Lifestyle Magazine: March - April 2015

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M A R C H /A P R I L 2 015

15

ting a r b e l e C

years

www.lifestylemagazineonline.com

Foodie facts and faves

CHEF JONATHAN COLLINS DEBUTS A NEW COLUMN

Weekending in the Windy City BE BLOWN AWAY BY CHICAGO

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contents march

| april 2015

9 17 24 36

Homestyle Going green Using recycled and sustainable products makes this reno eco-friendly

Model madness Prospect new homes large and small

Explore magical Avalon Discover riverside luxury on the Thames

Ideas to spruce up your home inside and out At the London Spring Home and Garden Show

47 56 62 44 52

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48 50 29 46 60

Bestlife Forever foodie Chef Jonathan Collins explains the benefits of coconut oil

Yourstyle Cruise into spring with style Port Stanley’s Studio Style offers hot looks for warm weather

A new look, a new life See the stunning results for our contest winner

Travelstyle Chicago is calling Plan a weekend getaway enjoying the hot spots of the Windy City

Taste of spring Destination: Lambton County

Culturelife Dress rehearsal A sneak peek at a theatrical renovation

Swirling light and colour Get fired up about glass art

Autostyle Overdrive Ride into spring with our look at the latest models

Bizlife Carolinian Cabinet Company Hangar9 March/April 2015

Lifestyle 5

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6 Lifestyle March/April 2015

LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER Lana L. Breier ASSISTANT PUBLISHER/ SALES MANAGER Wilma Van Vaerenbergh 519-476-5571 lifestylewilma@gmail.com EDITOR Jill Ellis-Worthington WRITERS Ellen Ashton-Haiste Clare Dear Jill Ellis-Worthington Beth Stewart Heather Toskan Richard Young ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lorraine Lukings 519-520-7676 lorrainelukings@hotmail.com Jan McGrath 519-243-2932 jm@lambtonshores.com Beth Moyer 519-686-0951 bethads@rogers.com Elaine Norris 519-702-5583 lifestyleelaine@hotmail.com GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN Nancy Greenfield Wendy Reid AD DESIGN Bill McGrath PRODUCTION Nancy Greenfield PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Bain Kamini Le Capelain John Morse PRINTING Sportswood Printing WEB ARCHITECTURE Sean Hunt – www.Ecoworks.ca

IT’S ALL IN THE

CRAFTSMANSHIP!

UPDATE YOUR HOME. Bring it into the 21st century!

8

• Kitchens • Basements • Mudrooms • Additions • Bathrooms • Exteriors

519.850.7830 www.mcadi.ca millennium@mcadi.ca

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MARCH and See us at THE WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE SHOW in SHOW DEN GAR THE LONDON SPRING HOME & VAN GOGH Y KATH t in APRIL – SPECIAL ATTRACTION mee day. each pm at the HOME SHOW – 2 to 4 vanGogh Furniture Paintology Products – Canadian Made and Owned " WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE " INVENTORY & ADVICE " ONE-OF-A-KIND painted furniture " 60+ colours of van Gogh fossil paint IN STOCK " Want to learn new techniques – ask about “Studio Time” "

Lifestyle is published six times a year by 2251632 Ontario Inc. c.o.b. Lifestyle Magazine 108 Tuyll Street, Bayfield N0M 1G0 519-873-0989 lifestylemagazinepublishing@gmail.com Copies are distributed to selected homes, magazine stands and local businesses in London and area.

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The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited material.

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TIMELESS & UNIQUE info@stanportleys.com www.stanportleys.com

March/April 2015

Lifestyle 7

editorial EDITORIAL

A

WAKE AND ALIVE

That’s the way spring makes me feel, and, judging by all the furor about ending this long winter in the mainstream and social media worlds, I’m not alone.

When the snow finally leaves and the first buds of spring are revealed, a renewed energy seems to permeate the world around us and plans begin to hatch.

If undertaking an eco-friendly renovation is one way in which you want to invest some of that renewed energy, you’ll want to read our story on page 9 to see how CCR Building and Remodeling uses sustainable products to achieve amazing results.

Spring offers a new lease on life and that’s certainly the case for Pauline Halstead, the winner of the Beat the Winter Blahs contest. A former elementary teacher and now entrepreneur, Pauline was feeling blah and in need of change. “I just was so busy with work and commuting to the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) that I kind of forgot about me,” she explains. At 61 and embarking on a new enterprise, Pauline wanted to have a new look, so see what our partners at Salon Entrenous and Hangar9 did to perk her up on page 62.

Spring is also the time for renewal, and one way we are renewing Lifestyle Magazine after 15 years in the business is by adding a regular food feature. We welcome Chef Jonathan Collins, and we are excited that he will be sharing not only his vast experience as

Jill Ellis-Worthington lifestyle.editor@writedoton.com Photography by Kamini Le Capelain of Silent Poetry Hair by Nina Badr of NU Hair and Makeup Studio

8 Lifestyle March/April 2015

a chef but also his passion for telling the stories behind the latest culinary trends. On page 47, he gives us the scoop on coconut oil.

Lifestyle Magazine is one of London’s oldest and largest publications, so recognizing 15 years of providing our readers with information that they can use to build, renovate or style their homes has been a satisfying experience for our staff. Growing a local publication during economic ups and downs over the last decade and a half has been a real feat for our publisher Lana Breier and our sales team, and we are going to be recognizing Lifestyle Magazine’s achievements over the next year. We will be celebrating how far our publication, its advertisers, our story subjects and the city have come, through a series of follow up stories. We’ll look back at some of the renovations and builds covered in early issues and catch up with the folks who were profiled to see how they are enjoying their homes.

Looking back is great but looking to the future keeps us moving ahead. We’re continuing to diversify the magazine’s content and bring you equally useful information about fashion, culture, food and travel in each issue. One facet of our year-long celebration is to offer enhanced features via Facebook. So be sure to “like” our Lifestyle Magazine page, and check there regularly to stay abreast of the latest from our list of talented writers and graphic designers.

So swing into spring with a look at fun fashions for heading south or wearing here as the weather warms, on page 56; take a road trip to get a taste of spring on page 52 or hop into a brand new car and put it through its paces on page 29.

We’re celebrating a new season, our 15 years of publishing success and our unique London lifestyle!

homestyle

L

LIVING Green Eco-friendly elements create healthier homes

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste Photography by Katie Hotchkiss

Green is the colour of construction in the 21st century.

TOP The Hotchkiss kitchen island features a barnboard base from a demolished Chatham barn with an eco-friendly concrete countertop. Concrete was also used for the perimeter counters. BOTTOM The vanity in the master ensuite bathroom also uses wood from the Chatham barn for its base and has a concrete counter.

We’re not talking about the hue of the paint on the walls, but rather the sustainable and eco-friendly elements increasingly being built into homes.

It’s definitely the direction Peder Madsen wants to take with his family’s business, London-based CCR Building and Remodeling.

It’s also the direction a young Aylmer area couple, Stephen and Katie Hotchkiss, want to take with their home and livelihood.

Last year, they packed up their herbal business in Los Angeles and

moved across the continent to take over a 380-acre property that’s been in Stephen’s family for generations. Here, they plan to practice eco-friendly agriculture using organic and chemical-free methods and sell their products, as well as locally crafted artisan creations, at The New New Age Farm Store, opening this spring in Port Stanley.

“Living close to nature is important to us,” Katie says.

Their first big project was to renovate the farmhouse into a totally green home.

When they contacted CCR to help with this, it was an ideal match.

And their efforts were so successful that the home qualified for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s “Healthy Home” designation.

Continued on page 10

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ABOVE The cosy living room has light wormy maple flooring, with distinctive streaks that were created by an infestation of ambrosia beetles.

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10 Lifestyle March/April 2015

2/9/2015 4:09:54 PM

This Ontario-based program recognizes builders and renovators who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to construct or renovate a healthier home, says Jamie Shipley, knowledge transfer and outreach consultant with CMHC. He explains that projects must go beyond code in five areas: energy, healthy indoor environment, resource efficiency, environmental responsibility and affordability.

The Hotchkiss project qualified on all fronts, Shipley says. “These clients live a very sustainable lifestyle and that was a perfect fit with a contractor like CCR, who can help them meet their goals.”

In addition to constructing a home that’s green and healthy, Madsen says the Hotchkisses have created a “warm and inviting space.”

Katie, an interior designer, conceived the revised floor plan that included opening up four rooms across the rear of the house to create an open-concept kitchen and great room, with a large central kitchen island and original wood-burning fireplace as a focal point of the great room. A wall of windows overlooking fields and forest affords plentiful natural lighting. 

LEFT Interior doors on closets, and here on the master ensuite bathroom, are unfinished clear pine, sustainably harvested by Sparta’s EverWoods Mill.

The ensuite also features concrete floors and an oversize glassed-in shower.

At the front, a cozy living room is an ideal place to kick back and relax.

