City Life Magazine — April/May 2016

18

STEP INTO SPRING DESIGN INSPO FROM SOUTH AFRICA

34

MOM 101: OUR ZEN-FILLED GIFT GUIDE FOR MOTHER’S DAY

36

THE BUSINESS LESSONS OF AURORA’S NUNZIO TUMINO

48

HOW TO #GETAFTERIT WITH JONATHAN HOOD

SINCE 2003

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TURNS OUT, IT’S GOOD TO INDULGE — WE TELL YOU WHY ON P. 28

April/May 2016 $8.00

Display in Fashion/Lifestyle until June 24 04

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For a list of retail partners, Certified WSIP contractors or to learn more about the program, please visit fusiongardening.ca or call 1-888-967-5426.

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April/May 2016

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WHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR NOT TELLING YOU? Independence can be a big deal when it involves your money and your future — you don’t want your advisor’s plan to be influenced in any way if he/she happens to work for a big bank, insurance company or investment firm. As an independent financial advisor, we suggest you ask some really tough questions to be sure.

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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 2 | APRIL/MAY 2016

CONTENTS BLAZER AND TROUSERS, TIGER OF SWEDEN; SCARF, MODA AT MARSHALLS; WATCH, MICHAEL KORS. WARDROBE STYLING BY ASHLEY GALANG

48

ON THE COVER

28

36

JUST DESSERTS Have your cake and eat it too. Exploring the art and culture of all things sweet

FEATURE STORIES 36 MAN OF HONOUR How Aurora founder Nunzio Tumino opened the door to food importing in Canada 48 #GETAFTERIT Motivational speaker and corporate coach Jonathan Hood on realizing our potential

18 16 INTERIORS BY LOREDANA Add function and perpetual style to your child’s bedroom with a few easy tricks

34

18 SPRING LOADED A Johannesburg château demonstrates the difference between decorating and living esthetically

16 8

City Life Magazine

April/May 2016

34 A ZEN-FUL MOTHER’S DAY Give your mom the serenity she deserves with our Mother’s Day gift ideas More stories inside … www.mycitylife.ca

For Magical Moments…

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April/May 2016

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

I

am always amazed to meet people who are way beyond their retirement years yet choose to work.

What is the reason for this? I know they cannot possibly work for financial reasons, as they attained success long ago and visions of sailing around the world could be a reality for many of them. So if financial success is not the driving force for these people then what is it?

Take such successful business pioneers as Nunzio Tumino, the founder of Aurora Importing. At the age of 87, he makes you wish you could bottle and sell his youthful approach and enthusiasm and joy for his work.

(Story on page 36.) He tells me it’s the joy of being at work, doing what he loves — that’s the reason he’s still here. He went as far as saying, half-jokingly, that he is actually miserable when he is on vacation. But I cannot Michelle Zerillo-Sosa, be too sure about the “jokingly” part. After all, as much Publisher/Editor-in-Chief as I love going on vacation with my family, I too share this sentiment. I truly love my work to the extent that going on vacation makes me anxious. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my family and have very capable staff. But I truly love what I do and I just want to be able to do it all.

The key to enjoying life is finding joy in all that you do. This is the Find joy in theme of this April/May edition. everything you Although nutritionists and my choose to do. Every dentist will probably shudder as job, relationship, they read this, my fondest childhood and source of joy has to do home ... it’s your memory with sugar. Sugar (and my mom’s wrist responsibility to love action) was the magical ingredient that transformed a raw egg yolk into it, or change it the most delicious zabaglione, thus — Chuck Palahniuk delivering an incredible source of joy before I headed off to school each morning. Sugar was also sprinkled on the nonna cookies baked each day at the bakery in my hometown. As I walked past those stores the aroma escaped from their wide open doors, filling my lungs with the delicious smell of those freshly baked cookies, reducing my mouth and each passerby’s to water. I can almost taste it now — those laden trays left out to air by the baker, tantalizing and sweet.

This love affair with sugar has brought me to recreate that same sweet aroma in my home while baking, as this still remains one of my favourite ways to shower my family and friends with love. After all, what better way to connect with people than sharing some pastries or sweets? Whether homemade or store-bought, sweets add joy to any gathering. And humour. If you’ve ever been to a bridal shower you will know what I mean. I know that our tongues are able to recognize salty, sour, bitter and sweet, but I am convinced mine favours sweet over any other flavour, and if you are anything like me you will absolutely salivate over the many beautiful sweets our talented local bakers have prepared for our cover shoot.

May this edition accompany you on your quest to finding sweetness and joy in all that you do.

“

”

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

@dolcetweets

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@amorebagstoronto

April/May 2016

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Zerillo-Sosa • michelle@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL Simona Panetta • simona@dolce.ca MANAGING EDITOR Michael Hill • michael@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca ART D E PARTM E NT CO-FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fernando Zerillo • fernando@dolce.ca WEB PROJECT MANAGER Steve Bruno SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christina Ban WEB DESIGNER Yena Yoo WEB DEVELOPER Johnson Ta E D ITO R IAL D E PARTM E NT FASHION & HOME DECOR EDITOR Michelle Zerillo-Sosa BEAUTY & TRAVEL EDITOR Angela Palmieri-Zerillo COPY EDITOR Simona Panetta PROOFREADERS Nina Hoeschele, Simona Panetta WRITERS Michael Hill, Amanda Storey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alessandra Micieli, Graham Wood CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg Cox, Farzam Hosseindoust, Jesse Milns, Katherine Lasiuk Photography, Carlos Arturo Pinto SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Sarah Kanbar VI D E O D E PARTM E NT VIDEOGRAPHER Carlos Arturo Pinto PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING T: 905-264-6789 info@citylifemagazine.ca DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Susan Bhatia SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Mario Balaceanu ACCOUNT MANAGER Miriam Kanbar OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Alessandra Micieli FRONT COVER Local pastries and desserts / Photo By Carlos Arturo Pinto City Life Magazine • Volume 14 • Issue 2 • APRIL/MAY 2016 City Life Magazine is published bimonthly by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont. L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789 • F: 905-264-3787 info@citylifemagazine.ca • www.dolcemedia.ca Subscribe online at www.citylifemagazine.ca or by calling 905-264-6789. City Life Magazine’s yearly subscription fee is $24.00.

We accept Visa, MC & AMEX. Send cheque or money order to Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd. #30, Vaughan, Ont. L4H 3H9.

Publication Mail Agreement No. 40026675 All rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publishers.

DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION City Life Magazine reaches 342,342 readers per issue through household distribution, newsstand sales and event partnerships across Canada. City Life is also available to over 100 million digital consumers of Magzter Inc. and Issuu.

Inquiries about where City Life Magazine is available for sale should be directed to Dolce Media Group: info@dolce.ca or 905-264-6789.

ISSN 1206-1778 Next Issue: June/July 2016 The opinions expressed in City Life Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Dolce Media Group does not assume liability for content.

The material in this magazine is intended for information purposes only and is in no way intended to supersede professional advice. We are proud to be a Canadian company that has successfully published magazines for the past 20 years without any government funding or financial assistance of programs to cover editorial costs. It has all been possible thanks to the wonderful support of our readers and advertisers. ©2016 Dolce Media Group • www.dolcemedia.ca • Printed in Canada

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April/May 2016

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must have “Wea pie.

Stress

cannot exist in the presence of a pie

”

— David Mamet, Boston Marriage

T

he button on my jeans is upset with me. He’s been under tremendous strain lately, stretched to the max by the unreasonable demands of my sugary weakness. Just hold Michael Hill, Managing Editor on for one more cannoli, I pleaded. I swear it’ll be the last, Mr. Button. I swear!

Alas, he could hold on no longer.

This tension arose after we at City Life wanted to get a taste of some of the most beautiful, most delicious baked goods this city has to offer (story on page 28). We reached out to bakeries from across Vaughan, asking them to send their delectable creations so we could highlight all the glorious goodies bursting from their ovens. And, boy, did they deliver.

Every kind of delicious cream-filled temptation you could imagine arrived at the office. Needless to say, I indulged. And my pants paid the price. That poor little button just couldn’t keep it together. He lost his grip and it all just came tumbling down.

But I couldn’t help it! These desserts were way too good to pass up, and there’s been so much stress in the world that I needed one or two (or 10) sweet escapes. Donald Trump and his breakfastsausage-sized fingers could be leading the free world. Google’s super-smart A.I. AlphaGo trounced the world champion of the ancient Chinese board game Go, signalling the rise of our new machine overlords. And to top it all off, I am Cait is reportedly being cancelled. (Can the Jenner-Kardashians ever catch a break!?)

Now that pastry escapism has me and my too-snug legwear suffering the consequences. It’s a good thing we called up local fitness gurus to find out how I can unearth my lost abdominals from beneath the flab that’s laid claim to my muffin-topping midsection. (Spoiler alert: diet is a big part of a sexy six-pack.

Who knew!?) Story on page 50.

So as you flip through the pages of this issue of City Life, ogling the creative confections crafted by the city’s artisan bakers, know that while it’s perfectly OK to indulge in life’s delicious temptations from time to time, you also can’t hide from the world behind a wall of baked goods. Life is all about balance, and I hope you find that balance with this issue. Your pants, unlike mine, will thank you.

Michael Hill Managing Editor

Let us know what you think of this issue by sharing your thoughts on Twitter at @citylifetoronto

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PHOTO BY FARZAM HOSSEINDOUST

EDITOR'S NOTE

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April/May 2016

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13

A DV E R TO R I A L

EYE CANDY The Narsissist L’Amour, Toujours L’Amour Eyeshadow Palette is a combination of shimmer and matte finishes in 12 new shades that make this Nars product a must-have for 2016. www.narscosmetics.com

EYEBROWS ON FLEEK Singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani has tag-teamed with Urban Decay to present a new brow box, which is sure to keep your brow game strong. www.urbandecay.com MODE L: A PHOTO NASTASIA MO G RAPH SS Y MAKE U P BY R IT BY ALTOVE N U E A STI R P E

ABOUT RITA STIRPE From educating aspiring makeup artists to hosting her own show, Cosmetic Art, on Rogers TV, Vaughan-based makeup artist Rita Stirpe has been making the world a more beautiful place since the year 2000.

Her achievements include placing Top 5 for Makeup Artist of the Year at both the Contessa Awards and the Mirror Awards in 2016.

Along with rouging the faces of celebrities and well-known personalities, Rita is also a top choice for local brides-to-be searching for expert makeup application on their big day.

Beautiful is in Full Bloom

Spring is a time to press the “refresh” button on our faces. With these hot new products, your face will be looking clean, hydrated and ready for countless photo-ops with friends!

MATTE KISSES Smooth, hydrating and available in eight awesome shades, the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor is super versatile for day and evening wear. www.revlon.ca

PLUMP PUCKERS Dior’s infamous Crème de Rose smoothing, plumping lip balm will revive your lips and make them noticeably hydrated, plump and SPF-coated for sun fun. www.dior.com

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The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eye Primer will rid your face of dark under-eye circles, or enhance your favourite eyeshadow with a smooth application. www.lorealparis.ca

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DRAMA MAMA Make Up For Ever’s Lash Show False Lashes are both lightweight and highvolume for a glam, dramatic look. The set will make you feel like a supermodel. www.makeupforever.com 14

City Life Magazine

April/May 2016

I WAS BORN THIS WAY Too Faced’s Born This Way foundation has mastered a weightless and full-coverage finish.

