Volume 5, Issue 1
KEEPING IT
IN THE FAMILY MULTI-GENERATION BUSINESSES IN #YGK
OUR REGION’S TOP CHEFS AMANDA AERIN’S DESIGN STYLES EVAN SHARMA’S WEARABLE ART
F R E S H | L O C A L | L I V I N G
ad Ro L8 3 am nh K7M e Syd ON 3 , 106 ston 2629 tyling – s g Kin ) 384 uf_re 3 b 9 (61 98 uto 1 a d @ she i l ab Es t
Kingston's premier workspace in the heart of downtown Kingston. Call today to book a tour and to receive our opening 20% promotion on memberships.
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k.work offers memberships ranging from virtual desks to private offices and bookable conference rooms for your next meeting. Original limestone and brick from the early 1800s meets state-of-the-art. 101-171 WELLINGTON STREET, KINGSTON | 613.929.0500 | INFO@K-WORK.CA | WWW.K-WORK.CA ReFINEdKINGSTON
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From the
PUBLISHER
The Cover: Nick Gilmour – Gilmours on 38/Gilmours by the Bay Melissa Stevenson – Changes Hair & Esthetics Salon Maria Papanicolaou – Papa’s Pizzeria Jamie Hall – Gananoque Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Marci McMullen – Haven Home Climatecare
Cover Photography:
Cathie Calarco
Stephen Wild
Cover Photoshoot Location: Innovation Hub at St. Lawrence College
Contributing Writers: Amanda Aerin, Miriam Baker, Kimberley Falk, Trish Krause, Anna Fischer, Deb Hamilton, Lori Sweet, Morgan Pierce, Adrian Baranchuk, Katrina Geenevasen
Contributing Photography: Stephen Wild, Larry Arnal, Wing Studios, Olivea, Korinna Elizabeth Photography, Brooke Towle Photography, Erick Hercules, Matt Jumper, Rotary Club of Kingston, Chantelle Lynn Photography
Even though we are well into 2020, this is the first magazine of the new decade for us at ReFINEd Kingston Magazine. We had so much fun creating this issue and had a great time working on special collaborations with Evan Sharma, Anna Ruck, Kasador and Amanda Aerin. We are happy to bring you a refreshed look to our fashion and beauty department. I had a great time collaborating with some of my favourite people and brands to bring you a special feature we titled “Publisher’s Picks”. I hand-picked specific products to highlight from all across Canada, so be sure to check out the feature and head to each of their Instagram pages and websites. I am sure you will love them all as much as I do.
Want to Get in Touch?
Another notable project was our cover for this issue. A close friend of mine had the idea to do a cover featuring second-generation business owners, and once I heard the concept, we went straight to executing the plan.
Cathie Calarco Publisher/Owner
I am proud to feature five amazing business owners from our region, highlighting businesses located in Kingston, Amherstview and Gananoque.
cathie@refinedkingston.com
I know that each of the families behind these business owners is proud of how they have taken their respective businesses, growing them into the success stories they are today.
Katrina Geenevasen Editor katrinagcontentmarketing@gmail.com www.katrinagcontentmarketing.ca
Stephen Wild Art Director www.stephenwildphotography.com swild11@gmail.com
Spark Creative Communications Graphic Design contact@sparkslc.ca 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 our family here at ReFINEd Kingston, enjoy the issue! If you have an idea for a feature or story, feel free to send me your ideas. You never know…you may be credited for the next cover concept.
— Cathie
From the
From the
EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR
Stephen Wild
Katrina Geenevasen In 1947, my grandparents — in an effort to escape an economy devastated by war — boarded a boat in the Netherlands that was bound for Canada, ready to begin life anew in a country that promised opportunity and hope.
I sit here at my desk staring at that blinking black bar of death wondering how to translate all the great aspects of our newest issue about to hit the streets; so much happens between the lines and pages of this issue.
By 1953, my Opa and Oma took what little they’d managed to save, and with a steel wheel and track trencher, launched Richmond Ditching Co. Ltd., a drainage contracting company in a tiny village just outside of Kingston.
Our cover is about moving forward to the next generation of family businesses. At the same time, it’s reverently looking back to the past. The generations that came before, well, those hardworking souls had an idea. A better way to do business. And it’s working; these fine people you see on the cover are carrying the legacy their parents started many years before them.
With the birth of their children — my dad, Herman, and his four siblings — the family business grew, each child put to work in farmers’ fields by the time they were walking. Times sure have changed, haven’t they? My Dad officially took over the business in 2005, and since then, nearly every male in my family has been part of the business at one point or another, including my two brothers. While a family business with multiple generations at play certainly comes with its joys, it hasn’t been without its struggles...and I’ve seen those struggles firsthand. It’s for this reason that this issue’s cover feature holds a special place in my heart. Without a single doubt in my mind, I know these young entrepreneurs are working as hard as I have seen my own father work over the years. And to them, I say kudos. It takes a certain kind of person to be successful with a family-owned and operated business; to make your own mark on something your parents began. I don’t know if I have ever told my own Dad how much I admire him and what he’s done to make Richmond Ditching become the successful company it is today. I’m blessed to have a platform in which to express that admiration. Enjoy our latest issue. And, as always, #YGK, thank you for your ongoing support.
While we set the stage to photograph them, I could hear them talking in the background about who they were and how they got to this point in life. For a few, it was a natural progression, for others, the family business called upon them to jump in during hard times. All in all, they made it. “Done good,” as they say. They’re proud of their heritage and simple beginnings that have grown into something that can be passed down to the next generation. As always, we love what we do here at ReFINEd; the whole gang of us. Cathie’s at the helm driving us to new clients and making everything come together, with Spark behind the scenes creating the layouts. Meanwhile, Katrina is diligently writing and ensuring everything is edited correctly. Then boom! It’s out; out for you to take with you and read as you go, and to pass along to friends.
Enjoy the latest issue, and enjoy spring 2020!
— Stephen
— Katrina
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same great stories,
WHOLE NEW LOOK.
www.ref inedkingston.com
Contents IN THIS ISSUE Style 16 Wellness 54
City Life
64
Food & Drink
70
Travel 88 Wheels 92
Home & Properties
96
FEATURES 38 Cover Story: Keeping it in the Family; Multi-Generation Businesses in #YGK 64 Evan Sharma: Wearable Art 66 Kasador: Brood & Bloom 73 Chef’s Choice: Taste of Kingston
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63 & 65 Brock Street, Kingston (613) 549–0511 www.houseofangelis.ca
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(613) 547–3444 www.jdphysiotherapy.ca
EXPERT ADVICE SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION
school, Oxford Learning can then create a program that meets every student’s unique learning needs and goals to catch up, keep up, or get ahead, whether the student is in pre-school, elementary school, or in high school. For more information about Oxford Learning’s academic programs, please contact Brooke Lewis or Alexandra Moore at Oxford Learning Kingston; (613) 384–7323; kingston@oxfordlearning.com.
About Oxford Learning
OXFORD LEARNING OFFERS ACADEMIC ALTERNATIVE
DURING TEACHER STRIKE ACTION
W
ith the ongoing teachers’ strike action occurring in and around Kingston, Ontario, elementary and high school students’ progress this school year has many parents concerned. Your children and students need Oxford Learning’s supplemental education programs now more than ever.
The dispute between teachers, unions, and school boards affects the number of teachable school days in a year, and puts students at academic risk, potentially causing them to miss out on critical curriculum subject instruction and to fall behind in their studies. A teachers' strike is not ideal for anyone involved. We sympathize with the teachers, the students, and parents. However, there is no reason for students to fall behind academically. Oxford Learning programs can help keep them on track. Supplemental educators at Oxford Learning offer alternative education programs that help keep students
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Established in 1984, Oxford Learning has grown to include more than 100 locations across Canada and the United States. Oxford Learning goes beyond tutoring to help students reach their learning potential, not just for one grade or one year, but for a lifetime. The unique programs teach children to learn how to learn. Visit Oxford Learning online at www.oxfordlearning.com for complete program information.
progressing academically, even when school is not regularly in session. “While our programs generally are a supplement to the classroom, they can also be a great replacement for classroom teaching,” says Brooke Lewis, Oxford Learning Kingston's centre director. “Our programs work with the classroom curriculum, so we can ensure that a student continues to learn the right material and keeps progressing academically, even while school is not in session." Typically offering classes during the after-school and evening hours, Oxford Learning’s programs can also be made available during some daytime hours to off-set absences from school due to the strike. Using an in-depth academic assessment tool, Oxford Learning can give you clear and specific feedback on your child’s cognitive and academic skills and abilities. By comparing these results to where the child should be performing right now for
Brooke Lewis B.A. (Hons), B.Ed. (OCT)
Centre Director Oxford Learning Kingston 793 Blackburn Mews, Kingston (613) 384–7323 www.oxfordlearning.com kingston@oxfordlearning.com
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OXFORD
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kingston@oxfordlearning.com
STYLE
Styling Tips Busty Women Need to Know By Miriam Baker, Fashion Designer — www.miriam-baker.com
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usty women know the struggle of shopping for dresses and tops that properly fit.
Seams are often in the wrong places, zippers don’t fully zip, armholes feel tight, bras show, and chests are either crushed or spill out the top and sides. In other
words, shopping with a large bust can be challenging — but it doesn’t need to be. I design chic, modern pieces for women with cup sizes from D to I. Because I spend my time creating garments specifically for busty women, I understand
the importance of proper fit and thoughtful design. Clothing designed for bigger breasts does exist, you just need to know what to look for. Here are five styling tips busty women need to know. arrow-right
1) Start With the Bra
If you’re a busty lady, chances are you have your go-to bra brand and style. While support and comfort are key, you also want your bra to go with your garment.
A seamless satin number under a blouse will prevent obvious bumps or textures from showing through your shirt. If you’re wearing a white top, you may be tempted to wear a white bra — but a nude one is actually better. This is because nude looks more natural under white than white does. While there’s nothing wrong with nipples, if you want to cover nipples and prevent them from appearing through your shirt, you can buy adhesive pasties.
2) Look at Bust Darts
When buying a shirt, it’s important to notice the positioning of bust darts. Bust darts should point directly at your apex, e.g. nipple. For larger chests, darts should end a couple of inches before the apex. The problem is most shirts in retail stores are designed for a B-cup, meaning if your breasts are any larger, bust darts won’t hit the right spot. But why do we even have this struggle in the first place? As of 2013, the average bra size in America was 34DD — a significant increase from 34B in 1983. Despite this societal change, the fashion industry still designs women’s clothing to fit the B-cup standard.
To combat this, you need to find shirts specifically designed for
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larger busts; you won’t get proper-fit ting clothing by simply going up a size. For a large bust, designers should use a different waist-chest ratio, and then incorporate seams and details that flatter the silhouette. Our sample size is designed to fit a woman with a D-cup bust — but we don’t stop there. We use a complex grade that accounts for the fact that as the bust increases, the bust point drops.
3) Consider Fibres
Women with larger chests know that boob sweat is real — and it can be uncomfortable.
Avoid materials that trap sweat and don’t breathe easily, including synthetics like polyester and acrylic. Instead, wear clothing made of natural fibres, like cotton or linen. Especially in situations where you’re prone to sweating, like stressful meetings or hot summer days, invest in blouses made from 100 per cent cotton. Not only do natural fibres better absorb sweat, but they are also durable and easy to care for.
4) Darts, Seams and Details Are Your Best Friend
While I design with a “less is more” mentality, I still obsess over the details. Thoughtful detailing gives clothing its finish and beauty. Plus, with seams and clever dart placement, I can define the waist and create a modern hourglass figure — which is a great look for busty women.
When it comes to seams, the more you have, the more fitted you can make a garment. If you’re shopping online, look out for how many seams an item has. If an article of clothing has a lot of seams, your seamstress will have more to work with in order to get a perfect fit.
5) Proportions Matter
You want to play with proportions when styling an outfit. If you’re wearing a tighter top, pair it with a looser bottom, like a billowy skirt. Likewise, if you’re wearing a mini skirt, you might want to pair it with a cute fitted turtleneck. It’s also important to think about the rule of thirds, which in a fashion-sense, is about dividing your outfit into thirds (doing so is more pleasing visually). In any form of design, you want to use ratios and proportions to draw attention to a focal point. This is the same as putting together an outfit. You may have nice ankles, for example, and want to draw attention to them by wearing cropped jeans with a pair of mules. If you want to highlight your waist, wear a detailed belt to cinch in above your hips. Whatever your desired focal point, use the rule of thirds to draw the eye to a certain spot. It’s important to remember that we are not defined by our boobs — no matter what size they are. While it can sometimes feel like having a large bust dictates what you can and cannot wear, if something is designed to fit you, you can throw any old fashioned “rules” out the window.
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EXPERT ADVICE MEDICAL COSMETICS
improvement in the skin, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pores, and reverse the signs of sun damage.
Meet the Halo Experts
REVOLUTIONARY RESURFACING: HOW TO ACHIEVE THE HALO GLOW
W
ho doesn’t want glowing, flawless and healthy-looking skin? It seems everywhere we turn, there are new products, makeup and treatments that claim to help us achieve this look. And yet, that goal can still feel so far out of reach, no matter how many approaches we try.
