[oh my that's haute] Summer 2017

oh my:

[ that' s haute.]

SUM M ER 2017

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL W ITH URBAN OCEAN'S HARMONY DAWN

SIZZLING SUM M ER RECIPES BY -

KIM RONZONI 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: that's haute.] Summer 2017

[E d it o r ia l T e a m] FASHION & BEAUTY: MELANIE MARTIN HEALTH & FITNESS COVER FEATURE - HARMONY DAW N KITCHEN & CUISINE: KIM RONZONI HOUSE & HOME: NICOLE ROSENFELDT CANDACE PLOTZ FEATURES: CAIT O'MALLEY TIFFANY SMITH FRONT COVER PHOTO BY: Dan Gavere

IN THIS ISSUE Art s & Ent ert ainment .....

Phot ography.....

Kit chen & Cuisine.....

Healt h & Fit ness.....

B r a n d e L y n C a me r o n e d it o r in c h ie f

Fashion & Beaut y.....

House & Home.....

DesignerDIY......

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oh haute damn... t h is is t he c l a n!

k im

c a nda c e

c a it

me l a n ie

n ic o l e

t if f a n y

We are a team of fashion forward Canadian contributors that have collaborated to bring you a digital lifestyle publication with a little something for everyone.

We live local. We love local. We write local.

Join the conversation, you know you want to!

Opinions expressed herein are that of each contributor . [oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

FATTOUSH LEBANESE SALAD

Submit ted by: Kim Ronzoni Fattoush is the official Lebanese peasant salad where farmers typically use up whatever goodness they have from their spring/summer garden. A colourful, crunchy tossed salad with a variety of fresh veggies and toasted flat bread in a lemony, olive oil and garlic dressing.

IN G R E D IE N T S -

6 c. chopped romaine lettuce 1c. thinly sliced red pepper 1c. thinly sliced green pepper½ c. thinly sliced green onion ½ c. thinly sliced radishes 2 c. halved rainbow baby tomatoes 1c. quartered and sliced Lebanese cucumbers ½ c. finely chopped fresh parsley ½ c. finely chopped fresh mint whole wheat pita bread, toasted (you may toast entire package and reserve in a plastic bag or tin for future use)

-

extra virgin olive oil (pita bread)

DRESSING INGREDIENTS Makes ½ c. (enough for remainder in refrigerator) -

future use, store

1 tsp. maple syrup ¼ c. extra virgin olive oil ¼. c. fresh lemon juice 1 clove, minced fresh garlic Sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste

D IR E C T IO N S Mix all the spices together and store in a glass jar for future uses. Works well on other meats, fish and potatoes.

Brush pita bread on both sides with olive oil. Toast in oven until browned and crispy. Break into small serving size pieces.Wash and cut all ingredients accordingly and toss in a large bowl.Add toasted pita chips and as much dressing as needed before serving. Toss lightly.Arrange salad on a large platter and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves.

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GY P S Y D R IF T E R www.gypsydriftershop.com 272 Main Street | Ucluelet, BC | V0R 3A0 250.802.6454 [oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

Signature C O C K T A IL S ...

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Submit ted by: Cait O'Malley Whether you're hosting a dinner party or a wedding, signature cocktails are a fun way to get people buzzing (see what I did there?) about your event!

Not only do signature cocktails help incorporate your theme and serve as a beautiful visual element, they also show off your personality so that your wedding or event is more than just page 1 of Pinterest's latest trends. Now, the concept of a signature cocktail station has been popular for a while and many of the cocktail recipes are a bit boring and overused at this point. We put our thinking caps on and decided to give this fun trend a bit of a refreshing (last pun, I promise) new twist.

First thing is first; the signature cocktails do not need to be restricted only to the cocktail hour.

Why not incorporate them throughout the whole evening with a signature cocktail for the cocktail reception, toast and the dance party!

