut the door, lock it and tell everyone you are off duty. Put your headphones on with soothing music to drown out the inevitable knocking. Relax and breathe. • Have a hearty meal with your entire family, taking the time to look in one another’s eyes, and acknowledge one another’s accomplishments. • Enjoy five minutes of meditation. Set the timer. Close your eyes and count each breath in and out to provide focus. • Try yoga. If you don’t have time for a studio, find an online source, buy a DVD, and have a friend come over once a week to join you. • Take the time to review your dreams and intentions. Have you lost sight of what is important with all your busyness?

We need the time to fully enjoy the fruits of ozur labour. Isn’t that why we work so hard? Take the time and the precious spare moments you get each day to stay present and enjoy them.

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Written by Kimberley Falk Photography by Stephen Wild

KINGSTON’S FIRST MEDICAL WELLNESS CAMPUS 800 John Marks Ave.

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There’s a gathering of health and wellness leaders here in Kingston expertly bridging the gap between medical professionals to bring you the best care available for all of your healthcare needs.

about patient care with each other, providing optimum treatment in patient/client care, from mental health to physical health to dietary needs,” says Terry Haynes, founder of the Kingston Mindfulness Centre.

Dr. Greg Murphy and Dr. Jeff Yach’s vision to provide a space where people can have everything addressed under one roof has come alive, and it’s only the beginning of what the campus will eventually explore.

Ultimately, the Kingston Medical and Wellness Campus has a vision to offer every medical and health service that may be needed for people, negating the need to visit a hospital unless due to a medical emergency.

“Having this multidisciplinar y approach to healthcare allows for professionals to communicate

Currently, the campus offers a conglomeration of partners, all with a common purpose top-of-mind:

providing a health and wellness centre where every business neighbour is relevant to one another. The hope is to sell additional space to other like-minded businesses that have a mutual goal of providing health and wellness-centered products and services.

Kingston Mindfulness Centre at KOPI

Through Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) classes offered at the K M C at KOPI, anyone can benefit. “The programs and workshops offer tools to help with stress and in turn physical, emotional, and mental suffering; no one is immune to suffering,” says Terry. Terry works with participants from the age of 12 and up and offers therapeutic mindfulness sessions for both individuals and groups. In each class, participants learn to live in the present moment; the only moment we can control. This is done through practices including sitting, lying down and walking meditation, as well as mindful movement.

Dr. Greg Murphy (left) & Dr. Jeff Yach (right)

It is experiential learning, rather than lecture-style teaching. It allows patients to experience the benefits of turning inward with patience and a non-judgemental attitude, giving them the chance to tap into inner wisdom and potential healing. This is the first and only mindfulness-dedicated space in Kingston and its surrounding areas and is available for rent.

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JD Physiotherapy

Jonathan Daniel, president of JD Physiotherapy, has three locations in the Kingston and Napanee areas.

Physiotherapy is my passion and I am motivated every day I wake up to go to my clinics and help heal those in need,” says Jonathan. Each location offers fully-private treatment rooms instead of the typical curtains, and has a team dedicated to treating each patient with compassion and respect. “We feel honoured when someone puts their trust in us to heal them,” says Jonathan.

“I’ve been practicing for 12 years now and I can truly say that I was put on this earth to do just that.

V2innovations

With a team of highly-experienced professionals dedicated to a client-centered approach, AJ Venter, certified orthotist, and Martin Robertson and Filip Surca, both certified prosthetists, of

JD also offers services such as registered massage therapy; pelvic floor treatments; craniosacral therapy; concussion treatments; speech-language pathology treatments for children; child psychology

V2innovations focus on finding unique solutions for those with mobility or physical vulnerabilities, whether due to amputation, trauma, sports injury, or a specific diagnosis.

treatments and assessments (coming this fall); and even mental training and imagery services for athletes or chronic pain sufferers.

“ We assess patients, and then design, manufacture and fit a variety of prostheses and orthoses on-site,” they explain. Emerging technology and engineering has broadened the capabilities of these services, which means each client is offered the best that medical advancement has to offer. “Our clients always come first. We love to think outside the box. Our focus is to listen to our clients, and then find a way within our scope of practice to help our patients achieve their goals. Sometimes [that goal] is to be mobile enough to do everyday tasks around the house, to go back to work, or even to do circus arts or play volleyball on the national team!”

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The Annex Spa

We all deserve a little bit of selfcare; our emotional, mental and physical health demand it. Tiffany Brick and Emily Macintosh, registered massage therapists, owners of The Annex Spa, and good friends, are expanding their team into Kingston East.

T he full - se r vic e spa wi th a vamped-up menu of offerings provides treatments that coincide with whatever reason guests have for care, all with the great service you’ve come to expect from The Annex. Therapists treat clients with muscle and joint pain, stress, chronic and acute injuries, as well as those who are expecting a little one. And that’s just the start of the services they offer.

“ We have managed to build a really fantastic team with a variety of skills and specialties,” says Emily & Tiffany. Whatever area needs TLC, from eyelashes to feet, The Annex Spa “strives to provide quality treatments

Kopi-Fit Studio & Pur.Simple.Shop

There’s a healthy lifestyle waiting to be found for everyone, and we each have our own way of getting there.

“My goal is to help people achieve their wellness goals through coaching, motivation and encouragement,” says Nancy Lascelle, owner of Kopi-Fit Studio & Pur.

Simple.Shop., a retail location that sells Purple Essential skin care products, as well as other locally and Canadian-made organic products and fitness wear.

and excellent customer service to our clients. What we do, we do well. Our business continues to grow because we are involved and have a strong desire to contribute to building the community we are in.”

one-on-one exercises with clients’ designated goals as the focus. “I believe we need to keep our mind, body and spirit healthy and nourished through exercise, nutrition, education and love.”

Kopi - Fit of fers many sched uled classes, including yoga and strength training, and also offers

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KOPI Regenerative

KOPI’s regenerative medicine clinic uses an advanced biological medical process that enables a more anabolic environment (build up) versus a more normal catabolic (break down) one. These regenerative procedures target the osteoarthritic or non-healing process in joints of the body. Most commonly, these joints include the knee, hip, and shoulder, but they also include the small joints of the back. These osteoarthritic processes, which were usually only symptomatically treated until the joint could be replaced, offers some non-surgical help for those needing it. Although Health Canada has made Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate unavailable in the

near future, there are other alternatives, including Platelet Rich Plasma, which offers growth factor and other proteins to create the anabolic, healing environment.

Bridge Nutrition Inc.

“The Kingston area deserves more than fad diets and commercial dieting systems,” says Ryan Stallard, a registered dietician, Bridge Nutrition Inc.’s director, and the only expertly-trained obesity specialist in the community. “We are the only clinic in the region that use gold standard equipment that can analyze a person’s actual metabolism and body composition, genetic influences on weight, as well as identify their personal relationship with food. Using these advanced tools, we are able to create a personalized program, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.” Another focus of Bridge Nutrition Inc. is anti-aging and expanding

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“Our commitment is to provide a multitude of safe options for patients in pain. We are currently working with Health Canada to see what options will be available in the future,” says Terry.

the number of healthy years one can live through nutrition and mindfulness. They are also the first clinic in Canada to implement a new, cutting-edge virtual reality treatment that will accelerate the habit change process in a matter of weeks.

Align Orthotics

Our feet are the foundation of both our body and our life. They are also the most complex, and without the proper care and support, pain may be experienced throughout the rest of the body.

“We want to be more than just providers of orthotic inserts,” say Maclean Graydon and Meghann Brunet, co-owners of Align Orthotics. Together, the team offers solutions for foot and lower limb pain through the use of orthotics, 3D gait technology, and compression socks.

particular, military, health care and education workers who are on their feet for long hours,” they note.