From the front entry, a hallway leads to a guest bedroom and bathroom, office and master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet.

One of the most impressive green features of the home, as expressed by both Madsen and Shipley, is the pristine indoor air quality and complete lack of off-gassing or volatile organic chemicals (VOCs).

“They hit a home run on that,” Shipley says. “There was a big focus on indoor air quality, which I would say is an area many builders and renovators leave off the table. They don’t think about the toxicity of materials they’re putting into the environment.”

As homes become increasingly

energy efficient and tightly sealed, chemicals from paint, stains and sealants are trapped in the home, Madsen says. “I’m trying to push this idea. We don’t stop to think how many chemicals we’re breathing in.”

The Hotchkiss home uses soybased stains and sealants for the flooring, a feature Madsen appreciated. “No one really does that,” he says. “And that is where a lot of chemicals come into play.”

Their paint is Benjamin Moore’s Natura, which goes beyond zero VOC, also offering zero emissions.

They chose eco-friendly concrete, provided by Aylmer’s Enns Concre-ations, for their countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms.

“It’s a durable and greener material, which, unlike tile, does not require adhesives that can produce VOCs,” Stephen explains.

Continued on page 12

March/April 2015

Lifestyle 11

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ABOVE Cabinet and drawer handles in the kitchen, as well as the home’s curtain rods, have been fashioned from pieces of driftwood and branches that the Hotchkisses picked up on their property.

Continued from page 11

Concrete was also used for the bathroom floors and showers and the floor in the mudroom and laundry area.

Even the furnishings are natural and sustainable.

“Ninety per cent of our furniture is refurbished antiques, including many family heirlooms, or built with eco-friendly practices,” Katie says.

The living room couch, for example, is from Cisco Brothers in Los Angeles, who construct their products using natural components, including jute webbing, natural latex foam, organic cotton and wool, and FSC-certified hardwoods. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international not for-profit organization promoting responsible management of the world’s forests.

The couple sourced local companies and materials for their renovation.

Much of the wood for doors and cabinetry came from EverWoods, a mill near Sparta that specializes in sustainably harvested Carolinian hardwoods. “We used their clear pine for our doors and spalted maple  12 Lifestyle March/April 2015

Windows & Doors

ABOVE Much of the wood for doors and cabinetry came from EverWoods, a mill near Sparta that specializes in sustainably harvested Carolinian hardwoods.

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S H OW ROO M for live edge shelves in the kitchen,” Stephen says.

A demolished Chatham-area barn provided the base for the kitchen island and the ensuite bathroom vanity. Cabinets were constructed by Aylmer’s Möbelhaus Fine Cabinetry.

Stephen also gives a nod to longtime friend Chad Pressey, now owner of Matthews Pressey Construction in Penticton, B.C., who helped with many aspects of the project, including hand-building the interior doors.

Flooring in the home is local wormy maple, a light wood with grey and black streaks created by an infestation of the ambrosia beetle, in the kitchen, living room and bedrooms, with darker red maple in the foyer.

The kitchen counter handles and the home’s curtain rods are fashioned from pieces of driftwood and branches that the Hotchkisses found on their property. n

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INFO

CCR Building and Remodeling Peder Madsen 519-472-7461 www.ccrbuilding.com Stephen and Katie Hotchkiss www.thenewnewage.com www.katiehotchkiss.ca CMHC Ontario Healthy Home Recognition http://tinyurl.com/HealthyHousing2015

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Lifestyle 13

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March/April 2015

Lifestyle 15

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MODEL HOME MECCA

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

spring is the season of renewed interest in finding that perfect new house Whether it’s a larger space for a growing family or a maintenance-free condo for downsizing empty nesters, home seekers will find something that suits in this issue’s Model tour.

Melchers Construction Sifton New Homes Fusion Homes Hayhoe Homes Domus Developments

Melchers Construction

T

here’s room to grow in Melchers Construction’s Model, in Mount Brydges’ new subdivision, Woods Edge subdivision.

“I designed it with a young family in mind,” says Chris Melchers.

At 2,400 square feet, the Midleton is spacious, with generous-sized rooms, he says.

The main level includes a front den, off the foyer; a large mudroom and powder room, accessed from the double-car garage; and an open concept kitchen, dinette and great room across the back. The kitchen features Cambria engineered quartz on the island and perimeter counters, plus a corner pantry. The great room has a gas fireplace with built-in cabinets on either side. The dinette leads to a rear deck.

This level has nine-foot ceilings and hardwood flooring throughout, except in the mudroom.

The upper level has four bedrooms, including the master with an ensuite that includes two basins, a soaker tub and walk-in shower.

The main bathroom is divided into two sections, a double vanity in one and the bath/shower and toilet in the other.

A laundry room is also located on this level.

The exterior of the home is a combination of Permacon stone and James Hardie fibre cement board, with timber details on the covered front porch.

Beautiful Model Home

In Woods Edge – a Mount Brydges community featuring large executive lots in a natural setting.

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INTEGRITY ❖ INNOVATION ❖ TRADITION ❖ TRUST – SINCE 1987 519.473.4149 | 519.617.2029 | www.melchersconstruction.com 18 Lifestyle March/April 2015

Sifton New Homes

T

he Riverwalk Model, in Sifton’s Westwood Village community, with its attached, single-storey condos in southwest London, is ideal for folks who love to entertain, says sales representative Barb Owens.

The open-concept kitchen and great room flowing into a spacious dining area can accommodate large groups, from family gatherings to card parties. The kitchen, with a walkin, corner pantry, is separated from the dining area by an island. This model features engineered quartz countertops of solid taupe along the perimeter, which contrasts with the lighter veined surface, resembling granite, on the island.

A wood deck, off the great room, showcases another option – an electronic awning that extends its full depth.

“It’s like having a whole extra room outside in nice weather,” Owens says.

The 1,633-square-foot brick home includes two bedrooms plus a den. The bedrooms are situated at opposite ends of the house, with the den adjacent to the master suite.

Owens notes that this offers a range of options, such as opening up the space to create a roomy retreat. The master suite includes his-and-hers walk-in closets and an ensuite bathroom with glassed-in shower.

A three-piece bathroom and main-floor laundry with access to the double-car garage complete this home.

The Parkview Model is shown at right.

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March/April 2015

Lifestyle 19

Fusion Homes

T

he Renaissance, Fusion Homes’ Model in London’s Sunningdale Green neighbourhood, offers a unique combination of entertaining spaces and comfortable family living, says marketing assistant Melinda Dewey-Gallimore.

The two-storey, 3,250-square-foot home meets all needs, with its elegant accents and casual living areas, she says.

The entrance foyer opens to a spacious living room and formal dining room with classic doric columns, and is separated from the kitchen by a butler’s pantry that’s perfect for formal entertaining. Yet the rear open-concept kitchen, breakfast area and great room offer a cozy, laid-back area for daily family activities.

One of the unique features of the home, says DeweyGallimore, is the grand maple staircase from the foyer that splits into a double staircase at the upper level to create a second-floor catwalk.

This hallway leads to an office and four bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet.

The master suite features a spa-like ensuite bathroom including two vanities with quartz counters, an oversized ceramic shower and free-standing soaker tub.

A convenient second-storey laundry room is accessed from the master suite walk-in closet as well as from the main hallway.

The home was awarded best architectural design in its size category by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.

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20 Lifestyle March/April 2015

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Hayhoe Homes

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he design of Hayhoe Homes’ Presentation Centre, in St. Thomas’s Orchard Park South neighbourhood, blends contemporary expression with functionality, says company partner Joe Hayhoe.

The exterior natural architectural stone, complemented by pillars and arches, is a look that is growing in popularity, according to Hayhoe.

It’s a clean and contemporary look that flows into the interior, he says. This is achieved with the open-concept layout and accents, such as the use of ceramic tile and hardwood flooring, in a palette of greys and warm, earthy browns, balanced by lighter wall tones and white kitchen cabinets, as well as the natural stacked-stone fireplace design.

The floor plan has been designed with flexible use in mind, Hayhoe says.

A front bedroom, accessed from the foyer, with its own bathroom and generous closet space, would be ideal for a home office or a young adult suite, he notes.

The master retreat, with its walk-in closet and stylish ensuite bathroom, featuring a custom shower and freestanding soaker tub, is tucked away behind the kitchen, affording complete privacy.

The finished basement, with an additional six inches of ceiling height built in, includes a family room, bedroom and three-piece bathroom, as well as abundant storage space.

March/April 2015

Lifestyle 21

A DV E RT I S I N G F E AT U R E

MEADOWS OF SUNNINGDALE

UPPER RICHMOND TOWNS

NORTH POINT

A triple triumph of condo living

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

F

rom unique exteriors to innovative designs and quality finishes that are often considered upgrades, Domus Developments strives to offer customers high-end homes at affordable prices, says project developer Mike Mescia.

