[oh my that's haute] february march 2016

oh my:

[ that' s haute.]

February / March 2016

TINA HUGHES: Let Love Light Your Way; Project Loo We are a team of passionate, fashion forw ard Canadian contributors w ho are not afraid to push the envelope. From east to w est our focus is highlighting community trailblazers by putting their business at the forefront of our stories.

Live local. Love local.

Join the conversation, you know you w ant to.

[ oh my EDITORIAL TEAM DATING & RELATIONSHIPS: TINA HUGHES FASHION & BEAUTY: CHANTAL SARKISIAN HEALTH & FITNESS MADELAINE GARCIA KITCHEN & CUISINE: KIN RONZONI HOUSE & HOME: SUZANNE QUINTAL ARTS & TRAVEL: CRYSTAL BESHARA LIFESTYLE KATRINA TURNBULL FEATURES W RITER MELANIE MARTIN

IN THIS ISSUE Dat ing & Relat ionships.....

Art s & Ent ert ainment .....

Kit chen & Cuisine.....

Healt h & Fit ness.....

Fashion & Beaut y.....

House & Home.....

DesignerDIY......

PHOTO CREDIT: BRI ANDERSON-JACKSON

[ oh my

LIVING LARGE IN A

SMALLER SPACE

LIFE After Death Living W ith PTSD 2006 was my second tour, this time Kandahar. I was a top gunner in an up armor Mercedes G wagon. The vehicle was basically a glorified soccer mom 'grocery getter.' As we traveled the back roads and main routes, I thought about what could be a paradise if it had not been torn apart from decades of warfare, greed and lack of humanity. It was a sweltering +30 day and I baked in my ballistic gear standing in my turret. As I scanned my surroundings for possible threats I could not help but notice the beauty of the grape huts and people working the land. I was left pondering what such a hard, yet simple lifestyle would be like. I went against my better judgment and begin to draw my camera from a lower poach, all the while domestic training voices echoed "complacency kills","stay vigilant", still I want to capture the moment; that's when everything changed forever.

My helmet was quickly and violently ripped off kilter as an rocket propelled grenade (RPG) whistled by my head, followed by a multitude of small arms fire snapping by as well as impacting our vehicles on both sides. That particular day our provincial reconstruction team (PRT) 9er (radio call sign for commanding officer) tactical team was traveling with American forces transporting VIPs and local dignitaries to a meeting of local elders known as a shura, which is Arabic for "consultation" when we began to return fire, I manned a mounted belt fed 7.62 machine gun known as a C-6 with which I expended numerous projectiles at targets of opportunity while my colleagues did the same with MK 19 grenade launchers and 50 calibre machine guns. It became deafening quickly and it seemed to end even faster as we overcame with firepower and accuracy.

The threat was gone, as we continued down the road what just transpired became real. It happened so fast, almost like a video game. The statement "the training will take over" is true. Ask any soldier who has served overseas what the scariest part is and I'm certain that traveling on the roads will be top five, if not number one on their list. This is where you were targeted the most aggressively with such ambush tactics described above, in conjunction with massive pressure plate/remote detonation IED's (improvised explosive devices) consisting of multiple stack anti-tank mines and artillery projectiles. Which, once detonated, are

PERUGINA FRAGOLE AL CIOCCOLATO W ritten by: Kim Ronzoni What better way to celebrate the season of love than with some decadent Perugina chocolate covered strawberries?

An exquisite blend of Italy's finest dark and milk Perugina chocolate with a hint of spice and honey. Look for Perugina chocolate at your favourite Italian specialty store. I like to buy mine at The Farmer's Pick

INGREDIENTS 2x 99g bar Perugina Dark Chocolate, finely shaved 1x 99g bar Perugina Milk Chocolate, finely shaved ½ c. whipping cream ¼ c. unsalted butter, cut into cubes 1 tbsp. honey ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Fresh local strawberries or fruit of your choice (gently rinsed prior to use, allow to dry on a clean cloth and ensure strawberries are completely dry prior to dipping in chocolate)

DIRECTIONS (SERVES 6-8 PEOPLE) Finely shave chocolate bars with a sharp knife. Make a double boiler on the stove using a medium size pot and fill with about ¼ water. Allow water to come to a gentle boil.

