ReFINEd Halifax Volume 1 Issue 1 2015

WINTER 2015 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

HALIFAX

A LITTLE CHARM GOES A LONG WAY MEET RICHARD CALDER, FOUNDER OF CHARM DIAMOND CENTRES

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MESSAGE

FROM THE PUBLISHER SEANN P.W. GERVASON

HALIFAX

W

elcome to our inaugural issue of ReFINEd Halifax magazine. Being a born and raised Nova Scotian, I am extremely proud to be part of a publication that is owned, marketed and produced by Atlantic Canadians. ReFINEd magazine will feature stories on local businesses, people, events and products. And our beautiful province makes an ideal backdrop for our photography — illustrating how fortunate we are to be living here in Nova Scotia!

I’d like to extend our thanks to readers who support the wonderful businesses that make this publication possible and encourage you to visit them this winter.

Cheers to Canada’s Ocean Playground!

Seann

FIRST WORD

Winter 2015 Volume 1, Issue 1 Owner/Publisher Seann Gervason seann@refinedmagazine.ca Editor Lori McKay lori@refinedmagazine.ca Design Ghislaine Moffitt, Candace Haiko Contributing Writers Trina Annand, Henny Buffinga, Melanie Furlong, Tonya Lambert, Tori Stafford, Courtney Tait, Cheryl Doherty Photography Bruce Jollimore, Stacey Brandford, Sue Siri Distribution & Subscriptions seann@refinedmagazine.ca 902.476.4700

With ReFINEd editor LORI MCKAY

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s we enter the holiday season, family gatherings, Christmas parties and decorating are on many people’s minds. Decorating for the holidays is one of my favourite Christmas traditions. Our trees — we usually have three — go up at the beginning of December to maximize the season! With this topic in mind, I encourage you to check out our Q&A with HGTV star Sarah Richardson.

Richardson talks about her latest book, At Home: Sarah Style, where she invites readers into her family house in Toronto, her beautiful cottage and her mother’s unique home in a converted Methodist church.

This is also a busy time of year for wedding planning. You might want to check out Say Yes To The Dress star Randy Fenoli’s tips to avoiding wedding stress and our list of 10 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations. Gracing the cover of this issue is Richard Calder, owner of Charm Diamond Centres — a company that specializes in engagement rings. The first Charm Diamond store opened its doors in Dartmouth 40 years ago.

The company grew quickly and now employs more than 700 people in stores across Canada. Find out more in our cover story.

Many homeowners these days are turning to small, flexible spaces to call home.

Tiny homes have been gaining momentum as the perfect blend of low maintenance living, style and affordability. Check out Trina Annand’s story Tiny Homes, Big Living in this issue.

Also in this issue, how to make your own mimosa sidebar and other fun holiday recipes, growing herbs and micro greens indoors, and the latest on the new Halifax Convention Centre. With cold weather at our doorstep, now is the perfect time to curl up in front of a fire and check out ReFINEd Halifax’s premiere issue.

Happy holidays from everyone at ReFINEd magazine!

Lori 4

ReFINEd HALIFAX

Tracey Wallace Director of Sales & Marketing traceyw@refinedmagazine.ca 902.441.4456

Suzana Cabrita Advertising Consultant suzanac@refinedmagazine.ca 902.817.7897

Ghislaine Moffitt Designer ghislainem@refinedmagazine.ca

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 #41818060. Return all undeliverables to 1511 Lockhart Mountain Road, Coldbrook, Nova Scotia, B4R 1C1.

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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS STYLE & BEAUTY................................. 8 YOUR HEALTH ....................................36 FOOD & DRINK ....................................50 AT HOME ..............................................70

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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS .................88 MOTORING ..........................................94

FEATURES Cover: Charm Diamond Centres ....... 12 Wedding Feature .................................... 22 Sarah Richardson: On Her New Book, Life & Fabulous Home Makeovers ....70 Halifax Convention Centre: Preparing to Host the World ...................................88

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STYLE & BEAUTY

REDISCOVER

FINE Vintage Jewelry

By Tonya Lambert

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STYLE & BEAUTY

As the saying goes, “What’s old is new again.”

With the popularity of vintage jewelry, everyone is searching for the next big find!

I

t’s important to note that not all old jewelry is vintage. Vintage refers to older items of very high craftsmanship, materials and design that is still relevant and useful in today’s world. Real vintage jewelry is timeless and, hence, valuable. A rare vintage piece may cost more than a similar new item.

Vintage-themed weddings are the latest trend, and many couples are opting for a vintage or vintage-look engagement ring.

Couples can choose from a new ring made in an older style, an older setting with new diamonds, or an actual vintage ring, whether a family heirloom or something specially purchased for the occasion.

Associated with romance, enduring love and traditional moral values, a vintage engagement ring is one-of-a-kind. In addition, an older piece of jewelry can be more meaningful because of the stories and the people connected with it.

STYLE & BEAUTY

Tips When Purchasing Vintage Fine Jewelry Once the decision has been made to purchase a piece of vintage fine jewelry, there are several things you will need to consider.

• Reason for Buying. People buy vintage jewelry for a variety of reasons. Is it an investment? Do you desire something truly unique or are you searching for a particular style of jewelry? Perhaps you want to own something that once belonged to a celebrity? Your reason for buying will greatly affect what you buy.

If you are investing, research the market trends. For example, seven years ago, the desire for natural pearls was strong but now buyers are looking increasingly for coral pieces. Gemstones from long-closed mines, such as Golconda diamonds or Kashmir sapphires, are always in demand, as pre-owned jewelry is the only source for these precious stones.

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JEWELRY DESIGN PERIODS Georgian (1714-1837) Victorian (1837-1901) • Early Victorian or Romantic (1837-1860) • Mid-Victorian or Grand (1860-1885) • Late Victorian or Aesthetic (1880-1901) Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts (1890-1914) Edwardian or Belle Époque (1890-1915) Art Deco (1915-1935) Retro (1935-1955)

• Educate Yourself. Informed buyers make better decisions. The more you know about a product, the more likely the piece you purchase will be genuine.

Educate yourself about the different jewelry design periods, specifically about the period you prefer. Learn about the well-known designers of the period — their design characteristics and their signature markings. Pieces made by well-known designers always hold their value better. Finally, gain a

basic understanding of the various cuts of gemstones, especially diamonds.

Knowing what was popular or even possible in a period will help you to determine the authenticity of a piece.

all sides. Repair work or construction flaws are often only visible from the back. Check any clasps to see if the metal looks newer than the rest of the piece. Do you see a jeweler’s mark?

• Examine the Jewelry Carefully.

Purchasing vintage fine jewelry is a big financial investment and every care should be taken to ensure the jewelry is authentic and in excellent condition.

Examine the piece carefully with a jeweler’s loupe. Be sure to examine

Vintage jewelry has almost certainly been worn before, possibly even frequently.

You should see evidence of normal wear and tear. However, more extensive damage, such as chips or cracks to the stones or metal, will lessen its value and be difficult and costly to repair.

• Authentication. There are a number of things you can do to ascertain the authenticity of a piece of jewelry, beginning with educating yourself. Buy only from a reputable, experienced dealer. Ask for the original proof of purchase or packaging or mention of the piece in old letters or photos.

Discover how the seller acquired the jewelry. Have the jewelry authenticated by an expert, such as a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certified gemologist. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be sure to ask if the dealer offers any warranty for your purchase. Find out about their return policy, especially when purchasing an engagement ring or jewelry as a gift. Finally, get an insurance appraisal on any piece of vintage fine jewelry you buy. Happy hunting!

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STYLE & BEAUTY

Remarkable Styles & Service at Colwell’s

By Melanie Furlong Photos Bruce Jollimore

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roviding men with top quality clothing and impeccable service has made Colwell’s Clothing a successful Halifax business since 1891. Kaitlyn Colwell, now the sixth generation of Colwells to work the family clothing business, says the same holds true today.

The store has evolved over the years since brothers Henry and Frank Colwell began selling top hats, waistcoats and accessories. They, and their descendants, have all thrived through economic ups and downs because of their dedicated staff and management, commitment to quality and style, and community support.

“We’ve always believed in standards,” says Colwell. “We’re completely service driven.”

“Knowing we’re making people happy and giving them a good quality experience is very fulfilling,” says Colwell. “Our returning clients are what make this business successful. When they shop here, they can be confident they are getting good quality clothes that will last.”

The store’s various brands strike a balance between traditional and modern styles.

They offer fine tailored suits from S. Cohen and Jack Victor as well as Canadian-made Viyella shirts and luxurious casual wear from Bugatchi. Recently, Colwell’s Clothing has added shoes from Johnston & Murphy to the mix. “They have a great price range, variety of styles and fits,” says Colwell.

“Shoes have been a welcome addition for our customers.”

Colwell’s Clothing 1869 Upper Water St. Historic Properties, Halifax 902.420.1222 colwellsclothing.com colwellshfx@eastlink.ca

STYLE & BEAUTY

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COVER FEATURE

HELPING CREATE

CANADIAN LOVE STORIES For More Than 40 Years

By Melanie Furlong

From the moment you say “Yes,” your engagement ring becomes a beautiful symbol of the one you promise to love forever. It’s a token of the memories you have and the memories you’ll make together. For more than 40 years, Charm Diamond Centres has helped Canadians through this process to help celebrate and commemorate all of life’s biggest moments.

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COVER FEATURE

S

tep into the largest Canadianowned jewellery store and you’ll quickly see that bridal rings are their specialty. Charm Diamond Centres carries many lines of top quality bridal rings to suit every taste and style.

They also make it easy for customers to confidently shop within their budget by visibly pricing everything and by creating a welcoming environment where getting good value and service are of paramount importance.

Charm Diamond Centres, founded by Richard Calder, offers several stunning lines of diamond rings including Glacier Fire Canadian Diamonds, Victor Diamonds of Ontario, LeVian and now his Signature Collection, Charmed by Richard Calder. Launched last November, Charmed

by Richard Calder is a unique designer bridal line. It’s the first designer line for Canadians by a Canadian.

“Although I’ve been designing rings for years, I’ve never put my name to a collection,” says Calder. “These designs are influenced by styles from all around the world, though I prefer to keep the collection close to Canadian trends and stay true to the use of Canadian materials.”

Calder designed rings for years before introducing Canadians to the Charmed Collection. Each ring is born from COVER FEATURE

Calder’s vision and personal sketch, and then transferred to wax, and finally the completed ring is created where every detail is considered.

Calder designed all the rings in Charmed with precision and strict attention to detail. Each centre stone is a hand selected, high quality Canadian diamond, which is then set in 100 per cent Canadian gold. There is also a small Canadian diamond embedded on the inside of the band to caress the skin. The collection itself is truly one of a kind.

From the beginning, Calder’s mission has been to, “Win the Customer for Life.” He believes providing excellent customer service and the best price is key to making that happen. “Our buying power gives us the ability to have an unbeatable pricing policy and we’re very competitively priced for value. We like to think of ourselves as an affordable luxury jeweller.”

The Company has grown from its humble beginnings. The first store opened in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and the Company grew quickly and expanded throughout Atlantic Canada, later moving into Ontario and the Western provinces.

Charm Diamond Centres is now in every Canadian province except British Columbia and Quebec. Most recently, Charm Diamond Centres opened its 74th ReFINEd HALIFAX

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store in Oshawa, Ont., and the company now employs more than 700 people across the country.

Charm Diamond Centres has invested heavily in continuous learning, leading and coaching. Their sales associates have been well trained to manage all your jewellery needs. In fact, each store has designated ‘diamontologists’ who

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are certified diamond experts. “We have always really cared about how our people were treated,” says Calder. “We are proud to have many long term, experienced employees, in fact, a few have been with us well over 30 years!”

Calder’s commitment to both his employees and customers led to Charm Diamond Centres being bestowed with

COVER FEATURE

the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation in 2008, and now have been named a platinum member of the distinctive program. Calder was also awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007 and is an inductee into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame.

After many years in the jewellery business, Calder’s passion for beautiful jewellery

has not diminished. “It’s very fulfilling to see customers appreciate the designs and styles we’ve chosen,” he says, “and it’s exciting to see customers wearing our products and loving them.”

Whether you’re looking for something from their Glacier Fire Canadian Diamond line, which is a premium brand of Canadian diamonds, or LeVian, featuring the rich chocolate diamonds that are so often seen on the Red Carpet at high profile events, or perhaps Chamilia charm bracelets, men’s wedding bands, or watches by Michael Kors, Guess, Citizen and Bulova, the staff at Charm Diamond Centres will be prepared to help you. They can even assist customers looking for custom design rings.

our staff the importance of focusing on the customer,” he says.

You can start your journey toward being a customer for life by visiting any one of Charm Diamond Centres’ multiple locations throughout Canada. Be sure

to ask about the new bridal collection, Charmed by Richard Calder, during your visit or learn more by going to their website at www.charmdiamonds.com.

Charm Diamond Centres www.charmdiamonds.com

According to Calder, it’s always about creating those special relationships.

Now the chairman for Charm Diamond Centres, Calder will always have a special place in his heart for his spot behind the counter. “It is always special to be a part of something as momentous as picking out an engagement ring or celebrating an anniversary. I’ve always tried to instil in ABOVE Richard Calder

COVER FEATURE

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By Trina Annand

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STYLE & BEAUTY

As the holiday season approaches, so too does the seemingly endless roster of parties. From work to family, holiday celebrations can add stress to an already busy schedule. So how do you survive this festive party season? With a little creativity and a healthy dose of style. Whether your style is classic and tailored or flirty and fun, here are some tips for maximizing your wardrobe’s party potential and embracing this season’s hottest trends.

E

veryone knows the power of the little black dress — versatile when paired with different accessories for a completely new look. But don’t feel obliged to stick with black; it is important not to discount colour. When choosing that perfect outfit don’t feel limited to traditional holiday colours like green and red — selecting a unique colour allows you to stand out from the crowd. Embracing your power colour can highlight your favourite personal features and provide a valuable confidence boost (this is an easy trick to get you in the party mood).

This season’s fashion is dominated by texture, adding visual interest to otherwise classic silhouettes. Keep an eye out for lush velvets, striking beading and embroidery with a mix of sleeker materials, such as luxurious leathers.

