Peiliving fall2017

Vol 1 • Issue 2 FALL 2017

PRESTIGE KITCHENS Your Kitchen Experts

THE SECTIONAL customized comfort HELLO AUTUMN fashions for fall 2017 YOUR LIBRARY more than just books

A Natural Choice Facial Moisturizer • All-Natural Deodorant • Medicinal Tinctures • Herbal Tea • Hand-crafted Jewelry • Cremation Jewelry

Townes Herbal products are food-grade, and 100 per cent natural - Essentially food for the skin.

•townes•

@townesherbals

townesherbals

townespei@gmail.com | t o w n e s h e r b a l s. c o m | townesherbals.etsy.com Available at various retail locations on the island or visit us on the web

FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

hello

Autumn

There’s something remarkably beautiful about autumn.

The dancing leaves, the explosion of colour, and the refreshingly crisp air make the season (in the words of William Cullen Bryant) the year’s last, loveliest smile.

Here at P.E.I. Living, we’ve been hard at work all summer long putting together an issue filled with articles that will help make the transition into the colder seasons somewhat easier.

From choosing the perfect wine to complement your next big meal, to extending the use of your deck or patio (who doesn’t want to make summer last just a little bit longer?), this issue is packed with articles that’ll help you make the most of fall.

This issue, we’re featuring Prestige Kitchens, a local company that’s been perfecting the art of kitchen design for more than 40 years. No matter what your budget or personal taste, Prestige Kitchens offers the kind of expertise and trustworthy craftsmanship you’re seeking.

Photo: Stephen Wild Photography Executive Editor Katrina Geenevasen

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.”

- Albert Camus

We’ve also assembled a rundown of the top 10 questions to ask your custom builder with the help of Darren MacKenzie, master builder/owner of MacKenzie Builders Services Ltd., and compiled a handy list of the top coat trends you’re sure to see plenty of as we say goodbye to summer.

Wondering how to be happier at work, about the upcoming season at Confederation Centre, or how to help your child thrive in the classroom? We’ve got you covered. Grab a steaming up of that pumpkin spiced latte you’ve been longing for, and enjoy our latest issue.

Katrina

candid • artistic • joyful

p h oto g r a p h y Wedding • Boudoir • Engagement • Family • Commercial K+K Photography Kirsten Stewart 902.969.1856 kirsten-stewart7@hotmail.com

peiliving

FROM THE EDITOR

Publisher little bird publishing 279 Richmond Street, Unit 4 Charlottetown, PE C1A 1J7 Executive Editor Katrina Geenevasen Editor Story Sheidow E: story@pei-living.ca Copy Editor Alana Chaisson Layout & Design Jacqui Lysko Photography Simon Reid Stephen DesRoches Kirsten Stewart St. Clair MacAulay Lans Photography Stephen Wild Avec Maman Studio Contributing Writers Tori Stafford Jacqui Chaisson Cassandra Bernard Louise Campbell Wordsmith Russ Disotell Damien Packwood Sabrina Bigalow Samantha Sambrooke (EA Healthy Lifestyle) Jeff Somers (EA Financial) Virginia McIssac (EA Salon & Spa) Darren MacKenzie (EA Home Builder) Ann Myers (EA Education)

Advertising Inquires Jacqui Lysko 902.394.7499 jacqui@pei-living.ca Story Sheidow 902.313.0359 story@pei-living.ca Kirsten Stewart 902.969.1856 sales.peiliving@eastlink.ca pei living magazine is published quarterly by Little Bird Publishing. Little Bird Publishing is independently owned and operated. Opinions expressed in pei living magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the advertisers. pei living magazine does not assume liability for content.

Story Sheidow, Editor stor y@pei-living.ca

Well, fall is here on the Island.

With the cooler weather undeniably on its way, it's time to start nesting for the winter (or at least warming up to the idea). Taking care of yourself should always be a priority, but with the hustle and bustle of summer, it's easy to put off those little projects, or that little bit of "me time" you've been meaning to take for yourself.

But then fall comes along: With its glorious crisp air, vibrant colours, and its ability to wind things down to a slower pace in preparation for the winter ahead.

This issue of PEI Living focuses on health and the home. From organization to family, it's all about time. It's all about slowing down and giving yourself that "me time" you very much deserve.

So cosy up with a warm blanket, a nice mug of hot tea, and enjoy this issue of PEI Living. I hope it finds you well, and inspires you.

Story

" I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

- L. M. Montgomery

All rights reserved ŠLittle Bird Publishing.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. For permission contact the publisher.

FALL 2017

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CONT 70 FALL 2017 Vol 1 • Issue 2

DEPARTMENTS food & drink

14. comfort food

44

Savoury steak and potato pie

10. good eats

Easy recipes for fall

home & cottage 30. extend your season

Enjoy your outdoor space

34. the innovative kitchen The latest appliances

38. the sectional Customized comfort

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on the cover

Prestige Kitchens is a family-owned and operated kitchen, bath and cabinetry design company that prides itself on offering PEI-made products and exemplary craftsmanship that is second to none.

Check out their two locations on the Island.

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features

peilivingMagazine

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@pei_living

46. seven ways Simplfy your morning

health & wellness 52. age with grace How to slow the aging process

8. wine with russ

Understanding pairings

style

22. light fantastic

70. hello autumn

44. your public library

78. the face of fall

Island home profile

So much more than just books

58. five trends we love Coat trends

80. business Bring happiness to work

88. entertainment calendar What's happening on PEI

Cover Photo by Stephen DesRoches Words by Tori Stafford Story Photography by Stephen DesRoches

family

Fall 2017 fashion

Fall 2017 makeup trends

business 85. inspiring entrepreneur The Handpie Company

art & entertainment 92. a retrospective exhibit

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

94. an island perspective Final Image

TENTS @pei_living

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

peilivingMagazine

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS

A world without words would be endlessly dull; our contributing writers are the heart of PEI Living magazine.

Tori Stafford Tori is a freelance writer who calls Kingston, Ontario home. She shares her office with her much-loved Corgi, Poncho, and looks forward to visiting the Island in the future.

The beautiful content of this publication wouldn't be possible without the creative contributions of professional photographers. We thank you for making us look so good.

Simon Reid simonreid.ca Based in Charlottetown, Simon is a commercial and wedding photographer that developed his passion for capturing memories at a young age, which has only been enhanced through copious artistic opportunities.

Being an islander—born and raised— Simon has a personal perspective of island life and desires to capture his love for his home through his images.

Cassandra Bernard

Stephen DesRoches

Cassandra Bernard is a born and raised Islander. She received her degree in journalism from UPEI and enjoys getting out into the community, meeting new people, and sharing her experiences.

stephendesroches.com

Cassandra currently freelances for a variety of local publications.

A designer of 20 photography-related educational eBooks, an educator and instructor at photography workshops and seminars.

Louise Campbell Charlottetown’s Louise Campbell is an enthusiastic freelance writer who gets energy and inspiration from manipulating the written word.

When she’s not searching for the right word, she’s enjoying life with her husband and daughter.

Alana Sprague @lansphotography Alana Sprague of Lans Photography, is a born and raised Islander with a passion for colour. She specializes in nature and landscape photography and dabbles in portrait and macro photography as well. She finds a sense of joy in sharing the beauty and magic of Prince Edward Island and all it has to offer. When not behind her lens, she works for local not-for-profit organizations, enjoys craft beer and spends time with family and friends. Follow along her journey on her Instagram page @lansphotography

Stephen DesRoches is an Islander who, for the last 16 years, has had the great opportunity to live the life of a full-time artist through a mix of both photography and design.

Kirsten Stewart K+K Photography Kirsten is an islander and a busy mother of a two year old. Kirsten discovered her love for photography in her high school years.

She enjoys photographing anything and everything and specializes in lifestyle and wedding photography.

When she's not taking pictures she enjoys spending time with her son and drinking coffee.

St. Clair MacAulay stclairmacaulayphotography.com St. Clair MacAulay, based in Miscouche near Summerside, is the professional photographer for the P.E.I. Visitor’s Guide and has been selected

by National Geographic for its prestigious “Your Shot” honours.

St. Clair’s vivid colours and striking perspectives infuse pastoral scenes with a surprising and deep emotional resonance. You can see more of his work at the St. Clair MacAulay Photography Gift Shop in the Souris Beach Gateway Park.