Find a medium size bowl that fits well on top of your pot of boiling water.

Add chocolate to the bowl, place bowl on top of pot, careful not to get any water in the chocolate otherwise the chocolate mixture may seize. In a small pot on the stove, bring the cream to a gentle boil. Add the butter and stir until melted.

Add the heated cream and butter to the chocolate bowl. Add the honey and cayenne pepper to the chocolate bowl.

Continue stirring the chocolate mixture until completely melted and glossy.

Dip the dry strawberries in the warm chocolate mixture and set on a platter. Place platter in the refrigerator until chocolate is set. Or, eat immediately, why wait?

AL CIOCCOLATO

So screw it, we can do it, and we are going to do it! I encourage you all to stop dreaming and do what Mahatma Gandhi said, ?You must be the change you wish to see in the world.?

physical barrier to keep waste contained in the pit, microbial and chemical contaminants can emanate from them, threatening nearby groundwater sources such as springs, wells, and boreholes. Most people use shallow contaminating wells, when flooded can containment natural spring water sources.

So the question is, ?why anyone isn?t anyone doing anything about it??

I had visions and dreams of being part of a Non-Profit Organization, contributing through other charities. Especially being in Ottawa, Ontario the central hub for all charities, my dreams lead me to believe that it would be such an easy process.

Ha! Sarcasm at its finest, I sure was wrong!

Not to diminish the hard work and dedication of Non-Profit Organizations, but the amount

of red tape, and political involvement is too confusing for the average person like me who simply had a dream.

So the day came when I woke up and said to myself ?Screw it, I can do it, and I am going to do it.?

So knowing that I am a social butterfly, I decided to rally all my friends and family in supporting my very own not for profit charity!

Project Loo! Project Loo Uganda, is by all means a call to action to all of you to invest in infrastructure that can support proper sanitation in a school for over 352 students and support staff in Kampala, Uganda. You too can be that change agent. An agent who is passionate about education and a healthy standard of living, an agent who has the vision of what could or

W ritten by: Chantal Sarkisian ?I?ve been wearing oversized watches, fedoras and statement glasses before it became a trend? said Fragrance Stylist, Sid Cratzbarg as he held my arm walking down the shiny aisles of the beauty department inside Nordstrom Ottawa.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ottawa?s iconic socialite and getting up close and personal about Sid?s family, his experience in the fragrance industry and his contribution to Ottawa?s fashion scene. He admits that he is sad to see Ottawa Fashion Week go, and has come to terms with the fact that it is not a priority in this city. Although the fashion scene in Ottawa is getting better, ?? it?s nothing compared to Montreal.

Fashion oozes out of the pores of their skin,?says Sid. The only male invited to Ladies Who Lunch networking events, Sid exudes pride in his lifetime accomplishment and knack for matching men and women with their spirit fragrance.

I have met Sid at many events, but never had the opportunity to speak to him one-on-one. So I skeptically said to him, ?You don?t know me very well, but can you guess what my scent is, based on my style and personality?? I really put him on the spot; the man has literally known me for merely 5 minutes. ?Well, I would say you are edgy, but soft. I would recommend ?My Burberry?or ?Eclat d'Arpège?by Lanvin?. Ok, I am

impressed; this man is a true genius. Why you ask? I used to wear Eclat d'Arpège about 6 years ago, and lucky me, it?s making a come back! Sid tells me it?s the number one fragrance physicians and lawyers are going for right now, it?s the ?exemplification of elegance?he adds. A delicate smell that is feminine and not overpowering for patients or clients.

I confessed to Sid that I stopped wearing perfume, because my day job enforces a scent-free environment. ?People don?t know how to wear perfume, they spray their entire bodies and layer scent after scent during their beauty routine; body wash, lotion, deodorant, shampoo. It?s all too much and the scents are competing. Instead, choose one layer of scent.?

Sid shares tips on how to wear perfume and possibly get away with it in a scent-free workplace: -

Choose a light fragrance that suits you and your skin Opt to only use the scented body lotion of your fragrance Sprits the perfume in the air and walk through the mist Throw a silk scarf in the perfume mist and drape the silk scarf around your neck

TheIndie

@

TheIndie

Open your

Heart

Chakra & let Love Light your w ay.