“We put a lot of work into our exteriors, for example,” Mescia says, citing upgrades, products like clay brick and concrete siding.

Interior features include granite counters, hardwood flooring, porcelain tile and extra-high ceilings.

“And we’re very open to customizing in all our properties,” he says. “Whatever the customer wants to use or change, we’re flexible.”

Three Domus projects are now taking shape in North London.

MEADOWS OF SUNNINGDALE This picturesque community of 56 one-floor units is taking shape at Sunningdale Road and Meadowlands Way, just west of Richmond Street.

Stone and stucco exteriors plus flat roofs give these homes a European flair, Mescia says.

As one-floor units, ranging from 2,300 to 2,400 square feet, they’re tailored to professionals, retirees and empty nesters, he says.

Domus Developments offers home buyers ample choice However, a second-floor 700-square-foot loft, open to the main floor, adds additional space and could be a guest bedroom and den or a large studio.

Ten of the lots will back onto a ravine and nature pond. Priced from $379,900, these homes will be available by spring.

UPPER RICHMOND TOWNS This collection of townhomes in Upper Richmond Village at Richmond Street and Sunningdale Road, with its residential/commercial mix, sets a standard in affordable luxury condominium living.

Spacious homes, with more than 2,100 square feet of finished living space, incorporate modern architectural designs with main-floor living space and an additional 500-square-foot loft.

“It gives the homeowner bonus space above

ground, rather than below ground, in a basement,” Mescia says.

Surrounded by green space, with ponds and nature trails, the homes feature open-concept layouts with nine-foot ceilings and classic detailing such as granite counters and a gas fireplace.

Exteriors incorporate clay brick and James Hardie fiber cement board, which Mescia says gives a more attractive appearance than traditional siding.

These homes are priced from $309,900 and will be available for spring move-in.

NORTH POINT London's first modern loft project will offer 51 customizable boutique condos, ranging from 1,100 to 2,000 square feet, in a fourstorey building.

The open-concept lofts, with 10- and 12-foot ceilings, full-height windows and generous balconies, feature hardwood flooring and granite counters as well as gas fireplaces, stoves and outdoor barbecues.

Adjacent to the Masonville shopping and entertainment district, location is a key feature, Mescia says.

Construction has begun on the first floor and occupancy is expected by the end of the year. Loft prices start at $309,900.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT MIKE MESCIA | 519.870.1335 | mmescia@domusdev.com | www.domusdev.com

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March/April 2015

Lifestyle 23

outstanding property for sale

on the Thames Rolling hills provide frame for this luxurious home

A

VALON. The name conjures images of Camelot and medieval castles.

Avalon, the residence at Plover Mills Farms – with its stone façade of peaks and gables and rear walls of glass overlooking terraced lawns and gardens descending to the Thames River valley – eminently matches that image.

The five-storey home has 12,500 square feet of living space and was designed and built by London Telecom founder Rob Freeman, who purchased the 146-acre property in the late 1990s.

Freeman says he has invested in excess of $10 million in the property northwest of Thorndale, on Valley View Road east of Plover Mills Road. It’s now listed with Royal LePage Triland Realty sales representative John Crosby for $4.99 million.

The house is set back behind a stone wall that runs the length of the property and is accessed via a gated drive. With acres of river valley, fields and forest to the rear, it affords ultimate privacy.

“The home is the centerpiece of the property,” Crosby says. “It’s completely unique.

You won’t find anything else like it.”

Its character is understated elegance. A comfortable family ambiance is enhanced with luxury accents like warm cherry wood flooring and elaborate crown moulding, curving staircases with cherry wood balustrades, radiant in-floor heating throughout as well as an intercom, sound system and elevator.

The front entry, through double wood 

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

FROM TOP LEFT The two-storey foyer features beautiful cherry wood flooring and makes great use of available light through the high arched window.

The airy yet comfortable great room is adjacent to an open concept kitchen.

The formal dining room, with its beautiful crown moulding and lighting, has incredible elegance and character: perfect for playing host to important occasions or weekly gatherings.

doors from a porch of heated granite, leads into a soaring two-storey foyer lit by a high arched window and a chandelier that lowers electronically for cleaning.

To the left is a formal dining room and to the right a cozy library/den with built-in bookshelves, gas fireplace and access to a front granite patio.

The foyer leads to an open-concept kitchen and great room.

The kitchen, anchored by a central island, features cherry wood cabinetry and granite counters. Appliances, including a sub-zero refrigerator and Thermador range, are high end, Crosby notes.

A glassed-in semi-circular area extends from the back of the house on three levels, giving a turret-like appear-

FROM LEFT The classic billiards room opens onto a terrace on the home’s north side, and also features a mini-wet bar.

The library/den, with its built-in bookshelves and gas fireplace, makes a great place to curl up with some reading.

Cherry wood cabinetry, granite counters and high-end appliances are hallmarks of the open-concept kitchen.

ance from the outside. On this main level, it is a comfy kitchen breakfast nook with a door to a barbecue deck on one side and a double-sided gas fireplace to the great room on the other.

A glass wall separates the great room from a home office. Both overlook the lower level and feature floor-to-ceiling

windows that extend through that level, affording panoramic views of the river valley.

To the right of the great room is a billiards room with mini-wet bar. It opens to a terrace that stretches along the north side of the house and features an outdoor fireplace.

A staircase from the foyer leads upward to a mezzanine landing open to the foyer and great room.

Along one side of this level is the master retreat. Here the glassed-in turret offers an ideal alcove from which to relish views of the countryside and the Thames River meandering through it.

A double-sided gas fireplace separates the bedroom from a Jacuzzi bathtub in Continued on page 26

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March/April 2015

Lifestyle 25

DESIGNING FINE CUSTOM CABINETRY IN TRADITIONAL &

Photos by Katie Hotchkiss

MODERN STYLES.

516 John St. North, Aylmer. ON • cabinetry.mobelhaus.ca • 519.773.3793

Partnering with

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OUTSTANDING PROPERTY Continued from page 25 the ensuite bathroom. The ensuite also features a marble-tiled glassed-in shower and marble flooring, counters and tub deck. Beyond it is a walk-in closet and his/hers storage room.

This level also includes a spacious laundry room and adjacent threepiece bathroom, plus two additional bedrooms and another four-piece bathroom.

The two upper levels are a self-contained apartment, including a kitchenette, loft bedroom and outdoor deck above the turrets.

“This would be ideal as a guest or granny suite, a reading room or even a space for wine tasting,” Crosby says.

The lowest level is designed with playtime in mind.

The area at the bottom of the staircase was sized to accommodate a shuffleboard court, Freeman notes.

It leads to a large recreation and games room, with a fireplace and full wet bar, plus a walk-out to a patio beneath the barbecue deck.

There is also a bedroom, three-piece bathroom and second laundry room.

A hallway from the recreation room leads to a full exercise room, steam room, infra-red sauna, and men’s and women’s change rooms. It ends at what Crosby calls the pièce de résistance: a million-dollar indoor pool room.

The kidney-shaped pool is surrounded by granite rock floor and walls beneath a towering 32-foot red cedar post-and-beam cathedral ceiling.

The room also features a hot tub, two Continued on page 28

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OUTSTANDING PROPERTY continued from page 26

A red-cedar, post-and-beam cathedral ceiling rises 32 feet above the surface of the kidney-shaped swimming pool in the milliondollar pool room.

INFO

rock waterfalls into the pool, a wood-burning fireplace and an upper balcony, accessed from the main-level outdoor terrace.

In addition to the residence, Plover Mills Farm includes a stateof-the-art horse boarding facility, with 21 spacious stalls and barn flooring of interlocking rubber pavers, to be easier on the hooves.

Other features include an indoor arena, regulation-sized outdoor dressage ring, outdoor jumping ring, two pastures and nine paddocks. There’s also a tack room, lunchroom with washroom and party room, where equine-related workshops and seminars are often held.

Freeman has created an extensive network of horse riding and ATV trails throughout the property.

Crosby notes that the farm is enclosed by maintenance-free vinyl fencing.

Adjacent to the barn is an expansive greenhouse, now decommissioned but with all the necessary utilities intact. If growing plants isn’t an option, it could also house an ice rink or a basketball court, Crosby says. ▪

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28 Lifestyle March/April 2015

AUTOMOBILES 2015 -2016

Shift into spring with the hottest new models

By Clare Dear

2015 Acura MDX 2016 Volvo XC90

Featuring...

2016 Jaguar F-Type 2015 Audi Q3 2015 Camry XSE

Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.

The all-new Volvo XC90 is a sanctuary. A place to relax, think and connect with the world on your own terms. A place without clutter. Because clutter clouds the mind. It’s very Swedish to think like this.

To be brave enough to remove rather than to add.

It’s also very Swedish - and very Volvo - to start with a person who will use our products and ask, “How can we make your life easier?”. That’s what we’ve done with the XC90 - created a car that’s truly designed around you.