“We see people of all ages experiencing foot and lower limb pain. In

With 40 years of combined experience in the assessment and

“We loved the idea of a multi-disciplinary campus where a group of professionals can work together to enhance the services provided to patients. Ultimately, patients benefit when care providers work together.”

Kingston Medical Wellness Campus

fabrication of orthotics, “we use a mix of traditional manufacturing techniques and modern technology in our assessments, in order to provide customized solutions for our clients,” they note.

“Having the ability to walk down the hall and have access to experts in multiple health fields can’t be overstated.”

KOPI Regenerative Therapy

KOPI Fit

(613) 985–7836

(613) 329–5988

www.kopi.ca

www.kopifit.com

Align Orthotics

Bridge Nutrition Services

JD Pysiotherapy

(613) 547–2222

(613) 507–7246

(613) 547–3444

www.alignkingston.com

www.bridgenutrition.ca

www.jdphysiotherapy.ca

Annex Spa

Kingston Mindfulness Centre

V2 Innovations

(613) 507–2626

(613) 541–0998

(613) 767–2641

www.annexspa.com

www.kingstonmindfulness.com

www.v2innovations.ca

800 John Marks Avenue

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EXPERT ADVICE CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Supporting Our Inborn Resilience If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or experi-

The brain doesn’t know the difference

encing frequent illness and chronic fatigue,

between social anxiety at school and work,

it doesn’t necessarily mean your body is

a grizzly bear attack, that fight you had with

doing something wrong. There’s a chance

your siblings, the fact that you ate too much

it’s your body’s intelligent adaptive sympa-

sugar, sat still in a chair all day, or had too

thetic response.

much screen time. It’s no wonder there are increasing trends in chronic illness.

Commonly known as the “fight-or-flight response”, this response occurs when your

Although avoiding negative stressors ideal,

brain responds with an entire symphony of

it is sadly unrealistic. We need to be able to

physiological changes to help you survive a

balance the teeter-totter between the two

stressful situation. It is the body’s mecha-

systems so our sympathetic response is

nism for adapting to anxiety using the sympa-

quicker to return to a more parasympathetic

thetic branch of the autonomic nervous

rhythm of rest-and-digest.

system, which shunts blood from our organs and pushes it to our extremities.

Dr. Jason Young & Dr. Rebecca Huddleston

chronically elevated fight-or-flight response Our bodies weren’t designed to stay in fight-

is probably the most common challenge we

or-flight mode for more than a few hours or

see in our patients and community. Luckily,

days, at most. But today, we are constantly

it’s also a fairly simple one to change.

being bombarded with physical, chemical and emotional stress.

ForeverYoung Chiropractic 3-510 Canatara Crt, Kingston (613) 507–5007 14 York Road, Shannonville (613) 966–5855 fychiropractic@gmail.com www.foreveryoungchiro.ca

“Ninety per cent of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by movement of the spine.” — Dr. Roger Sperry Nobel Prize Recipient

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That is what helps create our resilience. A

It is time to start utilizing

Our bodies are made up of an amazingly

Imagine what our world could be like if we

integrated system that relies on movement

all carved out just a little time to unwind and

for a healthy brain and nervous system.

soften old tension patterns, received more

The spine itself has around a hundred

outside help from chiropractors and other

moving and make sure you

joints. While moving, these joints activate

body workers, and moved our bodies more

special receptors known as proprioceptors.

to turn down the stress response and feed

get a spinal wellness check

our brains with healthy signals. These receptors send signals to the brain and can help create a downshift of fight-orflight back toward a rest-and-digest baseline. We know movement can decrease depression, help kids perform better on tests, and is why you feel better after a walk versus sitting at your desk all day. Joints that lack adequate motion not only starve the brain of normal proprioceptive input, but they also amplify the stress response by sending alarm signals to the brain saying, “Help, something is wrong!” Without fluid motion, the brain is vulnerable to a continuous stress loop. The best way to interrupt this loop is to maintain frequent, fluid motion in the body, especially in the spine. Chiropractic care is a gift designed to help detect and remove any “stuck spots” (subluxations) that may be stressing your system. A chiropractor can identify where your spine and body are stuck and then deliver a series of specific gentle adjustments to enhance motion regardless of age. Adjustments are safe even for babies, as the force is less than the pressure used for checking the ripeness of a tomato. It is easy to think our bodies are failing us, when they are actually trying to protect us the best way they can. Sometimes, they just need a little help.

your inborn resilience! Get

from your local chiropractor.

Written by Trish Krause â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bite out of Life Wellness 42

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Ahhhh summer! The season of abundance when it comes to fresh food & yummy dining. The field to fork movement is certainly not new, but the idea of sourcing your food from local farms and eating sustainably has never been more popular. “Sustainability is a blanket term but it’s not just about the food. It’s about building economic strength in the community alongside choosing the best possible foods to nourish your family,” says Wendy Banks, a sixth generation farmer and owner/operator of Wendy’s Country Market, located in a historic schoolhouse in Lyndhurst.

When customers stop by her market, Wendy is more than happy to engage them in conversation about why shopping local and being a curious foodie is good for both the health of her customers and the long-term viability of the many small agri-food business in this region.

“Healthy food begins with how it’s grown and produced. That food needs healthy soil. And healthy soil results when you avoid a monoculture environment which will deplete the natural resources in the soil. A small-scale operation is more likely to cross-promote a variety of crops and animals to minimize waste and maximize sustainability. Everything is connected and that’s why I am so passionate about sharing this information with my customers.” As part of fostering this connection, Wendy hosts school groups, cooking, planting and farm information classes, and many other workshops and events at her market to demonstrate that eating well and respecting the production of food doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or intimidating. Making the connection between the farmer, the table and the enjoyment of a meal is always top of

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mind for Tim Pater, President of Black Dog Hospitality Group. Tim’s love of locavore culture began with a trip to France when he was still in highschool. There he witnessed families forgoing massive once-aweek supermarket trips and instead stopping at the bakery, the butcher, the green grocer down the street so that everything they put on the table was fresh and from a source they knew and trusted. And that also contributed to the local economy. “Meals were seasonally driven and what’s even more amazing is that it was an experience in itself to prepare the food, to do the work of making a meal happen. The meals go on and on, everyone being together at the table for hours each night. I’d never seen that here (in Canada) and it really had a tremendous impact on me”, says Tim, adding that his goal has always been to help his patrons feel that same sense of awe about food and importance of combining sociability and sustainability. As he first created Black Dog Catering, then his four eclectic and wildly popular restaurants, Le Chien Noir Bistro, Atomica Kitchen, Diane’s Fish Shack and Smokehouse, and Harper’s Burger Bar, Tim was dedicated to bringing together local, preferably organic suppliers, who aligned with his philosophy of great food that pleases the palate and the social conscience. “Our customers are savvy. They definitely want great meals at fair prices. But many are also aware of the importance of managing

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our footprint and doing business with reputable farms and producers. They do ask questions and we want to be able to answer those with integrity.” Both Wendy and Tim take pride in helping their customers and staff understand how to decipher the many terms and descriptions that are tossed around when it comes to sustainable eating.

Here’s a quick glossary of some of the most common terms you’ll hear so you can make choices that align best with your values and needs:

CAGE FREE AND FREE RUN: hens may not be in conventional battery cages but could still be confined to a crowded barn with no access to outdoors. Ask for details. CERTIFIED ORGANIC: foods labeled â&#x20AC;&#x153;organicâ&#x20AC;? must contain at least 95% organic ingredients with no synthetic growth hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, biotechnology, synthetic ingredients or irradiation in production or processing. Note: this is an arduous and expensive process that must be renewed yearly so many small-scale producers follow organic principles but cannot afford the certification.

