Westman September 2021

Newly MINT-ed

with Dr. Rob Mintenko Sobey’s Cook Off Crisp and casual autumn fashion

The Mint Experience Westman VOL 5 ISS 4 Sept 2021

Enter our 1st Annual Holiday Creation Contest Our featured recipe contest comes to us courtesy of Manitoba Egg Farmers

Who is ready for delicious eats with great company?

Did you know …

The best dishes start with EGGS! Send in your holiday creations that nourish your soul as much as your taste buds. We can’t wait to see the baked goods, pastas, or breakfasts that your family craves. Holiday meals bring us together and we can’t wait to join in your family tradition.

you can eat eggs for any meal, not just breakfast. They’re the perfect food for anytime – healthy, affordable and easy to make for any meal or snack!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE •

Follow @mintmarketingexperience AND @eggsmanitoba on Instagram

•

On your Instagram profile, share photos of your delicious holiday creation – EGGS must be one of the ingredients

•

Use the hashtag #eggsforholidayMINT

•

Entry deadline: October 17th 2021

This contest is hosted on Instagram!

PRIZE • •

Gift Basket valued at $750 Winning Recipe & Photo printed in Mint Magazine Holiday Issue November 2021

For more information visit or www.mintmarketingexperience.ca/holidaybaking2021

Building

Better

Communities

Chris Low & Sam Mehdi

RE/MAX Valleyview Realty 1209 Richmond Ave Unit A, Brandon westmanrealestate.ca

Chris Low 204-573-5699 chrislow@remax.net

Sam Mehdi 204-730-5786 smehdi@remax.net

FIRST WORD From Editor in Chief

JAMIE WILLEY

Volume 5 Issue 4, September 2021 Publisher Mint Marketing Experience Inc.

Editor Jamie Willey

Graphic Designer Ghislaine Moffitt

Writers Geoff Kirbyson Lisa Cress

his fall issue comes out as we are in the middle of our ‘getting back to busy’ season. The kids are back at schools, we are settling into our routine, that seems to have been completely off in the past 18 months. There is a mix of excitement, relief and appreciation for routine and the upcoming Fall months.

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Over the past year, we have spent time getting know our Cover Feature – Dr. Rob Mintenko and his amazing staff, and travel with them on their journey. From his start at Winburn Orthodontics to his path to transforming the business into his very own Mint Orthodontics, Dr. Mintenko unveils his new logo and name. As the industry continues to evolve, read about how they can create your perfect smile.

We share stories and recipes of comforting dishes and wine that has left our mouths watering and looking forward Sunday evening suppers with the family, or a simple way to treat ourselves after a full week. With our first ever Holiday creation contest, we can’t wait to see how your meals and creations play an important part of your family traditions.

While Fall can be a coming back to home life, we share stories on settling back into a routine that is good for the soul, creating a home environment that is comforting through our plants and décor – we want to inspire and encourage you to create your best life that brings happiness and comfort.

We had a fun time collaborating and putting this issue together and hope you are entertained and inspired by these stories that make Westman interesting and unique.

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Contributing Writers Shelby Wood Kim Raaikamakers Michael van Lierop Raschelle Sabourin Anna Dumas

Photographer Studio 78

Cover Photo Studio 78

PRINT ADVERTISING & DIGITAL MARKETING INQUIRIES hello@mintmarketingexperience.ca FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES Jamie Willey jamie@mintmarketingexperience.ca 204-721-1296 mintmarketingexperience.ca The Mint Experience is published by Mint Marketing Experience Inc. The Mint Experience Westman is published 6 times per calendar year. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the Publisher. The Mint Marketing Experience Inc assumes no responsibility to return any unsolicited editorial or graphic material. The Mint Marketing Experience Inc. considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently, readers using this information should do so at their own risk.

Mint Marketing Experience Inc. 29 10th Street Unit J Brandon, MB R7A 4E4

CONTENTS 8 24 28 48

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Fashion & Beauty

16

Health & Wellness

28

Eats & Drinks

40

House & Home

48

Local Culture

FEATURES 8

Crisp Autumn Fashion

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Cover Story: Newly MINT-ed with Dr. Rob Mintenko

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Fall Wines

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CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE

JAMIE WILLEY Born and raised in Manitoba, Jamie comes from a long line of entrepreneurs.

Owner of Studio 78, and Editor in Chief of The Mint Experience, Jamie has a soft spot for the fearless business community. Combining her creative photography talents with her business roots, she is proudly bringing stories and inspiration with Manitoba’s best magazine. Jamie also combines her print marketing skills to the digital marketing platforms, and along with her team The Mint Marketing Experience collaborates with businesses country-wide.

Jamie has a love for cooking, and of course delicious wines.

RASCHELLE SABOURIN Raschelle Sabourin is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor, which has a virtual private practice in Manitoba. She focuses on helping her clients improve their relationship with food through Intuitive Eating. Many of her clients are struggling with disordered eating, emotional or binge eating and eating disorders. With over ten years of experience in her field, she has a true passion for helping her clients overcome these struggles.

Reach out to Raschelle at (204) 227-6323 or visit her website www.sabourinnutrition.com for more information.

GEOFF KIRBYSON Geoff Kirbyson is a veteran journalist who spent nearly 20 years as a business and sports reporter at the Winnipeg Free Press. He has also written for a wide range of other publications, including Canadian Business magazine, Western Investor, Investment Executive and The Hockey News. He has published two books, “The Hot Line – How the Legendary Trio of Hull, Hedberg & Nilsson Transformed Hockey and Led the Winnipeg Jets to Greatness” and “Broken Ribs & Popcorn – How the Winnipeg Jets Became the Best Team of the NHL’s Most Offensive Era to Not Win the Stanley Cup.

LISA CRESS Lisa Cress is an advertising specialist, writer and wannabe fantasy author living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She started her freelance career under the name Slay it in Writing in 2019 and has had the opportunity to write and create for a variety of publications and companies. Her expertise is in connecting businesses to their audiences with copy and creative that engages, entertains and inspires. Get in touch with her at slayitwithlisa@gmail.com.

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SHELBY WOOD Shelby absolutely has a deep appreciation for food, and is working on putting together a cookbook, which is a real passion project for her. Since her Dad passed pretty horrifically 3 years ago she found herself searching for understanding and mainly ways to work through trauma and grief. For Shelby, food it is not only nourishment, but a real form of love, bringing people together in a special way. Especially right now with what is going on in our world, it can connect us from right inside our homes. The kitchen is the heart, it’s where the tunes get turned up! “Probably embarrassingly, if you could be a fly on the wall, as I sing into my kitchen utensil, and sassily dance like I’m Beyonce, but hey, that’s the joy!” says Shelby

MICHAEL VAN LIEROP Michael van Lierop is President & Founder of New Outlook Wealth, a Manitobabased wealth & advisory firm that brings financial planning and low investment management fees to all Canadians, regardless of their wallet size. Visit their website at www.newoutlook.ca to learn more and to find an advisor!

KIM RAAIJMAKERS Kim Raaijmakers is a mom of two, a business professional of 20+ years and personal development junkie turned transformation coach. Kim is helping women leaders create their best lives, by creating clarity of their vision, developing undeniable belief and discovering strategies that make success inevitable. What began as a personal journey, she has turned into a mission to help women experience the same freedom. When you’re ready for your best life, reach out for a conversation at info@kimraaijmakers.com or check out kimraaijmakers.com

ANNA DUMAS Anna is an avid food lover. She has worked in the restaurant industry since she was 18, and specializes in mixology and bartending, and is the Office Manager at WLB & Assocoates. Anna is well known for her unique love of Tequila, Orange, and Cinnamon. She has a passion for wine, and took her WSET level 2 Wine and Spirits course at Banville & Jones. Her two children take up any additional time she has, unless it’s selflessly trying wines and making pairing notes for Mint.

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FASHION & BEAUTY

Crisp and casual

AUTUMN FASHION

BY STYLE BAR PHOTOS BY JAMIE MAE PHOTOGRAPHY Summer fashion may bring us sundresses, and chic sandals, but there’s nothing quite like embracing the art of layering when it comes time for fall. There are plenty of wardrobe updates your closet needs for cooler weather—from boots to denim and beyond. It’s time to welcome layering season with open arms.

