ReFINEd spring 2021

HALIFAX

SPRING 2021 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1

Best Best of the

2021

TIME TO DREAM Ideas For Post-COVID Travel

Homes for Real Life

BACKYARD RETREAT Create Your Ideal Outdoor Space

MEZCAL The Perfect Rustic Cocktail

MORE THAN

25 years in the HVAC industry

Call today to book a cleaning or inspection of your heat pump and heat recovery ventilator.

Home Comfort Systems for the Halifax Area Capital Ventilation Ltd. Whether you’re building a new house or planning a renovation, consider upgrading your heating and ventilation system for increased comfort and energy savings.

Capital Ventilation sells and repairs: • Heat pumps • Heating systems • Air exchangers • Ventilation systems • Heat recovery • Air conditioning systems

62C Bluewater Rd., Bedford 902.835.9224 info@capitalventilation.ca www.capitalventilation.ca

Spring 2021 Volume 7 Issue 1 Owner / Publisher Seann P.W. Gervason seann@refinedmagazine.ca | 902.476.4700 Editor Lori McKay lori@refinedmagazine.ca | 902.877.5512 Contributing Writers Dave Johnson, Colleen Thompson, Heather Laura Clarke, Anita Draycott, Katrina Geenevasen, Pam Tower, Nicole LeBlanc, Shari Burnard Ostrom, Annika Borg Cover Photography Will Yang Photography Bruce Jollimore, James Ingram, Mario Madu, Will Yang Page Design Lori McKay

Photo by Studio Umlah

Editor’s Note With ReFINEd editor LORI MCKAY

Distribution seann@refinedmagazine.ca | 902.476.4700

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”

– Anne Bradstreet, The Works of Anne Bradstreet

Seann P.W. Gervason Owner / Publisher seann@refinedmagazine.ca 902.476.4700

Jason MacDonald Sales Manager jasonm@refinedmagazine.ca 902.233.9582

I

n this strange time of isolation, many of us are looking for a fresh start. Luckily spring — the season of new beginnings — has arrived. We have so much to celebrate right now, from longer days and warmer weather to life returning to an improved normal. The pandemic has affected everyone, and our magazine is no exception. We would like to thank all our loyal advertisers for sticking with us and we wish them a successful year ahead!

We begin 2021 with our annual Best of the Best issue. In the following pages you’ll find features on some of the finest businesses, services and products our city — and province — have to offer.

With travel still out of reach, there has never been a better time to celebrate everything local. Our province has so many fabulous trails to hike, lakes to kayak and parks for camping. ’Tis the season for outdoor life. That’s not to say we can’t dream of vacations beyond our Nova Scotian borders. In this issue, travel writer Anita Draycott looks back at some of her favourite globetrotting adventures.

Also in this issue is an article on backyard retreats. Considering today’s COVID world, most of us will still be spending our spring, summer and fall close to home.

Our backyard space is more important than ever. Check out our ideas to create an outdoor sanctuary on your own property.

ReFINEd Halifax is published by ReFINEd Magazine Ltd., which is independently owned. Opinions expressed in ReFINEd Magazine Ltd. are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. ReFINEd Magazine Ltd. does not assume liability for content. All rights reserved ©ReFINEd Magazine Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. For reproduction requests, please call 902.476.4700. Canada Post Publication Agreement #43352027. Return all undeliverables to 1511 Lockhart Mountain Road, Coldbrook, Nova Scotia, B4R 1C1.

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Our Food & Drink section offers some great Taste of Nova Scotia recipes from local chefs. And if you’re looking for a bit of history with your new favourite cocktail, check out our feature on mezcal. Often confused with tequila, mezcal is touted as the “wilder, cooler cousin of agave spirits.”

Enjoy!

Lori

and love prevailed

Custom & Fine Jewellery Since 1977 1569 Barrington St., Halifax

902.420.1735

@fireworksgallery

www.fireworksgallery.com

CONTENTS

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1

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55

44

FEATURES

6

12

44

88

Health Food Trends for 2021

Taste of Nova Scotia Recipes

Small Space Reno: Blending Rustic & Sleek

31

50

Dreams of Post-COVID Travel

COVER FEATURE: Rooftight

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55

Mezcal: The Smoky Elixir

Nova Scotia Staycation: Your Backyard Retreat

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Best of the Best 2021

HERE IS A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR 2021 BEST OF THE BEST FEATURED BUSINESSES: Sunnyside Mall: Shopping Centre The 10 Spot Bedford: Beauty Bar Take It Outside: Lifestyle Apparel

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The Trail Shop: Outdoor Essentials Keltic Lodge: Golf Resort Rackology: Roof Racks, Trailer Hitches & Accessories Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre: Garden Centre The Westin Nova Scotian: Hotel Rooftight: Builder Archadeck: Outdoor Living

31

50

Case Design/Remodeling: Remodeling Wacky’s: Home Design David Dunn: Realtor

DEPARTMENTS

Berry’s: Furniture Genuine Kitchens: Kitchens

STYLE | 9 HEALTH & WELLNESS | 12 RECREATION & TRAVEL | 20 FOOD & DRINK | 36 AT HOME | 50 WHEELS | 92

Maritime Curbing Limited: Landscape Edging Capital Ventilation: Heating & Ventilation Revolution Windows & Doors: Windows & Doors Kynock Resources: Landscape Supplier The Berkeley: Retirement Living The Stone Depot: Masonry/Hardscape Supplier Mader’s Roofing: Roofing Genesis: Luxury Vehicles

BUSINESS | 94

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Luxury interiors for busy professionals

902.802.1122 | ip@irisinteriors.ca | www.irisinteriors.ca

STYLE

WITH Dorothée Rosen designer goldsmith

Palladium White Gold

W

hile yellow gold certainly has been making a huge comeback, I want to introduce you to an alternative: 18kt palladium white gold. This intriguing precious metal is one of the best-kept secrets in the modern jewellery connoisseur’s tool bag.

It’s a metal so elegant and alluring — yet so durable — it’s hard to pass by, yet few know about it.

Regular White Gold First, let’s consider regular white gold.

Since 24kt gold would be too soft to wear as is, gold in jewellery is always alloyed with other metals in order to strengthen it. This creates 18kt or 14kt golds, whereby 18 or 14 parts out of 24, respectively, indicate the pure gold content.

To make regular white gold, the whitening alloy is typically nickel.

Nickel does provide added durability, but unfortunately is a common metal allergen. It also wears microscopically over time. What’s worse, a nickel white gold alloy generally creates a yellowish metal, requiring rhodium plating, which will require re-plating every year or so, depending on wear.

I am not fond of the idea of putting a “façade” over anything, including the precious metal I work with. Why not work in a genuine precious metal that shines on its own?

Palladium White Gold Palladium white gold is an alloy of pure gold with the very fine metal palladium, which is in the platinum family of metals.

The resulting alloy is beautifully dense and strong, with an alluring hue similar to platinum, but more unusual and not as heavy. Replacing the nickel means no issues with allergies, and no need for repeated rhodium plating.

Palladium white gold with its elegant colour shines on its own. And as palladium is both more rare and more expensive than gold, when the two are combined, the heirloom quality and value of the piece will also increase.

Colour and Properties I work with 18kt palladium white gold, which has a more pleasing look than its 14kt sibling. This genuine precious metal has a beautiful bright sheen with a darker, greyish hue. This is why, in Italy, it is called “grey gold.” The colour is not as bright white as rhodium, yet more saturated than platinum. This rich colour offers a bolder contrast to crisp white diamonds, and luscious 18kt yellow gold in two-tone pieces. It is the kind of metal that will make others notice it for its contemporary and sophisticated look — a real conversation-starter.

Lastly, like platinum, palladium white gold is very strong, and beautifully dense — though not nearly as heavy as platinum — and resistant to scratches and tarnish. As a goldsmith, I am thrilled to be working with this rare and highquality precious metal.

18kt palladium white gold is a wonderful hypo-allergenic alternative to commercial white gold for those who have a nickel allergy, and an unusual alternative for those looking for a contemporary, sophisticated look.

Fun Facts

• Nickel is a cheap metal, and thus it cheapens your heirloom piece; a pound of nickel sells for CAD$10/lb, or $0.70/oz, whereas gold is $2,442/ oz and palladium is over $3,000/oz.

• 18kt is 75 per cent pure gold and 14kt is just 58.5 per cent pure gold • Palladium is also alloyed with silver, creating a strong and tarnish-resistant palladium sterling silver, which I use in some OneFooter rings.

Dorothée Rosen, designer goldsmith, Halifax private studio visits by appointment 902.422.9460 hello@dorotheerosen.ca www.dorotheerosen.ca NSCAD University BFA 2005 Society of North American Goldsmiths Craft Nova Scotia Master Artisan

Find more information about precious metals and gems on my website!

Find more information about precious metals and gems on my website Find more information about precious metals and gems on my website

Find more information about precious metals and gems on my website

STYLE

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Best of the

SHOPPING CENTRE

Best 2021

Sunnyside Mall: Your shop-local destination “As locals already know, there is no need to drive downtown. Sunnyside Mall has something for everyone.”

B

By Dave Johnson Photos courtesy of Sunnyside Mall

edford has seen tremendous growth in local business development over the past decade, and nowhere is this more evident than at Sunnyside Mall. There you’ll find more than 80 per cent of the shops are locally owned and operated — and there is always an emphasis on quality.

When you step through the mall’s doors, guests are welcomed into a promenade

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filled with natural light and lined with delightful independent boutique stores.

“It’s almost like you’re walking through a European market,” says Jill Mason, Sunnyside’s marketing manager.

A stroll through the food court plants you firmly in that European market atmosphere. Enjoy fresh local ingredients in offerings at On the Wedge Pizza and Panini Bar, delicious sushi made fresh

STYLE

daily at Sushi Moto, a fine authentic Thai offering at Thai Ivory Express, a made-toorder sandwich at Subway, or maybe a coffee or a frozen yogurt at Second Cup. And don’t miss a visit to Pete’s Frootique and Fine Foods, a locally-loved awardwinning market with a taste of oldworld charm. There you will find a vast array of international specialty items imported from around the world (such

as over 500 types of cheese) and a plethora of locally-produced products (including fresh produce, baked goods, grocery items, deli selections, meats and seafood).

Locals already know that Sunnyside Mall is your one-stop shopping destination.

Whether it’s to pick up a fresh bouquet at the award-winning Blossom Flower Shop, an educational game at Brain Candy Toys and Games, home décor at Hammock by Thornbloom, clothing at Poppy and Olive (or any of the other many shops for men, women and children), or a stop at any of the other 60-plus shops and services, you will find what you are looking for and you may even find a surprise or two.

In addition to shopping, Sunnyside Mall also offers many services, including O2 Wellness, a full-service fitness centre that offers high-end fitness equipment, custom workouts, yoga and spin classes, as well as experienced trainers and coaches to guide you through your exercise, nutritional and resting practices. They also provide childminding services.

As locals already know, there is no need to drive downtown. Sunnyside Mall has something for everyone. For so many of your needs, it is your one-stop, shoplocal destination.

Sunnyside Mall 1595 Bedford Highway SunnysideMall.ca

And you might want to finish your visit at the award-winning trattoria Il Mercato. “It feels like you’re in Italy,” says Mason. Also, there is Finbar’s Irish Pub, where guests can stop by for a pint of Guinness and Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale battered fish and chips.

STYLE

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

HEALTHY FOOD TRENDS

We’ll Be Devouring in 2021

By Colleen Thompson

W

e’ve said adios to 2020 and we’re looking ahead to brighter days with a focus on boosted immunity. The pandemic changed the way we live and eat and several of those trends are not going anywhere: plant-based foods, Zoom cooking

classes and meal kits are all here to stay. While chickpeas, fruit jerky and hard kombucha are all poised to steal the spotlight.

1. Oil Change Move over olive oil, there is a whole new crop of oils moving in to take your place. Home cooks in particular are experimenting with oils that add unique flavours, along with healthy perks, to salad dressings. Expect to see more pumpkin seed, walnut and hemp oils imbuing your recipes.

2. Hard Kombucha The hard seltzer market has been growing exponentially for the past few years, so it’s no surprise that boozy kombucha is now flexing and muscling its way onto shelves. It’s part of an overall trend towards low ABV cocktails. All kombucha contains a small amount of alcohol — usually less than 0.5 per cent as a by-product of fermentation. Hard kombucha ferments for an extra few weeks for an ABV of between four-to-seven per cent.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

3. Everything Old is New Again See ya sourdough; pickling is taking your spot! The technique may be 4,000 years old, but pickling is a thing again. With more time on our hands, and many more people growing their own food, pickling has seen a resurgence. At the peak of canning season last year, pickling popularity even led to a shortage of glass jars. The simplicity of the process, the desire for healthy quick snacks and a hobby to destress, is set to continue through 2021.

4. Fruit & Veg Jerky Cited by Entrepreneur Magazine as the "sustainable snack of the future," fruit and veggies are taking on a new form.

As the world continues to embrace all things plant-based, startups are getting very innovative with flavour-packed jerky mushrooms to adventurous dried jackfruit snacks.

5. Chickpea Everything The humble chickpea is officially the world’s most versatile legume. Whole Foods Market has listed them as a top trend for 2021. Move over falafel and hummus as we usher in chickpea pasta, chickpea pizza crust, chickpea salad, chickpea tofu and even chickpea cereal. It checks all the boxes: gluten free, high in protein, plant-based and rich in fibre.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Best of the

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Best 2021

Honey & Ginger: Truly a Homegrown Brand

By Dave Johnson Photos Bruce Jollimore

H

oney & Ginger is delighted to announce they have moved their Bedford store to its new location at 26 Peakview Way, Larry Uteck East in Bedford.

The new location allows them to expand the quality products and services they offer to support you on your journey to optimal health. They also continue to serve customers and wellness centre

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

clients and patients at their Dartmouth location at 262 Baker Drive.

“We continue to focus on what have traditionally been our strengths,” says owner Barb Brennan, ”including supplements, personal care, grocery items and most importantly, great customer service.”

In addition to their health food store, the new location offers practitioner services

“We are proud of our relationships with suppliers, vendors and customers. Mutual respect and support are very important to us.”

– Barb Brennan

in private treatment rooms. Sessions can be booked with their naturopathic doctor, holistic nutritional consultants, reiki practitioner or with a physiotherapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy.

Practitioners focus on the underlying cause of illness while addressing immune support, food sensitivities, meal planning and elimination diets, as well as pelvic health concerns ranging from bladder issues to constipation and pre and postnatal issues. Their knowledgeable team will walk you through the process.

Honey & Ginger is committed to Atlantic Canadian vendors (Marky B Protein Cookies, Goodmore Kombucha, Honibe, Outcast Up-cycled Nutrition, and many more). When products cannot be sourced locally, they aim to be as Canadian as possible.

“We are proud of our relationships with suppliers, vendors and customers,” says Brennan. “Mutual respect and support are very important to us.”

The company is also happy to expand their cosmetics and beauty section in their new space, offering well-researched, high-quality, affordable products.

Honey & Ginger strives to provide a safe environment for staff and customers, while keeping the COVID-19 shopping experience as normal as possible. They will continue to offer enhanced in-store shopping with roomier aisles, curbside pick-up, delivery in HRM, and acrossCanada mailout. And, if they don’t have what you are looking for, they will do their best to find it.

Staff members are committed to the highest level of individualized service and take part in ongoing training. They listen to customers and help them find the information they need to choose the best product to suit their needs. “We are grateful for our customers who continue to challenge us to expand our evergrowing product line and knowledge base,” says Brennan.

The Honey & Ginger team is especially looking forward to hosting community education sessions and workshops when it is safe to do so. Come by and talk natural health and holistic nutrition, or let Barb share her passion for running, yoga, live music, and local wines. Or simply visit to enjoy that special aroma that can only be found at a health food store.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Barb Brennan, owner

Honey & Ginger 26 Peakview Way Larry Uteck East, Bedford Store and Wellness Centre: 902.431.0801 262 Baker Drive, Dartmouth Store and Wellness Centre: 902.431.0801 honeyandginger.ca

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Best of the

BEAUTY BAR

Best 2021

THE TEN SPOT

Gift Cards: Always the perfect gift!