This year at Kingston Laser, we wanted to solve this problem and found Halo to be a revolutionary solution. This treatment is very unique, as it is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. Halo combines the benefits of ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing technology to create stunning results, but with minimal downtime. In the past, ablative laser resurfacing treatments have been widely recognized
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What is so interesting about this treatment is that the Halo glow is really found from within. First, the laser creates small, controlled columns of thermal injuries in the skin. Then, your body responds by triggering its natural healing response. Skin imperfections continue to improve over time to create that sought-after glow. This combination of treating the epidermis (the layer of skin we see) and the dermis (the layers of skin we can’t see) creates a synergistic effect that cannot be achieved with any other technology. As with any cosmetic treatment, a thorough consultation with an experienced professional is necessary for every person interested in achieving the “Halo Glow”. The staff at Kingston Laser love educating people of all ages and backgrounds about this exciting new technology.
to create amazing results, but recovery took five to six weeks and the process was very painful. Non-ablative treatments had shorter downtime but required numerous treatments to achieve any noticeable result. Halo is the best of both worlds: it only requires one or two treatments per year to create optimal results and the recovery process only takes a few days. The Halo technology is highly customizable. This allows our laser technicians to treat clients with any skin type, and to work with them to create a personalized treatment to target their unique needs and expectations. The ablative and non-ablative wavelengths can be fine-tuned to develop the perfect treatment for each individual, to create
Dr. Diane MacGillis & Dr. Kerri Hoffman
Kingston Laser Cosmetic Clinic 863 Norwest Road (613) 384–4200 www.kingstonlaser.com info@kingstonlaser.com
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HALO™
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Your Hair, Your Crown Spring Looks for 2020 We invited four of the Limestone City’s top stylists to participate in an editorial photoshoot. Before getting started, we gave simple instructions to the stylists: keep the looks trendy, bright and bold. We are proud to showcase their creative talent; be sure to check out their Instagram feeds for more inspiring creativity. Photography by Stephen Wild
Styled by
Leah Robertson and Anna Fischer @backlashbeauty
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Styled by
Thomas Schultz @thomasthehairmechanic
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Styled by
Melissa Stevenson @changeshairsalon_ @changingit_up
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Styled by
Deb Hamilton @deb_hamilton
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EXPERT ADVICE WOMEN'S FASHION
how surprised they are to see in us in colour from time to time. Now, we won’t lie: we do love the chic tone and the ease of black, but we also like that we become neutral in the shop. We want the gorgeousness of the stunning collections we’ve curated for you to be the focus. Those are the colours we want you to see! The incredible mix of colour this season is simply stunning and has something for every taste. This palette is not only showcased in ready-to-wear fashion but is also strong across the board in footwear, lingerie and accessories.
SOMETIMES, ALL YOU NEED IS
A SPLASH OF COLOUR written by joanne angelis
A
fter a long and dreary winter, the only thing left to lift our spirits is the thought of spring. Ah, spring! Bright colours blooming all around us, with the warmth of the sun ushering in thoughts of hot summer nights.
As we begin unpacking boxes of new spring goods at House of Angelis, it’s clear the fashion world has emulated nature this spring/summer 2020 season. Can you say, colour, colour, colour? This season’s palette is bold with scarlet red and saffron leading the way, followed by more calming tones such as chive and denim blue to balance it all out.
the Pantone Color Institute. “It is more about let’s balance things out. We want to make a statement with the hot colours leading the pack. But at the same time, we understand we need those moments of calm to offset all the turmoil that is happening in the world around us.” Pantone is, of course, the standard when it comes to colour. In 1986, it established the Pantone Color Institute, a colour consulting and trend forecasting body that helps designers and brands harness the power of colour.
We love that: “The power of colour.”
We’ve said many times and truly believe that fashion is a form of art; it’s a way for the artist or designer to express themselves and it often reflects their environment.
We get it; we see it every day in our clients’ reactions. Their faces lighting up in their favourite colour, or that confident strut that comes from putting on a boldly-coloured piece.
We’re not alone in this thinking. “Fashion is often an indicator of what is happening in the world and around us,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of
The colours we choose to wear reflect how we feel and what statement we want to make. Many people comment on the fact we normally wear black and
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So, fashion friends, whether you are feeling like this spring’s scarlet red, which symbolizes confidence and determination, or you’re feeling a little more like chive’s dark green colour, which is said to represent “healthy and restorative harmony,” we encourage you all to dive headfirst into a whole new, exciting world of colour and express the beautiful, wonderful you that’s inside.
Joanne & Maria Angelis House of Angelis 63 & 65 Brock Street, Kingston (613) 549–0511 www.houseofangelis.ca
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@happythoughtsygk happythoughtsygk.ca @happyclothingco_ happyclothingco.ca
@backlashbeautyy backlashbeauty.com
@laceandtwig laceandtwiginc.com
@milkjarcandleco milkjar.ca
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s we welcome the change of seasons, it’s tempting to get your shop on and refresh your home, beauty routine, and wardrobe. And we can’t say we blame you! In keeping with that spirit, our publisher Cathie handpicked some of her fave things from across Canada to share with you, our readers. Be sure to show them some love, too, by following them on Instagram.
Styled by Anna Ruck @struckblog Head to STRUCKBLOG.com to watch
@therefinerykingston therefinerykingston.net
the behind the scenes video and learn how to style your own flatlay!
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@sherryjeffery sherryjeffery.com
@upfrontcosmetics upfrontcosmetics.ca @purecolourbaby purecolourbaby.ca
@loopscrunchies Looplifestyle.ca
@sherryjeffery sherryjeffery.com
@haircandyygk haircandy.studio
@sheertex sheertex.com
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@purebalanxed purebalanxed.com
@steelstylegarage steelstylegarage.com
@loopscrunchies Looplifestyle.ca
@shivasdelight shivasdelight.com
@onderbroeks onderbroeks.ca
@homework_brand homeworkbrand.ca @encircledwreath encircledwreath.ca
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@onderbroeks onderbroeks.ca
@debbiegoulding
@limestonecitysignparties
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Written by Anna Fischer, Backlash Beauty
Confidence is What Counts
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aving worked in the fashion and makeup industry for the past eight years, I have grown accustomed to the ever-changing landscape of trends. Each season brings a fresh new perspective along with the excitement of experimenting with new looks. My love for fashion and makeup began to bloom in my late teens when I decided I would rather stand out than blend in. During this stage in my life, I took a great interest in experimenting with mixing different colours, textures and patterns. I quickly decided that matching was overrated, and it was much more valuable to choose what I loved, regardless of “rules”. I have since been a strong believer that if you are confident in yourself, you can truly rock anything! I am a big believer in wearing something because you want to wear it, rather than not wearing something because of your age, or whether it matches or not. Although I tend to be one who likes to bend rules, I am always fascinated by the trends each season. Exploring the latest trends is a great way to set the tone for the season as you shop for new pieces for your makeup and clothing wardrobe.
out of genuine interest to learn about upcoming trends, but I find it the most fun to put my own little twist on things. If trends reflect bright colours with soft feminine touches, I like to change the game and throw in a piece that might be unexpected, like a leather jacket to break up the femininity and make it my own.
This season’s makeup trends will showcase bold lips and glowing skin, while clothing will reflect bright and bold colours.
As far as trends go, I feel that glowing, natural and dewy skin will always be in style; there is nothing greater than skin that looks polished, feels weightless and glows. Any makeup accompanied by it will always look top-notch.
My ultimate goal when following trends is not to take things too seriously. I always do a little research
Having worked in the makeup industry for six years and being one of the owners of Backlash
Beauty, a luxury freelance makeup business in Kingston, I have gained tremendous exposure in the makeup industry, allowing me to ultimately appreciate there is no greater power than instilling confidence in others through the touch of a makeup brush. Being passionate about fashion and makeup has ultimately inspired me to think outside the box and to not take things too seriously, but to represent myself in whatever makes me feel the most alive and like myself. Try this yourself throughout 2020, and see how alive you can feel.
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Spring SHOP LIKE A STYLIST THIS SEASON Written by Deb Hamilton, Fashion Stylist
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Photos by Stephen Wild
Capsule wardrobes are not a new concept. In the 1970s, London wardrobe stylist and shop owner Susie Faux coined the term we know today. Clothing designer Donna Karan popularized the concept in the 1980s, creating a seven-piece mini collection.
Simply put, a capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of garments that combine well and are easily mixed and matched for maximum outfit potential, saving you time, money and closet space and streamlining your wardrobe.
ow many times have you opened your overflowing closet only to exclaim, “I have nothing to wear!”? How often have you tried on several items before running out of time and settling on something you didn’t feel amazing in? How regularly have you felt the need to run out and purchase something for an event, only to settle on the best you could find in the moment?
The rise of social media in the 2000s once again brought the concept of capsule wardrobes to the masses.
It means shopping less often, but with more intention. It “de-stresses” getting dressed, helps define your style and provides endless outfit options for a variety of occasions.
Who wouldn’t want to peer into a well-organized closet of well-fitting, good-quality garments that both felt and looked fabulous? This, dear readers, is the beauty of a capsule wardrobe; it’s the answer to many a fashion conundrum.
It’s fitting for the times, as our lives are busier than ever. Social and environmental issues are forefront, “simple” makes sense, easy is what we need, comfort is key and less really is more these days.
Everyone’s capsule wardrobe is different; there are no steadfast rules, no magic number of items…just hints and tips and perimeters to get your wardrobe working for you.
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Start your spring clean up by taking everything out of your closet that is winter-weary, worn, in disrepair, has never been worn, is in a shade or colour that just doesn’t work for you or no longer fits. Pack up fall and winter clothing and make space for a wardrobe refresh. Be ruthless about what to keep, donate, repurpose and toss, including mismatched, bulky hangers. Once your purging is complete, it’s time to assess your lifestyle. Consider where you work, how you spend your time and your personal taste. Do you favour a classic look? Are you a minimalist? Do you opt for glam pieces? Are you a fan of boho-chic? Or are you more apt to go for romantic, preppy, or casual looks? From there, choose a colour palette and build a base of timeless classics, adding just a sprinkling of seasonal trends to add a little spice and personality to your wardrobe. The key? Shopping for good-quality classics. Thankfully, spring 2020 offers perhaps one of the most wearable seasonal collections in years. Here are my picks for the season’s latest offerings, all with a capsule wardrobe in mind: • A polka dot statement-sleeve blouse: Choose an optimistic, fun print for spring style that’s waist-whittling as well as stylish; • A floral maxi dress: Choose a voluminous silhouette for comfort and style;
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• Leather Bermuda short or culottes: A great update for work and play;
• A trench coat: A classic utility piece, this topper works well with anything and everything;
• A silky slip dress: Try trendy lingerie as outerwear for a fresh, new look;
• Fresh white T-shirts and tank tops: We all need them and white is trending;
• Soft suiting: The three-piece is back, but this time around, it’s longer, softer and features voluminous wide-leg
• Pastel cashmere cardigan: Sorbet colours were everywhere on the runways. And we all know layering during the spring months is a must; • Denim flares: Think 70s. Go for long, lean shapes, which are much more flattering than the “Mom Jean”;
• Red lipstick; • Strappy, square-toed sandals;
In a nutshell, capsule wardrobes work.
•H igh-heeled loafers or platforms;
Spring is about ease and new beginnings; this season’s offerings can combine fashion and function and offer much-needed closet space. A capsule wardrobe isn’t just quicker, it’s easier…and we all need a little more ease, don’t we?
• Chunky chain jewelry;
pants and menswear blazers. Add a vest and you’re good to go;
Polish and refine your look with fun extras and accessories this season:
• Modern pearls;
•C risp white sneakers; • Chunky, short booties; • 70s-inspired geometric tortoiseshell sunnies; • A large, camel-coloured tote to carry everything. • Add a square silk tropical print scarf to complete your look.
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COVER STORY
Keeping it in the Multi-Generation Businesses in #YGK
Family Written by Katrina Geenevasen
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ith family-run enterprises accounting for 80 per cent of all Canadian businesses, there’s no denying their importance when it comes to our economy.
Stats and numbers aside, however, are the actual people behind these very businesses — each with his or her own story to tell when it comes to their journey to success. There are the funny (along an equal amount of not-so-funny) anecdotes when it comes to working with parents and siblings, and then there are the important lessons learned along the way…some lessons that were harder to learn than others.
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Photography by Stephen Wild
It was an honour for ReFINEd Kingston to speak with a handful of th ese inf lu e ntial and inspirational young entrepre neurs, including Marci McMullen of Haven Home ClimateCare; Nick Gilmour of Gilmour’s on 38; Maria Papanicolaou of Papa’s Pizzeria; Jamie Hall of Gan Chev and Melissa Stevenson of Changes Hair Salon. Each young business owner is not only mastering the fine art of balancing family and business but also beautifully defining what success means on his or her own terms. We hope you enjoy learning their stories as much as we did.
woman who was not yet married or had not yet started a family, which was something I had planned to do. Since that time, I had to gain some new knowledge. My team, ongoing coaching and education, and guidance and ‘coffee talk’ have helped me get to where I am now.”
Love is
in the
Hair
Melissa Stevenson — Changes Hair & Esthetics Salon
G
lamour icon Joan Crawford once said, “I think that the most important thing a woman can have — next to talent, of course — is her hairdresser.” It’s hard to argue with this; good hair days make us feel like we can rule the world.
This is partly what made Melissa Stevenson, owner of Changes Hair Salon in Amherstview, decide to follow in her late mother’s footsteps; there was something to be said for continuing the family tradition of making clients look and feel their absolute best. RK: What made you want to take over for your mom? “I’ve always had a love for fashion, hair and beauty. Making people feel beautiful is the best job in the world.”
RK: What has been the most rewarding part of taking over the business?
RK: What would you say is one of the best lessons you’ve learned since taking over the business? “My mom left a fantastic footprint and a great business, but there’s no denying her shoes have been big to fill. The lesson was to not fill them, but take what was created and make it grow. Being an entrepreneur has taught me so much and I have grown in so many ways. I wasn’t initially expecting this path, but I’m so proud to be a part of a team that’s like family and to grow together.”
“Learning that this industry is ever-growing and changing, and learning how to keep up and inspire/ coach the team to be the best they can be. It’s also been incredible getting the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people along the way who have taught me so much, including my team, my business coach, my reps, and my fellow salon owners. Everyone has helped me find my path.” RK: What have you found to be the most challenging aspect? “Achieving work/life balance is always a challenge — as most business owners will attest to. When I took ownership, I was a young
Melissa Stevenson
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Making Your Home a Haven Marci McMullen Haven Home ClimateCare
I
t was after a lakeside chat with her dad that Marci McMullen, an experienced customer service professional, decided to pack up her life in Toronto to move back home with her husband Andre to help out with the family business.
