Home Fashions Spring 2018

1365 HANWELL ROAD, FREDERICTON NB

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

SPRING 2018

Jamie Oliver Recipes Renovation Spring Clean Laundry Room Renos

How to G et Coastal Style E ven if You Don’t L ive on the Coast

by Marnie Oursler

BY HOME FASHIONS

1365 Hanwell Road • 506-452-1116 • info@downeastelectric.ca

DOWNEASTELECTRIC.CA

Timeless Floors Ad 22 Durelle Street, Fredericton, N.B. • (506) 454-2988

www. ti melessfloors.ca

Fredericton’s Complete Home Renovation Solution

Let us help make your dream home a reality!

CARPENTRY MILLWORK HERITAGE

PUBLISHER Carle Publishing Inc. EDITOR Erika MacLeod GRAPHIC DESIGN Morgan Sinstadt Julie Robinson CONTENT COORDINATOR Stacey Cowperthwaite ADVERTISING (Local) Julie Robinson Jarred Dooley Dan Clark CONTRIBUTORS Alex Maness Jamie Oliver

Jonie Davis Gary Keller Jay Papasan Annie Sloan Dean Graziosi Melinda Myers Marnie Oursler Jarred Dooley Dan Clark Home Fashions Staff PHOTOGRAPHY All images sourced from Carle Publishing Inc., Home Fashions or iStock.ca unless otherwise identified.

Jamie Oliver Photo Credit: Jamie Oliver

The Home Fashions Magazine is published by Carle Publishing Inc. All content, copyright © 2018, Carle Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

This publication may not be reproduced, all or in part, without written consent from the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content in this publication, however, neither the publisher nor Home Fashions will be held responsible for omissions or errors.

Articles, reports and information contained herein reflect the views of the individuals who wrote or prepared them and do not necessarily represent the position of the publisher nor Home Fashions. The material herein is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing herein is to be considered the rendering of renovation advice for specific cases or circumstances.

Communication of any information contained herein does not constitute an contractor-client relationship, nor convey advice or recommendation of any kind. Do not rely on information contained herein to replace consultation with qualified industry leaders or other professionals in your jurisdiction.

Please address all editorial and advertising inquiries to Carle Publishing Inc., Email: erika@carlepublishing.com.

Carle Publishing Inc. is not held responsible for the loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited material (including but not limited to manuscripts, artwork, photographs and advertisements). Unsolicited material must be included with a self-addressed, overnight-delivery return envelope, postage prepaid.

Carle Publishing Inc. and Home Fashions will not give or rent your name, mailing address, or other contact information to third parties. Subscriptions are complimentary for qualified individuals.

1365 Hanwell Road • 506-452-1116

info@homefashionsgroup.ca

homefashionsgroup.ca

CARLE PUBLISHING (877) 719-8919 www.carlepublishing.com

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he goal for any company is to grow throughout its life. Kitchen Fashions started forty-two years ago as a small family business and has served the Fredericton and surrounding areas faithfully ever since. Over the years, the business has changed ownership several times, adapting and growing in each instance. In 2015, DJC Carpentry and Millwork joined with Kitchen Fashions, and we are happy to say we are not finished growing.

Home Fashions was conceived in the dream of being able to truly offer full home renovation services. With the addition of Down East Electric and Bathroom Fashions to our family of companies, we feel we can bring even more specialised and experienced knowledge to your home. We put great care and consideration into each staff member whom we hire, and work hard to keep our quality of workmanship at a level we can be proud of on each and every project we take on. We look forward to seeing the direction our company will take in future years.

We hope that as our company grows, so will this magazine.

In every issue, we strive to provide interesting and informative articles, recipes, home reno tips, and décor ideas.

We want to be another resource for homeowners who are creating their dream spaces. This is the first issue under the Home Fashions label, so let us know what you think. And if there are articles you’d like to see in future issues, please get in touch with us!

Sincerely, Dan Clark and Jarred Dooley homefashionsgroup.ca

CONTENTS 5 LETTER FROM THE OWNERS 6 INSPIRATION POINT 8 RENOVATION SPRING CLEAN 9 65 SIMPLE WAYS TO PRACTISE SELF-CARE 12 HEALTHIER EVERYDAY LIFE: JAMIE OLIVER 14 THREE WAYS TO FIND MORE TIME IN YOUR DAY 16 ANNIE SLOAN: PAINT YOUR GARDEN! 18 THE BETTER LIFE CHALLENGE: DEAN GRAZIOSI 20 GARDEN YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE 22 COVER STORY: MARNIE OURSLER 26 RENOVATION 101: WHERE TO START? 29 LAUNDRY ROOM RENOS

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I nspiration

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P oint

W

hen building a new home, deciding on its overall style can be one of the hardest challenges. There are so many options and opinions out there that it can be hard to sift through the noise and figure out what fits your unique wants, needs, and likes. Inspiration can strike anywhere. Sometimes it’s a small and subtle nudge, while other times, it hits you in the face and you suddenly know exactly what you want! This house was an example of the latter.

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The owners of this new build saw a picture of a kitchen in a magazine and fell in love with the style. Armed with the picture and their own blueprints, they met with one of our designers and began the process of creating their personal space based on their inspiration. This beautiful kitchen nestled in the New Brunswick woods overlooking a lake is the result.

The kitchen features a custom glass corner cabinet (No. 7), which was made in a contrasting cabinet style and stain colour to stand out from the rest of the kitchen.

Its glass sides and shelving allow the light from the windows to shine through while still showing off valued collectibles.

With “mocha-stained” hickory cabinets, three different types of countertops (No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4), a bar area, minimal upper cabinets, and a layout that includes two islands, the space is modern, cozy, and bright. The design is unique, functional, and enhances the beauty of the exterior lake view. From top to bottom, this kitchen exudes modern style and is the perfect place to cook a cozy family meal or entertain a party for dozens.