More revealing styles are taking a demure turn with lace and sheer overlays creating higher necklines, sleeves and added length. As usual, metallics are on trend for the season: whether it is via a dress or simply through accessories, a shimmering sheen provides the added wow factor to any look.

When supplementing your wardrobe with new items keep longevity in mind. Ladies, look for dresses with multiway straps or reversible items that provide multiple

STYLE & BEAUTY

looks for less. Searching consignment shops for new-to-you items is also a great way to discover fantastic vintage and designer finds, often providing a look that no one else will have. Gents, layer cotton with wool to stay warm in the snow but cool during a lively party. Avoid seasonal socks and ties but embrace fun patterns or colours to express your inner fashionista.

The easiest way to prepare for the party season is by transitioning everyday wardrobe staples into festive looks. Don’t feel limited to choosing a traditional dress for an event. Mix and match tops with skirts or pants; your favourite power suit can be party ready with simple additions like a sequinned top and a loose up-do to soften the look. Footwear can make all the difference when maximizing an outfit’s potential. Sexy stilettos, jewel encrusted flats and tall boots all paint a very different picture for the casual viewer from fierce to flamboyant.

Holiday style isn’t limited to ugly sweaters, pyjamas or ultra formal attire. Being event ready is about showcasing your personal sense of style while dressing to impress for each occasion. Most importantly, when you’re getting ready for that cocktail party or to dance the night away comfort is key because nothing is more fashionable than great confidence.

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WEDDING FEATURE

SAY

No

to the

STRESS:

By Tori Stafford

“I always tell brides to smell the flowers, taste the cake, feel the paper for the invitations, look at the dresses, try them on, and have fun at every step of the way.”

– Randy Fenoli

M

any women dream about their wedding from a young age, envisioning the perfect day with the perfect person.

Yet, for many, planning this important day ends up becoming a stressful experience.

It’s something wedding guru Randy Fenoli, beloved personality on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, has seen time and time again. “Brides come in all the time saying ‘I am so stressed out!’ To me, that’s silly.

It’s a celebration!" says Fenoli. "It can be intimate, it can be over the top, it can be whatever, but it shouldn’t be stressful.”

With his outstanding ability to find the perfect dress for brides who enter Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City, where

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Say Yes to the Dress takes place, Fenoli is also the star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Randy Knows Best, and Randy to the Rescue. Channelling his years of wedding and bridal experience, Fenoli says the entire planning and wedding experience should be enjoyable.

“I always tell brides to smell the flowers, taste the cake, feel the paper for the invitations, look at the dresses, try them on, and have fun at every step of the way,” he says, noting a couple should set their budget before anything else to avoid unnecessary stress.

"Planning is supposed to be the fun part, so if you’re not having fun, then just go to Vegas… they have a drive-thru chapel.

Honey, you don’t even have to get out of your car,” he says with a laugh.

Most importantly, always keep in mind why you are doing what you’re doing.

“Again, it’s all about perspective," says Fenoli. "You can’t change the things that are in front of you... and all of those things that you need to do. What you can change is how you think about them. Just enjoy it and remember what you’re doing: You’re marrying the guy of your dreams.

It’s really about love, that’s what it’s all about.”

To keep things in perspective, Fenoli recommends taking tasks one at a time, so you can truly enjoy making the decisions about what goes into your special day.

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Five Things

You Don’t Want to Overlook when Planning Your Wedding 1. The Marriage License. This is the only thing you really can’t get married without. Get your license as early as possible and assign someone in the wedding party to ensure it’s there on the big day.

2. Break in Your Shoes. Wear in your footwear well before the big day to keep blisters at bay, and remind your party to do the same.

3. Phone Chargers. Chances are you’ll need your phone at some point, and a dead battery is an easily avoided stress if someone is assigned to bring chargers.

4. Eat. It’s easy to forget to eat throughout the day, and you need all the energy you can get.

5. Cash Tips on Hand. For the many people who help make your wedding happen, you’ll want to tip.

This is something the groom or someone in the wedding party can easily take on to ensure it’s not missed.

Randy Fenoli photo courtesy TLC

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Secure All Your Wedding needS At

One StOp Bridal

By Melanie Furlong

P

lanning a big event such as a wedding means coordinating a lot of moving parts. Bedford’s One Stop Bridal can provide all the products and services you need from full decorating services, rentals, catering, floral, limos and so much more.

The company, owned by Marie Mac Mullin, has been a full service operation for about 15 years, but Mac Mullin began her career as a clothing designer more than 20 years ago. After being asked to create a unique wedding dress for a client, she found herself immersed in hand beading and making everything from wedding gowns to bridesmaids’ dresses and formal clothes for children. In order to meet more of her clients’ needs, she took the sewing business into a retail setting and

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“We love to go above and beyond to make sure our brides and grooms are happy,” she says. “We also throw in little extras when we can to surprise them and make their day feel even more special.”

Mac Mullin considers every event they work on a showcase of their talents for potential clients. Their consistent attention to detail and client needs has brought many new and return customers.

brought in more supplies for brides such as shoes, veils, jewellery and more dresses.

Client Dawn Veinot had help from One Stop Bridal to plan her wedding and, many years later, her daughter’s. “This talented team gave us the wings to dream big and I must say, I’m extremely impressed and happy with the service and expertise we received,” says Veinot. “One Stop Bridal has been a big pillar of support to us and

I am so thankful we decided to take the leap and rely on the experts to help plan our wedding events. A sense of pride, excellence and making a difference is the pulse of this company... One Stop Bridal consistently met our expectations in the areas of excellence, creativity and ontime delivery. Simply an outstanding job!”

To find out more about One Stop Bridal and what they offer, call Mac Mullin or visit their Facebook page to see beautiful examples of their work and products.

One Stop Bridal 21 Doyle St. Bedford 902.209.9447 onestopbridal.ca

Today, Mac Mullin still alters and re-models wedding gowns, but has shifted her creative focus more toward constructing and manufacturing décor items. Custom designing is still in her blood.

“We do wedding planning, coordinating on the day of the wedding, full decorating and décor rental,” says Mac Mullin. “We can provide whatever level of service our clients need.”

Another service One Stop Bridal offers is site design. She will visit the wedding venue in person and sketch out where everything should go. Rental supplies are then crated and itemized according to the design to make it easy for do-ityourselfers to set everything up.

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Make Your Special Day

PICTURE PERFECT

By Melanie Furlong

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ou need someone special to take photos on your big day.

And as any one of photographer Miriam Beach’s hundreds of clients will tell you, she is that person. Her expert eye lends itself to more than taking breathtaking photos. Beach knows what makes a wedding wonderful and develops relationships with clients that often last long after the wedding.

“The single most important thing at a wedding is that the couple makes it their own,” says Beach. “When they put their own stamp on it — their own creative twist — that’s what makes a wedding unforgettable and great!”

Beach does many kinds of photography, but has been doing weddings in Nova Scotia, Mexico and the Caribbean for more than a decade.

For every wedding Beach shoots, she makes an effort to get to know the couple well before the ceremony. Depending on the geographical location of the clients, she will arrange an in-person or Skype

WEDDING FEATURE

interview to discuss their wedding, photos and what’s important to capture on that day.

Beach normally likes to arrive early and get to know the wedding party. Her photos reflect this familiar intimacy.

“My time with them allows them to become more comfortable. I’ve zipped up hundreds of dresses and pinned many corsages too. I like to be there to hear the last minute panic and people saying, ‘Where are the flowers?’, ‘Where’s my speech?’, and ‘Where’s dad?’ All those things make a day unique.”

Clients Shauna and Shane say they knew photography would be a big part of their wedding experience, but decided having fun was just as important. “We didn’t know what to expect when we set up the meeting with Miriam,” says Shauna, “but we were not disappointed. We were immediately comfortable. The fact that she will do anything for the shots is a bonus — laying on the ground, hanging off balconies or wading in the lake with

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the ducks! We laughed and laughed...

What a perfect addition to our day.”

Often hired to travel with destination wedding parties, one of the most memorable weddings Beach did was in Florence, Italy. The clients also hired her to travel with them on their honeymoon to ensure beautiful shots of every place they went.

“It was the most unique wedding I’ve ever shot,” says Beach. “The venue overlooked the city of Florence and was done in a completely eco-chic way.” For example, the wedding party went to a local market together to buy flowers for the bouquets, which they made themselves. “It wasn’t about how much things cost,” says Beach.

“It was about how much something meant to them.”

Beach prides herself on the versatility and freshness of her photography. She does not offer puppy mill style photos and makes each as unique as the couple themselves.

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Choosing the best of Beach’s photos is difficult for most couples. According to Sharon Grouse, who was married this August, Beach captured countless great moments on their special day, with wonderful angles, emotions and candid shots. “She took well over 500 pictures of which almost all were ‘keepers.’ We had a hard time narrowing down which ones we should put in frames for display and pass along to family.”

One of the latest trends Beach is noticing for wedding photos is the request for photos of food served at the reception or dinner. These photos, along with others, for example of the bride’s feet or the flowers, are being used in the home’s decor as artwork. “No one else would know they are displaying wedding shots, but the couple knows,” says Beach. “It becomes another way of remembering their wedding day without it screaming, ‘That was my wedding day!’”

Beach’s natural talent as a photographer led her to this line of work when her

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children were small. People started noticing photos of them and began asking her to attend family events to shoot. “I decided to get some training and worked with some great photographers who directed me,” says Beach.

She continues to follow her instincts and sets herself apart by trying new things all the time. Cropping in panoramic dimensions or squares is one way.

Another is by using new technologies to project images onto metal, which is very chic and trendy at the moment.

If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your beautiful day, contact Miriam Beach to discuss your plans!

Miriam Beach Photography 6001 St. Margaret’s Bay Rd. Head of St. Margaret’s Bay 902.229.2884 miriam@miriambeach.com miriambeach.com

New Year, New brides

& new ideas

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lossom Shops have been providing the highest quality floral bouquets for the Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Windsor area for the past 24 years.

Owners Penny Lewis and Colin Taylor can be found in any one of their five locations working alongside their design team.

They know the key to their success has not just been their beautiful arrangements — hard work, fabulous staff, dedicated customers and community involvement are the magic ingredients.

Word got out about the Blossom Shops’ team and they were honoured to be the designer for the Swiss Air 911 Memorial, the florist for the David Frost’s Gala and the HRH Queen Elizabeth’s state dinner.

Penny has been awarded with the FTD

Florist of the Year title and a Progress Club Women of Excellence award.

Penny and Colin are proud supporters of Festival of Trees, Laing House, Rotary and Lions Clubs, where they donate their time and resources to help make these events flourish.

Each year, new colours and designs are infused with old ideas to create the latest bridal trends. Blossom Shops’ certified creative designers bring each bride’s individual dream to reality, no matter what the budget, starting with a complimentary consultation. On her big day, she can rest assured her expectations will not only be met, but exceeded.

Shop by phone, online or in person at any one of their five Blossom Shops locations.

SACKVILLE 902.865.9040 668 SACKVILLE DR. WINDSOR 902.798.4043 208 WATER ST. BEDFORD 902.835.7575 1595 BEDFORD HWY. HALIFAX 902.425.3423 1949 UPPER WATER ST. DARTMOUTH 902.433.3189 958 COLE HARBOUR RD.

www.blossomshops.ca

What is the most rewarding aspect you may ask? When a bridesmaid becomes a Blossom Shops’ bride.

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Delta Ballrooms Offer

Wedding Bliss

By Melanie Furlong

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hen Delta Halifax conference service manager Jennifer Kerr got engaged, she and her partner knew the perfect spot for their wedding would be the hotel’s Bluenose Ballroom. The couple met while working for Delta and the synergy was obvious.

With 180-degree vistas of the Halifax Harbour through outwardly slanted windows, the Bluenose Ballroom was the perfect vantage point for their Canada Day wedding. Guests watched fireworks all night and took photos against the gorgeous skyline backdrop without glare from the windows.

But it was the space itself that enchanted Kerr. “It held exactly the right amount of people for our wedding,” she says. “We had 128 guests with tables of 10 and a head table of eight.”

Delta Halifax has two ballrooms located on the top floor of the Barrington Street building: the Bluenose, which holds up to 140 guests and features lovely Murano glass chandeliers, and the Baronet, which can hold a maximum of 250 guests and

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offers the option of breaking up the space for the reception and ceremony.

Both ballrooms are carpeted, but as much portable flooring as needed can be laid down to create a dance floor. Both rooms also feature built-in bars.

Kerr, who’s now a certified wedding planner for Delta Halifax, says being married in the hotel was a fabulous experience. “We had a beautiful setting, excellent food and the fact that guests can return to their rooms to change and freshen up between ceremony and

reception made everyone comfortable,” she says. “I loved it so much I became a wedding planner.”

“And although I was married a few years ago, people still talk about the fabulous food at my wedding.”

Working with an experienced onsite banquet captain, Thomas Phelan, who’s done more than 1,000 weddings in his career, as well as a talented executive chef, Andy Camm, makes Kerr’s job much easier. “Our brides often write letters thanking us, especially Thomas, for always being there when they needed him and for making them feel so comfortable on the big day,” says Kerr.

The team at Delta Halifax usually starts working with brides and grooms six to nine months before their wedding, but their record turnaround, on a wedding with 120 guests, was 12 days. While July and August are still the most requested months for weddings, special occasions are also highly desired. One bride booked her wedding two years after the engagement date to secure New Year’s

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Eve. “The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the dates when so many couples get engaged, is the busiest time for me,” says Kerr. “We receive many calls from brides-to-be looking to secure their wedding locations.”

If you’re trying to decide where to tie the knot, call Jennifer Kerr and arrange a visit to Delta Halifax!

Delta Halifax 1990 Barrington St. Halifax 902.492.6448

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10Romantic HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

By Melanie Furlong

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For some newlyweds, the honeymoon is a much-needed holiday after the stress of a wedding. For others, it’s a special time to connect away from the distractions of everyday life. Whether you spend it in bustling New York City or on a deserted beach in Tahiti, spending time together, away from everything else, is the most important thing. Here are 10 places to consider when planning your romantic getaway.

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1 | PAris From its impressive galleries and storied neighbourhoods to glorious wines and mouthwatering pastries, the City of Lights will give you the time of your life.