FAIR TRADE: crops must be grown, produced and processed in a manner that supports social, economic and environmental development. Workers must have fair wages, safe and equitable working conditions and the right to join unions. Child or forced labor is completely prohibited. FREE RANGE: hens may be free to run at will around the farmyard or in an outdoor enclosure. Ask for details.

GRASS FED: Animals must only be fed grass and forage during the growing season.Grass-fed meat has less total fat, more healthy omega-3 fats and antioxidants, and more conjugated linoleic acids which are thought to help reduce heart disease and some cancers. LOCAVORE: someone who principally chooses locally grown or produced food. PASTURED: Animals are allowed to roam in open pastures. Analysis shows these produce have the richest nutritional benefits. NATURAL: This is generally a fabricated marketing term that means nothing. OCEANWISE: ensures research-based principles are applied to avoid/limit damage to ocean stocks or environment, including limiting bycatch of engendered or non-target species. SUSTAINABLE DIET: has a low impact on the environment, respects biodiversity, is culturally acceptable and economically accessible, and optimizes human and natural resources.

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Finding Balance Written by Kimberley Falk

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Photos by Olliebee Photography

Anxiety, stress, trauma, addiction, and just an all-around inability to cope — these are only some of the emotional and psychological issues many of us face on a daily basis. Sadly, many of us feel like we need to “survive” through our problems alone. says registered psychotherapist Amanda Hammond, one half of the Hammond team. Amanda specializes in addiction, women, and couple’s counseling. Darrell Hammond (who focuses on trauma, youth, and anxiety) and Amanda take different approaches,

yet are still so similar, seeing the process of receiving therapy as relationship-based. “It’s not professional versus client,” says Amanda. “It’s an equal playing field. We are a team working on the same goal.”

not knowing what they’re looking for. They’re stuck and don’t know how to get unstuck; they don’t know what it is they need or want. They just know something’s not right and want to feel stronger and happier.”

Good therapists are the ones who are authentic, real, interested and active,” says Amanda.

“Folks with trauma will think they’re broken or damaged and not able to function as they used to, so the idea is to get them back to their comfort level,” adds Darrell. “The treatment plan is always important to keep their goal at the forefront.”

“

“I’ve been to therapy before, and to me, it’s that authentic, active participant in my well-being,” she says. “I don’t want someone just nodding and asking me how I feel about that. I would be out of there.” Inspired by a psychologist he worked with years ago, Darrell focuses on being genuinely invested in and nurturing for his clients. “Once that trust is established and the client knows I am going to respect them no matter what, then we can decide what tools they need or let them decide what’s missing in their lives and figure out how to put it back in.” Amanda’s niche was addiction counseling with professionals, so when she started doing private practice, many women began calling her. “My caseload started to become women with self-esteem, confidence, relationship problems, and couples,” she says. “That was universe telling me, ‘Hey, this is what you should be doing.’ Really, that’s my ideal client. I know what I’m good at and who I can help and how I can help them,” says Amanda. Psychotherapy is about a client-directed goal, says Amanda, “Sometimes, people come to me

With more than 40 years of shared experience in Kingston and its surrounding communities, Amanda and Darrell Hammond have developed an authentic method of psychotherapy that sets them apart while bringing them together. “The fact that we’re married is pretty interesting,” says Amanda. “I don’t know of any other therapy couples in Kingston. We worked together and were best friends for eight years before we even got together. People are often saying, “You’re married to a therapist and you’re a therapist? Your fights must be so boring.” Amanda and Darrell Hammond offer a holistic practice that provides both individual and couple’s therapy for anyone of any age. Amanda also offers a women’s group with content geared towards the needs of the attendees. Both Amanda and Darrell love the entrepreneurial spirit of Kingston and can’t wait for someone to bring back Celebrity Spor ts World. They’re proud to be “regular people who just happen to do this stuff.”

Hammond Psychotherapy Amanda Hammond, RP, RSSW, CCAC 1472 Tamarac St, Kingston ON amanda@hammondpsychotherapy.com

Darrell Hammond, RP, CYC 556 O’Connor Dr, Kingston ON darrell@hammondpsychotherapy.com

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EXPERT ADVICE MEDICAL COSMETICS

CoolSculpting: A Patient’s Perspective cells. As we gain or lose weight, these

Can you walk us through treatment day?

cells can expand and shrink. Many people

All I felt was a slight tugging, a bit of cold,

achieve weight loss through a healthy diet

and then nothing at all. The areas that had

and exercise, but may still be left with a

less fat were a tad more uncomfortable,

Every individual has a set number of fat

stubborn pocket of fat. These people are

but honestly it was a breeze. My techni-

the perfect candidates for CoolSculpting,

cian was awesome at explaining all the

a cosmetic treatment that takes advan-

details to me as things were happening. It

tage of the higher freezing temperature

all went a lot better than I had anticipated.

of fat cells to safely and efficiently sculpt

Melissa & Kaitlin

stubborn body fat.

Masters Certified Technicians

CoolSculpting can kill 20-25 per cent of

CoolSculpting University

fat cells in the treated area by fat reduction. This process works by combining technology and nature: controlled cool-

Kingston Laser Cosmetic Clinic 863 Norwest Road Clock Tower Plaza (613) 384–4200 info@kingstonlaser.com www.kingstonlaser.com

ing and suction is used to treat the area, and then the body’s natural processes take over, flushing out the dead fat cells for good. The whole process is completely non-surgical and requires little or no downtime. At Kingston Laser Cosmetic Clinic, our experienced team works with two CoolSculpting machines in unison to help patients customize their contour. We sat down with Laura* to hear about her personalized CoolSculpting journey.

Curious about CoolSculpting? Call the clinic or drop by to book a complimentary consultation.

What was the first step in your CoolSculpting process? I had a lovely, comfortable and free consultation at Kingston Laser. I have been going there for about 10 years now and only trust them with my cosmetic procedures. I was told I am a perfect candidate for CoolSculpting. I eat well and exercise often but as age crept up, I just could not lose my stubborn belly fat. They worked with me to find the perfect applicator sizes and to give me a personalized pricing plan. I never felt pressured in any way.

What was your experience post treatment? The next day, the area was sensitive, like a mild rug burn. It was slightly swollen, and of course, numb. I wasn’t ready to get back into my skinny jeans yet, but loose yoga pants felt fine. The second day I was still swollen, but much less sensitive. For the next week I still felt numb and also a bit itchy in spots, but the swelling went down. After that week I was pretty well back to normal!

Do you have any advice for others about to embark on their CoolSculpting journey? Results will not be immediate; you must be patient. After three months, I looked amazing! It’s also good to note that this treatment works best when paired with clean eating habits and a healthy lifestyle.

"I just loved my CoolSculpting, if you're wavering about starting your journey —don't!" The expert team at Kingston Laser is passionate about educating patients about this exciting new technology, and providing them with a highly personalized plan to achieve their ideal body shape. A thorough consultation by a certified technician is the most important step in setting you on the right path in your CoolSculpting journey. *Patient's name was changed for confidentiality.

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CITY LIFE

Written by Taylor Mitchell Photography by Shannon Goulet

How many of us have grown up consuming happy tales about picturesque farms, featuring a cast of loveable animals free to roam and live out their lives in peace? At Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary, it’s as if these childhood stories have come to life. Located in Harrowsmith, Ontario, this volunteer-run charitable organization aims to rehabilitate abused, neglected and abandoned farm animals. As co-founder and Director of Operations, Carla Reilly Moore explains, farm animals are in desperate need of a safe haven. “I learned that farm animals really have no rights at all,” Carla recounts.