VOLVO OF LONDON

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©2015 Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. Always remember to wear your seat belt. Visit volvocars.ca

30 Lifestyle March/April 2015

www.volvooflondon.ca

autostyle

A

cura’s flagship MDX luxury SUV continues to offer the same superior level of luxury comfort, quietness and technology features that earned numerous accolades when the totally redesigned iteration was introduced last year. Now, however, the MDX’s exhilarating dynamic performance, excellent fuel efficiency and advanced safety performance ratings are augmented by the addition of Acura’s legendary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system as standard equipment.

The roomy cabin, which comfortably accommodates seven passengers, features a reclining second-row bench that can slide fore and aft 150 millimetres. The One-Touch Walk-In feature moves the second-row seat out of the way at the push of a button for easy access to the third row. Three layers of acoustic glass in the windshield and front side windows, plus thick rear door glass, triple side-sill door seals and active noise control technology contribute to the impressive quietness in the cabin and reflect the overall refinement built into this vehicle.

For 2015, power is supplied by a 3.5-litre, 24-valve i-VTEC direct-injected V-6 engine that features Variable Cylinder Management for enhanced fuel efficiency. This engine is paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with sequential sport shift paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control to enhance the driving experience.

2015 Acura MDX Acura’s flagship SUV is a blend of luxury, performance and versatility Price: Starting from $49,990

T

2016 Volvo XC90 All-new luxury SUV marks a new chapter for Volvo brand Price: Starting from $60,700

he completely redesigned XC90 is the first vehicle in a new era for Volvo, paving the way for a portfolio of new products. This premium-quality, seven-seat SUV has innovative safety features, dynamic new powertrain technologies that deliver impressive power and fuel efficiency, plus highquality exterior and interior designs that rival any competitor in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2016 XC90 is an integral part of the global relaunching of the Volvo brand and the first to use the company’s new trim level strategy: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. The Momentum trim level offers visually appealing interior and exterior design, with available options separate from the R-Design and Inscription-specific features. The R-Design trim level features a sporty, dynamic look, while Inscription, the highest trim level, offers a level of luxury and craftsmanship that reflects elegance and exclusivity.

The XC90 is currently available with the T6 and T8 PHEV engine variants, both offered in all-wheel drive. Both are equipped with a 2.0-litre fourcylinder that’s supercharged and turbocharged. These engines deliver their output through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8 PHEV also has an electric motor integrated into the powertrain that delivers an additional 80 horsepower. The PHEV system is expected to deliver an impressive combined fuel consumption of approximately 2.7L/100km.

T

he stunningly beautiful Jaguar F-Type sports car gains new powertrain and driveline upgrades for 2016, including the availability of a six-speed manual gearbox on rear-wheel drive V6 models, available intuitive allwheel drive and an awesome F-Type R version that boasts 550 horses under its sleek hood. The new F-Type R, available in both coupe and convertible configurations, includes standard all-wheel drive, enabling it to launch to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h.

For 2016, all F-Types will be fitted with electric power assisted steering – a first for Jaguar sports cars. This refined system delivers the feel and response sports car drivers expect, while providing power assistance only when required, reducing fuel consumption.

For enthusiasts who prefer shifting on their own, the new six-speed manual transmission features a short-throw gear lever with a travel of just 45 millimetres, gear ratios that are closely spaced and pedals positioned to facilitate heel-and-toe changes.

Inside the cabin, the instrument cluster has a new look, and the infotainment system has been upgraded to a premium 770-watt Meridian surround sound audio system. Additional new standard equipment includes Jaguar’s Smart Key keyless entry system, 14-way power-adjustable seats and a panoramic glass roof on Coupe models.

Continued on page 33

2016 Jaguar F-Type Powertrain and driveline upgrades boost sporty F-Type’s appeal Price: TBA

THE RUTHLESS DON’T HESITATE.

THE F-TYPE COUPE. Everybody knew their proper place in the sports car food chain. Then we went and created this: the new F-TYPE Coupe. Crafted in lightweight aluminum for stunning responsiveness, and stirring things up with 550 supercharged horses in “R” trim. In fact, it even overpowers Porsche 911 Carrera S and Audi R8 4.2 with plenty to spare. Status quo be damned. This changes everything.

Starting from $72,900.

JAGUAR LONDON 1035 Wharncliffe, London, ON • 519.681.9400 • ultimateautomobiles.ca

32 Lifestyle March/April 2015

AUTOMOBILES 2015-16 Continued from page 31

2015 Audi Q3 New compact Q3 shares signature features of Audi brand Price: Starting from $35,800

T

he Q3 is the new entry point to Audi’s lineup of luxury sport utility vehicles, though this compact crossover has styling that makes it look more like a sporty hatchback. Its svelte, stylish design makes the Q3 an ideal fit with young, urban consumers, while its upscale materials, fit and finish reflect the luxury, quality and comfort that are signatures of the Audi brand.

The Q3 is available in either frontwheel drive or Audi’s renowned quattro (all-wheel drive) system. Both versions are powered by a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, directinjected, turbocharged four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and an impressive amount of torque – 207 lb.-ft. that kicks in at just 1,500 revs. This remarkably smooth engine is coupled to a six-speed Tiptronic transmission with Dynamic Shift Program that ensures crisp gear changes.

The Q3 delivers a firm but very comfortable ride with MacPherson struts up front and a four-link rear suspension.

This layout results in smoothness and stability on the highway with minimal body roll while cornering. The Q3 features a precise steering system with speed-sensitive electromechanical power assist, while the braking system, with its ventilated front discs and solid rear rotors, brings the vehicle to a halt with confidence.

Continued on page 34 March/April 2015

Lifestyle 33

autostyle

T

2015 Camry XSE All-new styling boosts Camry’s curb appeal Price: Starting from $23,850

INFO

Acura West Acura MDX 759 Wonderland Road North 519-657-1557 www.acurawest.ca

oyota has replaced the conservative look of the previous generation with a stylish new design for 2015. It features a bold front end and trimmer headlamps, plus new curves and character lines that give the side profile a fresh, sleek look. The styling changes are so extensive that only the roof panel has been carried over from the 2014 iteration.

Inside, the cabin has been freshened with changes that include a redesigned console and the use of premium materials for a more refined finish.

This popular mid-size sedan is offered in nine trim levels, broadening its appeal. The Camry’s lineup ranges from the $23,850 base LE model to the $30,790 premium XLE. New to the Camry lineup is the XSE ($27,990), which includes premium features plus a special sporty flair.

A black mesh grille has been added up front and 18-inch alloy wheels give the XSE an aggressive look, while suspension changes, including firmer shocks and springs deliver more dynamic handling. Inside, heated front seats trimmed in Alcantara add to the sporty tone.

Three powertrains are available: a 178-horsepower, 2.5-litre fourcylinder; a 3.5-litre V6 that generates 268 horsepower; and a gas-electric hybrid system rated at 200 horsepower combined. The two gas engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; the hybrid delivers its output through a continuously variable transmission. ▪

Dalmar Motors Audi Q3 475 Wharncliffe Road South 519-433-3181 ext. 222 www.dalmar.com

Ultimate Automobiles Volvo XC90 - 519-686-3754 Jaguar F-Type - 519-690-1600 1035 Wharncliffe Road South www.ultimateautomobiles.ca

Competition Toyota Camry XSE 1206 Oxford Street East 519 451-3880 www.comptoyota.com

With an iconic design that is smooth and continuous, 2015 Camry appears as if it’s crafted from a single sheet of metal. With its forward stance and aggressive grille, Camry has curb appeal and then some.

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Lifestyle 35

Outdoors in

homestyle

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

SPRING IS IN THE AIR AT THIS YEAR’S HOME AND GARDEN SHOW

Continued on page 38

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March/April 2015

Lifestyle 37

OUTDOORS IN 2015 HOME & GARDEN SHOW Continued from page 36

www.ultimateshabby.com 370 Exeter Rd., London, ON • 519.902.5920 Vintage, Antique, Retro, Shabby Furniture & Home Decor CUSTOM REFINISHING & UPHOLSTERY

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April 10 to 12 this year, the

RIGHT & BELOW Kathy Van Gogh, of Fossil Paint chalk paints, and CityLine’s go-to DIYer Nicholas Rosaci will be on hand to demonstrate.

Attendees can also take in beautiful displays of indoor and outdoor furniture and products.

show always has plenty to

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This year is no different, with two well-known home décor celebrities on stage.

Kathy Van Gogh, who developed Fossil Paint, Canada’s best-selling chalk paint, and is reportedly a distant relative of Vincent, will be featured on the Ideas Stage daily, talking about chalk paint and painting techniques. She will also be meeting, greeting and demoing at Booth 545, courtesy of the folks at Stan Portley’s.

“She’s very hands-on and is always working with something when she’s meeting the public,” says John Robinson, owner of Stan Portley’s.