Shopping on the famous Rue Cambon or at the legendary marchés aux puces (flea markets), dining atop the Eiffel Tower, touring the grandiose palace of Versailles or simply meandering the streets, you and your amour will have much to discover.

2 | moroCCo Dramatic mountains, serene desert, beautiful gardens and year-round sunshine mean Morocco is an ideal honeymoon destination. It offers a piece of African culture combined with an eclectic mix of Spanish, Portuguese and French influences. Visit traditional hammams, shop in the lively souks, trek the Atlas mountains or Sahara desert and enjoy the country’s spectacular beaches.

3 | bermuDA Gorgeous pink sands, limestone cliffs and perfect sunny weather make Bermuda a modern day paradise close to home.

Unwind in this romantic destination renowned for its superb hospitality.

Discover the delightful beaches, the shops of Hamilton, golf or explore the 400 years of British history at Fort

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St. Catharine in St. George’s. Let this stunning Atlantic oasis provide the backdrop to your romance.

4 | new YorK CitY The City That Never Sleeps is a dynamic spot for honeymooners couples. Stay in a trendy or luxurious hotel and enjoy everything the city offers from romantic bike rides through Central Park and walks across the Brooklyn Bridge to nights out at the hottest restaurants and musicals in town. Foodies, history buffs, art enthusiasts and culture seekers will all find something to tickle their fancy.

5 | st. luCiA Lush rain forests, a drive-through volcano and black sand beaches make St. Lucia a gorgeous spot to rejuvenate. Try the therapeutic hot springs, climb the famous Piton mountains or indulge in water sports. Looking for something really remote? Consider staying on one of the tiny islets off the island.

6 | tAHiti With more than 118 beautiful islands and famous destinations such as Moorea and Bora Bora, there is no better place to celebrate your new life together than Tahiti. Its kilometres of quiet, pristine beaches are the reason it’s ranked No. 1

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for “alone time.” Thatched-roof overwater bungalows that stand over turquoise lagoon waters provide all the amenities of first-class hotels and are perfect romantic hideaways for honeymooners.

7 | AustrAliA Why not take a trip down under and explore the continent of Australia?

There is something for everyone here from beautiful wineries to some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. Visit Melbourne for incredible restaurants, top-notch shopping and great entertainment. Byron Bay, with beautiful beaches and a laid back atmosphere, is a great spot to relax.

8 | ColombiA Colombia’s one of the hottest new destinations on the travel scene these

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days and honeymooners will quickly find out why. Dancing the night away in colourful Cartagena, touring the country’s lush coffee regions and visiting dazzling flower festivals will give you a taste of Colombia’s warmth and vitality you won’t forget. Or you could spend the entire honeymoon in flip-flops exploring the secluded white sand coral beaches.

9 | VeniCe If you and your partner love European history, Italian cuisine and incredible art and architecture, a honeymoon in Venice will be perfect for you. It’s a city like no other and the romance of gliding down one of its storied canals in a gondola cannot be denied. Allow time for wandering the cobbled lanes and plenty of stops for Venetian spritzes and cichetti.

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10 | HAwAii Often ranked as one of the best honeymoon spots in the world, Hawaii boasts unparalleled natural settings.

On Oahu, try surfing on Waikiki Beach, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and traditional outrigger canoeing. Dine at a Hawaiian luau and let loose with a hula lesson. You can also go island hopping to Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Molokai and Lanai, which all have diverse environments to explore.

“I Want it All”

Planning to wed in the Halifax or Dartmouth area? “I Want it All” package is available at BEST WESTERN PLUS Dartmouth Hotel & Suites. Brides and grooms can create a beautiful wedding that gives guests a little bit of everything. With a 4,200-sq.-ft. ballroom that can be decorated in your wedding’s particular style or theme, cocktail hour, a three-course dinner, and complimentary Jacuzzi suite for the newlyweds, “I Want it All” offers exceptional value, offered by a team of professionals with a combined 75 years of hospitality experience.

Photography by our preferred wedding photographer Chantal Routhier Photography | www.chantalrouthierphotography.com Designs by our preferred wedding decorator Stephanie Brown | www.skystldesign.com

902.463.2000 | 15 Spectacle Lake Drive, Dartmouth | www.bestwesterndartmouth.com

YOUR HEALTH

A Rose

By Any Other nAme

By Trina Annand

A traditional symbol of love and affection, rose cultivation began more than 5,000 years ago.

Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans used them as a highly valued medicinal plant — powers they still contain today. As we enter Canada’s cold weather season there is no better time to embrace the rose’s natural bounty. From internal medicine to beauty applications, roses are a botanical powerhouse.

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Rose oil and Rose Hip seed oil

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ulgaria produces about 70 per cent of the world’s rose oil. It takes tens of thousands of rose blossoms — picked as they unfurl at dawn — to yield one ounce of rose essential oil. Known for its antiseptic and astringent qualities, rose oils are perfect for evening out complexions, rejuvenating skin cells and reducing dark spots. Celebrities such as Victoria Secret model Miranda Kerr and actress Rose Byrne swear by the plant’s power to brighten and soothe sensitive skin.

Unlike other oils, rose oils are lightweight and non-greasy, absorbing easily into skin without leaving a sticky residue.

Containing essential fatty acids, rose oil is great for moisturizing winter worn itchy scalps as well. You can use rose oil to treat scars, acne, burns and reduce wrinkles, as vitamin C is responsible for collagen production.

Rose Hips

Native Americans traditionally ate rose hips — the fruit produced once a rose has gone to seed — as a potent source of vitamins in the winter. These glowing red pods are packed with vitamins C, A and B complex as well as calcium, iron, selenium and antioxidants.

Rose hips have been widely acclaimed as a rheumatoid arthritis treatment,

increasing mobility and reducing pain due to their anti-inflammatory qualities.

Antioxidants have been proven to reduce cholesterol levels and rose hips have also been used in studies to regulate sugar levels in diabetic patients.

Rose hips can be turned into syrups, jellies, oils, powders and teas. Rose tea can be a simple addition to your daily routine, offering a boost of essential vitamins. It’s a perfect way to relax at the end of the day. The tea has also been linked to reduced symptoms from menstrual cramps.

Rose WateR

A more affordable option to rose oils, rose water helps hydrate, refresh, soothe and cleanse. It’s an ideal makeup remover or aftershave treatment and acts as a conditioner when added to a hair washing routine. In a travel size spray bottle, rose water is a quick and easy way to refresh dull, caking makeup. The same spray can be used as a quick and easy way to refresh bed linens between washings.

The aromatic value of roses shouldn’t be discounted either. Used to relax at the end of the day rose has a positive effect on treating depression. The scent is also the aroma most commonly used in modern perfumery.

YOUR HEALTH

MoRe Rose Facts:

•

The oldest fossilized imprint of a rose was found on a slate deposit found in Florissant, Colorado and is estimated to be 35 million years old.

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The rose is the birth flower of June.

•

Damask rose, Rosa Canina and Rosa Gallica are cultivated to extract rose essence, which is an important ingredient in the cosmetic industry.

•

There are more than 100 rose species worldwide.

•

As perennials, roses can survive for extremely long periods of time.

For example, a large rose bush has covered the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany for more than 1,000 years.

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Periodontist restores HealtH to Your Gums and teeth

By Melanie Furlong Photos Bruce Jollimore

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aving healthy teeth and gums allows us to smile confidently, speak clearly and chew and digest food optimally. Keeping gums and teeth healthy with daily brushing and flossing is key, but even the best cared-for teeth can develop problems.

to serious diseases that result in major damage to the bone surrounding teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Two of the most common forms of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Signs of these diseases include gums bleeding when brushing, teeth shifting or loosening and gum recession.

Periodontal disease is a silent disease. It ranges from simple gum inflammation

If periodontal diseases set in, you will need the help of a specialist such as

periodontist Dr. Edmond Ghiabi, to whom your dentist will refer you.

Dr. Ghiabi received his doctorate degree (magna cum laude) in dental medicine at Harvard University in 1993. He then pursued a residency training program in periodontics, which he completed in 1997. Following a few years of private practice, he taught periodontics at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Above dr. edmond Ghiabi with patient

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Dentistry. In 2006, he moved to Halifax to teach at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry, where he helped establish the graduate program in the specialty of periodontics. Following six years of teaching at Dalhousie, he went back to private practice, full-time.

Working at the university kept Dr. Ghiabi at the top of his field. He is distinguished in Atlantic Canada by holding certification by both the American and the Canadian specialty boards.

“I became interested in periodontics early on because it focuses on saving natural dentition instead of replacing them with prostheses,” says Dr. Ghiabi.

“We can help many people keep their teeth healthy for a lifetime. However, if the disease is advanced and a tooth can not be saved, we recommend replacing it with a dental implant.” Dental implants are recommended, as they are the most natural replacement for missing teeth.

They actually fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

In addition to dental implants, various other surgical services are offered at Pinnacle Dental Specialists, where Dr. Ghiabi practices. These include soft tissue grafts to treat gum recession, regenerative procedures to treat loss of bone surrounding teeth, and bone grafts to prepare insufficient bone for dental implants.

Dr. Ghiabi performed seven gum surgeries on patient Rick J. over two-anda-half years. Rick was not sure what to expect, but says he developed the utmost confidence in Dr. Ghiabi’s abilities. “The surgeries corrected the damage I had done to my gums through poor brushing habits,” says Rick. “Now it is up to me to maintain the gums so that no further deterioration will occur. I’m glad I had the procedure done, I now have a second chance at good oral health.”

At the end of a treatment, seeing happy patients like Rick is most fulfilling, says Dr. Ghiabi. “We have excellent staff and we try to make our patients as comfortable

YOUR HEALTH

L-R mariah, dr. edmond Ghiabi and shawna

as possible,” he says, “but when their oral health is restored, that makes it all worthwhile.”

Pinnacle Dental Specialists 255 Lacewood Dr., Suite 307 Halifax 902.407.7377 admin@pdsns.com www.pdsns.com

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EA

EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

KNEE PAIN IS IT CHANGING YOUR LIFESTYLE?

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have been in the business of helping people reduce their pain and become more active through orthopedic appliances, compression therapy, supports and orthotics for more than 20 years. Our team is dedicated to coming up with the right solution for you. So let’s talk knees!

Do you have knee pain, aching, stiffness and soreness after long periods of inactivity? What about mild to severe pain after overuse or ascending or descending stairs? These are common symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA).

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis affecting one in 10 Canadian adults. It can affect any joint but commonly occurs in weight bearing joints such as the knee. The cartilage (firm, rubbery material) that covers the ends of the bones in normal joints acts as a shock absorber. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in some areas, decreasing its ability to cushion the bone.

As this happens, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. As the condition worsens, the bones may rub against each other. Osteoarthritis can be caused by many factors, including heredity, obesity, injury or joint overuse.

Unloading Knee Braces – Non-Invasive Options A safe, non-invasive viable option is an osteoarthritis unloader knee brace, which

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is specifically designed to treat OA. It stabilizes the joint, reduces pain and helps to build stronger muscles, allowing patients to return to the activities they love, whether everyday living or sports.

OA braces relieve pain by redistributing the weight bearing load on the painful or affected compartment of the joint to the healthier or unaffected compartment.

Increased function studies have shown that wearing an OA brace can increase daily functions and decrease pain. Patients diagnosed with OA who wear a knee brace will generally feel better in the morning, be more active during the day and rest more comfortably at night.

Braces cannot cure osteoarthritis and may not be right for everyone, however it is a viable and successful solution for many people. The ideal candidates are typically people who are motivated to strengthen their muscles and willing to wear a brace to realize the benefits of this form of treatment. There are many different types of OA braces designed for all activity levels. One of the programs offered at Soles in Motion is the 30-Day Free Trial OA Program, so people have the opportunity to feel its success without incurring any costs.

No matter what your ability, I believe that with the proper treatment plan, you can reduce your pain and achieve your goals.

Education is key in making an informed decision. Keep your joints moving and

YOUR HEALTH

if you have given up activities due to increased pain try low-impact exercises, group activities such as chair yoga, nordix walking and other exercises to help you reach your goals. Swimming or cycling will strengthen your joints and increase their range of motion. Stronger muscles can reduce the stress on your joints during everyday activities.

Next issue, I will discuss “Looking at Pain from your feet up… The role of a Canadian Certified Pedorthist.”

Jen Estabrooks General Manager, Certified Brace & Compression Therapy Fitter Soles in Motion 121 Ilsley Ave, Dartmouth 902.468.7911 jennifer@solesinmotion.ca Visit our updated website solesinmotion.ca

Available exclusively at:

210 Waterfront Dr. #105 Bedford, NS 902-832-6000 www.advancemd.ca

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ExpErt AdvicE

ExpErt ADviCE

putting thE BrAkEs on strEss

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n our fast paced lifestyle we are constantly thinking and focused on things like money, family, work, economy and weather. When was the last time you took a moment and just sat in silence without a care or thought crossing your mind? Never? You are not alone if you haven’t, as the majority of our society is experiencing moderate chronic stress levels.

Many of us have not learned to adapt to our fast paced lifestyles and our health is paying for it.

We are wired with an amazing nervous system. It helps us digest food, repair cells and to live well. One important component is the sympathetic nervous system, which is our “fight or flight” protective survival system. It helps us react to life-threatening situations. It is meant to be “on” for a short period of time. Unfortunately, many of us view daily life activities such as work pressure, traffic jams and family issues as a stressful situation. That persistent worry and stress triggers a constant chronic release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which has a detrimental effect on our health. Our bodies then remain in this fight or flight state, which uses our energy and focuses attention away from life rejuvenating tasks such as digesting and processing our food properly, and restoring our cells.

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Common signs of elevated cortisol hormone levels (usually occurring in combination): • Sleep difficulties such as tossing and turning all night • Mood swings • Memory issues • Anxious, often with quickened, short breaths and chest palpations • Always feeling tired even with rest • Feeling overwhelmed and depressed • Feeling a lot of aches and pains • Increase in abdominal fat — even when eating well and exercising • Higher risk of heart disease and increasing blood pressure • Increased signs of skin aging • Increased craving for sugary, unhealthy food • Digestive problems • Lowered immunity

The parasympathetic nervous system is the “rest and digest” that calms the nervous system after the stress has passed. We want to be in this restorative state to live longer and healthier. Our goal should be an environment for our natural self-repair mechanisms of the parasympathetic nervous system to kick in. These systems help repair cells, kill bad cells like cancer, slow aging and fight infections, to name just a few.