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“If these animals are allowed to retire, they deserve somewhere they can go to live out their lives. Whether you eat animals or not, nobody wants cruelty.” Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary provides a loving home for over 75 animals including alpacas, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. However, it’s not only the animals that find themselves rehabilitated during their time at the sanctuary. “I was in a car accident in 2015 and had to stop working,” Carla explains. “I started doing yoga in the meadow with some of our animals and it was such a cathartic and healing experience. That’s when I really realized that we needed to open the sanctuary to the public. Once I was able to rehabilitate myself a little bit, it allowed me

to rehabilitate animals and appreciate their healing abilities.” This rehabilitative experience has helped countless groups within the community including military veterans with PTSD, individuals with special needs and children on a lower socio-economic level.

“It’s a circle of healing,” Carla explains. “We’re helping the animals but they’re helping us at the same time.”

sanctuary will be better equipped to meet the demands of the community and develop its program offerings further.

Beyond community- building, Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary is highly dedicated to educating all those that visit the farm, especially the younger generations.

When asked about the best part of her job, Carla’s passion for her work is evident as she describes the healing powers of the farm.

“These kids are going to grow up and they are our leaders of tomorrow,” says Moore. “It’s important that they have empathy, compassion, and critical thinking skills. We just hope to be a little part of that.” As for the future of the sanctuary, Happy Tails is currently fundraising to build an education centre which will serve the community all year round. The charity currently operates between the months of June and October. With a new building dedicated to education, the

“A lot of these kids have never been outside of the city so for them to experience all this green space and get to run and play and learn about the animals, it makes your heart swell, it’s just an incredible feeling.”

Learn more about current program offerings and opportunities on the Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary at: www.happytailsfarmsanctuary.ca Donations for the new education centre can be made online at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/happytailsfarmsanctuary Tax receipts will be provided for all generous contributions.

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The Forever Gala: Until There is a Forever Home for Every Animal Written by Katrina Geenevasen

Photos by Beauty Light Love

A few years ago, Wobbles, a weekold bunny at the time, was left to fend for himself on the side of a road, fighting a losing battle against the scorching summer sun and lacking food and water.

While Wobbles did require surgery to have both of his eyes removed, he’s now thriving, and faithfully serves as the trusty comrade to a 13-year-old rabbit named Alaska, who is also blind.

After working together as volunteers at an animal shelter, three activists, came together to form the rescue, specifically to help the third most surrendered animals — rabbits — be rehomed.

He was still so new to this world that his eyes remained closed. His chances weren’t favourable, but it seems fate — and the incredible volunteers at Kingston Animal Rescue — were on his side.

Wobbles’ happy ending is just one of many success stories — nearly 800, in fact — that owes its thanks to Kingston Animal Rescue, a 100 per cent volunteer-run, no-kill animal rescue established in 2010.

That first year, Kingston Animal Rescue nearly 50 events, the animal-loving trio tirelessly crafting and baking just to scrape together the funds to help the first animals they took in. Those initial, tentative steps have led to huge, impressive strides. From 2012 to 2013, Kingston Animal Rescue championed the creation of a by-law to ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in Kingston pet stores. After an intense year of council meetings, petitioning and public outreach, a by-law that restricts the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in Kingston pet stores came into effect on Aug. 14, 2013. Our city now has one of the most progressive pet store by-laws in the country. “This was a historic moment for us and we pushed hard for it,” says Hellard during her interview with ReFINEd Kingston. And that’s not all. Throughout the years, Kingston Animal Rescue has continued to give animals a second

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chance at life through countless life-saving medical procedures, all so the animals will be adoptable and have a good quality of life. And on Aug. 9, Jessica Hellard Real Estate Group will be hosting the first-ever Forever Gala, an event that will help ensure Kingston Animal Rescue can continue doing its incredible work in our city and beyond. “Kingston Animal Rescue has worked hard to rescue animals in our city that have nowhere else to go, providing exceptional care and placing them in committed forever homes,”

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explains Hellard. “We’ve rescued and rehabilitated cats, rabbits, some dogs, and all kinds of little friends over the years. Now, we hope to make a bigger difference for dogs in need.” Reaching out to Northern communities, Quebec, the United States, and countries beyond has already started, but more help is needed, she explains. “This is an extensive undertaking on top of everything we already do. The funds raised by The Forever Gala will make this initiative possible, changing the lives of dogs in need.”

The event is set to take place at the Isabel Bader Centre, where guests will be treated to a magical night, says Hellard. “But I believe that Kingston itself is magical,” she says. “If you get such wonderfully golden-hearted people of the community together in the same place in a gorgeous venue with special lighting, décor and music, the air will be charged with energy and it will feel amazing.” While the event will raise muchneeded funds for furry friends in need, it’s also a fitting way to celebrate the tenth anniversary

of Kingston Animal Rescue. “This feels amazing,” says Hellard. “Ten years have gone by so fast. Ten years being a grassroots, small organization and still being around — let alone growing — is huge! It is all thanks to our amazing community of Kingston.” It’s sure to be a can’t-miss-it event, promises Hellard. “As the stars come out over the lake, we hope people will have a fantastic time and know that just as there are stars in the sky, we are all connected and animals dream too, so we hope to make those dreams come true of a forever home.”

Until There is a Forever Home for Every Animal: The Forever Gala The Isabel Bader Centre, 390 King Street West August 9th, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. A magical night out in support of Kingston Animal Rescue. Enjoy delicious vegan fine dining, live and silent auctions, live music, a DJ and dancing. Get your tickets today: www.forevergala.com ReFINEdKINGSTON

PROUD

to support the community • SHORELINES CASINO THOUSAND ISLANDS •

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How would you help your community if given the opportunity? Together with their more than 270 team members, Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands is an active community citizen and is focused on supporting the community.

PROUD is a unique initiative that promotes community involvement among its employees.

fulfilling experience. I’ve also learned that small changes can have a big impact.”

“The PROUD statement is: ‘Proud of our people, our business and our community. That is exactly what it makes you feel – proud,’” says Kim Lackie, marketing and sponsorship manager and member of the PROUD program.

With a group of employees dedicated to planning events and managing the program, there are many more volunteering their time within the surrounding community to represent the casino, including Kim. And every team member is proud to be part of an amazing initiative.

Having a strong community is important for any business, but to Shorelines, it’s more about ensuring the community is healthy and happy. “Doing what we do brings a deep appreciation for what we have and is a firm reminder of what matters – family, friends, and health,” says Kim.

In 2016, OLG Casino Thousand Islands transitioned to Great Canadian Gaming, and with this change in leadership, Shorelines Casino brought with it PROUD, a Great Canadian Gaming program.

“Every time we volunteer, I am taught something new,” she says. “Everyone has a story and acknowledging individual circumstances with respect and understanding makes for a more

How is the PROUD program making a difference?

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So very thankful for Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, in particular, their PROUD committee. What a fantastic group of people. A much-needed donation, which includes the proceeds from the gala in October! (Seriously, you need to go to that next year, so much fun.) Send them some love, peeps!” Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville Each employee is eligible to receive up to $500 dollars for a charity of their choice by meeting certain criteria, such as for every 40 hours they volunteer. “It takes the feeling of giving back to a higher level,” says Kim. Currently, Shorelines casino supports Victims Services of Leeds and Grenville as their PROUD challenge. The PROUD challenge is a specific charity that each location under the Great Canadian Gaming umbrella focuses on each year. And yet, their outreach extends far beyond just one charity. The PROUD program at Shorelines Casino

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supports a number of non-profits in the surrounding area. Being active in the community has become an important part of being a member of the Shorelines Casino family.