This foundation gets brownie points for being oil-free, too! www.toofaced.com

HEALTHY GLOW MAC’s Prep + Prime Essential Oils leaves skin smooth and energized. Infused with chamomile and grapefruit, this illuminating potion works great on its own or under concealer. www.maccosmetics.ca www.mycitylife.ca

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April/May 2016

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PHOTO BY SILVANA MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY

interior design

Interior designer Loredana Bozzo plants the seeds of style early when it comes to decorating children’s spaces.

This spring, she challenges design-savvy parents to incorporate sophisticated touches and elements of surprise that will grow with your child throughout the years

Interiors by Loredana

Say bye-bye to Frozen-themed bedsheets and hello to a kid’s room bursting with function and playful style Interview By Amanda Storey

CL: Give us an example of a design principle that you followed for this project.

LB: Some rooms already contain a natural focal point, such as a fireplace, an architectural detail or a large window offering a beautiful view. In a space that does not have an existing focal point, you must create one. In this space, the polka-dot feature wall, along 16

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April/May 2016

with the bed with its large headboard and beautiful pillows, became the focal point of the room.

CL: What’s the biggest mistake people make when decorating a child’s space?

LB: Getting trapped in the mentality that it has to be filled with only “kidfriendly” items. If the space is too babyish or too theme-specific, then you run the risk of your child growing out of it in a couple of years, and this could present you with the problem of having to redecorate the entire room. The overall design of the room should be one that an adult would enjoy as much as a child. You can then add in some personal items or toys that are special to your child.

CL: What are some suggestions for being budget-savvy without compromising style?

LB: A little DIY can go a long way.

When I was sourcing the gold shelving unit, all of the options I found were well above the client’s budget. In the end I suggested a very affordable white metal shelving unit from Ikea that we spraypainted gold. Reusing or repurposing items that you currently own is another great way of keeping the budget on track, which is what we did with the mirrored desk.

CL: What is your favourite element of this room?

LB: In the many spaces that I design, I like to include one unexpected item to add an element of surprise. I love the antique Louis XVI chair and its classic design. The hot-pink fabric also adds a punch of colour to the monochromatic soft pink and gold colour palette. www.interiorsbyloredana.com www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTOS BY KATHERINE LASIUK PHOTOGRAPHY

CL: What is your approach to designing a space for children?

LB: I take my design cues from adult spaces, current trends in the interior design world and classic design principles. For example, gold is making a huge comeback in interior design right now. It’s not necessarily the first colour that comes to mind when you think of a child’s space, but I wanted to incorporate it. The gold adds sophistication, but paired with this lovely soft pink the room is still child-friendly.

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April/May 2016

City Life Magazine

17

home decor

A gravel path bisecting the garden leads to the three arches and the outdoor stoep, a cool and dim retreat in the hot summer weather. This is one of Mariette’s favourite places for painting.

The upstairs balcony was incorporated into the main bedroom to become an open-plan bathroom with views over the garden and treetops

Spring Loaded This flower-filled Johannesburg home is an explosion of colour and styles in perfect harmony

I

n the garden of Mariette and Peter Theron’s house in the Johannesburg suburb of Saxonwold, there are potted plants nestled among the herbaceous drifts of the flower beds.

They peep up through the beautiful combinations of colours and textures, joining the exotic beans, heads of lettuce and strawberries that grow between the 18

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April/May 2016

flowers. That’s because Mariette likes to move them around, as she might move the furniture and art in the house. “I garden like I decorate my house,” she says, “moving things around all the time. It’s moving but it’s not. It adapts.”

Peter and Mariette have lived in this house with their three daughters for 20 years. When they moved in with their eldest daughter, Pascale, now studying

at the Design Academy Eindhoven, Mariette was pregnant with their second daughter, Andrea, who has now just turned 19. Georgia, their third, is in her second-last year of high school.

But when they first moved in, the family didn’t change a thing about the house — not until they’d lived there for 14 years.

The house itself dates back to the 1930s. It was a fairly modestly sized, www.mycitylife.ca

PRODUCTION BY SVEN ALBERDING/ BUREAUX.CO.ZA PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG COX/ BUREAUX.CO.ZA

Written By Graham Wood

The lounge is the hub of this home, and it’s where Mariette’s magnificent colour combinations are shown off at their best. The furnishings include a Victorian sofa, art deco armchairs and a pair of Frank Armchairs from Tonic Design, a local South African design studio, upholstered in green velvet. The artwork above the fireplace is the Therons’ youngest daughter Georgia’s impression of the farm where the family has a cottage, done when she was about five or six. The standing lamp is by Jieldé and the wooden birds are a 1950s design by Danish designer Kristian Vedel, available from Anatomy Design (www.anatomydesign.co.za)

www.mycitylife.ca

April/May 2016

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Next to Mariette’s bed, knickknacks, perfume bottles and objets collect in a tray. The magnificent magnolia in the vase is from one of the trees downstairs. A painting of Andrea, Peter and Mariette’s middle daughter, by South African artist Kerri Evans hangs next to the bed, alongside similar portraits of the Therons’ two other daughters

In the main bedroom, the balcony has been converted into an open-plan bath area looking out over the trees

Mariette says that her favourite room in the house is the sunroom. “My favourite spot in my house is the daybed,” she says. “The light is so beautiful.” It’s also perfectly positioned so that you can feel like part of the house yet peacefully alone; connected with the goings-on in the rest of the house, yet undisturbed by them. The chair is a Slow Chair by the Bouroullec brothers for Vitra

double-storey house with a Cape Dutch gable, a shady colonnaded porch, tall arched windows and doorways, and a single central bathroom for the whole family to share. There were large trees in the garden (although the biggest — the reason they bought the house in the first place — recently fell, miraculously leaving house, cars, pool and garden largely unscathed) and, as Mariette says, the property gave them “a good feeling.”

Well-known architect Johann Slee carried out a subtle and respectful alteration for them. “He’s a good friend of ours, and he’d known the house ever since we moved in,” says Mariette.

“He always said we shouldn’t lose that feeling.” So the structure remained unchanged: the footprint and facade are as they have always been. But Slee opened up some of the interior spaces, and he swapped around the kitchen and 20

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April/May 2016

The room belonging to Pascale, the eldest of the Theron daughters, reveals a similar eclecticism, with pieces including a Victorian four-poster bed, a classic white 1960s Panton Chair and a Garland lampshade, the latter a contemporary piece by Dutch designer Tord Boontje

dining room for a better flow between them and the living area. He also created an en suite bathroom for each bedroom upstairs.

Outside, Slee shifted the driveway from the front and centre of the house to the side, clearing a space for the beautiful, romantic garden Mariette and Peter have created. He also extended the stoep (patio) so that it wrapped right around the house, making it possible to walk around the outside of the house with ease. “These floors are incredible,” says Mariette, referring to the intricately arranged herringbone pattern in all the new areas. “They’re handmade clay bricks from Swellendam in the Western Cape. They call them klompies.”

The rooms are resolutely un-fake-

able. The old cliché about everything having a story behind it is actually true here. Usually, the people who make the claim hardly know the stories they’re hinting at. The kitchen island, for example, is a repurposed office filing cabinet bought when a large Johannesburg mining house closed their head office. “They said we could have it for R150, provided we collected it,” recalls Mariette. It was on the 10th floor of a downtown building and wouldn’t fit into the elevator. Ditto the dining table. Similarly, there’s a trunk they had to lug from Folkestone to Dover in the U.K., where they were living as a young couple (Peter was working on the Channel Tunnel), when the trunk wouldn’t fit in the bus. www.mycitylife.ca

COMING APRIL 2016

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April/May 2016

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In the dappled light of the grapevine in the back courtyard, behind the dining room and kitchen, the Ercol-style chairs echo the inspiration for Gregor Jenkin’s Quaker dining chairs inside. From the courtyard, a path leads through the lush greenery of the garden around the side of the house

The kitchen, which looks out over the fish pond, was one of the most radical changes to the house. The kitchen island is a drawing register and counter from an old mining house that closed its head office. It cost just R150, but came with the proviso that the Therons had to collect it — which involved carrying it down 10 flights of stairs because it was too big to fit in the elevator

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But the beauty of this home is not just in the quirky stories. The esthetic consciousness — Mariette’s eye for colour combinations and design details — creates unity. It’s achieved through constant combination and recombination, the subtly shifting, adapting, evolving arrangements that cast the old in new light and synthesize recent additions with the existing items.

Throughout the house, grand old antiques rub shoulders with contemporary furniture, local South African design with international design, 20th-century design classics with little-known student designs. As with the best of eclectic homes, the quirky details of personal history somehow find a place for themselves among the sweep of style’s various evolutions.

In the same way, on the walls, works by some of South Africa’s most soughtafter contemporary artists hang among pictures by the Theron girls when they were children, and works by young and unknown artists. Mariette is a painter herself and says she is a strong believer in the importance of supporting littleknown artists.

With Pascale in Eindhoven, Peter and Mariette have discovered much new (and some well-known) contemporary Dutch design. “We love Holland because of the quirkiness of it,” says Mariette. “They don’t take things too seriously.” Of course, they do take things seriously, but have such a lightness of touch that all effort is obscured, as it is in the Theron household.

That’s how, while the Therons’ house is anything but minimalist, somehow it seems uncluttered. That’s another way of saying that things seem to have found their place in thoughtful ways. They’ve been combined so that there’s harmony and balance, which is ultimately more important than the choice between minimalism or maximalism, or anything in between, anyway. Of course, that doesn’t mean that things won’t be moved again tomorrow. Because a really creative eye will find countless new combinations, new compositions and harmonies. It’s what Mariette means by, “It’s moving but it’s not.” That’s the difference between a house that’s decorated and one that’s lived in esthetically. www.mycitylife.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

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A DV E R TO R I A L

How a dynamic real estate team is changing the game with staggering guarantees and unheard-of service that’s raising the expectations of buyers and sellers in Vaughan

W

hen it comes to buying and selling homes, Lauren Parente and Hugo Castrillon, partners of the LH Prestige Team, aren’t afraid to put skin in the game. These real estate sales representatives are elevating expectations through gamechanging guarantees that completely mitigate risk for their clients.

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“We guarantee, in writing, to sell your home in 24 hours at a price acceptable to you. If not, we’ll step up and buy it ourselves*,” explains Castrillon. “We’re all about providing the most benefit to the client, and that means we should have an element of risk in the sale of their home.”

This customer-first philosophy has

opened new doors for homebuyers and sellers across Vaughan and the Greater Toronto Area, and it’s made all the more enticing by the addition of an unheardof level of service.

Once the LH Prestige Team signs a listing they offer a free top-to-bottom home cleaning, free home staging in entirety, free professional photography,

www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTOS BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

The LH Prestige Guarantee

*LH Prestige Team and Seller must agree on price and closing date, conditions apply

Lauren Parente and Hugo Castrillon, partners of the LH Prestige Team, Sales Representatives RE/MAX Premier Inc., Brokerage

**These numbers are based on Toronto Real Estate Board statistics at time of interview

virtual tour and a customized marketing plan, which includes leading-edge technology such as 24-hour talking ads, a radio talking house, customized social media campaigns, custom YouTube videos and more. The LH Prestige Team also guarantees a one-year warranty on the electrical and mechanical of the home. Looking to throw a housewarming party for your new abode? They’ll have it catered and help you host it.