Another thing; let's get creative with our beverages pulling from seasonal and local ingredients. Keep in mind that seasonal doesn't have to mean going super literal by sticking pumpkins and leaves all over the place, but you can still do a subtle nod to the season by using those flavours and smells that we inherently crave

during certain times of the year. As for the buying local part, isn't it way nicer to support a small, local company that helps feed right into your city's economy? Ottawa has some of the best distillers and breweries out there, with some really unique flavours that are perfect for that specialty cocktail you're mixing up!

Finally, throw those boring old recipes out the window; your guests can get those drinks in any bar in the world. Let's mix things up (okay, now the puns are done) with some brand-new recipes that your guests will go crazy for! To help with this I reached out to Lisa Grierson of Cocktail Mondays, and asked her to create some brand-new recipes just for you! Naturally the Bourbon & Bloom team hosted a little styled shoot/mixer in the Tester Bar to mix up a few of these recipes. You know... for research purposes.

Make sure to flip the page to get the cocktail recipes! .................................................................................

Design, planning & decor: Bourbon & Bloom | Photography: Nicole Amanda Photography | Calligraphy: Wishtree Invitations | Donuts: Ediblesins | Cocktail Recipes: Cocktail Mondays

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L is a G r ie r s o n O F C o c k t a il Mo n d a y s presents...

Signature Cocktail Recipes

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THE PRE-DINNER COCKTAILS Spring - Rhubarab Elderflower Gin and tonic -

1 1/2 oz Kinsip Juniper 's Wit Gin 1/2 oz Split Tree Rhubarb and Elderflower Cordial 2 oz Tonic

Summer - Lemon-Lime Bourbon Sour -

1 1/2 oz Whiskey 3/4 of Lemon 1/4 of Lime 2-3 oz Soda

Autumn - Pumpkin-Coffee Boilermaker -

1 1/2 oz Top Shelf Pumpkin Moonshine 1/2 oz Coffee Bitters 2-3 oz Lager

Winter - Maple Manhattan -

1 1/2 oz Maple Moonshine 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth 3 dashes Really Horrible Cangostura Bitters

THE DANCE PARTY COCKTAILS Spring - Cherry Gin Spritzer -

1 1/2 oz Dillons Cherry Gin Soda Lime wedge & cherry

Summer - Citrus Cider-jito -

1 oz Top Shelf Vodka Sprig of mint Wedge of Lime Citrus Cider

Autumn - Ginger-Apple -

1 1/2 oz Top Shelf Apple Pie Moonshine 2-3 oz Ginger ale or Ginger Beer Apple wheel

Winter - Winter spiced Rum and Coke -

1 1/2 oz North of 7 Rum 1-2 dashes Scrappy's Cardamom Bitters 2 dashes Really Horrible Cangostura Bitters Coke

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N OW

E H T S ' T A TH

Submit ted by: Melanie Mart in Ladies and Gents who like to look your best I just had to share?

So admittedly, I was having trouble thinking about what to write about this month, I hemmed and hawed feeling a bit like my life had finally hit a bad case of ground hog day. Then one day, realizing I hadn't checked the mail in over a week, I stopped at the mail box and there it was! My pretty shiny metallic bag of surprise goodies. I had almost forgotten all about it. My IPSY subscription. As a mother of two, with a 'tom boy' nature about me, makeup has always been a struggle - until I discovered IPSY that is. With my subscription, each month I receive a goodie bag with five of the latest products to try.

So far, I have received face masks, washes, hair treatments and basically anything cosmetic that I would never think about going out to get for

myself. I have actually found a mini passion in makeup and I have IPSY to thank for that. I have learned new tricks and discovered new products. I was always a "whatever is cheapest" at the pharmacy type. Now that I have been getting my subscription I pay attention to labels and try to keep to the more animal and vegan friendly options which IPSY is great for.

Before my packages I never would have known that they had organic nail polish that was basically free of the "toxic-trio" and remaining undesirable ingredients that make up conventional nail polish. Just Google the 7 toxic ingredients found in nail polish...you'll see what I mean. And if a little present just for you at the end of each month isn't enough they have tutorials galore that go along with the products that have arrived in your bag.