YOUR HEALTH

So what can be done to lower the cortisol hormone levels and control our sympathetic nervous system?

• Alter our perception of our daily activities. Learn how to view activities that are stressful more positively. Learn how to effectively manage time and seek a qualified professional to help cope with stress when needed.

• Learn how to relax and take time for ourselves on a regular basis. Deep, slow abdominal breathing, yoga and positive affirmations and thoughts are all used for stress management.

• Exercise • Surround yourself with positive people and learn to block out negative people • Eat healthy foods and drink lots of water • Chiropractic care aimed at certain areas of the spine actually helps calm the sympathetic nervous system and helps your body reduce stress.

Dr. Tasia Lazaros B.Sc.(H), D.C. Healthy Link Chiropractic Wellness Ctr. Inc. 362 Lacewood Dr Ste 201, Halifax 902.446.5465 drt@healthylinkwellness.ca www.healthylinkwellness.ca

Is Float Therapy Your Answer to a Healthier You?

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Photos Bruce Jollimore

nce a week Elora Delaney goes on a little stress free vacation. She inserts earplugs, takes off her clothes and slips into a large oval pod filled with 11 inches of super saturated salty water. The skin temperature solution contains 1,100 lbs of Epsom salt and is so buoyant that according to the centre’s owner, Dr. Buckley, “anything short of an anvil will float effortlessly.” This week she decides to listen to music and leaves the LED coloured lights on while she floats. Other weeks she prefers the dark and the silence of just hearing her breath and listening to her own pulse.

Dozens of studies published in peer-reviewed journals support floatation as a quick and effective shortcut to relaxation. Healthy people are achieving the benefits of meditation and relief of chronic pain after just one or two 90-minute sessions. Floatation has emerged into the main stream of wellness services with more than 400 floatation centres in Europe (U.S. and Canadian numbers are approaching 300). For Elora, 38, and others like her, floatation therapy is a relief from everyday stress. It helps her get a good night’s sleep. For several days after her session, she feels lighter, happier and refreshed.

Research is ongoing on the benefits of floating for people suffering with fibromyalgia, PTSD, anxiety and depression. Early indications are positive.

Dr. Buckley says, “We offer a pre and post float survey to all our guests. Many report remarkable changes to their mood, their stress levels and their pain after only one float.”

“It is like a massage for your soul!” said one guest.

The Compass Rose Health & Wellness Centre 36 Brookshire Court - Suite 200, Bedford 902.346.2158 info@thecompassrose.ca thecompassrose.ca floathalifax.ca | BOTTOM Sensory Room - Child programming available while you float

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EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

DO WE NEED BRACES IF WE HAVE A CONSULT WITH THE ORTHODONTIST?

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f I have a consultation at the orthodontist office, does it mean I will have to get braces? We hear this question a lot, even from acquaintances and parents of our children’s friends, and the answer is a definite NO! There are two basic reasons you or your child would need or want a consultation with an orthodontist. Either there is something about your teeth that you do not like aesthetically or that causes you pain, or your dentist is concerned about the alignment or fit of your teeth.

Orthodontics is one of the few specialties that you do not need a referral to go for the consult. Even though you can go to the orthodontist directly, it is a good idea to share your concerns about your teeth with your family dentist prior to looking for an orthodontist, as they may be able to recommend an orthodontist in the area. In some circumstances what seems like an orthodontic problem may in fact be able to be fixed quickly and easily with bonding. For example, if your bite is good and you are concerned your front teeth look small and have spaces around them, one option may be restorative build ups to close the spaces instead of braces.

Once you arrive for the orthodontic consultation it is important to tell the orthodontist exactly what brought you there. Don’t be shy — the more information you give us about what you

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don’t like about your teeth and smile, the more we can help. The orthodontist will perform a clinical examination, measuring spaces around your teeth and between teeth in each jaw bone. After he or she has all the information then he or she will present you with options to address your concerns. This is the stage of the appointment when braces or other orthodontic treatment will be suggested if it is required. Just because it is suggested does not mean it is always needed. It may be optional. We would suggest asking if the proposed treatment plan is to address how things look or how they work. If it is to address appearance, then you know you don’t need the work, but you may want it if you want your teeth to look different. If, however, it is for functional reasons, then yes you need the braces!

Functional reasons for braces range from an impacted tooth that is stuck in the jaw bone, to teeth that don’t meet properly for function or teeth that are so crowded they cannot be properly kept clean. If braces are required, you may want to ask about “window of opportunity” — can you do this in a few years or a year from now or does it need to be tended to immediately?

If your child is the one who has an orthodontic consult, then interceptive treatment becomes an option to prevent or simplify future braces. Be honest with the orthodontist if you want to try to avoid braces. He or she can do

YOUR HEALTH

everything in their power to help you do that if they know that is your goal. It may mean wiggling out some baby teeth and perhaps well planned spacers or space maintainers that your orthodontist would plan through your family dental office. In children under 12 years of age, it’s all about preventative treatment and rarely are braces required. So rest assured, your younger child who is going to their first orthodontic consult will likely not need braces at that first visit anyway, unless there are significant functional issues. In that case, you are most likely going into the appointment wondering when you can start and not prevent braces anyway.

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

Available exclusively at:

210 Waterfront Dr. #105 Bedford, NS 902-832-6000 www.advancemd.ca

BOOK NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

A Homecare Solution You Can Count On This Season

By Melanie Furlong Photos courtesy of Nurse Next Door

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Giguère, who owns the company with her husband Gary McCurdy. “Helping people at home is really about empowering them and allowing them to lead better, healthier lives, physically and emotionally.”

“We’re truly passionate about making a difference in our clients’ lives,” says Sylvie

Nurse Next Door offers a full spectrum of care services. Unlike traditional homecare, Nurse Next Door has different levels of care, from hourly, live-in to full

he winter season can bring worries to those with special people in their lives. If there is a time when you need help taking care of a loved one, this may be it. You will want people who care and people you can trust. You will want Nurse Next Door.

nursing care. The company offers both medical and non-medical customized services for seniors, new moms, post operation and persons with disabilities, and end-of-life caring, with regular follow-ups and care updates.

Their care may include light housekeeping, freshly prepared meals and medication reminders. It can range Inset Sylvie Giguere, owner

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from taking clients to appointments, doing all personal care or be as intensive as 24/7 in-home nursing care. The company’s approach ensures continuity of care and that each client gets a topquality caregiver assigned to them, a customized solution and the support they need to stay safe and comfortable no matter what their needs may be.

Giguère is proud to say that even with last winter’s severe weather conditions, every service went uninterrupted. McCurdy plowed his driveway at 3 a.m. to pick up and drop off caregivers to clients who relied on them for meals, safety and respite, and gave the family peace of mind for their loved one.

By carefully matching clients’ needs and personalities with caregivers, Nurse Next

Door guarantees their staff is a welcome addition to any home. Their live 24/7 phone support for caregivers and clients ensures staff are always in place and on time to offer dependable care and security to every client.

Above all, the company focuses on maintaining their clients’ dignity and quality of life.

More people are being diagnosed with dementia these days, partly due to our aging demographics and ability to better diagnose. The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada has described Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as the most significant social and health crisis of the 21st Century. In 2011, 747,000 Canadians were living with cognitive impairment; by 2031 this number is expected to increase

YOUR HEALTH

to 1.4 million. Nurse Next Door is prepared to meet this challenge and Make Lives Better for people experiencing this life changing disorder.

Nurse Next Door home care is an affordable and caring solution for the busy family to keep loved ones happy and healthy at home. By caring for Mom and Dad, we help daughters get back to being daughters again.

That’s why Nurse Next Door does not require contracts or upfront charges before working with a client. Call today for a free caring consultation for your loved one.

Nurse Next Door | 902.482.8355 sylvie@nursenextdoorhalifaxns.com www.nursenextdoor.com/ home-care/halifax-ns

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EXPERT ADVICE

THE MANY FACES OF DED

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inter is here and there isn’t a dry eye in the house! Or is there? The cold winds blow and eyes start streaming. The cold, dry air dries and irritates eyes and our bodies respond with a torrent of tears. We’ve all experienced that. But there are people who experience that watery eye reflex in the comfort of their homes, at work and in all their regular activities.

This is one face of Dry Eye Disease (DED).

Dry eyes can be red and scratchy, itchy and ‘burny,’ but they can also be watery.

Depending upon the studies cited, location and age of patients seen, DED affects between eight and 29 per cent of the adult population. Seniors, students, office workers, professionals and trades — DED doesn’t discriminate.

Because dry eyes are a symptom of some diseases, many fail to realize that DED is a disease of its own. A dry eye is an eye at risk for problems. Failure to properly diagnose and treat DED means ignoring the very real risk of progression to chronic ocular surface disease.

The 2007 Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) Report defined DED as “a multifactoral disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface.” Other groups and panels have also helped to define, build treatment

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algorithms and issue guidelines for monitoring and treatment of this disease.

Optometrists screen for DED with careful case history — always on the lookout for symptoms, conditions and risk factors, and the mimicking disorders and diseases for which dry eyes are a symptom.

Important risk factors for DED include: age over 40, being female, smoking, computer use, exposure to harsh environments, the use of certain drugs, the presence of certain diseases and a history of lid or eye injury or surgery.

problems, etc., can all involve dry eye symptoms.

Optometrists are equipped with the knowledge, experience, equipment and tools needed to correctly diagnose DED and other diseases and disorders with similar symptoms. Treatment with eye drops, gels and ointments is common.

Dietary suggestions, glasses and even ergonomic and lighting tips can be useful in treatment. As well, there are topical and oral medications that can be used to deal with symptoms and underlying causes.

Be more comfortable and see better this winter! See your optometrist if you suffer from dry or watery eyes.

Diseases that have an association with dry eyes include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, lupus, thyroid disease, hormone deficiencies, scleroderma, Hepatitis C, biliary cirrhosis and dietary deficiencies, including Omega 3s and Vitamin A. Common drugs used for depression, psychosis, Parkinson’s, allergies, arrhythmia, beta-blockers, hormone replacements, some chemotherapy agents, diuretics and others can produce DED symptoms and signs.

DED can mimic other conditions as well.

Lid conditions are notorious for mimicking DED. Some conditions contribute to DED while some only mimic its signs and symptoms. Allergies, dystrophies of the cornea, blepharitis, contact lenses and solutions, computer vision syndrome, binocular vision and accommodative

YOUR HEALTH

Dr. Jeff Buchanan-Dorrance

Optometrist & CEO

West Halifax Optometry Group 2828 Windsor St., Halifax 902.406.2020 www.westhalifaxoptometry.ca

4. I exfoliate once a week. a. Yes: +5 b. No, only once a month: +3 c. No, never or rarely: 0

EA

EXPERT ADVICE

EXPERT ADVICE

HOW FIT IS YOUR SKIN THIS WINTER?

S

ome of us can become couch potatoes in the winter when it comes to our physical fitness. How about your skin’s fitness? Unfit skin can look dull, blotchy, irritated, wrinkled and sagging and feel rough, tight and sensitive. Have some fun and learn what it takes to be considered a topperforming athlete when it comes to your winter skincare — take the quiz!

1. I wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily all winter. a. Yes: +5 b. No, only when I go south: +2 c. No, only when I’m skiing or outside most of the day on a very sunny day: +2 d. No, I never wear sunscreen: 0 e. No and I go to tanning beds in the winter: -5

5. I switch my exfoliant to an enzyme or hydrating gommage exfoliant for the winter. a. Yes: +5 b. No, I use a scrub style exfoliant all winter: +2 c. No, I never or rarely use an exfoliant: 0 6. I switch my moisturizer for the winter or add a hydrating serum. a. Yes: +5 b. No, I use the same moisturizer even though it is not enough: +3 c. No, I never use a moisturizer: 0 7. I smoke. a. No: +5 b. Not anymore: +3 c. Yes: 0 8. I follow professional advice from an esthetician and have facials in the winter. a. Yes: +5 b. I have one facial at the start of winter, purchase and follow professional advice for my home care: +4 c. Yes, I have regular facials but am bad with my home care: +3 d. No, I do neither but give myself mini facials at home and have a daily home care regime: +2 e. No, I do neither: 0

2. I keep my hands hydrated daily to prevent chapping and pigmentation spots. a. Yes, and it does not contain mineral oil: +5 b. Yes: +4 c. No, I wait until they feel dry: +3 d. No, never or rarely: 0

9. I use a non-mineral oil based lip balm daily because mineral oil will dry my lips over time. a. Yes: +5 b. Not every day, only when chapped: +3 c. No, I use a mineral oil based lip balm: +2 d. No, I rarely use anything on my lips: 0

3. I cleanse my skin daily with a cleansing milk/gel followed by a toner/hydrating mist. a. Yes: +5 b. Somewhat, but I leave my makeup on at night one or more times a week: +2 c. No, I cleanse with cleanser but no toner/hydrating mist: +3 d. No, I only cleanse when I wear makeup: +1 e. No, I cleanse with soap and/or water only: 0

10. To prevent dry, itchy body skin I exfoliate, use a hydrating body wash and moisturize with a non-mineral oil based moisturizer daily. a. Yes: +5 b. I don’t exfoliate, but do the rest: +4 c. No, but I use a moisturizer almost every day: +3 d. No I only moisturize when it gets dry and itchy: +1 e. I do none of the above: 0

YOUR HEALTH

Bonus Points a. I have professional facials once a month in the winter: +1 b. I change my makeup for the winter to make it more hydrating: +1 c. I regularly check for suspicious sunspots and/or have them removed by a professional: +1 d. I use a humidifier at work/home to compensate for the dry air quality: +1 e. I use a more hydrating cream when I am outside in the winter or when flying: +1 f. I wear an anti-oxidant with my sunscreen daily to prevent and repair sun damage: +1 Total Score: ______ Your skin fitness is: 45-50 points = Athlete! Congratulations you are at the top of your winter skin care game!

40-45 points = Fit! Your skin is healthy, hydrated and vibrant! Way to go!

20-39 points = When it comes to your skin, you are a bit of a couch potato.

0-20 points = Unfortunately for your skin, you are a serious couch potato!