“We also post a rider on our for-sale sign that says if you buy this home we’ll buy yours*,” Castrillon adds. “We’re so motivated to get your home sold that we’re willing to purchase the buyer’s home to make it happen*.”

Want more? If after 18 months you’re unhappy with the home, just give them a call. “We guarantee that our clients will like the home that they purchase, that we’ve done a good enough job of finding them their dream home, or we’ll buy it back or sell it for free*,” says Parente. “We’re confident in what we do to the point of making that offer to our clients.”

The staggering amount of benefits offered by the LH Prestige Team may sound too good to be true. But for these Vaughan natives, who both have families of three children and understand the emotional weight of buying a new home, it’s about doing everything to make customers comfortable during one of the most stressful transactions of their lives.

“Although a lot of agents may promise to sell your home, where’s the ‘or what’ if they don’t come through? There are often no consequences. We believe the agent should have something at stake,” says Castrillon. “We’re prepared to guarantee, in writing, to sell your home within 24 hours at a price acceptable to you or we’ll buy it ourselves*. We’re that confident in getting the job done.”

These amazing offers have led to incredible results — especially for clients.

The LH Prestige Team sells homes for 9.4 per cent more than the average Vaughan agent. Their listings also sell three times as fast as the average listing. Because of this speed they sell 10 times more properties than the average agent**.

For Parente and Castrillon, offering these assurances to their clients is an integral part of their success, but it’s

www.mycitylife.ca

We guarantee, in writing, to sell your “ home in 24 hours at a price acceptable to you. If not, we’ll step up and buy it ourselves*

”

— Hugo Castrillon, sales representative of the LH Prestige Team

their training, their knowledge of the local market, their substantial client list and their team structure that allow them to reach new heights.

Both Parente and Castrillon were trained by Craig Proctor, a real estate icon who became Re/Max’s No. 1 agent worldwide before he was 30. This tutelage gave them the insight and tools to confidently make their substantial guarantees. As a result, they have been designated as Accredited Platinum Real Estate Agents which puts them in a select group of the top 200 agents in North America. Combine that with their intimate knowledge of Vaughan and how the city is developing, and Parente and Castrillon wield an expertise for moving property at top dollar.

“It’s important to have the buyers,” Parente explains. They currently have over 1,000 buyers in their personal database, which they’ve established through a combination of extensive networking, referrals and cutting-edge marketing strategies. In addition to this, they have over 30,000 additional buyersin-waiting which they established by forming an exclusive networking group known as the Toronto Platinum Mastermind Group. The group includes some other award-winning real estate sales representatives from as far west as Kitchener-Waterloo and as far east as Cobourg. Through this network, they share best practices, discuss the most advanced marketing strategies as well

as challenges within the industry and how to overcome them. This openness is key to getting deals done.

“We’ve found that building close relationships with other agents has been very positive for the exposure of our clients’ homes,” Parente explains.

“This positioning is key to selling homes fast, for top dollar and with the least amount of hassle,” which is exactly what the LH Prestige Team is on a mission to do. “It’s almost as if we have been searching for a buyer for our clients’ homes long before even meeting them,” Parente adds.

The LH Prestige Team has also set up a unique service for buyers looking to purchase their next dream home or investment property. Their exclusive Buyer Profiling System gives their buyers priority access to the properties they seek.

“Our clients receive priority access to these properties, often before they come to market. That’s important. It’s a seller’s market. Buyers are facing a shortage of inventory and bidding wars have become common,” Parente explains. “Buyers need to receive access to properties quickly. They need to be positioned to beat out other buyers and we have a system in place for that.”

These benefits are extended to their staff as well. Parente and Castrillon believe in empowering agents with education and information and by providing real appointments and

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Parente and Castrillon believe that service to their clients, their agents and their community is key to a healthy business and long-term success

24-Hour Guarantee: www.LH24HourGuarantee.com FREE Quick Online Home Evaluation:

www.GTAOnlineHomePrices.com 18-Month Buy-Back Guarantee:

www.LHPrestigeTeam.com/Buy_Back_Guarantee Complimentary Online Home Search:

www.search.woodbridgepropertyinfo.com/search

warm leads. They also understand the importance of a work-life balance. Every month they run team-building activities that bring their agents together while pushing their boundaries. From yoga classes to CrossFit, the LH Prestige Team is all about pushing team members to believe they can accomplish things they never thought possible.

“It’s not always about work. It’s about having other goals outside of work and living active, healthy lifestyles,” says Parente. “We try to go above and beyond and really, truly care about our agents beyond the work environment.”

The same goes for service to the community. Parente and Castrillon are actively involved with meaningful causes, including the Children’s Miracle Network and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Every time they get a referral they also make a donation to the SickKids Foundation.

It’s this service — to clients, their staff and the community — that Parente and Castrillon see as the key to a healthy business and city. “We believe in unity, in the power of people coming together, and in celebrating life, living in the moment and having work-life balance,” says Parente. “If we can make the process enjoyable and beneficial for our clients, then I think we’re accomplishing that.”

Join the LH Prestige Team: www.LHWorkLifeBalance.com

Get Social With Us www.facebook.com /LHPrestigeTeam www.twitter.com /LHPrestigeTeam www.linkedin.com /company/the-lh-prestige-team www.instagram.com /thelhprestigeteam

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Lauren Parente and Hugo Castrillon Sales Representatives Re/Max Premier Inc., Brokerage 9100 Jane St., Building L, Suite #77 Vaughan, Ont. 416-987-8000 905-231-3876 www.lhprestigeteam.com www.mycitylife.ca

LIFE ISN’T BLACK AND WHITE. ENJOY EVERY

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s t r  ss De JUST

Written By Amanda Storey

I

’m just a girl, standing in front of a caramel brown-sugar brownie, asking it to love me.

I know, I know. These days everyone seems to have a love-hate relationship with dessert, that naughty, beautiful curse word we just can’t stop using.

I, in particular, am smitten with all things sugary, and I struggle with the daily tug-of-war that ensues between the chocoholic devil on my shoulder and the angel that just wants to keep me trim

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enough to fit into my pants. Or at least my car.

But despite all the fingers being pointed at sugar, there’s something sentimental about it that still has our hearts. Maybe it’s the early memory of helping Mom in the kitchen, using tiny hands to scoop out dollops of cake batter for that essential taste test. Or it could be the more grown-up associations we make, like the euphoric vision of munching our way through Paris, one

Cake from Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s

www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTOS BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

Sugar’s always been our Achilles heel, but now, in the form of otherworldly milkshakes and doughnutcroissant hybrids, it’s the latest fad to hit social media. This scrumptious renaissance reminds us of the art and culture of dessert, and that with a little bit of balance, we really can have our cake and eat it too

patisserie at a time, or of picnicking by the Grand Canal with a cannoli in one hand and a glass of sparkling wine in the other. It could be the way our bodies react to dessert — with a burst of endorphins, often re-enacting the sensation of falling in love. Or maybe it’s a sweet medley of all the above.

Regardless of the reason for humanity’s forbidden love affair with the chocolate-dipped, the deep-fried and the sugar-coated, it’s a relationship that’s celebrated in our city. I’m talking full-on fanfare. Artisan bakeries, forever our pick-me-ups on sad or rainy days, monopolize markets and plazas, and as the GTA swells with new cultures, concepts and technologies, so does our landscape of culinary indulgence.

There’s now a specialty bakeshop to suit even the most specific of cravings, from Japanese cheesecakes to dairyless, gluten-free, vegan ice cream sandwiches, and the artistry of sweet-making is in the spotlight as bakers become fullon dessert designers, devising fresh and unheard-of treats that look as imaginative as they taste. But whether your confection of choice is a nextgeneration doughnut-milkshake hybrid or a classic butter croissant, it all has one thing in common: the power to turn an ordinary moment extraordinary.

“A dessert is the multi-sensory finale of a meal — the fireworks,” says Joseph Montinaro, owner of West Finch Bakery in North York and Dolcini by Joseph in Kleinburg. “It should be sweet and sexy and exciting and soothing all at the same time.”

He would know. Montinaro has been crafting edible poetry for years, since before the dawn of the Instagramworthy dessert. Sitting here in his mom-and-pop bakeshop — as I try not to inhale all eight of the house-made bonbons he’s placed between us — it’s interesting to imagine him composing cakes and candies for Ferrari of Ontario, Sophia Loren and even former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. But really, that’s the whole thesis of our city’s bakery culture: no matter how big the brand gets, that old-school sentiment will always be there.

I was happily boggled to find out that this is even the case at Saks Food Hall

by Pusateri’s, the shiny new supermarket www.mycitylife.ca

From zebra-printed éclairs to fresh-baked zeppole, this city is bursting with the crème de la crème of baked goods

THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE TREATS — AS SEEN ON OUR FRONT COVER! Oh So Sweet brownies, cupcakes, drop cookies Panera Bread almond pastry, chocolate pastry, crown-shaped pastry, raspberry pastry Saks Food Hall by Pusateri’s meringue, pink cake, tarts, citrus cake The Big Cannoli sfogliatella (top) Maple Bakery: sfogliatella (bottom) St. Phillips Bakery zeppole (bottom) Dolce Bombe Nutella bombe Nugateau éclairs Dolcini by Joseph chocolate “swing” dessert Mario’s Bake Shop zeppole (top) La Strada Bakery green, red and white pastry

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Éclairs from Nugateau

“A dssr is the mult-nsoy nale of  ma — the rwoks.It hul be wee and xy and exciting and soothing all a the ame tim”

— Joseph Montinaro

that just opened at CF Sherway Gardens in March, and is getting ready to launch its Toronto location later this year. The massive space is a food lover’s dreamland, somehow making a casual snack feel couture-level fancy. We all know it was birthed by two luxury powerhouses, NYC’s Saks Fifth Avenue and Toronto’s own Pusateri’s, but there’s nothing industrial or big-box about its bakery, which sells a curated collection of treats from local and international bakers.

“There are some really special bakers 30

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April/May 2016

in and around Toronto right now,” says John Mastroianni, VP of merchandising at Pusateri’s, who helped write the list of artisan brands carried at Saks Food Hall. “We love partnering with the best bakers, pastry chefs, confectioners and chocolatiers across the city, the country and the world to keep bringing people new and exclusive experiences.”

It’s these next-level places like Saks Food Hall that remind us how much the bakery concept has evolved, but it’s also a reminder that no matter how much it changes, the heart of it

will never budge. Because dessert just doesn’t taste as good if it doesn’t tug on our heartstrings or make us reminisce our own sugar-sweet memories.

“It’s the very first thing we taste as infants — the sweetness of milk,” says Montinaro. “As adults, a little bit of sweetness brings us back to the very core of life. That’s why we need to give ourselves these moments of indulgence every once in a while.”

Thankfully, even the healthy foodies agree with him on that one. Amidst this explosive culinary renaissance, most of www.mycitylife.ca

IN DECEMBER OF 2015, Appetite published a study observing that the smell of pain au chocolat prompted more participants to choose a fatty dessert than the ones who weren’t exposed to the scent beforehand

us desire to step closer to the bakery window with cartoon hearts popping from our eyes, but instead we’ve taken cover, grudgingly shunning our sweet tooths in fear of bingeing our way to a larger belt size. Admittedly, it can be dangerous living in a city where a dozen Nutella-filled bombes are just a walk away, but according to Toronto holistic nutritionist and blogger Sarah Goldstein, it’s actually important to crush our cravings every once in a while.