One of the deciding factors for me with this monthly subscription is that you are able to [oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

customize your wants and needs. I personally hate fragrances and am super sensitive so I made that clear in my "interview". I also don't like foundation so I don't get it in my bag. What I do get are the things I love and/or would love to try. You are always able to update your profile as well until you are happy with what you get or want to experiment more. They also ask you to review their products, which they make very easy (no more then 2 minutes of your time), so that they can ensure you are receiving the things that suit you the best.

The bag itself is approximately $20.00 an month (including shipping) if you are in Canada. If you are in the United States, it's about $10.00. Damn exchange rate!!!

But I honestly believe it's worth every penny.

Most products are samples, however, you do get full size products sometimes. I get makeup brushes that are worth $40-60 on their own. I have been nothing but impressed in the 2+ years I have subscribed to their service. I have not only learned a lot but can finally suggest make up products to friends when they compliment my amazing eyelashes and explain its mascara and not falsies. A big thank you goes out to Two Faced's "Better than Sex" mascara.

I have actually learned to do a decent make up job, where I look presentable in less then 10 minutes which I would have never been able to figure it out on my own. I always thought it took an hour to look like you had a good night's sleep. Apparently there are tricks and products that help you look like you just got back from a spa vacation and do it up quick. If only I could find something similar for my wardrobe and I would be set!

I should also make it clear that I am not affiliated with IPSY in anyway I am just that excited about this service. If I had to say anything negative about it there is a bit of a wait before you receive your first bag. I think I waited 4 months or so. But once they start coming, it's like Christmas every month.

If you are interested in receiving a little treat every month, I do have a link you can sign up with and I believe it expedites the waiting period.

For any busy mom, those who don't have a clue or the lady who is make up obsessed, trust me you won't be disappointed. Just click the button below to get started today.

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F in d in g y ou r t r u e nor t h Featuring Urban Ocean's Harmony Dawn .........................................................

Photography by: Dan Gavere

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COVER STORY Submitted by: Brandelyn Cameron Having spent many a day on the banks of river at the Rideau Canoe Club, I'd often gaze across to the other side at the stand up paddlers gathering around the little hub of activity known as Urban Ocean. This is where I met one of the most inspiring individuals I've yet to encounter. But it wasn't until I saw Harmony paddling past me on her (at the time) hot pink paddle board with a dog and cat in tow that I knew I had to meet this girl.

However, rather recounting my many wonderful experiences with this amazing, spirited young woman, I decided to share her story with your directly. [om t h ]: Tell u s a bit abou t you .

[HD] I'm just a girl that had a dream of a beach life and made it reality when I opened the first Stand up Paddle Business in Eastern Ontario. Ironically I opened Urban Ocean in a city without an ocean! [om t h ]: Wh en did you st ar t paddlin g?

[HD] I started paddling while in Hawaii in 2009 and started my business shortly thereafter. [om t h ]: Wh at in t er est ed you in paddlin g?

[HD] I love being in and around water because I grew up spending my summers at my cottage in Saskatchewan full of paddling, boating, water skiing, and swimming and as I got older, spending more time at the ocean. I wasn't great at surfing despite my best efforts and I am terrified of being upside down in the water so the roll required for whitewater eliminated kayaking as an option Stand up paddling was amazing from the first time I tried it, I was able to catch waves that I couldn't previously on my surf board while still being out in the ocean having fun when there we're no waves. AND...obviously the health benefits are incredible.

[om t h ]: Aside f r om t h e ph ysical ben ef it s, can you t ell u s a bit abou t t h e em ot ion al con n ect ion you h ave w it h paddlin g?

[HD] Paddling for me was a place of healing. I've always been connected to the water thanks to my mom; when I started stand up paddling it was a couple years after her death and it just felt like for the first time since she's been gone that she was with me. People say that your loved ones are with you after they are gone but until that point it wasn't really evident to me. [om t h ]: Wh at in spir ed you t o open you r ow n com pan y?