The original “anti-spa” beauty bar

By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Bruce Jollimore

W

hen you feel like a 10, you feel as if you can conquer the world... or at least take on your day. And in some ways, it’s kinda the same thing.

It’s for this reason Megan Gaetz decided to bring the best of the beauty biz to Bedford with THE TEN SPOT. “It’s all about confidence,” she says.

“When you look good, you feel good, and then you do good. Appearance isn’t everything, but a little boost of confidence is going to get you walking taller with your chin up. When you feel good about yourself, it’s easier to make someone else feel good, giving them

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that same boost of confidence. It’s contagious, and it’s going to continue to be passed on from person to person throughout the day.”

with a single goal: to beautifully bridge the gap between upscale, elaborate spas and suspicious salons that offer toogood-to-be-true deals.

Touting itself as the original anti-spa® beauty bar, THE TEN SPOT is on a mission to make everyone feel their best. With every woman who leaves with freshly painted nails, a perfect pedi, or the salon’s famous Brazilly Wax, THE TEN SPOT is proving it knows just what needs to be done to accomplish precisely that.

“THE TEN SPOT is upbeat, trendy and modern in how it looks, but then also in the way it feels when you walk in,” says Gaetz. “Clients walk into a space that’s bright and colourful, and nobody wears uniforms; people are dressed to be themselves and embrace their personalities.

Ever since the very first Ten Spot opened its doors on Queen Street in Toronto in 2006, the salon has operated

HEALTH & WELLNESS

“There’s good music playing, it’s a little bit louder than your typical spa, your choice of Netflix is playing in the treatment rooms and a great rom-com

“

Clients walk into a space that’s bright and colourful, and nobody wears uniforms; people are dressed to be themselves and embrace their personalities.

”

– Megan Gaetz, owner

Megan Gaetz

is playing in the main mani-pedi room.

It’s as if you’re walking into a friendly neighbourhood where you can relax and just be yourself.”

The salon’s services, says Gaetz, are efficient yet impeccable; there’s a reason the franchise has been scoring “best of” awards in every city they land in.

“We believe in the ability to do a service in a shorter period of time by cutting out non-essential parts of the service,” she says. “So you’re still getting a scrub and massage when you’re having a manicure done, but it’s not going to take 30 minutes. It’s a perfectly-done service in a short amount of time. Come in on your lunch break and head back to work with 10 perfectly painted toes or fresh brows!”

Not only this, but the services are also executed by staff members who enjoy being at work — and it shows.

“When you come in, it’s a space where people are smiling and where you can tell the staff enjoy being here and enjoy being with each other. You feel like you’re welcome here and you feel like you can be part of that friendship.

You can feel like you’re being brought into a community.

“Yes, we are a franchise, but we are owned and operated by locals who love what they do and exist to leave you feeling like the 10 we know you are.”

THE TEN SPOT 936 Bedford Highway, Unit 105 902.407.5707 bedford@thetenspot.com

You deserve to feel like nothing less than a 10 every day — so why settle? Book your appointment online at THE TEN SPOT today.

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WITH Christina Rogers-Lunn President, Hearing Institute Atlantic

YOUR HEARING MATTERS

H

earing is connected to so many important health factors. People do not always realize that their ability to hear well can help foster a healthier lifestyle. Statistics show that hearing loss affects one in eight Canadians of all ages, and 50 per cent of the population over the age of 65 has hearing loss.

Research has shown clear links between hearing loss, diabetes and cardiovascular health, and more recently to changes in the brain and the progression of dementia.

Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to depression, stress, anxiety and fatigue.

It’s tiring when you’re straining to hear, unaware of what has been said, and trying to follow conversations; by the end of the day, you, and your brain, can be exhausted.

Why don’t more people seek hearing help?

Many people don’t even notice they have hearing loss. Often it can be their friends, family or coworkers who notice it first.

Hearing loss is said to be an invisible condition and its onset is often gradual, so people make adaptations and changes over time to compensate.

From my time working in our clinics and speaking with clients, I’ve come to realize that knowing who to trust, where to find a good audiologist and knowing which brands of hearing devices are good ones, can make a big difference. People are often given misinformation or hear about not-so-great experiences from friends and family, which can lead to worry or result in them not seeking much-needed help.

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and improvements in lifestyle factors. I know not everyone grows up wanting to wear a hearing device, but if you have a treatable loss, the great news is that we can help. We can also help you find fantastic products that may just surprise and delight you.

Cost can also be a substantial barrier to seeking help. Many folks do not want to have a hearing test for fear it will lead to a recommendation of hearing devices.

As technology gets better and hearing devices become more robust, reliable and have the ability to work in a wireless Bluetooth world, costs remain high. The good news is that over the lifetime use of a device, the cost will be relatively low, and most companies offer a budgetfriendly solution for their clients, or in-house payment plans.

And finally, awareness! Most people just do not have hearing health on their radar.

Think about it. When was the last time you had a hearing test? We often see people for their first hearing test in late adulthood, when gradual changes have already started to occur. Our audiology team recommends having your hearing tested starting at age 40, and regularly thereafter, based on the results.

Early diagnoses, intervention and treatment of hearing loss, if needed, leads to better overall hearing health

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Hearing is a vital sense. We need to hear to stay connected to the activities and people we love. Value it, treasure it, and have it looked after by a trusted and respected business and audiology team.

See them for regular check-ups and take action when it becomes necessary.

Don’t wait or put it off, and don’t dismiss how important good hearing is to your overall health and well-being.

Christina Rogers-Lunn Hearing Institute Atlantic Halifax, Clayton Park, Bedford, Lr. Sackville, Dartmouth, Bridgewater, New Minas, Yarmouth 902.482.2222 info@hearinginstitute.ca hearinginstitute.ca

WITH Dr. Magda Barnard Bedford Orthodontics, Metro Orthodontic Specialists

Safety and Excellent Orthodontic Outcomes are our Top Priorities

A

t Bedford Orthodontics and Metro Orthodontic Specialists, we pride ourselves on excellence in cleaning, sterilization and infection control — and we always have, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Our offices have state-of-the-art sterilization centres and equipment, regular testing and meticulous disinfection.

In addition, due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19, we have upped our game to reflect the specific requirements that are necessary to keep everyone safe from this novel coronavirus.

We are very fortunate, because as I write this, we have very few cases in Nova Scotia. However, this could change, and we are always vigilant. You are safe in our office. The Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Dental Association, along with the province and our chief medical officer of health, ensures we have all the best guidelines at our fingertips to keep you protected from COVID-19.

So what will look different when you come for an appointment at our office?

You will see that we have a pre-screening questionnaire for COVID-19 that we will ask you to fill out online or on your cell phone. It will only take a few seconds.

We will also remind you that we are social distancing and that our wait room is limited. Essentially, your car may be your “wait room” when you arrive for

the visit. It is a good thing our wait times are very short, because the magazines and ipads you may be used to seeing in our wait area have been temporarily removed. They are frequently touched surfaces and we are not taking any risks!

Once you come into the office, we will take your temperature with a touchless thermometer and ask you to wear a mask or we will provide one for you.

We will also review your screening questionnaire to ensure there were no changes since you filled it out or to answer any questions. You will see our staff wear face shields and masks, and we will usually be wearing scrubs like the ones you see medical doctors wear in the hospital and on TV!

Dr. Magda Barnard

B.Sc., D.D.S. (with distinction), M.Sc. (Orthodontics), F.R.C.D(C) Bedford Orthodontics Suite 206, Sunnyside Mall 1595 Bedford Highway, Bedford 902.835.6531 www.bedfordortho.com

The front desk has sneeze guards installed and we offer touchless payment options and appointment scheduling.

In the main clinic, we have excellent air exchange from our HVAC filtration, state-of-the-art sterilization centres and disinfectants.

We have also installed additional HEPA filtration and have also installed partitions between chairs, as an extra safety precaution. We have gone above and beyond. We treat our patients like family, and this is what we would want for our family. No detail was spared or overlooked.

NOW also welcoming patients at: Metro Orthodontic Specialists Suite 200, 5991 Spring Garden Road Halifax 902.423.7331 www.metroortho.ca

So please give us a call to schedule your next visit. We will provide you with the same care we are known for, but with a COVID-19 safety twist to keep you and your loved ones safe while you get the smile of your dreams.

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Best of the

LIFESTYLE APPAREL

Best 2021

The “casual chic” wardrobe is here to stay Take It Outside: Keeping Nova Scotians outfitted in luxury leisurewear

By Laura Richardson Photos courtesy of Take it Outside

W

hen the pandemic forced a good portion of the workforce to start working remotely, there was no longer a reason to zip into uncomfortable dress pants — but working from home in baggy, grubby sweats quickly lost its appeal.

There had to be a middle ground, and Sue Stanfield knew exactly what it was.

appropriately professional on endless Zoom meetings.

“People were tending to go super casual on the bottom and then dressing it up on top a bit,” says Stanfield. “Maybe staying warm in a hoodie, but then taking it off before a video call to reveal a nice shirt underneath — a T-shirt or a blouse with a bit of pattern.”

The owner of Take It Outside spent the early weeks of March 2020 updating its online store, adding upscale loungewear from brands like P.J. Salvage, Lolë and Z Supply.

As the months went on, they learned to dress up plain sweaters with scarves to make their outfit more dynamic on video calls and swapped their former shiny dress shoes for cozy Glerups slippers made from breathable wool.

notch” with slightly dressier pieces from Pistache, FIG and Tribal.

Everything started selling out immediately, as demand surged for comfortable clothing that looked

Now, a full year into the work-at-home lifestyle, Stanfield is noticing many shoppers wanting to “kick it up a

“They still want to be comfortable, but a little bit less casual,” says Stanfield.

“Leisurewear is definitely not going away.”

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RECREATION & TRAVEL

RECREATION & TRAVEL

Adventure, Nature and Growth Stanfield says it’s important that all her employees believe in the company’s values of “adventure, nature and growth.” Whether they’re helping someone choose upscale loungewear or the perfect outdoor adventure gear, the mission is always to leave the customer smiling.

“We always try to help people find products they’ll love,” says Stanfield.

“It’s our No. 1 goal to have people feel great in what they’re wearing.”

Checkmate Experience App Comfortable, chic clothing is here to stay, but the in-store shopping experience itself has changed slightly, due to everyone wearing masks and adhering to social distancing. But using the Checkmate Experience app — which Stanfield’s team also designed and built — Take It Outside customers can arrange for a free V.I.P. concierge experience during their next in-store visit.

“You download the app, enter your sizes and preferences, and send it directly to the store when you want to make a shopping appointment,” explains Stanfield, who created the app to make it easier for retail employees and customers to communicate. “You can specify if

you want certain items pulled, reserve a dressing room, ask to have something left at the register for you, or even say you want to be left alone to browse.”

Take It Outside is a go-to for staples like Blundstones and warm winter jackets, with best-sellers like Canada Goose and Arc’teryx. It has also been selling a lot of its own Stanfield’s-made products, like T-shirts branded with wildernessinspired mottos like #TakeItOutside, #AdventureIsLife and #Outfluencer.

Take It Outside 65 Inglis Place, Truro 196 Hector Gate, Dartmouth Crossing takeitoutside.ca

*Shop online for free shipping Canada-wide on orders $100+, or free in-store pickup.

“We’re seeing more interest in capsule wardrobes, and people wanting great day-to-day basics so they can just add in other pieces as needed,” says Stanfield.

“We believe in buying something and having it last a long time.”

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Best of the

OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS

Best 2021

“There are so many amazing things to do” THE TRAIL SHOP

Everything you need for your next adventure

By Laura Richardson Photos courtesy of The Trail Shop

S

ue Stanfield stayed close to home last summer and spent her vacation in Cape Breton with her family. They had a quiet week of hiking trails, chasing waterfalls and going swimming every night.

The Quinpool Road shop sells clothing, shoes, equipment and adventuring gear for all levels, from beginners to experts. Stanfield says it’s always fun to chat with shoppers who pop into The Trail Shop to discuss their next adventure and ask questions about the gear they might need.

“The kids said it was the best vacation they’d ever had — better than other far away destinations,” laughs Stanfield.

“It just goes to show, you don’t have to look very far to find an adventure in Nova Scotia.”

Of course, this was no surprise to Stanfield, a self-professed “outdoor lover” who owns The Trail Shop in Halifax and Truro, as well as Take It Outside.

“People are spending more time outside than ever before. Whatever people

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Whether you’re in the market for a waterproof spring/summer jacket or a heavy winter coat, she says it always makes sense to invest in quality because a good one can easily last a decade. normally enjoy doing outside, they’re just doing more of it — and a lot of people are also trying new adventures,” says Stanfield. “We have the most beautiful province. From tip to tip, there are so many amazing things to do here.”

RECREATION & TRAVEL

But The Trail Shop’s clothing selection goes far beyond the expected range of hiking boots, warm hats, jackets and thick socks. There are hundreds of comfortable stylish options for outerwear, mid-wear, and base layers,

“People are spending

including leggings, T-shirts, cardigans, dresses and even underwear.

more time outside than ever before.

Along with the clothing you need to stay comfortable and dry in any type of weather, The Trail Shop sells everything you need for outdoor adventures here at home, from canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, skis, and snowshoes to day packs, hiking accessories, tents and camping gear.

– Sue Stanfield

The Trail Shop is the only shop in Halifax with a good selection of Arc’Teryx outerwear and climbing gear, which is known for its durability and unrivaled performance. During the spring and summer months, Stanfield says the shop also sells a lot of Salomon hiking boots, North Face tents, and gadgets designed to make camping more comfortable — including sleeping pads, Jetboil cooking systems and YETI cups for keeping drinks hot or cold.

The Trail Shop 6112 Quinpool Rd., Halifax 59 Inglis Place, Truro trailshop.com

*Shop online for free shipping Canada-wide on orders $100+, or free in-store pickup.

The Trail Shop’s adventure-loving team members are all dedicated to the store’s values of “adventure, nature, and growth,” which Stanfield says makes them the perfect people to help Nova Scotians embrace the great outdoors this season.

“Over the last year, we’ve had a lot of people come in and say ‘I’ve never really done anything like this before, but this feels like the right time to get outside

”

and try it,’” says Stanfield. “We love encouraging people to try new things, and help them get organized with the gear they need to make it a comfortable, fun experience.”

RECREATION & TRAVEL

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Best of the

GOLF RESORT

Best 2021

CIAD MILE FAILTE ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND WELCOMES Experience the magic of Eastern Canada with three unique packages, each designed for your needs and wants.

NEW

Relaxation Package 1 night accommodation Spa credit $75

3 course dinner in the Purple Thistle Dining Room Breakfast $265.00 Price per person, based on double occupancy. Subject to availability.

NEW

Foodie Package 1 night accommodation

3 course dinner in the Purple Thistle Dining Room Breakfast $190.00 Price per person, based on double occupancy. Subject to availability.

Golf & Spa Package 1 night accommodation 1 round of golf with cart rental at Cape Breton Highlands Links Choice of one 30-minute massage, 30-minute manicure, or 30-minute pedicure Breakfast for two Starting at $430.00 per couple Subject to availability. Package available until September 30, 2021.

KELTICLODGE.CA

Best of the

ROOF RACKS, TRAILER HITCHES AND ACCESSORIES

Best 2021

The Art of Transporting Your Stuff Rackology specializes in rooftop and hitch-mounted solutions to safely get your gear from here to there

By Dave Johnson Photos by Bruce Jollimore

A

s public health experts remind us, the safest place to be during the pandemic is outdoors. Here in the Maritimes, we are fortunate to have lots of nearby outdoor spaces: the ocean, lakes, beaches, parks and trails.

And with the guidance and expertise of a local company to take care of your equipment needs, there is nothing to keep you from getting on your way to a favourite outdoor destination.

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RECREATION & TRAVEL

Rackology — co-owned by automotive adventure accessory specialists James Wolff and Grace Fay — is that company.

Whether you’re cycling, canoeing, kayaking, camping, skiing or your needs are work related, Rackology has you covered. In dedication, knowledge and experience, Rackology is second to none.