F OO D & D R I N K - W I N E W I T H R USS

understanding

PAIRINGS

By Russ Disotell

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The holiday season will be here in just a few months. Not sure what type of wine will best complement your menu? These tips will ensure you can say, “Cheers!” with confidence.

B

efore you set out to purchase the perfect bottle of wine, determine the most important influence on the dish — it could be a flavouring ingredient or it might be the way it’s cooked. A given food poached, baked, fried or grilled will find at least four different styles of wine to suit it. The same food served with a cream sauce, a spicy salsa, a sweet fruit sauce or a tangy vinaigrette will find another four styles. Think about the overall weight of the dish, determine its strongest flavour and play to its strength.

If you’re serving up a roast or similar red meat, choose fuller-bodied red wines laden with tannin, which are the chemical compounds found on the grape skins as well as those from the toastiness of the oak barrel aging.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec and Zinfandel are all good picks because the blood in the meat contains iron, and the tannin counterbalances the taste and mouth-feel.

Australia’s 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Bin # 07691Z, $19.99) is a superb choice, meeting all our criteria and then some. Think big, bold and jammy with lots of strawberry and cassis fruit, a touch of herbaceous spice, medium tannins and a lengthy, flavourful finish.

If you want to round out a grilled fish or planked salmon dish, opt for lighterbodied reds, such as new world Merlots and Pinot Noirs. If you prefer a white, go with whites with brisk acidity that can cut through the richness of the fish. Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Albariño, Assyrtiko, Riesling and Vinho Verde are all good picks.

If chicken is on the menu, you’re in luck.

Chicken can beckon a host of wines — white, rose and red. However, if you want to display your pairing prowess, opt for crisp whites, dry roses and lighter-bodied reds. Let’s go to southern France for this selection. Les Jamelles Merlot 2015 (Bin# 09486Z, $16.99) is yet another superb vintage from this versatile charmer. Medium bodied with juicy red berry fruit, some smokiness and a hint of thyme, it has plenty of food friendly acidity to balance the richness of fish or chicken dishes.

Are you ravenous for a red meat laden with spicy sauces or gravies? While red is the best option, keep in mind very few reds can stand up to potent sauces, rubs and marinades. The heat will virtually annihilate the virtuous flavours of the wine, accentuate its alcohol content and befuddle the brain. Go with nice local craft beer.

Sweet and satisfying, no dinner is complete without a dessert. This course, too, is deserving of a special wine chosen especially for it. While volumes have been written on this subject there is one rule of thumb: the dessert wine must be sweeter than the dessert.

If you’re serving a fruit-based dessert, choose a late harvest selection. If you’re craving a chocolate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and round out your meal, try a fortified wine like LBV Port, Madeiras or Vins Doux Naturels.

Dow’s Fine Ruby Port (BIN# 06222Z, $21.99) makes a perfect partner for your rich chocolate dessert.

Even more so if it’s dark chocolate!

Bright, fresh raspberry and cherry fruit, enough acidity to prevent it from becoming cloying and a finish that goes on forever make this ruby port the chocolate lover’s perfect dessert accompaniment.

As always we recommend trying a PEI wine or beverage for your holiday celebration. There are some truly wonderful and diverse wines, craft beers, distilled beverages and ciders produced right here in our backyard.

Cheers! PEIL

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g o o d eats

double chocolate shortbreads Elevate this humble cookie to create an unforgettable yet simple desert.

Place one scoop of coffee or chocolate ice cream in your favourite bowl or pretty mug and top with two shortbread cookies. Drizzle with Bailey's or your favourite liqueur and add a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. Don't forgot to sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Ingredients

Keep it Local Need the perfect hostess gift?

Pop a dozen of these yummy cookies into a gift box with a gift card from Kitchen's Unlimited (Confederation Court Mall).

3/4 C butter, softened 1/3 C golden caster sugar 1 C plain flour 2 tbsp cocoa powder 1/2 C chocolate chips, milk or dark Method Mix the butter and sugar together with a wooden spoon.

Stir in the flour and cocoa, followed by the chocolate chips – you’ll probably need to mix it together with your hands at this stage. Halve the dough and roll each piece into a log about 5cm thick. Wrap in cling film and chill for one hour or for several days. Can be frozen for up to one month.

Heat oven to 180 C/ 350 F . Slice logs into one cmthick rounds, transfer to a baking tray lined with baking parchment and bake for 10-12 mins. Cool on the tray.

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G OO D E A T S

borscht Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package pork sausage (optional) 3 medium beets, peeled and shredded 3 carrots, peeled and shredded 3 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 tbs vegetable oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 3/4 C water 1/2 medium head cabbage, cored and shredded 1 (8 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained 3 cloves garlic, minced salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp white sugar, or to taste 1/2 C sour cream, for topping 1 tbs chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method

Crumble the sausage (if using) into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until no longer pink. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Fill a large pot halfway with water(about two quarts), and bring to a boil. Add the sausage, and cover the pot. Return to a boil.

Add the beets, and cook until they have lost their colour. Add the carrots and potatoes, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

Add the cabbage, and the can of diced tomatoes.

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook until tender. Stir in the tomato paste and water until well blended. Transfer to the pot. Add the raw garlic to the soup, cover and turn off the heat. Let stand for five minutes. Taste, and season with salt, pepper and sugar.

Ladle into serving bowls, and garnish with sour cream, if desired, and fresh parsley.

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CHARLOTTETOWN’S VERY OWN CAFE AND ROASTERY

• Premium house roasted coffee • Premium Lady Baker’s Tea Trolly • Premium blend of Columbian roast, Dark roast, Medium roast, Espresso, and more!

• Breakfast - Lunch - Brunch • Locally Owned & Operated 45 Queen Street Downtown Charlottetown 902-370-0776 kettleblackroastery.com

Perfect Brew

Perfect Brew th e

Black with sugar, double cream, latte, espresso, drip, Buy Fresh Beans percolated or pressed, no Coffee is best when used within days matter how you serve it of being roasted. Buying from a local up - it's obvious that we roaster (or roasting your own) is the surest way to get the absolute freshest have a love affair with our beans. Coffee beans packaged by 'morning joe'. quality-conscious roasters and sold in sturdy, vacuum-sealed bags are the best alternative.

Mind Your Beans Store opened coffee beans in an airtight container. Glass canning jars or ceramic storage crocks with rubbergasket seals are good choices. Never refrigerate or freeze coffee, especially dark roasts. Optimally, buy a week's supply of fresh beans at a time and keep at room temperature.

Everyone has a personal preference for their ideal brew and how to make the perfect cup has been debated for eons. So, according to one expert here are the steps to the best brew:

No Cheap Filters Look for “oxygen-bleached” or “dioxinfree” paper filters (e.g., Filtropa, Melitta). Alternatively, you may wish to invest in a long-lived gold-plated filter (e.g., SwissGold). These are reputed to deliver maximum flavour, but may let sediment through if the coffee is ground too finely.

No Skimpy Brews The standard measure for brewing coffee of proper strength is two level tablespoons per six-ounce cup or about 2 3/4 tablespoons per eightounce cup.

Beware The Heat

Snobbism among coffee drinkers can rival that of wine drinkers; specialty coffees that clearly state the country, region or estate of origin can provide a lifetime of tasting experiences.

The proper brewing temperature is 200°F, or about 45 seconds off a full boil. Once brewed, don’t expect coffee to hold its best flavours for long. Reheating, boiling or prolonged holding on a warming platform will turn even the best coffee bitter and foul-tasting.

Daily Grind

Keep Your Equipment Clean

Coffee starts losing quality almost immediately upon grinding. The besttasting brews are made from beans ground just before brewing.

Clean storage containers and grinders every few weeks to remove any oily buildup. At least monthly, run a strong solution of vinegar or specialty coffeeequipment cleaner (e.g., Urnex) through your coffeemaker to dissolve away any mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly before reuse.

Be A Bean Snob

Use Good Water Nothing can ruin a pot of coffee more surely than tap water with chlorine or off flavours. Serious coffee lovers use bottled spring water or activatedcharcoal/carbon filters on their taps.

Note: Softened or distilled water makes terrible coffee—the minerals in good water are essential.

Illustration: cotici.com FALL 2017

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g o o d eats - C O M F O R T F OO D

steak and potato pie

Cooler weather means comfort food.