To learn more to improve your winter skin fitness book a clinical skin care consultation and/or a skin treatment with a professional at The Summit and read more at summitspa.ca/ articles/skin-cleansing-101 and summitspa. ca/skin-care.

Susan Alward Master Clinical Esthetician, Electrologist & Laser Technician The Summit - Skin Care & Hair Removal 5495 Spring Garden Road, Suite 101 Halifax, Nova Scotia 902.423.3888 www.summitspa.ca

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FOOD & DRINK

Eat Here, Try This

food & drink guide “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

- Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

T

here is no shortage of wonderful dining establishments to check out in Halifax this winter. We’ve highlighted some great ones in this section! And if you decide to stay in and entertain on those cold winter nights, we also have some fabulous food and drink recipes you might want to try.

Trendz

Darrell’s

5576 Fenwick St., Halifax

5576 Fenwick St., Halifax

Enjoy!

Recipes

Tempo

Gahan House

1875 Barrington St., Halifax

Halifax Harbourfront

Café Chianti

Le Bistro by Liz

1241 Barrington St., Halifax

1333 South Park St., Halifax

chocolate chilli cake | p51 pomegranate sangria | p52 chocolate Torte | p53 Jack Frost (drink recipe) | p54 Make Your Own Mimosa side Bar | p56 Holiday cheese plate | p58 spinach Artichoke Dip | p60 stuffed pork Tenderloin | p62

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FOOD & DRINK

chocolatechillicake 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) 200 g (7 oz) butter 2 tsp dried chilli flakes 4 large eggs, at room temperature 150 g (5 oz) golden caster or raw sugar 3 tbsp ground almonds 1 tbsp plain flour 1 pinch sea salt, plus extra to sprinkle 2 tbsp tequila, plus extra to serve

Preheat the oven to 180째C (350째F/ Gas 4). Grease a 23 cm (9 inch) round cake tin and line with baking paper.

Melt the chocolate, butter and chilli in a glass or metal bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water (or in a microwave). The bowl must not touch the water as this will split the mixture. Remove from the heat, stir and leave for a few minutes to cool slightly.

FOOD & DRINK

Stir in the eggs, one by one, then the sugar, followed by the almonds, flour, pinch of salt and tequila. Pour the batter into the cake tin and sprinkle over a generous amount of salt.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin. Slice into wedges, drizzle a little tequila over each slice, and serve.

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INGREDIENTS •

1 bottle fruity red wine

•

2 cups pomegranate juice

•

1/2 cup brandy

•

1/2 cup Triple Sec

•

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

•

1 orange, cut in half and thinly sliced

•

1 green apple, cored, cut in half and thinly sliced

•

1 cup red grapes, each cut in half Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours. Serve over ice. Serves 4.

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FOOD & DRINK

Chocolate Torte

with a Crunchy Pecan Oat Crust

A

bsolutely no one will know this is a healthier version of a chocolate pie! Gluten and dairy free, you can enjoy this one with very little guilt. It is decadent, indulgent and simple to make!

• • • • • •

1 cup of pecans (hazelnuts or walnuts would work too!)

1/4 cup melted coconut oil 3 Tbsp. maple syrup 1/2 cup almond flour 1 cup gluten free rolled oats Pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In your food processor, chop the nuts until very fine, then mix all ingredients together until combined. Grease a 9-inch pie pan with coconut oil and scoop the nut mixture onto the pie pan. Press down with your hands to create the crust; the more packed down the crust, the better! It should go all the way up the sides of the pan, just like a regular pie crust. Poke a few fork holes in the bottom and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

FILLING: • • • • • • • •

1–1/2 cup cashews 3/4 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup coconut oil – melted 1/3 cup raw cacao powder 1/2 bag of Enjoy Life Chocolate Chunks, melted 2 tsp. vanilla extract Pinch of salt 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee

In a high speed blender, blend all ingredients together (if you don’t have a high speed blender, you might want to soak them overnight). If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of almond milk to thin.

Pour the filling into the crust and don’t forget to lick the spoon; this filling is to die for! Freeze uncovered for an hour.

Cover with tin foil and freeze overnight. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before cutting. Serve with whipped coconut cream and shaved chocolate.

FOOD & DRINK

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INGREDIENTS •

4 cups ice cubes

•

1 cup pineapple juice, chilled

•

1/2 cup blue curaçao

•

1/2 cup light rum

•

1/2 cup cream of coconut

•

4 slices pineapple

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Over medium-high speed, blend until smooth. Serves 4.

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FOOD & DRINK

Celebrating

23

Years

Of Serving Greater Halifax

Come on in

and see what all the fuss is about.

You won’t be disappointed!

The Darrell's Story

Darrell's, originally named My Other Brother Darrell’s, has been a Halifax hot spot since 1992. Located on Fenwick Street in the South End of Halifax, Darrell's has been a favourite stomping ground for students, local professionals, neighbours, families, first daters and all who have heard the rumblings of our fantastic food, consistency and great service.

GOLD

WINNER

2015

VOTED: “One of Canada’s 8 Greatest Burger Restaurants” – Readers Digest “Best Burger & Best Milkshake” – The Coast, Best of Food

5576 Fenwick Street, Halifax 902.492.2344 darrellsrestaurants.com Catering Available Free WiFi Open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Make Your Own

Mimosa Side Bar

By Melanie Furlong

Hosting a special brunch this season?

Why not set up a charming mimosa side bar that offers plenty of variety for guests?

You'll need the following: • One ice bucket with ice • Three or four glass dishes for fruit • Three or four glass juice bottles • Juice labels • Glasses

Ingredients for the mimosas include: • Champagne • Sparkling cider • Orange juice • Grapefruit juice • Raspberry lemonade concentrate • Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or pineapple to mix in • Ice

Make all juice and refrigerate in glass bottles the night before. Chill champagne and sparkling cider and set out your table with ice bucket and glasses.

Hang your “Mimosas” sign and other decór. In the morning, put everything out and invite your guests to make their favourite mimosa!

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FOOD & DRINK

Casual Fine Dining at its Best

Trendz is operated by award-winning chef Daniel Delorme, Certified Chef de Cuisine, and is known to many as the hidden gem of Dartmouth.

Trendz started off with a bang and was awarded the Restaurant Association’s Best Restaurant of the Year in 2010 — since then there has been no looking back. All of Trendz’s cuisine is made in-house from scratch. They pride themselves on quality and use the finest ingredients available.

Many of their ingredients — such as seafood, produce, herbs… even their honey — can be found right here in Nova Scotia. They combine classical French cuisine and local ingredients with an inventive twist. Some of their best features include friendly, knowledgeable service, gluten free options, quality meat and seafood, vegetarian options, a vast wine selection and much more. Plus, menus are changed seasonally to take advantage of the world’s bounty.

Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week; Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner

www.trendzcafe.ca 15 Spectacle Lake Drive In The Best Western PLUS Dartmouth (off Commodore Dr & in the heart Burnside Park) 902.446.3782

saycheese!

Create the Perfect Cheese Plate

A

delicious assortment of cheeses, paired with the right foods, is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

You don’t have to be a professional chef to create a cheese plate that looks and tastes like a culinary masterpiece.

Purchase multiple cheese styles For visual appeal, select an odd number of cheeses, such as three or five, depending on the number of people.

Try a variety of cheeses in flavours that complement one another, such as:

“For entertaining or just a quiet night at home, you can’t go wrong with a gourmet cheese plate,” says Chef Michael Symon, co-host of ABC’s The Chew, author of three best-selling cookbooks and owner of several restaurants. “It’s a fast-and-easy appetizer that can make even a novice cook look like a culinary mastermind.”

Aged Havarti: Mild and buttery, this specialty cheese from Castello has a delicate, crystalline structure that forms during its long maturation period, creating a flavourful, crunchy surprise.

Consider the following as you prepare your next cheese plate:

Blue: A full-flavour variety, such as Castello Traditional Danish Blue, has a wonderful “bite,” with characteristically tangy notes of blue balanced by sweet and salty undertones.

Determine the right quantity of cheese If you’re serving it as an hors d’oeuvre, plan for one to two ounces of each cheese type per person. If it’s for a light meal, plan for two to three ounces per person.

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Brie: Extremely spreadable and creamy, Brie is easy on the palate and pairs with a wide variety of foods.

Select gourmet pairings The perfect cheese plate includes foods that complement and enhance the taste of the cheeses. The best plates have

FOOD & DRINK

four pairings: A bread item, charcuterie, something sweet and something savoury or salty.

Breads to consider are flatbread, grilled crostini or baguettes, while great charcuterie options include prosciutto or a pork pâté. For sweets, figs, honey or berry preserves are delicious additions.

And for savoury and salty pairings, include Marcona almonds, cornichon pickles or Kalamata olives.

Keep your presentation simple Arrange your cheeses from mildest to strongest, in a clockwise pattern on the plate. Be sure to leave space for pairings.

Precut half of each cheese on the board, to make it easy for guests to dive in.

Set out the cheeses 30 minutes before serving so the flavours fully come to life.

Before serving, place pairings on the plate in small groups. Lastly, set out one knife per cheese to keep the flavours from mixing together.

spinachartichokedip 2 (10 ounce)bags fresh spinach 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons flour 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup milk (2% or whole) 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 grated white cheddar cheese Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

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In a large stockpot of boiling water, add spinach and cook until bright green, approximately one minute.

Drain and squeeze out excess water.

Coarsely chop and set aside.

In a straight-sided saute pan or sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. SautĂŠ onions until soft and tender, then add garlic and cook for another minute. Add flour and cook for another minute, until no flour is visible. Pour in cream, milk, wine and, stirring constantly, cook until

FOOD & DRINK

thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, mix together spinach, artichokes, and sour cream. Pour warm cream mixture over spinach, add white cheddar, and combine thoroughly. Season again, to taste.

Serve warm with tortilla chips, pitas, or cruditĂŠ and sides of salsa and sour cream. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium low heat. Yields 2 cups

Café Chianti Serves Up Unforgettable Italian Cuisine

By Melanie Furlong

F

rom the warm greeting you receive on arrival to the last bite of your delicious meal, dining at Café Chianti is always a pleasure. After 26 years in business, the Barrington Street restaurant has seen many changes. But what remains the same is their excellent service, relaxing atmosphere and delicious Italian cuisine.

At Café Chianti, you can sip an Aperol spritz and imagine yourself on the Venetian canals or indulge in one of their impeccable wines with some handmade spinach and potato gnocchi, incredible

ravioli or real Italian-style pizza for an unforgettable meal.

Alongside their Italian chef, Terry Vassallo, owners Jan and Helen Wicha have created a menu and a location that are now a landmark institution in this city.

The Wichas have always taken a handson approach at Café Chianti and at least one of them is always present while the restaurant is open. They go out of their way to create a positive experience for valued guests and make a point of knowing their regulars by name.

Café Chianti offers both a quick service or casual lunch and a more extensive dinner

FOOD & DRINK

menu with even more mouthwatering dishes. As well as the main dining room, an intimate private room perfect for staff lunches, business meetings and parties is available.

Café Chianti 1241 Barrington St., Halifax 902.423.7471 cafechianti.com

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stuffedporktenderloin One pork tenderloin, about 1-2 pounds 1 bunch fresh sage 6 sprigs fresh rosemary 15 sprigs fresh thyme 4 cloves garlic 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided sea salt and pepper 6-8 thin slices of prosciutto 6 thin slices fresh mozzarella Fresh spinach

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Remove the leaves from the sage, rosemary, and thyme. Place the herb leaves in a food processor with the garlic and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Pulse the herbs until a finely minced rub is formed.

Season the herb mixture with salt and pepper.

Rub one half of the herb mixture on the inside of the prepared pork tenderloin.

Top with slices of mozzarella, slightly overlapping, and then with slices of prosciutto and spinach. Carefully roll the pork tenderloin up as you would a jelly roll, tucking the filling back in as needed. Use

FOOD & DRINK

butcher’s twine to tie the pork into a roll, using one piece of twine every 2-inches.

Rub the remaining half of the herb mixture on the outside of the pork and marinate the pork in the fridge for at least eight hours.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or other oven-proof skillet.

Brown the pork on all sides, then place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, about 20-30 minutes. Remove the pork from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

TEMPO FOOD + DRINK Looking for a great spot to relax with friends after work?

Delta Barrington’s Tempo Food + Drink’s beautiful lounge overlooking the corner of Barrington and Duke streets offers local beer on tap, wine by the glass, daily Happy Hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Martini Fridays.

Tempo Food + Drink has been voted Silver Winner - Best Hotel Restaurant in the Coast’s Best of Halifax Readers’ Choice Awards for two years in a row.

Their chic and modern restaurant, featuring an openconcept kitchen, is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Offering daily chef-inspired menu items, such as their vegan, gluten-free soups of the day, as well as favourites like their award-winning Tempo Fish Taco.

If you just need a quick lunch or snack, their Grab and Go section features homemade sandwiches, soups and a Starbucks coffee shop.

Tempo Food + Drink can host corporate events, Christmas parties and other private events. Call today to book your party!

1875 Barrington St., Halifax | 902.428.3676 | www.tempofoodanddrink.com

Le Bistro By Liz Le Bistro not only offers fresh delicious dishes, but our friendly, knowledgeable staff members go out of their way to ensure you have the best experience possible.

An inviting, cosy restaurant, Le Bistro features many Parisian café favourites. Chef Paul Pike prepares sumptuous comfort food with a French flair in an open style kitchen.

Our menu consists of classic favourites such as Croque Monsieur, Crepes Florentine, Poulet Moritz and much more.

Le Bistro is the place for any occasion, whether you are planning a romantic evening, a business lunch or a party.

We customize menus and room setup to suit your needs.

For quick lunches, great brunches and evenings that never end... Le Bistro By Liz

Weekend brunch menu 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Check out our delectable three styles of Eggs Benedict, Banana Bread French Toast, Crepes Florentine and so much more. Each brunch entrée includes a complimentary brunch beverage — mimosa, caesar or bloody Mary!

1333 South Park St. Halifax 902.423.8428 www.lebistrohalifax.com

“UnWined” Wednesday is a must for anyone who loves great wines and a fabulous deal! Every Wednesday night from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. you’ll find our 8oz glass of wine at the 5oz price.

Le Bistro is proud to support local musicians by providing live entertainment

four nights a week: Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday evenings 7p.m. to 10 p.m.