The rest, as the saying goes, is history. RK: What made you want to join your family’s business? “It just happened that I joined my dad’s business. He was having a hard time finding good customer
service reps, and I said he could hire me and we laughed. Within a month, though, I’d quit my job, sold my apartment, moved back to Kingston, and began working at Haven.” RK: How have you grown and evolved as a person since becoming involved in the family business? “I know a heck of a lot more about the business now then I did. I am more comfortable with the HVAC world, and I know what it takes to be successful; our great team is what makes it possible.” RK: What’s the best part about being part of a family-owned and operated business? “One of the things that I really love is the fact that we support 45 local families through our business. So that makes me feel happy and proud; we have so many local people making a living and contributing to the success of our business. I also like the fact that if we want to make a change, we can make the change, and do it immediately. It’s not like the corporate world, where there’s so much red tape. Thirdly, I like the fact that we have the ability to support so many local charities and organizations, and being able to give back to the community we live in.” RK: What’s one of the best lessons you’ve learned being part of the family business?
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Marci McMullen
“Business is business and regardless of what you are selling, at the end of the day, customer service is the most important part of any business. I came into the world of HVAC with a cosmetic background and nothing but customer service experience, and we have more than tripled the size of our business. I’ve also learned that sometimes, it isn’t easy working with family, but if everyone works together, anything is possible.” RK: What are your hopes for the future? Where do you hope the business goes, how do you hope it grows? “I hope that we grow our business to a $10 million dollar operation and that we manage to maintain the incredible team that we have. I always tell potential employees that I hope that everyone we hire stays with us until retirement.”
“Never forget who started the family business. You have to be able to combine ‘old school’ with the ‘new school’ way of thinking. There are more efficient ways of doing things now than 40 years ago, but you don’t always know better than your parents. They did the hard work from the ground up. They didn’t have the amenities available to them like we do now.
Family Flavour Maria Papanicolaou Owner/Operator of Papa’s Pizzeria, Amherstview
E
ver since childhood, Maria Papanicolaou has been involved in her family’s business — which launched in 1979 — in some capacity, but 10 years ago, she became the full-time owner.
“I love that my parents built this business as a home for us and the community,” says Papanicolaou. “I love that I can continue this environment as a home for my parents, my kids and for our staff and community that will always be part of our family. It’s our foundation that will always bring us to a common ground regardless of what our busy lifestyle holds.” RK: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a second-generation business owner?
“I have learned to respect and appreciate my family for all the hard work for building this restaurant from scratch. When you work closely with family on a daily basis, compromise and a mutual understanding of common goals are essential.”
It’s also crucial to find a balance. You have been given an opportunity to take a business and make it your own. Remember where you came from and build common ground with your family.”
R K : W h at are yo u r hopes for the future of Papa’s Pizzeria? “To continue what we are doing. I hope to establish more of a community presence in Amherstview and Kingston. We’re trying to find that balance between over-exposure and small-town roots. Our local Loyalist residents know us as a mom-and-pop shop with a family-friendly environment. I would like to expand this into Kingston, and make people aware that these places still exist.” RK: What advice would you give to second generation entrepreneurs?
Maria Papanicolaou
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Making the Cut Nick Gilmour — Gilmour’s on 38 and Gilmour’s by the Bay
A
s a 10-year-old boy working in his father’s meat shop, Nick Gilmour never expected he’d one day end up following in his dad’s entrepreneurial footsteps. And yet, in 2013, that’s exactly what he did. Now the owner of Gilmour’s on 38, Gilmour is proud to be continuing the family tradition of providing clients with quality meat and firstclass customer service. Editor’s note: Stay tuned in 2020 for a new commercial development in Harrowsmith this family is currently building.
RK: Did you grow up knowing you wanted to follow in your father’s footsteps? “Both of my brothers and I went to school for chemical engineering, and we obviously all worked in the store when we were younger so it’s the last thing that we expected we’d want to do. It’s funny how my brother Jordan and I have come full circle. He moved his entire family here from Cambridge to help out with the meat shops, Gilmour’s Real Estate, Storage and Proper ty Management, and a Digital Media Company.” RK: Why is community involvement and support such an important aspect of your business? “While customer service is a focus, community support is so important. We will do anything we can do; we are blessed to be able to help out.”
Nick Gilmour
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RK: What’s the best part about being an entrepreneur? “Watching an idea that’s been in your mind forever work and unfold in front of you and is directly related to the hard work that you put into it. It’s like a seed; you give it water and it grows. It’s so great to see it grow and employ people and support other jobs. We just opened Gilmour’s By the Bay in Belleville, and we hope to be opening more locations soon. We also just opened a large LCBO expansion in the store in Harrowsmith.” RK: You spend your days working with your dad, mom and brother. What’s it like working with your family? “It makes for interesting conversation, but we all get along very well, so we’re always able to work through it despite maybe not seeing eye-toeye on every single thing.”
Finding New Roads
Jamie Hall Gananoque Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac
D
ewey Hall started Gan Chev in 1976 with little experience, but he also had a tireless work ethic and an unrivalled competitive spirit. His goal was to offer quality products, make car buying fun and offer the best customer service.
Fast-forward to 2020, and the dealership — now known as Gan Chev — employs more than 100 people from the community, runs like a well-oiled machine and is a bustling hive of activity. RK: How did your dad ensure you had the tools to succeed in the business? “He was always so empowering and he installed the importance of having a positive mental attitude. He allowed me to dive into any area of the business.” RK: What do you think has contributed to the company’s ongoing success in Gananoque? “We truly have a ‘family business feel’ to our dealership. Hiring the right
Jamie Hall & his team
people is the foundation for running a successful business. Many staff members we’ve hired have no background in the automotive industry, but they have a strong character, great personality and work hard.” RK: Overall, what has your experience been like taking over for your dad? “My leadership style is truly a combination of the foundation that I learned from both of my parents, my exposure to other dealers and my own style. One of my strengths has been hiring great people and many have flourished as great leaders and managers in the business. We have continued learning together and are on a path of continuous improvement. I do believe we have an empowered management team that is motivated to work hard every day providing the best possible customer experience in the car business.”
taking over certain aspects of the business, my dad and I would have disagreements, but at the end of the day, we would put it aside. We still enjoyed our time together as father and son. This is so important for any family business.” RK: How do you know you’re doing what you’re meant to do, and not in this career by “default”? “I am so happy to be working in a family-owned business where my dad is still a big part of it, and over the years my wife and kids have all become a part of the business. I truly believe that I have found my passion. I love what I do.”
R K : W h at ’s b e e n t h e m o s t challenging part of being a second-generation business owner? “Learning how to separate family from work. You have to learn how to do this so you maintain your relationship as a family. When I was first
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EXPERT ADVICE
Starting a business using cloud accounting does not require large capital investments or long-term commitments. The accounting system can grow with your business by adding apps to save time and money.
ACCOUNTING
Apps and Programs to Help You Run Your Business
CLOUD ACCOUNTING:
There are now thousands of apps available that help you as a business owner. If your accounting and bookkeeping happen automatically, then you can spend more time growing your business with real-time information at your fingertips.
What Are the Risks?
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
As with everything, cloud-based accounting does come with a few risks:
written by rhonda neulander
• If you do not have Internet, you cannot access your information;
C
loud accounting is the use of accounting software that is hosted on remote servers. You access the program and your data by logging into your personal account, much like online banking.
It has become a hot topic for business owners and bookkeepers and will continue to grow because it uses Artificial Intelligence, eliminating hundreds of hours of data entry. This is especially helpful for solo business owners who wear many hats in operating their business and don’t have the time to manually enter data from receipts.
real-time. Your bookkeeper does not have your information held hostage.
Better Security
Most cloud accounting software and apps are built with multiple layers of security to protect your data. These security measures are typically much better than small business can otherwise afford.
Software providers constantly improve their software and make updates available to users immediately. There is no downtime for upgrades or need for your IT people to come in.
Automatic Backups
Anytime, Anywhere Access
Cloud vendors assume responsibility for system backups. Data is stored in multiple locations for extra security.
No Need for Extra Hardware or Servers
Real-time Information
Since you don’t need to store the information on your hardware, you can purchase computers with smaller hard drives and skip large, costly private servers or VPNs.
All information entered is accessible immediately by all users. All users are always looking at the same numbers in
Minimal Start-Up Costs and No Long-Term Commitments
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• You must ensure the software provider will remain to support their program. Do your research.
No Updates or Installations Required
T h e re a re n u m e r o u s b e n ef i t s to cloud accounting.
You can access your accounting software from any device anywhere in the world. Different users can access whether they are PC or MAC-based. If your computer crashes, you don’t lose anything. You simply log in from the next machine.
• S omeone could gain access to your data if they obtain your user name and password;
Rhonda Neulander, CPA, CGA R.E. Neulander & Company Professional Corporation 4 Cataraqui Street, Suite 314 Kingston, ON K7K 1Z7 (613) 389–1994 www.reneulander.ca
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CLOUD ACCOUNTING SPECIALISTS Easily manage your business anywhere, anytime! Our Cloud Accounting Specialists work with you to fully integrate into a Cloud environment and realize all of its benefits
Call us today to see if Cloud Accounting is right for you. The Woolen Mill - Suite 314, 4 Cataraqui Street | (613) 389-1994 | admin@reneulander.ca | www.reneulander.ca
EXPERT ADVICE SMALL BUSINESS
Years ago, I heard that, “Weaknesses are strengths overused.” That thought has always stuck with me and it appears to ring true in the succession of a family business. There are opposing forces that can create tension and dysfunction. So, what now?
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND
THE AWESOME OF
TAKING OVER THE FAMILY BUSINESS written by jacquie costron
So, you are continuing the family legacy and are taking over the family business. There’s a good chance you’re feeling a little bit of everything: excited, anxious and overwhelmed probably don’t even begin to describe your emotions. You’re probably wondering, “Where do I start? What should I be mindful of?” Sound familiar as you start this journey? Yup. Thought so. Before we go any further, you should know that stepping into the family business should not be done out of a sense of responsibility, but rather from a place of passion. If this is the case with you, congrats. Now, it’s time to consider the following:
The Good
1. Established success: Chances are that you have this opportunity because there is a level of success attained that you can nurture and grow from. Since 96 per cent of businesses fail in the first few years, building from an established ‘basecamp’ makes the journey up just a little shorter. 2. Established process: You are stepping into a business that is operational and has existing staff and processes. Those
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functioning methods have built the business up to its existing level. 3. Established Career: Often this opportunity comes ahead of the curve. You may be given the opportunity to skip the entry level roles and move right into work that you will enjoy more.
The Bad
1. Established success: Ever hear the adage, “What got you here, won’t keep you there” ? You jumped into a great business, but from your new and younger perspective, you sense some things that must evolve so the business can reach the next level.
1. Seek advice. Speak with a lawyer, accountant, financial planner and business mentor; they are professionals that should be in your circle of support. Create confidence in yourself and make sure you are exposed to your blind spots. 2. Create a business plan with your circle of support and present it to the current CEO. This will also increase your confidence and the CEO will be more willing to ‘loosen the reins’. 3. Network with other businesspeople who took over their family business. Start a mastermind breakfast group that allows you to share ideas with others on this unique journey. If you take these crucial steps, feelings of excitement, trepidation and overwhelm will soon give way to you feeling inspired and accomplished and you’ll flourish.
2. Established process: “But, we have always done it that way.” Yep, you could be a salmon swimming upstream hitting rocks and dealing with opposing forces who are resistance to change. 3. Established Career: Funny how experience prepares us for the next step. Skipping over key roles in the operation of a business could leave you scrambling for the know-how and information you need.
Jacquie Costron, Creating Courage and Confidence
The Awesome
jacquie@jacquiecostron.ca
You are continuing to build the legacy for the next generation.
(613) 929–8973 www.jacquiecostron.ca
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Rotary Club of Kingston — Rotary in Kingston
Creating Lasting Change in Our Community and Across the Globe
Written by Katrina Geenevasen 48
Photos Courtesy of Rotary Club of Kingston
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“If you’re ever in trouble and need help, all you have to do is call a Rotarian and you’ll never feel alone.” It’s a sentiment that rings true for each member involved in Rotary International, and one that Lindsey Foster shares with me while we chat about the service-based club that’s celebrating its 100th year in Kingston throughout 2020–2021. “It really is an emotional experience to know there’s a volunteer organization in town that’s looking out for others,” says Foster, who first joined the club a decade ago. Established internationally on Feb. 23, 1905 by Chicago attorney Paul
Harris, Rotary has since become a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who wish to see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe in their communities and in themselves. Here in the Limestone City, that action is tangible; the organization — which has almost 200 members among four clubs — was instrumental in the founding of the RKY camp in the 1930s, Kingston’s Youth Music Festival
in the 1950s, and the Boys and Girls club in the 1990s. The clubs in Kingston — Kingston, Kingston-Frontenac, CataraquiKingston and Kingston Waterfront — have also provided grants to smaller organizations such as Ongwanada’s Circle of Friends; H’art Centre; Lunch by George; Helen Tufts Nursery School; Cycle Kingston and Rideau Heights Public School, and have rallied members regularly to service events such as Martha’s Table lunch hour, the Loving Spoonful’s Night Market and the annual Terry Fox Run. And that’s just locally; internationally, the group has sponsored life-changing projects in Nepal, India and Tanzania, helping to see schools open, making healthy and safe drinking water a reality in third world countries, and continuing to play a key role in helping to end polio, a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of five.