“The mentality of restriction is a huge problem when you’re trying to build a healthy lifestyle,” says Goldstein.

“When we think of nutrition, we should think of abundance and all the amazing foods we can be eating. And with that comes indulgence, which is essential to our quality of life.”

While the media has conditioned most of us to practice this steely restriction in our diets, it’s damn near impossible to walk past the open door of a bakery and resist the sweet aromatic temptation that flows from it (Appetite actually published a study on this in December of 2015, observing that the smell of pain au chocolat made more participants choose a fatty dessert than the ones who weren’t exposed to the scent beforehand). But according to Goldstein, and most other nutrition experts, indulging can happen without overdoing it. www.mycitylife.ca

The trick? She suggests following the 80-20 rule: by eating healthily 80 per cent of the time, your blood sugar will stabilize, lessening the junk-food cravings — and, hallelujah, the not-sohealthy choices you do make shouldn’t affect you. In fact, responsible indulging has more pros than it does cons, my favourite one being that it can boost our emotional and social well-being in the long-term.

“Just enjoy it. Savour it,” says Goldstein, who has developed and facilitated workshops for the Toronto District School Board, The Running Room and Numeris. “Because the stress and guilt you can feel from indulging in your cravings is oftentimes much worse than what you’re actually eating.” (Note: Goldstein became my new favourite human when she told me this.)

As swimsuit season inches closer and the whole world tightens the reins on their diets, remember it’s a good thing — healthy, in fact — to go against the whole-grain every now and then, and splurge on a sweet that puts those cartoon hearts in your eyes. Because not only is it a surprisingly important part of staying swell, but really, living in a city with such a smorgasbord of dessert options, it would be a crime not to.

That being said, I decide to eat that caramel brown-sugar brownie. Because this time, I know it’ll love me back.

Cupcakes from Oh So Sweet

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A DV E R TO R I A L

Owner Daniela Hofmann

Freedom Medi-Spa — Authentic —

Mediterranean Italian Cuisine Since opening in 2004, Villaggio Ristorante has quickly become a mainstay of Vaughan’s competitive dining scene. Its award-winning Mediterranean Italian dishes feature only the freshest ingredients and are prepared with passion and imagination. Enjoy succulent Black Angus New York steak, Quattro Formaggi pizza and pappardelle in tomato lamb sauce, all in an upscale, contemporary atmosphere in historic Kleinburg.

905-893-4888 110 Nashville Road, Unit 11, Kleinburg, Ont. 32

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April/May 2016

www.villaggio-ristorante.ca

When planning your skin’s spring cleaning, book with Vaughan’s hair-removal authority

D

aniela Hofmann is good. Really good. So good, in fact, that the Freedom Medi-Spa owner is not only the hair-removal expert of choice for belles across the GTA (some clients even make the trek from Cambridge and Yorkville), but she’s also become the goto woman to undo the damage done by other clinics.

Unlike other spas that claim to offer expert laser hair removal services, only to end up using subpar or improper machines for the job, Freedom MediSpa is equipped with a plethora of the latest and greatest in esthetic tools, including the medical-grade Cynosure Apogee Elite laser.

“These treatments are very tricky, and that’s where experience comes in,” says Hofmann. “Not everyone is an easy, cutand-dry case.”

Fusing this honest approach to her work and a skill set that took 18 years to perfect, Hofmann genuinely wants to see her clients happy with their results.

So she ensures they each experience the treatment that’s perfectly tailored to their needs, getting rid of unwanted hair, dark spots, wrinkles and more using the longest-lasting techniques and gold standard technologies.

7611 Pine Valley Dr., Unit 2 Woodbridge, Ont. 647-799-0400 www.freedommedispa.com www.mycitylife.ca

A DV E R TO R I A L

David’s Fine Linens Toronto’s preferred source for luxury bedding welcomes exclusive pieces from Fendi Casa and La Perla Home Collection

D

avid’s Fine Linens is known for its roster of affluent brands, and that list just grew by two.

Beloved Italian design houses La Perla Home Collection and Fendi Casa have made their Canadian debut exclusively at the GTA-based linens boutique. Both lines promise to beautifully reimagine the bedroom with an array of inspired designs and some of the world’s lushest materials.

Fendi Casa knows a quality slumber as well as it does a gilded handbag, and

The Savoy collection: Available in grey, white, ice grey or night blue, 100 per cent percale cotton sheet set and pillowcases with satin jacquard Pekin border by Fendi

proves so with its plush bedding spun from the finest of fabrics that include Egyptian cotton, a divine material that composes an elevated sensory experience. La Perla Home Collection’s 100 per cent silk satin sheets and duvet covers, awash in hues like dark chocolate, ice grey and ivory, envelop the entire room in a warmth that transcends the traditional blanket. Just in time for spring, wrap yourself in luxury

The Canova collection

by La Perla: top sheet and duvet cover, pillowcases and quilt

with David’s Fine Linens’ gorgeous lineup of high-end beddings and linens.

www.davidsfinelinens.com Renaissance Commercial Plaza 8099 Weston Rd., Unit 25, Woodbridge, Ont. 905-264-7778 Bayview Village Shopping Centre 2901 Bayview Ave., North York, Ont. 416-590-7311 Toll-Free: 1-877-591-1115

VOLUNTEER OR

DONATE

The Vitanova Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation chartered by the Province of Ontario and a registered Canadian charity that provides a range of addiction-related services to individuals, families and the community at large — all at no charge.

We are a client-centred agency, focused on restoring the individual’s potential as a valued member of a fully functioning family and a net contributor to the community.

Here are this month’s friends who we thank for their support

GLOBE MEATS | REGINA NOODLE PRODUCTS DOLCE MEDIA GROUP

6299 Rutherford Rd., Woodbridge, Ont.

905-850-3690 www.vitanova.ca

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A YEAR OF LIVING MINDFULLY BY ANNA BLACK $29.95 Indigo chapters.indigo.ca

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HANDMADE HAND CREAM $9.38 Verbena Cosmetics verbenacosmetics.com

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Backdrop hardwood provided by Weston Flooring Ltd. in Woodbridge

STRESS-RELEASE AROMATHERAPY ROLLER $26.95 Saje Natural Wellness saje.ca

* The Breakfast Collection by DavidsTea will be available in stores and online on April 19

BLUE ITALIAN TEACUP & SAUCER $32.99 Desirée China & Gifts desiree.ca

“THE BREAKFAST COLLECTION” TEA SET FOR 12* $26 DavidsTea davidstea.com

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HANDMADE SOAPS $6.50 — $9.20 Verbena Cosmetics verbenacosmetics.com

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April/May 2016

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SUCCESS

Man of Honour How self-made Aurora Importing founder Nunzio Tumino fused family, food and feeling into an importing empire Written By Simona Panetta

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PHOTO BY JESSE MILNS

Aurora Importing and Distributing founder Nunzio Tumino stands proudly at the wholesale business’s 50,000-square-foot warehouse in Mississauga.

The 87-year-old is hailed as a pioneer in the foodimporting industry in Canada

www.mycitylife.ca

H

e put on his only suit and knocked on business doors in the neighbourhood, looking for a job.

For days he knocked and knocked but there was no work to be found.

But he picked himself up and moved forward, making sure to leave behind his self-made business cards — pieces of paper on which he scrawled his name and number.

It was 1953 — a year after Nunzio Tumino left behind family, friends and his homeland in search of opportunity in Canada. After a long voyage to this foreign land aboard the Italian liner la Saturnia, he took a train with hard wooden seats to reach Toronto’s Union Station. With little work experience, no grasp on the English language and just a handful of acquaintances who had emigrated from Italy before him, it was inevitable that times would be tough for the 25-year-old.

And then something happened. As if on cue, a side door to the building he was about to leave opened and a man with thick glasses stepped out, asking what he was looking for. “Job, job. Lavoro,” Tumino responded.

Looking him up and down, the man was doubtful, but asked him anyway: what are you good at?

Having never worked in an auto glass shop before, Tumino answered, “Everything.” And the man replied: “If you know everything, you know nothing.”

Not backing down, Tumino said, “try me.” The owner of the business paused, then said, “When do you want to start?”

Tumino looked down at his clothes and began to worry about ruining his only suit. Then he realized, “if I have a job, I could buy another suit. If I don’t have a job my suit won’t give me food.” So he said, “I can start now.”

This is but one of a handful of stories www.mycitylife.ca

Pope John Paul II blesses Nunzio Tumino during a visit to Rome. The photo hangs in the entrepreneur’s old office at Aurora Importing in Mississauga

I’D SEE PEOPLE STOP IN THEIR TRACKS “ AND SALESPEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE OF

MEETINGS STOP BY TO COME SAY HI TO HIM. HE HAS SUCH A TREMENDOUS WAY ABOUT HIM AND THE RESPECT HE GETS IS SECOND TO NOTHING I’VE EVER SEEN

”

Apart from its private, eponymous label and premium gourmet line Allessia, Aurora represents centuries-old heritage brands that include Loacker wafers and Baci Perugina chocolate

— Anthony Morello

T Tumino shares with me as we sit across from each other in his office at Aurora fr Importing and Distributing Limited in Mississauga. With a wide smile and youthful charm, an infectious energy and spirit, it’s clear from the start why the 87-year-old founder and former CEO of the long-standing company is beloved by many. “He’s a magnet,” says b Anthony Morello, 56, who has 40 years A of experience in the food industry and is now president of Aurora. “I remember the very first time I had the opportunity to attend a trade show with him back in Italy in 2008. There was this sea of people but walking through with him p was like walking with the pope. It was w incredible. I’d see people stop in their tracks and salespeople in the middle of meetings stop by to come say hi to him.

He has such a tremendous way about him and the respect he gets is second to nothing I’ve ever seen.”

Wearing a dark business suit with the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic pinned to his lapel, April/May 2016

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Tumino has come a long way since that first job as a young man at what is still today Speedy Auto Glass.

Looking back fondly, Tumino recalls how perseverance and foresight have always played an impactful role in his life. “Back then we had no plans, we had no money, we had no future.

We had nothing. So we had to do the best with what we had,” says Tumino, who would forgo food on his lunch break to work on mastering his glasscutting skills. The effort eventually led to admiration from his boss, a muchneeded promotion and extra dollars on

And then one day, Tumino’s luck rounded the corner. Before embarking on a visit to his native Sicily, a fruit wholesaler at the food terminal asked him to find a supplier who could deliver chestnuts for him to sell in Toronto.

“And I said to him, ‘what do I know about chestnuts? I don’t know anybody; I have no connections,’” recalls Tumino.

During his visit back home, he decided to act on the favour and asked around for some contacts. He found a supplier and arranged a shipment of 400 bags of chestnuts for the wholesaler. But when the delivery was postponed due

staples like homemade pasta, tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil, and later on would be the first to introduce a variety of new and fascinating products still sold on shelves today. Keeping Tumino’s Supermarket in the family under the care of his wife, brother and brother-in-law, Tumino ventured off to pursue the business of importing and distribution. In 1955 he founded one of the first major food-importing companies in Canada, which he named after the natural phenomenon aurora borealis “to mark the dawn of his new endeavour.”