“We are the best in town at what we do,” says Wolff. “I know it sounds like

“I have seen a lot of racks in my time here and I know what works well and what doesn’t.” – James Wolff Grace Fay and James Wolff

bragging, but I’m that confident.” He adds that they even get calls from other businesses and automotive dealerships for product advice and tips.

He and Fay see it as their mission to provide their clients with exactly the right product.

“Our products are curated from the best that is offered,” says Wolff. “Whether it be Thule, Yakima, Küat or any of the other fine manufacturers who supply us with products, we only select the very best of each manufacturer’s product line.

“People are often sold the incorrect product, we see this happen all the time.

At Rackology, we take the time and ask the questions,” says Wolff. “We want to make sure the gear you’re purchasing is the right one for you. Long-term customer satisfaction is our goal and we know that will only be achieved if

we meet — or exceed — each client’s particular expectations.”

When Wolff or Fay make a product recommendation, it’s based on their 10 years of experience.

“I have seen a lot of racks in my time here and I know what works well and what doesn’t,” says Wolff. “In addition to top-quality brands, we offer expert installation. There can be a lot of problems if things are not installed properly, so it’s great to know you have an installation you can trust.”

Wolff handles most of the installations personally, so you know it’s done right — every time.

in these uncertain times, in order to enable a client to go ahead with their vacation plans.

Come in, share your latest adventure and discuss your needs with the warm and friendly staff. Rackology offers a safe environment, where rigorous sanitation and social distancing practices are in place (in accordance with public health guidelines).

Rackology 3125 Kempt Rd., Halifax 902.407.7244 www.rackology.ca

Wolff and Fay will go out of their way to meet clients’ needs. They have even been known to lend their own personal gear, pending inventory arrival

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Best of the

GARDEN CENTRE

Best 2021

CULTIVATE YOUR INNER GARDEN Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre

T

Photos courtesy of Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre

here has never been a better time to take up gardening.

Studies show time spent in your garden is good for your overall health, helping to alleviate anxiety and depression, improve stress management, and many other positive effects. And the best part about a garden: it can be found right outside your back door.

“Gardening as a mental health management strategy is growing and growing,” says Cathy Oulton, owner of Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre on Hammonds Plains Road. “I think a lot of people took solace in their garden during the pandemic. It’s a way for them to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and watch their flowers bloom.”

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She says she’s seeing a whole new group of gardeners, including people who have never had an interest in gardening before.

“We’re all still feeling the stress of COVID. Getting outside and enjoying a natural landscape of our own creation is good for everyone.”

And there’s never a bad time to start. Even our Nova Scotia winters offer ways to use your green thumb — from ordering seeds and pruning trees to tending house plants and planning ahead.

“I want people to know gardening isn’t just a single season,” says Oulton. “You can do it all year round.”

When Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre opens for spring, customers can

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expect to find a full selection of indoor and outdoor plants (most of which are grown onsite in Hammonds Plains), flowering bulbs, full service seeding and transplanting supplies, and lots of inspiration.

“Spring is the perfect time of year for people to start asking questions and planning their gardens,” says Oulton.

She notes that although their typical seasonal seminars are on hold due to the pandemic, her knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help with questions.

She also notes that Bloom is a great place to take kids. “You’re never too young to start gardening. The greenhouse is a family-oriented place to visit!”

Shop online for all your garden needs. www.bloomgreenhouse.com

Inspiring gardeners of all ages Cathy Oulton grew up around her family’s nursery business in the Annapolis Valley and has always been passionate about gardening. In addition to growing and arranging a large selection of beautiful plants, she says one of the things she loves most about her job is helping others develop their own love of gardening.

“We’re Hiring!”

New convenient online store

The latest addition to the Bloom Greenhouse business is a convenient online store, which allows customers to place orders, pre-pay and pick up in-store.

“Our online store makes curbside delivery so much easier,” says Oulton.

“There’s no need for contact. People can simply look at the images and see what is available.”

The online store will grow as Bloom stocks more items. For spring, shoppers will see a focus on nursery stock and seeding supplies, lots of perennials and tropicals. As the season goes on, their stock will change and expand.

“People don’t always have the time to come in and shop around. It’s especially convenient if they already know and love the products we offer and just want to be able to start their

gardening with everything right at their fingertips.”

Customers can order everything from hanging baskets and bulbs to plants and supplies. Pickup is simple and can be no-contact if desired.

Bloom is looking for motivated gardeners to join their team.

Employment applications online.

Celebrating 16 years in business

Bloom is a small, family-run business that has been supporting gardeners — both aspiring and experienced — since 2005.

“We want our customers to know how much we appreciate them. After 16 years in business, every year just keeps getting better and better.”

Bloom Greenhouse & Garden Centre 1421 Hammonds Plains Road Hammonds Plains 902.832.9268 www.bloomgreenhouse.com https://www.facebook.com/ BloomGreenhouse/

Bloom offers personalized coaching and landscape design, plus all the tools and plants anyone needs for their garden project.

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Explore the historic Shubenacadie Canal ...

CANOE & KAYAK RENTALS

(Stand-up paddleboards too!)

Shubie Park, 54 Locks Rd., Dartmouth • 902.329.6153 • wildwoodwatersports@gmail.com

wildwoodwatersports.ca Open weekends May & June, daily July & August. Weather permitting. Pre-booking encouraged.

Rentals may be picked up from the shed on the trail adjacent to the parking lot. PFD and safety equipment included with each rental.

Truman Capote once quipped that, “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one go.”

Dreams of Travel Get Ready for Post-COVID-19 Adventures

F

or the past 25 years, I have averaged about 200 travel days per year in my career as a freelance travel writer. My husband and I were enjoying a trip to South Africa in March when suddenly we

By Anita Draycott

had to cut it short and get back to Canada on the earliest plane, as per Canadian government warnings. Since then I have been “grounded” with lots of time to think about some of my favourite globetrotting experiences. So, in an attempt to

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inspire you to spend some quality time reminiscing fondly about some of your best holidays, I am sharing some of mine.

When the COVID-19 crisis is over and it’s safe to get on a plane, here’s my bucket list.

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ODE TO VENICE, ITALY Truman Capote once quipped that, “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one go.”

eastern Mediterranean and dominated trade routes between Europe and faraway eastern lands.

The moment I first laid eyes on her I was smitten by La Serenissima. Who would not be seduced by this fantastic mirage rising like a Venus from the lagoon? From the golden mosaics of the Doge’s Palace to the marvelous Tintoretto-painted ceilings on the Scuola di San Rocco.

So if La Serenissima seems to be a tapestry woven of silk, velvet and lace imbued with saffron, cinnamon, amber and silver filigree, it’s because those riches and more first entered the western world through her labyrinth of waterways. Probably nowhere else on earth does East meet West with so much panache.

For me, Venice is a treasure chest brimming with precious exotica from all over the world. This fantasy isn’t far from reality, actually. The city was built by merchant princes whose navies ruled the

Venice has been flabbergasting visitors for centuries. Entering the city via the Grand Canal is a staggering experience, whether it’s for the first time or the 10th.

Walt Disney could not have improved

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RECREATION & TRAVEL

upon this architectural fantasy of Romanesque and Renaissance palaces, domed churches and arched bridges, all bathed in that rich radiant light that is Venice’s alone.

At dusk the city becomes shrouded in a soft mist made mauve by the glow of the iconic lamplight. The grand salons of the palaces are illuminated by flickering Murano glass chandeliers and their lacy facades appear to be melting into the watery mirror below.

Is Venice a tourist Mecca? Of course.

We flock to the Piazza San Marco, which Napoleon described as the drawing room of Europe. We order exorbitantly priced coffee with zabaione liqueur and whipped

VENICE: The city Gore Vidal once called the most beautiful cliché on earth.

cream served on a silver tray to the accompaniment of a string quartet at Caffé Florian.

We nip into Harry’s Bar, Ernest Hemingway’s favourite watering hole, for a Bellini where the cocktail was first created.

We bargain for leather goods, Carnevale masks and other trinkets in the stalls around the impressive Rialto Bridge.

We shell out 80 euros for a 40-minute ride in a sleek black gondola gracefully maneuvered through the narrow canals by a dashing gondolier. And we leave absolutely entranced by the city that Gore Vidal called the most beautiful cliché on earth.

POP A CORK IN CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE “Come quickly! I am drinking the stars!”

The legend goes that Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk and cellar master of the Hautvillers Abbey near Épernay, uttered these words after his first sip of his accidental creation of effervescent wine in the 1600s. The starstruck monk may not have “invented” champagne, but

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he is credited with perfecting the bottling and fermentation process that harnesses those bubbles to produce a wine that sustains its sparkle.

Back in the 1980s, an invitation to visit the Champagne region, about 145 km northeast of Paris, began my love for most things French, especially the “grapes of froth.” Reims, dominated by a

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“I will never forget a four-hour, multi-course truffle tasting menu that I enjoyed at Le Domaine Les Crayères, hosted by Remi Krug from the prestigious House of Krug Champagne.” – Anita Draycott

13th century gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to several prestigious producers. At Domaine Pommery they display modern art in the cellars so you get champagne and an art tour rolled into one. Nearby, book a table at Le Domaine Les Crayères, a posh hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Parc. I will never forget a four-hour, multicourse truffle tasting menu that I enjoyed there, hosted by Remi Krug from the prestigious House of Krug Champagne.

Fifteen minutes south, tiny Épernay is home to more fabled champagne houses, easily visited on foot. Moët & Chandon produces the legendary Dom Pérignon, and offers terrific tours of its vast chalk cellars where the bottles are aged.

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The Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), the industry’s governing body, stringently enforces its regulations. The grapes, the costliest in France, must be handpicked.

Adding to the expense is the minimum one-year aging time and the labourintensive second fermentation, whereby every day for several months an expert remueur turns and tilts each bottle until

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it’s upside down with the sediment deposited against the cork. The cork and sediment are then disgorged and a sugar mixture is added.

Like many masterpieces, this collaboration between man and nature does not come cheap. But then one doesn’t launch ships or celebrate momentous occasions with anything but the best.

SPICE IT UP, THAILAND Arriving at The Siam Hotel — via the hotel’s vintage riverboat — transported me into a unique and tranquil world of its own in the middle of bustling Bangkok.

My debonnaire butler, Paul, escorted me along a path past a swimming pool to the antique carved wooden doors of my villa, where I had a courtyard with my own plunge pool.

The Siam is the brainchild of Bangkok rock and movie star Krissada Sukosol Clapp, who built the hotel in 2012 as a retreat and place to house his and his mother’s vast collections of antique Thai treasures.

They hired American architect Bill Bensley, who incorporated the clean bold lines of Art Deco, glass, water features and lush garden landscapes with the carefully curated art and antiques.

If you enter The Siam from the street, you find yourself in a garden pavilion with a lotus-shaped fountain in the centre. The pièce de résistance is the soaring central atrium where a glass conservatory-style roof brings light to a reflection pool surrounded by tropical foliage. Off to one side there is a library and screening room.

Upstairs in the Vinyl Room — complete with grand piano and vintage posters — you could well expect to spot Noel Coward tickling the ivories in this jazz-age setting.

The Siam offers some unique guest experiences. You could work with a trainer and learn the art of Muay Thai kick boxing (the national sport). If that’s too demanding, head to the Opium Spa for a Muay Thai deep tissue massage. You can also opt to have a sak yant ceremonial sacred tattoo.

I joined The Siam’s sous chef, Thammarach, for a Thai cooking lesson.

We started our morning with a tuk-tuk ride to a local market where chef pointed out the remarkable range of produce and bought fresh herbs for our class as we dodged shoppers on motor scooters.

Back at the hotel we donned aprons in the private cooking class kitchen overlooking the river. Thammarach demonstrated how to tackle each ingredient, from bruising lemongrass to chiffonading kaffir lime leaves. He also explained that Thai food contains five major flavours: sweet, sour,

spicy, salty and bitter. Each dish should have at least two of those tastes and the key is getting the right balance. Hence the need to keep testing as you cook and add more chilies, more fish sauce, more coconut milk or more palm sugar, as your palate dictates.

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The hotel is located in the Royal Dusit district of Bangkok. Your butler will help you arrange your day and reserve a place on the hotel shuttle yacht for excursions. But chances are good that you won’t want to leave The Siam.

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FOOD & DRINK

The Smoky Elixir

MEZCAL

By Colleen Thompson

It's the wilder, cooler cousin of agave spirits; long overlooked and beautiful in its rusticity. It is often confused with tequila… but these days, mezcal is stealing the limelight.

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FOOD & DRINK

From plant to cocktail.

Photo IZO Mezcal

What Makes Mezcal, Mezcal?

O

nce considered a poor man’s libation made by farmers in rural Mexican villages, the spirit has become soughtafter among urbanites in Mexico and beyond. Mezcal — which comes from the Nahuatl language — is a distilled beverage made from the cooked hearts of the agave or maguey plant.

Agave has captured the palates and garnered an almost cultish following, all the while checking the boxes of organic, artisanal and handcrafted.

In pre-Hispanic Mexico, the agave was revered as a sacred plant, prominently featured in religious rituals. In Greek mythology, Agave was the goddess of desire who helped raise the infant Dionysus. The production of mezcal today looks much like it did 400 years ago, when the Spanish conquered Mexico and brought with them their distilling techniques. Tracing the origins of mezcal is almost impossible, but legend has it that a lightning bolt struck the agave plant, cooking and releasing its juices. Through this act of heaven, mezcal became known as “the elixir of the gods.”

In a nutshell, mezcal is a distilled spirit from the wild agave plant. Much like wine, terroir plays a huge role in distinguishing mezcal: the soil, elevation and type of agave all contribute to the spirit’s unique sense of place. The agave

FOOD & DRINK

used in mezcal production is handharvested before the plant blooms. By the time agave flowers, the heart of the plant is spoiled and not suitable for distilling.

Wielding machetes, the mezcaleros clear away the semi-poisonous, spiky greenery and dig out the agave hearts or piña (which means pineapple, because of its appearance). The piñas are then smoked and roasted in rocklined pits over wood-burning fires for a week. This is where the distinctive smoky flavour comes from. To grasp the difference in taste between mezcal and tequila, think barbecued and smoked vs steamed ribs. The roasted agave is cut into chunks and crushed under a tahona or stone wheel grinder pulled by a horse. The mashed agave is fermented in open-air wooden barrels for five to 10 days. After two rounds of distillation, the end result is mezcal.

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Although mainly enjoyed neat, to respect the flavours, mezcal’s complexity also makes for some delicious and intriguing cocktails.

Mezcal speaks to the deeply-rooted heritage of a community, which has kept big conglomerates out, until recently. Unlike tequila that is now produced on an industrial scale, most mezcal is still handcrafted on familyrun farms with small outputs in the Mexican countryside.

Tequila, unlike mezcal, can only be produced from the blue agave and only in the state of Jalisco. Mezcal can be made in nine Mexican states (Durango, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas) and from more than 30 varieties of agave.

It wasn’t until 1994 that the Mexican government officially applied the name “mezcal” to the agave spirits made in the nine specified Mexican states, including my home city of Durango. Today, any agave spirit originating outside of these designated states cannot be called mezcal.

How to Choose a Mezcal The smoky notes in mezcal can range from sweet and citrus to floral and herbaceous. The subtle variables in the taste of mezcal are seemingly endless.

Most agave plants are harvested after five years, but some are even older, which impacts the flavour. Distillery techniques vary. Some mezcaleros use copper pot stills, while others still use the traditional clay stills. One popular and costly mezcal is de pechuga, which is produced by suspending a raw chicken breast inside the still, which is said to add richness and complexity to the spirit.

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Types of Mezcal 1. Joven (or “young”) mezcal is bottled after two months of aging and is transparent.

2. Reposado is slightly darker in colour and is aged for at least two months, but less than a year.

3. Añejo is aged for one to three years.

4. Extra Añejo is aged for three years and up. *If a mezcal is clear, it hasn’t been aged.

If there’s a tint of tan or brown, you have a reposado or añejo on your hands. Aged mezcal generally doesn’t improve with time in oak the way whiskey does. Aging often removes the savoury complexities of the spirit.

How to Enjoy Mezcal “Para todo mal, mezcal, y para todo bien, tambien,” is a popular saying in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. It roughly translates as, “For everything bad, mezcal. For everything good, mezcal.”