Step into Fall with Shackets, whether they are plaid, printed or solid, this trend is here to stay. Oversized Shirt Jacket $115, Bodysuit $49

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A statement sweater to keep you warm. The peplum detail on this sweater is both flattering and trendy. Jessica Sweater $69

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Cozy Up in your new favourite Cardigan, The Jamie Plaid Cardigan, $84, It is sure to keep you warm through those chilly Months.

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Take your dress from the office to a night out with the girls. The June Pleated Midi Dress, $92 looks amazing on its own, or paired with our Tina Faux Leather jacket $135

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Best texturizing sprays that are godsend for your hair Discover your hair’s true potential with texturizing sprays. Making your straight hair more edgy, ponytails less flat and waves more messy. Another amazing thing about texturizing spray is that it literally adds texture to your hair, which makes it more manageable for styling. Clean, silky soft hair doesn’t typically hold a curl or a braid very well. Spraying texturizing spray all over before curling or braiding and you’ll find that the hair will hold the style much better.

How do texturizing sprays work?

A quality texturizing spray will add volume to the hair without weighing it down so that it appears fuller. It should give your strands lots of natural movement without making it feel crunchy or stiff.

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1 R+CO BALLOON DRY VOLUME This light as air finishing spray adds instant volume and touchable texture. Warm romantic scents of cardamom, pineapple, tangerine, lavender, and bamboo. Spray at roots for volume. For an all-over finished look, flip hair over and spray from midlengths to ends.

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SHU UEMURA WATA WAVE DRY TEXTURIZING HAIR SPRAY

IGK BEACH CLUB VOLUME TEXTURE SPRAY

The legendary Wave Dry Texturizing Hair Spray maintains volume and works to make second-day hair look its best.

Wata Wave builds volume and movement in fine hair while enhancing definition and extending that perfect blow dry on normal to thick hair and provides buildable texture with long-lasting flexible hold for a matte finish Not to mention, you’ll likely look forward to spraying this gem just to get a whiff of its warm and spicy smell.

4 CHI TEXTURIZING SPRAY This spray provides buildable texture and lift, allowing you to layer it whenever your hair needs a little boost throughout the day. We also love that it offers thermal protection, so you can feel free to use it alongside your favorite hot tools without fear of damaging your hair. This weightless formula is perfect for all hair types.

Wishing you were reading a book while listening to the calming noise of the ocean waves? IGK delivers a salty, windswept look in seconds without heaviness, stickiness, or drying. This versatile texture spray can be used on wet or dry hair for your specific needs. You will live how it adds volume and texture to hair to create a sexy, wind-blown look, and it also adds fullness, hold, and a cool, matte finish.

5 COLOR WOW’S STYLE ON STEROIDS COLOR-SAFE TEXTURE SPRAY If you’re worried about a texture spray changing the color of your gorgeous strands, rest assured, Color Wow’s Style on Steroids Color-Safe Texture Spray won’t darken or make your hair appear dull in any way. On top of that, the formula is also infused with glycerin, which works to add moisture to hair, and delivers the perfect amount of volume and texture for a fuller, healthier-looking mane.

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Hyaluronic Acid Ultra-Hydrating, your skin will love you for it 14

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Hyaluronic acid is commonly found in your

favorite serums, sheet masks, moisturizers, and is an important addition to your daily skin-care regimen.

That’s because HA, a molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, binds to water to plump up your skin and give it that dewy, glowy effect.

DID YOU KNOW

that hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. Highest in concentration in fluids in the eyes and joints, its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist.

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID? Increasing the hydration in the skin, hyaluronic acid keeps your skin looking fresh, full, and bouncy.

Natural hyaluronic acid is bound to collagen on one side and links to water molecules on the other, giving skin its plumpness.

WHY IS HYALURONIC ACID SO IMPORTANT? As we age, we lose collagen and hyaluronic acid naturally, so the skin becomes dehydrated more easily. In our harsh Manitoba weather, using certain skincare products and our underlying skin conditions can be the cause of breaks in our protective skin barrier, allowing water to escape. Creating a tailored skin-care regimen with moisturizing products can be extra beneficial.

“Hydrating skin-care ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, colloidal oatmeal, urea, propylene glycol, and sorbitol all act as humectants that attract water to the skin in an effort to hydrate it,” Shainhouse says.

These ingredients are widely used in products such as moisturizers, eye creams, and serums. By using products such as The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum, you’ll firm the skin around the eye area, increase moisture to get rid of puffiness and soften fine lines on the rest

of the face. Hyaluronic acid is amazing to use because penetrates easily, which is why it works so well when applied topically.

It’s lightweight and watery and that give it the ability to lock in moisture to fully hydrate the skin.

WHO SHOULD USE HYALURONIC ACID? Hyaluronic acid is great for all skin types. In most cases, it’s gentle and does not trigger acne, rosacea, or allergic skin reactions. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin maintain moisture and helps the tissue regeneration process involved in healing wounds.

Those with dry and/or more mature skin will benefit the most from using hyaluronic acid. Our bodies produce less of it as we age, therefore replacing hyaluronic acid topically will have a huge impact.

People may be aware of the benefits of hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in skincare but may not be aware of its versatility.

Using hyaluronic acid supplements or topical products can help people maintain a youthful appearance and tackle many signs of aging. However, it can also help treat some medical conditions, such as helping to heal wounds, smoothing skin texture or joint pain.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Business Profile | Marc Plante

MARC PLANTE

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Take complete control of the most important thing in life… YOU. Mental wellness and true mental toughness is the ability to adapt and excel beyond what is perceived possible.

BY MARC PLANTE, PLANTE’S MENTAL WELLNESS

It doesn’t matter who you are as a person. It matters who you are trying to be! Imagine where you would be, if you spent the same amount of time taking care of yourself mentally as a person takes care of themselves physically.

Immediately take yourself to another level that you may never thought was possible, by investing in yourself mentally.

for many schools, including sessions for LIFT-SAGE and the Oxford University International Round Table Invitation (London, England). I have also successfully worked with many elite athletic teams as well as countless one-on-one sessions with elite athletes. Most people will affectionally refer to and remember my sessions as “Be the Frog!”.

When dealing with any aspect of life, whether it be dealing with difficult people, bullies, your marriage, finances, health issues, career goals or any adversity you may face, Plante’s Mental Wellness Workshop holds the key to the process that is essential for all to succeed.

While the core fundamentals of each workshop remain the same the lessons and processes of achieving true mental toughness can be applied to any situation life will throw at you. Having an awareness and understanding of true mental toughness will allow you to reach beyond what you thought was possible, exceed your expectations and overcome any form of adversity that comes your way.

Taking care of your mind is the same as taking care of your body. When your body is sick, you rest. If you have a sore throat or a cough, you take medicine. If you hurt your body or pull a muscle, you rest and take care of your body. I have learned how to exercise and eat healthy to take care of my body. I have also learned to ice my injuries or use a roller to help my back, but I go to the professionals when I need help with areas beyond my daily knowledge of how to take care of myself physically.

The same thing applies when someone is feeling mental unrest, mental fatigue, or mental anxiety. You need to use the same process to help your body heal itself and rehabilitate yourself, in order for you to be strong again.

Just like physically you may see a chiropractor, mentally you may see a therapist or a life coach to help you deal with whatever is bothering you at that time.

Dealing with mental issues should be the same as dealing with physical issues. Both are perfectly normal and occur frequently throughout our lifetime. I provide people with the tools and skills necessary to take care of themselves mentally. Plante’s Mental Wellness is the place to start cultivating the mindset needed not only to help you when you are in need but also preventative strategies to help you avoid having serious mental issues to deal with.

During my 32 year career as a teacher and Assistant Coach for the Brandon University Women’s Basketball team for the past 9 years, I have facilitated successful workshops

Regardless of where you are at or how you feel about your current situation, my workshops will provide you with the means and confidence to take control of any situation and get yourself on the right path to a place of true happiness and fulfillment. Let me be clear: my workshops deal with real issues in life and will bring about immediate changes at an amazingly fast rate.

Everyone has only one life to live. It’s your life. The people you love and people who love you, deserve to get the most out of that one life. Get firsthand knowledge, skills and applications of what Marc’s Wellness Sessions have to offer you as well as, every important person in your life. Unlock a whole new world of life experiences awaiting you.

Contact Marc now and take your first steps to immediately changing your life and others with you. You deserve to experience everything this amazing world has to offer in a way you’ve never imagined.