W ritten by: Tasnim Hasham Have you ever wondered if there more beautiful, effective ways to attract love? The answer lies in some of the Earth's most powerful crystals. Each crystal holds a special purpose, a precious treasure within it to help manifest true love. Each crystal is a form of energy and vibrates at different levels. There are seven exceptional crystals that promise to elevate your vibration, to attract that special someone into your life.

Let us begin with Rose Quartz, a soft pink crystal that radiates with love.

Rose Quartz will open your heart to love, and inspire feelings of security within you, as though to remind you that you are deserving of love.

Malachite, an alluring crystal, with lovely, green swirls throughout, is imbued with the power to ease heartache, and create space to allow new love to enter. It is best worn close to the heart, to activate the heart chakra.

Rhodochrosite is an enchanting, marbled crystal, that aids in blending and uniting the various aspects of our personality. This in turn invites authentic love into your life, as well as true happiness.

Rhodonite, a beguiling stone, encrusted with pink and white crystals reminds us that sometimes love is painful. It is a wonderful crystal that assists in forgiving yourself and others, and will cleanse your aura of regret, hurt, bitterness, and anger.

Green Aventurine, an enchanting, soft green crystal, is the stone of love and luck. Watch your confidence soar, and your luck rise to new heights. It is also the stone of abundance, so it's wise to keep one in your wallet, to ensure consistent financial gain.

Apache Tear, a soft amber like crystal, and a form of obsidian, is known to absorb grief, sadness, depression, and negativity. The legend behind this crystal is a sad one. It is said that Apache women watched their husbands die to save their land and preserve their way of life and cried rivers of tears.

These tears were then absorbed by the land and dried as Apache Tears. It is believed that one who carries these crystals will never grieve again, and their hearts will be light.

Our final stone , Citrine, is a bright, sunny, illuminated crystal, and is known to bring success, and confidence into one's life.This crystal will raise your self esteem, and make you feel empowered. Carry it with you wherever you may be, and it will fill your life with calmness and joy.

May your life be filled with true love, peace, and light always.

OMG...IT'S A KNOCKDO 5 Tips For Revamping Your Exterior W ritten By: Brandelyn Cameron Gone are the University days when it didn't really matter what the shack looked like as long as it had an adequately stocked beer fridge we were good to go.

Now that I'm all grown up I like to consider that, like a fine wine, we often improve with age.

Unfortunately for your home this isn't the case.

A few years ago my friend called me beaming with excitement over his new home, a 'fixer-upper' he called it. So I'm thinking hell yeah, I love a good project, until I pulled up to the house that is.

Insert inside voice here..." OMG...it'sa knock down. "

Sponsored by: JRB Contracting Inc, Ottawa, ON

5. Select either a monochromatic or amicably contrasting colour scheme 4. Choose a timeless colour palate and incorporate hot trends with accessories as they can be easily changed.

3. Integrate a variety of textures for both architectural depth and interest.

2. Choose finishes appropriate to the overall style of the home. IE Contemporary homes are minimalistic, less is more.

1. Maintain a meticulous landscape or you just wasted your time with steps 2-5. You only have one chance to make a First impression. Make it count.

OMG...IT'S A KNOCKDO

Finding

Love After Divorce.

W ritten by: Patty Searl What a wonderful year we have had. From the birth of my second son, and our families third we have much to celebrate but it wasn?t always like this. Just three years ago I was single and I didn?t know where to turn or who to connect with, so instead of dwelling on my own separation and divorce I plugged into a business coaching relationship with a mentor I admired and learned what I needed to; became a workaholic, and changed my life.

Looking back, that wasn?t necessarily the best thing to do but it worked for me. It kept me focused and well let?s face it when you are faced with separation and divorce, immediately your funds, wealth and resources change. I understand through my personal experience what it means to go from upper class to single parent status and living on diminished wealth.

My personal story is one filled with many ups and downs, working through the legal timeline of delays and continuously awaiting a new message to get things sped along so I could move on. Issues that needed to be resolved, were included but not limited to, the matrimonial home, custody, support and division of assets.