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DESIGN DETAILS 1. Two Island open concept layout 2. Hand-milled Torrefied-Maple butcher block and raised table

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3. Island top in Dekton “Entzo” 4. LG Hi-Macs Acrylic in “Terni” countertops in remainder of kitchen, including three waterfall sides 5. Hickory wood cabinets stained in “Mocha” and “Grey Wolf” 6. Amerock hardware in “Graphite” finish 7. Custom cabinet with glass sides and shelving in framed inset construction and stained in “Grey Wolf” 8. Bar area with full-height pantry and bar fridge 9. Wire mesh details in doors on the back of one island

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Renovation Spring Clean

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3. For the things that

f you’re planning a home renovation project, there is no better time than now to do a deep purge of the things that are getting in your way.

you don’t use daily but wish to keep or only need for special occasions: perhaps you can include a display area or extra cupboard in your renovation plans that’s designated for things such as serving platters or those “guest only” towels.

Before you can begin any renovation project, you’ll need to empty the space. This is a great time to organize and sort. If you tackle this in several stages, you will find it’s easier than you think. When the renovation is complete, and you’re ready to bring things back into the space, everything you’ve kept will have both a purpose and a place.

Here’s the easiest way to declutter any space in your home: 1. Don’t try to do everything at once. Break the decluttering job down into small increments. Tackle one cabinet or corner at a time. If you know your renovation project will begin next month, use the next four weeks to declutter a little bit each day.

4. Once you have

decided what will stay, place the items in boxes and label the containers carefully so you’ll know what’s inside each during the renovation. This will also make it easier to put the items in the new space once the job is done.

2. Thorough decluttering of any space is best done in three steps:

• First, get rid of any obvious trash, such as empty food packages, broken small appliances, or cracked dishes that no longer serve a purpose.

• Decide what things you no longer use or have too

many of. Think about donating these items to others who can make use of them or selling them to earn a little extra towards your “reno.”

5. This is also a great

time to clean things such as small appliances that may have a build-up of grease and grime. Wipe down objects before they’re put into storage. When you bring them back into the space, they will be ready to use in your newly renovated living space.

• Find other places in your home for things that you want to keep but would make more sense in another part of your home.

6. If you plan to remain at home during a renovation, you

may want to set up a temporary area in another part of the home to replace the area you are losing access to. Keep essential items together so you will have easy access to the items you need.

Taking these steps before your home renovation project begins will save you time and headaches in the long run. You will be glad you took the time to declutter to ensure only those items that you love and that serve a purpose end up coming back to your clean, beautiful, and functional new space.

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65 Simple Ways to Practise Self-Care Right Now (For Free)

by Jonnie Davis, Editor of blysee.com

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ow often do you forgot to take care of yourself; whether it’s taking an extra-long lunch break or indulging in your favourite dessert? We all need to take time to slow down and care for ourselves. It is not always easy when we are taking care of others and working hard to get everything done. When we forget to take care of ourselves, we often find ourselves exhausted, irritable, and it becomes hard for us to be there for the people we love.

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When I was in school I was constantly running myself ragged trying to keep up with my heavy course load, and my social life. I was always focused on my goals and the outrageous expectations I had set for myself. I forgot to take care of myself and ended up in the hospital on account of dehydration and exhaustion. My aching muscles were a huge reminder that I wasn’t showing myself enough love and attention.

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Self-care is a necessity; it’s not at all selfish. Don’t feel guilty for saying no to an invitation or a request when you need to take time out for yourself. You can’t truly be there for others if you are in a mental fog yourself. When you take good care of yourself, you are more likely to approach things with a clear head. The best thing you can do for your mind, body, and soul is to take a break and show yourself some love “There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by my self.”

-Brian Andreas HERE ARE IDEAS OF WHAT YOU CAN DO TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF: 1. Burn your favourite scented candle.

2. Take a long hot bath.

3. Go for a walk in your favourite park.

4. Make a gratitude list; write down everything you are thankful for.

5. Bake your favourite dessert.

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6. Give yourself a mani/pedi.

7. Buy the full size of your favourite perfume.

8. Buy yourself some fresh flowers.

9. TREAT YOURSELF TO A FACIAL. 10. Do a digital detox. No electronics for a whole day.

11. Declutter your space.

12. Wear a high SPF sunscreen.

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13. Don’t put yourself down.

14. Forgive others.

15. Get rid of toxic people.

16. Go on an intense uphill hike and appreciate the view at the top.

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34. Help someone with a small task. Open a door, carry a bag.

35. Get dressed up and take yourself on a date.

36. Splurge a little.

37. Check in with your emotions.

38. Get positive feedback, ask four friends to tell you what they love about you.

39. Inhale your favourite smell.

40. Make a small healthy change in your diet; add something green, drink twice the amount of water.

41. Go dancing.

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42. LAUGH IT OUT WITH YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON. 43. Do something selfish. Do one thing just for you.