[HD] I always knew I wanted to do my own thing and have a job where I could bring my dog to work. There wasn't anyone doing it in the area so I created it for myself. Being able to be outside all day and to share my passion with others is amazing. [om t h ]: Can you t ell u s a bit abou t you r pet s an d h ow you m an aged t o get t h em t o paddle w it h you ?

[HD] My sister and I had originally given my mom Kharma (a lovable black lab) for Christmas in 2005, obviously unaware that 6 months later our mom would die tragically. My sister and I took turns taking care of Kharma along with our dad.

In 2008, Kharma had a car accident and she suffered a broken pelvis, an amputated tail and some neurological damage. At the same time I was healing from a shoulder injury so our recovery together was me in a arm sling carrying her back end around in her sling. With winter being really cold in Canada and hard on your joints, we decided to move to Mexico. Salt water does truly heal. A couple months before we were coming back to Canada, we found a kitten that I [oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

[oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

took for the weekend because the shelter was closed. Over the 2 days he was with us, he would climb out of the milk container I put him in to go lay with my dog on her bed. I would leave him at home (like you do with cats) when I took my dog for a walk in the morning and he would go out the doggie door to follow us, crying until we waited for him to keep up. By Monday, it was clear that my dog had adopted a "grey and white labrador ". The kitten would come to the beach with us and did whatever Kharma did so swimming and paddling was just part of our life together. They we're pretty special friends.

[om t h ]: You h ave been t r avelin g lat ely, t ell u s abou t you r r ecen t adven t u r es.

[HD] It's been an emotional year! I lost my dog last fall, she basically went everywhere with me or I kept my trip to under 2 weeks so she could stay with my dad while I was away. My heart was so broken when she died that I actually ended my outdoor season earlier and flew to San Diego to meet up with my husband who was in California for some SUP events. We drove from there all the way North to British Columbia and then back down to our home in Hood River, Oregon. From there, I went to visit one of my amazing SUP sisters in Florida who was about to have her first baby, and then I met up with my husband in Antigua in December. We left in February for Asia and were gone for 2 months in Thailand which was the most healing part of of the year. Up until this point I had cried every time I got on the water but when I arrived in Bangkok, Starboard presented me with a board in her memory on what would have been her 12th birthday. I paddled the Kharma board everywhere we went in Thailand and then Bali! We flew back to Canada in April and drove down to North Carolina and back for a few SUP events, then flew out to Colorado in early June. I've been home now since and am looking forward to the summer here. [om t h ]: Can you t ell u s a bit abou t t h e Kh ar m a boar d?

[HD] My husband, Dan Gavere, is a ex-pro whitewater kayaker who's credited as one of the whitewater SUP pioneers. He's a team rider for Starboard and together they created the River Stream boards which come in 8'6, 9'6, and 11ft.

Dan and I were married on the 11ft with Kharma [oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

on the board with us. It's been the board that we could all ride together. She loved being with me on the board and would even come to my SUP yoga classes and just float on her board during class, she even got into riding the little rapids with Dan, so after her death Dan reached out to Starboard to do something in her memory. They turned the 11ft Stream Purple (the color of her collar) and named it the Kharma Stream in her memory, it's a limited edition for this year, there are only 50 available world wide. I'm really grateful to Starboard and Dan for this amazing gift. We're doing a fundraiser on August 31st in her memory and I'm excited to be raffling one off to raise money for animals in need in hopes they find their forever home. [om t h ]: Wh at advice w ou ld you give ot h er s look in g t o f ollow t h eir passion ?

[HD] Do it! Don't think of all the things that could wrong, many will - but the things that go right make it all worth it. Waking up everyday excited about what your doing is great start to the day. [om t h ]: Wh er e can on e par t icipat e in on e of you r classes?