The Difference is in The Details

Continued on page 40

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Held from April 10 to 12 this year, the show always has plenty to interest the eager DIYer, the enthusiastic gardener and the intrepid renovator.

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Lifestyle 39

Wood Water & StonE www.woodwaterandstone.com

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We are a comprehensive design and installation company that manages the entire process of creating unique and breathtaking outdoor landscapes. We specialize in all forms of water features, outdoor structures and stone masonry to help capture and create our clients’ visions for their living spaces.

For nearly 40 years, the London Spring Home and Garden Show has been bringing fresh ideas for everything inside, outside and all around the home.

From 2 to 4 p.m. each day of the show, Van Gogh will be demonstrating some of the more sophisticated techniques using products from her paint line, such as metal finishes, crystal highlights, embossing plaster and antiquing glaze.

Sharing the stage will be Nicholas Rosaci, who you may have seen on the CityLine television show or in one of several magazines, demonstrating DIY projects and techniques. He’ll be on stage at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, to talk about hot design trends in decks, patios and pergolas.

He specializes in creating amazing outdoor spaces.

If creating an amazing outdoor space is in your plans for this spring, check out the Back Yard Paradise booth, which is a 1,000-square-foot space, to take in a demonstration of how to enjoy the outdoors in luxury.

This is a co-operative project by London Audio, Grand River Natural Stone, Baseline Nurseries and Garden Centre and Porky’s BBQ and Leisure.

Continuing to celebrate the great Canadian summer, presenters on the Idea and Garden Stages will be sharing their expertise on DIY projects and advice on gardening, landscaping and planning a renovation.  40 Lifestyle March/April 2015

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Check out the Spring Flower Show presented by the London Horticultural Society and garden displays from the Garden Club of London, London Master Gardeners and the Forest City Pond Club.

Baseline Nurseries and Garden Centre will be holding a plant sale onsite for those who want to get their hands in the ground early. Check out the Spring Flower Show presented by the London Horticultural Society and garden displays from the Garden Club of London, London Master Gardeners and the Forest City Pond Club.

For fixing up the inside of your home, get ideas for sustainable projects at Duo Building’s display featuring the principles of the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle.

According to Pat Malloy, “We’ll have very visual displays of how to use salvaged material, like a table made from a piece of a bowling alley lane and a semi-circular sliding door from an industrial setting. We’ll show some exciting ways to use the three Rs in homes.” Another Continued on page 43

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Lifestyle 41

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A N D S O D S U P P LY

Continued from page 41

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Duo Building will feature this sophisticatedly retro table, reclaimed from an old bowling alley lane.

feature of this booth will be the Urban Cultivator, a mini greenhouse that is used indoors to grow fresh produce year-round.

A growing ageing demographic means more folks are downsizing, so they’ll be eager to see Covenant Construction and Inspired Woodworks’ display of custom cabinetry to maximize the efficiency of small spaces.

Speaking of small, the kids won’t be left out of the fun. Rona presents the Children’s Workshop where children four to 12 and their parents can build a fun wooden project that will delight everyone. This is sponsored by Rona, so there’s no cost to show attendees.

Taste buds will be on alert when attendees approach the Porky’s Grill demonstration area. This year a celebrity cook-off will provide extra entertainment and prizes will be offered after each show. Attendees will be able to cheer for their favourite local luminary and have an extra chance to win.

Show organizer Art Bacon says that there will be thousands of dollars in prizes offered all weekend long, in the form of shopping sprees and giveaways of furniture, barbecues and appliances. n

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The London Spring Home and Garden Show Western Fair District, Agriplex April 10, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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General $12, Seniors $9, 12 and under free www.londonhomeandgardenshow.com March/April 2015

Lifestyle 43

travelstyle

Blown away

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

A

by the Windy City

year-round destination, Chicago is a perfect long-weekend getaway for those looking to enjoy world-class architecture, a world of food choices and out-of-this-world entertainment.

A drive through Michigan’s wine country will get travellers into Chicago in seven hours along Interstates 69 and 94.

Direct flights leave London International Airport and range from $360 to $530 (per person/round trip), if you want to get to Chi-town in the fastest possible manner.

At $152 (per person/round trip), the Amtrak train from Port Huron, Michigan can sweep you away early on a

Friday morning and back home late on Sunday evening.

With free Wi-Fi and an electrical outlet at every seat, you don’t even have to miss a full day of work.

When you pull into Union Station, you won’t be imagining things if it looks familiar. Chicago’s Union Station mirrors Toronto’s Union Station because they began construction within a year of each other in 1913 and 1914, and both use the Beaux-Art style for railroad stations only seen in a handful of designs.

Renowned for its architecture, Chicago is home to some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s best works, as well as his home and studio where he designed from 1887 to 1907.

Robie House represents the culmination of Wright’s

OPPOSITE PAGE FAR LEFT The famous Water Tower Place is one of the Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile landmarks. MIDDLE LEFT Navy Pier provides fun for travelers in the spring, summer and fall.

LOWER LEFT Chicago’s many sky scrapers, like the Willis Tower (previously named the Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Tower, provide panoramic views of this beautiful city. Photographs courtesy of Choose Chicago. TOP LEFT The Robie House, located in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, is the finest example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie style architecture. Photograph courtesy of Frank Lloyd Trust; Photograph by Tim Long. THIS PAGE RIGHT Chicago’s downtown bars and restaurants are busy, vibrant places to enjoy live music, like Brushville, playing at Bub City. Photograph by Jill Ellis-Worthington.

prairie style period and features stained glass windows he designed in every room. This historic landmark offers six daily tours and is located on the grounds of the University of Chicago, in the same neighborhood as Barack and Michelle Obama’s Chicago residence. It’s about a $20 ride from downtown to the Robie House, and afterwards, ask the taxi driver to take you by to check out the Secret Service SUVs guarding the President’s stately brick residence.

A definite don’t-miss is tasting true Chicago-style pizza. Pizzeria Uno, Gino’s or Giordano’s all offer hefty versions of the original deep dish style, but be prepared to wait over an hour to sit and enjoy your pie on a weekend evening.

The food options are endless and offer a world of choice. Baseball fans will want to check out Harry Caray’s Restaurant, while news junkies will get a thrill from eating on the main floor of the Chicago Tribune building at Howells and Hood. If the day is fair and warm, sitting on the patio will allow you to admire the historic artifacts that are embedded in the exterior walls of the Tribune building, such as pieces of the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China and the Berlin Wall.

After dinner, a stroll along the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue will take you past retail meccas like Tiffany’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Cartier.

A Magnificent Mile don’t-miss is the John Hancock Center with its 360 Tour from the 94th floor observation deck. Time your stop there just before sunset to see this beautiful city spread before you during the day, as the light wanes and as the night starts to sparkle.

Winter visitors will appreciate the close proximity of the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd

Aquarium and Soldier Field (home of the NFL’s Bears) when staying indoors is preferable.

Hotel rooms in the downtown area are within easy walking distance of many of the city’s entertainment options, like jumping country rock at Bub City on Clark or the famous piano bar Howl at the Moon on West Hubbard. Be prepared for line-ups.

In spring, summer or fall, a walk along Navy Pier and a ride on the Ferris wheel offer a unique perspective of Lake Michigan, or take a river tour to see the city’s architecture from a different angle.

The Windy City will truly blow you away and is the perfect long weekend getaway. n

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Lifestyle 45

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46 Lifestyle March/April 2015

T

he Carolinian Cabinet Company’s official motto is: “If you can dream it, we can build it.” It is a claim taken very seriously by the Grand Bend firm’s sole proprietor, Jason Henderson.

“Customers often have an idea of what they want but cannot picture it.

By simply explaining their goal or how they want to use the space, we can provide solutions,” says Henderson, himself a cabinet maker. “Sometimes we’ve had to create accessories of our own to accomplish our client’s dream.

We don’t stop until we’ve come up with a solution, and so far, so good.”

Established in 2009, the company serves a large geographic area from Grand Bend, Lambton Shores to Huron County to Petrolia and more recently extending out into Oakville, although Henderson says there is “no limit to where we will go.”

Operating out of a “one-stop shop” facility, the company specializes in residential cabinets for kitchens, bathrooms, bars, closets, wall units and fireplace surrounds.

“We believe that having the showroom connected to the shop is more beneficial to the customer experience.

This way our client is able to see how their cabinets are made, touch finishes, and get more technical feedback,” says Henderson. “Our recently renovated showroom provides the customer with plenty of door style options and finishes to choose from, along with countertops, accessories and hardware. Here the customer is able to test samples of accessories we have to offer for a more hands-on approach.”

The company employs a design consultant, Alannah Fanset, who, with Henderson, helps customers with the “whole picture,” advising them on flooring, backsplash, paint and accessories.

“Whether it’s the design of your kitchen or bathroom layout, or simply selecting paint colours, we do it all,” says Henderson.

By Richard Young

The company expects to move into outdoor living, including outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, in the future.