44. Avoid triggers.

45. Put on clean fresh pj’s and climb into bed.

46. DIFFUSE YOUR FAVOURITE ESSENTIAL OILS. 47. Stretch or get into a yoga class.

48. Have a picnic in the park.

17. Practise mindfulness.

49. Do some drawing or writing.

18. Listen to your favourite playlist.

50. Work toward something that inspires you.

19. Get outside in the sun.

51. Have your significant other give you a massage.

20. Go on a lunch date with your grandmother.

52. Watch a stand-up comedy.

21. Take your mom to dinner. (This one is not so free, but totally worth it)

53. Call someone you love.

22. Binge watch your favourite Netflix show.

23. Invite your best friend over for wine and cooking.

24. Do something that brings you joy.

54. Recite positive affirmations.

55. Try a healthy new recipe.

56. Make a vision board.

25. GO TO AN ART MUSEUM.

57. Get up really early, climb the nearest hill and watch the sunrise.

26. Find some live music to listen to on a night out.

58. Write a love letter to yourself.

27. Sleep in for a couple of hours on the weekend.

59. HAVE A HOT CUP OF TEA.

28. Spend the whole day with your pet.

60. Surround yourself with amazing people.

29. Learn a new skill.

61. Learn how to say no.

30. Plan a weekend getaway.

62. Check in with yourself regularly.

31. Read your favourite book.

63. Gift your inner child.

32. Meditate.

64. Create a safe place.

33. Do something out of your comfort zone.

65. Reflect on your accomplishments.

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blysee.com

RECIPES FOR A HEALTHIER EVERYDAY LIFE A RECIPE FROM JAMIE OLIVER CREDIT: Super Food Family Classics by Jamie Oliver is published by Penguin Random House © Jamie Oliver Enterprises Limited (2016 Super Food Family Classics) Photographer: Jamie Oliver

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SPAGHETTI CAKE SWEET AUBERGINE & TOMATO The bonus of choosing wholemeal spaghetti over white is that it can contain more than double the amount of fibre, as well as lots of B vitamins, which keep our metabolic systems healthy.

Serves 4 Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes 1 large aubergine (350g) 300g dried wholewheat spaghetti olive oil 4 sprigs of fresh oregano 2 red onions ½–1 fresh red chilli 1 x 400g tin of plum tomatoes 300g cottage cheese 2 large free-range eggs 30g Parmesan cheese 1 lemon 70g rocket 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ gas 4. Place the whole aubergine in a large pan of boiling salted water. Sit something on top, like a colander, so the aubergine stays submerged, cook for 15 minutes, then remove to a board. Add the spaghetti to the water and cook according to the

packet instructions, then drain and place in a large bowl to cool.

Meanwhile, roughly chop the aubergine about 1cm thick. Place a deep 26cm non-stick ovenproof frying pan on a medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil and the aubergine, then pick in the oregano leaves. Peel the onions, then finely slice with the chilli and add to the pan. Cook for 15 minutes, or until golden and gnarly, stirring regularly. Pour in the tinned tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon, then just under half-fill the tin with water, swirl around and pour into the pan. Bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until thick.

Taste and season to perfection.

CALORIES - 496KCAL

CARBS - 66.2G

FAT - 15.7G

SUGAR -15G

SAT FAT - 5.8G

SALT - 0.9G

PROTEIN - 26.7G

FIBRE - 8.7G

3 PORTIONS OF VEGETABLES & FRUITS

Pour the tomato sauce over the spaghetti, add the cottage cheese, crack in the eggs, finely grate in most of the Parmesan, then mix together really well. Pour the spaghetti mixture back into the pan, pushing it into an even layer and packing it up at the sides. Get it going over a medium heat on the hob for 2 minutes, then bake on the bottom of the oven for 40 minutes, or until golden all over.

Bang out on to a board, grate over the remaining Parmesan, and serve with lemon-dressed rocket and a drizzle of balsamic.

GET AHEAD

MAKE THIS EARLIER IN THE DAY AND SIMPLY KEEP IN THE FRIDGE UNTIL YOU’RE READY TO BAKE.

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THREE

WAYS

TO FIND MORE TIME IN YOUR DAY

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ime is our most precious resource and we all need to be intentional about how we spend it. It’s too easy with all the devices, social media and constant streams of information to fall victim to time-wasting traps that prevent us from accomplishing our most important work.

If you’re not a natural time management pro, don’t worry. Time management is a learned skill, not a born talent. Here are three easy ways you can identify or manage the worst time-wasters in your life and win back precious time throughout your day.

1. PLAN AND PRIORITIZE. When you know you’ve got a busy day (or week) ahead of you, it’s important to have a clear plan for what you need to achieve. Not only does a plan keep you focused and on track, but getting it all down paper can remove the sense of being overwhelmed or not knowing where to start. This is why we recommend time-blocking, and using your 66-Day Calendar to map the most important things to focus on.

On Friday afternoons or Sundays, sit down and think about your big goals for this year. What do you want to achieve,

both personally and professionally? With those longer-term goals in mind, you can work backwards to figure out what you need to do this month to get there, and then what you need to do in the next week. Once you’ve identified the three ‘Big Rocks’ for the week ahead, you can plan out your schedule (and you can use this system to develop a routine that will work for your specific situation).

2. WORKING? WORK. RESTING? REST. It happens to the best of us: we’re in the middle of a scheduled work block, and then, barely even registering that we’re doing it, we click open a new tab to check in on Facebook or email. We open the news, Twitter or forums that we like, compulsively refreshing them — and losing our focus on the work we were doing.

Once you’ve identified the traps you usually fall into, you can take preventative measures to keep yourself out of them.

Put your phone away during work hours so you’re not tempted to check it and utilize programs like Cold Turkey that will block distracting websites from your computer for as long

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as you need to get work done. Build your Bunker, collecting everything you will need (snacks, water, work resources) to stick at your scheduled task as long as you need to.

that short time, host Ray Sidney-Smith is able to pack in plenty of information on aspects of productivity like dealing with burnout, finding your focus, tackling procrastination and overcoming creative obstacles.

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t take breaks. You definitely should — breaks are critically important to our long-term productivity. The longer you work on something, the less mental resources you have to give it.

We all struggle to make time for the things that are important to us. But with a little planning and conscious prioritization, we can maximize the time we’re given. The key is to be intentional about the ways we spend our days. If you make it your goal to be present and mindful, you’ll find yourself making choices that will benefit your future self instead of opting for the instant gratification of time-wasting.