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“Our motto is, ‘Service Above Self,’” explains Peter Merkley, president of the Rotary Club of Kingston. And with each project completed, each organization assisted and every person lifted up, that motto rings true; the group is indeed changing our world for the better. “It’s really inspiring to see what Rotar y has done in the com munity, and there certainly are international national projects where you can’t imagine how far a few hundred dollars goes. It’s just remarkable and inspiring and I just feel so good about it,” says Merkley. “We do good things,” he continues, “ but we can only do good things if we have good people involved and people volunteering hours and fundraising. If we have more members, we can do more. It’s as simple as that.”
Join Rotary to Create Change Rotary values the beauty of diversity and celebrates the contributions of every member, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Anyone is welcome
to join Rotary, whether you’re a working professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a student. “A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve,” says Rotary International. “We’re creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. We want people with differing perspectives and ideas who will help Rotary take action to create lasting change in communities around the world.” Merkley first joined Rotary when living in Toronto in the 80s, and decided to become a member when he moved to the Limestone City in 1988. It’s a decision he hasn’t regretted even for one moment. “I joined Rotary to meet people, but the reason I’ve stayed is that I’ve developed some good friendships, and we have completed a lot of projects together. And, as anyone who does any kind of volunteering knows, it’s a very rewarding to do.
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If you’re interested in joining Rotary, please send an email to joinrotarykingston@gmail.com
To learn more about the Centennial, You get a lot more out of it for yourself than you put into it.” Foster feels the same way. “As Rotarians, we want to help the community in a real and in a tangible way. We’ve helped so many different organizations that have helped so many different people in our community. Being part of Rotary is an easy way to have a big impact.”
the Centennial Year to add to its ongoing efforts to build and strengthen our community.
information can be found at www.kingstonrotarycentennial.com
“We don’t celebrate what we do enough,” says Foster. “We don’t pat ourselves on the back enough, we don’t emphasize nearly enough what we do. And that’s something we’re trying to change as we come together to celebrate 100 years in Kingston.”
Celebrating Rotary in the Limestone City As Rotary in Kingston celebrates its centennial, the anniversary will be used to launch another 100 years of “Service Above Self”. The Club’s celebrations will kick off with a Community Birthday party in Rotary Park, explains Merkley, where the whole community will be welcome to attend. The group will also carry out a number of different projects through
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if you’re reading this
You Just Proved Content Marketing Works 52
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Photography by Stephen Wild
T
he words on this page have been strategically placed to act as content representing a brand that hopes that you will read and engage with it. Every business depends on its content to communicate with its audience both in print and online.
According to Adobe, most brands are struggling to create ample personalized content because they just don’t have the time or resources to commit — meaning the few that do have a strong competitive advantage. • It takes an average of 12 days for a business to publish one piece of content; • Most small to mid-sized businesses that invest in content creation can spend upwards of $10,000 a month for a full agency. “If you’re making good content, then you might be close to perfect in your search engine optimization and have attracted some traffic to your website; however, if you’re creating and regularly curating great content, then you’re also going to engage and build loyal relationships with your customers,” says Kimberley Falk, Founder of Write Whale, a new content marketing brand based in
Kingston. “The truth is that many brands have difficulty finding their voice or cringe at the thought of writing their own content.”
available on a per-project or ongoing contract, including: • Website content; • Infographics;
Write Whale was built with the purpose that exceptional content shouldn’t come at the cost of your sanity. Typical full-range marketing agencies have multiple staff and expenses to pay each month, so fees for services tend to be higher to make a profit. “There are some great agencies in Kingston, but what if you don’t need the graphic designers, etc.? What if all you need is just a great content writer?” asks Falk. That’s where Write Whale comes in. It’s only you and your writer; no chain of other employees getting paid in between. “I’ve had agencies reach out for help with their client projects because even they know that a great content writer is rare and the cost of hiring someone full-time may be outside their budget.” Working with clients locally and around the world, White Whale offers individual and corporate workshops in content creation as well as various forms of content
• Scriptwriting; • Press releases and case studies; • Print advertising content (brochures, pamphlets, etc.); • eBooks and PDFs; • Email campaigns; and, of course, • Blog and article content. “Blogs are no longer the pink and poorly designed online diaries Millennials had as teenagers,” says Falk. “We’ve grown up into entrepreneurs and business leaders and these blogs have become one of the best possible means of providing value to our audience for a fraction of the cost that other advertisement methods demand. And the return has no limits.”
Kimberley Falk Write Whale 101–171 Wellington Street, Kingston (613) 539–1569 writewhale.ca
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@writewhalecanada
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WELLNESS
The Importance of Self-Care
Written by Morgan Pierce – Owner, Black Sheep Thinking
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Unfortunately, these words – with such negative connotations – are all too often used to describe those who practice self-care. Perhaps they ’re the reason so many Canadians are not making it part of their regular habit; the fear of being labelled as anything less than altruistic combined with the high virtue of self-sacrifice doesn’t lend well to making self-care a priority. Consider this: self-care is something we learn as part of our daily routine at a young age. As children, we learn the value of brushing our teeth and what happens if we don’t. I assume you have likely created a good oral hygiene routine; however, I would be curious to know whether or not you’re implementing a selfcare regiment that rivals that of your oral hygiene habits. But here’s the thing: it should.
Lack of self-care has led to an increase in heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety and mental health issues from burn out. Selfcare can do more than just prevent the negative consequences, it can also allow you to work harder and longer, retain more information, be a better problem solver and add quality years to your life. All this by realizing that YOU are as important as the people who rely on you. While self-care means different things to different people, there is one constant: it nourishes parts, if not all, of the whole person – body, mind, heart and spirit. It should rebalance you, help you destress and allow you to find clarity. Exercise, proper eating habits, good sleep, massage and yoga could all be considered self-care. arrow-right
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Here are some tips to help you get started: Make it a priority. Book personal time into your schedule before anything else in your calendar – make this time sacred! Be mindful. Be aware of your stress levels and what triggers you. This could allow you to be proactive in booking self-care time proactively.
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Different self-care is needed for different stress. If you are exhausted physically, it may not make sense to use exercise as your focus for self-care – consider focusing on self-care in one of the other areas of being a whole person (mind, spirit or heart), for example – curl up with a good book or enjoy a good meal. It isn’t just about adding selfcare, it is about reducing stress. Consider what is causing you the most stress and see what you can avoid or reduce in those areas of your life.
Create a trusted group of friends that you can check in with to help you be more self-aware. It isn’t always easy to be aware of our stress levels, so it’s good to have people that care to see things from an outside perspective.
If you would like more support on building self-care, or anything that is preventing you from being your best, please reach out at blacksheepthinking.ca I would be happy to guide you on your best year yet.
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5 EXPERT ADVICE FINANCIAL PLANNING
things to know about
LONG TERM CARE
INSURANCE
Chances are you’ve never considered the potential costs of long-term care. But as you get older, the odds of your needing that care will increase. Paying for long-term care is a growing concern – especially when you look at the overall expenses. So how can you ensure you have the funds to help pay for care when you need it? This is where long-term care (LTC) insurance plays a helping hand. But here’s what you need to know before you buy:
1. What types of long-term care plans are available
Depending on the plan, you can purchase benefit amounts as high as $10,000 per month. Some plans require you to submit receipts up to a non-cumulative monthly maximum. Others offer an income-style benefit that will pay you a set amount each month. You can then use this money for whatever you and your family may need.
2. What long-term care insurance covers
The money from long-term care insurance can pay for care at your home, at an adult day-care program, or in an assisted-living or long-term care facility.
3. What long-term care insurance costs
Your insurance premiums will depend on your age and health when you apply.
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So coverage is typically less expensive for younger applicants. The annual cost will also reflect the type and amount of coverage you choose, the length of time you will receive benefits and the waiting period you select. The waiting period is the length of time you must be continuously dependent before you can make a claim.
4. What “dependent” means in a long-term care plan
Long-term care insurance is part of a variety of protection plans offered by life insurance companies. Other plans include disability insurance, critical illness insurance (CII), personal health insurance and life insurance. In fact, some insurance providers allow you to convert critical illness insurance to long-term care insurance between the ages of 60 and 65 without having to answer questions about your health. Long-term care insurance benefits can give you flexibility and control. This way, you don’t have to borrow money, use up your retirement savings or sell your house to pay for the care you need. Need more information or help getting started? Tania can provide more information to help you decide whether long-term care insurance is right for you.
Typically, someone can receive longterm care insurance benefits when they become dependent on another person for care. This means they need constant supervision by another person because of deteriorated mental abilities; substantial physical assistance with two activities (from a list of six) of daily living.
5. When you can receive long-term care benefits
You can make a claim to receive benefits when your coverage becomes effective. In most cases, that’s immediately after you buy long-term care insurance. Other long-term care plans only provide coverage after age 65. Once coverage is effective, you must remain dependent for the number of days in the selected waiting period before you start receiving benefits. Some plans will pay benefits for up to one year. But other plans may pay for two years, five years or even an unlimited period.
Tania Ashe Santin CFP CLU CHS Certified Financial Planner™
Kingstown Financial Services Inc. 1443 Cottsmere Crt, Kingston (613) 539–3662 www.sunlife.ca/tania.ashe tania.ashe@sunlife.com
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YOU LIVE LIFE ON YOUR OWN TERMS Why should your retirement years be any different? You want the financial freedom to enjoy all the adventures you’re dreaming of. While we all hope we remain healthy for the rest of our lives, the reality is most of us will require care at some point. Enjoy your retirement and protect your dreams with long term care insurance from Sun Life Financial. PROTECT your savings and income when you need long term care. Protect your family from having to provide your care. FREEDOM to enjoy your money in retirement because you’re prepared.
CONTROL the kind of care you get, when and where you want it, from the provider you choose. FLEXIBILITY to afford additional expenses that may come with staying in your home or with your family.
Let’s talk about the freedom to retire your way.
Tania Ashe Santin* CFP®, CLU®, CHS™ KingsTown Financial Services Inc. 613-539-3662 tania.ashe@sunlife.com 1443 Cottsmere Court Kingston, ON K7L 4V4 *Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2020.
WHAT’S YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR A NATURAL SWEETENER? Written by Trish Krause, CNP, NNCP
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If
you are human, you’re hard-wired to like sweet foods. We have the neurotransmitter dopamine and our limbic brain reward system to thank for that. The mechanism is, “Eat something sweet, feel better.” This helps us relieve pain, and even reduce symptoms of depression and stress, so it’s no wonder reaching for sweet treats comes naturally to most of us. There is a whole world of sweeteners out there; some better for you and some to steer away from. The University of California San Francisco says there are more than 61 different ways manufacturers can label sugar in their products and that list is growing as food and beverage producers struggle to meet consumer demand for sweet while balancing the public outcry for healthier alternatives. Do you know how to choose the healthiest sweeteners? The trick is to reach for those that are the least processed and have some added nutritional benefit first.
Fruit
Not only is fruit a sweet treat on its own, but it can also be a good substitute for refined sugar in recipes. Bananas, dates, apples and applesauce can all work in recipes for baked goods, smoothies, pancakes and waffles, sauces and dressings. You get the sweet taste and you also get the benefit of the fibre from the whole fruits, along with all the other nutrients.
Honey
Honey was once the only concentrated sweetener available to humans; it was considered a rare treat and eaten in tiny quantities. This is how we should be viewing sweet treats today. There have been many studies looking at the health benefits of raw honey because it contains enzymes and other proteins, as well as trace minerals and antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols.
There are many promising signs that consuming honey can help shorten bacterial infections, reduce IBDassociated inflammation, lessen symptoms of seasonal allergies, and help heal wounds. Choosing raw honey — which is minimally processed — is important because the key nutrients and enzymes remain intact.
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Molasses
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Maple Syrup
coconut sugar comes from flower sap of the coconut palm tree (nope, not from coconuts!).
Molasses is a by-product of the white sugar refining process. Blackstrap molasses — the very deepest, darkest, most viscous sweetener — contains vital nutrients such as iron, Vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and selenium.
If you’re Canadian, this runs in your blood! It, too, is lower than white sugar on the glycemic index and while the jury is still out on its major health benefits, some in vitro studies show it has antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Just a teaspoon a day of this nutty-tasting treat can provide an important boost to your daily nutrient requirements. It is also lower on the glycemic index than white sugar, which means it is unlikely to spike your insulin levels as quickly.
Just remember: a little goes a long way. It’s still a sugar, therefore it’s high in calories.
It tastes and works a lot like brown sugar, so it is a great substitute for that because brown sugar is just really refined white sugar that is mixed with a little molasses for colour. Coconut sugar contains potassium, which is an important mineral for health.
Coconut Sugar
Stevia
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A relatively new entry into the natural sweetener realm and another one with a lower glycemic index,
When it comes to a no-calorie sweetener, stevia is the only natural choice in this category. It comes
from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant (a member of the Chrysanthemum family) and is 200 times sweeter than sugar. And yet, it does not trigger the body to release insulin the way other natural sweeteners do. Stevia is available in both liquid and powder form and can be used in recipes as well as in beverages. It is a well-studied plant, and for the most part, is considered safe to use. But read the labels carefully because sometimes it is blended with other artificial sweeteners or ingredients that may not be as good for you.
The Bottom Line:
When deciding on sweeteners, the best strategy is to choose those that are minimally processed and contain some nutritive value. But always use sparingly. Remember: the more we stimulate our reward centres, the more our reward centres need the stimulation and that means adding more and more sugar and calories to our day.
Trish Krause, CNP, RNCP is a certified holistic nutritionist and wellness mentor who works with people looking to make better selections when it comes to sweeteners or other food and lifestyle choices so they can look better, feel better and be healthier one bite at a time. She can be reached at trish@bite-out-of-life.com or visit her at Kingston Integrated HealthCare. ReFINEdKINGSTON
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CITY LIFE taking notice; he’s been coined as a “ bona fide prodigy,” his expressionist work, featuring interpretive portraits and nostalgic landscapes, is earning him a solid reputation as the next Picasso and the next DaVinci. All this, despite the astonishing fact that he’s painting for less than a decade. If that wasn’t enough, Sharma’s groundbreaking research into how the microbiome of cows af fe cts global war ming is winning national awards; he received a Gold Medal and the Environmental Award at the Canadawide Science Fair for his research.