Fall is my favourite time of year; for me it's always been a time of renewal and change. In my family it was also the season we could look forward to my mother's savoury meat pies, soups and stews.

This is a steak pie made with red wine to make the beef very tender. You can use the recipe for two pies (make two batches of pastry) or make one pie and use the remainder for stew.

Add your favourite vegetables or beef kidney for a real traditional English-style meat pie. These pies can be prepared as individual servings and frozen for a hearty meal on a busy day.

For a true gourmet pie, visit an Islandl butcher like Butcher & Butcher (St. Peters Road) for local dryaged beef and of course, use PEI potatoes.

Bon AppĂŠtit

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By Jacqui Chaisson

pei-living.ca FALL 2017

INGREDIENTS

2 3/4 C all-purpose flour 1 tsp kosher salt 1 C lard (unsalted butter if preferred), chilled and cut into small pieces 1/2 C ice water, or as needed 2 1/2 Tbs all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves 1/2 tsp paprika 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 1/8 tsp ground ginger 1/8 tsp ground allspice 1 1/2 lbs boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/3 C olive oil 2 C chopped sweet onion 1 C beef broth 3/4 C dry red wine 1 C peeled and diced potatoes 1 C sliced carrots 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves (optional) METHOD

Combine 2 3/4 cups flour and one teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl.

Cut lard into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse bread crumbs. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time, tossing to mix. Gather the dough into a ball, divide it in half, and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough while you prepare the filling.

Mix together 2 1/2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, paprika, pepper, ginger, and allspice in a bowl. Dredge the steak pieces in the seasoned flour and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in beef cubes and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent and the beef is browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Pour in beef broth and red wine and simmer until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.

Roll out one pastry crust on a lightly floured surface to fit a 10-inch pie plate. Place the crust in the pie plate, cover it loosely with plastic, and refrigerate. Roll out the top crust for the pie and set it aside.

Stir the potatoes and carrots into the beef mixture and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Keep it Local

Pair this dish with a great craft beer from UpStreet like Eighty Bob: Scottish Export Ale or a local wine.

Transfer the beef mixture to the pastry-lined pie plate. Sprinkle with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, if desired; cover the pie with the top crust and crimp edges to seal. Cut vents in the crust or prick with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Prep - 45 mins | Cook - 1 hour 25 mins | Ready In - 2 hours 20 mins

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St. Clair MacAulay Photography imagine • create • inspire

Specializing in incredible Island images Landscapes • Portrait • Couples • Family • Commercial St. Clair MacAulay Photography Gift Shop Souris Beach Gateway Park stclairmacaulayphotography.com

f o o di e f u n

Kitchens Unlimited - Fall Favourites Kitchens Unlimited - House of Kitchens & Fine Dining, features a wide selection of stylish, functional top-quality kitchenware, from brand names you know and love.

Kitchens Unlimited Confederation Court Mall 134 Kent Street, Charlottetown 902.566.2252

Ann Chaisson Manager

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Swedish Dish Cloths

3 5

Made from cotton and plant-based cellulose fibres, these 100 per cent natural and compostable cloths are an established must-have in Scandinavia. They offer a sustainable alternative to sponges, dishcloths and paper towels and become soft and pliable when wet for easy clean-up. When you're ready to replace it - toss it into your compost bucket.

Midori Knives Expertly hand-crafted from 67 layers of Japanese VG-10 Damascus steel, this knife represents the peak of perfection. Meticulously folded and forged to create a blade of exceptional quality and absolute beauty. Pure luxury.

Ellen Degeneres Dinnerware Inspired by her love of artisanal design, the ED Ellen DeGeneres Grey Lines Dinnerware will transform your table with simply chic style.

Beautifully crafted by Royal Doulton, this sophisticated stoneware is perfect for everyday and casual entertaining.

2

Glencairn Whiskey Glass

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The Glencairn Whiskey Glass is a revolutionary whiskey glass that really lets one savour the taste and complexity of fine whiskey.

These are great to use for any of your Single Malt whiskeys, Irish Whiskey's, and also your single barrel bourbons. With the tapered mouth, you are able to really smell all of the nuances the whiskey has to offer. Any malt advocate will love this glass!

Plum Pudding Steamer The perfect vessel to make a variety of pudding flavours in, the Steamed Pudding Mold is made from durable aluminum to seal in moisture. A tube in the centre provides even heat distribution, resulting in a faster cooking time.

Stemless Wine Glasses Perfect for everyday dinners and get-togethers, the Stemless Wine Glasses make a beautiful choice for any occasion. These tulipshaped wine glasses are designed with a fine rim and pulled stem for a classic simple-yet-elegant look.

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

In all homes, there is one room that is lovingly used by everyone, day after day: The Kitchen.

Prestige KITCH E N S Perfecting the art of kitchen design for more than 40 years

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By Tori Stafford Photos by Stephen DesRoches

" Everyone uses their kitchen differently, it’s always a unique and individual thing for people, so I always try to be aware of how a client uses their kitchen.”

- Shelley Jackson

W

hether you have a family of eight with small children running around as dinner is prepared, or you live solo in a condo where your kitchen acts more as a place to entertain and dine on take-out while you catch up on emails, chances are that not a day goes by without you spending at least 20 minutes in ‘the heart of the home.’

“Everyone uses their kitchen differently,” says Shelley Jackson, certified kitchen designer through the National Kitchen and Bath Association and kitchen and bath designer with Prestige Kitchens for more than 20 years.

“It’s always a unique and individual thing for people, so I always want to be aware of how a client uses their kitchen.”

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Prestige Kitchens is a second-generation, family-owned and operated kitchen, bath and cabinetry design company. For 42 years, the company has designed, crafted and installed countless kitchens across the Island, from simple upgrades to breathe new life into a small family kitchen, to complete design and installation for stateof-the-art apartment buildings. There are few kitchen scenarios the professionals at Prestige Kitchens haven’t dealt with before.

Prestige prides itself on offering ‘Made in PEI’ products and exemplary craftsmanship

that is second to none. They operate from locations in both Summerside and Charlottetown.

But, as Jackson underlines, there is one thing about each kitchen they work on that is unique: the client.

“I, personally, know how important it is to find out what a client’s needs and wants are – what items are on their wish list, do they bake or entertain frequently, or how many cooks use the kitchen,” Jackson says, noting that, because the consultation process is so integral in ensuring the client is satisfied, Prestige Kitchens offers free, in-home 20

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consultations Island-wide.

“I will go to anyone’s home on the Island if they’re looking to renovate their kitchen. If they want new cabinets, we will go to their home, sit with them, try to find out what it is they want to change or what their vision is, whether they’re knocking down walls, or just replacing what’s there.”

The professionals at Prestige Kitchens also use their years of expertise to work with a client’s budget and ensure the finished product is everything the client expects, Jackson explains.

"Everybody is different and everybody usually has one or two things that they want in their kitchen… we’ve become experts over the years at working within people’s budgets as best we can. That’s a big thing,” she says.

“If a client has a wish list, we find the one or two really important things that they want incorporated into their kitchen and make that happen within the budget or the allowance that they have. We’ve really tried to pride ourselves on being able to do that for them.”

C O V E R F E AT U R E

For example, Jackson explains, a young couple who often entertain in their kitchen might want wine racks, a bar fridge, and a really big island where people can gather to socialize. Conversely, a mother of three who often bakes may want to incorporate a baking station in her kitchen so that the rest of the kitchen can still be used while she is baking. It’s all about working directly with the client, Jackson says.

And that is what sets Prestige Kitchens apart from other cabinet and kitchen

suppliers and installers – unlike big box stores with a huge team of employees where you are unlikely to deal with the same person each time you come in, when you choose Prestige Kitchens, you will work with your designer face-to-face, and know your work is being handled by a tight-knit team, many of whom are family, that are dedicated to your project’s successful completion.

But it is not just kitchens these experts can take on. From complete bathroom design and installation, to shelving, cabinetry and workstations in laundry rooms, and entertainment units and bookshelves

in family rooms, Prestige Kitchens can help create functional spaces or put a personal touch on any room in the home. With designers who are constantly studying trends and innovations, Prestige Kitchens can offer both classic and contemporary redesigns to suit any client’s personal tastes. Currently, there is a lot of white in Prestige Kitchens’ Summerside plant, Jackson says with a laugh, as white remains the dominant trend in kitchens and elsewhere in the home.