Entrepreneur Magazine’s The Secret to Increased Productivity: Taking Time Off, notes that “one study found that mental fatigue takes hold after three hours of continuous time on-task; other scientists say brains need a break after 90 minutes, the length of the “basic rest-activity cycle.” You can also use systems like the Pomodoro Method, in which you take a short break after 25-30 minute work intervals.

Want to get better at prioritizing your time and being more productive? Turn your to-do list into a success list with the 411 worksheet. This simple template for weekly, monthly and annual planning turns your ONE Thing intentions into actions. (www.the1thing.com/resources/your-411/)

Just make sure that your breaks are scheduled and intentional, rather than distractions.

There’s a big difference between a strategic, healthy break and the kind where you just scroll through your phone for half an hour. It’s important that your brain actually gets a break!

Use your break time to clear your mind and do something for your physical health. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air by taking a walk around your neighborhood or through a local park. Spending 10 to 15 minutes meditating or journaling can be another good way to refresh your mind.

These healthy breaks can help you get your most important work done effectively, leaving you with enough energy to handle your smaller tasks and anything that comes up unscheduled.

3. BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS A big part of our schedules depend on outside circumstances running smoothly. However, things don’t always go according to plan. Public transportation runs behind schedule; we get stuck in traffic; we end up in waiting rooms; or our friends are late to meet us. A good way to ensure this time isn’t wasted is to be prepared.

Gary Keller is the founder and chairman of the board for Keller Williams Realty, the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count.

A finalist for Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year award, Keller is recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the real estate industry, leading his company to 30 consecutive years of growth and profitability.

Keller has written three nationally bestselling books: The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, and SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times.

As a coach and keynote speaker, he has helped countless others find success narrowing down their ONE thing.

Unsurprising to those who know him, his greatest achievement is the life he’s built with wife Mary and their son John.

Carry a book or your Kindle with you just in case you have to wait.

Before Jay Papasan co-authored the bestselling Millionaire Real Estate series with Gary Keller, he worked as an editor at Harper Collins Publishers.

There he worked on such bestselling books as Body-for-Life by Bill Phillips and Go for the Goal

by Mia Hamm. Jay also co-owns a successful real estate team affiliated with Keller Williams Realty with his wife Wendy in Austin, TX.

If you prefer audio to the written word, there are plenty of podcasts you can listen to so you can learn something new and improve yourself while you wait.

We talk about our top 10 productivity podcasts in this article, but here are a few more we love: • Extreme Productivity with Kevin Kruse: Kevin Kruse is a New York Times bestselling author who has interviewed highly successful people such as athletes, billionaires, and CEOs. Each episode of his podcast is only 15 minutes long, which makes them ideal for filling in delays.

• The Productivityist Podcast: This podcast by Mike Vardy is full of tips for boosting your productivity in new and innovative ways. He touches on topics such as minimalism, mindfulness, journaling, wellness, and much more.

• ProdPod: There’s no excuse for missing out on this podcast – each episode is only two minutes long. In

The ONE Thing Blog. (“3 Ways to Find More Time in Your Day”).

Retrieved from (https://www.the1thing.com/the-one-thing/3ways-to-find-more-time-in-your-day/). Based on the book The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, Bard Press, 2013.

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PAINT YOUR GARDEN! with Annie Sloan

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id you know that you can use Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan in the garden? You can transform your garden furniture, pots, garden walls and fences simply with one coat of Chalk Paint™. Suitable for all metal and wooden garden furniture and accessories (except teak) and also concrete, matt plastic and terracotta, just leave it to harden overnight and then wipe it down with a damp cloth before exposing it to rain. No need to wax.

priced at approximately $14.99 (regional price variations and shipping charges apply). It can be purchased exclusively from over 60 Annie Sloan stockists in Canada and online. For a full list of locations, please visit www.anniesloan.com.

PROPERTIES OF CHALK PAINT™

The Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paint range marks its 27th anniversary this year. It comprises 35 decorative and historic colours, which combine well to provide an even larger colour palette, making it easy to find just the right shade. Chalk Paint™ offers the simple way to transform furniture, walls and floors and absolutely anyone can achieve great results – from the novice to the experienced upcycler. The Chalk Paint™ formula offers excellent coverage, with only one coat often needed for a great finish, and it even covers minor flaws effortlessly.

1. Ivy Metal Bench – painted in a mix of Original and Graphite; striped cushion – Paris Noir fabric by Annie Sloan.

2. Wood & Metal Bench – wood painted in Louis Blue and sanded back to reveal the wood; metal work painted in Old White.

3. Rattan Chair – back painted in Greek Blue, seat painted in Greek Blue and Old White stripes; cushion – Faded Roses in Duck Egg Blue fabric by Annie Sloan.

4. Chandelier – painted in a mix of Greek Blue and Emperor’s Silk, other details painted in Paloma, Old Violet and Emile.