Mezcal is for sipping, not shooting.

Traditionally served at room temperature in clay cups or small glasses, it is often served with an orange slice and sal de gusano, a chile salt mix with ground fried worms in it. With an alcohol content hovering around 50 per cent, not sipping it, will land you in some serious trouble. It’s also best enjoyed with friends and good food, particularly traditional Oaxacan cuisine. (No greasy burritos allowed.)

FOOD & DRINK

MEZCAL COCKTAILS – Styling & Photograph by Colleen Thompson

F

or the following recipes, we used IZO Mezcal, a smallbatch producer founded by Gaston Martinez, a native of Durango, Mexico.

IZO is a collection of premium, handcrafted agave spirits that are produced sustainably in the heart of Martinez’s rural hometown, according to centuries of tradition, and made from slow-roasted, wild Cenizo agave hearts harvested on local ranches.

Butterfly Pea Blossom Smash Ingredients

Directions

2 oz. mezcal

Shake all ingredients with ice.

Double strain. Serve in coupe glass; garnish with edible flowers.

1 oz. lime Juice 1/2 oz. butterfly pea blossom simple syrup Egg white Edible flowers for garnish

Butterfly pea blossom is a flower grown in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The flowers are dried and used to make tea. When mixed with acidic ingredients like lemon or lime, the liquid turns from blue to purple. After making a simple syrup, add one or two blossoms of dried flowers.

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Snap-Out-Of-It Ingredients 2 oz. mezcal 1 oz. lime juice 3/4 oz. snap pea simple syrup 1/2 oz. green chartreuse Salt for rim (optional) Directions Shake all ingredients with ice.

Double strain. Serve in coupe glass rimmed with salt.

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FOOD & DRINK

Sugar snap pea simple syrup 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 cup sugar snap pea, roughly chopped In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over a medium heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and add the sugar snap peas and steep for 20 minutes.

In a blender, pulse the sugar syrup. Strain through a fine sieve. Store in a sterilized glass jar for up to a month.

Chamomile Margarita Ingredients 1.5 oz. mezcal 1 oz. lime juice 2 oz. chamomile simple syrup (see recipe) Ice Directions Place glasses and shaker in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before making the cocktails.

Add the mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup and ice into a shaker. Shake and strain over ice into salt-rimmed, chilled glasses.

FOOD & DRINK

Chamomile simple syrup 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 cup chamomile flower petals In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved.

Remove from heat and add the chamomile flowers and steep for 20 minutes.

Strain through a fine sieve.

Store in a sterilized glass jar for up to a month.

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Best of the

HOTEL

Best 2021

NEW LOOK, SAME AMAZING HOTEL After 90 years in the heart of the Seaport District, The Westin Nova Scotian has made a few changes Photos James Ingram and Mario Madau

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s the world went through major changes this past year, so did the historic Westin Nova Scotian. The hotel, which celebrated 90 years in 2020, completely renovated its lobby, bar and restaurant — now offering a modern, comfortable space for guests.

of the restaurant is fresh, local and sustainable cuisine.

The new restaurant, Seaport Social, is located in the hotel lobby and has an open-concept bar with a bright, contemporary look. The lobby bar pays homage to the great hotel bars of the past with an interesting array of handcrafted cocktails. The focus

The mantra of Seaport Social is always fresh and ever-changing. With this in mind, menus change with the seasons.

The team works with local farmers and artisans to supply the restaurant and lounge. Inspired by the diversity in Halifax, they brings flavours from

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“This is a place for people to safely gather to not only nourish the body, but also to feed the heart with new experiences and memories,” says Alison Dove, director of food and beverage.

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around the world to the wonderful variety of local ingredients. The result is a taste experience you won’t soon forget.

“At Seaport Social, we welcome you like you are our family coming home,” says Dove. “We are a safe harbour in these tumultuous times.”

Offering breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner, the hotel also offers exclusive private dining options for various sizes of groups, plus catering, virtual cooking classes, takeout and contactless curbside pickup.

Safety first Guests gather at The Westin Nova Scotian for a number of reasons — from intimate events and business meetings, to families staying as they await appointments at the IWK, to universities protecting the community by encouraging safe isolations. The Westin Nova Scotian team is doing everything they can to ensure each stay is comfortable, safe and worry-free.

“We believe all these people seek the same thing from us: safety and knowing our mandate is to eliminate guest anxieties ... while doing what we do best — host.”

Wellness has always been a top priority at the Westin Nova Scotian, and over the decades it has earned the hotel a reputation of excellence. In today’s

COVID world, the Westin Nova Scotian has risen to the pinnacle of guest, staff and community care.

They’ve achieved this by adapting quickly and offering a high standard of cleanliness and quality at a scale that few others can achieve.

The Westin Nova Scotian Seaport Social 1181 Hollis St., Halifax 902.421.1000 www.thewestinnovascotian.com www.seaportsocialhalifax.com

These new standards of excellence have earned The Westin Nova Scotian the title of Best Hotel of the Year award by ReFINEd magazine.

“The Westin Nova Scotian has been an industry leader since 1930, but winning this award at this time in history reinforces our belief that looking after our hotel family will ensure our guests receive the best service, which will ensure our business will thrive,” says Dove. “The future is unknown, but we remain optimistic that it will be bright.”

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Savoury Morning Buns Rise and shine! There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh baked goods to wake you up in the morning, and these little delights are no exception.

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FOOD & DRINK

Ingredients

6. Let butter rectangle sit at room temperature for 15 minutes

Dough 1 cup Fox Hill milk 1 large free-range egg (room temperature) 1 large free-range egg yolk (room temperature) 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast 4 cups organic all-purpose white flour 1 1/4 cup salted butter, softened and divided 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup organic fair-trade sugar Filling 1/2 cup diced onion

7. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 16 x 20-inch rectangle. Unwrap butter and place at centre of the dough.

Fold dough over the butter, meeting in the middle and press to seal dough around butter 8. Turn dough 90 degrees and roll dough into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle. Fold into thirds, turn 90 degrees and roll again. Fold into thirds once more 9. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, about 20 minutes.

Roll and fold into thirds. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1.5 hours

1 tbsp butter

Baking:

1 cup Fox Hill quark cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375F

3 tbsp heavy cream

2. Grease muffin pan with cooking spray

2 cups Fox Hill herb and garlic gouda cheese, finely grated

3. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add onions and cook until translucent, about five minutes.

Remove from heat and let sit at room temperature

Directions Serves: 12

4. Roll dough into an 18 x 12-inch rectangle

Dough: 1. In bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together milk, egg yolk and yeast 2. Using the dough hook attachment, add flour, sugar, 1/4 cup butter, salt and beat at low speed for about a minute, until dough comes together. Continue beating for about five minutes, until dough is smooth and pulls away from sides of the bowl 3. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray. Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a small ball. Place dough in the bowl and turn dough to grease. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for two hours 4. With a pencil, lightly draw a 12 x 18-inch rectangle on a sheet of parchment paper.

Turn the paper over after drawing the rectangle so that either ink or lead isn’t transferred to the butter. Place 1 cup of butter on parchment and roll out. Top with another sheet of parchment and shape to fit the rectangle, keeping it nice and straight to the edges. Transfer wrapped butter on a baking sheet, refrigerate overnight

5. In a stand mixer with paddle, whip 1 cup of quark with 3 tbsp of heavy cream until fluffy. Spread the quark mixture onto dough, sprinkle cooked onions and gouda cheese, leaving a 1-inch border on the bottom edge of the dough. Starting at the 18-inch long side, roll up the dough. Trim the edges and cut into 1 to 1.5 inch pieces.

Place rolls into greased muffin tins 6. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool in muffin pan for 15 minutes. Remove and serve with local honey or jam

Local Source Guide Dairy: Fox Hill Cheese House Organic Fair Trade Sugar: Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op Recipe provided by: Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Nova Scotia tasteofnovascotia.com, #TasteofNS

5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into an 8 x 10-inch rectangle.

Wrap dough with plastic wrap, refrigerate overnight

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FOOD & DRINK

Roasted Carrot Salad Ingredients

Directions

Assembly Instructions

Roasted Carrots

Preparation time: overnight plus one hour

1. Spread three-to-four-tablespoons of labneh on plate

Serves: 4

2. Place a quarter of the roasted carrots on plate

10-12 heirloom carrots 4 tbsp olive oil to taste salt and pepper Labneh 2 cups plain Greek yogurt 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 tsp sumac

Roasted Carrots 1. Preheat oven to 400F

3. Sprinkle two-to-three-tablespoons of granola over carrots

2. Wash, peel and cut carrots in half and then into three-to-five-inch pieces

4. Break apart several slices of pickled red onion and place on top of salad

3. Spread carrots out on a sheet pan and add olive oil, salt and pepper

5. Tear two-to-three mint leaves and dill sprigs and place randomly on top of salad

to taste salt

4. Toss the carrots until evenly coated in olive oil

Pickled Red Onions

5. Roast carrots in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until carrots are al dente

3 red onions, sliced 3/4 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup water

Labneh

3 tbsp sugar

1. Strain yogurt overnight in fridge using cheesecloth

Pine Nut & Quinoa Granola

2. Add lemon juice, lemon zest and sumac to yogurt

1/2 cup quinoa 1/2 cup oats 1/4 cup pine nuts

6. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil on top of salad

3. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt

1/4 cup canola oil

Pickled Red Onions

1/4 cup maple syrup 1 tbsp salt

1. Bring vinegar, water, sugar and salt to a boil

to taste salt

2. Pour hot liquid over sliced onions 3. Let cool. Cover and refrigerate

Local Source Guide Produce: Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling Fruit Farms Ltd., Masstown Market or at select farmers’ markets of Nova Scotia locations Yogurt: Fox Hill Cheese House

Garnish mint leaves

Pine Nut & Quinoa Granola

dill sprigs

1. Preheat oven to 325F 2. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients 3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread granola evenly 4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes

Recipe provided by: Renée Lavallée of The Canteen on Portland Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Nova Scotia tasteofnovascotia.com, #TasteofNS

5. Granola should be golden brown. Let cool and place in airtight container

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Lobster Diavolo Pappardelle Pasta From lobster boils to lobster rolls, everyone has their favourite way to enjoy Nova Scotia lobster. One of our new favourites is this fabulous Lobster Diavolo Pappardelle pasta! Chock-full of lobster and perfectly seasoned with a little kick of spice, this recipe screams Nova Scotia comfort food.

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FOOD & DRINK

Ingredients 4 whole shelled lobsters 4 tbsp olive oil, divided 1 cup (+ a splash) local white wine to taste sea salt 500g dry pappardelle noodles 2 carrots, peeled 1/2 fennel bulb, tough ends removed 1 small yellow onion, peeled 1-2 chilis 1/3 cup tomato paste 3 398 ml cans crushed tomatoes 3 tbsp white wine vinegar 3 tbsp unsalted butter 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

meat is opaque and firm to touch.

Remove lobster and set aside to cool 6. Add a cup of wine to the frying pan to deglaze and simmer for two to three minutes, until reduced by half. Add remaining liquid to the simmering tomato sauce and stir 7. Cook pasta to al dente, rinse, set to the side.

8. Add butter and most of the parsley, saving a bit for garnish, to simmering tomato sauce. Taste the sauce, and if needed, add salt to taste 9. Remove sauce from heat and add noodles and lobster. Toss gently 10. Garnish with parsley, chili oil and hard aged cheese. Serve immediately

3 tbsp chili oil Garnish hard aged cheese

Directions Serves: 6 1. In a food processor, chop carrot, fennel, onion and chilis until small and uniform 2. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium-low heat and sweat the chopped vegetables until tender and the fennel and onions have become translucent. Season with a few pinches of salt 3. Add tomato paste to pot, stir and let cook for a minute until it sticks to the vegetables 4. Deglaze pot with a splash of wine.

Simmer until wine has reduced slightly, then add crushed tomatoes and vinegar. Stir, then cover and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes 5. In a large frying pan, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Cut lobster into one-to-two-inch pieces.

Once the pan is up to temperature, add lobster and sprinkle with sea salt. Cook lobster five to six minutes, turning halfway through until the

FOOD & DRINK

Local Source Guide Lobster: Gidney Fisheries Naked Lobster – High Pressure Processed (HPP) raw lobster meat, available through Gidney Fisheries Produce: Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling Fruit Farms Ltd., Masstown Market or one of the many other farmers’ markets of Nova Scotia Sea Salt: Tidal Salt White wine: Jost Vineyards, Petite Rivière Vineyards, Blomidon Estate Winery, Benjamin Bridge, Avondale Sky Winery, Casa Nova Fine Beverages, Grand Pré Wines, Gaspereau Vineyards, Luckett Vineyards, Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, L’Acadie Vineyards, Planters Ridge Winery, Sainte-Famille Wines, Lunenburg County Winery

Recipe provided by: Gidney Fisheries Recipe and photo courtesy of Taste of Nova Scotia tasteofnovascotia.com, #TasteofNS

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Best of the

BUILDER

Best 2021

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COVER FEATURE

COVER FEATURE

HOMES FOR

Real Life

By Katrina Geenevasen Photos Will Yang

S

ince first launching Rooftight Construction more than 25 years ago, owner Scott Smith has been doing things decidedly different than the competition.

Smith builds homes with a straightforward philosophy, one that at first, sounds like common sense. And yet, it’s one that many custom home builders fail to consider: it’s more important to build a home around your lifestyle, rather than a lifestyle around your home.

“Your home isn’t just an Instagram post,” says Smith candidly. “You have to actually be able to live in it. I’m a real functional guy. I feel a home should work for the family. The family shouldn’t work for the home.”

It’s perhaps for this reason that Rooftight has earned a solid reputation as Halifax’s most sought-after and respected homebuilder.

The company flat-out refuses to design and construct a cookie-cutter home that won’t perfectly suit the needs of the clients purchasing it.

“We are famous for our customer experience,” says Smith. “It’s not just the typical, ‘Tell people what they want to hear long enough so they’ll buy a house’ kind of thing. We take the time to interview them, to find out about their lifestyle before we even talk about a house plan or anything like that.”

What comes first is a simple question — one that often throws clients a little at first.

“You come home and pull into the garage.

Now, what comes next for the next two or

COVER FEATURE

“I feel a home should work for the family. The family shouldn’t work for the home.”

– Scott Smith

three days?” asks Smith. “When you’re coming into the house, do you have your hands full of groceries? Do you have kids running around?

Do you have a teenage kid that’s doing their own thing? Do your kids play hockey? Do you entertain a lot? Tell me how you live in your home for a week.”

At first, says Smith, it’s quiet; people aren’t sure how to respond. But then the building floodgates — so to speak — open wide, and people begin to share precisely what would make their house a home.

“We ask questions and we take the time,” says Smith. “We then design and build a home that’s based around them and their needs, not me and mine.”

While each home Rooftight builds is intrinsically unique to each client, there are a few commonalities.

The company doesn’t compromise on its dedication to timeless architecture, for starters, but it also emphasizes the inclusion of modern amenities that make today’s busy lives a little easier, and a superior level of craftsmanship.

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The Rooftight Team

“I don’t believe in telling people garbage,” he says. “At the start of the building process, I’m not going to tell you you can trust me. I can see it in people’s eyes that they’re scared. But what I can tell you is that our company has won every award, times two. We don’t have the reputation we have in this industry — which is second-to-none — by treating people poorly or building poor products.

The company’s team of home builders, designers and contractors includes Michelle Reid, designer; Chris Wride, general manager; Jimmy Cossar, project manager, Kris DeWolfe, service manager, and Rosemary Lacroix, office manager.

Each takes Smith’s way of doing business to heart. There’s no such thing as a “good” home building experience. No; each team member believes it should be a great one.

“We’re going to go out of our way to make this experience as enjoyable as possible, and I hope one day they’ll invite me back for a coffee or a beer. If I can accomplish that, then I have their trust.

But I only get their trust in the end. I don’t get it at the start.”

“I have a fantastic bunch of people around me,” says Smith, taking the time to sing the praises of each employee and what they mean to him. “They all do great work, and we all have a lot of fun together.

“In construction, you kind of have to be a tough guy, but it costs $0 to be a decent human being, so that’s kind of how I roll and my team is the same. We are very conscientious of what we do. It’s the biggest investment a person will ever make. It’s a very emotional investment, and we know that. So, we don’t take that lightly.”