Wearable LIMESTONE CITY ART PHENOM SET TO LAUNCH STREETWEAR LINE Written by Katrina Geenevasen
At just 16 years old, Kingston’s Evan Sharma is proving to the world that talent has no age limit. 64
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Photos Courtesy of Erick Hercules
He’s painted and sold works of art to collectors the world over, including Dubai, New York and Los Angeles, some netting him as much as $20,000. It’s no surprise critics, art lovers and journalists alike are
And now, armed with his phenomenal talent and ambition, Sharma is getting ready to take the fashion world by storm, showing that art need not be constrained to a traditional canvas. His streetwear line, Right Brain/ Left Brain (RBLB), named after his desire to inspire other kids to use both their scientific and creative gifts — just like he so evidently does — officially made its debut in February during New York Fashion Week. “I like how fashion and art are really integrated,” explains Sharma during his one -on-one with ReFINEd Kingston. “Art and fashion have been tied together for so long, so I thought it would be cool if I could take some of my own ideas and develop a brand. RBLB is really about using the scientific
side of your brain and your more artistic side of the brain and trying to tie that together to come up with really great ideas.” His retro high-top converse sneakers were the first in the RBLB collection to make their debut; based on Sharma’s portraits of famed New York-based neo-expressionist artist JeanMichel Basquiat and Nobel prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein, the colourful sneakers effectively drive home the teen’s message that in order to maximize your potential, you have to utilize both your artistic and logical brain. A full line of clothing, including hoodies and T-shirts, is set to be released shortly. “The whole line
is rolling out relatively soon. I just want to perfect every detail and determine how to showcase what I want my brand to represent,” Sharma explains. One thing they will each have in common is this: “I really tried to represent different emotions with each piece of clothing. Pieces that are really thought-provoking,” he says. Once complete, the wearable art pieces — which so effectively impart that life is best lived at the intersection of art and science — will be sold in pop-ups around the world, including Toronto, L.A., and even Paris, France. “It’s really exciting; the whole process of it has been really cool,” says Sharma.
His No. 1 goal? It’s not about making money, or even garnering more fame. Instead, Sharma has more altruistic goals: he hopes to inspire other kids his age to go for their dreams. “I want to show them they can take their ideas and really go for it. And in the end, your efforts will pay off.” Despite all the accolades and remarkable accomplishments, the Grade 11 Loyalist Collegiate Vocational Institute student, who spends his free time hanging with friends, skiing and playing volleyball, remains admirably level-headed — and way, way beyond his years — over it all. “Other people are going to say what they want to say, but I’m just really focused on my own stuff right now. It is an honour to have my work compared to Basquiat, Matisse or Picasso, but that doesn’t really affect what I do too much. I really just want to do my own thing.”
Carry on, Evan. Carry on.
Be sure to follow Evan Sharma @evansharmaart on Instagram.You can also visit his websites at www.evansharma.com and www.rblb.ca. ReFINEdKINGSTON
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Brood && Bloom
A Discussion with Kingston’s Kasador — Written by Kimberley Falk Photography by Stephen Wild
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alking into the tiny backstage room in the Underground of Queen’s, there’s an excitement emanating from the members of Kasador — Will Hunter, Cam Wyatt, Boris Baker and Stephen Adubofuor — to meet me and discuss their music. The band members’ smiles are infectious, and instantly, Baker, Kasador’s bassist, shows me the child of their partnership with Stone City Ales, a Brood & Bloom beer. It was inspired and labelled for their latest album, which features recognizable producers on its label, including members of Kingston’s beloved Tragically Hip. It’s not long before we’re all sitting comfortably, discussing the band’s inside stories and future plans.
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© Matt Jumper
Tell me a little about how Kasador came to life, what your intentions were behind your band and music, and if you ever thought/imagined your songs would gain so much popularity? Will: We started the band at Queen’s University. Our intention has always been to write songs we are proud of and to get out on the road and bring a fun, high-energy rock show [to our fans]. You can never expect anything to happen for you in this industry, so I don’t think we had the expectation or thought these songs would be more popular. We just put ourselves into these songs and that’s all you can do, but the fact that our most recent songs have connected with people across the country has been an awesome surprise and a privilege not lost on us. What were your favourite songs to write? Are there interesting/funny stories behind any of them? Will: The most fun we had recording this record was Givin It Up. The energy in the studio was just fun, collaborative and honestly, we danced all day. We started by recording the drums, and from that moment on, everyone was bobbing their heads or dancing with their shoulders all day. It has become a highlight of the live set and we have a video coming out for it in the spring that we made with all our friends in Kingston. I really enjoyed writing and recording Brood & Bloom and I Believe
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Terribly. I think at the time, both songs were outside of our comfort zone, so it’s exciting to push that and learn new things about yourself in that process. Stephen: I really like Could Have Loved You. Do you have personalities that ever clash on tour? Stephen: Uh, yeah. Will: No, not really. Cam, Boris, and I have been doing this together for a long time. Stephen’s been with us for about two years now. He’s painfully easy going, so he slid in perfectly. Boris: After enough eight-hour drives, you have a lot of jokes that no one else is going to understand. What’s the atmosphere like at your shows? Will: I feel like I aim for a fun environment where people are happy, can
dance, and there’s the music they can move to. We try to be exciting. Boris: We try to keep it fun, even with the songs that we play before the set just on the house system. We’ve got our playlist, it’s very “dancey.” At the end of the day, we’re there to make new fans in new cities. So, if everyone else is there to see trashy punk bands, we’ve got to cater to it a little bit while still staying true to ourselves. Stephen: It’s definitely high-energy. How do you hope fans will relate to Kasador? Stephen: I think even outside of Kasador, we’re all very thoughtful, we all tend to care. We generally enjoy what we do. We even go out to shows when we’re not playing — we like to support just as much as well. We’re trying to do our part and do well but also, we do hope our friends do well.
What goes into your songwriting? Will: I would hope people would connect to our songs on a more personal level. We try to write songs that are more than just the surface, that have some depth to them. Boris: I would say that for the album that we just released, we tried to draw from a lot of our own experiences. It’s a very honest album and we kind of just talked about what we know and what we’ve experienced and the impact it has. Cam: For Skeleton Park, for example, we came up with a fictional story and we drew from that. But, for the most part, we draw from personal experiences. Boris: I would say that we sound Canadian. Will: There’s a current era of Canadian music, such as with drum sounds. Especially being down in the states and listening to bands of similar size to us, it is different and it’s interesting how regionally the music changes.
It has to do with who you grow up listening to. And I think in your subconscious, it starts to come out while writing a song. Do you have any favourite local Kingston bands? Cam: Pretty much all of them. Will: The Wilderness are really good friends of ours and also Dan Taylor is a great guy. What are your hopes for the future of Kasador? Will: We want to keep touring Brood & Bloom for a while, but already have a bunch of new songs that we are working on. I think every artist wants to see growth in their work, and we are no different. We’ve learned a lot from Brood & Bloom and are working towards the next chapter. Boris: We want to make music that we’re proud of, and be prolific in doing so. It goes without saying, but we also want to be growing our live shows and playing to more and more people each show.
Have you met any inspiring musicians on your travels? Will: Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to play with bands we grew up listening to. I grew up listening to Sam Roberts and found him inspiring as a musician and style icon, so it has been a dream to play shows with Sam Roberts Band. Cam: Hollerado was one of the bands that made me want to play in a band while growing up. They are from the same neighbourhood that I grew up in Ottawa, so meeting and playing with them was a special moment for me. I’ve always valued their drive and authentic approach to music and being in a band. What’s your favourite part about Kingston and do you think the city played any role in your upbringing as a young band? Will: As a music city, it is incredibly supportive and there is no way that so many talented musicians/ bands are not influenced by this city. As somewhat of an outsider, my favourite part has been feeling the city embrace Kasador, from letting us play in every place with beer and electricity over the years. Cam: The city definitely played a big role in our upbringing as we all met here and spent the first part of our time as a band playing all of our shows here. Boris: I think we’re all extremely proud to call Kingston our hometown. It’s part of our identity and the way the city has embraced us does feel really good for sure.
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© Matt Jumper
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FOOD & DRINK
CHEERS TO YOUR HEALTH Alcohol and Cardiovascular Health: Facts, Misconceptions and Tips
Written by Adrian Baranchuk MD FACC FRCPC FCCS Division of Cardiology, Kingston Health Science Centre
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lcoholic beverages — wine, in particular — are historically integrated into the culture of many countries. And yet, very little attention was paid to the interaction of alcohol consumption and its effects on the cardiovascular system until the late 1980s, when a group of French researchers suggested that despite having the highest consumption of saturated and non-saturated fats in Europe, France was the country with the lowest cardiovascular mortality.
At the same time, it was also found France was the country with the largest consumption of red wine per capita. This was called the “French Paradox” and it triggered a cascade of multiple studies that suggested red wine could play an important role in the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac diseases. Numerous studies have found wi n e ’s s u s t ai n e d c o n s u m p tio n — in light- to - m o d e r ate amounts — can reduce blood clots, decrease blood pressure and help to reduce the chance of heart attacks and mortality. Although a source of intense debate, these outcomes have been attributed to the molecular constituents of wine — namely ethanol, antioxidants and polyphenols. And, to be clear, the benefit is only seen with light drinking. It is also important to recognize that wine consumption is not complication-free; abusing it can lead to multiple health issues, including
cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases and cancers. What do international guidelines say regarding alcohol and cardiovascular health? The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend moderate consumption of alcohol, which means two drinks of 14g each day for men, and one drink of 14g per day for women. The American Heart Association, in addition to this last recommendation, adds two days per week of total abstinence. The Association concludes a moderate intake of alcohol (one to two 14oz drinks per day) is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk with no clear consensus of wine conferring greater benefits compared to other alcoholic beverages.
Winemakers Benefit Dinner See your glass of wine make a difference in our community! On April 24, join AquaTerra chef Brent McAllister, cardiologist Dr. Adrian Baranchuk and winemaker Dan Sullivan to enjoy a memorable evening of great wine and food all in support of University Hospitals Kingston Foundation. Tickets are just $195 per person. Visit www.uhkf.ca for more information and to purchase tickets.
Dr. Adrian Baranchuk
Be aware of excessive consumption, which is five drinks of 14g for men, and four drinks of 14g for women per week.
is a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2006, Dr. Baranchuk began as the Assistant Professor of
High-risk individuals, including alcoholics, pregnant or breastfeeding females, and individuals on prescribed medications, are advised to not consume alcohol.
Medicine at Queen’s University, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010. In 2016, he became a Full Professor with Tenure. He founded the EP Training Program in 2007.
Finally, one should remember that alcohol is not a medical method to reduce cardiovascular diseases; if a person does not drink, he or she should not start drinking due to possible cardiovascular benefits.
He is currently the Editorin-Chief of the Journal of Electrocardiology and Deputy Editor for JACC in Spanish.
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Exciting New Lot Release Brand new lots on the conservation area of the Cataraqui River.
Riverview features its own shopping centre,
Visit our Riverview Sales Centre for
For more information, register at tamarackhomes.com or contact
Jacqui Collier (613) 545-2500 jcollier@tamarackhomes.com
How to ďŹ nd us
Riverview Sales Center and Model Homes located Way, to Stonewalk Drive. Sale Centre Hours: Monday to Thursday, 12–7,
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Upgrade Your Life!
Taste of Kingston Written by Katrina Geenevasen
Kingstonians love to eat.
It doesn’t matter where you are in the city, if you turn your head in any direction, you’ll see somewhere to discover gastronomic greatness. But seriously; it’s true. The city has more restaurants per capita than any other city in all of Ontario.
The sheer number of places to dine aside, it’s the talented chefs in #YGK that set our city apart; they truly pour passion into every dish. You’ll get the chance to meet a handful of them here, as well as get a sneak peek at some of their favourite recipes.
M.F.K. Fisher once said, “First we eat, then we do everything else.” So, let’s do just that, shall we?
Cook on, Kingston.
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Chef
Henry Fisher of Dianne’s Fishshack and Smokehouse
Photo Courtesy of Wing Studios
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hen he was just six, Henry Fisher attempted to make peppermint creams after watching a kids’ TV show. “They didn’t work out,” he says. “It was the first and the last time I had a kitchen tantrum. The seeds were planted.”
as a server, but that too was ultimately met with failure. “I lost a server’s job because I spent too much time in the kitchen talking about food with the chefs,” he says. “Upon reflection, I discovered where my loyalties lied and decided to pursue an education.”
Fisher — who was recently promoted to executive chef of both Dianne’s Fishshack and Smokehouse, as well as Chien Noir — started his career in the hospitality industry
He attended George Brown College School, graduated, and honed his craft working at several area restaurants here in #YGK before making the move to Toronto.
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Kingston’s food scene, however, called him home, and he’s been here ever since. “Foodies want for nothing here,” he says. “The sheer volume of diverse, established, high-quality restaurants are enough to keep the most reluctant diner engaged and the most ardent foodie entertained.” The secret to good cooking? “Organization. A cook that is not organized is a very scary thing. For everyone.”
Piri-Piri Sauce What you'll need:
Directions:
150g red finger chillies stemmed, seeded, roughly chopped
In the container of a high-speed blender, combine chillies, garlic, fennel seeds and vinegar, blend on highest speed until smooth.
25g peeled garlic (about 4-5 cloves), roughly chopped 1 ½ tbsp fennel seed, lightly toasted until fragrant 35ml pure olive oil 35ml white wine vinegar 125ml tomato juice Kosher salt
Slowly drizzle in olive oil until emulsified, then slowly add tomato juice to emulsification. When combined, adjust seasoning with kosher salt. This sauce is excellent on all grilled meats and seafood.