[HD] I'm really lucky to be able to travel around the world teaching but I spend all summer at home in Canada. My first location to open was Carleton Place, I'm really fortunate that the Canoe Club embraced the idea from the start and has been an incredible support in providing space for

our equipment and programs. Next came my indoor location, Dovercourt Recreation Centre which was the first pool in Eastern Canada, to take on SUP in 2014, so all of our winter programs are with them as well as our outdoor camps in the summer. My newest partnership is with the Ottawa Rowing club, which is right downtown on the Ottawa River. It's a beautiful location nestled between Parliament Hill and the Prime Minister 's residence so we have a lot of historical sites that we get to paddle past. We also have a trailer that holds 16 boards so we can trailer to any of the many beautiful places to paddle in the area. [om t h ]: Do t h ey n eed pr eviou s paddlin g exper ien ce?

[HD] No experience is required as we teach you everything! We have classes for all levels from SUP 101 (for first timers) to SUP yoga, fitness, racing and whitewater. Our most popular program SUP Sisters which covers everything (except whitewater) over 8 weeks. It's really inspiring to see these women come on the first day with the normal nervousness and excitement that comes with something new to encouraging each other and becoming friends on a and off the water by the end of the program. I'm really grateful to all the women that sign up, committing 8 weeks to something they haven't done before or maybe only once or have never met me, is really something special. [oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

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T H IN K in g of a

W aterfront L if e s t y l e

?

Submit ted by: Nicole Rosenfeldt A waterfront property is a dream for many, possibly a very significant item on the bucket list.

Sipping coffee in the morning or enjoying a glass of wine relaxing at night watching the trees reflecting on a river at sunset, how fabulous would that be?

There are multiple benefits with this type of lifestyle such as the peace you may experience if you live on a quiet lake, the calming sound of the water rocking you to sleep in a hammock or maybe you would enjoy kayaking or fishing.

Water has these healing properties that can help with stress related situations and reset your focus to reclaim your energy and find your inner peace. On the opposite spectrum the adrenaline junkies will thrive on water sports such as wakeboarding and water skiing or enjoying their hair floating on a speedboat with a little pause in the middle of nowhere for a tanning session. The dream is present for all types of personalities, whether your intention is to create a rush or obtain a sense of freedom walking on a shoreline admiring nature, you will always find something highly motivating alongside this blue paradise.

That being said this habitat may also be challenging based on mother nature?s mood or temperament. Always ensure you have the proper insurance, sump pump, generator, retaining wall and emergency supplies to protect your family from the devastating damage that

can occur. Many times lives and belongings are put at risk, even with the best intentions you may be unable to achieve a viable plan as certain situations are out of anyone?s control. That is when the kindness of friends, family and sometimes perfect strangers will touch your heart. Do your research and acknowledge the risks.

A water surrounded environment is also protected by the Government to ensure nature is undisturbed and safe for the wild life. If you are planning on building a mansion with man made sand beach you may want to consider contacting the proper authorities to ensure this project doesn?t interfere with the animal?s natural habitat. Building a dock for your boat or installing a pool may also be restricted or subject to special regulations. Before you sign the documents to buy a property do your due diligence so your dream home is in the proper surrounding based on your family's needs.

Living by a body of water will always lead to certain risks however the rewards are infinite.

Some studies indicate that living and enjoying time near water or green space can stimulate your imagination, improve your health and contribute to your happiness. Take some time to research the possibilities and indulge in all the benefits the water can offer.

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Zucchini A G L IO E O L IO

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ZUCCHINI AGLIO E OLIO Submit ted by: Kim Ronzoni Aglio (garlic) e olio (oil) is a classic Italian peasant pasta dish made up of simple ingredients found in most Italian pantries. It is typically made with pasta (spaghetti) and garlic that is lightly sautĂŠed in extra virgin olive oil. It is seasoned with salt, freshly ground black pepper, red chilli pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese. Some variations exclude cheese altogether. Italian flat leaf parsley is added as garnish. My Nonna Marina liked to add a little chopped tomato and splash of red wine to the oil and garlic while cooking, to give it a little more colour and taste. Some regions in Italy like to add toasted breadcrumbs to the oil and garlic mixture just before serving, this adds a crispiness and texture to the dish. This is called ?alla Milanese?, referring to the city of Milan. Adding capers to this dish makes it Southern Italian.