“Whites, greys, pale greys… we’re doing a lot of kitchens that are white,” she says, noting that some clients choose to add a splash of colour with another popular kitchen trend of late: the island.

“We do a lot of islands, both small and large, from navy blue to dark greys. We offer painted finishes in any colour. We are also doing a lot more solid countertops, such as granite and quartz.”

No matter what your style or personal taste, Prestige Kitchens offers the expertise and trust-worthy craftsmanship Islanders have come to know and trust, a point of pride for those in this family business, Jackson says. And the way they deliver client satisfaction time and again all comes down to one thing, she expresses.

“In the grand scheme of things, we try to make a connection with each client,” she says.

With designers who are constantly studying trends and innovations, Prestige Kitchens can offer both classic and contemporary redesigns to suit any client’s personal tastes.

“I’ve realized over time just how important the kitchen is to people. Everything moves so fast now, and people want a place where they can come home to that is functional and efficient, and where they can interact with their family and friends.

That’s what we try to deliver.” PEIL

Prestige Kitchens Summerside Location 595 Read Drive Summerside, PE 902-436-5236 Charlottetown Location 400 Mount Edward Road Charlottetown, PE 902-566-2706 www.prestigekitchens.com

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H O M E & C O T T A G E - I SL A N D H O M E P R O F I LE

light fantastic Interior Design by damien Morris Designs Photos by St. Clair MacAulay Flowers courtesy of Bernadette's Flowers (Stratford)

“We wanted something highly functional, but unique to us. We were bored with traditional spaces and probed options, designs and configurations that we have seen through travel or research. We picked eclectic fixtures, and insisted on non-traditional room shapes and sizes."

- J. McKenna (Homeowner) 22 22

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damien Morris Designs worked closely with Greenleaf Construction and Kitchen Concepts to showcase this classic white shaker kitchen painted in Benjamin Moore Snow White OC-66.

Mixing Scandinavian design with coastal traditional elements created the perfect pairing for this light-filled cottage. Keeping the counter tops white, the designer choose to use Silestone Ariel; it gives a warm white feel with slight grey veining to give it some character.

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Six-inch white washed floors complemented the design of the space and helped ground the all-white interior.

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*

H O M E & C O T TA G E

No space is complete without beautiful fresh flowers to enjoy each and every day.

▲ Using pops of blue throughout the space helped create the cottage feel. The use of varying textures and shades of wood pulled the Scandinavian feel together. ◄The master ensuite was kept neutral to create a spa feel. Crisp white towels are always a must. ▼ A modern chunky wood vanity

with vessel sinks, paired with wood mirrors and an industrial light gives this space a spa-like feel. The soaker tub that overlooks the ocean is the perfect place to escape and relax.

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White slipcovered sofas, an oversized custom coffee table (made by Kitchen Concepts) paired with two teal chairs are the perfect combination for this great room.

Accessories were added to help tie the space together. Light filtering roller blinds are the only window treatments, keeping the space light and airy and taking advantage of the spectacular view.

â—„ The outside of the home is where the colour showcase begins. Painted in a beautiful light and airy blue, the cottage blends in effortlessly with the water surrounding it. From the bead-board veranda to the classic square posts, no detail was too big or too small for Greenleaf Construction to achieve.

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Make a Bold Statement

in Style damien Morris Design

By Cassandra Bernard Photos by St. Clair MacAulay

Our homes are the most cherished and intimate spaces.

Our homes are where we grow up, feel comfortable, escape the hustle and bustle and connect with our loved ones.

W

hether it is a condo, a custom home in a subdivision or a unique energy-efficient build, Damien Packwood of Charlottetown-based design business, damien Morris Designs, creates dazzling designs that are both inspirational and enticing. Celebrating just over three months of being in business on his own, Packwood is working on new designs, refreshing homes, and connecting with local partners. The now 32-year-old originally from Newfoundland relocated to Prince Edward Island to attend Holland College.

He worked in a couple of different industries over the years, but he was never fully satisfied with his choice.

He knew he wanted to work in interior design. “I knew I wanted to be in this industry even when I was kid. I would always be constantly changing around my room or picking out different colours. I watched 'City Line' all my life,” he recalls. Packwood first took an interior decorating course online at the age of 19, and recently 26

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received his Interior Design certification.

He has now been in the industry for more than six years and has worked with local design companies and a custom kitchen cabinet business. “I gained experience and skills and also expanded my education because I knew someday I would realize my goal of opening my own company,” says Packwood. damien Morris Designs opened in June 2017. His office is located in Charlottetown where he is currently working on a comprehensive showroom design, which will consist of a variety of furnishings, as well as arrangements of various rooms in a way that is aesthetically pleasing for his clients.

“I think it’s important, especially when I’m designing kitchens. I want to show them the kitchen and explain to them ‘this is your light valance, crown moulding, and cabinet door style.’ There’s so many moving components to a kitchen that it can be difficult to visualize, which is why I now offer concept drawings viewed with virtual reality

(VR) glasses. This allows clients to view their new space in 360 degrees and feel as though they are standing in it,” he explains.

Since venturing off on his own, Packwood has partnered with local companies including Greenleaf Construction. He designs home interiors for Greenleaf, and also works with Kitchen Concepts designing their kitchens.

“We’re kind of a little trio package,” he explains. He says his style, right now, is all white everything with minimal detail, raw natural wood accents and matte finishes rather than high gloss. “Kitchens I am more Scandinavian,” he says. For living rooms, he tends to be more contemporary with varying shades of grey, clean lines and chrome finishes. “I also love traditional spaces because they are classic design and are timeless and not trendy,” Packwood says.

Although Packwood is used to working on residential projects, he is now venturing into

“I knew I wanted to be in this industry even when I was kid.

I would always be constantly changing around my room or picking out different colours. I watched 'City Line' all my life." the commercial world. “I’m doing my first commercial space right now at BioVectra.

It is a great project and very different from residential. I’m so used to fabrics and rugs, whereas you can’t do any of that,” he says.

His design for the industrial space includes a 200-foot hallway with pixelated art. “It starts out solid and then it goes into pixels of the companies colours. I had to come up with all of these cool, different ways of injecting their colours,” Packwood explains. dMD is also an official retailer of Elite Window Fashions.

“Window coverings are so important as they anchor a space and control the amount of light going into a room,” says Packwood. Elite offers a wide selection of window coverings in a variety of colours, including energy efficient blinds, motorized interior shades and smart shades (controlled with a mobile device). In the future, Packwood plans to own a design and décor store. For now, he is working to grow his business and looks forward to offering design service with a modern, technology advanced twist, staying on top of trends and products in the industry.

Stay tuned to his Facebook page this fall for new Christmas decorating packages and other exciting initiatives. PEIL damien Morris Design 425 Brackley Point Road, Charlottetown 902.218.0598

damienmorrisdesigns.ca

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Prestige Home Décor & Floral Studio Make your house truly your home

By Tori Stafford Photos Jacqui Chaisson

It

all started when those at Prestige Kitchens started decorating their displays to make them more realistic and approachable – and then clients began asking to buy the décor.

“It kept happening! And so we thought, ‘Why don’t we start doing some purchasing?” says Joanne Parnham, manager of Prestige Home Décor.

That was more than a decade ago, and Prestige Home Décor is now one of the go-to places to find those things that will complete the look of your home.

From candles, ornaments and functional accent furniture, to kitchen accessories; art and wall hangings; bedding; linens and lighting, Prestige Home Décor offers highly sought after designer and brand names in a myriad of different styles and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a chic, contemporary motif or a cosy, rustic warmth, Prestige Home Décor offers the things you need – and the things you want – to make your home truly unique.

“We try to cover all styles at very good price points, Parnham said, noting there always seems to be new products to discover at Prestige Home Décor.

“There truly is something for everybody.”

Add to that Prestige Floral Studio conveniently abutting Prestige Home Décor and Prestige Kitchens, and you have the makings for beautifying and putting your own signature on nearly any room in your home.

“The Floral Studio is a great addition, and Michael’s flowers can be seen featured in our Kitchen design studio and in the Home Décor store,” says Parnham, whose brother, Michael, opened Prestige Floral Studio, bringing more than 20 years of floral design experience into the family business.