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Photo Courtesy of Olivea
Chef
Cecelia Banks of Olivea
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F
rom a young age, chef Cecelia Banks has been helping her parents and extended family cook meals from scratch.
These days, she serves as the head chef at Olivea, a family-run Italian trattoria that serves traditional and contemporary Italian fare. “I’m passionate about what I do because nothing brings me more happiness than seeing people get joy from my food. I love being part of creating a moment they won’t forget,” she says. The secret to cooking well — according to Banks — is patience and preparedness...and always reading a recipe from start to finish before you attempting to make it. (So make sure you read her full recipe for fish stew before getting out your pots and pans!). She’s grateful to do what she loves; even better, being able to do it here in the Limestone City. “Kingston is so amazing for foodies because we are surrounded by great local farmers, winemakers, beer makers and lovers of food,” she says. “We’re a growing food community that is focused on supporting our local growers and providers. We’re lucky to be able to use our skills to showcase such beautiful products.”
Ligurian Fish Stew For the tomato and fennel base:
tomatoes and oregano.
⅛
cup extra virgin olive oil
⅛
cup sliced garlic
Bring to a boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes or until the flavours blend.
2 cups sliced onion (length-wise)
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2 cups fennel, quartered and sliced ¼-inch-thick across the grain
To make fish stew, add your favourite seafood to the sauce. Options include:
¼ tbsp kosher salt
Lingcod
¼
Shrimp
tsp crushed chilli flakes
¼ bottle of white wine
Squid (rings and tentacles)
1 medium-sized can of plum tomatoes, roughly chopped, plus juices
Scallops
½ tbsp fresh chopped oregano
Put a saucepan on medium-high flame. Add the sauce. Lightly season the seafood and add to the pan.
Sweat the garlic, fennel, onions and salt and chillies in olive oil until soft. About 15 minutes. Add white wine and bring to a boil for two minutes. Add the canned
Mussels
Cover and let cook three to four minutes, until fish is cooked and shellfish have opened. Garnish with grilled sourdough cut into wedges and drizzle with olive oil.
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Chef
Alison Scahill of Mesa Fresca
Photo Courtesy of Korinna Elizabeth Photography
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or Mesa Freca head chef Alison Scahill, the secret to great cooking is simple and yet deliciously effective. “It’s about not being afraid to get creative and make mistakes,” she says. “You learn so much about flavour and balance from trying new things and working with them until they’re perfect.”
A professional chef for just over a year now, Scahill has been cooking her entire life; for as long as she can remember, food has been a
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big part of her day-to-day. “When I was growing up, a great deal of importance was placed on balanced, fresh, homemade meals, so that you knew what was going into them," she says. While Schill says she spent a lot of her childhood jealous of her friends' Oreos, little did she know she was being taught to create and value quality ingredients and the work that goes into real food, which is the foundation that Mesa
Fresca rests on. "We make all of our tortillas, bread and sauces from scratch," she says. She’s grateful – and says she’s lucky – to have made it to this point. “[Mesa Fresca] has been our dream for many years and we’ve worked incredibly hard to make this happen for ourselves. Kingstonians have responded with so much love and support and I am eternally grateful for this.”
First Prize Chocolate Cake
What you'll need:
Directions:
A drop of butter the size an egg
Cream butter, sugar and egg.
¾ cup white sugar
Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder together.
1 egg 4 tbsp. cocoa 1 tsp. baking powder 1
cup flour
½ cup boiling water ⅓
up sour milk (1 tablespoon c of vinegar topped with milk to ⅓ cup measure)
1 tbsp. baking soda
Add a tablespoon of baking soda to sour milk in a large container. This will cause a reaction and it will bubble up. Add to butter, egg and sugar mixture alternate with dry ingredients; stir until smooth. Add hot water. Stir until smooth. Bake in a buttered 9x9-inch pan at 350℃ for 25 minutes.
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Chef
Cass Mercier of Atomica
Photo Courtesy of Wing Studios
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or Cass Mercier, executive chef at Atomica, memories have been associated with food for as long as she can remember.
She’s been a professional chef for a decade now, but five years ago, began working her way up to becoming head chef at Atomica. Two years ago, she fulfilled her dream. She loves what she does; to her, it’s a form of art. “There is something so special about watching people fall in love with food that you’ve prepared,” she says. “No
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matter what the occasion, food brings people together.” The secret to cooking? It comes down to two things: self-confidence… and a little bit of salt. “It’s so important to trust yourself. Once you start second-guessing yourself, you'll most likely end up making mistakes. Cooking takes confidence! Seasoning is also so important. It’s crazy how salt can make food come to life.”
She feels lucky to be able to follow her passion for all things food right here in the Limestone City, and says it’s been nothing short of an “amazing experience.” “The Kingston food scene is always growing and changing,” she says. “It allows me to challenge myself and grow to learn new techniques and new trends to keep Kingstonians and visitors on their feet and coming back for more.”
Ricotta Gnocchi What you'll need:
Directions:
1 cup ricotta
In mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta, eggs, nutmeg, salt, pepper in rosemary.
1 egg, lightly beaten ½ cup parmesan ⅛
tsp nutmeg, ground
6
cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
Mix in flour two cups at a time. Once all the flour is incorporated, the dough will be soft and wet. The dough mustn't be overworked. Cut dough into four pieces. Take each piece and roll into one-inchthick ropes. Use a knife and cut into one-inch squares Cook for three to five minutes or until al dente in salted boiling water. Strain and toss in a small amount of olive oil to keep from sticking. This gnocchi can be served in any sauce straight from a boil or can be sautéed in a pan until golden brown.
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Text by Deanna Harrington
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hef and restaurateur Stev George is a Kingston, Ontario native. After completing a degree at McGill University, Stev attended the Stratford Chefs School where his focus on locally-sourced ingredients began. From his first job as a dishwasher at Chez Piggy to his latest accomplishments as chef-owner of Olivea Restaurant in Kingston and Riva Restaurant in Gananoque, he has been passionate about food and hospitality. At Olivea, Stev has lead the team to create authentically classic Italian dishes using fresh, local food. Each year, he takes the staff on a tour of Italy so they can experience the warm hospitality and learn how good simple flavours can be.
Chef
Stev George of Riva
Riva — his latest restaurant — brings him back to Gananoque where he opened his first restaurant, Casa Bella, in 2001. S te v i s m a r r i e d to D e a n n a Harrington, his business partner, who is also a graduate of the Stratford Chefs School. The couple runs their restaurants with the help of their three children Olivia, Bella and Harry.
Chicken with Olives & Preserved Lemon Marinate chicken overnight:
Mix the marinade ingredients together first, then coat the chicken pieces and marinate covered overnight in the fridge.
6 chicken legs, separated thighs and drumsticks, skin on
Cooking the chicken:
½ tsp turmeric
2 cups onion, sliced
½ tsp crushed chillies ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp ginger powder ½ tsp paprika 1 pinch saffron 2 tbsp cup olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or puréed 1 tsp kosher salt
3 cloves garlic, sliced 1 cup whole green olives (with pits) ½ preserved lemon, inner pulp removed, cut in 1 cm pieces 1 cup canned tomatoes, coarsely crushed, including juice
Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay chicken pieces on a parchment-covered baking sheet and roast in oven 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden, but the meat is still raw. Transfer the chicken to an ovenproof casserole dish, add the rest of the ingredients, cover and bake in the oven at 325°F for one and a half hours, or until chicken is very tender. Serve two chicken pieces on saffron mashed potatoes with lots of sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and scallions.
2 cups chicken stock 1 tsp salt (to taste) 2 tsp chopped parsley
Serves four to six people
2 scallions, sliced
Saffron Mashed Potatoes What you'll need:
Boil the potatoes in lightly salted water until very tender and just starting to fall apart.
not overwork them.
Sea salt to taste
Meanwhile, heat the milk with a large pinch of saffron until just simmering, then turn off.
¼ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Stir to incorporate, adding more plain milk if the potatoes are too thick. Taste for salt and adjust again if necessary. Keep warm until ready to serve.
½ cup homogenized milk
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until fairly smooth, but do
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut in two-inch chunks
1 large pinch of saffron
Add the olive oil, hot saffron milk and salt to taste.
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Photo Courtesy of Brooke Towle Photography
Chef
Mitch Mackinnon of Go Italian
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itch Mackinnon has never been one to look at food as just sustenance. “I like my food to taste good and I enjoy eating,” he says, “so it almost seemed like a natural career choice for me.”
For Mackinnon, who was professionally trained right here in Kingston at St. Lawrence College, it’s important to look beyond basic ingredients when you’re in the kitchen. “Realize the potential of each flavour profile and push your limits to find new tastes and flavours,” he says.
Balsamic Salad Dressing What you'll need:
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1 medium-sized onion diced
3 cups olive oil
1 tablespoon of salt
1 cup of honey
1 tablespoon of pepper
6 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
Puree in a food processor, and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
A part of the Go Italian team for three years, Mackinnon has been professionally cooking for more than six. In that time, he’s learned that life in the kitchen means instant gratification. “People — especially Kingstonians — love their food. I enjoy creating comfort foods that just make you happy when you eat them; lots of sauce, loads of cheese, carbs for days…what isn’t there to be passionate about when we’re talking about foods like this?” he asks with a smile. He says #YGK is perfect for foodies; there’s no shortage of options to choose from here. “Considering there is a restaurant every 10 steps in this city, foodies are in luck,” he says. “Being a foodie myself, you never have to look far to find a place that fits your craving.”
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WHOZAGOODDOG The Ultimate in Canine Care
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nyone who has ever had to leave a canine companion behind when they go to work is familiar with the look of absolute anguish their dog’s face when it realizes it’s — once again — about to be left alone for the day.
Dog daycare is an ideal solution for many pets and their people who struggle with the time apart; these centres can ease separation anxiety, provide options for safe and supervised play, and offer muchneeded mental stimulation for pets while owners put in the 9 to 5. As lifelong dog lovers, it was only natural for Curtis Froom and Angela Fohry to find themselves owning and operating a canine enrichment centre — aptly named Whozagooddog — that caters to all these needs and much more.
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“Dogs of all shapes and sizes can be dropped off any weekday to spend a day with their dog friends, and participate in many confidence building, brain-stimulating, and physically engaging activities while their humans are at work,” explains Curtis. When dogs arrive, explains Curtis, they get introduced to their social group. Dogs will then be separated based on a combination of size, temperament and social play styles. “They’ll spend the day playing in groups with their friends, working one-on-one with any one of the handlers on find-it games, treat puzzles, and any of the many physical activities – perhaps some ‘fun-gility’, indoor or outdoor fetch, or a pack walk around the neighbourhood or on the urban trail,” says Curtis.
Written by Katrina Geenevasen Photos by Stephen Wild
Whozagooddog also offers pet parents a “Stay and Play”, which allows them to drop in during the evening as well as all weekend and use the space with their dogs. “It’s a fantastic way to beat the inclement weather, a great way to explore new activities with your dog, and a fantastic way to introduce your dog to the centre,” says Angela. The 6,000 sq.ft. facility, which also boasts self-serve washing stations and a large studio for training and obedience classes, was designed to provide a stimulating and enriching environment for dogs to fully enjoy, says Curtis. “We wanted to be inclusive and offer something for every dog,” he says. “We’re a facility where everyone is welcome, whether they are suited to social daycare or individual play during the stay and play sessions.”
The large outdoor play area further maximizes pet stays; there’s an assortment of tree stumps, tires and other objects for the dogs to explore. “During the summer months, we’ll often set up a pool or bring out a sprinkler or two,” adds Curtis. Whozagooddog, which started out with just a handful of pets, has quickly grown to include 30 to 50 daily members, proving that Angela and Curtis — who have extensive fostering experience — are doing what they’re truly meant to do. “Being able to make this environment available to them is everything,” says Curtis. “We enjoy their excitement when they arrive, love watching them explore new things, learn, build confidence, develop social relationships and enjoy themselves.”
Whozagooddog 33 Railway St, Kingston (613) 531–2275 whozagooddog.ca
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“Our dogs, Kiki and Sadie, can hardly wait to get into their daycare. They jump into the arms of whoever greets them at the door and happily prance back to the play area. They have active days, with walks, plays, and some training — even a bath here and there
when they get into the dirt. At night, they can barely make it through the door before they fall asleep in their favourite spots. I can’t imagine providing this kind of an enriching environment at home.” — Heather Stuart & Julio Arbodela
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TRAVEL
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THE LAND OF SMILES Highlights of Thailand
Written by Lori Sweet Voyage Writers – voyagewriters.com
Thailand is known for its delicious food, opulent temples, ancient ruins, tropical beaches and friendly people. This southeastern Asian jewel of a country is home to more than 69 million people.
will notice flowers everywhere throughout Thailand. You will see simple garlands hanging from rearview mirrors, at shrines and temples, along roadways, as well as elaborate flower creations in hotels and restaurants.
Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, is considered one of Asia’s most populous. While bustling and crowded, you will find the people friendly and very accommodating. There is so much to see and do here.
Flowers range from local Thai flowers like jasmine, chrysanthemum, orchids, lilies and more, to imported flowers like tulips, snapdragons and irises, to name a few.
Flowers Galore
Temples
The Wholesale Flower Market is a must-see. Flowers are very symbolic for the Thai people. You
There are approximately 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand, most of which are in active use. With
this number of temples, you will see them everywhere you go. In Thai, the word “wat” means temple.
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a steep stairway provided access for its earlier inhabitants. There is a dress code for visiting temples in Thailand. It ranges from the rule that shorts and skirts must be below the knees to no bare shoulders. Some of the temples will have clothing for you to borrow if you forget. Dressing modestly is essential and carrying a large scarf is never a bad idea.