“Our employees are amazing. We have staff volunteering their time for Meals on Wheels, multiple coaches for youth programs, Big Brothers and Sisters, and the Angel Tree Foundation, to name a few,” says Kim. Shorelines Casino is also the main sponsor for the Annual Business Awards of the 1000 Islands and the Gananoque Chamber of Commerce. It’s also proud to present the Shorelines Casino

A gigantic thank you to shorelines casino 1000 islands for their kindness and generosity! Thank you to the proud committee for another cheque in support of our all-volunteer run, no-kill animal shelter! GDHS and all of our volunteers and animals want to extend to all of you our most sincere thanks and appreciation for your efforts!” The Gananoque Humane Society Humanitarian of the Year award. This award recognizes a member of the community who enriches and improves the lives of others, in high esteem. Another recent contribution that the program has made includes raising more than $7,500 for the Gananoque Humane Society. The impact Shorelines has made on Gananoque and the surrounding areas, including Kingston, extends what can fit in one article. “We are so lucky to live where we do – it is the most beautiful place

in the world, and to be able to give back and be a positive, supportive member of the community is so important,” says Kim. Every summer, Shorelines has many seasonal employment opportunities to meet the demand of the tourist season. By keeping jobs as well as a significant amount of their revenue local, Gananoque and the Township of Leeds and Grenville can continue to thrive.

How can PROUD and Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands help your organization or fundraising efforts? “ Whi le we are e m pl oye es of Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, the PROUD committee is employee volunteer-based. We are here to provide meaningful support to our local communities. Our employees are engaged and want to make a real difference,” says Kim, “so reach out to us and if there is a way we can help your charity or organization make an impact, we would love to help.” Shorelines Casino 380 ON-2, Gananoque, ON K7G 2V4 www.shorelinescasinos.com

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HE T •

POWER OF •

Authentic Visuals Written by Kimberley Falk

Photography by Kaufmann Photography

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“

In our fast-moving society, it is often the visual images that are recognized and acknowledged first. Even before our minds register who or what a brand is, we’ve already made a mental judgment — whether good or bad — about them. Differentiating your business from the competition and leaving a lasting, positive impression with your audience is key to building a successful future for your brand. Are you happy with your current visuals? Do they truly represent your brand and the feelings you want to inspire in prospective clients and customers? The visuals of your brand can sometimes be the most tangible part of your business, so ensuring they perfectly represent who you are, as well as your goals and values, is important.

I want to show each business how they can use imagery to stand out— that they can be more.” Lauren Kaufmann’s custom-built, full-service studio has been successfully shooting gorgeous, styled portrait photography in Kingston for the last 12 years. Her ability to dive deep into a person’s soul and bring out personality, creativity and passion has gained her a dedicated following in the community.

Kaufmann Photography has created a stir in Kingston by expanding its love of fine art portraits and attention to detail into the business world. It takes a unique approach to business images by focusing on the nitty-gritty details about a brand that can be brought out to truly visualize itself properly. L auren’s Business Branding Program focuses on creating eye-catching and consistent visuals for your business. Kaufmann Photography will also soon be offering workshops for busi nesses focused on beginning the visual process. “Many businesses continue to have a difficult time in creating consistent visuals with purpose to reach their target market,” says Lauren. “We see so many of the same stock images spreading across the Internet. With Kaufmann Photography’s Business Branding

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program, you’re gaining access to a stockpile of images, all created with purpose and intent specifically for your business.” Integr ating professional, harmonious and unique imagery as part of your business plan and marketing can differentiate your business from the competition, build trust, create authenticity and develop lifelong relationships with your customers.

“

I want to tell a visual story, your brand’s story,” says Lauren. “I get to know what your target market is and what your goals are. We sit down in person with your marketing team and develop clarity and a focus on how to take your brand to the next level.”

Lauren’s team can be as involved as needed with your imagery and branding. Whether you require help building your visual presence from the ground up, or creating image content to align with your annual marketing, Lauren’s extensive photography experience and styling guidance can help your business stand out. Each month you’ll meet with Lauren and her team to develop strategies unique to your business needs and define your marketing goals. “Your products and services, workspace and staff are the foundation of your business,” says Lauren. “It’s time to reflect that in your brand’s images. From digital to printed media, desk to website, your business’ brand will evolve and communicate more effectively with your audience and customers.”

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Lauren Kaufmann has been devoted to taking authentic, inspiring photographs for decades. Having travelled the world with her camera, Lauren has found images tell a story to her, and she now focuses on developing images that do the same for others. By creating a relationship and comfortable setting for her clients, Lauren creates an inspired experience no matter the reason behind the images. Kaufmann Photography offers a combination of photography services within the coammunity, including fine art and contemporary portraits and luxury studio experiences for women, children and corporations. She loves finding the magic within her clients by capturing memories and moments of happiness, success, love, and courage. Kaufmann Photography 2750 Middle Road, Kingston lauren@kaufmannphotography.com www.kaufmannphotography.com

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Let’s Take a Road Trip canada’s east coast:

By Lori Sweet — www.voyagewriters.com

The words “road trip” can mean so many different things to different people. Heading East

The jagged coastline, sandy beaches, freshest lobster in the world and some of the friendliest people you will find, are only a few of the reasons for a visit to the Maritimes. Maritimes is a term that means by the sea, and you’re guaranteed to spend lots of time on or near the water on this trip.

When you hear “let’s take a road trip” and you are living in Canada or want to visit, it can be daunting to figure out where to go. Canada stretches some 7,800kms from

coast to coast. Each of the ten provinces and three territories that make up this vast country has beautiful vistas, and plenty of things to do that are worthy of a visit.

Canada’s Maritime provinces are New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Add in Newfoundland and Labrador, and they are called the Atlantic provinces. Unless you have many weeks to travel, keeping Newfoundland and Labrador for a trip unto itself is suggested.

Your first decision is how many provinces you are going to see. Even if you start by just visiting the capital of each of these eastern provinces, you will get an excellent overview of what is unique to each one.

New Brunswick

Do not rush through New Brunswick. 83% of the province may be covered in forest, but there is so much to do. This is also where you will find Canada’s warmest salt water.

World Famous Tides

The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides. Twice a day, approximately 160 billion tonnes of

seawater flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy. It’s home to 12 species of whales and the picture worthy

Hopewell Rocks. Here you can see the famous rock formations, also known as ‘Flowerpot Rocks,’ that are created by tidal erosion. During high tide, you can kayak around the rocks or stay safely on one of the viewing decks. At low tide, you can walk the ocean floor and explore the beach and rock formations up close. You will want to see both high and low tide. Your admission is valid for two consecutive days. Add a whale watching trip from St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, have a feast of lobster from Shediac, the lobster capital of the world or visit the historic Acadian village near Caraquet. Whatever you choose, you will be glad you did.

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Nova Scotia

“The journey not the arrival matters.” –T.S. Elliot

Like the other Maritime provinces, Nova Scotia’s known for its warm hospitality, history, seafood and breathtaking views. Being almost surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it has been called Canada’s Ocean Playground.

Island Loop

Cape Breton Island is part of Nova Scotia. It is connected to the mainland by the Canso Causeway. The world famous Cabot Trail is an approximately 300 km loop around the northern part of the island. On this drive, you will be treated to stunning scenery, freshly caught seafood, and examples of Acadian, Irish and Scottish history. A stop in Baddeck, along the Cabot Trail, to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is a must. This museum is dedicated to the famous inventor. There are plenty of places to stay overnight along the way so that you can take your time discovering the area.

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The World of Wine

Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley is making its mark in the world of wine. There are now more than 18

wineries and vineyards producing award-winning wines that pair well with Nova Scotia fare.

Prince Edward Island This may be the smallest province in Canada, but it has a lot to offer visitors. It is famous for its red sand beaches, lighthouses, potatoes and a red-headed fictional character named Anne.