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"Whether you’re looking for a chic, contemporary motif or a cosy, rustic warmth, Prestige Home Décor offers the things you need – and the things you want – to make your home truly unique."

- Joanne Parnham

Prestige Floral Studio offers everything from unique and interesting plants, exotic flowers, to contemporary floral art and breathtaking wedding and event flowers.

Michael’s incredible work has been featured in restaurants, offices and hotel lobbies across eastern Canada, but he enjoys offering his works of art here on the Island, right in his hometown of Summerside.

What’s more is the way Prestige Floral Studio has further enhanced the Prestige family of businesses by offering clients across all three companies to explore what is available in making each home as unique as its owners.

“It all works together seamlessly,” says Parnham.

Prestige Home Décor 595 Read Drive Summerside, PE 902.436.5236 www.prestigehomedecor.ca Prestige Floral Studio 595 Read Drive Summerside, PE 902.436.4006 www.prestigefloralonline.ca

H O M E & C O T TA G E

Extend Your Outdoor Season

By Jacqui Chaisson

Summer may be over but that doesn't mean you have to abandon your backyard oasis.

S

ummer in Prince Edward Island is wonderful; sunny days on the beach and cool seaside breezes at night, it provides perfect weather for being outside. However, summer does eventually come to end and the days and nights become cooler, sending most of us indoors. But don't despair, we can still enjoy our decks and patios with a few simple adjustments.

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Light the Way As the days get shorter we tend to head indoors at dusk. Adding some patio lights, solar garden lights or additional outdoor lighting fixtures can make it safer to use your outdoor space as it gets dark. Use spotlights to highlight trees, shrubs and gardens or run rope lights along your deck for a warm subtle glow.

Chase the chill Add a fire pit or alternative heat element to your outdoor space to warm up the cooler days or evenings. Be sure to check with any regulations or restrictions regarding fire pits in your neighbourhood or community. There are lots of options to choose from: freestanding fire bowls, built-in pits, fireplaces or simple heating units.

Three seasons Building a three-season sunroom or porch is a fabulous way to enjoy your patio or backyard for up to nine months of the year (depending on the weather). If your home can't accommodate an addition, opt for a screened-in gazebo in your backyard.

It's a great place to hang a hammock or comfortable seating for entertaining or relaxing.

Turn up the tub A hot tub or spa can be used 12 months of the year by adjusting the water temperature as it gets cooler. There really isn't anything more romantic than soaking in the bubbles during a fluffy snowfall. Talk to your hot tub professional about cold weather usage for your particular model.

Embrace winter Spending time outdoors in the winter is extremely healthy so embrace winter by building a backyard rink. There are kits available to help you create a winter rink for your budding hockey star.

Keep in mind, spring will return and summer will be here before you know it. PEIL

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

Modern Modulars to Custom

Creations

By Louise Campbell Photos by St. Clair MacAulay

D

arren MacKenzie’s career has changed considerably since his early days of farming in eastern Prince Edward Island. But not as much as the housing industry, in which he is fully ensconced, has evolved over the same period.

Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builders Services Ltd. Legacy Homes

“Right from the start, we took great pride in doing the best job possible for our customers."

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For MacKenzie, what began as a means to being able to afford his own house became a multifaceted building career including carpentry, fine furniture and cabinet making, home inspections, commercial construction, and modular homes and custom-built homes.

“Basically, I wanted to own a house and didn’t want to buy a fixer-upper, which was all I could afford at the time. Therefore, I decided to develop the skills to build my own house and it all started from there,” said MacKenzie.

The period in his career that really opened his eyes and changed his trajectory was his years as a home inspector. Over the course of more than 2,000 inspections – pre-purchase or insurance – he saw first

hand the many problems that result from improper building techniques and lax building code application.

This history is important as it provides insight into MacKenzie, his high standards, and his personal code of ethics. Determined to raise the standard of building in the province, he soon started entertaining incoming requests to build or renovate houses, ultimately laying the foundation for MacKenzie Building Services.

“Right from the start, we took great pride in doing the best job possible for our customers,” said MacKenzie. “Our old school craftsmanship and impeccable service continue to pay off as the bulk of our business comes through word of mouth.”

While custom-built constructions were the bread and butter in the early years, the company was often contracted for on-site installation of mini- or modular homes. Similar to what he experienced in his inspection period, MacKenzie found the homes varied greatly in workmanship and quality.

When the opportunity arose in 2014 to become the exclusive Island retailer for Maple Leaf Homes, he jumped at the chance to add this modular option to his menu of products and services. Hence, Legacy Homes was born.

“I have always been interested in providing customers with a great product at a fair price,” said MacKenzie. “From my experience installing Maple Leaf Homes, I was already sold on their engineering and quality and knew this product would be a valuable complement to MacKenzie Building Services.”

Since that time, Legacy Homes has helped many Islanders achieve their dream of home ownership, either through the purchase of mini (one piece) or modular (two or more piece) homes.

Don’t think, though, that these homes are cookie-cutter catalogue orders. The days of having one or two basic options, with perhaps a few minor modifications, are long gone. In fact, some of these factory-

built homes, ranging from 2,000 sq. ft. cottages to 100-box apartment buildings, are as customized as “from-scratch” builds.

Canadian Home Builders' Association.

He sees this designation as the best guarantee of quality he can offer clients.

Of course, MacKenzie Building Services takes care of the on-site installation of Legacy Homes, taking anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the level of customization.

MacKenzie maintains that the sale and installation of these homes by his companies provides a major advantage to his customers.

Though Darren MacKenzie’s career has taken him places he never could have imagined, one thing has never changed: his insistence on top quality products and ethical services. PEIL

“Both Legacy Homes and MacKenzie Building Services operate according to the high standards my staff and I are famous for,” said MacKenzie. “If a homeowner is not happy with the finished product, the buck stops right here. There is no finger pointing involved, we just go ahead and resolve any concerns.”

In addition to those well-respected high standards, MacKenzie is proud to have been the first Islander to be awarded a Master Builder designation, through the

MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 E: darren@mackenziebuilders.ca mackenziebuilders.ca

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The Innovative

Kitchen

C

Photos courtesy of KitchenAid

anadians love their kitchens and there is more to a kitchen than simply the room where we prepare meals. The kitchen is than just the room where we prepare meals; it is the heart of the home.

Choosing appliances can be tricky (they are major investments, after all!), but don't worry, we've got you covered.

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The focal point of any kitchen is the appliances. Today's appliances aren't just exceptionally beautiful, they save us time, energy and money.

and efficiently. With true convection, the temperature in the oven is more uniform, which allows for multi-rack baking.

Dishwasher with Dynamic Wash System

Here are the latest innovations in kitchen appliances from KitchenAid™.

Black and bronze Make a bold statement in your kitchen.

Although stainless steel is still very popular, you'll start to notice black and bronze stainless finishes are slowly taking over.

KitchenAid’s black stainless steel with hints of chrome is a softer, warmer alternative to the traditional stainless steel. When you think stainless steel, you’re probably thinking a lot of cleaning? Not with KitchenAid’s PrintShield™ finish, which resists fingerprints and smudges.

Preserva™ Food Care System Throwing out spoiled fruits, vegetables or other fresh food before you have had a chance to eat them is wasteful. With a refrigeration unit that controls humidity and has a separate system for frozen foods, it helps keep your food fresher, longer.

Even-Heat True Convection

It is all about the water coverage, when it comes to a dishwasher. With nine dynamic wash arms that spray in every direction, no matter where you place your dishes, you’ll get better water coverage giving you a superior clean.

Perimeter Ventilation A kitchen ventilation system helps to remove grease particles from the air for a safe and clean kitchen environment.

Grease evaporates, becomes airborne and will deposit on walls and ceilings, which is extremely unhygienic.

This won’t be a problem with KitchenAid’s Perimeter Ventilation, as it pulls air from the edges and accelerates the movement of air at the centre, where it captures steam, smoke, and odours before they become an issue.

Regardless of which finish or options you choose for your next appliance, it won't take long to discover how much you'll save with the latest innovations. PEIL

A true convection oven has a third heating element combined with a fan that blows the heated air evenly throughout the oven cavity. The air blowing on the food helps it cook more quickly, evenly

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APPLIANCE SPECIALISTS Beck's Furniture, Montague

By Jacqui Chaisson Photos KitchenAid Our homes wouldn't be complete without the convenience modern appliances offer us; how would we prepare meals, and keep food cold without them? Luckily, today's appliances are a combination of style and innovation, making it easy to prep great meals in style.