“Customer service is our numberone priority. We work hard to make sure everything is done right the first time,” says Henderson. “We believe this is our best form of marketing since all of our clients have strictly been referrals.” ▪

INFO Carolinian Cabinet Company 9773 Lakeshore Road, Grand Bend 519-243-2834 www.caroliniancabinetcompany.com

From tree to table

bestlife

Coconut oil offers health benefits

O

n a recent visit to Guyana, located on the northeast shores of South America, our driver, Arnie, pulled to the side of the road and proudly presented me with fresh coconut water – straight from the coconut. The unmistakable aroma of coconut filled my nostrils as I drank the cold, refreshing nectar in sweltering 40°C heat. This, after all, was the reason for my visit: a 750-acre coconut plantation on the Atlantic.

Knowing the controversial nature of the health benefits of coconut oil, I was keen to understand the route from palm to table. The use of fats like coconut oil were quickly squelched by aggressive ad campaigns in the ’70s by manufacturers of corn oil and related products (and we all know the monster that corn-based products have become).

Coconut oil has been shown to be a heart-healthy food that offers many benefits. Cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to viruses and bacteria, and the lauric acid it contains increases the good cholesterol in the blood.

After our first night in Guyana, my wife Cynthia and I were up at dawn, used a garden hose to shower from rainwater collected in a cistern, enjoyed a simple breakfast of fresh fruit and were off. Through the gates of the farm at the roadside, we could see majestic palms waving in the wind as far as the eye could see. There were a few small rustic barn-like structures on the property, but our attention was directed to one structure where a group of Guyanese women were working methodically to process the coconuts collected that morning.

I sat for hours coming to understand harvesting, grading and processing.

By Chef Jonathan Collins

Cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to viruses and bacteria, and the lauric acid it contains increases the good cholesterol in the blood.

After the fallen fruits are collected, the coconuts are cracked open and placed in the sun to dry, resulting in ‘copra.’

The flesh shrinks slightly from the shell, making extraction easier. During cold pressing, the oil from the copra is pressed at temperatures not exceeding 120°F, preserving its health benefits, flavour and texture. Most importantly, the oil is not refined, processed or deodorized.

It is not unlike the Mediterranean diet, which relies heavily on extra virgin olive oil. After many studies, we now understand its clear health benefits. Olive oil is a staple in almost every kitchen today and is used for vinaigrettes, sautéing, roasting or consumed in its best form: raw with a splash of balsamic, with bread for dipping.

The same can now be said of coconut oil: substitute for vegetable oil in a coffee cake for a subtle increase in aroma; use on the skillet when preparing hotcakes; add a couple tablespoons in a breakfast smoothie for richness. Consumed in small amounts as part of a regular diet, it can positively affect our hormones for thyroid and blood sugar control and provide antioxidant activity in the body. The benefits on the outside are as evident as inside when used on skin and hair as a moisturizer and conditioner.

It’s time to reconsider coconut oil.

Check out LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE on Facebook for more of Chef Collins’ photos, journal and recipes.

culturelife

Take

two

Expanding the Port Stanley Festival Theatre experience

By Richard Young

A

lthough theatre-goers will not see any actual changes to the auditorium this season, Port Stanley Festival Theatre’s ambitious Expand the Experience campaign remains on schedule with a 2016 completion date.

The campaign dates back to a 2009 Board of Directors’ strategic plan that forecast the theatre was destined to outgrow its space. Since then, the theatre’s patron base has nearly doubled, with the venue hosting performances for 15,500 visitors each summer.

“Following ground-breaking in September 2013, a timeline was developed to span a three-year period to ensure continuity of our programming. We are currently on phase three of five. During this phase, we will be completing the exterior construction of a three-storey tower, which will eventually house a new workshop, office and retail space, and updated 48 Lifestyle March/April 2015

An artist’s rendering of what the Port Stanley Festival Theatre will look like when the renovations are completed in 2016.

backstage facilities,” says PSFT’s theatre manager, Melissa Kempf.

“Our goal is to carry on with the interior finished and demolition of the auditorium itself throughout the winter of 2016, allowing for a grand ceremony opening our 2016 season with a brand new space,” adds Kempf.

The plan enhances the theatre experience for patrons, staff, tenants and actors, providing an improved working

environment for actors and staff, increasing the auditorium capacity from 150 to 200 or 210, and adding to the cultural experience for visitors and residents through a wider range of theatrical performances.

Changes include: improvements to the stage; new dressing rooms and washroom facilities; the addition of a multi-purpose room for youth theatre, rehearsals and public receptions; improvements to the workshop to provide a more efficient and safer place for theatre production staff to create sets; and the addition of office and retail space.

This type of renovation and expansion does not come cheap; it has a budget of $2 million, says Kempf.

“We reached out to all levels of government, foundations, corporations, small business owners and our patrons for support. The response has been outstanding!” she says.

Upcoming Concerts Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana March 21 at 8 p.m., March 22 at 3 p.m.

Paul Davenport Theatre . Tickets $15/$10 I am Malala – Choral Concert March 26 at 7 p.m.

St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica . Free admission Symphony Orchestra Concert April 1 and 2 at 8 p.m.

Paul Davenport Theatre . Free admission For a complete concert listing and ticket information, visit music.uwo.ca/events

“We have just reached our three-quarter mark with the commitment of $1.64 million in pledges.”

With 59 out of 123 performances sold out in 2014, theatre staff decided to add a week of shows, extending the 2015 Season from May 27 until September 19.

“We reached out to all levels of government, foundations, corporations, small business owners and our patrons for support.

The response has been outstanding!”

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“We wanted to give our patrons an increased opportunity to experience Port Stanley Festival Theatre and encourage the economic growth of our community through an extended season of tourism, travel, and leisure,” says PSFT’s artistic director, Simon Joynes.

The 2015 Season playbill can be viewed on the Port Stanley Festival Theatre website.

Donations of all sizes to the Expand the Experience campaign are still welcome, and Kempf and Joynes invite readers to visit www.playbythelake.ca or call the administrative office at 519782-3914 to plan how they would like to play a part.

INFO Port Stanley Festival Theatre 6-302 Bridge Street, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 www.portstanleytheatre.ca March/April 2015

Lifestyle 49

artwatch All fired up and

ready to glow

Glass as art in Delaware

By Beth Stewart

G

lass “plays well” with light, a quality Jayne Cornelis embraces.

She owns and operates Fired-Up Glass Arts in Delaware, Ontario.

Her focus is on fused glass, which is heated and manipulated in a kiln.

As an artist, Cornelis strives to create engaging pieces. She wants people to look at glass and think art. Her work ranges from purely abstract to figurative.

“For vessels and such,” she does a lot of abstract work. She likes that abstraction allows viewers to put their own imagination to work.

For more figurative pieces, she tends toward the whimsical.

To create her beautiful Splash Vase, Cornelis strategically placed coarse chunks of glass around the

DOT BOWL This colourful, funky bowl, measuring 8 inches by 4 inches, makes eating fun.

SPLASH VASE Some of Cornelis’ production work consists of manipulating glass to appear suspended in time.

RAINING FIRE Is currently on exhibit at Corner Glass Gallery in St. Thomas. Combining glass with silver, this piece measures apporoximately 21 inches in diameter.

HERE HONEY LET’S EAT This piece was exhibited in the Anger Show in Calgary and has been sold. It is a 12-inch plate made with love and hate, which, according to Cornelis, are two closely related emotions.

perimeter of the main body of glass.

Both were fused flat. Once cooled, the piece underwent a second, lower-temperature firing, during which it slowly bent – or slumped – over a form. The organic-looking result sings with movement.

Ideas come at her from all different directions.

“I hike a fair bit and must bring home at least 10 or more pictures each day,” says Cornelis. She prints off the images and uses bits and pieces of each one to practice drawing.

Cornelis starts off each morning with 15 minutes of drawing time, purposely sitting somewhere different each day. “That gets my head going,” she says.

Once in the studio, she uses printed pictures from her walks as well as images culled from books, magazines or online sources. “These are then combined with what’s in my head,” she says. 

culturelife

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Cornelis loves colour. When sorting through her glass, sometimes ideas will just jump out at her. “If I have seen something on a hike – a little fungi or some twisted tree roots – and the colour of the glass reminds me of what I have seen, then I go to it.”

There is a certain amount of science involved in fused glass that Cornelis must respect. Different temperatures of firing bring about different effects.

Some colours react with others when fired to create new and distinct colours.

Glass fusing techniques include tack fusing, during which a piece maintains its general shape; full fusing, during which any pieces added to the surface of the main piece are absorbed into the surface, which becomes flat again; and slumping, during which the glass is heated to a temperature so it becomes soft and then drapes over or into an object underneath.

In addition to creating, Cornelis also teaches. She says the balance between doing your own work and teaching others the craft is a bit of a juggling game. “When I teach process, I become process. I have to tear down the steps.