But wait, what about personal assets and my personal well-being- that I had no help for and guided my ship solo.

Through this experience three years ago, I learned that my experience is one to be shared. I now seek to share with those going through the same life changing events that help is available and there are mentors that exist to listen, share and be there every step of the way. I also admit, after my sessions with clients I do self reflect and try with no reserve to ensure they are never feeling alone, and that simply the act of showing up in their lives and living through their journey is a mere essence of what I feel my life calling is and has always been. I am following an opportunity whereby many people over the last 3 years have come to me and asked for help.

Patty Searl Coaching is only now formalized into a business where I can focus on helping many more people in relationships that have or are in the midst of dissolving.

Phot o Credit : Rachel Gill Phot ography

beachcombing. In fact the shop itself is an extension of the beach with it?s sand floors and clever driftwood displays. They also carry an array of articles ranging from jewelry to bags, scarves and dresses, most from designers in the area. ?95 % of our collection is truly handmade and we have small productions only? Her motto ?Do what you love, love what you do? ? rings true for me. Birds of a feather flock together and at mr. blackbird, I know I have met a new friend in Victoria. I have a massage booked back at Utopia, so I have to end our conversation too soon, but I leave knowing that our paths will cross again.

Elvira is waiting for me and I am asked to take everything off and lay on the massage table. My mind immediately starts to wander the moment I am still.

I?m thinking about the people I?ve met, the inspirational stories, the messages taught each day through meditation and sadly, packing for my journey

home.

Elvira sets to work on me.

We don?t speak yet she dials in to every knot and loosens every joint. Once in a while she claps her hands together as if summoning all of her energy and places her palms, now radiating with warmth, on a trouble spot until the tension dissipates. She somehow knows when my mind is drifting and she whispers for me to come back and to participate through breath in the healing process. I am impressed and to be honest, a little scared, but let go a little more each time. Finally I am asked to turn over. She continues her therapy, working her way down to my feet. The last few minutes end with Elvira at the foot of the table holding my heels in the palms of the hands. She is tapping my toes ever so lightly, over and over and over? in perfect time like a metronome. I?m as vulnerable as I?ll ever be. And there, lying on my back, naked as a baby on this little table, in the hands of a stranger - I fell asleep.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS DOES ONE SIZE FIT ALL? I THINK NOT...

Photo Credit: Melanie Martin

Photo Credit: Melanie Martin

Health & Fitness W ritten by: Madelaine Garcia So since my last article about my Parasite journey, I?ve been working through the issues it left behind and I?m finally feeling like I may own this body of mine again.

Some great news is that both follow up stool tests have come back negative as well as another abdominal ultrasound I had this week. The other great news is that other than a few residual food sensitivities and systemic issues, I?ll talk more about below, all in all I?m feeling pretty great. It looks like I was able to effectively eradicate the bug!

Blasto is a little different than what you might expect from a parasite. It?s not a wormy looking creature with teeth, you can?t identify it visually with the naked eye, it?s not even really a species. It?s called a protozoa, it?s a thick-walled cell that hangs around in your system (mostly digestive system) and irritates you. It travels from mouth to anus and is usually spread through contaminated water or food. There are some studies that show mosquitos may also be a carrier but there wasn?t a lot of confirmed research on that so at this point it?s more of a theory. It can also live up to 19 days in room temperature water meaning you could get it from the swimming pool.

It?s apparently quite common and in fact in North America it?s often ignored. Until recently it wasn?t seen as pathogenic so physicians didn?t treat it let alone test for it. Other parts of the world had recognized it as pathogenic though and had been treating. The more research I did the more I found out that many people are suffering from Blasto (and other similar bugs) and there just isn?t enough interest, knowledge or awareness in this country for it to have been

recognized as a treatable issue of concern.

The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) has changed it?s classification from non-pathogenic to pathogenic in recent years. They describe it a controversial bug because many people who test positive do not report symptoms. My personal opinion on that is twofold, I suspect I had it for quite a bit longer than the 10+ months I felt ill. I suspect there is an incubation period or at least a period of time where the ?infection? in minimal and symptoms are less. The other observation I have is that not everyone is in tune with their body. I see many clients who might not consider constipation, gas, joint pain, bloating, mental fog to be normal. Many people live with signs and symptoms of many issues for year and years before seeking help. This goes for anything including injuries, inflammation, hormonal issues, allergies, sleep issues the list goes on.