Even when things get busy — and as the city’s go-to builder, it’s bound to

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Rooftight’s Five-Year Whole Home Warranty happen more often than not — the team operates with the core belief that the customer experience is No. 1.

“We are in the customer service business,” emphasizes Smith. “We just happen to build homes.”

Smith takes his job — and how he treats each client — seriously, and it shows.

COVER FEATURE

Customer service and superior products aside, Rooftight’s Five-Year Whole Home Warranty simply puts the company in a league of its own — and shows just how confident it is with its products.

“We believe your home should perform the same way in year five as it does the day you move in,” says Smith. “So, what we’re offering is a really extreme peace of mind.”

Meet the Crew Rooftight’s team believes it’s more important to build a home around your lifestyle than a lifestyle around your home. They take great pride in the work they do for customers just like you.

Scott Smith, President “The Man with the Plan” Smith’s not afraid to do things a little different in order to be successful and ensure happy clients. “I’m a Maverick by nature,” he says. “I just march to my own tune and everybody who knows me will tell you that’s probably the one quality most people admire about me.”

Homes for Real Life At the end of it all, Smith is grateful to do what he does, and he takes great pride in doing it well. “To be honest with you, I just love the challenge of building stuff.

When you have a lot of houses on the go, quite often, you just forget about how awesome it is to just build one house let alone many, many homes. So, every year I challenge myself to do a little more and to be a little better. Sometimes I’ll drive around early in the morning before anybody else is up and see the homes we’re working on and I’m kind of in awe of what we do.”

Michelle Reid, Designer “Design with Distinction” “So many people have it in their minds what they like, but don’t know how to put it on the wall,” says Smith.

“Michelle is trained and educated to help people apply all these things together.”

Chris Wride, General Manager “Translating Vision into Reality” “To be honest with you, Chris reminded me of me 10 years younger,” says Smith. “So, I threw him in my truck for a couple of months and taught him

how to be a builder. It didn’t take long to teach him; he’s been a superstar ever since.”

Jimmy Cossar, Project Manager “The First-Ever Rooftight Employee” “Jimmy can literally do anything you put in front of him,” says Smith. “People love him to death. He is just the most loyal guy I’ve ever met, and he’s been beside me since day one. He and I have been through thick and thin. I always say every company needs a guy like Jimmy.”

Kris DeWolfe, Service Manager “He Can Fix Anything” “Kris has worked on our trim crew for 20 years. His attention to detail is incredible.

There’s nothing he hasn’t seen or done, his steady demeanour puts people at ease.”

Rosemary Lacroix, Office Manager “The Knower of All Things” “Rosemary is basically what I call the hard drive of our business,” says Smith.

“She is the hub of all the information, and she is the gatekeeper of it. Whenever we need to know anything, we just ask Rosemary.”

Are you ready to join the Rooftight family? Contact the team today to see how they can help you design and build your dream home.

Rooftight Construction 6 Bristolton Ave, Bedford info@rooftight.ca rooftight.ca

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AT HOME

BACKYARD RETREAT

Enjoy Your Stay-at-Home Time in Luxury

C

onsidering today’s COVID world, most of us will be spending our spring, summer and fall holidays close to home. A backyard space is more important than ever. We’ve come up with a few ideas to help you create a fabulous stay-at-home backyard retreat to help you enjoy your “outdoor season.”

Raised vegetable or flower beds?

A curved pathway with bountiful perennials? How about a doorway to a secret garden? Do you want something modern, rustic or perhaps cottage style? Maybe a patio and dining area with space for a barbecue or outdoor pizza oven?

Once you have your ideas in place, and have a realistic budget and maintenance plan, you can begin to sketch out your plans.

Before you start making your dream backyard a reality, you’ll need to do a bit of prep work. You might want to start by measuring your space to determine exactly what you have to work with.

The sky is the limit and some planning and thoughts on what you like best will ensure your space is a reflection of your personality and life.

• Microclimate

Next, you’ll need to figure out a budget.

When it comes to the outdoors and nature, there are endless options for any financial situation.

You should also consider how much maintenance your dream backyard will take once completed. This can be a major factor going forward and may affect some of the ideas you are thinking of.

AT HOME

A Few Things to Consider • Sun exposure

• Local regulations for your area • Shade created from both trees and buildings • What each plant requires. (For example, some plants tolerate shade, some don’t)

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• What are your backyard borders? You don’t want to invade a neighbour’s space • If you can’t do it all in one year, then sketch it out in steps. This year add the patio and raised beds, next year add the pergola, pathways and perennials, and in the third year add the outdoor kitchen and bar Paint Effect You’ll be surprised by how much a lick of paint can transform an old fence and provide a striking backdrop for greenery. Consider trying black paint, as it complements greenery and flowers.

Painting a fence or shed black or another dark colour will allow it to disappear into the background. Or you can give your plant pots a fresh coat of paint to change the look of your space as well.

Reuse Old Furniture ReUse, Reduce, Recycle! You can give old and tired furniture from your home or from a garage sale site a new lease on life in the garden. Old sinks and dressing tables can be turned into quirky planters, while pallets can be used as planters, bug hotels or compost bins.

Bright Lights Outdoor fairy lights can be bought online all year round and they’re a quick, simple and cheap way to bring a pretty glow to a patio and beyond. You can arrange them through tree or shrub branches, attach them to fences and furniture, or suspend them from canes stuck into the ground.

They can be run from a plug inside the house, so you don’t need an electrician.

Tree Love Consider a tree’s size and longevity.

Trees are inexpensive and just a few will make a huge difference to the look of a yard or garden. Try fruit or flowering trees, or even small shrubs with an array of colours and leaf shapes. Be mindful of their full growth capacity when considering placement so you don’t have

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OUTDOOR FAIRY LIGHTS are a quick and simple way to bring a pretty glow to a patio and beyond. You can arrange them through tree or shrub branches, attach them to fences, furniture or other outdoor accessories… The options are endless! to move or cut them down when they get too big.

Pergolas If you’re thinking about creative outdoor design ideas, pergolas have a lot to offer.

Not only do they provide shade and definition for outdoor spaces, they can fit into different décor styles seamlessly.

Perfect for creating an entertainment or dining area, or simply as a focal point in the backyard, pergolas are often relatively inexpensive to build compared to other outdoor structures and can add a focal point to your backyard space.

Outdoor Kitchens Cook outdoors in style by transforming your backyard or patio into a unique

AT HOME

outdoor kitchen for entertaining family and friends surrounded by nature. As always, it’s important to think about what the primary function of this area will be. Will you be doing all the cooking outdoors, or just grilling? Will it also be an area to lounge, eat and relax? Once you figure this out, you can choose which portion of your outdoor kitchen you want to focus on. Consider making it a cozy, covered space that offers protection from the elements and allows you to use it for a longer season.

What’s better than a wood-fired pizza?

Sometimes we don’t want the same old hotdogs and hamburgers, so consider including a pizza oven in your outdoor kitchen space. Cooking outside can be a wonderful alternative to the daily routine of preparing meals in the home.

Get Planting One cost-effective way to fill flowerbeds with great looking plants is to buy perennials that you can divide in years to come. To divide most clumping perennials, simply pull it apart into two or three bits, each with some stalks and root. Dig a hole and plant each part in your flowerbed. Next year when they’ve grown and spread, you can dig them up and pull them apart again to gain even more plants.

Don’t be afraid to buy seed packets and sow your own seeds. Whether it’s flower or vegetable seeds, remember to check the seed packet size and follow the planting recommendations, while being mindful of height and full-grown plant spread.

Shape Up What’s Already There

colour, it grows easily, and odds are it already exists in your yard! One of the easiest and cheapest ways to transform your backyard is to cut the grass into a clearly defined shape — something like a circle, square or an oblong. Mark it out with string and use a spade to cut away the excess grass.

There is nothing more natural in a landscape than grass. It’s a gorgeous

Then, consider adding stepping stones to create an interesting pattern in the grass.

Want instant colour in your garden?

An easy and inexpensive way to do this is to purchase some hanging baskets with plants such as fuchsias, verbena or petunias, or even grow tomatoes or cucumbers.

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Few DIY walkway ideas are as accessible for beginners as a stepping stone path.

Just lay large stones over grass to form a casual, comfortable walkway. Indeed, it makes for an easy weekend project for any skill levels.

Use Containers Container gardening is a really easy way to get your garden looking beautiful with blooming flowers, and it’s especially ideal for patios and balconies. Remember, containers can restrict root growth, so you need to ensure an even water supply and good drainage.

With so much refurbishing and repurposing going on these days, you can pretty much make a cute little garden planter out of anything. Try an old wheelbarrow, an old cast iron tub or some old drawers. You can fill them with actual dirt and plants, or just use them as a holder for a collection of pots. It’s a great way to find new life in something either old or worn down, and to allow your personality and design theme to shine.

Feed Birds Welcome wildlife to your garden by installing a bird feeder, bird bath or bird house. More birds attracted to your outdoor space will also mean more chances of listening to the sound of birds singing, which is great for your overall wellbeing. Looking for a fun activity to do with kids? Make your own bird feeders.

Try washing out old tin cans (from soup or beans), then paint, fill with bird seed, and hang in the garden for your own homemade bird feeder.

Create Pathways From gravel and rocks to concrete, pathways create dimension and beauty in your backyard. Gravel isn’t just for driveways anymore. It’s the basis of many popular informal backyard walkway ideas. Extremely versatile, gravel comes in many colours, shapes and sizes. Concrete creates beautiful patios and pathways that maintain your

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investment for years to come. With the assortment of stamped concrete options available, the variety of looks has no end. Concrete can be coloured, textured and layered to create beautiful unique features in your backyard design.

The most important thing is to ensure your backyard space fits your lifestyle, your time commitment and your family’s needs. That way you can create a space you will enjoy more with each passing year.

AT HOME

Hot on the Heels of Covid Sandra Pike of The Pike Group

H

ow did COVID impact Sandra Pike’s real estate year? Refined last interviewed Pike and her team in Winter 2020 (#DealsinHeels The Pike Group), then COVID hit. Incredibly, this real estate dynamo was able to do a quick turn on her high heels. The Pike Group was already running a solid digital business, so according to Sandra the only difference for her and the team was they were wearing masks! Tastefully designed masks for her and their clients that is.

In fact, the change to COVID selling was so smooth that Sandra and her team ranked in the top 1% of 18000 agents Canada wide for units sold and were given the Halifax Consumer Choice Award for 2021. Sandra Pike herself has been ranked as one of the top THREE BEST RATED in Halifax since 2017.

What is their secret? Sandra believes they were just willing to work harder and they keep ahead of the industry trends. The Nova Scotia market is hot but “selling is so much more than hanging out a sign and waiting for offers to roll in. You have to be smart about your marketing”. Pike’s previous career in marketing provides sellers with the leg up they need.

Too many sellers are listing high with dreams of dollar signs, only to get no offers. Better to list a

by Shari Burnard Ostrom bit lower and find yourself in a bidding war. Every day a property sits on the market it is losing money, so you want your property to be a desired commodity from the start. Pike and her team know the HRM market and take pride in listing to get the right price.

Although Sandra and her team sell homes at all price points, since our last interview her sales of upscale properties have significantly increased. The Pike Group are well positioned to stage and brand properties for optimal return and sellers are benefitting from their inhouse talents, and contacts.

Part of the allure is her experience

with buyers from outside of the province. COVID has increased the number of people who work from home and those homes can often be anywhere. Sandra’s experience moving military families and selling directly online has paid off in spades. Toss in Pike’s presentations at Canadian and International Real Estate conferences and you can see how she is the agent of choice for many people looking to move to Nova Scotia. The Team of four closed a whopping 234 deals in 2020 – 152 in which Team members represented just the sellers!

The Pike Group at Royal Lepage’s professional approach and their desire to ensure they have your repeat business that keeps them at the top of their game.

They are not just selling your home, or representing a buyer, they are developing a long term relationship with every client.

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Sandra Pike

AT HOME

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Best of the

OUTDOOR LIVING

Best 2021

Archadeck of Nova Scotia

Outdoor Living at its Finest

By Dave Johnson Photos courtesy of Archadeck of Nova Scotia

I

of Nova Scotia, a multi-award-winning deck builder located in Halifax, “but with the pandemic, people’s desire to extend outdoor living into the fall and winter has served to promote this trend.”

“People were already getting more elaborate with their outside spaces,” says Maurice Meagher, owner of Archadeck

Archadeck has experience designing and building a wide variety of outdoor living projects to complement the architecture and style of any home. They offer custom decks, railing systems, porches, screened

n these uncertain times, people are spending more and more time outside as they look for ways to gather safely with friends and family. As a result, homeowners are turning their attention to their outdoor spaces.

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AT HOME

ABOUT ARCHADECK OF NOVA SCOTIA Archadeck is a multi-award-winning outdoor living designer and builder serving the many communities in and around Halifax. They deliver the service and community commitment of a local, family-owned business backed by the strength of a company that has been in business since 2002.

A Certified Residential Builder with the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association, Archadeck also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company has won numerous awards over the years, including a Peak Award for Most Outstanding Residential Renovation of One Room; a Consumer Choice Award in the deck and patio category; Archadeck Outdoor Living’s top design award, which recognizes building design excellence among its franchise locations; the Best of Design Award

by Houzz, a leading platform for home remodeling and design; and Renovator of the Year by Canadian Home Builders’ Association Nova Scotia.

porches, all season sunroom additions, stone patios, retaining walls, firepits, outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, shade structures, and of course, custom fences.

Meagher says they have remained open during the pandemic and are offering phone, video, or in-person consultations while implementing social distancing.

During each consultation, they will show

the homeowner some past projects, discuss needs and tastes, as well as costs and the homeowner’s budget.

They will then explain construction material options (including new, low-maintenance wood alternatives) and measure and photograph the home/property for pricing. Archadeck attends to every detail from concept to completion — from securing building permits to final cleanup.

AT HOME

Maurice Meagher, owner

Archadeck of Nova Scotia 2569 Windsor St., Halifax 902.444.3325 novascotia@archadeck.net novascotia.archadeck.com

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Best of the

REMODELING

Best 2021

“Our work is as much about character as it is about craftsmanship.

It’s a symbol of our commitment and a reflection of the lives of those who enjoy it.” – Maurice Meagher, owner

CASE DESIGN/REMODELING

A turn-key approach to your next project

By Dave Johnson Photos courtesy of Case Design/Remodeling

H

ome renovation can be an overwhelming prospect for a home or small business owner, particularly for those projects that require a design component, a variety of trade skills, and a range of possible approaches.

The experienced team at Case Design/Remodeling understands this and provides a turn-key approach to meet every need. They work with the client from initial conception through the design process and on to completion of the project.

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The Case Design/Remodeling team consists of highly qualified and experienced project developers, designers, project managers, construction managers and craftspeople. It also includes an in-house architect, trained kitchen and bath designers, and certified aging-in-place specialists. Everyone works with clients to design and build improvements for all areas of the home or small business.

“We are able to provide design help and creative solutions along with construction management and trades work. It’s a designbuild, process-driven approach,” says owner Maurice Meagher.

AT HOME

Each Case Design/ Remodeling project has 3 important phases: Phase 1: DESIGN The team puts together preliminary concepts and provides full colour renderings, project budgeting numbers — with cost ranges for the design options presented — and timelines.

Phase 2: DETAIL & SELECTION The team helps clients select cabinetry, tile, countertops, flooring, trim details, etc.

They provide a comprehensive fixed price and payment schedule.

Phase 3: BUILD The team handles every aspect of the project, including permits and inspections. The client does not have to call on anybody else to do any aspect of the work.

The first step is a complimentary meeting with an experienced design consultant to learn a client’s style, design tastes, their timing and budget. The team then develops multiple designs and price options. The client is in control of the decision-making, and is able to stay up-to-date throughout the entire project through access to a client portal.

Once the job starts, the team handles the full scope of the renovation, with the project and construction managers overseeing everything, including permits and inspections.