Beck's Furniture in Montague is serious about bringing the very best to Island home owners when they're purchasing appliances.

"We carry the Whirlpool family of companies, which encompasses KitchenAid®, Maytag, Whirlpool, Amana and Gladiator Garageworks," Says Jeff Beck, manager and appliance specialist at Beck's Furniture. "This gives us the opportunity to offer varying price points and stay on top of the ever-changing needs of our clientele."

The appliance industry is one of the most innovative; manufacturers focus not only on new energy and time saving functions but asthetics as well.

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"The latest trends we're excited about include new colours and finishes." says Beck. "Maytag recently introduced a fingerprint resistant stainless finish and KitchenAid® now offers a black stainless finish and a new finish, Sunset Bronze, will be available in 2018."

There are also innovations in features and functions such as steam clean ovens, pop up rangehoods, smartphone compatibility and autosensing load size in washers.

Whirlpool has a great service track record.

They are always training staff and appliance techs in the latest technologies.. That’s important in this eve-changing appliance world.

The staff of Beck’s Furniture have many years of experience, product knowledge and customer service under their belt. Combine that with free, island-wide delivery and a large showroom and you will realize that is a “must stop” when you appliance shop.

KitchenAid introduced a black stainless finish that adds a sleek modern look to your kitchen.

"We have an appliance specialist on hand to assist our customers when they are looking to make their next purchase."

- Jeff Beck Photo: St. Clair MacAulay

Beck's Furniture 18 Water St, Montague 902.838.5882 beckshomefurniture.com

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the

Sectional Customized Comfort

Equal parts stylish and comfortable, today’s sectional sofas are more than a utilitarian way to furnish a family room. Whether you’re relaxing with a glass of wine by the roaring fire, hosting friends for an elegant get-together or enjoying a movie night with the kids, investing in a sectional is something you should seriously consider.

By Jacqui Chaisson

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Photos courtesy of:

Designed to fit With endless configurations available, homeowners can choose a sectional specifically designed to fit their space. The various sections can also be reconfigured to suit other spaces if you move or renovate. Sectionals are also the perfect option for open concept living; they allow you to define areas without affecting flow.

Family-friendly Today’s sectionals are available in easyto-clean fabrics, for instance La-Z-Boy® offers the icleanTM technology; these new fabrics are ideal for busy families with small children or pets. Some sectionals come with slipcovers that can be easily switched when you're looking for a change and are washable - the perfect option when combating sticky fingers or dirty paws.

The sectional can accommodate more family members comfortably than the conventional sofa.

Customize With so many options available, you can customize your sectional to suit your family and your lifestyle. Some offer a chaise lounge for putting your legs up after a long day.

◄ Photo courtesy of:

If you love to cuddle up and watch movies, opt for a sectional with a "cuddler"; many companies offer these on one or both ends.

Your choice of coverings can also be customized to your needs. Are you looking for a sectional in soft, buttery leather or elegant tweed with tufted details? With sectionals, the options are endless; most manufacturers allow you to choose from a variety of fabrics.

Savvy decorating Sectionals come in a variety of styles; whether you're looking for modern, clean lines or something more traditional, you're sure to find it. Some furniture manufacturers allow the customer to choose arm and leg styles, as well as back profiles and details such as tufting.

Size matters One of the biggest deterrents from choosing a sectional used to be size most sectionals were designed for larger spaces. The modern sectional is available in many different sizes and can fit in almost any space.

Regardless of your lifestyle or decorating style, the sectional can be the perfect fit.

Visit one of the local furniture stores and start shopping. PEIL

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H O M E & C O T TA G E

Photo: La-Z-Boy®

"Our slogan has always been "A must-stop when you furniture shop", and for good reason. We do our best to go the extra mile for our customers."

- Barry Beck

BECK'S FURNITURE A 'must-stop' when you furniture shop

By Jacqui Chaisson Photos St. Clair MacAulay

T

he Beck family has a long history in the town of Montague that began in 1933. Beck’s Furniture opened at its current location in 2002 and continues the retail furniture tradition today.

The 17,000 sq. ft. showroom, overlooking the picturesque Montague waterfront, is filled with the some of the most recognized brands in furniture; appliances; mattresses and home décor.

▲ Barry and Nancy Beck, Owners 40

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"We have a wide selection of great North American brand names such as: La-Z-Boy, Broyhill, Maytag, KitchenAid, England, Bassett, and Stearns & Foster," says Barry Beck, owner of Beck Furniture, "Some of these brands are exclusive to Beck's on P.E.I.."

Dealing with these large brand names allows Beck's to go above and beyond in the service side of the business. "Being able to call someone at head office for help when we need it is crucial," says Barry, "It allows us to confidently stand behind our products and deliver great customer service."

The furniture industry is heavily influenced by Fashion. Trends, colours and styles are constantly changing with the season and customer demands. "It's challenging to listen to our customers' needs and try to deliver the products that meet our demographic," says Barry. "There is quite a difference between what Islanders want compared to larger urban areas; this is where the relationships we build become so important: we know what Islanders want."

One of the innovative furniture brands you'll find at Beck's is La-Z-Boy. Things have really evolved since the first recliner was introduced in 1928. With a wonderful, diverse selection of styles and furniture pieces combined with more than 900 choices in fabric and leather, La-Z-Boy has quickly become a popular favourite with customers. La-Z-Boy also offers the icleanTM

technology; these new fabrics are ideal for busy families with small children or pets.

It's obvious that Barry and Nancy and their staff are passionate about the business; contents in the showroom are beautifully displayed, offering customers a glimpse of different decorating styles varying from traditional to cottage.

Whether you need furniture, appliances, dining room or bedroom suites, home decor or unique giftware, you'll find everything you're looking for.

"Our staff takes pride in giving friendly, knowledgeable assistance to everyone who visits our showroom," says Barry. "We have appliance specialists as well as colour consultants on staff to make your purchasing decisions well-informed."

Photo: La-Z-BoyÂŽ

In addition to the main showroom location, during the summer months Beck's offers nautical gift-ware, decor and prints at the Station Store in the Old Train Station. Also be sure to visit Station Store in the fall when it becomes The Christmas Store.

Beck's Furniture offers competitive financing plans, Aeroplan points and free islandwide delivery, however it's the friendly smiles and great customer service that will ensure Beck’s Furniture is a 'must-stop' when you furniture shop. PEIL

Beck's Furniture 18 Water St, Montague 902.838.5882 beckshomefurniture.com

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H O M E T R E N D S W E LO V E

enlightened spaces

By Damien Packwood damien Morris Designs

â–˛ Photo of Damien by St. Clair MacAulay

9

Choosing the perfect light for your space is as important as choosing the right jewelry for your outfit. Lighting is no longer just for functional purposes, it's now that pop of sparkle in your entry way, or the industrial piece of art above your dining room table.

Think outside the box and take a chance on choosing something spectacular. The champagne bubbles from Sonneman will not only wow you, but it will also give your friends some serious light envy.

Lighting is becoming more deconstructed with the use of Edison bulbs, visible wiring, and raw materials like driftwood.

Polished chrome, wood and gold/bronze tones are still on the fast track of lighting trends. Each light finish in your home does not need to match. Live on the edge and mix your metals.

Choose two to three focal lights; supplemental lighting should be there to help showcase them. Just remember: too many statement lights can be overpowering.

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EXPERT ADVICE HOME BUILDER

Ten Questions to Ask Your Custom Builder

Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builders Services Ltd.

The building of a custom home can be a daunting process. Here are ten questions to ask a potential custom home builder to get you started on finding the right one for you.

MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 E: darren@mackenziebuilders.ca mackenziebuilders.ca

1. How long have you and your team been building homes in this area?

A deep understanding of the local area can make a big difference in moving your project forward. It’s important for your custom home builder to have an intimate understanding of local permitting and codes in order to complete your home without any red tape.

6. Do I have access to the job site throughout construction?

It’s one thing to want regular site visits to check on progress and quite another to want to “help out” during demolition or drywalling. Check with your builder on what is permitted. In most cases, liability doesn’t permit homeowners to participate in the build process.