Anne, but you will have a chance to see some of Prince Edward Islands’ famous beaches, hiking and cycling trails.

You can’t visit Prince Edward Island without seeing some reference to author Lucy Maude Montgomery’s, Anne of Green Gables. While in the capital city Charlottetown, you could take the opportunity to see one of the world’s longest-running musicals, Anne of Green Gables-The Musical. 2019 is its 55th season.

Prince Edward Island is the place to go if you love lighthouses. While you likely won’t have time to visit all 60+ lighthouses, you won’t travel very far on the island without seeing one or more.

Visit Green Gables Heritage Place located in Prince Edward Island National Park, where you can not only be immersed in everything

Lighthouse Lover’s Dream

This island is referred to as Canada’s Food Island. Rest assured, whether you try some of their famous potatoes cooked in a variety of ways or taste their fantastic lobster mac and cheese, or any of their other culinary treats; you will go home satisfied.

Plan to Visit

Late spring, summer and fall are the best times to visit. Many things are closed over the long winter months. The only thing consistent about the weather is that it will change frequently. This is a way of life in the Maritimes and adds to its charm. Be prepared with gear for possible rain, and you are all set. Regardless of which of the Maritime provinces you visit, you will come away with an appreciation for good food, beautiful scenery, unique experiences and the warmth of good people. Photos of Prince Edward Island provided by Tourism PEI and Paul Baglole.

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FOOD & DRINK

Judgement Call Written by Katrina Geenevasen

Photos Courtesy of The Judgement of Kingston and Ash Naylor Photography

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Even though it’s just shy of noon, I’m not about to decline the perfectly chilled glass of white wine that’s being placed in my hands as I settle comfortably into a 19th-century settee at Karlo Estates. It’s a brilliant summer morning in Prince Edward County, after all, and I’m meeting with Sherry Karlo and Saxe Brickenden to chat about the upcoming Judgement of Kingston, the Limestone City’s premiere wine tasting event. Crisp enough for the patio, smooth enough for cocktail hour, and dry enough for a dinner party, the winery’s Three Witches Bordeaux blend that I’m sipping exudes a crisp citrus and wheatgrass scent; it’s the perfect way to kick off our conversation. “The Judgement of Kingston offers an all-too-rare opportunity to put County wines against the quintessential wines of other regions,” says Karlo, settling in beside me with her own glass of wine. “It’s really opened a lot of people’s minds.”

The Judgement of Kingston Set to take place Nov. 2 at the Residence Inn by Marriot (Water’s Edge), the highly-anticipated Judgement of Kingston has sold out each year since its inception four years ago, when a group of wine-loving professors from The Royal Military College and Queen’s University – known as The Royal Winers – were inspired by the history behind the 2008 comedy drama Bottle Shock. In the film, California wines defeat world-renowned French wines in a blind

tasting that left the wine world open-mouthed – in more ways than one. That first year, the blind tasting witnessed some of the best wines from PEC go glass-to-glass with some of the greatest California chardonnays. Prince Edward County’s Rosehall Run took first, with the California wine placing second. Third place also went to a PEC wine from Closson Chase. The years that followed have proven County wines can hold their own amongst some of the world’s best, and there’s no doubt that this year’s competition – which will pit pinot noirs of the County against some from New Zealand — will continue to prove locally-produced wines have certainly earned their place on the world stage.

A Toast to Local Wines “There some serious winemakers in Prince Edward County, who are doing great things with wine,” says Lubomyr Luciuk, self-professed wine aficionado and the Judgement of Kingston’s chief organizer. While lovely sippers can be found in multiple locations across Canada, including the Niagara Peninsula, Niagara on the Lake, and the Lake Erie South Shore, why travel such a great distance when you can raise your glass a mere 40 minutes’ drive away? The Judgement of Kingston is the perfect way to toast to local wines, and the unique terroir that makes them possible. “The limestone-rich soils of Prince Edward County produce wines with an unmistakable sense of place,”

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What’s better than wine that supports a great cause? The Judgement of Kingston is a completely volunteer-run and not-for-profit event. All wines and silent auction items are donated. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $10,000 for the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation and the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario. This year, proceeds from the event will be donated to Martha’s Table and the Christmas Hampers of Hope Fund.

says the Prince Edward County Winegrowers’ Association. “The natural minerality of the soil is highlighted in the wines along with other flavours developed from the nutrients and minerals that the grapes absorb as they grow.”

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Many of the wineries in the County specialize in refreshing chardonnays and luscious pinot noirs, which do particularly well in the region thanks to the moderating lake effect on the climate, and since these wine varieties tend to beautifully absorb the characteristics of the soil. That said, there are County winemakers with an “adventurous spirt,” says the Association, who are experimenting with Cabernet Franc, Reisling, Gamay, Pinot Gris, Baco Noir and Merlot. More and more entrepreneurial wine-lovers are taking note of the opportunities available in the County, and are joining the nearly 50 wineries that can be found there. It’s now one of the fastest-growing wine regions in all of Ontario. “The growth is the result of the County’s unique and fortunate position of having great limestone soil

for the creation of elegant wines, a lovely rural ambiance, and a geographic position that puts it within a three-hour drive of almost 12 million people in the GTA, Ottawa and Montreal,” explains David Lawrason, wine writer and educator. Events such as the Judgement of Kingston are the perfect way for those tentatively putting a toe in the wine-drinking waters to sample what’s growing right in our own backyard. “ Fro m my p oi nt of view, the Judgement is really good because it gives people the chance to see how good Ontario and Prince Edward County wines are relative to international wines,” says Colin Stanners, owner of Stanners Vineyard. “A lot of people don’t realize how good the wines are right here at home. They think of California and France as being so much superior. This event is really good because it gives people a chance to see how these

wines really do stack up to them. It lets people see how good our wines really are.” Brickenden agrees. “You really don’t know how your wines compare, its characteristics, and how it manifests itself until you have the opportunity to taste them sideby-side, blind,” he says. “It really is revealing.”

a doubt that our wines — despite being produced in a relatively new region — have great flavour…and even greater potential. Let’s all cheers to that, shall we?

Making a Judgement So, who will be crowned the winner at this year’s event? It’s anyone’s best guess.

Karlo and Stanners can attest to the absolute quality of their wine; they’ve each been awarded multiple accolades for their vineyard’s mouth-watering wines.

“New Zealand generally has a warmer climate than PEC, so the wines will have more ripeness of flavour, deeper colour and rich texture or body,” says Lawrason. “But that alone doesn’t make them better if using my definition of quality.”

Among many (many!) others, Stanners 2017 Pinot Noir was given a score of 93 points by Jamie Goode, a UK wine writer and judge, while Karlo Estate’s 2017 Estate Chardonnay won a gold medal at the All Canadian Wine Championship.

“Quality,” according to Lawrason, is a measurement of balance, aromatic and flavour intensity, complexity, length of finish and how well its origin is expressed. These things can be applied to wine from anywhere.

These awards, and others like them that are being awarded to wineries across the County, prove without

One thing’s for sure, however: like past years, this year’s Judgement of Kingston is sure to please the palate, no matter which wine is victorious. “There has been such long-held negativity about Canadian wine,” Lawrason says. “The wines were not good at one point. But Canada is making huge strides in quality and Canadians need to know that.” Not only that, it’s just plain fun, says Luciuk. It’s far from snobbish; anyone from an experienced connoisseur with a posh palate and a swirling tick, to a casual sipper that just enjoys a little tipple every now and again will enjoy the event. So, let’s raise our glasses and cheers to locally-grown grapes; after all, it’s what’s inside the glass – and on our palate — that counts.