Open Daily Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Casual Fine Dining Liz Ingram-Chambers, owner

DECEMBER 18 – 19 Handel’s Messiah Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

DECEMBER 31 New Years Eve! With Matt Andersen & The Mellotones Casino Nova Scotia

events HALIFAX

WINTER 2015-2016

JANUARY 7 Symphony Nova Scotia at the Open Waters Festival Sir James Dunn Theatre JANUARY 14 Craft Beer & Local Food Celebration Halifax Marriott Harbourfront JANUARY 18 – 24 2016 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships Scotiabank Centre JANUARY 22 – 23 Dan Mangan with Symphony Nova Scotia Rebecca Cohn Auditorium JANUARY 24 Brides 2016 – ATL Canada’s Largest Wedding Show World Trade & Convention Centre JANUARY 28 Halifax Business Awards World Trade & Convention Centre JANUARY 28 Magnificent Mozart Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

JANUARY 30 Halifax Viennese Opera Ball World Trade & Convention Centre JANUARY 31 Magnificent Mozart (Alderney Encore) / Alderney Landing Theatre, Dartmouth FEBRUARY 11 Heart & Stroke: Life Savour With Looneyspoons cookbook co-author Janet Podleski The Westin Nova Scotian

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MAPPING THE WINES OF

Italy

By Cheryl Doherty

NO GPS REQUIRED

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FOOD & DRINK

WINES TO TRY

Livon Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Pipoli Vigneti di Vulture 2010

Vignetti di Campomaggio

Collio, Fruili, Italy Bishop’s Cellar $30

Aglianico del Vulture, Italy 2013 NSLC $19.99

Chianti Classico, Italy 2010 Cristall Wine Merchants $25.90

Plums, bark berries and leather on the nose. Soft, rich fruit, suede tannins and a persistent finish. Drinks well now, but could age for a few years.

Ripe red and black fruits with hints of balsamic vinegar. Full bodied, smooth, with silky tannins and an elegant finish.

veryone loves Italy, or at least the idea of it. There are few more romantic images than a glass of Vermentino in the afternoon under a Tuscan sun or a grappa in the Piazza San Marco on a moonlit night in Venice. And then there is the food.

Italy has more than 220 food items protected by the European Union, including Parmagiano Reggiano, six types of salami and three types of balsamic vinegar. One would be hard pressed to find someone who does not have a favourite Italian dish.

One must begin by looking at a map. Italy is a country of regions. It has a long north to south axis, and understanding the geography helps to determine the style of wine. In northern Italy, for instance, light body and fresh acidity are the hallmarks white wine. Sauvignon Blanc from Fruili is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. For reds, Barbera d’Alba makes a fresh and lively alternative to an everyday Merlot at an affordable price. Nebbiolo d’Alba is an approachable cousin to Barolo and an interesting substitute for a Pinot Noir.

For a better experience, look for Chianti Classico. For whites, although Trebbiano is the most widely planted Tuscan grape, Vermentino and Vernacchia generally make superior wines.

When it comes to Italian wine, however, the romance can be quickly replaced by a feeling of bewilderment. Italy has more than 350 authorized grapes, and grows more than 800 varietals. With more than 75 DOCG and 350 DOC appellations, the options are staggering, and then there are the Super Tuscans. Arguably some of the world’s finest, these wines are made with non-traditional Italian grapes, notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

They, along with some traditional Italian wines such as Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino, need to age for years to be fully appreciated, too much a long-term project for most consumers.

If one’s taste turns to full bodied reds, move south on the map, where brilliant sunshine and warmer days lead to fuller ripeness, higher alcohol and rich, plump wines. Primitivo — better known in North America as Zinfandel — flourishes here, as does the lesser-known Negroamaro.

Fiano also comes from this area; it’s a rich creamy white wine with white peach, pear and floral notes. In the middle lies the gem of Italy: Tuscany, the home of the Sangiovese grape. For many years over produced and badly crafted, the wine world held an ABC mentality — “Anything But Chianti!” Times have changed, the rules for Chianti production have been tightened and producers now focus more on quality. As a result, there is a plethora of great Chianti wines in the market in the $20 per bottle range.

Tasting Notes: Intense, exotic fruit, melon and yellow peppers. Dry, good structure, well balanced.

E

So, how to wade through all of this and find good drinkable and affordable wines in a style a consumer can appreciate now?

Our brief tour of Italy would not be complete without a shout-out to Aglianico.

A big, bold, fruity, tannic grape, the best are grown on the sides of volcanoes south of Rome in the region of Campagnia. Anyone who enjoys a big Cab or Malbec must taste this wine. Look for labels Aglianico del Vulture or Taurasi.

The diversity of Italian food and wine can be the project of a lifetime, and an enjoyable one. Below are my suggestions for affordable and drinkable wines. Enjoy the winter months, and dream of that Tuscan sun. Saluti!

Cheryl Doherty FOOD & DRINK

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Farm Fresh Produce All Winter Long

By Melanie Furlong Photos Bruce Jollimore

F

armer’s Best is going through a major transition this winter as the new facility springs up alongside the original on the Bedford Highway. While the two-storey building next door grows and moves toward completion, the original Farmer’s Best is still offering fresh farm produce, and so much more.

This December, ‘tis the season to find lush greenery for your home and Farmer’s Best has a wide variety to choose from.

Decorated pine bough wreaths, beautiful kissing balls, fragrant swags and cedar bows and bunches of red berries are just the basics. The store also has gorgeous table arrangements, bunches of magnolia leaves, dogwood branches, cinnamon fern and more to help you create your

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own festive décor. Outside, perfect Christmas trees are waiting to be chosen for your home.

It’s also the season for juicy citrus fruit — oranges, lemons and mandarins have arrived directly from Greece and are displayed alongside the local produce.

Cranberries, apples, pears, huge parsnips, sweet potatoes and other vegetables right from the Annapolis Valley are always on hand, as Farmer’s Best staunchly supports local farmers.

If you’re looking for unique specialty items, and even gifts, Farmer’s Best is the place. Quail eggs from Bridgewater, goat cheese from Greece and chocolate from Germany are all available along with an impressive variety of Greek olives, olive

FOOD & DRINK

oil and olive-based body products. Dry and canned foods from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and many others are also offered.

Local developer Peter Giannoulis purchased the former Farmer Clem’s at the beginning of 2014. In less than two years, it has been completely revamped to provide Haligonians the fresh European and local produce he appreciates so much himself.

“These olive products and citrus foods from Greece are the best in the world,” says Giannoulis. “The reason for that is the landscape, the weather and production methods in Greece. It was frustrating to only be able to find these products in Montreal or Toronto.” Now

that they’re here, he’s discovered the local community is thrilled with the store’s quality, selection and reasonable prices.

Giannoulis even offers his own brand of 100 per cent organic extra virgin olive oil, Kastania. Made from his own olives grown in the rocky soil of the mountains of Taygetos in southern Greece, which is believed by many to offer the finest source of olive oil in the world. The oil tastes beautifully fresh.

By spring 2016, customers will also be dazzled by Farmer’s Best’s new facility.

It will accommodate a European-style market that will have the best fresh produce from Nova Scotia and Europe, a meat shop serving the choicest local cuts and prime office space. The café will serve specialty coffees, fresh fruit smoothies, specialty sandwiches, soup of the day and salads. It will also include a bakery offering daily fresh baked breads from their on-site baker. Everything will overlook the water with floor-to-roof windows on both the front and back of the building, providing exquisite light and views of the Bedford Basin.

Farmer’s Best 389 Bedford Hwy Halifax 902.443.4391 Open 7 days a week 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Farmer’s Best opening in 2016 as Bedford Basin Farmer’s Market Peter Giannoulis

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AT HOME

Around the House and On the Table,

Sarah richardSon Keeps It Fresh, Simple & Creative

By Melanie Furlong Photos by Stacey Brandford

If you love watching HGTV star Sarah Richardson’s home makeovers on TV, you’re bound to enjoy her latest book, At Home: Sarah Style.

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ollowing the success of last year’s Sarah Style, the new book takes readers into Richardson’s various properties. Her family home in Toronto, before and after major renovations; her country-style retreat; the family’s Georgian Bay island cottage; her rental property on another Georgian Bay island; her first country retreat; and her mother’s house, which is in a converted Methodist church. While you may have seen many of these properties on her TV shows, the book offers hundreds of design tips and never-before-seen photos that are nice to browse through for inspiration.

The book also offers 45 delicious recipes divided into spring and summer, and fall and winter categories. The latter

includes comfort food dishes such as Roasted Sweet Potato Salad, Comfy Cozy Carbonara and Mustard and Za’atar Roasted Chicken. The reader can easily imagine dining on these very meals in one of Richardson’s spectacular homes.

Refined magazine writer Melanie Furlong interviewed Sarah Richardson about the newly released At Home: Sarah Style.

FL: What was the impetus for your new book?

SR: When I wrote Sarah Style, I knew I wanted to do a second book and thought it made sense to draw a distinction between the design projects executed for clients and those that were more personal. The first book was designed

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to let readers find their style from a collection of rooms divided by category, and At Home: Sarah Style takes you on a full guided tour of complete homes.

FL: Do you have a favourite project in the book?

SR: I love each one for different reasons because they represent different journeys and experiences from a design perspective. I’m excited to share new and never-before-seen images such as our city home and my Mom’s home, which is a converted 1906 church.

FL: Which of these properties was the most difficult to design?

SR: I never think of projects in terms of difficulty because the design process

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engages me and captures my imagination, and the process of watching a renovation unfold is thrilling, exciting and fun. Every project also has its challenges, but they are what ultimately shapes and guides the renovation. Remote locations such as the island properties can be tricky from a logistics perspective, but that is ultimately balanced by the rugged natural beauty, making it all worthwhile.

I will admit that our city home required a lot of planning and prioritizing, as we wanted to be sure we made the right choices for the long haul. We don’t plan to move, so every choice needed to be a forever choice.

FL: In the book, you mention that you and your husband have different tastes as far as palette is concerned. Do you find designing your own homes more challenging than working with clients?

SR: Not at all. Everyone has different tastes, and it’s important to celebrate the opinions, likes and goals of everyone living in a house in order to create a space that works for the entire family. Alexander has always loved a bright palette, but after years of exploring and renovating together, I would say we know how to make sure we are both represented in every room. Sharing a home and a life should focus on collaboration, and thoughtful design can incorporate something for everyone.

ABOVE Sarah Richardson with husband, Alexander Younger RIGHT At Home: Sarah Style takes readers into Sarah Richardson’s various properties.

FL: What influences your designs?

SR: So many factors influence me. The architecture of the building and the natural surroundings guide the overall character of the interior, as I want it to be sympathetic and connected. Like a person, every home has a character, and I like to find that and bring it to life. But the biggest influence by far for me is about the human experience. I design houses to be used, enjoyed and shared, so I’m motivated to design spaces that are not only beautiful but also welcoming, comfortable, functional and practical.

FL: Do you have any new TV programs planned for the near future?

SR: I’m currently working on a new show for HGTV that will air in the spring and developing some new ideas for a brand new series. I’m always planning and I’m excited to tackle another challenge.

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ExpErt AdvicE

ExpErt AdvicE

SElling Your HomE StArtS WitH A good onlinE SHoWing Selling your property for the best possible price and in a timely manner is the name of the game. While homebuyers spending a few hundred thousand dollars usually know what they want and can often see past unsightly clutter or chipped paint, it can still be distracting. At its worst, those kinds of issues may keep potential buyers from ever stepping foot in your home.

G

etting buyers and agents to look at your home begins with your online showing. Real estate agents look at hundreds of listings every week. If you want your property to be selected for one of the buyers’ four viewings that day, your 25 online photos have to stand out. That doesn’t mean the images should be enhanced — they must be a good representation of the property.

There’s nothing worse than beautiful photos disguising a bad showing.

If the online photos are professional, more people are apt to view the property.

Bringing clients into a home that shows well is a pleasure. Having less “stuff” and staged spaces helps potential buyers visualize their own lives in the home and understand what can be done with the available space.

Some negative distractions at a showing include clutter, musky or masking smells, lights that don’t work and uncut grass.

Even if the house is vacant it should be taken care of as if someone is home.

It has to be inviting and warm. It’s a buyers’ market in Halifax right now, and that means there are a lot of houses for sale. Make sure buyers feel at home at your house.

8. Add vignettes that showcase how your home can be lived in.

9. Give each room a clear purpose and stage for that purpose.

10. Turn on all the lights.

11. Light the fireplace.

12. De-clutter by putting away personal photos, collections and packing up books.

Before photographing or showing your home, you should: 1. Organize closets to highlight storage space. Use storage containers to hide things.

2. Do small repairs: tighten loose doorknobs, replace light bulbs, patch holes and paint.

3. Consider your curb appeal. Add a wreath, fix peeling paint and weed the garden.

4. Close the toilet lid.

5. Bake on day of showing to create a homey smell.

Jonathan Ladha RE/MAX nova 6395 Lady Hammond Rd. 902.233.7059 jladha@remaxnova.ca

6. Repaint with neutral colours.

7. Use plants or fresh flowers to bring energy to a space or draw attention to special features.

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Natural StoNe:

A Rock Solid choice Natural stone adds luxury and style to any home. If you’re considering a renovation or planning a building project, you’ll find plenty of inspiration at The Art of Stone.

Specializing in: • Granite, Quartz, Marble and Onyx countertops • Porcelain and ceramic tiles • Vanities • Sinks, vessels and faucets

• Mirrors • Unique stone tables • Custom marble artwork and furniture from our Sculptor: VASILIS!

Free

in-stor e estimat es and consul tations

“Our mission is to give our customers the best product knowledge with excellent customer service, affordable prices, skilled workmanship and the best quality products.”

– Peter Giannoulis, owner

the art of stone 130 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax 902.406.7338 admin@theartofstonehalifax.com www.theartofstonehalifax.com

Open 7 days a week 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Boosting Your Culinary Profile With

INDOOR GARDENING

By Trina Annand

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With a health and environment conscious society, we are developing a more direct connection with our food. Summer gardens are easy and the cold weather doesn’t have to mean the end of the growing season. Novice cooks and professional chefs often embrace the power of indoor gardening by growing their own herbs and micro greens to elevate their dishes.