PHOTO BY JESSE MILNS

“ BACK THEN WE HAD NO

PLANS, WE HAD NO MONEY, WE HAD NO FUTURE. WE HAD NOTHING. SO WE HAD TO DO THE BEST WITH WHAT WE HAD

”

— Nunzio Tumino

For over 60 years, Aurora Importing has delivered quality, authentic foods to the Canadian marketplace. The wholesale business kicked off when Tumino began selling chestnuts, which he refers to today as his “babies”

his paycheque. He saved every penny and spent almost all of it on a small storefront on the Queensway and Royal York Road after heeding the advice of his wife, Maria. “She said, ‘what do we have, why don’t we take a chance? We have nothing to lose and nothing to gain.’” Like most immigrant stories, the newlyweds inched by, grabbing risk by its thorny head. They transformed their modest west-end abode into a small grocery store they called Tumino’s.

“In the back was a little kitchen and it became our bedroom, our living room … we couldn’t afford anything bigger,” says Tumino, who worked three jobs while Maria ran the store.

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to Milan’s infamous fog, the wholesaler became impatient and hastily backed out of the deal. That left Tumino stuck with hundreds of bags of chestnuts that filled every nook and cranny of his tiny house. Fast on his feet, Tumino slipped a few shiny nuts into his pocket and approached local businesses with the quality product. The wholesaler would soon live to regret leaving his product in the hands of a natural entrepreneur.

Tumino successfully sold all 400 bags in less than four hours.

As word of Tumino’s quality offerings spread, customer demand for authentic ingredients grew. He ventured back to Italy and brought back familiar

“A lot of the products he brought in demonstrated that he was well ahead of his time,” says his daughter Rina Tumino Imbrogno, who has worked alongside him for over 30 years and is the current general manager for Aurora. “In the 1970s he brought over sun-dried tomatoes and no one knew what they were; everyone thought they were leather. Now there are thousands of brands of sun-dried tomatoes out there.” She also adds that her father was the first in Canada to introduce condiments such as sea salt in the ’80s, and more recently the popular La Bomba hot sauce that continues to fly off the shelves. “It’s not so much www.mycitylife.ca

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY AURORA IMPORTING AND DISTRIBUTING

palate as it is instinct,” Tumino at home or in the boardroom, Imbrogno explains of his Tumino’s noble nature always achievements. “And he takes extended to other facets of his chances. He can bring in 10 life. “My father came into this products and maybe only one country not knowing much but will last. But he knows you as children we never missed need to take the chance to find out on anything,” says Tumino the right one.”

Imbrogno. “He taught us how Delivering the best of to water-ski, skate and snow Italian foods to Canadians ski — and they didn’t even have is a commitment Tumino’s snow in Sicily. Even though wholesale business takes to he was very busy with work, heart each day. Its vast collection he loved to learn everything of authentic products, which and adapt to the environment; include tomato sauce, pasta, he helped us learn how to anchovies, coffee and coffee be Canadian. If he does machines, Fontana pizza ovens, something, he always does it oils, balsamic vinegar, premium with passion.” chocolate and more, can be Like all good things that found anywhere from No Frills come to an end, Tumino and Walmart to Sobeys, Longo’s recently gave up the reins of From left to right: Aurora Importing and Distributing president and Loblaws, to trendy cafés his company with a heavy Anthony Morello, founder Nunzio Tumino and general manager Rina Tumino Imbrogno and restaurants, to Kensington heart after a lengthy discussion Market in Toronto and fine with his family. Yet there’s not food grocers like Pusateri’s. The one day that he doesn’t stop company’s private label, Aurora, is now also stays up-to-date with an online by his second home, driving Aurora joined by the Allessia brand, a premium store and delicious lunch and dinner employees — some of whom have gourmet line named after Tumino’s recipes on its interactive website. “The worked for him for over 30 years — up granddaughter. It offers specialty items heritage of Aurora is so rich — you and down the stairs all day as a mentor. such as organic rice, restaurant-quality can see the foundation of integrity and Morello, who in 2014 helped position risotto, hearty soups and biscotti. respect, it’s so strong,” says Morello. In the company to be sold, explains that Aurora Importing also represents 2016, Aurora was voted Top Importing it was important for Tumino to find centuries-old heritage brands such as Company in the GTA for the Top a leader who could uphold his legacy Loacker wafers, Riscossa pasta and Choice Awards. and the integrity of the brand for many Bialetti coffee, and is the exclusive But after sitting down to a savoury more years to come. Aurora Importing distributor of Baci Perugina chocolate lunch of pasta e fagiole with the Aurora is now owned by Morello and a group in Canada. “Mr. Tumino has always patriarch, I can tell you that accolades of investors. been a big supporter of great Italian and titles don’t define him. “You just Before our time is over, Tumino food, of great Italian products,” says have to know what you’re doing in excitedly gives me a tour of Aurora’s Davide Capitani, export manager business; it’s something you have to massive Mississauga warehouse, at Nestlé, North America, for the have a feeling for,” says Tumino, who which houses a cash-and-carry Perugina brand. “What we share remains modest about receiving the pickup store for customers and in common is a passion for quality Scotiabank Italy-Canada Award at the a sprawling backend with around without compromise. Tumino and Italian Chamber of Commerce as part 2,000 continuously moving food Morello do what they say and say what of Ontario’s Pentola d’Oro awards gala products that are the bread and they do. And that is the best thing you in 2015. Just as he does at home with his butter of the food-importing business can ask from a business partner.” cherished garden, Tumino has nurtured he humbly began over 60 years ago.

While Tumino’s Supermarket is no every aspect of his company by pushing “These are my babies,” he says proudly, longer in operation, Aurora is now through challenges with an indelible holding up a handful of chestnuts. an award-winning company serving passion for quality and relationships Peeled back and eaten raw or roasted customers on a national scale. It boasts built on a handshake. Back in his day, in their skin, the glossy brown nuts a 50,000-square-foot warehouse in he says, the meeting of hands was a are now a regular sight in ItalianMississauga, a 35,000-sq.-ft. facility sacred gesture even more valuable than Canadian households — but for in Montreal (which serves Quebec and a contract. “A good man who keeps his Tumino, they opened the door to a the eastern Canada marketplace) and a word is a man of honour. Treat people food-importing empire of which only location in Vancouver that opened in the way you want to be treated,” says he holds the golden key. late 2015 under the helm of the new the father of three, who is now working president. The decades-old company on publishing his memoir. Whether www.auroraimporting.com 40

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auto review

Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition Jeep’s classic Willys Wheeler trim adds an air of nostalgia and improved capability to its off-roading king

J

Written By Michael Hill

eep’s history is rooted in the ubiquitous Second World Warera U.S. army utility vehicle, the Willys MB. While today’s Jeep drivers have traded in hostile enemy territory for muddy off-road trails and daily commutes, the American automaker hasn’t forgotten this military past. It’s with the limited-edition Wrangler Willys Wheeler model that Jeep salutes its all-terrain heritage.

What you get with the Willys Wheeler is the unmistakable exterior of this iconic four-by-four enhanced by subtle cosmetic details and improved off-road capability. Esthetically, it’s branded with satin-black Willys decals on the hood and tailgate, and its grille, its 17-inch wheels and its Jeep branding all get the combat-ready, blackedout treatment for an understated but unique look.

Under the hood you’ll find the triedand-true 3.6-Litre Pentastar V-6 that you do on all other Wranglers, with its more-than-capable 285 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque being controlled by either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. But the Willys Wheeler ups the ante over the standard Sport model with serious off-roading upgrades. A Dana 44 rear axle adds a 3.73 ratio and limited slip capability, while performance shocks and rugged BFGoodrich off-road tires (plus a matching full-size spare) make it better equipped for rough terrain, and rock rails offer greater protection.

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GENERAL SPECS Engine: 3.6-Litre Pentastar V-6 Horsepower: 285 Torque: 260 lb-ft Transmission: 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic Starting at $33,845

Owners of the Willys Wheeler also get heavy-duty Mopar slush mats to handle the mud and snow, and they’re welcomed to the Jeep family with a Jeep Trail Rated Kit that includes a tow strap, D-rings, heavy-duty gloves and a Jeep-branded bag.

When you combine all these enhancements with the Wrangler’s already powerful Command-Trac 4WD system, electronic stability control with hill start assist, traction control, electronic roll mitigation, Trac-Lok differential and hooks (two up front, one in the rear), you have a vehicle that earns its “best-in-class offroad performance.”

And that’s what driving a Wrangler is all about. While so many other companies have succumbed to the siren’s call of aerodynamics, which has helped shape so many vehicles into

sameness, the Wrangler has resisted.

Jeep could have redesigned their lauded off-roader to match the times, making its square body sleeker and it faster and more fuel-efficient. But no one buys a Jeep for those reasons. You buy a Jeep because you want a Jeep — the abilities it offers, the statement it makes.

Jeep drivers want to pop off the hood and unhook the doors for that perfect summer cruiser. They want a reliable off-roader that can rip through the bush with confidence, an SUV that doesn’t quiver at the sight of thick mud or murky water with an unknown depth. Sure, on the road the steering might feel too loose, and it certainly doesn’t cut through the wind. But it’s those qualities that make it so great in the dirt, mud and snow. It’s a vehicle you can trust in the most daunting conditions.

The Wrangler has always made drivers feel like they’re part of something special and unique, hence the famous Jeep twofinger wave. It’s a vehicle that affords the confidence to go anywhere and do anything, and that’s what its drivers have always loved. And with the Willys trim, you can pay homage to where that all came from. www.jeep.ca www.mycitylife.ca

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A DV E R TO R I A L

House of Cars

PHOTOS BY FARZAM HOSSEINDOUST

The Zanchin Automotive Group built one of the country’s most successful dealership empires on a philosophy of empowering employees and customers — an attitude driving this dynasty into the future

Laura (left) and Andria (right) Zanchin are continuing the legacy of customer service and commitment to the community established by their father, Joe Zanchin, at the Zanchin Automotive Group

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O

ver the past 40-plus years, Joe Zanchin has built one of the most successful automotive businesses in Canada. He’s grown his company from a single dealership in Vaughan into a powerhouse of over 30 locations that represents 15 brands and employs over 1,200 people in Ontario. But when you ask the president and CEO of Zanchin Automotive Group to tell his story, to give insight into how he’s managed to do it all, he’s not interested in talking.

“He’s never at a loss for words, except when it comes to himself,” explains Adrian Bilyk, senior vice-president and general counsel at Zanchin Automotive Group. “He can talk to anybody about anything at any point in time, but he doesn’t like to give himself credit.”

And for this hard-working businessman the reason is simple: “It’s about the people,” Joe says. “You could have a very good brand, but if you don’t have the right people in place you’re not going to succeed.”

Joe attributes his success to his dedicated staff and long-term management team, many of whom have been with him for 20-plus years.

This executive team is well versed in the Zanchin approach to doing business. “We are also well known for identifying employees who show talent and promise in one day becoming good management. We mentor them, and we currently have a lot of young talent that we are grooming,” says Joe. Since opening Number 7 Honda, his first dealership, in 1973, Joe has used this people-over-profit attitude to steer Zanchin Automotive Group toward greatness. Today, this longstanding company, which includes four auto malls, is one of the top five dealer groups in the country in terms of size and revenue. It’s also one of the industry’s most respected. It’s this focus on staff and customers that has been key to garnering such success and admiration, and it’s a trait that the next generation refuses to waver from.

“For us, it’s not really about the numbers,” says Andria Zanchin, vicepresident of the Zanchin Automotive Group. “It’s about every dealership being an integral part of their community, about ensuring that a

www.mycitylife.ca

You could have a “ very good brand, but if you don’t have the right people in place you’re not going to succeed

”

— Joe Zanchin, president and CEO of the Zanchin Automotive Group

strong management team is at every store to guarantee consumers have a comfortable, no-pressure experience.