And so, the winner, says Lawrason, will depend on how the judges evaluate the wines, and what their personal criteria is.

Who will be crowned as the victor this year? When County Pinot Noirs go headto-head with wines from New Zealand? Find out Nov. 3. Don’t miss out; tickets are available online. They’re just $85, and they are already almost sold out. www.judgementofkingston.ca ReFINEdKINGSTON

PERSONALIZED PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS A 4 WEEK PROGRAM DESIGNED TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO TALK CAMERA!

STEPHEN WILD 72

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swild11@gmail.com

stephenwildphotography.com

A Foodie’s Paradise Dining Around the World in the Limestone City Written by Katrina Geenevasen While global travel simply isn’t possible for everyone, a selection of Limestone City restaurateurs are making it possible for your tastebuds to experience all corners of the globe as often as you’d like. Whether you have a hankering for fabulous French cuisine, a flavoursome Thai dish, or a large plate of inauthentically authentic Mexican tacos, you’re guaranteed to find it right here in Kingston. And this time

of year, chances are you’re able to enjoy it while dining al fresco on one of our city’s great patios. (Bonus points if it’s on the water!). Kingston is, without a doubt, a great home and superb destination for foodies; the city has more restaurants per capita than any other city in all of Ontario. It’s made even better by the fact that so many restaurant owners are embracing the local food movement with open

arms, and incorporating delicious local ingredients into magnificent international dishes. As a nod to our city’s great dining destinations, we’ve decided to feature just a few of our favourite places to enjoy a bite to eat, not just during the warm summer months, but all year long.

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L’affaire Française

Written by Katrina Geenevasen Photography by Stephen Wild

Strolling through the cobblestoned streets of Paris is an unforgettably magical experience that makes it easy to understand just why the historic and magnetic city has been coined as the City of Love; you can’t help but fall in love with it.

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The commanding architecture and sparkling 800 -kilometre Seine may be a treat for the eyes, but it’s the city’s brasseries and bistros that truly delight the senses. Whether it’s the scent of a waiter passing by with a steaming plate of coq au vin, the taste of rich beef bourguignon on your palate, or the sight of a simple but fragrant basket of warm bread on your table, French dining truly is an experience to savour … in more ways than one.

If, however, a jaunt overseas to La Ville des Lumières isn’t in the cards for you, a trip downtown to Chien Noir surely is. Coined as Kingston’s Friendly Neighbourhood Bistro, Chien Noir first opened its doors to the Limestone City 19 years ago. Since then, it’s become a go-to; a place one knows they can enjoy the comfortable and relaxed ambience and excellent service just as much as they’ll enjoy the carefully planned menu. It’s not a fine dining affair; it’s a neighbourhood bistro perfect for grabbing a plate of your favourite French comfort food, whether that’s steak frites, or an herb and a Dijon-crusted half chicken served with a white wine pan

sauce. Craving a simple burger? Chien Noir has those, too. They’re just – like everything else on the restaurant’s menu – deliciously elevated. Think naturally raised Enright Cattle Co. beef, topped with manchego cheese, house bacon, gem lettuce, zuni pickles, shallots, and a special sauce all aboard a fluffy brioche bun. Your mouth is watering now, isn’t it? You’re welcome. Chef Roy Seifried and owner Tim Pater have taken great care to ensure the menu reflects the overarching goal of the restaurant: giving Kingstonians and visitors alike a place to enjoy elevated comfort food in a cosy, eclectic environment that’s perfect for any and every occasion.

Produce from local farmers will always yield a better taste than something brought in from somewhere else, after all. It’s also a great way to support local producers and is better for the environment.

Chien Noir also takes pride in utilizing locally sourced ingredients for their dishes when possible.

While there’s of course something to be said for the bistro’s elevated comfort food, the staff is

what truly makes the dining experience something to savour. The cooks, bartenders and servers are a huge part of what has kept Chien Noir’s clientele so faithful, says Pater, and are part of what keep people coming back time and time again, whether they’re on a casual business lunch, marking a special anniversary, or just don’t feel like cooking. (We won’t judge. We’ve all been there.) If you’re ready to unwind with fabulous French fare, look no further than Chien Noir. Just don’t skip dessert. Bon appétit!

Chien Noir Bistro was once again recognized by Where to Eat in Canada, for the 18th year in a row. Le Chien Noir Bistro 69 Brock St, Kingston (613) 549–5635 lechiennoir.com

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Flavours of India

Written by Taylor Mitchell Photography by Stephen Wild 76

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Behind every great business is a visionary, someone who is passionate about their work and dedicated to the customers they serve. The visionary mind behind 1000 Curry, a Kingston-based restaurant specializing in authentic Indian cuisine, is Ben Mukherjee. Mukherjee has a truly distinguished culinary history. Working for one of the world’s most prestigious hotel chains, alongside top talent in the culinary arts, and even catering Barak Obama’s 2009 inauguration at the White House, there is no denying Mukherjee’s wealth of talent and experience.

With every success, Mukherjee has refined his skills and gained an unparalleled understanding of business and above all, customer service. But things weren’t always easy. After arriving in Canada and being laid off twice in less than two years, Mukherjee and his family decided it was time to build their own business from the ground up. “We started our little takeout place in Gananoque right by the water,” Mukherjee explains. “I had people coming in and asking why I was making gourmet wraps and burgers and not Indian food. I used to

get very defensive. But I digested that feeling and said, ‘Okay, this is what my customers want.’ So, we started making Indian food and the next thing you know, there’s a lineup out the door.” It’s this rare ability to listen and deliver what customers really want that led to the well-deserved success of 1000 Curry. After a few years of operation in Gananoque, Mukherjee expanded his business and opened a second location in Kingston. For many, the new restaurant’s location by an Esso station off the 401 may come as a surprise. But for Mukherjee, the location is perfect with its abundance of parking space and proximity to the highway.

“In my experience, people who are traveling don’t really have many dining options to choose from,” says Mukherjee. “There aren’t many places where people can relax, eat good food, have a glass of wine, stretch, and then move on to their final destination.” Dining at 1000 Curry gives customers the unique feeling of being genuinely appreciated. This sentiment comes from the business’ foundational value of creating meaningful connections through the dishes being served. “Everything we make on our menu is all 100 per cent custom,” Mukherjee details. “Nothing is pre-made. At the end of the day, people need to connect with their food. And when they do, that’s the ultimate sense of appreciation for a chef.”

“Connection” really is the best term to describe the atmosphere that emits from this spirited establishment. You feel a sense of connection to the caring staff, to the flavourful and personally-crafted dishes, and to the man behind it all, who has worked so tirelessly to deliver exceptional service to every person who enters his restaurant. “Making good food is not about having the best recipe on the planet, it’s about understanding the person who is eating it.” For more information on the savoury Indian dishes available at 1000 Curry, please visit the business’ website, Facebook page, or come in and tr y the food for yourself!

1000 Curry 1525 Centennial Dr, Kingston (613) 507–7423 185 King Street East, Gananoque (613) 382–8779 1000curry.ca

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Photography by Stephen Wild

a contemporary

TWIST

on flavour Written by Taylor Mitchell

If you’re on the hunt for a unique and meaningful dining experience, look no further than Mesa Fresca. Located in the west end of Kingston, this vibrant and independent restaurant delivers a contemporary twist on traditional Mexican and Latin cuisine. Opening a Mexican-inspired restaurant may not seem like the most obvious culinary choice, but for local owners Andrew and Alison

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Scahill, along with Mitch Leger, the decision was made without hesitation. With a combined experience of more than 50 years in the industry that spans numerous provinces, these three visionaries have managed to build a business that complements the city in every possible way.