Marc Plante – Plante’s Mental Wellness 204-724-5123 plantesmentalwellness@gmail.com www.marcplante.com

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Yes, you can have a holiday every day!

BY KIM RAAIJMAKERS

Summer holidays are just behind us and we’re into what a beautiful fall before the long dark evenings of winter begin. Even though this transition happens every year, are you finding yourself already longing back to your summer holiday or planning the next summer holiday and wishing it was here already?

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Summer holidays are great times for family, friends, relaxation and reflection. In our often busy lives, your holiday may be the only time that life actually slows down enough that you are present to each day and soaking up the enjoyment. Possibly bottling it up so that you can survive until your next summer holiday comes around again.

What if instead of constantly looking to the next summer holidays, you could simply extend it? Practically speaking, yes you need to work and you can’t be on holidays every day AND yet within your mind it is possible.

So how can you make it possible in your mind to continue being on holiday? How can you extend that feeling of being present, rejuvenated? Take time each day to recreate and visualize your holidays.

Whether it is in a quiet corner in your home, over a cup of coffee in the morning or just before you go to sleep, allow yourself time to experience a day of your holiday.

Picture it in your mind, feel the wind and sun, hear the birds chirping and the water splashing. Make it as colorful and as alive as possible.

One of the major benefits of any type of holidays, is that when you are out of your daily must do’s and get it done lists, your mind has the space to free think, see possibilities and gain clarity. I know that when I have been on holidays, I come back feeling alive, rejuvenated, brimming with ideas and insights on how I want life to be.

Doing this each day, actually primes your brain and your body to experience a daily holiday. Here’s a little secret: your brain can’t tell the difference between a real experience and one you made up. That means you can have a holiday each and every day of your life – if only for 10 – 20 minutes. This also gives you mind the space it needs to be able to be more innovative and creative.

Plus it is a great mood booster, any time of the day.

Why then does the sense of being alive then end within a few days of getting back to work? Because you’ve stepped back into your old environment and the comfortable habits that made it easy to get everything done. Easy though does not equal happy, fulfilled or feeling alive.

You’ll find yourself better able to make decisions, be more present in your daily life, and really get enjoyment out of what you’re doing. Take this on for 30 days and I guarantee you’ll see a massive shift in how you feel and experience life, plus how you’re showing up at home and at work! So are you ready to take a holiday?

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Nourishment is a Form of Self Care

BY RASCHELLE SABOURIN, REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Nourishing our bodies with adequate food and fluids are some of the most essential components of self-care. Diet culture has encouraged us to view certain foods as “good” and “bad” foods and be hyper-focused with what we’re eating. In society, we tend to focus on being at a perfect weight, but we do not consider the adverse physical and psychological effects of this. Diet culture is heavily immersed in society, and it takes a conscious effort to move away from it.

Diets have been shown to decrease metabolism, sense of willpower and negatively impact mental health. Studies show there is an increase in binge eating, preoccupation with food, and feelings of deprivation.

Dieting raises your risk for weight cycling and is an increased predictor for developing eating disorders or disordered eating.

Intuitive Eating is a selfcare eating framework that helps us get back to listening to our internal cues, such as our hunger and fullness cues. All bodies deserve to be treated with respect and dignity with this framework.

There are ten principles developed by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, the creators of Intuitive Eating: • Reject the Diet Mentality • Honour Your Hunger • Make Peace with Food • Challenge the Food Police • Feel Your Fullness

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• Discover the Satisfaction Factor • Cope with your Emotions Without Using Food • Respect Your Body • Exercise – Feel the Difference • Honour Your Health With Gentle Nutrition Intuitive Eating breaks you free from dieting and gives you more freedom to live your life. Some of the benefits include improved blood cholesterol, blood pressure, body image and psychological health. It is important to remember that your body is amazing, and no matter what, all bodies deserve to be properly nourished.

Creating an Inspiring Autumn Routine

to Fall in Love With

BY STEFANIE BARANOWSKI, DIAMOND LOTUS YOGA

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orning walks with my dog are always my favourite time of day. It’s the one routine that stays relatively consistent throughout the year as my dog holds me accountable for staying in that joyful commitment. Fall time is the time of year I look forward to the most to walk my dog. The air is crisp in the morning forcing me to wear my long sleeve shirts and sweaters to keep me warm. The colours of red, orange and yellow create an ambience of autumn warmth for the soul that is creatively inspiring. Each day when I return back home from my morning walk, I’m eager to make my warm morning coffee or tea to enjoy while I sit, journal and respond to emails. The warmth of my hot morning beverage warms me from the inside out.

I find myself gravitating towards the comfort of routine and self-reflection.

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You can see it coming, September is just a turn of the page in your calendar as you start preparing for back to school, extracurricular activities, and new and renewed habit creating. Just as the trees let go of their leaves in the fall, we have the opportunity to see fall as a time of self-reflection, letting go and transition. It’s a great time to renew our set of goals and priorities and let go of what no longer serves us.

It’s very common to want to resist transition and change.

Human beings like what is consistent and predictable.

Transition into a new job role, a new stage in life, or even a new season can feel somewhat stressful. Here are some things to draw into your consciousness as you transition into the autumn season; letting go of what doesn’t serve you and creating space for what does serve you.

1. Engage in activities that push you towards your goals.

When you fill your time up with activities that push you towards accomplishing your bigger goals, life starts to feel more productive. Waking up in the morning with a spring in your step and motivation in your heart knowing that you are working towards something meaningful draws in a more purposeful life.

2. Create a schedule that you can fall in love with.

There is nothing worse than waking up, seeing your ‘To Do’ list for the day and wishing you could just go back to bed. When you set up your calendar and your schedule with activities, events, commitments and meetings you look forward to doing it makes it exciting and inspiring.

Waking up each morning to look forward to the day ahead is more fun and enjoyable for yourself and the people around you.

3. A balanced schedule is essential to maintain balance within yourself.

Balance is a continuous practice as you move through your weeks. It’s easy to add one more thing to the calendar as things pop up in life but make sure not to overload your calendar to the point where you are drained of energy. Its key to create a healthy balance and to consciously maintain that balance as you move through your week to avoid burn out. When you maintain a balanced schedule, you maintain a balance within yourself mentally and emotionally. Don’t be shy, schedule in that block of time weekly or daily just for you to do some self-care.

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4. Create a lifestyle change not just a habit.

Going with the mindset of creating a lifestyle change will set you up for success. Taking on a growth mindset towards bettering yourself and creating the life you want for the long term is more effective than setting short seasonal habits for change. Write down those words “Lifestyle Change” on your goals list because vocabulary and the words you choose to use is important. Its perspective changing at its core and it’s what will help create a more effective execution of growth.

5. Prioritize what lights up your soul.

Change starts with you and emulates outwards. When you prioritize the things that light you up inside and bring a sparkle to your eye when you talk about it, that’s when you know you are living your best life. When you prioritize the things that make you feel good, you are

prioritizing happiness. Energy is contagious and that energy will inspire others around you on their journey.

To be living a life of full alignment with yourself is to live a life that is purposeful, meaningful and awe-inspiring.

Find comfort in the discomfort of transition, as you do some self-reflection and gravitate towards a more meaningful routine. The transition of seasons allows for space and opportunity to renew your sense of self, your goals and your life to live your best life. Let this season be the season you allow for the leaves of the things that don’t serve you fall and the things that do serve you become more colourful.

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COVER FEATURE

Winburn Orthodontics: Newly Mint-ed Dr. Rob Mintenko gives us the inside scoop on the new look, brand and name coming to Winburn Orthodontics this fall

The team at Winburn Orthodontics and Dr. Rob Mintenko are best known for their incredible smile transformations.

However, later this fall, the orthodontic practice will be seeing a transformation all its own.

“We are very excited. Later this year, Winburn Orthodontics will rebrand to become Mint Orthodontics,” Dr. Mintenko says. “We’re preparing to launch a new website and logo and have been making some changes to the overall look and feel of the office. All the things our patients love about the practice are still going to be there - but we’re creating a much more modern and contemporary orthodontic office that will elevate the patient experience.”

The quality of patient care is always top-of-mind for Dr. Mintenko. Mint Orthodontics will modernize, refresh

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DR. ROB MINTENKO

“We’re looking to step it up in the areas of orthodontic technology and esthetic treatment options while giving our facilities a bit of a modern update.” - Dr. Mintenko

and build upon the successful legacy of Dr. Mintenko’s predecessor, Dr. Jay Winburn.