This has been a staple of the Zanchin brand, and it always will be.”

Despite the massive size of their thriving business, Joe and his two daughters, Andria and Laura, remain very hands-on. They still believe in visiting every dealership with regularity — from as far north as Innisfil to as far south as Oakville to way out east in Kingston — and it’s not uncommon for them to drop in on 15 of their dealerships a day.

While some owners may avoid interacting with their employees, Joe, Andria and Laura prefer to be in the heart of the action. Joe has a famous disdain for boardroom meetings about the financials. He would much rather be on the floor, getting a feel for his people and welcoming customers who have taken the time to come to one of his dealerships.

“When our father sees people in the showroom, it doesn’t matter what store he’s in, he will go up to them, he will talk to them,” Andria explains. It could be a long-time customer that’s in for service on their vehicle or someone who’s walking through the door for the first time, “he makes himself part of

the process, and I think customers and employees appreciate that.”

This approachability is essential to the Zanchins. “We want people to feel like they can come up and talk to us at any time,” adds Laura Zanchin, vice-president of Zanchin Automotive Group. They’ll often be mixing it up with the sales agents, joking with technicians and shaking hands with customers. It’s all part of ensuring that everyone, both customers and employees, enjoys the environment of a Zanchin dealership.

“We want to know: is everybody happy?

What more can we do? Our father has always been that way and we’re determined to carry on that practice.”

Joe is also a man who believes in leading by example. “There’s no job too small, and he doesn’t feel he’s above rolling up his sleeves to help out. That’s one of the great lessons he’s taught us,” Laura adds.

The reason the Zanchins remain so focused on their staff is because they know that a happy employee ensures a happy customer. For Joe, the contentment of his clientele is the whole reason he got into the business in the first place. After he emigrated from Italy to Canada in 1962, with only $20 in his pocket, Joe landed a job at a body shop as a mechanic. Three years later he bought the business. A year and a half after that, with the business prospering, he opened three more.

Soon, his eyes turned to dealerships.

He recognized that while many dealers were competent at the commercial aspect of the business, there were plenty that lacked people skills.

“There were a lot of people with tremendous trade ability, but they didn’t know how to talk to customers,” Joe recalls. “I said if they can be successful like that I can do a better job.”

He adds: “To me, a customer is not just a customer. I like to say they become friends.”

Every one of the Zanchins’ dealerships — from consumer brands, such as Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen, Scion, Chrysler and Nissan, to luxury lines that include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and Acura — fosters a friendly, hasslefree atmosphere where customers can feel comfortable. “We want the

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Laura, Joe and Andria have grown the Zanchin Automotive Group into an industry powerhouse that’s comprised of over 30 dealerships and four auto malls, representing 15 brands and employing over 1,200 people

transaction of buying a car to be a positive experience,” Andria explains.

“That’s why our father got into the business, and we take that to heart with every transaction.”

This focus on people doesn’t end in the dealership, either. The Zanchins have always ensured they’re active members of every community they operate in. They support numerous causes across the province, from smaller grassroots initiatives, such as schools and local hockey teams, to larger healthcare foundations, including SickKids in Toronto, the William Osler Health System in Etobicoke and the Mackenzie Hospital Foundation in Vaughan. From its inception, the Zanchin Automotive Group has had a team of riders in the Ride to Conquer Cancer bike ride.

The group’s Nissan and Infiniti dealers hold an annual golf tournament with all proceeds going to the cause, and many Zanchin employees and business associates also participate in the ride.

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Employees are encouraged to find causes that are near and dear to their hearts, ones that they feel would benefit from the company’s support. Laura explains how one recent program came from a general manager’s passion for children’s charities. During each of the 34 home games this season for the Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Frontenacs, BMW Kingston donated $500 to the local Boys and Girls Club. “In that case, you had somebody in the community who worked for the dealership with a cause that was important to them,” she says. “They came to our father and said we would love to be able to support it, and he was behind it 100 per cent, because that’s what they wanted to do for that community.”

It’s this type of diversity that’s important to the company. “We don’t want to limit ourselves to one cause,” Laura explains. “We have a multitude of customers from different ethnicities with diverse beliefs and cultures. We

value their interests and we look for organizations that offer them support.”

One endeavour that the Zanchins are particularly proud of is the Joe Zanchin Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Joe started the scholarship in 2010 when the company found they were struggling to find quality technicians and apprentices to work at their dealerships. “We decided, what better way to contribute to our industry than to create a scholarship?” Andria says. The scholarship, which is open to students of varying backgrounds, provides tuition money to recipients who are enrolling in automotive technician programs. “This helps alleviate the financial pressure and allows them to focus on school and becoming what they want to be.”

This type of empowerment has always been at the heart of the Zanchin Automotive Group, and it’s one that will continue to drive the brand in the future. As Bilyk explains, the family has built one of the largest automotive dealer groups in the country, “but no one really knows that. That’s because they focus so much on looking at the community, concentrating on the brand in that particular market and then giving the people who run those dealerships all the tools that they need to succeed.

They aren’t about celebrating their own achievements. They’re about the people.”

Although keeping an eye on dayto-day operations takes up most of their time, the Zanchin Group always plans for the future. Besides recently acquiring Mercedes-Benz Durham in January 2016, the group has just recently closed a deal to purchase two additional dealers. With these new opportunities and a mindset focused on people fuelling the company, it’s clear there’s no slowing down for this automotive dynasty.

Number 7 Honda 5555 Hwy. 7 W Woodbridge, Ont. 1-866-981-4948 @ZanchinAutoGrp www.zanchinauto.com www.mycitylife.ca

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COMMUNITY LEADER Catch our video of Jonathan Hood at Louise Arbour Secondary School at www.mycitylife.ca

#GETAFTERIT City Life Magazine sits down with former CFLer and motivational speaker Jonathan Hood to talk life, work and how to get ahead of the game

Former defensive back for the Toronto Argonauts Jonathan Hood is now the founder of the youth mentorship program Ahead of the Game Shirt, Lacoste; necklaces, rings and bracelet, Armed

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PHOTOS BY FARZAM HOSSEINDOUST MAKEUP & HAIR BY KARIMA SUMAR/JUDY INC. / WARDROBE STYLING BY ASHLEY GALANG

Interview By Simona Panetta

Q

Q

How do you encourage positive growth in children through your Ahead of the Game youth mentorship program?

I think the biggest thing is communication. I think people are sometimes afraid to say how they feel and they shouldn’t be.

And if you can get someone to be confident, they’ll be able to say things like, “Hey, my feelings matter. My opinion matters.”

We spend an average of 75, probably 90 minutes a week, with kids in school groups and it makes a world of difference. Just to have someone there to ask, “Oh, hey, how was your mark in English? Have you been studying?” — it changes the game. It changes our lives. It changes expectations because it’s something that they can expect. They know we’re going to be there every Tuesday at this time; they know that three weeks ago, we wrote down our goals. So I’m going to ask them: “How’s that goal coming along?”

“What did you do today for that goal?”

So you know, there’s accountability and support.

Q

What did football and your time playing defensive back for the Toronto Argonauts teach you about life and discipline?

Football is unique because you suffer together. When you suffer with someone and you make it through, you create a bond that makes you pretty inseparable.

So in football you’re physically suffering because you’re pounding on each other; you’re mentally going through struggle because you’ve got to remember plays, you know, your pride’s always in question, are you doing the right thing? Similar to life, everybody has a different role, and depending on your role there’s responsibility. It may not be so immediate in life but in football, if one person does something really small wrong, it can mess up everything. So now what do you do, if you’re the one who messed up? And that happens in www.mycitylife.ca

Motivational speaker and corporate coach Jonathan Hood inspires both children and adults to reach their highest potential

life, we mess up every day. In football we have this thing called “next play.”

Think of the next play, because if you live in the past, you’re going to be always thinking you’re a failure. Next play, next play, next play.

Q

You count Michael “Pinball” Clemons as one of your mentors. Tell me about the first conversation you had with him.

One of the things he talked about was power. He’s big on loving people and using your power the right way. He talked about football as not being life, but how loving people is life. You may play football for a season, maybe you would have coached, you may even have a career in football for the rest of your life, but that’s not your life. It is a part of your life. But people are life. Right?

So he was talking about how we can use our influence and how we can use our position for others.

Is there a particular piece of advice that your father gave you that affected you in a big way?

As a child he would make me do all these things. I’d be like, “Dad, I want a basketball.” And he would say, “Wash my car.” I’m like, “Dad, I want this!” And he would say, “Go fix the door.” He was actually saying those things to show me that you can have anything you want if you work for it. Anything. If I want something now I don’t feel like I can’t have it. Instead, I ask myself: what am I going to have to sacrifice? How many hours am I going to have to work? How much time, whether it’s in the gym or on the field, do I have to put in, or how many speaking engagements do I have to do to get it? So I work hard. The other thing my dad taught me was to never throw a pity party, to “always be appreciative of what you have.”

When things don’t go your way you can be like, “aw, man, this sucks,” or you can just be thankful for what you have. I wake up every day and think: “it’s a great day to have a good day” — that’s my energy, that’s my motto.

Q

What’s up next for you?

I have 10 books in me but here’s the thing: my writing is just to help people.

The one thing that’s dear to me right now is building leaders. As children, we are sometimes discouraged from making decisions and doing things on our own. And when you put a lid on people you kill their confidence and then they’re not empowered to make their own decisions. I want to write a bunch of books and just feed people.

And if you could take one thing from it that would help you, then I will have accomplished a goal. www.jonathanhood.ca / @jhood41 For more of our interview and photo shoot with Jonathan Hood, visit mycitylife.ca April/May 2016

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fitness

Ab-Domination Vaughan’s ab authorities share their best tips on how to spring-clean your core

F

orget “spring has sprung.” These five fitness gurus want your spring to crunch, munch and sprint toward a more toned belly, and just in time for beach season. Jot down these foolproof tips and get ready to (finally!) carve out those abs you’ve always dreamed of.

DWAYNE DELVES, ISSA, CPT, CALISTHENICS SPECIALIST, BOXING COACH

BODY BY CHOSEN bodybychosen.com

The No. 1 tip for getting abs in preparation for summer is to WORK! A few crunches when you wake up and before going to bed won’t do it. The two main areas of work are training and eating. When you train properly and intensively, you will 50

City Life Magazine

develop a strong core, but it isn’t until you start eating accordingly that you will see the results.

Low-calorie and high-protein foods along with cardio exercises and core-specific training will get the outcome you are looking for.

April/May 2016

www.mycitylife.ca

“ONCE YOU KNOW WHICH TYPE YOU ARE, YOU CAN TAILOR YOUR ENERGY TOWARD A SPECIFIC AND EFFICIENT GOAL” — Dimitri Giankoulas, Pure Motivation Fitness

KEVIN HIGH, BAHSC, NSCA-CSCS, NASM-CES DIMITRI GIANKOULAS, CFP, ISSA, BTF

PURE MOTIVATION FITNESS puremotivationfitness.com

The best way to get your abs showing is to eat and exercise for your body type.

Once you know which type you are, you can tailor your energy toward a specific and efficient goal. Train full-body, compound movements and add skipping or cardio sprints to your rests.