The Floating Market
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Here you will see the 15-metre high, 43-metre long reclining Buddha. The statue is covered with gold leaf, and it’s four-metrelong feet are encrusted with mother of pearl. In the inner cloister, you will also see 150 Buddha images lined up in rows. Impressive tile mosaics abound throughout the temple. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace. This is considered to be one of the most important temples in Bangkok and the most visited. The Emerald Buddha is carved from a 66 cm tall block of jade. Visitors must leave their shoes outside and may not take photos. Wat Phra Mahathat, located in the town of Ayutthaya, is about 85km north of Bangkok. The temple is
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well-known for its most photographed relic. Here you will find the head of a stone Buddha nestled into the roots of a Banyan tree. How it came to be there is still a mystery. Wat Chai Wattanaram Temple (UNESCO site), also located in Ayutthaya, was constructed in 1630. The royal temple was where the king and his successors performed religious ceremonies. Impressive structures called prang (a corncob shaped tower) stand guard while
Located 100 km southwest of Bangkok is Thailand’s largest and most well-known floating market. The crowded market is busy with vendors and purchasers vying for space in the narrow canal. Going first thing in the morning will ensure you miss the largest crowds and gives you a chance to negotiate a good price. On the small narrow boats, you will see everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood and rice being cooked as you wait. Along the shore, you will find vendors selling spices, medicine, clothing and anything else a tourist might want to take home.
You will find that the Thai people are easy-going, respectful and very proud of their culture. Whether you come to visit for the spectacular scenery, delicious food, thousands of years of history or the welcom-
Food One of the highlights of a visit to Thailand is the food. A typical Thai meal includes seasonings that are salty, sweet, sour and spicy. Soup is a very popular part of a meal. If you are not one to like spicy things, asking for mai-phet (my-pet), which means not spicy, is a good idea.
is called khao lam. It is sticky rice often mixed with red beans, sugar, grated coconut and coconut milk. The mixture is then stuffed into hollow bamboo stalks. After being roasted over coals, the vendor uses a hammer or large knife to crack open the bamboo to make it easy to get to the sticky goodness inside.
ing people, Thailand will win you over.
There are three general levels of dining here: street vendors, shop level vendors and restaurants. In all three, it’s best only to have bottled water. Avoiding eating anything that is not cooked, especially washed fresh vegetables and fruits, is an easy way to avoid “Thai Tummy.” A national dish and go-to for tourists is Pad Thai. This dish starts with fried noodles and will have either shrimp or chicken added. You will experience some of the best Pad Thai in the world here. Snacks are everywhere. One of the most popular and delicious treats
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WHEELS
it’s all in the
DETAILS Written by Katrina Geenevasen Photography by Stephen Wild
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W
hether you like things “ just so” or simply want to be rid of all those Cheerios your toddler kindly left behind for you in the backseat, there’s something about getting your car detailed that feels luxurious — but it shouldn’t. Car detailing not only enhances the aesthetics of your vehicle, but it also improves the overall condition of it in ways you might not have considered before. Here are some things to ponder before attempting a do-it-yourselfscrub down; sometimes, it’s best to leave things to the professionals.
You regularly get your vehicle’s fluids changed, so why would you ignore your vehicle’s cosmetic features? A properly done detail job involves paint care; this can be tricky when you’re not quite sure what you’re doing. It can take time and patience to properly apply wax and/or a sealant to return your car to its original shine. If your day leaves you precious few free minutes, or you lack the fortitude to do it properly, leave it to someone who does.
Over time, dirt and grime from the roads will make your headlights dimmer. Have you ever been driving at night, struggling to see ahead of you? Road deposits could very well be the culprits. Properly done car detailing will ensure your vehicle’s headlights and taillights are free of dirt and grime — making those late-night ice cream runs much safer this summer. If you regularly use your car (as most of us do) the interior will begin to show wear and tear over time. Taking your car to a trained car detailer will ensure your vehicle’s interior is meticulously clean. It might not seem all that important to those who don’t mind a little dust, but it is. If you let Fido ride shotgun, it’s even more important. Just think of all the dirt, dust and grime on those paws that can cause insufferable odours.
Do you leave your windows open during the summer ? Pollen will undoubtedly make its way into your vehicle, causing very uncomfortable allergy symptoms in some people. According to the World Health Organization, allergies are ranked fourth on a list of the world’s most common chronic conditions, and dust mites account for 70 per cent of all respiratory allergies. See? Car detailing is nothing to sneeze at. Car detailing can improve the resale value of your vehicle. If you’re planning on selling your vehicle anytime soon, it should go without saying that a meticulously clean car is important. Who wants to inherit a vehicle that has not been properly cared for and maintained? In the end, a well-done car detailing is a small investment that can have a big payoff.
Road salt is damaging and Kingston’s unpredictable winters bring lots of it. While it makes our roads much safer during the harsh winters, road salt is tough on our vehicles. Given the opportunity, the salt will continue to build up over time in wheel wells and under your vehicle’s chassis — don’t give it the chance.
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Redefining Car Sales One Customer at a Time Written by Kimberley Falk
W
e all have heard the jokes that liken car salespeople to slick, quasi professionals that are never to be heard from again once the transaction is complete.
Jeremy Caddick, a local car sales professional at CarLoft, is out to diminish these stereotypes.
“I really enjoy selling cars,” says Jeremy, who has been in the industry for close to 10 years. “It absolutely does not have to be a horrible experience; it should be fun and honest and you should leave feeling happy with your purchase.”
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Photography by Stephen Wild
Being in the restaurant industry for more than 20 years set Jeremy on the path of car sales with decades of experience in customer service. “Having an extensive service background definitely contributes to how
well I interact with my customers,” says Jeremy. “I am not there to just get the sale,” he says. “I truly care about people. I don’t take advantage of them. I want to help,”
Ready to hit the road in a new set of wheels? Here are some of Jeremy’s top tips as you begin your search: • K now your monthly budget; • C heck your insurance rates and consider it as part of your monthly payment; • Know whether you want to finance or lease. For some people, there are tax advantages to leasing as opposed to financing; • Buy a car before you need a car; you’ll avoid the possibility that you’ll get stuck with a vehicle you don’t really like.
he explains. “I would rather not sell someone a car if it doesn’t make sense for them. People appreciate that and when the time is right, they typically will come back to see me because they know they won’t be pressured into making a purchase.” Because of the positive rapport he has built with his customers, Jeremy enjoys a thriving referral business. “My customers trust me and they don’t feel like I’ve taken advantage of them and they’ll send their parents, colleagues, kids and friends to me. That holds a lot of weight, especially in our small community. I take pride in that,” he says. Raised from a young age in Kingston, Jeremy knows everyone. “When I am out with my family either having dinner or at the rink watching my son’s hockey games, it’s inevitable, I will run into people, either from high school, or sports teams — whatever the connection may be. I run into a lot of people I have sold cars to; I want to make sure when I am out
in the community people will know me as someone who helped them.” Thinking about purchasing a vehicle? Jeremy’s first tip is always to trust your gut. “You should always go with what you want — not just what you’re told to take.”
Connect with Jeremy by visiting CarLoft or by requesting an appointment with him at www.carloft.ca. While you’re there, you can browse the current inventory, saving you valuable time that could be better spent on the road.
Melinda U. Jeremy at Carloft Kingston made my car buying experience enjoyable and easy. Shopping for a vehicle at 38 weeks pregnant can be difficult but Jeremy made the process happen quickly and found us the perfect family SUV. All your help is so appreciated. I highly recommend Carloft Kingston
Nathan K. Excellent service! Jeremy went above and beyond to help find us the perfect vehicle! Even met on his day off to get us into our new van as quickly as possible! Thanks Jeremy!
Jeremy Caddick
Brenda C.
(613) 929–7012
Jeremy is an excellent sales rep, he couldn’t have been more accommodating. I would recommend him to anyone — we chose the car based on Jeremy ‘s attentiveness.
jeremy@carloft.ca carloft.ca
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HOMES & PROPERTIES
How to Mix Design Styles By Amanda Aerin,
Edgy Designer, TV Personality, Brand Ambassador, Media Influencer and an Inspiration
Photos by Larry Arnal
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manda Aerin is a master at mixing design styles. Her Toronto-based design firm has become a go-to for those clients craving her signature style of rare antiques and colourful fashion-inspired fabrics.
Here are Amanda’s top tips on mastering a mix of design styles to create a home oasis that reflects your lifestyle and personality. arrow-right
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How would you best describe your design style? AA: Gaga meets Maria Antoinette. Hollywood Regency really resonates with me.
Are there rules you follow when it comes to choosing a design style for a space? AA: When I first meet a new client, I spend time listening to their wish list. We talk through the path that has led them to me and why they don’t feel comfortable in their space. Once we have had a design “heart to heart”, I begin to form an outline of what I feel encapsulates their dream environment. For me, there are no hard rules when it comes to design, but there are reoccurring themes. For instance, I like good bones. I like to start by adding character to a space in the form of mouldings, wallpaper and lighting. Next, I determine the proper furnishings for my client’s lifestyle
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— cosy, luxury, formal, etc. Lastly, I inject whimsy and unexpected pieces in the room in the form of art and accessories.
Is there a formula for mixing design styles? AA: A room generally has a dominant style. Modern, Traditional, Farmhouse. Choose one and base most of your more costly design choices around that dominant style. Next, add a couple of pieces that are vintage or antique. Lastly, incorporate modern art.
How do I identify my design style? AA: I find most clients are not sure about their preferred style, but they do feel confident in what they don’t like. Begin to catalogue looks you are drawn to from magazines or online images. With this grouping in hand, you will find a common thread in the images.
I often ask clients to do this design task in preparation for our meeting so I can quickly understand what feeling appeals to them.
How do you feel about trends and what do you predict to be a popular style this year? AA: We are in a fabulous year for design. 2020 is about curated interiors. This look is all about celebrating your history, your travels, your personality through design. This modern maximalist movement is the perfect time to try mixing design styles and experiment with your space. Have fun and try new things with your environment. Ultimately, mixing styles can be trial and error — move things around in your space, try adding new art or opt for wallpaper to give your space depth and luxury. Most of all, have fun creating and celebrate your collected treasures!
about
Amanda Aerin
ELEGANCE WITH AN ATTITUDE
A
manda Aerin is an edgy designer, TV personality, brand ambassador, media influencer and an inspiration. She is a nationally recognized expert in home construction, project management, design and lifestyle trends.
Aerin’s approachable, fun and informative broadcast segments are seen on multiple networks including “The Marilyn Denis Show” on CTV, heard on radio and shared on social media outlets. Her vast list of followers and clients value her flawless execution and technical knowhow, sculpted from her diverse creative background and experiences. Using a keen understanding of design and culture, Aerin creates spaces based on her clients’ passions and inspirations. Her designs evoke a distinguished lifestyle, offering homeowners a unique opportunity to turn their homes into an eclectic, creative oasis that truly represents their family. Amanda has exhibited her work in leading industry events, including National Interior Design Shows, The International Builder Show Las Vegas, KBIS, The National Home Show.
globe-asia www.amanda-aerin.com instagram @amanda.aerin.style twitter-square @MsAmandaAerin ReFINEdKINGSTON
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EXPERT ADVICE REAL ESTATE
help you keep the cost of things down, it’s definitely worth moving forward. By using those connections, your home will be spruced up at a fraction of the cost of regular repair jobs, and your home will be more buyer-friendly.
Floors That Will Floor Potential Buyers
GETTING YOUR HOME
READY FOR SALE
written by jessica hellard — real estate broker
If
you’re looking to sell your home quick ly and for more money, consider preparing it beforehand for the sale.
Declutter
Start by decluttering your home. Pack your belongings in advance by clearing 90 per cent of the surfaces in your home as well as 90 per cent of wall pictures and artwork. Give potential buyers the chance to picture themselves in your home by taking down your personal pictures and effects.
Clean Sweep
Secondly, put on those rubber gloves and give your home a good scrub. Ensure there is a fresh scent throughout the home, as well. Taking the time to clean up will leave a great impression during important showings. If you’re looking to make a bit more effort, a new coat of paint on your walls will go a long way. It’s also crucial to make sure all your lightbulbs are working.
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Determine Whether or Not to Renovate
Flooring is a great way to update a home at a reasonable price. Replacing grubby carpet with laminate boards or vinyl tiles can be an inexpensive way to give your home a facelift. However, if you’ve got the money to do a larger renovation, you can’t go wrong with bathroom or kitchen renovations. Those two areas offer the No. 1 return on investment because they’re typically high-traffic areas that also reflect the age of a home. No one likes a smelly old bathroom. Getting your home ready for sale can be a daunting process, especially if you’re unsure of what tasks to undertake first. Remember to receive a professional’s advice to make informed decisions and know that even a small effort can go a long way.
You may be wondering if it’s prudent to get your sledgehammer out and tackle larger renovations before selling. It’s important to keep in mind that while every house is different, every neighbourhood is also different. The types of changes you’ll need to make may depend on the neighbourhood and the kind of buyers looking in that particular area. Get a Realtor’s advice before undertaking any big changes; their expert advice can lead you down a more informed path. They know what buyers are looking for better than anyone else. Receiving some key advice may prevent you from overdoing a renovation and choosing projects that potential buyers aren’t interested in. That being said, fixing or replacing necessities isn’t a bad thing. Fixtures like furnaces and windows are big-ticket items that potential buyers usually see as costing more to repair than they really cost. Plus, if you have any connections that will
Jessica Hellard Broker Jessica Hellard Real Estate Group (613) 532–5336 jessicahellard.com info@jessicahellard.com
Delivering a 5-Star Real Estate Experience with Sophistication, Innovation and Integrity.
Jessica Hellard,
RE/MAX Finest Realty Inc., Brokerage
Megan Coleman,
(613) 532–5336 jessicahellard.com info@jessicahellard.com
Broker
Client Care Coordinator & Sales Representative
A Functional Flourish: Make Your Kitchen Work for You
T
hey say the kitchen is the hear t of the home; the place families feast and friends gather — the hub of the domestic wheel. It stands to reason, however, that no matter how beautiful a kitchen is, if it’s not functional, it’s not going to live up to its potential.