Case Design/Remodeling has been transforming homes and workspaces in the Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth and surrounding areas of Nova Scotia for more than a decade. Case’s turn-key solutions, well-tested design/build Case Process, fixed-price contracts, and comprehensive warranties set them apart from the rest.

Meagher says he started Case because he saw an opportunity to create living spaces that would help improve the way people live.

“Our services can transform a home, making it more functional and more valuable,” says Meagher. “We are rebuilding homes that families can grow in, entertain in, and live in for a very long time.”

Whatever your renovation needs — including updating existing structures, building additional spaces, providing exterior or curbside upgrades, or accommodating the needs of the COVID-19 living and work environment — Case Design/Remodeling offers unique solutions.

AT HOME

Case Design/Remodeling 2569 Windsor St., Halifax 902.454.CASE (2273) halifax@caseremodeling.com casehalifax.com

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Best

HOME DESIGN

of the

Best 2021

Beauty on a Budget...

Newly-opened Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre offers low prices

By Heather Laura Clarke Photos courtesy of Wacky’s

W

hether you’re looking to upgrade your light fixtures, install new flooring or do a full kitchen makeover, Wacky’s is making it easier than ever to score a great deal on what you need.

The newly-opened Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre on Thornhill Drive in Burnside is selling the topquality products you know and love from Wacky’s — all at reduced clearance pricing.

“It’s become a new one-stop shop for everything people need for home renovations,” says Morgan BrookfieldChaisson, director of marketing and operations at the Atrium. “Our customers are loving it.”

She says it’s similar to how Wacky’s Flooring & Lighting offers a one-stop

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shop experience at The Atrium on Highfield Park Drive, except Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre is able to offer lower prices.

“We have discontinued items, leftover items, special buys and pieces we’ve bought in large quantities, so we’re able to offer great pricing,” explains Brookfield-Chaisson. “It’s definitely the place to go if you’re looking for a deal.”

Wacky’s 16,000 square-foot Dartmouth showroom in the Atrium sells top-tier flooring, lighting, window coverings, area rugs and custom millwork. BrookfieldChaisson suggests if customers don’t find exactly what they need at Wacky’s Flooring & Lighting Design Centre, they now have the option to pop over to Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre to check out the warehouse’s inventory.

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Wacky’s original warehouse was located nearby on Akerley Boulevard, but Brookfield-Chaisson says the massive new space on Thornhill Drive is large enough to host their entire warehouse, millshop plus their head office.

While the original warehouse only sold discounted flooring, Brookfield-Chaisson says the new Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre sells flooring, lighting, cabinets and area rugs and has “way more of a selection” than their old warehouse.

She says flooring is still the No. 1 item at Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre, with homeowners taking advantage of lower prices on all types of flooring, including carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl and tile.

But lighting is a close second, with customers coming in for deals on vanity

“Customers love that we have everything under one roof. We make it simple for them to get what they need for their home.”

– Morgan Brookfield-Chaisson WACKY’S OFFERS Custom closets Flooring Lighting Tile & backsplashes Area rugs Artificial turf Window treatments Kitchen cabinets Custom millwork

fixtures, fans, chandeliers, pendants and exterior/landscape lighting. BrookfieldChaisson says now is the perfect time to pick up outdoor light fixtures to give your curb appeal a boost, and modern, sleek and simple lighting fixtures are their topsellers this year.

While the prices are lower and customers can get excellent deals, Brookfield-Chaisson says Wacky’s refuses to compromise on quality.

Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre is staffed with trained experts in flooring, lighting and millwork so customers can have trusted advice before making a purchase.

“The prices are different, but we’re still selling quality products and quality service,” promises BrookfieldChaisson. “We strive for total customer satisfaction.”

The brand-new Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre opened last July, just in

time for homeowners to start snagging deals on what they needed for summer projects around the house.

Brookfield-Chaisson says DIYers in particular are always hunting for a good deal, so they especially like coming in to take advantage of the lower pricing.

“Customers are loving that we have everything under one roof and we’re making it simple for them to get what they need for their home,” says Brookfield-Chaisson. “When you only have to stop at one place, it makes life a little easier.”

Wacky’s Home Clearance Centre 141 Thornhill Dr., Burnside Wacky’s Design Centre 60 Highfield Park, Dartmouth 902.835.9974 Wackysflooring.com Wackyslighting.com

Flooring & Lighting Design Centre

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Best of the

REALTOR

Best 2021 2021

The David Dunn Group

99 STONEY BEACH ROAD, KINGS HEAD This architecturally designed waterfront home is on a private road in the sought-after area of Kings Head, Pictou County. Located directly across the water from Melmerby Beach and Roy’s Island, this open-concept 2,685 sq. ft. beach house offers ocean views from all rooms. It has high-quality workmanship and materials throughout.

Highly efficient, the home comes with a geothermal heat pump for central heating and cooling. It has a custom birch and stainless steel staircase, Marvin fibreglass windows and aluminum clad doors, custom mouldings throughout, six composite decks (including a large screened-in porch), a hot/ cold water outside tap, propane line for bbq and rough propane line for fireplace in living room, and in-floor heat on main floor. Exterior features include cement fibreboard, cedar shingles and all exterior trim done with composite. Main and master bath vanities have Ceasarstone counters and the kitchen has Silestone and stainless steel countertops. Over 2.5 acres with 286 ft. of ocean frontage. Build a private dock or mooring. $899,000

1603 1650 GRANVILLE STREET, HALIFAX, THE ROY The ultimate in luxurious living, this 1,363 sq. ft. two-bedroom plus den, two-and-a-half bath suite boasts 180-degree views of Halifax Harbour. Complete with fine finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows with fabulous water views, and gorgeous hardwood and dark finish package. The spacious terrace spans the length of the suite. The kitchen features quartz countertops, granite backsplash and custom cabinetry; AEG double wall ovens and natural gas cooktop. The master suite offers an expansive walk-in closet and ensuite with double vanity, in-floor heat, walk-in shower and soaker tub. Residents will enjoy incorporating the finest level of service, amenities, culture, fitness and innovation with the highest standards of residential design and construction. Heated parking via the car lift can be purchased separately. $1,014,500

938 SHORE DRIVE, BEDFORD This sought-after street in Bedford runs along the Bedford Basin and is just a few hundred yards from the marina. The elegant 5,000 sq. ft. home features high-end finishes throughout, including hardwood floors, crown moulding, pillars, wainscoting, tray and coffered ceilings and many built-ins.

The living and dining room areas offer generous space for large gatherings. The professional grade cherrywood kitchen has double wall ovens, a large granite island with four burner JennAir cooktop and grill, workstation, separate pantry and much more. Finished on all levels, this home offers four bedrooms, four baths, large bonus room, exercise

room, billiards room, media room, bar, wine cellar, home office, luxurious master suite with ensuite, including a double jetted tub, standalone rainforest shower with body jets and steamer, and his and her vanities. The back of the home offers privacy with a courtyard setting. $1,399,999

Contact the David Dunn group for information on these stunning properties AT HOME

6435 COBURG ROAD, HALIFAX Beautifully maintained spacious five-bedroom, four-bath home in Halifax’s soughtafter South End. This 5,000 sq. ft. home is finished on four levels. The main level boasts hardwood flooring, crown mouldings, living room, den, dining room, kitchen and breakfast nook, butler’s pantry and a powder room. Upstairs has five bedrooms, built-in cabinetry, ensuite for the master plus a three-piece bath. Up one more level brings you to a perfect retreat for the teenager, with lots of space for a bedroom and TV area. The lower level boasts the perfect space for a home business. It also features a hot tub room, open shower, a two-piece bath, laundry area and several flex rooms to accommodate whatever your individual family needs may be. Lots of storage. Outside is a large covered deck, private backyard oasis, invisible fencing for a dog and a large shed. $1,839,900

1801 6369 COBURG ROAD, HALIFAX This beautiful penthouse is renovated to perfection with city and water views that go on for miles! Enjoy the elegance and extravagance of this massive suite, which takes up the entire 18th floor.

Professionally designed with elegant décor and exquisite finishes. This 3,850 sq. ft. condo features two large rooftop terraces overlooking the Halifax skyline, Northwest Arm and the Halifax Harbour. Perfect for entertaining, this property is warm and welcoming, as well as grand and upscale. Each bedroom boasts its own suite with ensuite baths and walk in closets; the master has a 19’11 x 13’10 walk-in closet as well as access to the rooftop terrace.

With an incredible gourmet kitchen, dining room, family room, reading room, living room, laundry and in-unit storage, downsizing to this convenient condo living

1905 1650 GRANVILLE STREET, HALIFAX, THE ROY The ultimate in luxurious living, this 3,229 sq. ft. four-bedroom and den, five-bathroom suite boasts 180-degree views of the Halifax Harbour. Complete with lavish finishes, south and east facing floor-to-ceiling windows, top of the line appliances and a rich palette of marble, granite and hardwood. A 610 sq. ft. terrace spans the length of the suite. The car lift transports you to your heated above-ground parking stall. The chef’s kitchen features quartz countertops and custom cabinetry; AEG double wall ovens and natural gas cooktop; Liebherr refrigerator and wine cooler. The kitchen is complemented by an adjacent den with a 36” linear natural gas fireplace and full-height Dolomite marble hearth. The master suite offers an expansive walk-in closet and ensuite with marble finishes and double vanity, in-floor heat, walk-in shower and soaker tub. Two bedrooms feature adjacent extravagant baths while the fourth offers a fabulous four-piece ensuite. The suite is fully wired for wifi access points and screens throughout, in-ceiling speakers in the living area, plus inceiling surround sound in the den. Residents will enjoy incorpo-

means not having to give up space. Underground parking is available, as are all the amenities of downtown living. $1,895,000

rating the finest level of service, amenities, culture, fitness and innovation with the highest standards of residential design and construction. $2,495,000

DavidDunn@royallepage.ca | 902.209.9177 | DavidDunn.ca AT HOME

The David Dunn Group

9 BOULDERWOOD ROAD, HALIFAX Wake up to breathtaking Northwest Arm views every morning, practice putting on your private putting green or lounge on your deck each afternoon, followed by a stroll to your private dock where you can park water toys. This home is fabulous both inside and out, featuring

PH LEVEL 6 1477 LOWER WATER STREET, HALIFAX Let your architect design the perfect space for you.

This is a rare opportunity that has come to market.

Create a custom penthouse condo within an awardwinning, mixed-use development on the Halifax Waterfront. Bishop’s Landing was the first significant multi-unit development on the Halifax Harbour and winner of local and international awards for ecoefficiency and design. The entire 6th floor is vacant and has been dissembled to create a 4,200 sq. ft. blank canvas for your designer. Over 1,000 sq. ft. of outdoor area complements this space, with three terraces and three balconies to give 360 degree views of the city and harbour. The purchase includes four parking spaces in the interior heated parkade.

David Dunn

hardwood flooring, mini-split heat pumps to efficiently heat and cool the areas you are using, natural gas fireplace, open concept main level, not to mention the fine finishes. The kitchen boasts granite surfaces, Wolf gas range, built-in appliances, breakfast bar and convenient butler’s pantry. The water is visible from all common rooms on the main level. Upstairs you’ll find four bedrooms, two baths and a laundry room. The master suite boasts a spacious walk-in closet with built-in cabinetry; luxurious five piece ensuite and a private deck all overlooking the water. Downstairs is a huge rec room, three-piece bath, and a walkout to the covered patio.

This home really does have it all and perfect for those who love to entertain, enjoy life on the water, yet want to be within 10 minutes of the city. $3,499,000

Condo owners enjoy amenities that include 24-hr onsite concierge, a gym, a 20’ x 50’ exterior pool, hot tub and the beautifully landscaped centre courtyard. Plus, residents have the convenience of onsite restaurants, a private wine/spirits store, dentist, hair salon and many more independent retailers. $2.7M raw or $3.5M finished. *Sample of designer layout and décor package available on request. $2,700,000

Having spent more than 15 years in real estate, David Dunn has a feel for what’s important to residents. With well-rounded experience in all areas of the industry, he prides himself on being a one-stop-shop for buyers and sellers in Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, Chester and surrounding areas. He has combined his dedication and experience to make a giant footprint in the high-end South End market in Halifax, as well as spending equal time and efforts marketing and selling properties in all price ranges and communities. His personable and professional character has allowed him to build and maintain solid relationships, which is why his business has grown primarily from referrals and repeat clients.

Because of these relationships and the quality of service he provides, he has been Royal LePage’s #1 agent in Atlantic Canada since 2009. In 2013 he became a member of the Royal LePage’s Chairman’s Club, which rewards the top 1% of real estate agents in the company, out of 16,500 REALTORS® across Canada.

DavidDunn@royallepage.ca | 902.209.9177 | DavidDunn.ca AT HOME

Live your best life.

Whether you’re interested in socializing, fitness or relaxation in retirement, you will find it all at Parkland. Everything has been designed to keep you doing what you love. Beautiful, spacious suites, amenities at your doorstep, delicious meals, engaging activities, and service excellence: this is the Parkland Experience.

Contact us to book a tour and learn how we can move you in safely.

1-877-742-6639

experienceparkland.com Clayton Park | Downtown Halifax | Dartmouth

Best of the

FURNITURE

Best 2021

Berry’s Furniture

Dream it. Find it. Love it.

B

erry’s first opened its doors more than 60 years ago as a small secondhand shop and antique store in Truro. A lot has changed since then.

That first store eventually grew into a 40,000-square-foot showroom.

Then in 2017, Berry’s opened a second 23,000-square-foot showroom in Elmsdale. Today, both stores offer the same top brands and wide selection of furniture and appliances for every room in your home.

Owned by Alex and Emma Berry, the couple’s son, Donald Berry, and his brothers, ran the business until the early 2000s, and then Don took over full time until 2017. Michael Michaud, Don’s son in law, is the current manager.

Michaud may be the only family left working in the business, but the company values have stayed the same.

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“We have not forgotten our roots as a company striving to serve all areas of Nova Scotia,” says Michaud. “We deliver daily and, in many cases, customers have their product the same week of purchase, which is fairly unheard of in this industry.”

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Each showroom includes furniture for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, home offices and home theatres.

Everything is displayed so shoppers can relax and check out the style and quality. Furniture brands include Ashley, Decor-Rest and Sofa By Fancy.

“When people shop at

Berry’s, they’re supporting the local economy. The money all stays in Nova Scotia and is put back into our local communities.

– Michael Michaud, manager

Benchcraft is one of the bedroom furniture brands sold at Berry’s.

Scotia, from Sheet Harbour to Meaghers Grant.

The showrooms also carry a large selection of appliances for your kitchen and laundry room in the most popular brands, including Whirlpool and Maytag, KitchenAid and Samsung.

Michaud says Berry’s offers a number of services at both locations, including lowest-in-the-market delivery and set up, daily delivery and competitive pricing that more than makes the trip to Truro or Elmsdale, from just about anywhere in the province, worth it.

“Most appliances are in stock and can be ready for delivery within the week,” says Michaud.

Berry’s mattress lines include Simmons, Serta and Springwall sleep products, all of which are made in Canada.

The showrooms also have a large selection of décor, including decorative pillows, tabletop accessories and artwork, which will suit all tastes and styles and complete the look of any room in your home.

Shoppers can often find excellent deals, including discounts on appliances for customers who serve in the Canadian Forces.

Berry’s Furniture serves clients in communities across Central Nova

”

Berry’s Furniture is unique, as it offers quick delivery and clients can purchase furniture and appliances directly off the showroom floor.

Michaud says the showroom floors at both locations are constantly changing and showcasing new products.

“When people shop at Berry’s, they’re supporting the local economy. The money all stays in Nova Scotia and is put back into our local communities,” says Michaud, noting that clients can also expect excellent customer service.

Berry’s Furniture 87 Robie St., Truro 238 Park Rd., Elmsdale www.berrysfurniture.ca

“We offer friendly faces and will make you feel like you are part of the Berry family.”

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Best of the

KITCHENS

Best 2021

Designed by Kevin Muise Interiors

Genuine Kitchens Quality, great design and customization are affordable Photos Bruce Jollimore

G

enuine Kitchens takes the art of designing and crafting cabinetry seriously. Founded in 2007, the locally owned and operated company uses only quality materials, and offers flawless installation and first-rate customer service. These are company standards that haven’t wavered since day one.