At the end of October, I received a call indicating a positive test and after the millions of negative tests I?d had I was in a way relived. I felt like I finally had an answer to months and months of unexplained illness and pain. When my doctor told me I tested positive for Blastocistosis but she didn?t know how to treat it and would consult with my GI specialist and get back to me.

At this point I (as I always do) got to work. I researched the hell out of it. I read every section of this topic inevery nutrition textbook I own, I referenced articles, joined forums and reached out to specialty clinics all over the world. What I found was that this particular bug, because of it?s cellular structure, is very hard to kill. I also found out that becomes resistant to any medication very easily. Most often parasites in this

treatment originally suggested by the Australian specialist, I set out to find the natural version or the 3rd medication.

I designed a protocol using my nutrition background and training in essential oils and consulted my Naturopath. She added in some homeopathic tinctures and together we came up witha treatment that included oils, herbal and homeopathic tinctures. I followed this for another 6 weeks. Some great oils that help are oregano, clove and an On Guard blend that I now offer through my site since I use them everyday. I also continued on a gentle parasite herbal cleanse.

My final test result came back indicating that I?m parasite free which I already knew by how I

felt, it?s still really reassuring. I?ll continue to test annually just in case and I?ll also continue to use herbal parasite ?cleanses?annually or bi annually on my household (including the pets!) as a precaution. I will also always try and make my system as anti parasite friendly as possible especially when traveling!

I hope this helps so many of you and I know it seems a bit overwhelming and a lot of detective work but it really is worth it if you can find out what it the cause of your symptoms. In many cases it?s really just a matter of a particular food being an issue for you but sometimes it?s more.

"AlwaysBelieve In RelentlessOptimism."

W ritten by: Crystal Toll I?d like to share a story about a woman that I met about 2 years ago. Imagine not even having the wherewithal to even blow a bubble? Imagine not having the breath, the energy, the will, the focus or the ability? This is precisely when I met Gail. She was at her most fragile state, wondering how she was going to pull herself back together and start all over again.

She was a middle child and was raised by a single mother who sadly resorted to drugs and alcohol to deal with her pain as a result of every kind of abuse imaginable. Understandably Gail didn?t remember much about her childhood years but what she does remember is disheartening. She recalls the constant screaming sirens of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances which frequented ?the project? she grew up in. In this neighbourhood, it wasn?t uncommon to wake up to yellow crime scene tape or even the outline of a person who had committed suicide or who had even been murdered.

She definitely had the odds stacked against her from a very young age and statistically she was to end up like her parents. Despite that, she poured all of her resentment towards her alcoholic mother and father into making something of herself. She was the one at school at the crack of dawn until sunset if she could; anything to keep her out of the project and her home.

When she discovered the boys and girls club at the age of 5, she would walk her little self to and from everyday to surround herself with positive influences, energy and companionship, anything to escape. When Gail was 17, thriving ready to conquer the world and to get herself out of the project, all of a sudden tragedy struck!

While at her co-op placement, she received a phone call from her aunt who told her that her mom was in the hospital and that she needed to get there right away. She didn?t say why, however, leading up to this phone call Gail?s mom was finally ready to turn her life around at

CHALKY

Artisan Style W ritten by: Amélie Chartrand Amélie Chartrand is an Interior Decorator, Principle Stylist and owner of Cre8tive Junktion, which specializes in furniture refinishing among other creative services. ?My mandate as an Interior Decorator is to help homeowners love their home again. Homes are not created by uniquely purchasing furnishings at some big box store. Homes are created by surrounding ourselves with the people and the things we love and have meaning to us. Letting go of unrealistic expectations and engaging all the senses without breaking the bank!? Amélie is an advocate for keeping furniture out of the landfills and reusing, repurposing, making home owners love their furniture again. ?Giving that old dining room hutch a new lease on life and what better way to introduce splashes of color in a space.?