If possible, do 15 to 30 minutes of highintensity cardio on an empty stomach in the a.m., and eat five or six smaller meals per day. Have protein, veggies and healthy fats at each meal, and just add healthy, wholegrain, unprocessed complex carbs (grains or fruit with skin) for breakfast and lunch.

Crunches don’t work — dedication does! www.mycitylife.ca

LIFE TIME FITNESS lifetimefitness.com

Abs are made in the kitchen! The saying “you are what you eat” certainly holds true when it comes to abdominal definition. Focus heavily on eating clean, whole foods!

However, consistent abdominal training, using a variety of tempos, repetitions, planes of movement and frequencies, is important as well.

In short, there is no secret or magic trick to getting abs. Train your core daily. Use a variety of exercises to target lower and upper abdominals and your obliques. Aim for one or two exercises per section, with three or four sets per exercise. Rep ranges should vary from weighted exercises (eight to 10 reps) to body-weight exercises (20 reps).

MICHELLE McLEAN, CANFITPRO, PTS, FIS

PAUL WALKER, CFPT, CPTN, ISSA

PURE FX FITNESS STUDIOS purefxfitness.com

INTEGRITY FITNESS integrityfitness.ca

For solid abs all year round, balance and consistency are key.

You want to have a balanced diet and workout routine that will provide you with optimal results. My favourite way to stay lean and defined is first making sure I only put quality food in my body.

Limiting the amount of processed foods and drinks helps keep my body fat low and muscle lean.

My workout routine is simple: planks, crunches, rotations and lifts. Stabilizing the core is great for activating small muscle fibres and can easily be achieved by doing planks.

Adding crunches and rotations will target the abdomen and obliques. To hit the lower abs I like to add leg lifts that can be done hanging or on the floor.

Everybody has a different definition of being healthy. If your personal definition and goal is a supertight waistline, my secret is the combination of a strict meal plan and metabolic training.

I recommend a diet that is 40 per cent protein, 30 per cent carbs and 30 per cent fat. My favourite trick is using these macronutrient ratios and combining them with intermittent fasting to get really shredded. You need to train at least five days a week and include 20 minutes of high-intensity intervaltraining cardio. To really target body fat loss, metabolic training works best for my clients. Metabolic training uses large muscle groups to maximize calorie expenditure and eat fat.

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TORONTO Fashion Week — FALL 2016 A shimmery piece from UNTTLD’s fall 2016 collection

Toronto Fashion Week’s fall 2016 collections brought Canadian-made couture to David Pecaut Square this March, showcasing the country’s brightest design minds, including favourites Mikhael Kale, Narces and Sid Neigum, plus fresh talent like the Mercedes-Benz Start Up winner UNTTLD.

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www.dolcemedia.ca | 905.264.6789

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905.417.1199 www.mycitylife.ca

A DV E R TO R I A L

Neece Electrolysis founder Angela Martino is a certified laser technician and electrologist. She keeps up to date as a member of the Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations

For over 23 years, Neece Electrolysis has transformed the hair-removal industry. Founder Angela Martino is a certified laser technician and electrologist offering innovative and permanent hair-removal treatments that deliver effective results for both men and women. One of Angela’s biggest recommendations for permanent hair elimination is electrolysis. Many people think electrolysis is an outdated process for hair removal that no one uses anymore, but this is a myth. Electrolysis has been around for over 135 years and has an excellent track record; it is the only permanent removal system that is completely FDA-approved and has the ability to target one hair at a time and ensure accuracy on all hair types and skin types. Electrolysis is also highly successful in completely removing not just coarse hair, but light or very fine hair as well.

Another amazing feature of electrolysis is that it can be done on large or small areas anywhere on the body and it removes the hairs right at the time of treatment. The most common question Angela gets asked is how well electrolysis works on hair growth caused by hormonal changes such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Bringing relief to countless women living with unwanted hair, Angela says that hormones affect everyone differently and although electrolysis cannot fix imbalances or cure hair growth, it can permanently stop the growth of existing hair. For the best permanent hair-removal results, visit Neece Electrolysis. www.neecelectrolysis.ca | 80 Carlauren Rd., Unit 9B, Woodbridge | 905-856-8808

The team at North Woodbridge Dental

Dr. Nari Farshadi

Your Neighbourhood Smile Professionals Our great team at North Woodbridge Dental takes pride in providing our clientele with the best dental care, whether you are part of multiple generations of a family or a visitor wanting a cosmetic makeover. All of this happens in a fun, friendly environment. It’s through this welcoming approach and professionalism that North Woodbridge Dental has grown into a practice where beautiful smiles are plentiful and patients and their families feel at home.

10375 WESTON RD., VAUGHAN, ONT.

289-203-1545

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SMILE AND INVISALIGN CONSULTATIONS

250 MAIN ST., SCHOMBERG, ONT.

647-559-3311

www.woodbridgesmiles.ca www.mycitylife.ca

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#I LOVE VAUGHAN

# TERRACOTTA HOME & GARDEN 2 Kellam St., Kleinburg 905-893-4222 www.terracottahomeandgarden.ca @terracottahomeandgarden This not-so-hidden gem has become a go-to spot for all things pretty and potted. Nestled in the heart of Kleinburg, Terracotta beautifies homes, businesses and events with its divine floral designs and unique decorative goodies.

168 SUSHI 1520 Steeles Ave W., Concord 905-760-1680 / 168sushibuffet.com @168sushi Authentic sushi at its best! Menus on iPads give guests a new and handson experience of ordering Japanese cuisine. Service is on par with quick responses and enthusiastic, diligent assistance.

#

GOURMET BISTRO 8707 Dufferin St., Thornhill 905-907-9000 / gourmetbistro.ca @gourmetbistro Nicknamed “G Bistro,” this place puts a spin on classic dishes that’ll take you by pleasant surprise. All sauces and dressings are made from scratch, and the kitchen is praised for its on-point cooking techniques.

OVE L E S W GHAN G N I TH UT VAU D ABO BEYON & It’s the season of fresh starts, and as the flowers begin to bloom and the temperatures rise, there is even more to adore about Vaughan and the scrumptious cities that surround it. City Life has hunted high and low for a new list of local gems, from rustic apothecaries to sparkling gem shops 54

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INTEGRITY FITNESS 8000 Hwy 27, Woodbridge 905-851-7722 / integrityfitness.ca @paulsbootcamp Headed by Paul Walker, CFPT, CPTN, ISSA, Integrity Fitness has long been the go-to spot in Vaughan (and beyond!) for getting into shape the healthy way. Its specialized workouts are doable but tough.

www.mycitylife.ca

2015 READERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNER, 8 YEARS IN A ROW

DISCOVER YOUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL THROUGH THE STUDY OF MARTIAL ARTS.

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Studies show that students enrolled in martial arts programs have increased self-esteem and improved focus and concentration abilities in the classroom.

With 44 years of martial arts instruction under its belt, Northern Karate Schools is the trusted choice for many men, women and children in the GTA. With 10 world-renowned locations, NKS offers award-winning programs taught by instructors with decades of experience.

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NORTHERN

SCHOOLS WOODBRIDGE

VAUGHAN

MAPLE

RICHMOND HILL

3883 Rutherford Rd. 905.265.7777

4350 Steeles Ave. W. 905.856.4047

225 McNaughton Rd. E 905.303.5202

11160 Yonge St. 905.508.5811

www.mycitylife.ca

WWW.NORTHERNKARATE.COM

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#I LOVE VAUGHAN NATURE’S EMPORIUM 2535 Major Mackenzie Dr. W, Maple 905-553-5527 / naturesemporium.com @naturescanada Since 1993, Nature’s Emporium has been the authority on organic and farm-fresh produce, and it’s earned bonus points for serving only traditionally raised meats. Here, it’s quality meets quantity with a diverse rainbow of food options.

LA COUTURE HAIR LOUNGE 130 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Suite 60, Concord 905-532-0235 @lacouturehairlounge The name says it all: you and your hair will be pampered to perfection at this chic salon. If you haven’t been, book an appointment this spring to see what all the fuss is about.

DECORIUM FURNITURE 363 Supertest Rd., North York 416-736-6120 / decorium.com @decoriumfurniture Your home should be a live-in work of art and a reflection of your personal style. This North York gem is the place to find unique statement pieces that will add artistry to your space.

DRAKE APOTHECARY 10 Chapel St., Bolton info@drakeapothecary.com / drakeapothecary.com @drakeapothecary Drake Apothecary is a modern hippie’s paradise. All its healing products are handmade locally using herbs and essential oils. We recommend the Authentic Dead Sea Mud and the everpopular Emotion Potions.

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GLITZ JEWELLERY 2396 Major Mackenzie Dr., Maple 289-553-9010 / glitzjewellery.com @glitzjewelleryboutique Get ready to swoon: this hidden gem in the heart of Maple houses jewels

by Jennifer Lopez, Kate Spade and more. Shop what’s trending or bring home a custom treasure.

SARPA RESTAURANT 13311 Yonge St., Richmond Hill 905-773-2188 / sarparestaurant.com @sarpaoakridges A cosy ambience and scrumptious menu of authentic Italian recipes have made this spot an idyllic getaway for families, couples and friends. Segue into summer by sipping the pomegranate margarita and munching on polenta fries. www.mycitylife.ca

er wn

7777 Kipling Ave., Suite 101 Woodbridge, Ont. of M

addalene-Ro

se

905-850-8688 Sp a

Rose Centr aco ,o

The Secret of Beauty

LASER AESTHETICS | SKIN CARE | WELL-BEING At Maddalene-Rose Spa, we believe that beauty is tapped into by balancing the wellness of the mind with the body and soul. We exist to nurture that synergy in all who walk through our doors, whether they seek a classic spa treatment or esthetic services. Relax and refresh at our quaint oasis in the heart of Vaughan.

www.maddalene-rose.ca

fitness is not a destination. Fitness is a lifestyle.

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$ 8

NEW

5,000-SQ.-FT. LOCATION OPENING THIS MAY 2016 51 Jevlan Dr., Woodbridge, Unit 4

Wonderful new training space with dedicated METCON30 and an array of new training tools.

WORLD-CLASS TRAINING FOR WOMEN

9 905.851.7722 w www.integrityfitness.ca www.mycitylife.ca

Woodbridge West

8000 Highway 27, Unit 1

Woodbridge East

61 Creditview Rd., 2nd Floor

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# YOU YOU O U KNOW K N O W US U S FOR F O R LUNCH LUNCH …

TASIOS ORTHODONTICS 3611 Major Mackenzie Dr., Woodbridge 905-553-7778 / www.tasiosortho.com @tasiosortho Who better to craft your smile than the orthodontic clinic that was named the Top Orthodontic Clinic of 2016 in Vaughan at this year’s Top Choice Awards? We’re trusting our teeth to these friendly pros.

ROYAL YORK CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE THERAPY

GET TO KNOW US FOR DINNER! Trimani is now open for dinner Fridays & Saturdays

Come home to Trimani Ristorante.

Treat your palate to world-class chef Domenic Colacci’s fresh, simple, European style with every dish executed to perfection. Celebrating 15 years in Vaughan, owner Robert De Zorzi ensures the satisfaction of every guest. Enjoy live music by singer/pianist Mellow Dee as you indulge in a glass of wine from our extensive collection.

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8555 Jane Street, Unit 6, Concord, ON L4K 5N9 905.660.7474 | www.trimani.ca City Life Magazine April/May 2016

4237 Dundas St. W, Toronto 416-233-5413 / rymt.ca @royalyorkchiropractic

Get ready to feel better.