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it can be used all over the house and garden – Chalk Paint™ adheres to numerous surfaces including: wood, concrete, metal, brass, plastic, glass, brick, stone, terracotta and even fabric

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it can be used without preparation – due to its strong sticking power and dense consistency, no priming or sanding is necessary – no removing of old paint, varnish or wax is required – you can paint straight over nearly all existing surfaces

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it dries quickly – with a beautiful velvety matt finish

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it produces extensive coverage – the highly concentrated formula covers approximately 13 square metres per litre, equivalent to a small dresser and one coat is usually sufficient

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it allows you to create your own colours – no mixing is required before use, but you can easily mix two or more Chalk Paint™ colours to create your own shade

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it allows you to achieve paint effects simply – ie dilute Chalk Paint™ with water to make a wash to feature a wood grain; thicken it overnight – by leaving the lid off – to create a chippy look; distress it with fine sandpaper or add Annie Sloan Dark Wax to change the depth of colour

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brushes wash out easily – simply with water

5. Metal Chair – painted in English Yellow; cushion – Paris Noir fabric by Annie Sloan.

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6. & 9 - Ladder – painted overall in a wash using Old White, then individual steps painted in Duck Egg Blue, Louis Blue, Burgundy, Provence, Greek Blue, Arles, Olive and Scandinavian Pink.

it is durable – and works well with Clear Annie Sloan Soft Wax to seal furniture, walls and floors, or other painting projects around the house and garden

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it has eco credentials – Chalk Paint™ is water-based and non-toxic. It is lead free, EG free and virtually odour free. It is naturally low in VOCs making it ideal for those who are sensitive to traditional paints.

7. Metal Table – painted in Old White.

8. Watering Cans – left – painted in Duck Egg Blue; right – painted in Country Grey

Annie Sloan developed her unique range of decorative paint, Chalk Paint™ in 1990, drawing on years of experience in the field of decorative paints and colour.

Annie has now written 26 books on traditional paints, colours and techniques, which have led to total sales approaching three million books worldwide, printed in 11 languages.

10. Wooden Chair – painted in wash using Graphite; Terracotta Pot painted in Emperor’s Silk.

Absolutely anyone can achieve great results with Annie Sloan’s paints – from the novice to the experienced upcycler.

The properties of this unique formula are as follows: ABOUT CHALK PAINT™ DECORATIVE PAINT BY ANNIE SLOAN Chalk Paint™ comes in quart cans (946ml), priced at approximately $45.00 and in 4 oz. (100ml) sample pots,

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The Better Life

CHALLENGE with Dean Graziosi

« My hope is that each challenge turns into a new ritual and eventually becomes part of a new habit. »

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he Better Life Challenge, a 30 day challenge in which each day you watch a short video and implement one new habit that can transform your life, is a passion and drive for me because I know people need to make changes in their lives. I know people need successful habits and rituals that allow them to reach that next level of life, to maximize their full potential. I think one of the biggest plights of our society is that people are walking around knowing they could do more, knowing they have more potential, but are staying with the status quo because that’s all they think they can achieve.

We only need to shift our lives a fraction of an inch, but over time, doing that can change our lives. For instance, if we eat too much today, we’re not overweight tomorrow.

But eat too much every day for months and months and months and we will eventually be overweight.

Spend too much money today, you might not be broke tomorrow, but you might be broke in six months or a year. What if you implement one tiny success habit today? Will you be rich, successful, and happy tomorrow?

Of course not, but over time, you’re shifting the way you think, you’re shifting your routines, you’re shifting your actions. And that’s where true success is made.

I think when people can tap into being their best selves, to using all the gas in their tank, it doesn’t matter where their wealth goes, it doesn’t matter what heights they hit. What matters is they know they’re using all they have. That is when people start companies or take their companies to new levels. They take their intimate and family relationships, they take their passions, their health, their abundance, and their joy to a whole other level because they have so much more to give. I’m always looking for ways to ethically bribe people to shift their habits, to try new success rituals that can make an impact on their lives.

People want to jump into business. They acquire all the tactical skills they need on how to run a business or they have a product or a service they know people need, but no one takes the time to build the grit, to build the foundation for success. And The Better Life Challenge was just a way for me to hack into people’s crazy, busy lives and insert the habits that have allowed me to create sustainable wealth and success in my life.

Today we live in a world where people are becoming more shallow due to social media, Instagram, Facebook, text messages, emails, and our everpresent phones. People have so many distractions these days that they are approaching things in a superficial manner but still hoping for success.

The Better Life Challenge was my idea of a way to give people small daily challenges that they can do in minutes just by watching a short video. My hope is that each challenge turns into a new ritual and eventually becomes part of a new habit. If even three or five of the 30 daily rituals stick in someone’s life, it will make a shift. It’s like hitting a golf ball, right? If you don’t hit it on the sweet spot, the ball goes in a completely different direction from where you wanted it to go.

I think The Better Life Challenge could truly be one of the greatest challenges ever created. And we even “game-ified” it to give people incentives to go through it, to ethically bribe them to finish. People get points for completing the tasks, they get points for sharing the tasks on social media and they get points for getting friends and family to take the challenges with them. All of a sudden, a group dynamic happens. And you have the ability to win great prizes each month. I’m also giving away my Tesla to the grand winner. And then I’ll come up with another great prize to motivate people to take action.

I think if you’re going to be in business – and I’m in the business of helping people become successful – you do whatever it takes to get people to take action. The best wisdom in the world that is sitting on the shelf unread is no wisdom at all. Action outdoes perfection every time.

Dean Robert Graziosi is a well-known American entrepreneur, marketer, success coach, business owner, real estate investor, and leading trainer throughout the world. He has appeared daily on American TV for nearly 15 years and is highly respected as a top businessman, entrepreneur, multiple New York Times best-selling author and Inspirational speaker. Graziosi is perhaps best known for his long running interview style TV shows and for becoming the leading real estate educator in the world. He has reached viewers in America and around the world who number in the millions. He has written five books which have dominated the success, business, and real estate book sales space since 2006, with his best-selling book amassing over 1,000,000 copies sold.

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GARDEN YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

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WITH MELINDA MYERS

educe your stress, lower your blood pressure, improve your mood and save money while working on your green thumb. Research shows gardening can do all this and more.

Gardening can help you lose weight, tone your muscles and increase flexibility.

Improve your fitness. Burn calories and increase muscle tone and flexibility.

The arthritis foundation encourages movement and gardening is one great way.

schedules it’s a great way to combine a visit with improving your landscape.