“Since we manufacture our own cabinetry, we have the flexibility to help customers design projects that stay within their budget,” says Genuine Kitchens’ Darryl Braine. “Customers don’t have to sacrifice quality and creativity for price.”

Their name is on their cabinetry and millwork, and they wouldn’t sacrifice

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quality and supply something that isn’t up to their standards, adds Tanya Braine.

“If it wouldn’t meet mine and Darryl’s personal design and quality standards, we’re not putting it in our customer’s home. Our team is the best in the industry. Our designers are certified and experienced, our installers and manufacturing team are experts in the field and the quality and design of our product reflects it.”

She says when comparing project quotes it’s important to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. “Is the design the same? Is the quality of the materials and cabinet components equal?

“Design differences and the quality of input materials and finishes make a huge

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“The difference between good and great is in the details.

It’s important to us that our customers walk into their space every day and love what they have.”

– Darryl and Tanya Braine

difference in not only the initial finished product and cost, but also lifespan and ability to stand up to day-to-day use,” says Tanya.

Though all new kitchens are undoubtedly beautiful, they’re not all designed with functionality and longevity in mind. “It’s when you start using your kitchen — cooking and entertaining in it — that you realize whether or not it was properly designed and constructed with quality materials and finishes.”

Every project Genuine works on is different. For their one-of-a-kind plans, they don’t use catalogues or limited design selections, every design starts from scratch and is based on a client’s needs and wants. Whether it’s kitchen cabinetry, closets, bathroom vanities,

or entertainment room or bar cabinetry, they will create a design specific to your space and taste.

Throughout the winter, families tend to spend more time indoors entertaining.

The kitchen is the heart of the home.

A perfectly designed kitchen works with you and has a streamlined “flow.”

Cabinetry can be customized to fit every different appliance and maximize every nook and cranny, ensuring an integrated look and feel. This is what Genuine Kitchens does best.

customers and provide a one-stop shopping experience,” says Tanya.

“JennAir’s new Rise and Noir professional appliance lines are absolutely stunning with top standard performance. They take cooking and food storage to another level.”

Genuine Kitchens 38 Fielding Ave., Dartmouth 902.468.8431 sales@genuinekitchens.com www.genuinekitchens.com

To enhance the customer experience, Genuine Kitchens also carries the JennAir and KitchenAid appliance lines.

“We wanted to make the kitchen renovation experience easy for our

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Best of the

LANDSCAPE EDGING

Best 2021

GET THE EDGE: Maritime Curbing Limited Give your property that special touch with beautiful low-maintenance yard edging

By Dave Johnson Photos courtesy of Maritime Curbing Ltd.

H

ave you ever wondered what makes one property stand out from another? Sometimes it comes down to the details. Quite often, a detail as simple as the way lawns, flower beds and walkways are edged.

This local, family-owned Nova Scotian company was launched in the summer of 2019 by the father and son team of Kirk and Nigel Rothenberger. In 2020, Connor Rothenberger joined his brother and father in the business.

Maritime Curbing Limited (MCL), serving the greater Halifax area, specializes in just such detail. They know just how to make the features of outdoor spaces — those lawns, flower beds and walkways — stand out by providing beautiful, low-maintenance and environmentally-friendly concrete curbs for residential and commercial properties.

Kirk said the idea for the business came to him when he started doing some concrete curbing along his own front walkway to improve the look and function of his yard. His neighbours absolutely loved what he did. “They were blown away by how easily I had done it and how great it looked,” said Kirk. “They asked if I would consider doing it around their homes.”

People view their properties with pride and MCL can enhance the appeal, style and charm of their outdoor spaces with decorative concrete curbing.

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“We can make concrete look like natural stone, timber, bricks or cobblestone in a variety of colours,” says Kirk. “Unlike real stones, timbers, or bricks, MCL curbs are built as one

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continuous piece so there’s no room for grass to grow through. Your grass stays on the grass side and your mulch stays on the mulch side. Imagine the time and effort you will save when regular edging maintenance is a thing of the past.”

Maritime Curbing will provide a free no-obligation visit to property owners to assess their needs and present several options to help them decide locations, patterns and colours for their curbs.

“When we start, we are typically finished our jobs within a week and it only involves a couple of visits,” says Kirk.

“People are absolutely ecstatic. Concrete is incredibly low-maintenance, and it is not going to rot like wood, shift with frost heaves or deteriorate in the sun like plastic. It is a great investment.”

“Absolutely amazing results! It really improved the overall look of our property for years to come!”

- Cherie Dufour, client

Kirk goes on to say, “Clients can expect personal service and a quality product from Maritime Curbing. We are proud of the customer service we provide. It is not how many jobs we do, it is how pleased people are with the result and that they hopefully will want to tell their friends about us.”

The MCL team is honoured to be recognized as best of the best in providing landscape edging solutions and they look forward to improving your property’s curb appeal! ■ Maritime Curbing Limited 902.835.6588 info@maritimecurbing.com www.maritimecurbing.com

Father-and-son team Kirk (right) and Nigel Rothenberger (left)

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Best

HEATING & VENTILATION

of the

Best 2021

Capital Ventilation Ltd. LIVE IN COMFORT ALL YEAR LONG

By Katrina Geenevasen

W

ith cold weather upon us, heating, cooling and air quality systems are fundamental components of a house, making them something homeowners can’t compromise on. Finding an HVAC company that offers comprehensive services you can count on isn’t always easy, but Capital Ventilation takes the guesswork out of it all.

With more than 25 years in the industry, Capital Ventilation has become one of the leading HVAC companies in HRM. From customized HVAC systems

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to rapid repairs, installation, annual cleanings, retrofits and replacements, Capital Ventilation does whatever it takes to get homes both fully-functional and ultra-comfortable.

“I ensure we consistently offer quality workmanship,” says owner Tammy Atton. “We do a nice looking job aesthetically, and functionally, we are always trying to provide the client with the best system available.”

The air we breathe is vital, explains Atton, particularly for people with asthma (there’s currently more than

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3.8 million Canadians, according to Asthma Canada, who would agree) or respiratory problems. If an HVAC system isn’t working properly, it can adversely impact the overall health, well-being and comfort of the home’s occupants.

If you’re experiencing poor concentration, dry skin, rashes, eye irritation, nausea, sinus trouble, or excessive coughing, your home could have low indoor air quality. Frequent colds are another indication that air quality isn’t as good as it should be, says Atton.

TESTIMONIALS “Over a month ago, I had two heat pumps installed in my home by Capital Ventilation. The installation technicians were professional and answered all of my questions. My home is toasty and warm and I am looking forward to the air conditioning in the hot, humid summer months! Tammy is very knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. I highly recommend Tammy and her team at Capital Ventilation!”

– Client

“It’s a home air conditioner that not only keeps your home cool in summer, but is also a heat source, which cuts back on winter heating costs.” - Tammy Atton

Uncomfortable moisture levels are another indication a home’s HVAC system might need replacing. During the summer months, where there are high humidity levels, keep an eye out for mould. Throughout the winter, cracks in wooden flooring and furniture serve as an indication a home’s HVAC system isn’t properly functioning.

An HVAC system that needs replacing will also make itself known through higher-than-normal utility bills. (Which, let’s be real, are already too high.) A professional can ensure your home’s comfort systems are operating at peak efficiency, and save you money in the long term.

“We help clients choose the right appliances for their homes, and ensure they work in an efficient way,” explains Atton.

“Finally got around to getting our heat pump. I contacted Tammy from Capital Ventilation. She was very knowledgeable and helpful. Quick to answer all my questions and set my mind at ease, knowing I was getting the right unit for my family’s needs. Price was very competitive — I even requested a fast installation and she was able to accommodate us. I highly recommend Capital Ventilation.”

– Client

HEATING AND COOLING EXPERTS

Tammy Atton, company president

Capital Ventilation sells and repairs everything your home needs to keep you comfortable, including: •Air conditioning systems

Capital Ventilation 62C Bluewater Rd., Bedford 902.835.9224 info@capitalventilation.ca www.capitalventilation.ca

•Ventilation systems •Heating systems •Air exchangers •Heat recovery •Heat pumps

For prompt, professional service for your home’s heating, cooling and air quality systems, contact Capital Ventilation today.

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Best of the

WINDOWS & DOORS

Best 2021

Revolution Windows and Doors Ltd.

For All Your Window and Door Needs

By Dave Johnson Photos Bruce Jollimore

W

hether you are anticipating a move or renovating your home, one of your prime considerations is windows and doors.

And there is no better person to talk to than Bob Wood.

Wood has been involved in the window and door industry for more than 25

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years, and founded Revolution Windows and Doors Ltd. in 2006.

The company has built a solid reputation as a premier business based on its desire to create the ultimate shopping experience. Revolution Windows and Doors ships to all four Atlantic provinces, and provides installation within an hour and a half’s drive of Metro Halifax.

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“We pride ourselves on continually building strong and valued relationships with our customers,” says Wood. “We truly value their input and ideas and look forward to hearing what they have to say.

“We want to earn their business and respect by being seen as the window and door company that cares not only during

Bob Wood, owner

the sales process, but after the sale. We do this by offering outstanding, top-notch quality service that is second to none.”

Revolution Windows and Doors carries three national company lines: Pella, Sierra Pacific and Laflamme; all are at the forefront of the industry.

“These are companies that have been in the business a long time and provide the best in looks, efficiency and durability,” says Wood. “They offer energy-efficient windows and doors in every style, material and colour.”

He says that in years gone by, everyone had the same steel doors and white windows, but that has changed in recent years. Black has replaced traditional white in some new home construction, and Wood predicts gray will be the next trend colour of choice.

Due to the pandemic, Wood says they are seeing a huge increase in business.

Some people are upgrading windows and doors in preparation for selling their homes. Others are spending more time at home and looking to upgrade for personal comfort.

“People are often looking to add more light to their homes and are renovating their bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms and home offices,” says Wood.

The good news for customers is that unlike some other building materials and products, which have become much more expensive due to short supply and high demand, the cost of windows and doors has held steady.

Wood realizes that purchasing new windows and doors is a big investment and people want to get it right the first time.

“I enjoy answering questions and helping people negotiate the decision-making process. Please give us a call to discuss your project.”

Revolution Windows and Doors Ltd. 270 Wyse Rd., Dartmouth 902.464.5050 revolutionwindowsanddoors.com BBB A+ Accredited since 2008 Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association

And for peace of mind, he wants customers to know that installing windows and doors can usually be done by just two installers, one inside and the other outside, wearing masks and social distancing in a part of the house away from the homeowners.

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Best of the

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIER

Best 2021

KYNOCK RESOURCES

Continuing a Legacy Photos courtesy of Kynock Resources

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ou don’t have to travel far to see the big yellow Mack trucks coming down the road or hear about the generosity of Kynock Resources throughout our community. How has this small company become one of HRM’s premiere landscaping suppliers?

A lot of hard work by a team of loyal professionals, a long list of high-quality organic gardening and landscape materials, and a dedication to the people who have supported Kynock Resources for more than 50 years.

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As a testament to the rewarding workplace that Kynock Resources represents, you will find many longtime employees proudly providing their customers with only the best experiences.

media. The consistency we observe in these available test results is a testament to our refined blends, produced by our experienced team.”

“The continuity and refinement of our products over time can only be achieved by having a hardworking and loyal staff such as ours,” says owner Brent Pottle.

Founded in 1968 (Formerly Vernon Kynock Trucking Ltd.), Kynock Resources currently operates at 1993 Hammonds Plains Rd. on a 60-plus-acre facility. There, they blend and manufacture soils, mulches, soil fortifiers and different aggregates.

“Several times a season we have our soils independently tested to ensure we only provide the highest quality growing

“In an area where poor soil quality for planting is prevalent, we have to come up with creative ways to produce a product

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that will meet, and in most cases exceed, the customer’s expectations,” says Pottle.

“Our product line consists of garden and lawn soil, several colours of organic mulch, compost, top dressing, different sizes and types of crushed stone, washed stone and sand. You may see our trucks as far away as Wentworth Valley, Coldbrook, and beyond, to source only the best ingredients for our blends.”

Just having quality products is sometimes not enough. Pottle explains, “When you choose Kynock Resources, you can rely on our many years of expert experience and advice, as well as competitive prices. The large paved parking lot, loading facility, and our equipment — which is capable of loading the smallest trailer to the largest dump truck — makes it extra convenient when picking up product, whether you are a homeowner or a large civil contractor.”

When asked about the new ownership at Kynock Resources, Pottle insists, “My

“When you choose Kynock Resources, you can rely on our many years of expert experience and advice, as well as competitive prices.”

– Brent Pottle

intention is to build on the success that has been built over the years by Vernon Kynock. We have retained all the staff and, besides modernizing some procedures at our facility and construction sites, I’m of the opinion ‘if it’s not broke, why fix it?’”

Since moving to Hammonds Plains several years ago, Pottle says he always admired the operations of Kynock Resources on Hammonds Plains Road.

“The small-town feel of Hammonds Plains, the dedicated crew at Kynock Resources, and the modest beginnings of the company just feel like home.”

Kynock Resources 1993 Hammonds Plains Rd. 902.835.2446 www.kynock.com

He recalls owning and operating a similar construction business in Newfoundland over the past 15 years.

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Best of the

RETIREMENT LIVING

Best 2021

“Love Where You Live” The Berkeley

By Katrina Geenevasen Photos courtesy of The Berkeley

W

ith 30 years of experience providing seniors with the freedom to live well, The Berkeley continues to redefine what it means to live safely, happily, and independently in a supportive community. Their intention to cultivate a community where seniors enjoy life without the worries of loneliness and boredom is stronger now than ever before. Well-known for its warm, welcoming, socially engaged community, The Berkeley is a place residents happily call home, especially during a pandemic!

In 2020, staying safe became a paramount concern for everyone. The Berkeley was quick to make changes to keep everyone safe by implementing a multitude of protocols to remain COVIDfree while also working hard to keep the mood upbeat and positive. Believing in the importance of warding off the

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ill-effects of isolation, The Berkeley committed to preserving the social and active lifestyle within their buildings and their residents truly appreciated the importance that was put on balancing both safety and socialization.

Over the years, The Berkeley — which is family-owned and operated by mother and daughter duo Diane and Catherine Campbell — has grown to include four locations in the city. The Berkeley on Pepperell in the Quinpool District is currently under construction. In the spring of 2021, it will offer even more seniors the opportunity to call this extraordinary environment home.

“Our approach is personalized,” says Catherine Campbell, director of communications. “Our residents’ individual needs and their supported independence is our top priority.”

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Aside from its warm, social environment, The Berkeley also offers convenience that is unbeatable. All four locations are in walking distance of amenities, which further enables residents to maintain their independence. In addition, by providing included and additional services to meet their residents’ every

“Our approach is personalized to our residents’ individual needs. Their supported independence is our top priority.” – Catherine Campbell

need, The Berkeley caters to seniors looking for a simpler lifestyle so they can age in place comfortably.

very quickly. Within no time, they feel a genuine sense of belonging to their extended family.

Included in the monthly rent are services designed to put an end to everyday chores like cooking, cleaning and household maintenance. Residents enjoy the privacy of their own apartment with the benefit of two meals daily, weekly housekeeping and a calendar of regular social activities. An on-duty health care professional, onsite 24-hours a day, rounds out the plethora of offerings.

“My mother and I are both hands-on in the business,” says Campbell. “We are responsive to our employees and our residents. Our employees feel empowered and valued, which goes a long way to ensuring a happy workforce and workplace, and that is good news for everyone.”

“Many people find their overall health improves,” says Campbell. “They’re eating well-balanced meals, socializing with friends, and enjoying regular exercise and activities. It is very much a new lease on life!”

Campbell explains that employees recognize the importance of helping new residents settle in as quickly as possible, making the transition from the familiar to the unknown easier. Their small, friendly communities allow residents to become acquainted with one another and staff

The Berkeley offers residents and their families peace of mind. Besides the benefits included in their rent, there are built-in advantages that come with living in a close-knit community of people who care about and support each other, while also having similar interests and intentions. The cultivation of community — the result of acts both organic and deliberate — is what can truly make the difference in a senior’s life.

Opening in spring 2021...