With that said, in December 2015, Amélie Chartrand was approached by the FAT PAINT COMPANY, after they were introduced to her Cre8tive Junktion page via Facebook. ?Having a home based business was a concern in retailing their product. I may not own a brick and mortar store but I am passionate about the FAT PAINT and offer workshops in Ottawa and surrounding areas.?

To top it up this FATABULOUS Fat Paint line from The FAT Paint Company, partnered with fellow Canadian designer Amanda Forrest and launched The Amanda Forrest Collection ? a colour palette that is sure to spark everyone?s creativity and inspire their inner artisan. The FAT Paint Company produces FAT Paint: a chalk-style paint that goes on smooth, distresses easily, minimal prep work, finishes with flair and retails at CRE8TIVE JUNKTION. The Amanda Forrest Collection is composed of six uniquely Amanda colours that are combined with The FAT Paint Company?s custom formula made by artisans, for artisans.

Hungry For Love

"But Angela, I don't understand how thiscould have happened to you - you seem so bright and intelligent. I thought you were above that sort of thing. I thought you were stronger than that".

If I heard this once, I heard it many, many times how did a woman like you wind up being a victim of spouse abuse? Shame heaped upon shame.

The reality is that "nice girls" - business professionals, doctors, lawyers and yes, even police officers - do indeed find themselves at the wrong end of domestic violence - and it is the very fact that we are those "nice girls" that holds us in the cycle of abuse.

"I don't understand it - she went back to him after he beat her black and blue - she deserves everything she gets if she's that dumb".

Ahh, yes, we're flawed, we're weak, we're stupid and we've asked for it.

It's easy for those who have sailed through life with the minor bumps that are handed out - it's easy for those who have come through their formative years relatively unscathed to make assumptions that everyone in an abusive situation could have made the same decision they think they would have made in the same situation - and maybe they would, but I always say, walk a mile in my shoes before you judge. The reality, however, is that we see life through a different lens. Circumstances have given those of us who are abused a different set of filters through which we make our decisions. And for us, perception is reality.

It has taken me many years of counselling to understand the answer to that question "how could this have happened to you". For those of us who wind up as victims of spouse/partner/boyfriend abuse, it starts with abandonment in one form or another in early childhood - emotionally and/or physically abusive parents - or those who are simply absent or unavailable, again either emotionally and or physically. And that sets up a longing - some professionals call it a "hole in the soul" that becomes a lifelong search for someone who will love us. We're hungry for love - and acceptance, and we'll hang onto someone at all costs. We're the good girls - not the bad ones - who will do whatever it takes to "stand by our man", once we find him. "What do you want?" asked the Adonis standing in front of me. "I want someone to love me" I replied, sealing my fate.

Less than 12 hours after leaving the police station, I was standing at my step daughter's door, carting two bags of groceries full of my husband's favourite foods for her to take to him.

My shiny, new restraining order prevented me from taking them myself even though I was trembling with anxiety - for some sort of contact.

I was terrified that I had overreacted - that I had harmed this darling man - yes the same "darling man" who had emotionally abused me throughout our relationship, and finally moved the terror into physical abuse. I was scared to death of his anger and the outpouring of rage, and blame, and shame that I knew was coming my way. I just wanted to sweep everything under the carpet and get things back on a "normal" footing or what had become "normal" for me. I longed to hear him say "I really do love you and I'm sorry ... it will never happen again" And this, this is the very thing that people don't understand. It's the reason they shake their heads and say "If it had been me...".

Well, the bald truth is that it isn't you... and it will probably never be you... because your programming is not the same. And it shows. No abuser is going to seek you out. They know - oh they know so well - the subtle signals sent out by those of us who are starving for any kind of affection. They ignore you and they zone in on us.

So before you say, "if I was in your shoes", think twice. You might as well be speaking a foreign language - one that we have no way to

In the next issue, Jana Mitchell, a Public Relations graduate who left an extremely comfortable job in the public sector to embark upon the entrepreneurship voyage, sharesher story about WheelsFor The Wise.

Be sure that you sign up to our mailing list, #thehautelist, to ensure that you receive a copy of our inspirational, informative digital magazine directly in your

END. www.ohmythatshaute.com