“Dr. Winburn has an exceptional reputation in the dental profession. He practiced orthodontics in Brandon for over 40 years and took incredible care of his patients,” Dr. Mintenko says. “I have patients who are the children or grandchildren of patients Dr. Winburn treated. It’s very special to see three generations of a family coming to the same orthodontic office. That level of customer service and commitment to the families of our patients remain at the heart of our rebranding.”

Dr. Mintenko took over Dr. Winburn’s practice in May of 2020. He holds a dental degree from the University of Saskatchewan, a diploma in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Craniofacial Science from the University of British Columbia. He spent several years working as a

general dentist before being accepted into a three-year orthodontic residency program that has allowed him to specialize his practice to orthodontics (every orthodontist is a dentist first!).

“We want to keep the things everyone knows and loves about Winburn Orthodontics – the team, our exceptional results and the level of service we strive to provide are going to be what Mint Orthodontics is built on,” Dr. Mintenko explains. “We’re looking to step it up in the areas of orthodontic technology and esthetic treatment options while giving our facilities a bit of a modern update.”

Dental technology has evolved significantly over the past decade. Orthodontists are using cutting-edge treatments which go beyond rubber bands and wires to correct and perfect smiles. Since taking over the practice,

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Dr. Mintenko has made it a priority to offer the latest technology and techniques to his patients. This includes the addition of 3D imaging software and an intraoral scanner, which are used to create, project and monitor a patient’s treatment plan and progress with a clear aligner system.

“Our clinic has made some significant changes in the last year, so this rebrand is going to involve some minor renovations and cosmetic changes to our office and workspace,” Dr. Mintenko explains. “Aside from several design updates, we’re also looking to expand and modify the space so we can provide more treatment operatories and create a modern, relaxed environment that’s comfortable for patients.”

When the transformation is complete, patients at Mint Orthodontics will be seeing a new website and will get the first look at the clinic’s new colour palette and signage in full effect.

“We really want our services and facility to be family friendly, modern and appealing to all ages,” Dr. Mintenko 26

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says. “Mint Orthodontics is going to have a greater online presence and our website is going to be a more userfriendly touchpoint for patients or anyone who is looking to find more information about us, what we do and the treatment options we have available.”

Dr. Mintenko is also looking forward to the new esthetics coming to the office.

“Our new logo and new brand are very clean, modern and professional with colours that are going to help us set the tone in our practice,” Dr. Mintenko explains.

“While it was important to develop something esthetically appealing, we also wanted our rebrand to resonate with the team, our patients and the community. We wanted to create something that’s recognizable and memorable.”

Located in Brandon, Manitoba, Winburn Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations, flexible payment plans and direct billing to help people get the smile they’ve always wanted. While the transformation from Winburn Orthodontics to Mint Orthodontics is underway, Dr. Mintenko and his team are available to

provide those consultations and discuss individualized treatment options.

“Transforming your smile is a significant investment of time, money and commitment. Orthodontists are experts when it comes to moving teeth and changing bites in a safe and effective way,” Dr. Mintenko says. “When you visit our office, we give you a full examination and discuss what you want out of treatment. We make sure every patient knows their options and understands the pros and cons of different treatment methods available.”

Correcting a smile doesn’t have to just involve braces. Dr. Mintenko is an expert when it comes to clear aligners, such as Invisalign, and how they can correct and shape a perfect smile.

“People often prefer clear aligners to braces, as they are thin, invisible and can be removed at the discretion of the wearer,” Dr. Mintenko explains. “I work with my patients to track their progress and make adjustments to give them the best possible result.”

As for the new name? Well, Mint Orthodontics isn’t just a nod to Dr. Mintenko’s favourite Manitoba magazine or the most popular toothpaste flavour.

“Many dentists will often name their practice after themselves – but I wanted something that would better represent our entire orthodontic office and team as a whole instead of being solely focused on the doctor,” Dr. Mintenko explains. “While ‘mint’ does have a personal connection to part of my last name, it also means

something of high quality or in perfect condition. That’s the type of service we strive to provide and the results we work to create – we want every patient to have a mint smile after seeing us.”

Winburn Orthodontics 204-727-0401 www.winburnorthodontics.com

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EATS & DRINKS

Autumn leaves and pumpkins please

BY SHELBY WOOD PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

That fall feelin’... when the days start to become shorter and there’s that distinct crisp chill in the air. Leaves are turning colour as we hear them rustling in the wind and start to even cover the ground around us.

There’s a richness that sets in and makes us want to reach for that cozy sweater, a warm cup of just about anything and a meal that is a like hug when we eat it.

It’s so interesting with cooler weather and change of seasons how what we tend to gravitate towards eating also does the same.

I always know I am craving a good soup, but one that is hearty, filling and also doesn’t take me all day to make. This soup is one you can whip up in half an hour and packs so much flavour. Pair it with this delicious bread and it’s always a hit that will only leave you coming back for more. Hope you enjoy. xox Shelby

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Ginger Snap cookies 2 1/4 all purpose flour

Italian wedding soup, Shelby Style

2 tsp ground ginger

1 pkg Johnsonville hot or mild Italian sausage

1 tsp baking soda

2 onions, chopped fine 3 carrots, chopped into ½’ pieces 3 celery, chopped into ½’pieces Half bag of Spinach/kale mix 1 tsp basil 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp minced garlic 2 cartons of vegetable soup broth Half bag of Cheese stuffed tortellini

Directions

1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup margarine 1 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 tbsp water 1/4 cup molasses

Directions • Preheat oven to 350.

• In a medium bowl, Sift together your dry ingredients.

• In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add celery and carrots to soup pot with vegetable broth, plus 1 cup water.

• Beat in egg.

• Add in spices and garlic.

• Gradually stir in dry mix.

• Bring to a boil.

• Take sausage out of casings, crumble into small chunks.

• Add sausage and onions to a pan, sauté.

• Once onions are tender and meat is cooked, add mixture to broth.

• Reduce heat to a low simmer.

• Stir in water and molasses.

• Once fully combine, roll into 1” balls.

• Add white sugar to a plate and roll balls in white sugar to lightly coat.

• Place on cookie sheet and use a fork to flatten slightly.

• Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool.

• Add optional Icing.

• Chop spinach & kale, add to soup.

Icing:

• Simmer for 25 minutes.

1/2 cup Cream cheese

• Add Tortellini pasta, simmer for 7 minutes.

1.5 cups Icing sugar 1/4 cup Whipping cream 2 tsp Rum extract Combine with hand mixer.

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Onion & Garlic pull apart bread Dough recipe: 1 1/2 tsp yeast 2 cups flour 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup oil 1/2 tsp salt 2/3 cup warm water

Mixture: 1 medium onion, dices 1 cup margarine 2 tbsp minced garlic Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions Directions for are for a Bread maker on the dough setting. If you don’t have one, it can me mixed in a bowl, making sure the ingredients are all combined. Kneed for a couple minutes, then let rise for approximately 1 hour like the dough setting would be.

And when in the tins let rise until puffy approx 2 hours.

Makes 2 loaf tins

• 1st rise – Place the dough in a lightly greased large bowl, turning it to coat all sides in oil.

• Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow to rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until double in size.

• When the 1st rise is complete, grease 2 baking loaf pans (approximately 8 x 4).

• Melt ½ cup margarine in a frying pan, then add the diced onions, salt and pepper. Cook until the onions are soft. Turn off heat, then add remaining ½ cup margarine and minced garlic.

• Lightly coat the baking pans with the mixture.

• Remove dough from bowl, punch down to release the air.

• Shape into 16-18 equal sized balls, roll each ball into margarine mixture and place in prepared baking pan. Drizzle left over mixture over dough balls.

• Cover rolls and allow to rise until puffy, about 1 hour.

• Place baking pans in 370°F pre-heated oven on the lower rack. It’s best to bake the rolls towards the bottom of the oven so the tops don’t burn.

• Bake for 15 minutes.

• Whisk together warm water and yeast. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.

• Add in flour, sugar, oil and salt to water and yeast mix.

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• Flip buns over on a plate (so that the bottoms are now on the top) and serve warm.