INGREDIENTS -

3 medium-large (8-10 inch) zucchini, spiralled ½ c. L?Albero Vecchio, unfiltered, extra virgin olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, sliced not too thinly Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Red chilli pepper flakes to taste (optional) 1 vine ripened tomato, diced small Grana Padano cheese wedge, grated 4 tbsp. fresh Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped fine as garnish

DIRECTIONS (SERVES 4 PEOPLE) -

-

Trim ends off of zucchini. Attach zucchini to spiral slicer to make long curly noodles.

Season a large fry pan with olive oil, salt and pepper and garlic. Cook on medium until garlic is slightly light brown, careful not to burn as it will create a bitter taste.

Add tomato to fry pan. Stir often and cook until tomato softens and melts into oil, about 5 min.

Add zucchini noodles to fry pan and cook for a couple of minutes until tender.

Remove pan from stove, add parsley and grated cheese, toss gently and serve warm.

....................................................................

Photography by: Rogall Photo

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" I want ed somet hi ng dar k and moody .

Somet hi ng v ul ner abl e and ov er t l y sexual but st i l l cl assy .

But most i mpor t ant l y , i t needed t o be UNAPOL OGETI C." [oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

Your suffering happened for you, not to you.

Submit ted by: Tiffany Smit h It is said that the things that happen to us do so not to break us, but to make us whole. Often, life challenges are given as an opportunity to rebuild an unstable foundation. This new foundation can be one that will be so unshakeable, so unbreakable, that no one or thing will ever be able to shatter you again. But you need to choose it. It can be difficult when we are in the center of storm, we become so consumed with resisting the pain instead of just surrendering to it. It is in those times we can fail to see it as opportunity. This month marks the two-year anniversary of a conference I attended in California that changed the path of my life. When I came back, I was on fire. I had never been so excited about my business, and about the future. I was ready to step up and claim all the greatness the Universe has waiting for me. My vision was crystal clear. I was going to create a new brand and launch as a Self-Love coach. I felt so connected with my life?s purpose, so comfortable in my own skin, every cell in my being was lit up. For the first time, I literally jumped out of bed every morning, excited about manifesting my life into being. Synchronicity was all around me. I had mapped it all out, designed a brand and started to create content. It just flowed. It was magical. Then the Universe introduced an individual into my life that would plant a perverse seed of doubt deep into my psyche.

It was an attack on my womanhood. That seed grew heavy roots, slowly collapsing the foundation of who I thought I was, until one day I looked in the mirror and found an empty-eyed stranger staring back at me. When it came time to book my annual birthday boudoir last year, I couldn?t bring myself to show up because of how severely damaged my self-esteem was.

I feared those pictures would reveal the "truth"; that I had been shattered into millions of little pieces.

There would be no more hiding it. Everyone would know. Everyone would see how broken I was. I wish I could tell you it was one specific thing that finally [oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

snapped me out of it, that made me want to LIVE life again, but it wasn?t. It was raw vulnerability with a select few, forcing myself back to yoga, and doing healing work, that finally started to shift my headspace into a place where I wanted to help myself. Now, I am in what I am call the "rebuild phase." The first part of this phase is to pick up all the beautiful pieces of who I truly know my Self to be, and ceremonially burn the rest. Then take those pieces and build that new, indestructible foundation, on a base of a sacred promise to never again abandon my Self. That is why come my birthday this year I was not about to miss another boudoir session. This year I could finally see the opportunity in what has been my suffering. Historically, my annual boudoirs have been gentle reminders to myself as to how my clients feel when they are on the other side of my lens. However, this most recent boudoir was 100% SELFISH. And I have ZERO shame about it.