The Berkeley on Pepperell is located in the amenity-rich Quinpool District of Halifax.

The Berkeley Gladstone 902.492.3700 Halifax 902.429.2222 Dartmouth 902.434.9415 Bedford 902.835.4466 www.theberkeley.com

Perhaps it’s time to discover the limitless benefits of independent and assisted retirement living; love where you live at The Berkeley.

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Best of the

MASONRY/HARDSCAPE SUPPLIER

Best 2021

The Natural Choice The Stone Depot

By Katrina Geenevasen Photos courtesy of The Stone Depot

Y

more, makes it easy, taking what can be a complex project and turning it into something that’s actually enjoyable.

successful; the people that work there know what they’re talking about — and they’ve won multiple awards to prove it.

From landscaping to masonry, there’s no shortage of projects you can undertake to enhance your home’s natural beauty. To some, the task can seem overwhelming. Brick or stone? Traditional or modern? Understated or extravagant?

Making a good first impression can seem like an insurmountable burden.

It all began in 1996, with the company making a name for itself by carrying out installations. Over time, however, the business morphed into what Atlantic Canada knows it as today: a top resource for contractors and homeowners seeking to complete landscaping and masonry projects that transform houses into homes.

“We have the knowledge and years of experience working with the products we sell, whether it be masonry or landscape,” says Timmons. “If people have questions, or run into a problem, we can walk them through it and give them the confidence to move forward.”

The Stone Depot, Halifax’s resource for landscaping masonry products and

President Ken Timmons believes this is what has made The Stone Depot so

our home’s exterior is like the cover of a book, setting the stage for the story that’s inside, and elevating your home’s curb appeal.

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AT HOME

The Stone Depot works with some of the finest suppliers and contractors, including Techo-Bloc, which is known for elevating exterior design by creating

“

We have the knowledge and years of experience working with the products we sell, whether it be masonry or landscape. If people have questions, or run into a problem, we can walk them through it and give them the confidence to move forward.

– Ken Timmons, owner

”

landscape products that push the boundaries of functionality, durability and design. They also carry Permacon, which offers an evolving line of more than 1,000 masonry and landscaping products. Oaks Landscape Products, which are precision engineered with high-density factors, help round out the extensive selection that includes more than 30 suppliers.

If you’re ready to take the indoors outside, The Stone Depot also specializes in outdoor living. Ward off the chilly nights and sometimes rainy days with Lumon sunroom enclosures, which are made with retractable frameless glass.

“They allow you to use your outdoor patio on a windy or rainy day without obstructing your view,” says Timmons.

“It’s seamless glass, so there’s no obstruction with frames. And the retractable glass slides up and folds in, taking up minimal space as you use the patio area.”

The Stone Depot also offers a selection of outdoor fire pits and kitchens, making it easy to take backyards from bland and boring to comfortable and convenient.

“Having worked with stone for over 35 years now, I have a passion for it,” says Timmons. “I love all the characteristics of stone. When people come into The Stone Depot they can sometimes seem overwhelmed, we can help them get through the process and get their decisions narrowed down to picking the perfect product. They leave here satisfied and confident in the decision they made. So, it’s nice to see that from start to finish.”

The Stone Depot 49 Ash Lake Ct., Halifax 902.835.0741 thestonedepot.ca

Ready to make the most of outdoor living? The Stone Depot is your natural choice.

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Best of the

ROOFING

Best 2021

MADER’S ROOFING

When Quality and Experience Matters

By Katrina Geenevasen

W

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hen Larry Mader first started his business nearly 30 years ago, all he had was a pickup truck, a nail bag, a hammer and the determination to do things differently when it came to roofing.

In all these years, he hasn’t wavered one moment from that initial intention, and since then, his company has worked on some of the most recognizable buildings in HRM. It is also an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with an A-plus rating.

He had decided there was a lack of quality in his chosen industry, and he wasn’t having any part of it.

“I install roofing as it’s intended,” says Mader. “Patchwork is not an option. Most homes I’ve gone to — at least 95 per cent

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TESTIMONIALS “Larry, we love the work you and your team did. You see, if you entrust yourself to a talented contractor such as yourself, you do not need to be there to ensure a quality job. Well done, mate.

Again, we love the craftsmanship of your people. They are a tribute to you and your standards.”

-Eric V. “Mader’s Roofing and Larry Mader have been doing my personal home and my commercial building for many years, from small repairs to entire roofs.

They are excellent to deal with on all levels and Mr. Mader takes a personal interest in every job and follows through to the finish. He is professional and I highly recommend him and his experience.”

-Ross M. “My prices are derived by what the roof needs, not to compete with the guy before me,” says Mader. “I price it as I see it for what it needs. For me, there’s no, ‘It’s good enough.’ It’s either right, or it’s wrong when it comes to roofing.” of them — weren’t done correctly or weren’t properly prepared. So we make all changes and all alterations to bring a roof up to current-day standards and install a good and solid deck before roofing.”

From flat roofs to complex sloped roofs with intricate valley designs, Mader’s Roofing has the knowledge and experience to handle any structure, from residential homes to commercial buildings.

As is the case with many things in life, you get what you pay for. So while Mader’s might not be the cheapest option, you know your investment will be taken seriously, and corners won’t be cut to save on costs.

Mader also ensures customers can always get ahold of him if they have any concerns or questions, no exceptions.

“We are a phone call away,” he says, adding with a laugh, “I like to tell people, ‘If you can’t get ahold of me, then you didn’t try.’”

For his part, he loves what he does, and it shows in his commitment to customers.

“I feel good at the end of the day when I go home,” he says. “I know I’ve done something well, and I’ve done it good.

I take pride in what I do and there’s nothing like that. It’s that simple. Do what you do well, and you will never have an issue, ever.”

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Mader's Roofing offers seniors' discounts and free estimates.

“For me, there’s no,

‘It’s good enough.’

It’s either right, or it’s wrong when it comes to roofing.

”

– Larry Mader

Mader’s Roofing Lower Sackville 902.492.2868 info@madersroofing.com madersroofing.com

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Blending RUSTIC & SLEEK

Tips for a beautiful small space home renovation

By Pam Tower and Nicole LeBlanc Photos courtesy of Tower Interiors Ltd.

H

ave you ever started a project and then realized you were in over your head and needed some professional help? This is what happened to our clients who own a very narrow, four-story historic home.

We came into this project after the client had already demolished the interior of the top two floors. They had ideas for their renovations and elements they wanted but needed us to guide them through the interior design and space

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planning. They had already chosen reclaimed barnboard for their new flooring but also liked contemporary designs. So, this became our new design concept: the blending of rustic and sleek.

The newly-renovated spacious master bedroom suite had a vaulted ceiling and skylights. We assisted in the design of the custom upholstered headboard with tufting, surrounded by panel details and custom nightstands. Two ensembles of bedding were designed and fabricated,

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one for summer décor and one for winter décor. Storage was maximized in their custom closet millwork, with two-tier hanging and drawer spaces. On the side of this piece are photos of their travels, printed on glass and backlit. We added swivel chairs for relaxation and a view to the backyard.

The bedroom is separated from the ensuite by a floor-to-ceiling, paneled concrete wall with a three-sided fireplace. The ensuite extends into the

“

We provided comfortable furnishings to suit their lifestyle and maximize the usability of their small spaces.

”

– Pam & Nicole

dormer, which is tiled on all sides with a charcoal textured tile collection. The undermount tub has concrete decking and a rainfall showerhead in the ceiling above. The vanity top and sink are also custom designed from concrete.

As this project continued to the second floor, we coordinated the interior finishes, door styles, light fixtures and intricate design details throughout. We created a stress-free meditation room with custom stone fireplace and floating shelves. This room also features a small desk with bookcase and a tray ceiling with recessed lighting. The walls are a spa-blue colour for calm and serenity.

Space planning was especially challenging in this home, as it is only 14.5’ wide x 53’ deep on four floors. We provided comfortable furnishings to suit their lifestyle and maximize the usability of their small spaces. In addition, we chose quality pieces in fabrics and colours that flowed throughout the levels. The family room on the second level has a large comfortable sectional in a charcoal colour, where they spend their evenings with their dogs.

We designed hidden storage cabinets behind the sectional that doubles as a lamp shelf. The bar area has custom cabinetry and shelving, and a games table for evenings spent with friends.

There was an original brick chimney that we exposed for its rustic charm, and repeated the old brick on the back wall of the bar and the stairwell wall.

The laundry/washroom was designed with functionality and beauty in mind.

Trendy turquoise cabinetry gives a pop of colour, topped with quartz countertop.

The full bathroom has a beautiful tiled shower with rainfall showerhead on the ceiling, handheld showerhead, a recessed niche for soaps and shampoos and a

built-in bench. The light gray textured tiles continue around the room.

The staircase is sleek glass panels with stainless steel hardware, a solid wood handrail and continuous wood stringer stained to match the floor. A very exquisite and contemporary design!

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On the ground floor we created a more functional foyer with a patterned marble floor that leads into a cozy sitting room.

The blues on this floor are accented with creams and blacks and the fireplace is redesigned to a more current style. We coordinated new furniture, and designed an efficient small closet.

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“

The laundry/washroom was designed with functionality and beauty in mind. Trendy turquoise cabinetry gives a pop of colour, topped with quartz countertop.

”

– Pam & Nicole

Once these renovations were complete, our clients wanted us to provide all of the accessories to enhance the design, so we coordinated the lamps and artwork. Then we purchased all of their towels, sheets, bath mats, dishes, glassware, bathroom accessories and decorative accents.

Let’s not forget about the two levels of decks! We designed the upper deck to have lounge seating, flower planters around the perimeter, a fire feature and a water-wall feature. The lower level deck off the kitchen offers additional dining space, with furnishings ideal for the warm-weather months.

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Nicole LeBlanc and Pam Tower are Registered Interior Designers with Tower Interiors Ltd. Visit: www.towerinteriors.ca

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Get your guide “6 Steps to Creating Your Very Own Relaxing Retreat” on our website

Functional Design Solutions to Enhance Work & Life Tower Interiors is a dynamic, creative duo of Registered Interior Designers specializing in functional design solutions for commercial and residential spaces. The company has won multiple awards and has a reputation for designing unique, stylish and comfortable interiors that reflect clients’ dreams.

Our Services DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS

AESTHETIC ESSENTIALS

Space planning Developing interior concept Designing millwork and built-ins Coordinating finishes Designing ceiling details Selection of lighting fixtures Selection of plumbing fixtures

Construction plans Demolition plans Lighting and electrical plans Details of interior trim Elevations of millwork Schedules and specifications Tender documents

Custom window treatments Hunter Douglas blinds Custom area rugs Furniture, lamps, mirrors, accessories Wallpaper

Tower Interiors • Halifax • 902.455.1544 • www.towerinteriors.ca

Best

LUXURY VEHICLES

of the

Best 2021

Experience Ultimate Luxury in a Genesis

By Annika Borg Photos courtesy of Genesis

I

n the world of luxury cars, Genesis is the new kid on the block. Launched

by Hyundai in 2017 as a separate luxury brand, Genesis strikes the perfect balance between innovation, unparalleled customer service and state-of-the-art technology to produce a vehicle that will wow even the most discerning connoisseur.

Hyundai is well-known for building high quality yet affordable vehicles; the brand has grown exponentially over the years and it was imperative that the introduction of a luxury division would have the same impact and craftsmanship.

Genesis incorporates years of topworkmanship with the finest materials, including genuine quilted Nappa leather and polished aluminum, and offers a sleek design that is both functional and eye-catching. Every detail has been

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optimized for exceptional comfort and convenience, making Genesis the ultimate luxury vehicle.

“There is a Genesis for everybody,” says Genesis Halifax experience manager Josh Beaudreau. “The multi awardwinning G70 is the smallest of the trims, but it’s a sport luxury car. It will drive like a performance car and will cater to someone in their 20s or 30s or someone looking for a stylish ride later in life.”

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Genesis recently released the brand’s first SUV, the Genesis GV80. The vehicle features a panoramic roof, ventilated seats, heads up display and automatic high beam assist.

Shopping for a new car can often be time consuming. Genesis has made it easy for customers to find the perfect vehicle: “We’re the first luxury car maker to offer a fully online experience — from test drive requests to credit applications to ordering the car,” explains Beaudreau.

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“Now the customer doesn’t have to wait in the dealership or sit at a desk while the paperwork is being readied. We wanted to eliminate all that headache.”

Having worked in the automotive business for more than 17 years, Beaudreau says it is the Genesis worryfree ownership experience that makes it stand out as a brand. Genesis ownership comes with complimentary navigation system updates, 24/seven enhanced roadside assistance, complimentary scheduled maintenance for five years or 100,000 km, and at-home valet with courtesy vehicle service.

“

We’re the first luxury car maker to offer a fully online experience, from test drive requests to credit applications to ordering the car.” – Josh Beaudreau

“Once you’re the owner of a Genesis and you need to make a request for service, we’ll come pick up your car and we will leave you another Genesis as a loaner until your car is ready,” says Beaudreau.

“Respecting the customer’s time is important to us. We make sure you don’t have to rearrange your day because you don’t have your car. Whatever we can do to make your life easier as a car owner is what we’re trying to do.”

“We really look after our customers,” says Beaudreau. “With Genesis, you aren’t just buying a car, you’re buying an entire service. We want people to try our cars and experience the Genesis difference.”

Genesis Halifax Showroom Sunnyside Mall 1095 Bedford Highway, Bedford Josh Beaudreau Genesis Experience Manager 902.209.3138 Josh.beaudreau@genesishalifax.ca genesishalifax.ca

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BUSINESS

WITH Amber Penney Lenehan Musgrave LLP

Family Law Dispute Resolution You have options

S

ometimes people are hesitant to take the first steps toward a separation and divorce because they do not feel the court process is right for them.

It is important to know that there are many options, other than court, available for separating and divorcing spouses.

Some of these options include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Four-way meetings Sometimes it is helpful for both spouses, along with their lawyers, to meet and discuss the outstanding issues, such as custody, parenting, child support, spousal support and property division.

Full financial disclosure is usually exchanged in advance of this meeting so both spouses know the full scope of their assets and debts, as well as the nature of each other’s incomes. This allows both parties to effectively discuss and negotiate an amicable settlement.

2. Collaborative law This is a unique dispute resolution process focused on identifying the parties’ interests in a way that allows discussion of options to meet those interests. To navigate through this process, each party will engage the services of a trained collaborative lawyer to assist them in using cooperative strategies to resolve issues.

The spouses and their lawyers will use group meetings to achieve an agreed upon resolution.

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3. Mediation This is a voluntary process facilitated by a trained mediator. Mediation takes place outside of court and allows parties to work together with a mediator to identify and attempt to resolve the outstanding issues between them. Like other options, mediation allows parties to have a say in the ultimate outcome so they know the solutions put in place will work for their family.

4. Judicial settlement conferences Although settlement conferences take place within the court process, they are very different than having a trial. They are not mandatory, so both parties must agree to participate. Judicial settlement conferences are held in the courthouse, but typically in a conference room. They are intended to be informal and most judges encourage the parties to speak up and discuss matters, rather than only having their lawyers speak on their behalf. Advantages include:

It is not unusual for people to want to resolve some of the most important family matters without a trial. At Lenehan Musgrave, we usually canvas collaborative options as an appropriate place to start discussions and negotiations for a separation or divorce.

Most recently, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the “out of court” options listed here have been of particular interest to people, as the court process could only be used in emergency cases. These options have the unique ability to be accessed through technological means and allow parties to continue their negotiations during a time when face-to-face meetings were not possible.

• You will have a say in the final terms of resolution, rather than having a final resolution imposed on you by a judge • Participating in a settlement conference is less expensive (both in terms of preparation time and attendance in court) than preparing for and attending a trial • Participating in a settlement conference involves negotiation and compromise rather than proceeding to trial, which involves conflict and opposition. For example, in a trial it is necessary to say things while under oath in a public courtroom that you might prefer to leave private and unsaid.

BUSINESS

Amber Penney Lenehan Musgrave LLP Practicing Family Law, Estate Litigation and Personal Injury Law 101-67 King’s Wharf Place Dartmouth, N.S. 902.466.2200 www.lenehanmusgravelaw.ca

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