Mocha latte: 1 cup coffee 1/2 cup half and half cream 2 tbsp coco powder 2 tbsp corn syrup or maple syrup

Directions • In a saucepan, add corn syrup and coco powder.

• Let come together and add your coffee and cream.

• Bring to a light boil and take off heat.

• Serve with some whipping cream and cocoa to top.

Add a shot a Kaluha for an extra bit of flavour.

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Cook Off

Sponsored by Sobeys West End

CONTESTANTS

CONTEST DETAILS:

About Sabor Latino

The contestants were presented with a selected basket of ingredients 1 hour before the cook off!

They were to use all of these ingredients to create their unique dish that followed the selected theme.

Contestants had the creative freedom to add any spices or additional ingredients as needed to complete their dish. They were given a 45 minute time limit.

Sabor Latino is a Downtown Brandon favorite, with authentic Latin cuisine.

Mouthwatering pupusas, flautas, and their amazing freshly made guacamole.

About Shady Lane Shady Lane Tea Room is located 5 minutes east on Brandon on the Transcanada highway. A popular wedding destination that offers homestyle cooking, catering and lunch features.

Final dishes were presented to our Judge – Ruth McLean and were graded on the use of ingredients, taste, presentation and finally creativity.

Ingredients Spatchcock spiced chicken Parsnips Squash Kohlrabi linguine noodles Pickled green tomato chow chow Hot-headed honey garlic cluck wing sauce

Judge: Ruth McLean 32

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Sabor Latino Creation The meal I was presented with is as follows: Spatchock spiced chicken – grilled on the bbq Sautéed parsnips

Blended Kohlrabi linguine with parsnips Rice with homemade salsa Squash soup with avocado as a garnish

Judge review The dish I received from Sabor Latino was presented to me in a modern way as a trio, separated by dividers. It was very inviting. I tasted the grilled spiced chicken first. The chicken was so incredibly juicy and tender, with a mild smoky flavor from the grill. It was definitely the star of the show, having been grilled to absolute perfection. I then tasted the parsnips, rice and the squash soup. Talk about an explosion of flavors. The parsnips were sautéed exactly how I like them, tender crisp. The rice was flavorful and the homemade salsa added interest and another dimension of flavor. These two sides provided a wonderful accompaniment to the chicken.

The soup was fantastic and reminded me of fall. It was so delicious that it could stand alone as a main on a chilly evening. Sabor Latino created a food experience that was diverse in appearance, texture and taste. Overall, it was an excellent use of ingredients and very tasty!

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Score 95/100

Winner!

Shady Lane Tea Room Creation The meal I was presented with is as follows: Spatchcock spiced chicken – baked in the oven Medley of parsnips, squash and celery

Kohlrabi linguini noodles with mustard and garlic Two dipping sauces

Judge Review I really enjoyed the dish presented to me by Shady Lane Tea Room. The food was presented family style in a homey and comforting way. The spiced chicken was baked very well and the skin was super crispy, just the way it should be. The parsnip squash medley was chunky in texture with a subtle sweet and delicious flavor that was extremely pleasing to the palette. The Kohlrabi linguini was flavorful with a zesty zing thanks to the infusion of the mustard but also had a depth of flavour thanks to the garlic. The two dipping sauces added variety but the chicken was so delicious, you didn’t even need to dip it.

Shady Lane truly creates dishes that are food for the soul. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and didn’t want it end!

Score 90/100

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BY ANNA DUMAS

We are in need of comfort, one that goes beyond sweaters, Netflix marathons and pumpkin spice everything. We need Wine.

We are not quite ready for the full bodied Cabernet Savingnon or Tannat that we love on cold winter nights. We need something that gets through the changes of the shorter days and and weather changes.

To help get you started on your fall wine shopping, see ahead for three options to look for. Suggestions from the palate of Mint’s very own wine aficionado Anna, here are some must haves for your fall evenings, or afternoon, we don’t judge.

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SANTA MARGHERITA PROSECCO

The perfect wine for thanksgiving, with elegant bubbles, a crisp finish and complexity of an Italian grape.

If you like your stuffing as we do, with sage and apple, the fruit aromas will be complimented with a juicy apple and pear flavor. With a season celebrated by herbs this wine brings the strength not to be overwhelmed, but the mouthfeel to attract flavors in dishes you didn’t expect. A delightful change to the traditional wines with the must have of a true Italian prosecco. Refresh your palate with every sip while enjoying time together again!

BOTTEGA PINOT GRIGIO ROSE

GABBIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA

Italy is the theme this thanksgiving and nothing compares to the pinot grigios in Italy. To top it off a softly pressed long contact rosé completely unique to the rosé market. Rosé all day for us with a well known brand Bottega, they nailed it with this flavorful and unique wine. It’s fresh, it’s delicious and promotes tasty notes of tree fruit, citrus and a floral undertone. Perfect for thanksgiving dinner, being well structured, slightly dry and well balanced. It’s sure to compliment the turkey all the way to the pumpkin pie.

For the more adventurous and foodies of the group, we have a versatile and bold Chianti.

Typically a medium bodied varietal, this Chianti comes through with a full mouthfeel of cherries, cedar and tobacco. Sure to please the bold Cabernet drinkers all the way to the pinot noir drinkers.

This wine will compliment as well as stand out with any dish while pleasing the palate and appeal the masses. Taking on flavors of herbs, spices, fruit and buttery notes, it is sure to be the star of your thanksgiving table!

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Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition recently awarded our Manitoba Berry Gin with Excellence in Terroir and Gold Medal

Inspired by Old Tom Gins of the late 1800’s our gin is infused with Saskatoons from Manitoba’s Interlake area. Lovely rich texture, round soft and silky. Judges commented on its bright and peppery spice on the palate with such juicy authentic fruit flavor.

Artisan Distillers Canada (ADC) is a national organization focused on celebrating and highlighting artisan distilleries and spirits across Canada.

Patent 5 Manitoba Berry Gin (42% ABV)

Our Manitoba Berry Old Tom is created using a base of our London Dry Gin along with a blend of locally grown Saskatoon Berries and sustainably sourced hibiscus flowers. The result is a lightly candied mix of sweet fruit and spicy, floral flavours- perfect for mixing with our Blood Orange Cordial.

Patent 5 Distillery

108 Alexander Avenue | Winnipeg, MB | 204-808-8614 | info@patent5.ca www.patent5.ca | RETAIL: Monday — Saturday 10am — 5pm | BAR: Tuesday — Saturday 4 — 11pm

Sharing this drink from a traditional gourd is a sign of friendship and bonding.

Yerba Mate –

what’s in your cup?

Extremely popular in South America, how did Yerba Mate end up in our tea cups?

THE YERBA MATE CULTURE Yerba mate culture dates back many centuries when the Guarani people shared it in the rainforest. Traditionally, yerba mate is prepared in one gourd that is shared; this is part of the social and cultural experience of drinking yerba mate To this day, yerba mate is a symbol of friendship, sharing, and connection with oneself and others through a very unique ritual that consists of sharing a mate while having a good moment.

to deliver a smooth increase of energy, without the caffeine crash.

PREPARING YERBA MATE Yerba mate can have different ideal brewing temperatures and steeping times depending on if it is brewed with hot or ice-cold water.

TASTING YERBA MATE

Yerba mate can typically be infused multiple times.

Each infusion reveals more layers of the flavor of the herb. Hot water is the most efficient way to extract the plant’s nutrients, and the ice-cold water method is very refreshing!

Yerba mate is often described as earthy, vegetal, herbaceous and bittersweet – similar to green tea. Imagine a fresh rainforest floor and you can likely picture the flavor of yerba mate. It is known

Yerba mate can be enjoyed on its own, or you can sweeten the brewed beverage with honey, agave or sugar, or even dilute it some with milk or cream, just like you would with a traditional tea.

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HOUSE & HOME

Say Yes to the Address 5 best Kept Secrets to Selling your Home

BY CHRIS LOW AND SAM MEHDI

For Realtors Sam Mehdi and Chris Low, real estate is an opportunity to help people plant roots, build successful businesses and add value to the community. Selling a home can be stressful and inconvenient but if you are thinking of selling, there are some essential secrets you need to know.

SELLING SECRET #1: PRICING IT RIGHT Price your home too low and you’ll miss out on money yet price your house too high and you’ll miss out on offers which in turn will leave your property on the market. Once your property has been on the market for some time, people will begin to wonder whether there is something wrong with it. Your Realtors understand the market and can help guide you in the right pricing direction.