Then, when I get to create, I have to retrain myself to just let go,” she says. ▪

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March/April 2015

Lifestyle 51

GRAND BEND and

Area

…take in the beauty and fun!

52 Lifestyle March/April 2015

travelstyle

Rites of spring road trip

By Richard Young

L

ambton County ushers in spring with the Return of the Swans Festival hosted at the Thedford Bog by the Lambton Heritage Museum from March 14 to April 5, and the Ipperwash Maple Syrup Festival hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Forest and Williamson Farms on March 21 to 22 and March 28 to 29.

“The soft ‘hoo-hoo-hoo’ of the tundra swans as they return to the staging area at the Thedford Bog is a sure harbinger of spring,” says Gwen Watson, office and events coordinator at the Lambton Heritage Museum.

In a good year, as many as 10,000 of the majestic white birds may rest on the bog on their way from the U.S. eastern seaboard to the Canadian Arctic, attracted by spring meltwater and the remnants of last year’s crop.

At the museum, visitors can explore interpretative displays, watch the return of the swans, and study a tundra

Swans to see, fresh syrup to taste in Lambton County swan up close. Activity stations are available for children.

Visitors can also take in the annual Paint Ontario Art Competition and Sale in the Lambton Gallery at the museum. Outstanding artists from all across Ontario take part in this juried competition that celebrates the natural beauty of the province.

The running of maple syrup is certainly another tasty sign of spring, and visitors can take in the 19th annual Ipperwash Maple Syrup Festival at nearby Williamson Farms.

Williamson Farms will be offering wagon rides into the sugar bush.

The Kiwanis Club will be offering a daily pancake and sausage breakfast at the Thomas Hall in the Legacy Recreation Centre in Thedford during the event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We have been told that we have the best sausages on the maple syrup tour,” boasts Chris Williamson, whose farm has been in the family since the early 1900s.

These events are sure to help visitors shake off the winter blahs and welcome spring. ▪

INFO Return of the Swans March 14 - April 5 Lambton Heritage Museum 10035 Museum Road, R.R. #2, Grand Bend 519-243-2600 www.returnoftheswans.com Ipperwash Maple Syrup Festival March 21-22, March 28-29 Williamson Farms 7679 Lakeshore Road, Forest 519-243-2961 http://www.tourismsarnialambton.com/ events/ipperwash-maple-syrup-andpancake-breakfast-3/

March/April 2015

Lifestyle 53

Return of the Swans Festival and

Paint Ontario Art Exhibit & Sale March 14 to April 5 Lambton Heritage Museum returnoftheswans.com 519-243-2600

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Ipperwash Maple Syrup Festival March 21–22 and 28–29

54 Lifestyle March/April 2015

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Lifestyle 55

yourstyle

W

hether you’re sailing south or remaining

close to home until the arrival of warmer weather, cruise wear inspires warm thoughts and gives your wardrobe a head start on spring.

“Cruise wear is a first offering of spring fashion as well as being a must for those heading south,” says Kim Ariesen, the proprietor of Studio Style Ladies Apparel and Accessories in Port Stanley.

“Whether or not you’re going south, new cruise wear transitions your look forward with a welcome change of style and colour,” adds Ariesen.

Fresh colour offerings include blush pink, ice blue, lilac, mint and yellow, which pair well with the latest low-key neutrals of stone, dove grey, mocha, sandy taupe and navy.

Black and white combinations move forward, with navy and white offering fresh appeal.

“Navy also looks great paired with ice blue, soft citrus yellow and many other new hues,” says Ariesen. 

colourful collections CUTE

By Heather Toskan

CRUISING FOR A FRESH SPRING LOOK

OPPOSITE PAGE Yellow, blush pink, vibrant floral prints and a smattering of stripes. Fashions shown are Inspired Style by Spanner.

RIGHT A key item – the casual maxi skirt in ice blue.

FAR RIGHT Pack a colourful, patterend scarf that works double duty as a stylish head wrap or to warm the shoulders on a cool night. Both from Sandwich.

• FRESH COLOURS • KEY ITEMS SNAP UP FIGUREFLATTERING SEPARATES SUCH AS CAPRIS, MAXI SKIRTS AND AN ASSORTMENT OF STREAMLINED, BODY-SKIMMING TUNICS, KNIT TOPS AND SCARVES.

If you’re craving bold colour, bright lemon, indigo, turquoise, vibrant red and hot pink are all ready to go.

Popular patterns include small to mid-sized floral and pixilated floral prints, abstract and paisley prints as well as smatterings of stripes.

Although the term ‘cruise wear’ may conjure up notions of fussy cocktail attire, contemporary offerings are more casual, in line with the more relaxed atmosphere that now prevails at most resorts and on most cruises.

Follow fashion’s flow and anchor your wardrobe with streamlined mix-andmatch pieces that march to the ’70s-inspired beat that’s in tune for spring and summer.

“Key items to snap up now to wear south and refresh

winter-into-spring wardrobes include figure-flattering and comfortable separates such as capri pants, leggings, maxi skirts and an assortment of streamlined, body-skimming tunics, knit tops and scarves,” notes Ariesen.

A waist-length knit jacket with clean-cut lines strikes a polished top note and layers well when paired with tunics; these can be worn with long skirts and other bottoms.

Colourful and patterned scarves introduce shots of spring to winter wardrobes and are ideal for travel as they can be worn a number of ways to save precious packing space.

Wear a large scarf to keep your shoulders warm, as a stylish head wrap or as a sarong on the beach.

Continued on page 58

effortless style from STELLA CARAKASI

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www.mugfordshoes.com March/April 2015

Lifestyle 57

• DOUBLE DUTY

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Continued from page 57

Ariesen also suggests wearing tunics as tops with capris and jeans, as dresses atop leggings, and as beach cover-ups on warm weather escapes.

“Maxi skirts can also do double duty as (beach) cover-ups and can be worn out to dinner with a fitted knit top and accessories if you’re traveling south,” says Ariesen.

Stylish warmer weather accessories include both delicate and more substantial necklaces and earrings made of copper-toned and mixed metals.

Other warm-weather must-haves that travel well include a clutch and a tote bag, a floppy sun hat, some stylishly oversized sunglasses and two or three pairs of shoes.

Flat espadrilles – fancy slip-on sneakers – hit the deck or beach with style, while a pair of flat-form, platform-soled slides or sandals are sure to elevate your look.

INFO

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www.muscatjewellers.com 58 Lifestyle March/April 2015

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Lifestyle 59

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60 Lifestyle March/April 2015

The formula for fashion Hangar9 offers wardrobe success by the numbers

By Richard Young

What’s in a name?

Plenty, if it underlies your entire business philosophy, as is the case with London’s recently rebranded women’s apparel shop Hangar9, formerly Fisher and Company.

Hangar9 began life as Fisher and Cooper, a partnership between Pat Cooper and Jo-Ann Fisher in 1983.

Fisher struck out on her own, opening Fisher and Company in 1988.

After a successful move to its present Richmond Row location, the company adopted its Formula for Wardrobe Success – [F+C] + 9 = 36 – in 1994.

Simply put, the formula states that with the right nine wardrobe items, Fisher and Company stylists can help customers create a wardrobe of 36 different looks.

The formula provided the inspiration for the company’s new name – Hangar9, introduced in the fall of 2014 with a new, completely redesigned website.

While the name may be new, the Fisher family’s long-standing commitment to redefining fashion with extraordinary brand-name clothing and high-end service by delivering a truly personal experience to its clientele remains rock-solid.

“Hangar9 exists for the modern woman. We exist for you,” says Fisher.

This assertion is certainly upheld by the personalized services offered by Hangar9’s flagship London store and Toronto location (opened in 2007).

Leading on the fashion front (l-r): Jo-Ann Fisher, Denise MacDonald, Lisa Ferguson, Jodi Neichenbauer and Rachael Fisher.

Hangar9 styling experts offer twoor three-hour one-on-one no-pressure personal shopping sessions in both locations, during which clients learn the techniques of the Hangar9 formula, are guided in the purchase of quality foundation items, and create a wish list for future purchases.

Another personal service, Closet Editing, brings Hangar9 personal style coaches into the client’s home to identify what needs to be kept, altered and/or donated. The coach helps the client put together a “Clothing Action Plan” using key existing pieces and combining them with future purchases to get 36 different looks from nine key essential items.

Hangar9 also provides styling seminars and workshops for groups and organizations and stages special styling events like the Annual Spring Fashion Show taking place on March 25 at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club.

“We look forward to embarking on this new chapter with all of you – and we know that it will bring great connections and great fashion,” says Fisher. ▪

INFO Hangar9 515 Richmond Street 519-672-0073 555 Richmond Street West, Suite 510, Toronto 416-777-0073 www.hangar9.ca

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Lifestyle 61

yourstyle

i

Beauty

from the inside out

CONTEST WINNER ENJOYS MAKEOVER EXPERIENCE

Story by Jill Ellis-Worthington Photography by Kamini Le Capelain

n the middle of February, statistically the saddest time of the year, Pauline Halstead found herself having the time of her life.