Make it an event. A plant swap, weeding round robin or garden tour makes gardening fun and lightens everyone’s work load as you help each other with planning, planting and weeding. And be sure to include some light refreshments, table decorations and recipes using your homegrown produce.

And don’t worry if your skills and space are limited. Everyone can increase the beauty in their environment whether just a balcony or several acres, without a big increase in their budget.

Include some herbs. Add flavor to your meals and fun to your dining experience.

Have friends pluck fresh mint to flavor their ice tea or mojito. And grow some lovage. The celery flavor and hollow stems make this the perfect straw for your tomato juice or Bloody Mary.

Start small. This is especially true if you’re new to gardening. It is better to build for the future than become overwhelmed and give up gardening. And seasoned gardeners can look for new ways to increase their satisfaction and fun.

Grow some fruits and vegetables. Not only can you save money on your grocery bill, but you can’t beat the flavor or nutritional content of fresh-fromyour-garden produce. And you control the chemicals used on your plants.

Convert underutilized and overlooked areas into beautiful spaces used as small outdoor living spaces, entertainment areas or a quiet getaway. Container gardens, green walls and window boxes add planting space to once unplantable areas.

Mix it up a bit. Add flowers to your edible containers to create an attractive display.

Add bulbs to your perennial plantings to increase the flower power and reduce your workload. The perennial foliage will mask the unsightly fading leaves of the bulbs. And don’t hesitate to include a few annuals with your perennials.

They provide continuous bloom while temporarily filling in space by new plantings or voids in established gardens.

Brighten the indoors. Everyone, especially those with no access to the outdoors, should consider windowsill gardens and planters filled with herbs, greens and houseplants. Not only will they feed your gardening desires and add life to your décor, they’ll also help cleanse the air, removing harmful volatile organic compounds.

Share with a friend. Find friends and family members that share your love for or budding interest in gardening.

Experienced gardeners will swap advice and plants, while new gardeners can benefit from others experience and new perspective. And with everyone’s busy

Make it convenient. If your garden tools and gloves are handy, you are more likely to take a few minutes to weed or deadhead your garden. Spending ten or fifteen minutes every day in your garden, not only keeps it looking good, it improves your mood and lowers your blood pressure.

And most importantly, relax and have fun.

For more gardening information visit www.melindamyers.com

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Melinda Myers has written over twenty gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses How to Grow Anything DVD Series, including Food Gardening For Everyone (thegreatcourses.com/ courses/how-to-grow-anythingfood-gardening-for-everyone.html), and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Melinda is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms Magazine.Visit melindamyers. com for more of her tips on gardening and landscaping.

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Marnie Oursler

HOW TO GET COASTAL STYLE EVEN IF YOU DON’T LIVE ON THE COAST

WWW.MARNIEOURSLER.COM

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each homes have an unmistakable vibe - light, airy, casual, yet tailored, and always warm and welcoming.

It’s this very aura that first attracted me to beach living, and it’s the starting point for every home I design and build for my clients. But not everyone lives on or near the beach. In fact, according to the NOAA, in 2010, only 39 percent of the U.S. population lived in counties directly on the shoreline. But that doesn’t mean that the remaining 61 percent that don’t live at the shore can’t get that same beach feeling in their home. Coastal interiors are about so much more than seashells and boat decor and below, I’ve shared how you can capture the essence of the beach in your home, wherever your home may be.

colors of sea and sky - mostly blues, but also lighter colors, like the pastels of an ocean sunrise. This helps tie what’s inside to what’s outside. Think about the colors where you live. If you’re surrounded by forest, incorporate deep greens and earthy browns. If you live in the desert, try clay reds, burnt oranges, and dusty pinks. Mother Nature creates her own palettes, and they never disappoint!

TAILORED YET CASUAL FURNITURE

A WHITE PALETTE White is the color of airiness, breeziness and casualness. It’s the color of seagulls and ocean foam and fluffy summer clouds.

White is also the perfect backdrop for peace and tranquility.

It’s no wonder, then, that it’s perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beach home interiors. Take a cue from the coast and try your hand at an all-white space.

Just remember to incorporate different shades and plenty of texture to keep it from looking sterile. Creamy whites with yellow or red undertones, paired with brass and copper, create a warm feeling. For a cooler space, whites with blue or purple undertones and accents of silver and chrome work best.

NATURAL TEXTURES Texture is important in any room, but in the light, often all-white palettes of the coast, texture takes on a much more significant role. Here at the beach, natural textures take the form of driftwood, rope, seagrass, linen and rattan, to name a few. To bring natural texture to your home, try classics like weathered wood, jute, and wicker, or find inspiration in the landscape where you live.

COLORS OF MOTHER NATURE American Coastal style homes are often accented with the

Life at the beach - with all that sand and water - can get messy, which is why slipcovered furniture is a coastal home staple.

The result is a casual, yet tailored vibe that creates an inviting space that still feels buttoned up. Slipcovers are especially great for anyone who lives with kids or pets. If slipcovers aren't your thing, create the same feeling by choosing comfortable furniture with clean, simple lines in unfussy textiles.

WALL PANELING AND MOLDING Anyone who has seen a Marnie Custom Homes build knows that I love wall paneling and molding (my love started with my maternal grandfather, who was, among other things, a master carpenter). But I’m not alone - these elements are beach house go-tos and for good reason: they add visual interest, texture and a feeling of customization to any space. And the best part? These details go in just about any home style in any location. Some of my favorites are beadboard, shiplap and crown molding over doors and windows. If you want to test the waters, start with something small, like a chair rail in a powder room. It’s a simple DIY that will have a major impact on your space.