This renowned clinic in west-end Toronto solves chronic and acute pain problems using chiropractic, osteopathic and massage therapy services that blend classic remedies with state-of-the-art techniques.

9ROUND 12612 Hwy. 50, Bolton 905-857-7622 / 9round.com @9round_bolton Fun fact: 9Round’s first Canadian location was in Bolton! The famous half-hour kick-boxing circuit is packed with nine rounds, creating a fun fullbody workout. Every day’s a completely different experience with new techniques and challenges. www.mycitylife.ca

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3255 Rutherford Road, Building H Vaughan, ON L4K 5Y5

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*Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions may apply. See store for details. Edible®, Edible Arrangements®, Fruit www.mycitylife.ca April/May 2016 theCity LifeBasket MagazineLogo,59and other marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks of Edible Arrangements, LLC. © 2016 Edible Arrangements, LLC. All rights reserved.

#

COMMUNION & SPECIAL OCCASION DRESSES Visit Trendy Bambini’s new store for an exquisite collection of children’s clothing.

BRANDO’S 140 Woodbridge Ave., Woodbridge 905-851-6566 / brandosclothing.com @brandosclothing A trip to Brando’s feels like buying straight off the runway. This boutique carries all your favourites, from MinkPink to Vince Camuto, and its personal shopping services make every shopper feel like a VIP.

WWW.TRENDYBAMBINI.COM 3175 Rutherford Road, Unit 25, Vaughan, ON • 905.738.9642

9 YEARS OF PURE FITNESS!

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OFFER ON 1-ON-1 % ANNIVERSARY PERSONAL TRAINING PACKAGES OFF * FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

*Offer expires April 30, 2016. Conditions apply.

PATISSERIE V. MARIE 27 Roytec Rd., Woodbridge 905-850-2888 / vmarie.ca @patisserievmarie It’s like a little slice of Paris in this charming sweets shop. Heavily influenced by French culture, Patisserie V. Marie’s bespoke cakes and other treats are a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.

Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Orthotics, Acupuncture, Custom-made Bracing

289-468-6032

www.physiomed.ca/10557keele

OUR SERVICES: Personal Training | Sport-Specific Training | Group exercise Classes | Small Group Training NUTRITIONAL COUNSELLING | Juice Bar | Health Assessments | Kids Fitness

905.303.9900 1–10557 Keele St., Maple, Ont.

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MYLEGWEARSHOP.COM Richmond Hill @my_legwear_shop Leggings are a fad that just won’t go away — and we’re not mad about it.

This online boutique serves up the prettiest, most comfortable styles and delivers them right to your door. www.mycitylife.ca

#I LOVE VAUGHAN

Add glitz to your life GLOBE MEATS FRESH MARKET & GRILL 61 Signet Dr., North York 416-745-7000 / globemeatsmarket.com @globemeatsfmg Over 40 years in the business have put this traditional-style butcher shop on top of its game. The new Toronto location is 22,000 square feet of deliciousness, offering up quality meats for springtime cookouts.

DREAMWORX INK 3883 Rutherford Rd., Suite 11, Woodbridge 905-605-2663 / dreamworxink. com

2396 Major Mackenzie Dr. W 289.553.9010 www.glitzjewellery.com

Planning a Party or Corporate Event? Oh So Sweet specializes in spectacular Cakes, Cupcakes & other delicious Nut-Free desserts. We utilize your theme, colours and logos to create tasteful, memorable desserts.

@dreamworxink

This tattoo parlour is as cool as it sounds. It’s become a favourite in Vaughan for a reason: its creative and friendly staff work with you to craft the body art of your dreams.

SPLASHVILLE INC. 311 Cityview Blvd., Suite 4, Woodbridge 905-832-3699 / splashville.ca @splashville_inc Get your little fish ready for summer by investing in swimming lessons.

Splashville Inc. is a fun and bubbly (no pun intended) learning experience that will have them falling in love with the warm-weather pastime. www.mycitylife.ca

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#

ROCK THIS WAY! SCHOOL OF ROCK

Florals

beyond your expectations

90 Winges Rd., Woodbridge 905-264-0004 / rockthisway.ca @rockthiswayvaughan Rock This Way! founder Ross Munro says students should learn the songs they know and the genres they like.

This method has helped aspiring artists flourish into creative singers, instrumentalists and songwriters.

12994 Keele St., #3, King City

T 905-833-3148

•

C 416-300-9761

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7611 Pine Valley Drive, Unit 25, Vaughan, Ont. L4L 0A2 www.paramaxlegal.com

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80 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Unit 7, Concord 905-760-2225 / designspecgroup.com @designspecgroup Renovations can either be a hassle or an exciting, enjoyable experience. The team at Design-Spec makes sure it’s the latter, working with home and business owners to design a personalized look without the stress.

LOCALE 12981 Keele St., King City 905-833-2500 / localekingcity.ca @localekingcity A menu of simple, delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere make Locale a popular starting point for weekend adventures. Bring the squad or your SO and consider your Saturday night well spent. www.mycitylife.ca

An array of freshly - prepared foods …

Gourmet food products, in our aisles or at our hot table … all in a grocer that’s conveniently located in the heart of Bolton.

501 Queen St., South, Bolton, Ont. | 905-857-1227 www.gardenfoodsmarket.com

MAKE THE MOST OF TIME AND PLACE Your property is your space — your corner of the world. Make the most of it by reinventing your home’s landscape, transforming it into something that is stunningly, wonderfully “you.” From luxury pools to bespoke floriculture, Vaughan Landscaping is dedicated to crafting a personalized oasis out of your backyard.

27 Goodman Cres., Maple, ON | (647)

www.vaughanpools.ca www.mycitylife.ca

993-9118

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NOW ACCEPTING Registration for our 2016 Programmes

#I LOVE VAUGHAN

ACADEMY OF FASHION, FINE ARTS & DESIGN The only school in YORK REGION Specializing in Fashion Arts & Portfolio Prep for the Fashion Arts Industry for over 22 years.

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S&S TILE AND MARBLE 8611 Weston Rd., Floor 2, Woodbridge 416-995-5255 / www.sstileandmarble.ca @sebino_the_tile_guy S&S Tile and Marble has spent the last two decades beautifying properties in and around Toronto. The Vaughan-based studio blends artistry with construction, creating poignant spaces that reflect the owners’ tastes.

ALL NEW STUDENTS

8099 Weston Rd, Unit 10, Woodbridge | www.hcfashionarts.ca | 905.264.9341 MEMBER OF THE VAUGHAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SHAN 7540 Weston Rd., Woodbridge 905-605-5455 / shan.ca @shanswimwear Shan’s couture bikinis are proof that we cold-weather Canucks know the beach, too. Award-winning designer Chantal Levesque brought the brand to life in Quebec, and it now has locations in Woodbridge, Toronto, Miami and more.

PARENTE BOREAN LLP 3883 Hwy. 7, Woodbridge 905-850-6066 / parenteborean.com When the going gets tough, it’s relieving to know your city offers some of the best legal services available. Parente Borean is a team of seasoned lawyers specializing in real estate, family law and more.

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www.mycitylife.ca

Primi Passi Kidz & Co.’s contemporary collections burst with unique and stylish pieces from sought-after European designer brands.

From birth to baptism, communion to birthday, flower girl to ring boy, Primi Passi dresses children in all their special moments — so that boys and girls become stars of the world they live in.

3603 Langstaff Road, Unit 2, Woodbridge

905-264-4028 www.primipassi.ca

BellaCouture

WOMEN’S FASHION

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• Heated & non-heated classes • Beginner to advanced levels • Experienced & highly trained Instructors • Spacious & comfortable premises • Various styles including Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative

Sale! $40 unlimited yoga for 30 days with this ad.

Applies to new students /1 per customer. Offer expires December 31, 2016.

All Yoga Light Studio terms & conditions apply.

51 Jevlan Drive 289-474-YOGA (9642)

www.mycitylife.ca

www.yogalightstudio.ca @yogalightstudio

905.761.6886

3255 Rutherford Rd., Unit 34, Vaughan, Ont.

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Photo By Anna Dragosa of Memory Video Productions

People & Places WOMEN IN BUSINESS — TORONTO

In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association — Toronto Chapter (CIBPA Toronto) hosted the Women in Business event at Casa Loma. Inspirational words were shared by the event’s host, CHIN Radio’s Andrea Trentadue, as well as Magnotta Winery’s Rossana Magnotta, entrepreneur and author Teresa Cascioli, broker and owner of Your Community Realty Vivian Risi and other female business moguls. www.toronto.cibpa.com

Left to right: Andrea Trentadue (MC), Emilia Valentini, Jackie Rosati, Bambina Marcello, Grace FusilloLombardi, Anna Eliopoulos, Vivian Risi

BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE — VAUGHAN

A fierce and friendly bowling competition took place on March 6 at Splitsville Woodbridge, formerly known as Woodbridge Bowl, and it was for a great cause. Hosted

by A&B Courier Service Ltd. in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of York, the event raised an impressive $7,151 for the organization, which helps pair youths from different age groups with mentors who guide them to reach their full potential as individuals and as citizens. www.bbbsy.ca Left to right: Sarah Dame, president and CEO of BBBSY, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Vaughan-Woodbridge Liberal MP Francesco Sorbara, King-Vaughan Liberal MP Deb Schulte

Participants flocked to the Toronto Botanical Garden for the philanthropic workout, which raised over $54,000 for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

SPIN TO CONQUER CANCER — TORONTO

Spinning is a lot more enjoyable when you’re doing it in support of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC), and that is exactly what 80 participants did on March 5, when the hospital hosted the fun and philanthropic workout at the beautiful Toronto Botanical Garden.

Professional instructors from Toronto’s Rocket Cycle, Quad Spin and Vaughan’s Coach J Fitness Studio led three 45-minute sessions, and as a result, $54,332 was raised for PMCC. www.uhn.ca/princessmargaret

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As we segue into warmer weather, award-winning AquaSpa Pools & Royal Stone gear up to beautify Vaughan landscapes

AQUASPA POOLS AND ROYAL STONE LANDSCAPING & DESIGN — VAUGHAN

After an award-winning 2015, AquaSpa Pools and Royal Stone Landscaping & Design are gearing up for another busy season of creating awe-inspiring backyard oases in Vaughan and the GTA. Specializing in landscaping, swimming pools, interlocking stone and woodworking, these two outdoor service providers have the visionary landscape designers and experienced workers to create the backyard retreat of your dreams. Call today for a consultation. www.aquaspapools.ca • www.royalstone.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

VOTED VAUGHAN’S WORST VEGETARIAN * RESTAURANT *No vegetarians/herbivores were harmed in the making of this ad

www.XXIchophouse.com www.mycitylife.ca

info@XXIchophouse.com

905 893 CHOP (2467) April/May 2016

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© 2015 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved

WHAT’S YOUR SPIN ON SPRING?

T H E PA N D O R A S T O R E AT

VAUGHAN MILLS • PROMENADE MALL • SHERWAY GARDENS • MARKVILLE SHOPPING CENTRE 905.660.7400

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905.889.5656 Vaughan Mills • 905.669.8522 Bayview Village • 647.346.2176 Fairview Park • 519.894.4900 www.cupidodesigns.com April/May 2016

416.621.6643

905.477.9606 Vaughan Mills • 905.660.9993 Markville Shopping Centre • 905.477.1273 www.loro.ca www.mycitylife.ca