2. How are projects managed during construction?

Does the builder have a work crew or a whole series of subcontractors? How long have the subcontractors worked with the builder? How often will the builder be onsite and who will supervise when they are not there? A trustworthy and accountable presence should be on hand at all times.

7. Can you provide references?

There should be no hesitation in providing written references, or phone numbers of recent clients.

3. What sets you apart from other custom home builders?

Why choose one over another? Each home builder has a philosophy when it comes to building homes – make sure you are in alignment with the company you hire.

4. How do you maintain communication so I know what is coming up in each phase of the build?

Communication is crucial and is key to keeping the site on track. There are a myriad of details and areas that require homeowner input in a timely manner. Your builder must have excellent communication skills, be a good listener, and be able to work co-operatively with you.

5. How do you handle changes?

There should be written confirmation on change orders, which should also include the time and/or cost implications.

8. What are completed projects I can visit?

The builder should be more than willing to arrange a visit to completed homes in the same price range so you can get a feel for their work, and chat with the homeowner about their experience.

9. What type of warranty do you provide on your work?

If something goes wrong after the build, is the builder willing to 'make-it-right'?

10. What is your schedule for this type of job?

The builder may not have an opening for a few months, it’s important to know where you would fit in with other work. How do they juggle their jobs? How long would you have to wait to get yours started?

Finally, when choosing your custom home builder, it’s also important to have a good working relationship with this person. Do your research, and trust your instincts.

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F A M I LY

Your public

L I B RA R Y So much more than just books

By Jacqui Chaisson

While there is something to be said for the convenience of tablets and the Internet, the library remains a treasure trove for information-gathering. Discover, connect and explore at your local public library.

A

lthough they still have stacks and stacks of great books, libraries aren't the soon-to-be-extinct dinosaurs that people once thought they'd become. The libraries of today, in addition to being meccas of culture, have evolved.

The PEI Public Library Service boasts 26 libraries across the province. They may vary in size, but they all have one thing in common: they are community spaces that encourage you to soak in literature for as long as you wish.

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the entire day if you'd like to; there's no such thing as loitering at the library," says Beth Clinton, librarian for Confederation Centre Public Library in Charlottetown.

The library is free to join for residents of the Island and your membership is valid and interchangeable at all 26 locations in any of the three regions. "You can check out an item in Charlottetown and return it to Souris," says Clinton, "or use our online checkout service, Overdrive, 24 hours a day to download e-books, audio-books or Freegal to download music."

As we sit in the main area of the Charlottetown library on a sunny August morning, the room is vibrant and buzzing.

I look around, and I spot young families

pouring over the offerings in the children's section, business people quietly reading newspapers or having impromptu meetings, and a group of teenagers utilizing one of the 15 computers available for use.

"The library is a true community space,” says Clinton. “It’s a perfect venue to host community events, meetings or public forums.

We encourage partnerships and offer information sessions, cultural programs and other events."

The library offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including those that bring generations and even species together. Examples are the computer lessons for seniors by local teen volunteers and the Paws to Read program, which

"Your local library is the one of the last free spaces where you are welcomed to spend the entire day if you'd like to, there's no such thing as loitering at the library."

- Beth Clinton

gives young readers non-judgmental audiences as they practice their reading skills.

"Our volunteers are a valuable asset of our library system,� Clinton says.

"They enable us to offer programs like the Volunteer EAL Tutoring Program, a partnership with the Newcomer's Association, to help adult newcomers learn English. Through this program, learners may receive one-on-one tutoring or have the opportunity to join a conversation circle. " There are a number of online services and programs offered that ensure everyone can take advantage of their local library.

The Centre for Equitable Library Access offers a collection of alternative format

materials for people with print disabilities.

TumbleBooks help to teach kids the joy of reading by using animation, music, and narration to bring picture books to life.

Read along online, or have TumbleBooks read to you. TumbleBookCloud Junior is a collection of e-books, read-along books, and graphic novels. Meanwhile, there are also National Geographic videos and audio books suitable for elementary grades or EAL students. Items in the collection feature adjustable text sizes, full narration, and read-along functions, which highlights text as it is read.

Rocket Languages is a web-based language learning service ideal for beginners and travellers. Your library card gives you access to 14 self-paced

foreign language courses, including Egyptian Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, American Sign Language, advanced English (for EAL learners), English for Japanese speakers, and English for Spanish speakers. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android.

"Our libraries offer something for absolutely anyone,� says Clinton. "Drop in to your local branch or 'check us out' online; you're always welcome at the library."

For more information about PEI's libraries, visit: librar y.pe.ca PEIL

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F A M I LY

seven ways to simplify your family morning routine

Getting the family out the door on time every morning is no small feat.

Seemingly simple tasks like getting dressed, packing backpacks and making breakfast can quickly turn into chaos. Before you know it, you're running late and the kids haven't even eaten as you dash to the car.

By Jacqui Chaisson

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S

top dreading the stressful start to the day and start taking control of your mornings. A few simple tips and tricks will turn the morning craze into smooth sailing. Plus, when you have a stress-free start, the rest of the day just seems to go better.

Select a week's worth of clothes Sunday night.

Instead of choosing outfits the night prior, supersize your time-saving efforts by doing this task just once on Sunday night. Involve kids in selecting their clothes for the week so they feel empowered in their choices.

Then hang entire outfits in the closet or stack in one drawer dedicated to weekday wear. When mornings come, kids know exactly where to find the day's duds.

Bonus: you don't have to worry about midweek laundry.

Create a routine and set alarms.

Create a morning routine and stick to it. For example, kids wake at 7 a.m., eat breakfast at 7:15 a.m., get dressed and ready at 7:30 a.m., then out the door by 8 a.m. And if the kids need to share a bathroom, set a daily bathroom schedule with alarms to keep kids on track and avoid arguments in the morning.

Get ready before waking up the kids.

Trying to ready yourself for the day while helping the kids is a recipe for disaster. This is why waking before the rest of the family really makes mornings happier. Try getting up 30 minutes before the kids so you have time to get ready and enjoy a cup of coffee. You'll be fully awake, much happier and can focus on helping the kids stay on-task.

Create morning rules.

Just like you don't let kids eat dessert before dinner to ensure they eat well, set rules for the morning to keep things moving.

For example, no TV until all morning tasks are completed. For teens, smartphones and other mobile devices must remain on the kitchen table until they are ready to go.

Sundays = meal prep.

Make a week's worth of healthy lunches on Sunday and put them in the refrigerator.

This way lunches are ready to go and you'll know they're healthy. For breakfast, make it easy for kids by setting out healthy cereals they can prepare themselves or have fresh fruit sliced and ready to top yogurt or cottage cheese.

Pack backpacks the night before.

Avoid the morning panic by packing homework, lunches and school projects into your kid's' backpacks the night before.

Have them at the front door and ready to go.

Have a family organization centre.

Have a chalkboard, cork board or calendar in the kitchen or mudroom for notes and family schedules. This ensures everyone knows where they have to be for the week.

Starting your day stress free means every day begins with a good morning. PEIL

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EXPERT ADVICE E D U C AT I O N

Making Education Succeed For Your Children

Ann Myers Centre Director

"As a classroom teacher, I want to know how I can best help my students. As a mother, I want the same for my son and I reach out to his teachers to ensure he has the best school year possible."

- Ann Myers

Sylvan Learning 18 Superior Crescent, Charlottetown 902.367.3678 sylvanlearning.com

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How can parents help?

Parents often ask what they can do at home to help their child. A favourite answer of mine is read with them. Reading is such an important part of all learning that it really needs to be nurtured for success to follow in other areas of study. You can also easily incorporate extension activities. For example, have your child make predictions about what might happen in the story.

Have them change a character’s role, add or delete characters to see how the story line can be changed. Do they want to make a different ending or perhaps tell you their ideas for a sequel? Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter what they read, as long as they are reading.

Once students reach junior high and high school, parents are still able to help by using similar techniques, now it’s just at a more advanced level. Try to get your child to tell you about what they are reading. Do they like it better than their last book and if yes, or no, then get them to explain why? If parents are really struggling to get their child to read, librarians are an excellent secret weapon.

They truly have a wealth of knowledge for you. Librarians can direct you to areas of interest that your child has, can advise on what is popular among their peers, and they can also find high interest/low vocabulary books for those who may still be overwhelmed by full chapter books.