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reating your own indoor garden can be as simple as a few potted herbs in a sunlit window or as complex as a fully integrated climate-controlled kitchen garden. With a plethora of indoor gardening products on the market it’s all about finding the right system for your needs and style.

“Growing herbs and micro greens indoors is a great choice,” says Gregg Curwin, president of TruLeaf Smart Plant Systems, a commercial indoor multi-level farming business. “They tend to be more sensitive outdoors, and are fast growing, nutritious and best consumed when fresh.”

Though delicate in appearance, fresh herbs and micro greens are intensely flavourful and packed with nutrition. Some studies have shown that certain micro greens have as much as 20 times the vitamins of their fully grown counterparts. Micro greens come in many shapes and sizes, from lettuce to beets and broccoli. Previously treated as an accent to a meal, these flavourful additions are becoming the star of the plate.

Elevating a dish can be as simple as adding fresh herbs. Anyone who has ever had a margherita pizza understands the simple purity of the combination of tomato and basil. Oregano pairs best with lamb, while sage is best with pork. To augment a fish dish try lemon thyme rather than lemon and thyme for a more complex citrus flavour. Many chefs are using dry rubs and herb crusts to infuse meats on the grill, or adding herbs to butter, olive oil, salt or cheese.

“There has been a real shift in how people think about food. As a result, there is an increased demand for good, local food. We’re moving beyond the fast food mentality rather quickly,” says Curwin.

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Growing Herbs Indoors: What You Need to Know

• Herbs that grow best indoors: Basil, Chives, Coriander, Fennel, Lemongrass, Parsley Rosemary, Sage, Thyme • Herbs need four to six hours of direct sunlight each day • Ensure proper drainage with a layer of rock and drainage holes at the bottom of planters • Large mature leaves are the plant’s solar panels; make sure to harvest a selection of leaf sizes • Regular use or pruning encourages new growth and a stronger plant • If potted, you can always move your herbs outdoors for the warmer months

Cooking Tips: • Substituting fresh herbs for the salt traditionally used in cooking not only packs a burst of flavour, but decreases your overall salt intake • Finely chop or cut your fresh herbs; the more surfaces you expose, the more flavour that you will release • Don’t overcook your herbs because their flavours and aromas can be lost with too much heat

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DESIGNING A

HOME OFFICE That Works For You

By Henny Buffinga

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PREVIOUS Photo Credit Hooker Furniture THIS PAGE TOP Photo Credit Hooker Furniture BOTTOM Photo Credit Clarke and Clarke via Crown Wallpaper and 5Fabrics

colour is to find something that inspires and energizes you,” explains Reid. “To determine the best colour, it is important to find which colour works best in your situation. Blue tends to influence the most productivity, while yellows promote creativity.” Using more vibrant colours in artwork, rugs and accessories can be a great way to bring more colours into the room that won’t distract you while you are working.

I

n a world where many careers require only a phone and a computer, more and more people telecommute from a home office. Whether you are an entrepreneur working from home full time or an executive who works from home a couple of days of the week, having a proper space to work is a must.

Creating the perfect home office space can be a delicate balance between a functional, organized space that inspires productivity and something that reflects your personal style.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to pick out anything you like, unlike in a corporate office,” says Peggy Reid of Reid and Siemenson Design Group. “While

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it’s fun to pour through magazines and websites for ideas, you also need to think carefully about how you will be using the space. For example, an upholstered dining room chair in a fabulous print may look great, but may not support your back properly for 40 hours a week. The same is true for desks; while a clean modern glass and lacquered finish may look amazing, it may not be the most practical when you have to lay out all your project files.”

Reid says too much visual stimulation in an office can actually create distraction, so she suggests a colour consultation by an interior designer to find something that will work well in the space. “The most important thing when choosing a

AT HOME

TOP Photo Credit Hooker Furniture BOTTOM Photo Credit Clarke and Clarke via Crown Wallpaper and Fabrics

Your home office will reflect the work you do; for example, it may be different for someone who sees clients in their office compared to someone who works alone. Reid points out that a psychologist may want subdued colours, a more formal desk and comfortable seating, while a graphic artist may showcase an edgier style to demonstrate their creative side to potential clients. “In both cases, it is important to evoke a professional setting,” says Reid.

“If you are sharing the space with family members, everything needs to be properly put away.”

When sharing an office with family, it’s important to set up a separate space for your work and another area for homework and crafts. At the end of the day, it makes all the difference to spend 15 to 20 minutes cleaning up your workstation, putting away loose papers and closing the computer, just like you would if you weren’t at home.

Having proper storage is vital for productivity. If you have a bookcase, don’t overstuff it with messy binders and papers.

Reid suggests mixing in books and great accessories, so when you are holding a Skype meeting you have a nice backdrop. If you’re lucky enough to have an extra bedroom for your office, utilize the closet to maximize shelving and ensure everything has a home.

“It’s important to have everything you need in your office, so you aren’t running out every time you need a stapler or an envelope,” Reid points out. “You may consider putting in a mini fridge to keep cold water and snacks on hand.”

Practical concerns, such as lighting, should be foremost in your mind. There should be sufficient task lighting over your desk, and placing your desk next to a window will provide natural light. “A good quality blind such as a roller shade with at least three per cent opacity is important so that you can view your screen during the sun’s peak times,” Reid says. “To soften the look, consider adding soft drapery panels in a fun colour or print.”

Working from home provides more flexible hours, but that often translates into longer workdays. Health and wellness can be designed into your space, and a treadmill desk or standing desk is worth considering. Using an exercise ball to sit on is also a great idea to help with core strength and posture, and can be put away when you need to buckle down on a deadline. Having a yoga mat on hand is also a great idea, so you can stretch out and relax while taking a break to breathe.

“With today’s technology and work share programs, more and more people are working from home and creating an optimal work/life balance,” Reid concludes. “If you are one of the lucky ones to do this, it’s worth it to spend the time to create the best environment for your office space.”

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TINY

HOMES

Big Living

By Trina Annand

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“Look for storage in unusual places.

When every square foot counts, it’s important to go vertical. Being organized will completely change the way you live in a space.”

- Fran Underwood, registered interior designer

A

fter decades of “bigger is better,” many homeowners are turning to small, more flexible spaces to call home. Tiny homes have been gaining momentum as the perfect blend of low maintenance living, style and affordability. This trend isn’t just luring new homeowners, but also those who want to reimagine their lives.

Tiny homes can be so much more than just diminutive. They can be spaces intuitively designed to suit their residents. Often built on a trailer as a mobile domicile or as a prefabricated structure that can easily be transported to a site, they can also be built onsite, just as a traditional home would be.

Tiny homes are all about versatility.

Whether attempting a do-it-yourself home or a ready made option, these structures are more about conscious living than cramming yourself into the tiniest space possible.

“You are much more aware of the resources you consume when living in a small space. You are better able to evaluate your life. Tiny homes are about possibility,” says Dawn Higgins, tiny home dweller and co-founder of Full Moon Tiny Structures. “Because they are small spaces, they can create a weird paradox. Living in a small space has allowed my life to become so much bigger. By being limited, I seem to have way more resources.” Tiny or small living is about more than a space; it’s a mindset and a lifestyle. Many people are looking for quality of life over quantity of possessions.

For registered interior designer Fran Underwood, the key to living tiny is smart storage. “Look for storage in unusual places. When every square foot counts, it’s important to go vertical. Being organized will completely change the way you live in a space.” The designer is also quick to point out that multi-use items make the most sense. With tiny homes, every purchase becomes mindful, it’s important to ask yourself ‘Do I need this?

Do I have room for this?’ Tiny homes are often imagined as minimalist structures where everything is hidden, but they can Architecture project & building by ÁBATON, Interior Design Project by ÁBATON and BATAVIA, Photographer Juan Baraja

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also be the perfect space to highlight collections that truly express your style.

“The North American dream is changing and things aren’t as easy as they once were,” says Higgins. “There has been a shift in our culture where people don’t want to be slaves to their stuff.” Tiny homes offer homeowners the best of both worlds, allowing them to have an affordable home while indulging in luxury finishes. A smaller home means that Carrera marble countertop or stunning light fixtures are reduced to a more attainable price because of the sheer volume needed. Living small doesn’t need to mean living humbly; it means homeowners have the freedom to imagine their ultimate dreams.

Smaller homes also promote a lower maintenance lifestyle, drawing homeowners of all ages. “Our lifestyles have shifted and we are more transient, we move around a lot more than we used to,” says Underwood. It’s often difficult to maintain a massive home with today’s

busy lifestyles and homeowners are looking for a solution that allows them to get more out of life and the free time they do have.

“Tiny homes are a really good transitional solution. Whether you are young, middle aged or a senior, everyone seems to be transitioning. With a tiny home you can live beautifully, comfortably and more freely,” says Higgins.

Currently there is no unified law of creating tiny homes, they vary by province and even county, which is why it is important to research building codes or work with a company that is well versed in them. In certain provinces there are even laws prohibiting living yearround in spaces below a certain size.

“This has become such a large movement that there is going to be some rewritten bylaws to accommodate this new interpretation of the idea of home,” says Higgins. “All homes face the same challenges, it’s really just a matter of scale.”

TOP Mica ABOVE Full Moon Tiny Structures photos by Guillaume Dutilh

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Home Facts • The average Canadian home has 30 light bulbs, the average tiny home has six • There is some debate over the size of a “tiny home,” some people live in less than 200 sq. ft. while others aim for a more manageable home under 600 sq. ft.

• A tiny home can be created for as little as $10,000, but the average is $23,000 for a self built masterpiece • The average Canadian home uses 63 per cent of its energy consumption for heating • The average tiny house uses half a logging truck of lumber to build, while a traditional home uses about seven

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Success

ORGANIZATION, ETIQUETTE & SINCERITY create recipe for

By Melanie Furlong

W

hen a new year arrives, many of us think about ways to make improvements in our lives. How can we become more organized, more successful and have more fun?

If you are interested in reorganizing your life to have a more positive new year, Charles MacPherson — better known as Charles the Butler from his regular appearances

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on the Marilyn Dennis Show, and best-selling author of The Butler Speaks — advises getting organized and using proper etiquette.

“Putting these two simple tools to use is a fantastic formula,” says MacPherson. Both can help anyone, regardless of position or financial situation, become more self-confident and, therefore, more attractive to others. That means more friends, more business and more fun.

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“Socks should be folded, not balled up.” – MacPherson photo left Charles MacPherson, better known as Charles the Butler, while visiting Halifax in 2014

Imagine if you could find everything you needed every morning.

Take your sock drawer, as an example. A butler’s job, says MacPherson, is to make his or her principal’s life as seamless as possible. While organizing sock drawers for a royal family’s Middle Eastern palaces, MacPherson’s objective was to make finding the right pair of socks as easy as possible. That meant lining them up from lightest to darkest, the same way clothes are hung in the closet, from left to right. Sport socks and dress socks had their own sections and they were folded, not balled up.

Organization — even being able to find the perfect pair of socks in the morning — can eliminate stress from your life.

Proper etiquette is another beneficial tool, as it can help you navigate social and business situations with aplomb. There are different ways of learning and mastering etiquette skills.

MacPherson suggests making a list of skills to master and then checking them off one by one. “Do you want to learn how to shake someone’s hand? Find the right book, video or person to learn it from, practice it and then, when you are feeling confident about that, move on to the next thing,” says MacPherson. “It’s when we try to do everything at once that we fail.”

When you’re organized and use proper etiquette, you’ll know when your client will arrive at the meeting and who you will introduce first, second and third. At a wedding, you’ll know how to use the cutlery and what you will talk about at the dinner table. It will give you self-confidence and attract people to you.

In your personal life, surrounding yourself with healthy, likeminded people and those you respect is a surefire way to make your new year spectacular. “If you like to use your manners and say please and thank you and you’re with someone who wipes their dirty hands on their shirt, that is going to make you uncomfortable,” he says. “And if you are with people you respect, you can model your behaviour on theirs.”

MacPherson says the final key to improving all social and business relationships is sincerity. “There isn’t a technique to trick people into thinking you care about them if you sincerely don’t inside,” he says. “You must bring your passion and sincerity from within.”

Bring your passion to 2016 and make it your best yet!

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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

Halifax Convention Centre

PREPARING TO HOST THE

WORLD

By Melanie Furlong

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ore than 1,000 of the world’s leading edge researchers and practitioners in big data are coming to the new Halifax Convention Centre for the 2017 Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD).

According to Dr. Stan Matwin, director of the Institute for Big Data Analytics at Dalhousie University, it will be a great opportunity for Dalhousie — as well as other local organizations and institutions — to showcase the worldclass research, ongoing collaboration and pool of talent we have here in the region.

A premier international forum, the KDD conference brings together practitioners from academia, industry and government to share ideas, research results and experiences. Previously held in cities such as Paris, Beijing and New York, it establishes the city as an international hub of excellence in big data research. Sponsors of note include Microsoft, Yahoo, Deloitte, Accenture, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google and IBM. For Halifax Convention Centre president and CEO Scott Ferguson, bringing top innovators and investors like these to our marketplace is incredibly exciting. “We’re creating the perfect environment for them to make connections,” says Ferguson, who was recently named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada. “Before now, we haven’t had the right platform to do that.”

The stunning new Halifax Convention Centre (HCC) is part of developer Joe Ramia’s Nova Centre, the largest integrated development project undertaken in Nova Scotia’s history, with one million sq. ft. of mixed-use space. The LEED Gold certified development, which is scheduled for completion

by January 2017, will transform two complete city blocks bordered by Prince, Argyle, Sackville and Market streets, into a financial centre, luxury hotel, residences, retail and entertainment amenities, and a convention centre with parking and public space.

The HCC will offer 120,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 30,000 sq. ft. ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide magnificent panoramic views of the city and a stunning backdrop to any gala or conference.

“I think people will be shocked when they see it,” says Ferguson.

Local meeting and events planners such as Leanne Andrecyk are thrilled about the new facility’s ability to accommodate trade shows, gala dinners and break-out rooms simultaneously, something that couldn’t be done at the World Trade and Convention Centre.

Andrecyk says her team is excited about the progress being made on the centre. “It’s been a long time coming,” she says.

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“It will offer us the opportunity to work with bigger groups and it’s a refreshing palette to work with. We have a couple of clients who are already interested in having their events there.”