SELLING SECRET #2 HALF-EMPTY CLOSETS Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left in there.

Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

SELLING SECRET #3: LIGHT IT UP Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery – it will make it more sellable.

SELLING SECRET #4: DON’T OVER-UPGRADE Quick fixes before selling always pay off. Mammoth makeovers, not so much. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market.

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“For us, it isn’t work. It’s something we love doing,” Mehdi says. “It’s our passion and we enjoy showing up for it every day.”

L-R CHRIS LOW, SAM MEHDI

Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout.

SELLING SECRET #5: THE KITCHEN COMES FIRST You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style.

RE/MAX Valleyview Realty Chris Low chrislow@remax.net 204-573-5699 Sam Mehdi smehdi@remax.net 204-730-5786

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ensure that you rent the property out to new tenants within a consolidated timeframe.

Move-in Cleaning Offers a Clean Start

The Importance of Move In & Move out Cleaning

You move, we handle the rest.

BY NIKKI’S CLEANING

If you are moving into a new home, one of the biggest challenges is knowing that you have a lot of cleaning when you arrive. Combined with work life, family time and the process of unpacking, you may not have the energy – or desire – to do a comprehensive cleaning of the walls, cabinets, floors and more. Move-in and move out cleaning is here to help you make sure a clean property is ready for you.

Move-out Cleaning for Apartment Renters or Landlords When renting, move-out cleaning services can help ensure that you get your deposit back from the landlord. Often, these rental contracts require that you leave in ideal condition, ready for the new renters to move-in. As you may not have the time to dedicate days to cleaning, a move-out cleaning can ensure that you abide by the terms of your lease.

For landlords, a move-in cleaning can help to remove the dirt and grime that past tenants have left behind and

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Working with a move-in cleaning company allows you to sit back and enjoy your new property and the surroundings of the area without having to focus on the cleaning as you unpack and settle in. You’ll be able to relax a little more knowing professionals took over the cleaning process.

Typical move-in and move-out cleaning requirements include: •

Vacuuming and mopping floors

•

Wiping down baseboards

•

Dusting all surfaces and fixtures

•

Cleaning kitchen appliances and cabinets inside and out

•

Cleaning sinks, toilets, showers, and countertops

For more information about move-in or move-out cleaning services, reach out to Nikki’s Cleaning today at 204-441-5676 or info@nikkiscleaning.ca.

Nikki’s Cleaning 399 Park Ave. East, Brandon (204) 441-5676 info@nikkiscleaning.ca www.nikkiscleaning.ca

JORDAN AND NIKKI CHUBATY

Nikki’s Cleaning 399 Park Ave East, Brandon, MB | Phone: 204-441-5676 | Text: 204-400-3676 info@nikkiscleaning.ca | nikkiscleaning.ca |

5 Essential tips for moving your houseplants indoors for the winter

After a summer of basking in the sun, it’s time for your leafy loves to come indoors for the winter. Before you bring them and plunk them on the floor, there is more to moving your plants indoors.

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Just like you gradually acclimate your plants bringing them outdoors in the spring, giving them extra care during their transition in the fall will help them cope better with the changes. Bringing plants inside for winter isn’t as easy as simply moving their pots from one place to another; there are a few precautions you need to take when acclimating plants from outdoors to indoors to prevent sending your plant into shock. Let’s look at how to prepare your plants for their winter vacation indoors.

1 – GIVE THEM TIME TO ADJUST Slowly acclimate your plants to lower light levels by putting them in a shaded spot for a couple of weeks before moving them inside. If your plants have gotten a little overgrown, now is a great time to trim them back a little and remove any dead leaves so you can keep the mess outside.

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2 - KEEP AN EYE ON THE TEMPERATURE While our fall days are warm and the evening temperatures dip, it’s a little trickier to figure out the best time to bring them in full time. It depends on the nighttime temperature, as you want to make sure to move them inside before the night temperature start to dip below 8-10°C. Any colder and you’re likely to see damage, especially on tender leaves and stem tips.

3 . GET RID OF PESTS Before you transition your houseplants indoors, inspect them for signs of pests. When troublemakers, such as mealy bugs, enter a warm, protected indoor environment, they multiply rapidly and can quickly

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devour your indoor garden. Check them carefully for pest problems, make sure to turn over leaves to check the undersides and look closely along the stems. Even if you don’t spot any bugs, wash off your plants with an insecticide spray just in case.

4. CUT BACK ON WATER AND FERTILIZER Once your plants are back inside, they won’t need as much water as they did during the hot summer months. While they don’t go completely dormant, many houseplants naturally slow their growth during the colder months.

This means they don’t need as much fertilizer either as they did during the warm growing season. Instead, hold the nutrients until spring and keep your plants watered just enough so they don’t dry out completely.

If you plan to place your plants next to a window, take the time to clean any nearby windows to allow the maximum amount of light to get through.

5. PROVIDE LIGHT AND HUMIDITY If you plan to place your plants next to a window, take the time to clean any nearby windows to allow the maximum amount of light to get through. To avoid sunburn on leaves, place plants a couple feet away from the windows, rather than right next to them. A good rule of thumb is, a plant that likes full sun will prefer a south-facing window, while plants that prefer partial sun may be happier in a east- or west-facing window. North-facing windows provide the lowest light and are usually not suitable lighting on their own.

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Quick and clever Halloween Centre piece EVERY SEASON NEEDS A FAB TABLESCAPE! Traditional orange-and-black decorations are always festive, but opting for a more elevated look is just as appealing.

Let’s get started Making a simple centerpiece can be easy, fun, and stylish. Here’s how we created this arrangement.

YOU WILL NEED • • • • • • 48

A Pumpkin Floral foam Floral scissors Knife Flowers of your choice Plastic, enough to cover the floral foam

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SELECT YOUR FLOWERS. For focal flowers, we used a pretty fall colored Chrysanthemum, that adds a pop of color and gorgeous orange roses to fall in line with the autumn colors. For texture, greenery and fillers, we added Eastern Red Cedar.

PREPARE YOUR PUMPKIN. First soak your floral foam in water and flower food. While this is soaking, cut the top off of your pumpkin and clean out the inside. Line the hallowed out pumpkin with plastic. Then cut down the foam to fit in the pumpkin.

BUILD YOUR GREENERY BASE. Add greenery around the outer edges of the pumpkin.

Don’t worry about making a perfect shape. You will be able to perfect the shape once you begin to add the focal flowers. The greenery will play a large part in covering the floral foam so make sure you are really filling the entire outside with greens.

ADD YOUR FOCAL FLOWERS. Start inserting the large focal Chrysanthemums into the foam. Make sure to start making your rounded shape with the focal flowers, this way when you start adding your roses and fillers you will already have made a guideline for yourself to follow.

Add your secondary and filler flowers.

Add your smaller flower and fillers and continue to create your desired arrangement shape.

You are finished when you are happy with the shape and balance of flowers in the arrangement. Arrangements with floral foam will last just as long as any flower arrangement in water. Floral foam evenly distributes water to the flowers for several days, and they can be watered to extend the life of the arrangement

EXTRA INFO: Chrysanthemum x morifolium is an herbaceous perennial which adds a pop of color to your arrangement.

Adding the blue-green colors from the Eastern Red Cedar with pops of color add a balance between the colors of the chosen flowers.

Deep and illustrious, Dark Orange is a warm and delightful color that creates a joyous, high-spirited atmosphere perfect for exciting and varied styles. Use Dark Orange flowers for looks with plenty of vibrancy, enthusiasm, and an unforgettable amount of bright optimism.

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LOCAL CULTURE

An Exceptional Buying Experience A one Truck Mind

BY GEOFF KIRBYSON PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

The new general manager of Brandon Chrysler Dodge, Warren Murray, won’t rest until he has overhauled the culture of one of the city’s oldest car dealerships.

The 54-year-old Victoria Avenue location has always sold a lot of vehicles, but after-sales service has proved to be challenging. Warren Murray is going to change that.

“We want to capture a service customer for life,” he says.

“The sale doesn’t end when a client drives off the lot in their new purchase. Our new team’s mantra is to build relationships without clients. Expectations are different now and our team is enthusiastically evolving to meet and exceed those expectations.