THOUGHTFUL LIGHTING, HARDWARE, & FIXTURES Here at the shore, we tend to opt for maritime-inspired lighting and hardware, like lantern sconces and boat cleats as cabinet pulls. These little, thoughtful details give our homes a sense of place, without whacking you over the head with it. Think about what makes sense for where you live,

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and incorporate fixtures, lighting and hardware that are a nod to whatever that pastime or geographical feature may be. For example, a cabin in the woods would be a perfect place for an antler- or twig-inspired chandelier, or a city apartment could incorporate industrial faucets and lighting.

ABUNDANT LIGHT Coastal interiors are all about light, bright spaces and embracing natural light wherever possible. That’s why we have windows, skylights and glass doors everywhere, including hallways, stairwells and showers. Natural light is flattering in any space, and can even improve your mood. If adding natural light isn’t an option for you, use artificial lighting to create a similar effect. Make sure each room has the three types of lighting: ambient (or general), task and accent (or mood).

Install dimmers so you can adjust brightness as needed.

PITCHED CEILINGS Remember way back at the beginning of this post when I said coastal homes are all about airy spaces? One of the most surefire ways to create that feeling is with pitched (also called vaulted or cathedral) ceilings. Not only does this architectural feature literally create more space in your home, but it also draws the eye up, making the room look as large as it feels. When I build pitched ceilings, I like to dress them up with beams, exposed trusses, shiplap, or other details. Get this same feeling where you live by opening up your ceilings. Older homes often have beautiful beams that can be exposed, or you might be able to open a top floor to the rafters to create a sense of grandeur. Just make sure your home is still properly insulated.

shores each day, why not use some of them as decor? To avoid looking too cliché and theme-y, we use these finds only as accents. Do the same where you live. Make nature walks a new family habit (or a solo activity) and then display the best of what you find. Use larger objects on coffee tables or atop a stack of books, and create groupings or collections of smaller ones on a shelf or in a bowl, glass cloche or other vessel.

OPEN & UNCLUTTERED SPACES

INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING

Building a home from the ground up means I can design the layout, and at the beach, the number one request is an open floor plan. Homes here are built for entertaining and enjoying family and friends, and open concept spaces are the most conducive to doing so. If you can remove some nonload bearing walls, go for it! If that’s not an option, or if you prefer separate spaces, get a similar feeling by decluttering. The beach vibe is all about light and breezy, and there’s nothing light or breezy about a space full of unnecessary objects.

Coastal dwellers live where they do because they love the ocean, and they want to enjoy it as much as possible. That’s why homes here have tricked out backyards, multiple decks and porches galore to create true indoor-outdoor living. But the ocean isn’t the only outdoor scenery worth savoring. Whether you have mountains, lakes, deserts, fields or the urban jungle outside your door, create your own space where you can appreciate it.

From a poolside paradise to a tiny city fire escape, there are few problems that can’t be alleviated with a breath of fresh air.

EASY CARE FLOORS The same reasons that beach people love their slipcovers also apply to our floors - all that time spent in the sand and surf, entertaining loved ones, and just living in our spaces can wreak havoc on the floors. That’s why we opt for easyto-clean and low-maintenance flooring like hardwood and tile in high-traffic living areas. Bring this same laid back vibe to your home by selecting flooring that doesn’t require you to walk around on eggshells. After all, it’s not just sand and water that destroy flooring - it’s children, pets, and just life in general! Want the best of both worlds? Install woodlook tile for the feeling of wood with the easy care of tile.

With love from the beach,

FOUND OBJECTS

Marnie Oursler has been nationally recognized by as Professional Builder Magazine’s “40 Under 40” – a recognition of entrepreneurs to watch in the building industry – and received one of the world’s most distinguished business honors, the Gold Stevie® Award as Entrepreneur of the Year for Women in Business. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Cross Continent MBA program at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Beachcombing is pretty much a prerequisite for coastal living. With so many beautiful treasures washing up on our

Marnie stars Big Beach Builds, DIY Network, airing Monday nights at 9:00 PM EST and 9:30 PM EST.

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1365 Hanwell Road • 506-452-1116 • i n f o @ k i t c h e n f a s h i o n s . c a

KITCHENFASHIONS.CA

Renovation 101: Where to start?

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YOU WANT TO RENOVATE, BUT WHERE DO YOU START? All renovation projects should start with knowing your budget.

Understanding how much you have to spend will allow you to decide the extent of the project you want to tackle and what materials you can afford to invest in.

Do you need financing? This can determine which renovation company you hire. Some renovation companies offer financing while others don’t. Do you qualify for a home-improvement loan from your bank, and if so, how much?

If your budget is minimal, you can get a great bang for your buck by doing a room facelift instead of a full renovation.

Things such as painting walls, changing countertops and backsplashes, new hardware, and re-facing cabinets can make a huge impact on your space. If you have a larger budget, you might want to do a complete renovation of your space.

5. Next you can work with your designer or contractor to

determine what materials fit into your renovation budget.

If some materials are outside of your price range, then you can work with the contractor to come up with options to ensure they can still be incorporated while not exceeding your budget.

6. Kitchen and bathroom renovations can be some of the

most expensive. That’s why it’s helpful to work with a professional to understand how cabinetry and plumbing will fit best in a space.

7. If you are simply making cosmetic changes rather than

structural ones, you may not want or need to hire a designer if you know exactly what you want your space to look like. If you have no idea where to begin, hiring a designer might work to your advantage.

KNOW WHAT RENOVATION COMPANIES ARE AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA Once you know how much you have to spend, you’ll want to compile a list of home renovation companies in your area. Get recommendations from family, friends, and acquaintances who have had work done that they have been happy with. Narrow that list down to several companies you think you want to work with.