When I reached out to my photographer, Tiara Brouse, I shared with her that what I was drawn to

in her work was her unapologetic approach. I wanted something dark and moody. Something vulnerable and overtly sexual but still classy. But most importantly it needed to be UNAPOLOGETIC. Because I am done apologizing for being myself. I am done dulling my sparkle to make other people "comfortable." There is no growth in comfortable.

This, is my F* CK YOU boudoir. This is my F* CK YOU to every media image that has ever negatively impacted my self-image.

This is my F* CK YOU to everything society has ever told me to believe about how a woman should be.

This is my F* CK YOU to every man and woman who has ever felt the need for whatever selfish reason to make unsolicited comments about my body. This is my F* CK YOU to every man and woman who has ever attacked my sexuality. This is about defining boundaries. This is what boudoir is all about.

EMPOWERMENT.

[oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

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Ask you r Den t ist abou t Avan t iSm ile t oday. Available f r om Th e Au r u m Gr ou p.

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A R E Y OU D R E A MIN G O F A NE W L u x u r io u s B A T H R O O M? Submit ted by: Candace Plot z Perhaps you desire a glamorous space with an abundance of beautiful marble or maybe you are more drawn to something more scandinavian in style such as cement tiles offered in tons of amazing colours and patterns. Whatever your design aesthetic, starting any renovation can be extremely overwhelming. There are so many things to think about and consider before the ?pretty? can even begin.

As a starting point, it?s important to gather photo?s of styles you love and gravitate to. As you do so, you will see a reoccurring theme which can point you in the right design direction. For example, if you constantly save white bathrooms on Pinterest, it?s probably safe to assume that you can select white cabinetry for your bathroom renovation and that you?ll love it for years to come.

For any bathroom renovation, there are so many things to consider.

Number one is ensuring you hire the right people to complete the work. There?s no point spending tons of money on a renovation if 5 years from now, your tiles are falling off the wall or you are having water issues because of a poor plumbing job. I know, I know? .it can be overwhelming but you?ll want to get a few quotes and absolutely ask for references.

Number two is deciding on the layout. Do you want to keep your current floorpan and leave the main fixtures such as the tub and toilet where they are (to save significantly on costs) or perhaps the current space isn?t working for you or your family, so now is the time to change it up and ensure the space functions to the best of it?s ability.

During this stage of the project there are tons of decisions to be made, such as the size of shower, niche placement and tile selections. Where would you like your lighting to be placed?

Would you prefer a single overhead fixture, recessed lighting,

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wall sconces or a combination? It?s important to plan these decision accurately so the space performs the way you need it to.

Now comes the fun part? .all the pretty items that make the design work.

There are so many options on the market today. Take a walk through a tile centre to give you some inspiration and see what you gravitate towards. There are many gorgeous marble tiles and you can select different variations of the same stone but play with different shapes and placement to make your space unique.

Please keep in mind that natural stones require a bit more maintenance and sealing so if it?s a family bathroom, perhaps a porcelain or ceramic tile would be better suited. The market is saturated with tons of beautiful options in all price points so sometimes the most challenging part is picking just one.

Once you?ve selected your tiles, you?ll want to consider plumbing fixtures. If you?ve decided to go with a classic carrara tile, you may want to consider a more timeless faucet design or if you?ve selected a bold black and white cement tile, black plumbing fixtures would be a

stunning option.

Another important feature of the bathroom is a vanity.

It seems everyone needs lots of storage, so select the largest size vanity that will fit nicely within your new space. If you only have one bathroom or if you are redesigning your ensuite, 2 sinks are always a great option.

Vanity height is also a very important feature to consider. I always suggest going with a higher option so you don?t have to bend over as much. 32? high is the standard vanity height, but 36? is what I recommend.

Medicine cabinets are another way to provide more storage within your space. Speak to your contractor at the very beginning of the project regarding opportunities to inset vs surface mount.

At the end of the day, the amount of decisions that come with any renovation can be daunting so try to do your research and be as prepared as possible. Try to keep the final beautiful space in mind and have fun designing.

[oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

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[oh my: that's haute.] Summer 2017

www.ohmythatshaute.com