Now, after a customer has made what is likely the secondbiggest purchase of their life — after their house — they are introduced to the service manager, the parts manager, given a tour of the facility and asked to schedule their first oil change a few months down the road.

“Our staff welcomes all clients in the building, and don’t be surprised by a friendly “Hello” as you browse the showroom or lot. “In the car business, follow up is huge.

After you buy a vehicle, we’ll be phoning you the next day or the next week to ask if everything is okay and to offer to help in any way that we can.”

The service department is continually growing. Warren is anticipating that upward trend to continue in the upcoming years. We have recognized the importance of our Parts and Service Department and how regular maintenance improves the longevity of a vehicle.

“When you buy vehicle from us, you can expect to hear from us along your ownership journey, as our vision and mission is to establish and build a relationship around what serves our clients to the best of our abilities.“ 50

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WARREN MURRAY

L-R JOEL JANZEN, WARREN MURRAY, JEFF RITCHOT

SERVICE DEPARTMENT TEAM

“Our vision is to be the top Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer on the Prairies,” he says.

The good news is Brandon is a strong market for vehicle sales. The population of Manitoba’s second-biggest city topped 50,000 a few years ago and is served by nine dealerships.

Trucks comprise a big portion of the dealership’s sales, thanks in part to Ram, the truck of the year for the last three years.

No longer just for farmers or construction workers, trucks have made an impression for everyday life. Today’s trucks can be as luxurious as any of the fancy vehicles with the detailing on the inside, the quietness and the way they

drive. They don’t drive like a truck anymore,” he says.

The other members of the management team are Jeff Ritchot (car manager), Joel Janzen (used car manager), Darryl Appelt (fixed operations manager) and Don Jones (parts manager). All but Jones are new to the dealership.

Brandon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 3250 Victoria Ave, Brandon, MB (204) 728-3396

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Epp Law Office Offering Personalized Legal Services We take pride in offering custom legal solutions for our client’s individual legal needs and in treating our clients like family and friends. We are passionate about law and a reputation for being responsive, accessible and keeping clients informed.

REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCING Buying or selling a house is an exciting and stressful time. The primary work of a real estate lawyer will be

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in the transferring of real property between the seller and the buyer.

As your Real Estate Lawyers, we are equipped to prepare and review documents relating to purchase agreements, mortgage documents, title documents, and transfer documents. We help you understand these documents, as well as answer any questions regarding the sale or purchase and help iron out any issues.

Our real estate lawyers advise on all forms of real property transactions, development and ownership. We provide advice with respect to purchase and sale, leasing, ownership structures and condos.

ESTATE PLANNING – WILLS & PROBATE

CORPORATE LAW

Our Estate Planning team is experienced in all aspects of wills, trusts and estates. We provide individuals, families and business clients comprehensive advice to ensure a smooth transition of assets. Planning for the transition of assets requires careful consideration of the tax consequences that may arise, we analyze different tax consequences that may arise with various assets such as real estate and personal property, registered and non-registered investments and corporate assets.

We review the facts specific to each client’s situation to recommend and implement the appropriate plan.

As corporate lawyers, we structure transactions, draft documents, negotiate deals, attend meetings and make calls toward those ends. We work to ensure that the provisions of an agreement are clear, unambiguous and won’t cause problems for you or your business in the future.

WHY IS A WILL IMPORTANT? You should have a will, as it provides directions for what happens after you die. This means that you get to decide what happens to your property instead of relying on the current legislation to dictate it.

A WILL DOES MORE THAN DISTRIBUTE PROPERTY Central to most wills is the distribution of a will maker’s property. While a will’s main mission is to distribute property, it can do much more than that.

For example, you can use your will to: • name an executor to wrap up your estate • name guardians for your children and their property • create a trust for your children or other young beneficiaries

DID YOU KNOW? As the executor, you don’t have to leave yourself with all of the responsibility of probating the estate.

To avoid any of the legal issues and get the support you need for the estate planning, hire a probate lawyer.

With an experienced lawyer by your side, you’ll be able to ask any questions you have along the way.

Starting and running a business can be overwhelming, and we are here to advise businesses on legal obligations, rights and responsibilities and provide advice on business structures and evaluate ventures. If you are planning to form a corporation, we draft articles of incorporation, bylaws, and resolutions which document the creation of the company and specify the management of internal affairs.

If you are in business, you need a corporate lawyer.

You don’t need an in-house lawyer, but you want a relationship with an experienced, trustworthy corporate attorney. A corporate attorney understands your business, helps you make sound business decisions and gives legal advice to company management as well as drafts legal documents. Think of them as your watchdog, someone to spot issues and risks.

Do you have a business idea, but are not sure what steps to take? The key for a corporate lawyer is to understand the business idea. Before registering a business, a corporate lawyer will consider what structure best suits the client’s needs – a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation (for-profit or nonprofit) or other type of entity.

Whether you’re looking for a new will, update your existing will, a probate and estates lawyer, real estate lawyer, or corporate lawyer - we can help.

Contact us today to book a consultation with our legal team.

Epp Law Office Unit A – 642 18th Street, Brandon MB 204-717-3775 www.epplawoffice.ca

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Tails are wagging and pets are bragging To groom or not to groom?

BY FRIENDS FUR LIFE DAYCARE & GROOMING PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

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Skin is a very important part of the overall health of your pet. Maintaining and keeping it healthy throughout their wonderful life can be hard, and that is why it is recommended to start some healthy habits with your dog at an early stage including their skin health.

At Friends Fur Life, we recommend starting off slow by just stopping by with the puppy to have him or her come in for a visit. We encourage sniffing around, smelling the nail Dremel and just getting familiar with this new experience. A little kiss, hug, and a treat from us will leave a lasting impression, trust us!

Upon arrival of your new family addition, it is the very time that you expose your puppy to their new experiences. Such as their new home, new siblings, new toys and even new food. This is why it is one of the best times to familiarize your puppy to bathing and nail cutting.

Prior to the 3-month age, we highly recommend your fur-baby coming in for a nice warm bath and a nail trim.

We allow for extra time for first timers (no extra charge) as we want to ensure that your pet is comfortable. This is such an important time to the start of their experiences, and we want this one to be a great one! We offer

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numerous different shampoos and conditioners that can accommodate sensitive skin, thick hair, or just plain stinky from getting into all those new mischief experiences! We are ready for any situation or smell that comes our way.

Consistency and a healthy relationship with your groomer is the best way to contribute to maintaining healthy skin and overall fur health. We look forward to being your choice in grooming!

Consistency is the next important part of your pets’ experience with us. Having them booked for regular schedule nail cuts or baths will also reduce the long-term anxieties and continue to promote healthy skin and a happy experience.

Check us out and book you next appointment at www. friendsfurlifedaycare.com. Or call us at 204-728-0900 or visit us at 941 26th Street, Brandon Manitoba.

It is also never too late to start your pet on the right track.

We have many wonderful pets that come to us later in life, and we treat them just like a new puppy. We take our time; we respect their anxieties, and we will work with them to make their experience safe and enjoyable as well.

We welcome all dogs of all sizes, and age in our facility.

Our convenient online booking system that allows you to log in and manage your appointments, review invoices, and book your appointments.

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Much More Minute Muffler New Location Means New Services and More Business

BY GEOFF KIRBYSON PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Harry Keen, owner of Minute Muffler & Brakes, is hoping its new Brandon location will provide a big boost to his business.

The 4,800-square-foot location on First Street is about twice as large as the old one on 9th Street, giving Harry the chance to offer services that he didn’t — or couldn’t — previously. He offers a full range of automotive repair, including exhaust and brake work, suspension, tires, engine diagnostics, alignment, coolant servicing as well as safeties to help people meet the provincial requirements to sell their vehicles.

“We have room for eight to 10 cars. I have a locking compound for the customer’s vehicles security if they have to stay overnight,” he says.

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He’s also waiting on a new hoist so his team will be able to do alignment work on vehicles that are threequarters of a ton and heavier. In the previous location, Keen only had one bay in which his staff could lift tall vehicles, such as camper vans and cubed vans, because of height restrictions.

“We’re excited to be able to do this kind of work. In our new building, we don’t have any obstructions. At the old location, we had to sublet that out to different shops after we’d done the front-end work,” he says.

“I’m looking to increase my business by 20 to 25 per cent.

The traffic flow down First is phenomenal. There’s lots of drive-by traffic. A high school and an elementary school are just a couple of blocks away.”