As the winner of Lifestyle Magazine’s Beat the Winter Blahs contest, she enjoyed a shopping spree at Hangar9, a complete hair and make-up makeover at Salon Entrenous and her own photo shoot at Michael’s on the Thames Restaurant.

More people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in February, with its shorter days and cold weather, than any other month, so it was the perfect time to launch the Beat the Winter Blahs contest. Lifestyle Magazine wants to thank those who took part in the contest.

The winner, Pauline Halstead, is 61 years old, single and starting a new career. She taught elementary school, commuting to the Toronto area for several years from her home here in London that she’s been renovating over the four and half years that she’s owned it.

She’s launching her business – Sprouting World – and is excited to be able to combine her twin passions: teaching and helping others eat healthier to feel and look better. As an entrepreneur, Halstead felt she needed a new look. “I’ve been on the ground playing with children for years, so my wardrobe wasn’t important. I never paid a lot of attention to coordinating things when I shopped; I didn’t really know what to buy.”

First stop was a session in FI (fashion intelligence) with Jo-Ann Fisher at Hangar9. Halstead explained her need for practical clothes and her penchant for being outdoors. (During the summer months she teaches kayaking and canoeing for a nonprofit group called Abilities in Motion.)

Continued on page 64

INSET Pauline Halstead before. ABOVE Halstead at Michael’s on the Thames, wearing her new clothes from Hangar9, sporting a new hairdo by Lisa Sallabank and a fresh makeup look by Cindy Dawson, both from Salon Entrenous.

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Eminence, Vivier Skin TX, Jane Iredale and Dermalogica products

off selected services during March & April 2015

Venus Legacy is cleared by the FDA for Facial Wrinkles and Rhytides and licensed by Health Canada for Skin Tightening and Temporary Reduction of Cellulite.

519-433-6245 • www.laseranatomy.com After 3 treatments

AILSA CRAIG 151 Main St.

Shoppers Plaza

Call us to schedule your free treatment and consultation today.

Before

Welcome

ARTISTIC SPA Face - Body - Hair

Venus Legacy Treatment with a Complimentary Consultation!

Before

dentistry

WWW.DENTALSTUDIOLONDON.COM

Please send your resume to… lifestylemagazinepublishing@gmail.com

Before

New and

Emergency Patients

offering sedation

Before

|

*Some conditions do apply.

191 Central Avenue, London

After 7 treatments

|

Conveniently located in the heart of London Plenty of Parking available

519-433-6245 • www.artisticspa.ca March/April 2015

Lifestyle 63

goodbye bulges Tummy Muffin Top - Thighs NEW Arms No surgery...no lipo...no needles.

BEAUTY Continued from page 62

519 432 SKIN DRS. CUMBERLAND & CHADDAH

cumberlandlaserclinic.com

LASER SKIN REJUVENATION

• Pearl Fractional • Laser Genesis • Limelight IPL

Botox injections Dermal fillers Chemical peels & facials Fractional laser skin re-surfacing Laser for skin rejuvenation & brown spots Laser hair removal Laser for facial & leg veins Medical grade skin care products & make-up Photodynamic therapy for sun damaged skin LumiBel for photorejuvenation LumiCleanse for moderate to severe acne Complimentary skin care consult

Dr. Wei Jing Loo (Dermatologist) BSc(Med), MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCPC

1560 Hyde Park Road, London, ON

www.dermeffects.ca • 519.472.8686 64 Lifestyle March/April 2015

Fisher guided her through the process of choosing good quality clothes that work together to make several outfits, flatter her petite frame, highlight her light colouring, complement her personality and fit with her active lifestyle.

Next was a consultation with Lisa Sallabank, owner of Salon Entrenous.

“Pauline loves her (hair) colour, so we didn’t want to change it, and she wanted a very low maintenance hair style.” The bob that Sallabank created for Halstead fits the bill, as she says it will grow out well, only needing a trim every two months or so, with a bang trim in between cuts.

Though many women in their sixth decade of life choose to eliminate grey hair, Sallabank applauds Halstead’s maintaining her original colour. “If it’s a great colour of grey and you’re comfortable with it, that’s great,” she says, adding there are techniques that enable those who are tired of colouring their hair to help it grow out gracefully. She adds that “consultations are complimentary in case you’re not sure what you want to do with your hair.”

Cindy Dawson, aesthetician and make-up artist at Salon Entrenous, heard Halstead’s concerns about being able to apply make-up quickly in a life filled with the new demands of her growing business. The number one product she uses and recommends is Lise Watier Portfolio Professional Corrector, as she says concealers are the most important element in successful makeup for the aging face. 

OPPOSITE PAGE An easy-going hairstyle that respects her natural hair colour is perfect for Halstead’s busy life as an entrepreneur who loves the outdoors. ABOVE An easy-to-do makeup regimen was designed for Halstead, minimizing the natural red tones in her skin and playing up her lovely eyes.

Dawson adds that the way to achieve the best look “for mature skin is to use a good moisturizer, concealer and crème foundation, so that you don’t get a cakey look.”

Then it was off to Michael’s on the Thames for the photo shoot, an experience that Halstead feels she could get used to: “I feel like a princess or a cat from all this petting,” she says. She also notes that the makeover experience has made her appreciate that making an effort with hair, make-up and clothes has a positive impact on one’s confidence.

“It’s scary starting a new venture,” says Halstead, “so this (makeover) came just at the right time. I had no idea it was going to be such an incredible experience.”

face lift/brow lift eyelid surgery liposuction breast enhancement tummy tuck Botox® injectable fillers sclerotherapy for spider veins specialty skin care products

Dr Moore.pdf

10/30/11

12:52:07 PM

INFO

Hangar9 515 Richmond Street 519.672.0073 www.hangar9.ca Michael’s on the Thames 1 York Street 519-672-0111 www.michaelsonthethames.com Pauline Halstead www.sproutingworld.com Salon Entrenous 579 Richmond Street 519-433-8129 www.salonentrenous.com March/April 2015

Lifestyle 65

Warehouse 74 UNIQUE CUSTOM HOME FURNISHINGS 269 Main St, Lucan, just 15 minutes north of Masonville Mall

519 227-0074

BOGO SALE BEDROOM SUITES DINING ROOM HOME OFFICE LIGHTING SEATING LIVING ROOM MAN CAVE

Buy one regular priced item and get the second item of equal or lesser value at 25% OFF

SALE ENDS MARCH 31ST

www.warehouse74.com

custom shop 7 REASONS YOU DO NOT WANT TO BUY ANOTHER SUIT UNTIL YOU HAVE TRIED ON ONE OF OURS

01

By Appointment In Your Office or Our Custom Shop

02

A Fully Visualized Custom Tailoring Experience

03

Personalized and Customized For You Only

04

2,275 Fabric Options...maybe more!

05

Pick Your Fabric, Pick Your Lining, Pick Your Buttons

06

Quality, Quality, Quality...once more Quality

07

Priced from just $695

We will come to you at your convenience. Your office, your home, you pick the place and we will accomodate your needs, after all we know you hate shopping, so let us do all the hard stuff and put a little fun back into the experience! We are your clothing concierge.

You will see what your custom suit will look like before you order, if you come into our custom shop we will even put it up on the big screen. The tech world has caught up with old world tailoring, prepare to be wowed!

We will measure you from top to bottom, even side ways. Square shoulders, slope shoulders all that stuff you need not worry about, that is our job and as clothing specialists, we do it better than most. Your distinctive measurements will be then entered into our system, ready for customizing your next suit, sport coat or shirt.

Barberis, Loro Piana, Reda, Tessta, Thomas Mason, the list of world class mills is at your pleasure. Pins and chalks, glen checks, bengal stripes, tattersalls...whatever your wish, whatever your size.

Side vents, center vents, paisley lining, surgeon cuffs, patch pockets, ticket pockets.

White, marled, black, blue or red buttons, just like our fabric options, the list is long... and once again you get to choose!

Canvas chest piece, Bemberg linings, french facing interior linings, cotton waistbands, super 120’s, 130’s, exacting details and customized fittings, backed up with 35 years of custom clothing expertise!

Did we save the best reason for last? Perhaps, and excuse us as we boast that this is simply the best value in all of Canada for this quality of product and this level of service.

Let us show you the future of the suit business, today! Book your appointment.

changing the way you shop for clothes book your appointment today 1.800.859.9759

RICHMOND & QUEEN’S 171 Queens Avenue, London

The White House

Now Showing At:

COUTURE

ALSO AT THE WHITE HOUSE THE

BRA BAR & OUTLET

CLEARANCE CENTRE

view our website: www.susanjfashions.ca

256 Oxford Street E. 519-679-8511 Open Thurs. & Fri. ‘til 8