Now that this incredible platform has been created in our compact, oceanfront downtown core, Haligonians will have a space to show off what Ferguson calls their “soft skills.”

“Our population is curious and friendly,” says Ferguson. “In a complicated world, we still engage people in an ordinary fashion. Twenty years ago, that was considered quaint. Now, it’s strategically important.”

Halifax’s connectedness will help conference delegates get a true sense of what the province is about. It may encourage them to open their own business operation here or return with their families on holiday.

Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia chairman Glen Squires says their

membership is hoping for the latter.

“Offering pre- and post-convention activities for convention delegates and their partners or families will make the Nova Centre an asset to the entire province,” he says. “If they have a positive experience in Nova Scotia, it will encourage them to come back again and tell their friends and family what a great time they had here. That’s going to impact tourism.”

Ross Jefferson, president and CEO of Destination Halifax, says they expect the HCC to create business opportunities that extend well beyond the tourism sector. “At the business level, it connects business and thought leaders from our community to those from around the world, and at the city level the centre helps connect our community with the world,” says Jefferson.

The HCC has already booked a total of 30 national and international conferences to take place in the new facility, which will generate an estimated $30 million to the economy.

Culinary photos by Nicole Lapierre Photography

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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

World Trade and Convention Centre Facts Year Opened: 1985 Cost to Build: $45.2 million Total Sq. Ft. of Event Space: 50,000 Maximum Event Capacity: 1,000 people Number of Employees: approx. 200

Halifax Convention Centre Facts Year Opened: 2017 Cost to Build: $164.2 million Total Sq. Ft. of Event Space: 120,000 Maximum Event Capacity: 2,500+ people Number of Employees: approx. 500-600

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ExpErt AdvicE

ExpErt AdvicE

WhAt ArE thE top 3 FinAnciAl Myths?

T

here are many myths and misconceptions regarding your finances. It pays to be diligent, get your information from multiple sources and always verify. And remember, what your friends and family are doing may not be appropriate for you.

1. Your mortgage interest rate should be as small as possible.

I call the interest rate the shiny blingy thing that takes your eye off the two things that matter — total amount of interest you will pay and how long it will take to pay it off. These are directly affected by whether you are paying compound or simple interest — and how often the interest is compounded. Always review an amortization schedule that will show you exactly how much of your payment is going to interest and how much to principle.

Also, look at the fine print. Sometimes banks will market reduced rates with conditions. For example, one of the banks offers a super low rate, but there are strings — you can’t get out of the mortgage before the term maturity unless you sell the house, and you can’t refinance to get out equity under any circumstances (such as a marital breakup or to re-invest in renovations, etc). The joy of a low rate will quickly go out the window if you find yourself restricted like this in a time of need.

2. You should have your financial house completely in order before consulting a professional.

I run into this one all the time. The right financial professional can add a great deal of value in putting your financial house in order — and can probably help you do it faster than you on your own.

They have seen many, many situations and may be aware of different strategies and ideas just from practical experience.

The right planner has probably seen situations like yours before (they are more common than you think) and will not be surprised. It’s hard to let go of societies’ expectations that you should be at a certain place financially by a certain time, but everyone’s situation is different. Working with a planner can get you a customized plan that will get you to the right place at the right time for you!

3. I should maximize my Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) every year.

This one is somewhat situation dependent. However, on average, having all your retirement savings in an RRSP can mean you will have less after tax income in retirement than if you used multiple types of savings plans, including Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) and Permanent Life Insurance or money that isn’t under any of those umbrellas. Also, if you are using TFSAs for long-term savings, be

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

aware that you can invest in anything that you could put into your RRSP. You don’t necessarily have to be content with GICs or a high interest savings account.

Always be aware of your risk tolerance and time horizon when choosing the right investments for you.

Wendy Brookhouse MBA, CCS, CHS cEO Black Star Wealth Partners T: 902.446.4661 F: 902.446.4662 M: 902.830.0533 wendy@blackstarwealth.com blackstarwealth.com

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GETTING FOUND IN A

D I G I TA L WORLD

By Trina Annand

It’s hard to believe that most Canadians grew up in a home without computers or smartphones. Today, they are a way of life. More than 29 million Canadians used the Internet regularly for work and play in 2014. As culture evolves, so do our methods of communication — making it necessary for savvy entrepreneurs to embrace new technology on a regularly basis.

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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

“If you want to be found by potential customers the Internet is where they are looking,” says John Leahy, owner of search engine optimization company immediaC. Whether you’re planning a small startup or managing the expansion of a larger business, Leahy has some simple tips to manage your online presence. “The No. 1 thing every business needs to do is make sure their hours, address and phone number are up to date on Google+. It’s equally important to have reviews from clients posted on your page.”

Google+ is the first thing that mobile users see. For computer users it’s immediately to the right of their Google search, giving viewers an immediate snapshot of the business with vital information for quick reference. The beauty of this tool is it’s affordable and easy of use, perfect for the average entrepreneur to manage.

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Keyword landing pages are also an important way to get noticed online.

For example, if your business is making custom cabinetry you would have pages that would surface in a search for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, custom millwork, etc. This way, people who don’t specifically know the name of your business can still find you easily. Though

ith 81 per cent of North Americans using the Internet, it’s more important than ever to harness its power and reach the most people possible. Success for today’s businesses is about more than good word of mouth and quality service; it’s about maximizing the reach of your brand.

+1

BILLION

Facebook has more than one billion users and the average user has 140 friends

+1

BILLION

YouTube had more than one trillion video views in 2011 from its billion users

8

YEARS

YouTube creators make about eight years of new video every day

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

many digital marketing tools can be used on a do-it-yourself basis, it is important to recognize your limitations.

“Social media looks easy, most of the work can be done by yourself, but it takes a lot of work to become proficient,” says Leahy. “If you are looking for more immediate results you need to work with a professional.”

Sometimes the most effective tools are the simplest. It doesn’t pay to overextend yourself working with as many social platforms as possible. Like any work, it’s important to find the right tools for the job. You have to know who you are trying to reach when developing a media strategy.

Facebook advertising allows businesses to target very specific demographics.

It seems there is a new social media platform every day that is all the craze. For reaching a teenage audience, Snapchat is gaining popularity; Twitter is best for those who need to be in constant contact with their followers; and YouTube or Vimeo are excellent video platforms for demonstrations, testimonials and telling the unique story of a business.

The most important part of mastering the Internet is getting out there.

2.5

BILLION

There are approximately two-and-a-half billion Internet users in the world

86

%

86 per cent of Canadians are Internet users, second in the world only to the UK

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MOTORING

MERCEDES-AMG GT

HANDCRAFTED FOR RACERS BY RACERS

By Trina Annand

A definitive name in luxury, Mercedes-Benz has been creating automotive magic for nearly 130 years. Beneath its modest elegance, the brand has been developing world-class performance both on and off the racetrack.

When it comes to the need for speed, the MercedesAMG GT moves racing power to the open road as the crowning jewel of the automaker’s 2016 lineup.

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MOTORING

Staying true to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, the AMG GT is built with Mercedes’ One Man, One Engine philosophy, where a single technician builds a single engine from the ground up. "With the new GT, we are positioning Mercedes-AMG even more aggressively as a dynamic sports car brand,” says Tobias Moers, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “With its technological substance, the Mercedes-AMG GT fulfills our high standards with regard to driving dynamics, agility and sportiness. The car is manufactured according to the motto ‘Handcrafted By Racers,’ which perfectly encapsulates our heritage and our spirit.”

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he AMG GT is stunning both inside and out with a design that is both muscular and sleek. Gone are the impractical gull-wing doors that punctuated the car’s previous incarnations. This newest design creates a vision of the ultimate sports car. With a 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine the AMG GT reaches a top track speed of 304 km/h, going from 0 to 100 km in a mere four seconds. "The essence of what makes the Mercedes-AMG GT so fascinating is the quest for pure, performance-oriented perfection, and the desire to rise to challenges and win through," says Dr. Jens Thiemer, head of marketing communications at MercedesBenz Cars.

MOTORING

With a roaring engine, supple leather interior, racing seats and gleaming chrome the AMG GT is a feast for the senses. AMG’s dynamic select drive modes allow seamless transition from track to road and anything in between.

The comfort drive mode is for dayto-day driving, sport mode allows for increased agility with faster gearshifts on irregular terrain, sport + allows drivers to enjoy the sound of the V8 with variable exhaust flaps, and individual mode allows drivers to completely customize the car’s performance to individual preference.

The transmission in race mode, available exclusively with the AMG GTS, maintains a high engine speed in the lowest possible gear while driving track speeds. “Our customers seek a thoroughbred sports car in which they can push themselves to their limits,” says Moers.

With a price tag around $234,000, driving enthusiasts can enjoy a true race experience. Mercedes-Benz has been providing Formula 1 race safety cars for decades and now brings that sensibility to the commercial market. The AMG GT features the safety technology clients have come to expect, from blind spot and attention assist, to pre-safe and adaptive braking. Mercedes-Benz once again proves high-speed performance and safety can coexist harmoniously under the same hood.

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SUVs

With The Soul of a Sports Car

By Trina Annand

With an ever growing automotive market, discerning drivers are looking for new ways to embrace their need for speed while still addressing the practicality of modern life. Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) combine speed, safety, luxury and space into the ultimate driving machine whether you’re a weekend road warrior or a busy mom.

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Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 570 horsepower V8, starting at $178,000 With a top speed of 283 km/h this luxury speed machine can go from 0 to 96 km in 3.8 seconds — the perfect choice for those who crave performance. The SUV offers connoisseurs seven different engine variations for a truly unique experience.

Standard ceramic brakes ensure the Cayenne provides faster and more precise response, especially at high speeds.

Luxuriously appointed with carbon-fibre interior trim, supple leather and a Burmester sound system, the SUV is a pleasure to drive at any speed with intuitive features like Porsche Dynamic Light System which detects oncoming traffic and dims headlights.

Mercedes GL450 4MATIC 362 horsepower twin turbo V6, starting at $79,700 Replacing the M class, the GL450 offers a top speed of 209 km/h and provides drivers with the opportunity to upgrade to a handcrafted 577 horsepower AMG V8 engine for truly raced-inspired enjoyment. The standard SUV is a pulse racing ride with an acceleration of 0 to 96 km in 5.9 seconds. Powerful inside and out, the GL450 provides all the little luxuries that enhance the driving experience, such as climate controlled cup holders and massaging front seats. PRE-Safe predictive occupant protection ensures that drivers and passengers are ready in case of a crash by tightening seat belts and closing windows.

BMW X5 445 horsepower Twin Turbo V8, starting at $65,500 Available in BMW’s coveted hybrid options the X5 can go from 0 to 100 km in 5.3 seconds, and with a top speed of 210 km/h the vehicle is anything but ordinary. With Bang & Olufsen surround sound, customizable coloured LED interior lighting, a 360-degree view of the vehicle via camera and night vision with dynamic light spot technology (which highlights objects emitting body heat on or near the road), the X5 is an exceptional driving experience.

Audi Q7 333 horsepower V6, starting at $59,200 Audi began work on this model in 2009 when the original was just four years old, carefully honing the driving experience. With a 202 km top speed, this SUV reaches 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. A streamlined exterior reveals a more spacious interior, and heated massaging and air conditioned seats create a luxurious and immersive experience for both drivers and passengers. Featuring the widest range of assistant systems in the world, Audi has won over drivers with options like predictive efficiency, which saves fuel, and cross traffic assist, which uses radar to alert drivers to incoming traffic while backing up.

Lexus NX t500 235 horsepower V4, starting at $41,500 The true fashion model of the SUV segment, the NX 200t features angular and aggressive styling and new interior colours like caviar, autumn shimmer and ultra white.

With a top speed of nearly 200 km/h, this SUV is more than a pretty face dominating the luxury compact SUV segment of the market. With three drive modes drivers can customize their experience from eco to sport for turbocharged highway driving.

MOTORING

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Welcome to ReFINEd Halifax!

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he team of the now closed Fine Lifestyles and Fine Homes Halifax magazines has broken out on their own, rebranding the popular local magazine.

WINTER 2015 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

HALIFAX

The publication will be of the same quality the market has come to expect, but with an updated look and editorial that is reflective of the city in which it operates. The sales, editorial and distribution team remains the same.

About ReFINEd Halifax Magazine ReFINEd Halifax magazine is a Halifax, N.S. based publication company, offering interesting stories in the categories of Fashion & Beauty, Your Health, Focus on Family, City Life, Food & Drink, Travelscapes, At Home, Business to Business, Motoring … and unique advertising opportunities! The publication currently employs five full time staff and has growth plans to expand to other parts of the Maritimes over the next five years.

READER FEEDBACK: Our readers are important to us and our advertisers, so we would love your feedback on our magazine!

Please email your thoughts to Tracey Wallace at traceyw@refinedmagazine.ca As a thank you for emailing us your feedback, you will be entered in a draw for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Café Chianti Italian Restaurant.

RULES: All entries must be submitted by Jan. 30 in order to qualify for the draw.

Draw for the winner will be held Feb. 5.

A LITTLE CHARM GOES A LONG WAY MEET RICHARD CALDER, FOUNDER OF CHARM DIAMOND CENTRES

SARAH RICHARDSON NEW BOOK, FABULOUS DÉCOR INDOOR GARDENING BOOST YOUR CULINARY PROFILE HALIFAX CONVENTION CENTRE PREPARING TO HOST THE WORLD

Windsor

Hockey’s Birthplace

Come play on home ice.

The annual Long Pond Heritage Classic will be held on January 30th, 2016. Come play on Long Pond, historic site of where hockey was first played circa 1800. Located on the Dill Family Farm...Hockey started here!

Rub elbows with our guest coaches and NHL greats including Guy Lafleur. Twice recognized as the league’s MVP, he was one of hockey’s most exciting players and was instrumental in five Stanley Cup Championships. Guy hung up his

skates professionally in 1991 after 1,126 games, 560 goals 793 assists and 1,353 points. Guy will share his stories and experiences at this years Long Pond Heritage Classic and Gala.

For information and tickets on the Long Pond Heritage Classic, including the Banquet and Hot Stove night at King’s-Edgehill School check out:

LongPondClassic.com BirthplaceOfHockey.com