Perhaps his biggest challenge is finding qualified employees with enough experience to do the work.

“I’m looking for more technicians. There’s nobody in the area that seems to be applying, at least not for the qualifications I’m asking for,” he says. Keen is looking for technicians with a minimum of third level training. At four levels, you qualify to be a journeyman technician.

Keen, a journeyman technician himself, used to work on the vehicles in the back but he recently moved to the front of the house to deal with customers, handle the never-ending supply of paperwork and order parts.

“I like that part of my job, being the face of Minute Muffler in Brandon. It’s hard to step back from that,” he says.

Keen says Brandon is a “great” car and truck market, thanks in no small part to the nearby farming community. “There are lots of farmers in Brandon so

there are lots of trucks moving around. I’d says 60 to 70 per cent of what we work on is trucks and the rest are cars and SUVs,” he says.

Minute Muffler also does a lot of custom exhaust work on vintage vehicles and hot rods. Keen recently installed a new exhaust system on a 1964 Valiant Barracuda.

“We do custom exhaust work on old vehicles all the time.

Summer is the busiest time for that kind of work. In the winter, (the owners) are working on their cars in their own garages,” he says.

Minute Muffler & Brakes 1625 1st Street Brandon, MB 204-727-0020

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Here’s Why Your Small Business Needs a Digital Marketing Agency

BY THE MINT MARKETING EXPERIENCE

Self-promotion can be rather exhausting, and sometimes, a lot of effort can still yield little to nothing. The best course of action is really to just get a digital marketing agency. When those services are availed of, there’s a world of relief that goes with it. It will also take a lot of stress off your shoulders.

A reputable agency for digital marketing in Manitoba will come with a team that is experienced enough to centralize all marketing needs online. That allows you to focus on your business growth as well as running it in general.

There are a number of reasons to hire a digital marketing agency. Being able to save on funding is another one.

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What makes getting a digital marketing agency beneficial?

There are a number of B2B services that offer various marketing services. Depending on the agency you work with, it’s likely that there’s an area or two of marketing they specialize in. That said, there are certainly agencies out there that are able to take on any marketing task.

These services can include, but are not limited to: •

Content creation

•

Email marketing

A DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY IS A GREAT ASSET TO ANY BUSINESS.

•

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising

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Building the loyalty of customers

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Social media marketing

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More traffic being driven to a website

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Website design and development

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Sales being increased

There are several reasons for hiring a digital marketing agency. Of course, a vital one is meeting previously set goals. Digital marketing agencies are adept at helping for the following goals to be met: •

Engaging customers

•

Building on the awareness of a brand

What are the key benefits of hiring a digital marketing agency?

•

Access To Resources

When you hire a digital marketing agency, you also get access to their resources. These are things that you might not be able to afford initially as a start-up, but the digital

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ad space. However, when you do it through a digital marketing agency, the ads reach more possible clients and they get enhanced to go from good to great.

•

marketing agency you hire will be able to access/provide.

This can include the likes of: •

Automation tools

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Competitor intelligence trackers

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Content research tools

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Education checkers

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Grammar/plagiarism checkers

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SEO optimizers

Those resources come with one of two major expenses: one-time big-time fees, or monthly subscription fees.

Sure, you can sign up for those things yourself. However, it will take time to find which ones suit your needs and to familiarize yourself using them. It may also add up to a bigger cost in the long run.

•

More Customers

Essentially, advertising through pay-per-click (PPC) on Instagram, Facebook, and similar platforms is paid

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Online Expansion of Business

One of the biggest takeaways of entrepreneurs from COVID-19 is that not going digital spells trouble.

Businesses that don’t have a digital arm will either get left behind entirely or face serious struggles. A number of businesses were largely offline before the pandemic came about. If you’re one of them, it means you’re going to have to invest quite a bit upfront. This can include a website being built and launched, social media ads being managed, having newsletters drafted and sent to subscribers, and more.

Conclusion A digital marketing agency is a great asset to any business. With the pandemic moving everyone-even those previously offline to the digital space, it’s more crucial than ever. Benefits include online expansion of business, access to resources, and more customers.

Reach out to The Mint Marketing Experience Inc. today to get a boost on your digital marketing! We are a print and digital advertising agency that expertly creates custom solutions for our clients.

The Mint Marketing Experience Inc. 204-721-1296 Brandon and area 204-698-2424 Winnipeg info@mintmarketingexperience.ca

Mint Winter & Holiday Edition November 2021.

Have your business seen by over 60,000 targeted readers.

Shop local is hardly a trend – it’s a mindset that more and more people are embracing. Consumers are investing in local businesses, looking to support their communities – and more significantly, the people that make those communities what they are.

Feature your business in the Mint Must Have Holiday Guide Feature

Love where you live #shoplocal

The Mint Experience Inc. Brandon 204-721-1296 Winnipeg 204-698-2424 hello@mintmarketingexperience.ca www.mintmarketingexperience.ca

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A financial plan for

“back to school”

BY MICHAEL VAN LIEROP, PRESIDENT & CEO, NEW OUTLOOK WEALTH INC.

For most Canadian families, the back-to-school period brings a variety of emotions – stress about the cost of supplies, new clothes and other school-related paraphernalia – with muted joy that the kids are going to be returning to some form of “normal” and a routine. The financial implications are actually quite significant for many, however, and tend to be ignored by financial planners. In fact, with the exception of the discretionary spending of Christmas and birthdays, the back-to-school period is likely one of the most costly for the vast majority of Canadian families. If we add in the sudden influx of programming and extracurricular activities and their associated costs, most of which require payment in September and October, the family budget can get blown to smithereens and quickly!

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On average, Canadian parents spend over $500 per child on their back-toschool needs. Obviously, this multiplies fast with two or three children.

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The reality is most folks do not budget well for this and rely on credit cards to absorb this sudden uptick in expenditures. Is this avoidable? Of course it is – by merely allocating a portion of monthly savings to this annual ritual of spending, you could be better prepared.

But what if that isn’t possible or the summer vacation costs more than it should have? Surely, that never happens! Truthfully, even the best budgeted families usually have to rely on some consumer borrowing – the trick is to minimize this and to ensure those ridiculous credit card interest rates don’t haunt you well into the Christmas season or beyond.

How best to do this? Overall, if you don’t have a family budget that runs the course of an entire year, or if you do and it neglects to cover the cost of backto-school, you need to get this sorted out with your financial planner. If your advisor has not provided advice around solving this issue, you should insist on it. You’re paying for their services whether you realize it or not (through your investment management fees) and should not be shy in asking for their help. This is true no matter which investment firm, bank or credit union your advisor is with.

On average, Canadian parents spend over $500 per child on their back-to-school needs. Obviously, this multiplies fast with two or three children. Families who are illprepared for a sudden expenditure of $1000-1500 likely cannot budget properly for school either, so seeking financial planning advice around mitigating the costs of education, sports, cultural activities is a wise investment of time – an investment that can prove invaluable as kids grow older.

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Affiliated Financial Services Inc.

NICOLE RICE EQUIPMENT LEASING AFS provides an alternative to bank-owned lease financing companies and is well positioned to provide capital equipment for customers and equipment vendors looking for speed and flexibility.

We Work For You •

Competitive Rates

•

Dealer and Private Sales

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NO KM/Hour/Age Restrictions

•

Flexible Terms

•

ALL Types of Equipment

•

Auction Pre-Aprovals

We Give Your Business A Competitive Edge •

Conserve more capital and give your business the flexibility it needs with the power of leasing.

•

Together, we build a plan and decide the terms and payment options that suit your budget.

•

We offer a wide variety of financing options so you can make informed business decisions with greater confidence.

Nicole Rice 204-721-2501 nicole@groupesfa.com www.groupesfa.com

Tailored financing solutions with your LOCAL broker.

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OUR TRUSTED CLEANING SPECIALISTS ARE THOROUGHLY TRAINED IN THE LATEST PRODUCTS, TOOLS AND CLEANING TECHNIQUES AND TAKE PRIDE IN EVERY SPACE THEY PERFECT. Serving both residential and commercial clients, our upscale cleaning services offer the best in care for any space. Our cleanings shine brighter than any other, and if your space requires an added touch, all you need to do is ask. We are trained cleaning specialists with the utmost integrity and we love what we do, creating a trusting experience for our clients and staff alike.

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