KNOW YOUR STYLE PREFERENCES

1. Do your research to know what styles appeal to you. There are many home décor magazines, and online social media sites such as Pinterest, that have thousands of images of home décor which can give you plenty of examples. Use these to create a vision board of what your ideal new room redesign will look like. What colours do you like? What countertops, backsplashes, and flooring do you prefer?

2. These home décor media can also help you learn

renovation terminology. You will be better prepared to discuss design and material options with vendors and contractors.

3. Start small with just one choice. Once you know how you

would like one of the larger design aspects to look, then start with that. Maybe you know you want white and navy cabinets in your kitchen. Choose those shades and use samples of those colours to help guide other design choices, such as wall colour, flooring, trim, etc.

4. Look at the rest of your home for style guidance. If you

own an older home built in an ornate Victorian style and you aren’t planning on renovating the whole home, maybe adding a midcentury modern-style bathroom isn’t the best choice.

Tips When Getting Quotes 1. Knowing your budget and your design preferences ahead of time will help you to understand a project’s costs when you receive a quote.

2. Get quotes from several companies. If there are huge differences in quote prices, find out why. Are companies quoting you on the costs of the same materials?

For example, custom-made, high-end cabinetry will cost significantly more than prefabricated ones from a big-box store; hardwood floors will cost more than vinyl; and stone countertops will cost more than laminate.

3. Also keep in mind that sometimes the level of service a company can offer will affect their price. A company that is slightly more expensive may provide better customer service with employees like project managers.

4. Get it in writing. Always ensure you have a written contract to ensure you and the contractor know what is expected. This helps you to know what exactly is covered and what isn’t in your quoted price.

C leaning Colours 1

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Hardware: Richelieu crystal knobs (BP403514011) Cabinets: Birch, painted in “Seafoam” lacquer Tile: “Monte Sargo” Europa Geo Thin mosaic tile Countertops: “White Diamond” Silestone quartz Floor: “Hickory Usonian” Era Design Collection from Appalachian Flooring.

We love a clean white laundry room as much as the next person, but sometimes it’s nice to change things up and add a little more colour! Here are a few inspiration palettes for a laundry room with some personality!

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Hardware: Rocheleau – POI-MK11.3777.38 Cabinets: Birch, “Midnight” spray stain Countertops: “Frozen Terra” Caesarstone quartz Floor: “Lattice Elderberry” Mannington fibre floor

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4 Hardware: Richelieu, metal “Matte Black” pull (BP7226128900) Cabinets: Walnut stained in “Coffee Bean” Tile: “Blanco” textured glossy Masia subway tile from Centura Tile Countertops: “White Macaubas” Sensa natural stone Floor: “Fossil AR402” Mannington Adura luxury vinyl tile flooring

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Hardware: Rocheleau – POI-R7254-160-BNL Cabinets: Birch, painted in “Classic Grey” lacquer Tile: “Charcoal Bottle Glass” Centura Tile Countertops: “Sterling Grey” Hanstone quartz Floor: “Deco Steel” Mannington fibre floor

6 tips for Laundry Room Renos 1. When thinking about fun and exciting places in

your home, one of the last places that comes to mind is the laundry room. However, good design is important to make sure the space is functional for your needs and that time spent there is more enjoyable! There are certain elements that can help make laundering time much easier.

2. The biggest issue in most laundry rooms is storage

and organisation, or rather the lack thereof. Many things seem to make their way into the laundry room and need somewhere to live, or else the space begins to look cluttered and messy. Having space for things like detergent, softener, dryer sheets, and single socks is essential. If there is room, tall pantries or kitchen-style upper and lower cabinets can hide everything behind closed doors. However, if there is no floor space, then consider putting open shelving above the washer and dryer and using wicker baskets or clear canisters to keep items organised and looking good.

3. Counter space is great in a laundry room. It makes folding clothes and laying items flat to dry much easier. If your space cannot handle a conventional countertop, think about using a moveable kitchen island which will give you both extra countertop space and storage.

4. Having a spot that looks great will help you want

to spend time there. Choose a colour palette that reminds you of crisp, clean laundry, such as bright white, soft blues, mellow yellows, and fresh greens.

Adding a few accessories creates some interest and whimsy in the room, such as a seagrass mat and wicker baskets.

5. To ensure no stain goes unnoticed, make sure the space has adequate lighting so you can see what you’re doing.

6. Make sure to leave some space for items that need

to hang dry. If just a small space is required to hang, try installing a larger version of a bathroom towel bar on a wall. If more space is needed, options range from a retractable clothesline to a rod attached between walls like an oversized closet rod. The other option is a collapsible rack.

7. Having an iron and board in the laundry room can

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be very convenient. While an iron will fit nearly anywhere, the board can be a little harder to hide.

One option is to build a flip-down version that fits into the wall, or install some simple hardware to hang it on the side of a cabinet.

B Y HO M E F AS HI O N S

1365 Hanwell R oad • 506-452-1116 • i n f o @ bat h ro om fash i on s .ca

B AT H R O O M FA S H I O N S.C A

The Glass Promise

Promises can be ironclad or they can be glass.

We can choose to be locked down in contracts, dotted lines and busywork or choose transparency to display our culture, our people, and our way of doing business.

Glass promises mean we don’t hide behind cut corners or stash away excuses. We don’t break budgets or timelines, and we work knowing how we work is always on display.

Glass promises can be easily broken; so we hold our reputation with care through every project, every client and every vendor interaction.

Glass can cut or it can be shaped with the smooth edges of experience. So we keep our promises – big, small, and all the way down to the doorknobs.

Because behind glass, we aren’t building homes, we are creating your place in the world.

martellcustomhomes.com MartellHomeBuilders @martellhomes

506-292-2169 jhaines@themartellexperience.com