“Functionality is very important when designing a kitchen, as it has to be user-friendly,” says Sonia Atkinson, designer at Atkinson Home Hardware Building Centre in Kingston and in Hartington.
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What’s the secret? It’s called the working triangle, and it’s important to consider how to incorporate it into your kitchen design.
Laying It Out: The Working Triangle
The working triangle consists of the three key appliances in your kitchen: the sink, stove and fridge. The key to creating an ideal working triangle is all about distance, explains Atkinson. “You don’t want any portion of your working triangle to be less than four feet apart, and not really any more than nine feet
Written by Katrina Geenevasen
apart. You want them in comfortable walking space from each other.” As such, your working triangle distance always depends on the size of the kitchen space you are working with.
The Recipe for Perfect Lighting
“Lighting is everything and makes a big difference in your kitchen,” says Atkinson, who goes on to explain that there are three main categories for lighting: ambient, task and accent.
it’s best to carefully plan how it will all come together. Be sure to not only consider the overall design but also how you plan to use the cabinets, which should be designed for the user and for the space provided. You should also consider the type of material, price range and layout, explains Atkinson. “Cabinet door material can play a major role in what your kitchen will look like,” she says. “Materials range from thermal foil/melamine and polyester doors to MDF-painted doors, to wood door styles.” Consider installing under cabinet lighting, which is a great way to light up your countertops. Meanwhile, pot lights are another great way to light up your space; after all, good lighting is important when it comes to food prep. Atkinson also recommends installing dimmer switches. “Dimming your lighting can set the mood that you are trying to create,” she says.
Cabinets: The Detail is in the Doors
Cabinets can make or break your kitchen’s function and design, so
Each has its own set of pros and cons when it comes to the overall look and style, the durability and the price range, so don’t forget to consider all of these factors when designing your perfect chef’s space.
Counters: Topping it All Off
Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen can be difficult. With endless options, it can be hard to know where to begin.
The most popular? “Hands down, it’s quartz,” says Atkinson. “It’s a
manufactured product offering a wide range of colours and looks.” She recommends it because it is harder than granite, therefore, it’s more durable. It is also not porous, so it won’t hold dangerous viruses or bacteria. It is also scratch, stain and heat resistant.
Time to Get Cooking
Ready to get started? Begin collecting clippings from favourite design magazines, create a board on Pinterest (how did people decorate before it?!), and talk to a design specialist who can help you determine not only your needs – but also your wants. minus
Wondering what’s hot when it comes to kitchen design in 2020? Think bold! Consider installing a brightly-coloured or patterned backsplash as an easy way to add some style. Dark cabinets in shades of black, dark brown and espresso are also slowly making a comeback.
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Simplifying Spaces Written by Katrina Geenevasen Photos by Chantelle Lynn Photography
I
t’s been said that with organization comes empowerment; there’s truly something to be said for a place for everything and everything in its place, after all.
Hilaina Fawcett, professional organizer, lives and breathes by this motto... or at least, runs her business by it. Since launching her company, Simplifying Spaces, three years ago, she’s been helping homeowners in Kingston discover just how great being organized can feel, and spends her days showing them precisely how it’s done. With proven systems that transform spaces from cluttered and chaotic to organized and efficient, Fawcett strives to leave clients with a home they love and time for the things that matter the most. “I am like a personal trainer, but for your house,” says Fawcett, en route to a client’s home on the outskirts of the city. “Some people need help working out, others just need assistance in their home. I help them to stay focused and see results.”
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A mother of two, she knows how just how important functional and beautiful systems are for maintaining a peaceful home; how being organized can even have a positive impact on a person’s mental and physical health. “When the physical clutter is gone, it can get rid of the mental clutter,” she explains. Now, to be fair, Fawcett understands de-cluttering can seem like an insurmountable task to some; colour-coding and labelling don’t
come naturally to all of us, after all. But she recognizes this and takes a balanced approach to home organization that doesn’t leave homeowners gasping for breath confusedly amidst vacuum-seal storage bags and stacks of clear plastic storage containers. “People look at everything and they get so overwhelmed, but when I’m organizing a home, I focus on one room at a time. In fact, I start on one side of the room and work my way down, one item at a time. I touch each item and go through
everything. I have a good sense of what needs to stay and what needs to go.” Simplifying Spaces offers simple, all-inclusive packages to make getting organized the least daunting item on your to-do list; book a free consultation to learn more. You know you — and your home or office — will be in good hands with Fawcett, whose passion for organization is evident with every task she undertakes. “It’s so satisfying to walk into such an overwhelming and cluttered space and to leave it organized. Seeing the end result is so satisfying. I get so excited seeing it, and to see the reactions on my clients’ faces. Some people cry they’re so happy. I just love that. It’s a very rewarding job.” Simplifying Spaces (613) 453–2627 info@simplifyingspaces.ca simplifyingspaces.ca
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At Simplifying Spaces, owner and professional organizer Hilaina Fawcett operates her business with three philoso phies in mind: Purging is Key. “You need to get rid of unnecessary items that you don’t need, are holding onto ‘ just in case’ or are or broken. So often, we collect stuff we don’t need anymore.”
Every Item Should Have a Home. “You should know where to find everything you own, and where to put it back.” Everything Should be Visible. “When I can, I try to use clear containers and I try to label everything. When you cant see it, you forget you have it, and then you go buy more and add to your problem.”
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Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space From The National Association of the Remodeling Industry
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Transforming your backyard into a true extension of your home’s living space is a relatively easy way to add usable square footage and increase enjoyment of your home. Making outdoor upgrades is also a scalable project, meaning you can do as little or as much as your budget allows and continue enhancing the space over time.
Living Space
Living rooms and kitchens are among the most popular choices for upgrading a patio space. This approach allows you to take entertaining outdoors with a welcoming
environment that blends the comforts of indoor spaces with the ability to appreciate the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Comfy seating is a must, but beyond that the options are nearly endless. You might install a grilling station or even a full kitchen setup that offers the same benefits of an open floor-plan indoors. You could add a fireplace for character and warmth, and even integrate a pizza oven if your family enjoys a cheesy homemade pie. A bar puts refreshing beverages in
easy reach, while a water feature lends to a calming ambiance. Before you get started, narrow down the many choices by defining how you want to use the space. Know whether your goal is to create a relaxing retreat, add entertaining space or work in another function that fits your family’s needs.
Entertainment
Creating an indoor setting outside can also mean bringing comfort elements like entertainment outdoors. Typical outdoor entertainment technologies include music
and speaker systems, lighting, allweather televisions and theatre systems. Speaker systems are becoming more invisible as they blend into the landscaping as rocks or planters. However, not all outdoor products are able to withstand all weather conditions. For example, some products are marketed for indoor and outdoor use, but they’re not constructed to withstand extreme temperatures all year. Do your research to ensure your products are appropriate for your environment.
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Remodellers should also be mindful of placement of the speaker systems, so as not to disturb the neighbours and to maximize enjoyment for the homeowner.
Functional Features
Entertainment aside, there are some options for upgrading your backyard space that are as practical as they are enjoyable. For example, adding paved walkways lends both aesthetic appeal and a clear path for traveling from one section of the yard to the next.
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This is especially advantageous for high-traffic areas, where frequent trips might otherwise damage the lawn. The material can either complement or match the surface of a finished patio space, particularly if you choose an option like stone or pavers. Other functional features you might consider include fire pits, which can lend warmth on a cool day, and lush vegetation, which can contribute both character and shade to the space. If you live in an especially
warm region, installing a cooling mist system can extend the usability of your area well into summer. When it comes to customizing your space, particularly if it’s smaller, you can get creative with clever multi-purpose features like benches with built-in planters and tables with hidden drink wells for icing down beverages.
It’s Awesome Outside. That’s Why. Pools and hot tubs have loads of benefits for both your family and your home – enhancing the beauty and value of your property, providing an easy way to keep fit, cool off and relax, and being the focal point of memorable get-togethers.
wentworthlandscapes.com
Senior Real Estate Specialist
WHEN TO HIRE A
ReFINEd Kingston: Tell us how you learned about the role of Senior Real Estate Specialists and why it was so important to you to receive this designation?
Shari Doherty:
My parents lived in our family home for 45 years. It was my father’s pride and joy, the fact that he, a man that came from no money and was considered “ just a mailman” could purchase a home, raise two children, work as a letter carrier for 35 years and eventually pay that house off meant everything to him.
Unfortunately, time and life weren’t easy on him and in his late 60s, he moved into an assisted living facility. In his mid-70s, he passed away.
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Photography by Stephen Wild
My mother stayed in the family home for at least 10 years on her own, but in her own advancing age — and with both her children living in different cities — maintaining the home that had been the foundation for our family just became too much.
The question for her became, “How do I even begin to think about closing this chapter of my life and selling the only home I’ve ever known with my family?” She wondered who could she turn to and who could she trust with her life’s biggest asset and the biggest legacy her husband had left.
Being in Toronto during a booming real estate market made the sale of her humble home quite quick and lucrative. However, she relied heavily on the guidance and advice of my sister and me, who had both been through several real estate transactions during our adult lives. When I became a real estate agent, I found myself wondering about people in her situation who don’t have such a strong support network nearby and don’t even know where to begin. After doing some research, I learned there is a professional designation called a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) and I made it my mission to ensure I earned this designation and would be well-positioned to help people like my mother through this intimidating and complicated time in their lives. The SRES® program ensures participants master the knowledge, understanding and empathy for real estate customers and clients over 50 years old.
Even as I approached 50, my husband and I had begun contemplating retirement and downsizing. There is so much to consider both financially and in terms of future housing options. So, if you are considering downsizing or are assisting aging parents with their next chapter, be sure to consult an SRES®. ReFINEd Kingston: What are some housing options for those over 50?
SD:
Independent living, which includes aging in place, active adult communities, seniors-only apartments, and garden suites.
have determined the next best living arrangements for yourself or your parents?
SD:
You’ll need to sell the current home with a professional Realtor ®. My commitment as both an SRES ® and an experienced Realtor® is to walk you through this process stepby-step, at your pace and with the respect, dignity and professionalism you and your family deserve. When it is time for the next chapter in your family’s life, I am here for you. Stage One Real Estate Team 1329 Gardiners Rd, Unit 105 Kingston, Ontario (613) 217–9398 shari@stageonerealestate.ca
There are also options for assisted living, as well as continuing care in retirement communities, or life care. Care facilities, meanwhile, include board and care, nursing homes, and short-term or respite care.
www.stageonerealestate.ca
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Furnish Your Home,
Furnish Your Life
Jacob Nathan Home Furnishing and Accessories Written by Katrina Geenevasen
W
day, we had 80 people in that tiny space buying furniture and accessories. Napanee just opened their hearts to us.”
“We were so scared when we first opened,” reminisces Cindy. “It was just 1500 sq. ft., and on our opening
Fast-forward to 2020, and Jacob Nathan, now located on Princess Street in Kingston, continues to impress and retain customers with first-class service and top-quality products that transform houses into homes.
hen David and Cindy Wilkenson first opened their furniture and décor store in Napanee 20 years ago, they never for a moment imagined that one day, Jacob Nathan would be known as a top house and home retailer in the Limestone City.
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Photography by Stephen Wild
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Even better? Many of those products — from office furniture and living and bedroom sets to decorative accent pieces and mattresses — are made right here in Canada. “We’ve been carrying the same Canadian manufacturers since we first opened,” explains David of the one-stop furniture store, listing a slew of respected retailers such as Brentwood Classics, Elran and CD
Furniture. “These manufacturers are known for their good service, their good quality, and you can customize everything. That’s what kept us in business for 20 years is selling quality furniture that actually lasts.”
for even the most seasoned of shoppers, they’re there to make the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible so the end result is one every client, no matter what their budget, will love coming home to.
In addition to these superior Canadian brands, Jacob Nathan also stocks North American-made Ashley Furniture, which is known for its timeless styles that are both comfortable and liveable.
“Some people come in and they are lost,” says Cindy. “Sometimes the blank pallet can be just as daunting as picking one chair because you’re so afraid to make a mistake, but we are here to help. We don’t want you to make a mistake; we will listen to what you envision in that room and then we will make it happen.”
“We really just want to be able to give people what they want instead of getting the same run-of-the-mill furniture,” says Cindy. “Here, we have thousands of colours, and thousands of fabric options so you can completely customize your set.”
Jacob Nathan Home Furnishing & Accessories 2776 Princess Street, Kingston
And while the couple recognizes that choosing furniture — whether it’s a single sofa or an entire bedroom set — can be overwhelming
(613) 384–2444 jacobnathan.ca
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For more than 20 years, Jacob Nathan has been focused on providing Kingstonians with quality service and quality service. Here’s what some clients have to say: “Beautiful quality furniture and great customer service! My fiancé and I are thrilled with the pieces we purchased, delivery time was great and met all expectations. Will be loyal customers and definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for furniture pieces that are a cut above average and want solid pieces that will last.” — Chanel D. “David and Cindy are awesome; great people, awesome staff, a lot of great products here. Prices are amazing as well.” — Oskan Y.
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absolutely polished CLEANING SERVICES
Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Cleaning Services Closet Cleaning & Organization Deep Cleaning Move-In & Move-Out Cleaning
Student Housing Cleaning Pre & Post-Party Cleaning Wedding Venue Cleaning
613-539-1676 absolutelypolishedkingston@gmail.com absolutelypolishedkingston.com
Ally Mundacruz Owner/Operator
CUSTOM HOMES AND RENOVATIONS
(613) 536–8910 paradiseconstruction.ca
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Home Comfort Specialists Serving Kingston for Over 25 Years
MADE IN CANADA
2495 Princess St. at Gardiners Rd.
HEATING | COOLING | SERVICE
(613) 634–7722 havenhomeclimatecare.ca facebook-square instagram