“It really came naturally for us to open up this sort of style of restaurant,” the owners explain. “We would try different recipes and dishes at large dinner parties with family and friends at the cottage and knew we could bring our own style of Mexican and Latin fusion to an already fantastic restaurant scene.”

What makes Mesa Fresca stand out is the sense of community that radiates throughout the space. From the moment you walk through the restaurant’s doors, it is apparent the owners have put their sincere passion into every single detail. “We always said that if we as owner-operators are going to spend a lot of time here, we want to create something fun and really enjoy coming to work every day,” Andrew explains. “I think that ideology comes through to our customers. The lively surroundings are merely one feature that enhance the flavour of every dish on the menu. Dedicated to working with local suppliers, Mesa Fresca is creating a community in more ways than one. “Utilizing the best that Kingston — and for that matter, Ontario — has to offer, has always been a mandate for us,” Andrew describes. “Not only are the ingredients fantastic, but by using local suppliers, we help to sustain a thriving community, and to ensure the products that we bring to our customers’ table are the best products we can possibly put out.”

Sitting within this spirited establishment, it is clear Mesa Fresca has been a labour of love and intense devotion. It is much more than just a business; it is a community space where you can enjoy layers of fresh flavours, laugh with friends, and relax while sipping on a margarita. This is the true magic of Mesa Fresca. This is where the restaurant comes to life. “There really are two great things about owning a restaurant,” the owners reveal. “The first is the ability to deliver a product that you love to your customers. The second is the daily interaction with those customers! No two days are the same and we love it that way! That, and tequila!” Visit the Mesa Fresca website and Facebook page for more information and to discover the delicious dishes on their “inauthentically authentic” menu. Mesa Fresca 1347 Gardiners Rd, Kingston (613) 389–6372 mesafresca.ca

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A Judgement on Blind Tasting and Wine Scores

Written by Rob Elvy

I was recently chatting with a follow “wino” and he stated emphatically that his decision on what wines to buy was based solely on whether it scored 90 points or more and was under $20. Laughing in response, I had to inform him that $20 or more is the new $15. I also had to note that many of the reviews, whether tasted blindly or not, were not particularly accurate and should be thought of as inconsistent judgement.

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With the increased success of the Judgement of Kingston — a blind tasting of wines from Prince Edward County against keen wine appellations from around the world — I thought I would investigate the accuracy of blind and open tastings. Indeed, in my world of wine, wine scores are used consistently in the marketing of wine, regardless of what price point the bottle is. Wines with high scores or gold medals, etc., are always rewarded

with increased consumer interest and sales. So how much faith can consumers put on judged tastings whether done blindly or openly? According to the vast majority of studies, little faith can be placed on scores, whether blind or not, and the general consensus is that human scores are unpredictable. A single wine from the same vintage can be reviewed and tasted many times in a short period of time – sometimes by the same taster – and receive remarkably different scores. In one study, it was concluded that price directly affected the

combination of time, wine knowledge and feeling comfortable purchasing the unknown. In Ontario, our entire wine knowledge is primarily based upon what choices and information we can draw from a government retail wine shop forcing the consumer to sift thru an inventory of wines that, for the most part, never really exposes more than the surface of what variety exists in the wine world. Seeing a score or review is quick fix to the consumer paralysis. Furthermore, blind and judgement tastings attempt to reduce to a single number that which parties can’t possibly agree upon. It is essential not to put too much faith in a single right answer amongst the endless possibilities of many legitimate opinions.

amount people enjoyed it. When 58 people blind tasted the same wine yet labelled differently – one grand cru and the other an ordinary table wine – they used positive language to describe the grand cru and negative language to describe the “plonk”.[1] Even more revealing was a further test of colour and perception. Two glasses of wine – one red and one white – were placed in front of the [1]

same panel who were then asked to describe each. Interestingly, the red was described as having fresh red berry fruit and other red wine descriptors, despite the fact that it was poured from the same bottle of white wine. The glass of white had been coloured with a flavourless red dye. So why do we place such high regard on these scores and competition? I believe it is a

Despite my misgivings about (and scientific evidence against) blind tastings, there is the single human factor that makes The Judgement in Kingston such a grand event. Pure enjoyment! There is so much fun to be had in tasting a whack of wines and sharing what you like and don’t like about each. On top of all the enjoyment, you raise funds for local charities while at the same time bringing attention to a new appellation of wine amongst a world awash in good wine.Sounds like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Hats off to the organizers and volunteers and congratulations on your fourth competition.

Dissertation from French academic Frederic Brochet ReFINEdKINGSTON

HOMES & PROPERTIES

turn your

Backyard into a Cottage Oasis

Written by Kimberley Falk

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Our city is surrounded by water, so it’s to be expected some lucky Kingstonians head to cottages, camps or cabins on the weekends. If you don’t, however, have access to your own private dock, beach, and perfect starry sky, don’t fret: backyards are full of so much potential. Is yours being neglected? Do you only venture out there when you need to mow the lawn or fire up the barbecue? Regardless of the size of your outdoor space, here are a few ideas to consider when thinking about “cottage-ing” it up, backyard style.

Bring on the Beach

Perfectly inexpensive, a first step to planning your backyard oasis is to add a little sand. As long as you plan out a reasonable space in your landscaping design and build a solid border, that sand won’t be going anywhere. Once you’ve got your beach set up, add a few chairs, a volleyball net, an umbrella, and your favourite book.

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Add a Boardwalk

Be careful, however, about just how invested you get into your building plans, beca use you may need a permit or grading done to ensure you’re up to code.

Another relatively simple and inexpensive addition to your backyard, a boardwalk will give you and your guests an inviting reason to enter the rest of your backyard…especially if you have a patio or deck that boxes everything in.

Marshmallows, Anyone?

You can picture it can’t you? A strategically-placed boardwalk will add that perfect break between your garden and beach area.

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There is no by-law against having a firepit in Kingston as long as you register for the proper permits. By adding a simple, enclosed pit to your backyard, you’ve got the

perfect reason to sit outside and listen to the crackle of the flames and enjoy the fresh air without the bugs that come with being near large bodies of water.

Can’t See the Stars? Make Some!

Every backyard oasis needs some sort of light. Whether you’re downtown or out in Woodhaven, place some classic tea lights in a row of Mason jars or string multiple solar globe lights across your fence; you’ll have something to welcome you outside at night and ensure you soon forget your neighbours next door.

Add Some Finishing Touches

Hang the rustic sign you purchased from YGK Art Fest and start collecting all those items you said you’d purchase if you ever owned a cottage…because now you have the next best thing.

All those finishing touches are what really make your cottage, cabin, or camp feel authentic and homey. If you’re artistic, try painting a mural on the inside of one of your fences. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Get your partner, your kids and your friends out there to enjoy the summer heat while it lasts. ReFINEdKINGSTON

Upgrade Your Life!

Exciting New Lot Releases Brand new lots in Riverview, West Village and Woodhaven.

Join us at the earliest opportunity to secure a spectacular new lot! Register at tamarackhomes.com for more info or contact

Jacqui Collier

jcollier@tamarackhomes.com

Sales Centre Hours Monday to Thursday, 12–7, Saturday and Sunday 11–4, Friday closed.

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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.

Be Bold. Be Unique.

Be Different.

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We strive to ensure you’ll be beyond satisfied with your new designer furniture, a piece that is uniquely yours. That’s the Stone City difference.

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Specializing in Live Edge • Hardwoods Resin River Tables • Residential & Commercial

STONECITYWOOD.COM rob@stonecitywood.com | 613.583.5515 95 Jack Davey Dr. Unit #6 Amherstview ON ReFINEdKINGSTON

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ReFINEd Kingston Magazine — Volume 4 Issue 2

Articles inside

Kingstown Financial

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