How can parents ensure a good start to the school year?

Communication really is key. I encourage parents to meet with their child’s teacher as soon as possible, especially if the parent has specific concerns. As a classroom teacher, I want to know how I can best help my students. The more information that I have, the better I can do that. As a mother, I want the same for my son and I reach out to his teachers to ensure he has the best school year possible. Let them know what works and what doesn’t. What learning challenges should they be aware of and how can they help?

Organization is also a huge part of being successful in school, well truthfully, in all aspects of life. Agendas are probably the easiest one to use, but they can often get lost or forgotten in lockers, classrooms or under beds. Most students will need a lot of coaching and reinforcement to use them effectively. Communication books are another tool that allows a consistent flow of information between home and the school. Often these are started in elementary and for some, continue through junior high. It reinforces the need to stay organized and helps prevent missed homework. Google classroom has been a fantastic creation to further help foster that communication piece between home, school and students. Parents are able to confirm what is due and when, what is missing and for how long its been overdue, see upcoming tests and assignments, and also check notes that the teacher has given on particular tasks. If you haven’t tried it yet, you will be pleasantly surprised.

When is it time to get help?

That can depend on many factors. How is your child doing academically? Are they behind by a few weeks, months or more?

Sometimes hiring a tutor is the answer because parents don’t feel comfortable helping their children with the school work, especially in the high school math and sciences. Others don’t want the frustration that often results from trying to complete homework at the kitchen table. Sometimes tutoring is needed for only a short time because it is for a specific course, other times it may be for the entire school year or years. For parents of children with learning disabilities, autism or who have missed large periods of time due to illness, it is often a long-term investment.

Professional tutoring centres like Sylvan begin with a skills assessment to determine where a child is on his/her learning path.

Sometimes there are skills that are missing or need to be strengthened before grade level concepts can be learned. Our role is to help fill in those gaps. Ultimately, we want to see confidence increased and learning become easier. Every student works on an individual program at their own pace.

Sometimes parents suspect that there might be something bigger going on with their child’s inability to do well in school. If so, they can contact a clinical psychologist who can determine if there are any disabilities that impact learning and offer valuable guidance on how to move forward.

What are some hidden signs or behaviors that could be a flag?

These may appear in different levels of intensity or frequency for children but some common ones can include; acting out at home or school, homework is a huge struggle which may result in tears, arguing or takes far longer than what you feel is reasonable. Other signs might be excessive complaining of headaches or stomach aches and trying to get out of going to school. Amongst the hardest to hear is when your child says they feel stupid, that they have no friends, no academic interest and hate school. This is overwhelming for any parent. Time to take a deep breath and reach out for help.

What about after high school?

For many students, finishing high school means moving on to a post secondary education. This is a huge step in their educational journey and many things need to be discussed and planned to ensure that they take the best path for them. A good first question to ask or sort out is why are you going on to post secondary? It will make a lot more sense if there is a big picture goal. Next, what school will be best for you? Do you want to stay here on PEI or is there a school or program somewhere else that appeals to you more? How can you decide between university or college? This comes back to knowing that big picture goal. What do you need to achieve it? For some, it will be university, others it’s college, and for others still, it might mean taking some time off to sort things out. PEIL

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EXPERT ADVICE H E A L T H Y L I F ES T Y LE

Samantha Sambrooke is the Director of Teacher Training at the Maritime Yoga College. As an RHN (Registered Holistic Nutritionist) she combines her knowledge of healthy living into her trainings and workshops. Samantha holds regular cooking demonstrations, teaches several weekly yoga classes and is the lead trainer for a 200-hour yoga teacher certification on PEI. For more info visit maritimeyoga.com

What Is Your Gut Telling You? In my yoga classes, I’m always asking students to listen to their bodies. To stay connected to what they’re feeling and how they’re breathing to make sure they’re moving safely.

Paying attention to the feedback our bodies provide us with is also useful when it comes to the foods we eat. Sensations of bloating, feeling sluggish, cravings for sweet and salty foods and poor digestion can all be signs you need a shift in your diet. And with the changing of the season, there is no better time!

According to Ayurveda, a 2000-5000-year-old holistic healing system from India, consuming a mono-diet of split mung beans and rice (Kitchari) for even one to three days, is a great way to reset the body. This nourishing and delicious meal is also very easy to digest. Split mung beans can be found at most Asian markets around Charlottetown.

Fermented foods such as miso paste, kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi, are a way to get the digestive fires burning. These foods are rich in powerful enzymes, vitamins and most importantly, various strains of probiotics. These strains improve the healthy bacteria in the gut and boost immunity. Miso paste can be found in the natural section of most grocery stores.

Yoga Suggestions: Focus on chair pose, plank pose, twists and breath of fire to aid in digestion and detoxification.

Journaling Exercise: What thoughts come to mind when you ask yourself, "What is my gut telling me?"

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Kitchari Ingredients 3/4 C white basmati rice 3/4 C split mung beans 1 large handful cilantro leaves 2 Tbs unsweetened shredded coconut 1 inch ginger piece chopped 1/2 C water 3 Tbs ghee (clarified butter) 6 cardamom pods 10 peppercorns 5 cloves 1 large cinnamon stick 3 bay leaves (fresh if possible) 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt 1 small sweet potato diced 2 medium carrots diced 4 C water

Method Rinse then soak the rice and split mung beans for at least two hours. Drain the soaking liquid and rinse again.

In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, coconut, ginger, 1/2 cup of water and blend until smooth.

Heat up ghee in a large pot on medium heat. Add cardamom, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick and bay leaves and sautĂŠ until fragrant. Add the mixture from the blender and heat for about a minute. Add turmeric, salt, potatoes, carrots, rice, mung beans and four cups of water. Stir then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rice is soft.

Miso Corn Chowder Ingredients 5 ears of corn peeled and washed 3 stalks celery diced 3 small carrots diced 1 white onion diced 2 C potatoes diced 2Tbs minced garlic 1/2 C chopped cilantro 1/3 C white miso paste 4 C water 3 tablespoons olive oil dash of Himalayan salt few grinds of fresh pepper

Method Rub corn with half of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat on a BBQ or stovetop grill until slightly charred and browned (about 12 minutes). Set aside to cool. Once cooled, slice off the kernels.

In a soup pot, add celery, carrot, onion, remaining olive oil and sautĂŠ until the onions are soft. Add the garlic until fragrant (about a minute). Add the potatoes and water then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Take the pot off the heat and add the corn, cilantro and miso paste and stir until the miso paste dissolves. Ladle three cups of the soup into a blender and process until the mixture becomes smooth. Add back to the pot and stir. This step can also be done with an immersion blender right in the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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H E A L T H & W ELL N ESS

AGE with grace

By Jacqui Chaisson

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Ageless beauty is a dream countless women share.

But is it possible? We think so.

"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." –Sophia Loren

Hydrate Did you know up to 60 per cent of the human adult body is water? We need water to stay alive but being well-hydrated also has a major effect on our skin's appearance. If you're not a fan of plain old water, try adding a lemon slice, or infusing it with fresh or frozen fruit or vegetables. Don't be fooled by bottled water with added flavours or vitamins; these often contain refined sugars or sodium.

Exfoliate and moisturize To maintain a healthy glow, it's vital to gently exfoliate at least once a week and to moisturize every day. Use a moisturizer with sunblock during the day and a night cream before bed.

Facial treatments Facials - which can be can be customized to address your particular concerns - should be a part of your regular beauty regime. An added bonus? Having regular facials can help to maintain your youthful, glowing appearance.

Be a quitter Say no to alcohol completely (or at the very least, limit your consumption) and be aware of your daily caffeine intake. You shouldn't have more than two cups a day.

Diet and exercise These go hand-in-hand. Healthy eating combined with regular daily exercise ensure you'll have a strong and youthful body for years to come.

Avoid refined sugar and processed foods, eat more fruit and vegetables and make it a habit to exercise a minimum of 30 minutes every

day. Even a walk around the block a few times a day counts - and Fido will appreciate it, too!

Manage stress Having no stress at all is almost impossible these days, but it is achievable to manage your anxiety with meditation, yoga, regular massage treatments or a simple 30-minute walk each day. If stress becomes a real health risk, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor or get professional help.

Unmanaged stress can lead to serious health issues.

Seek out happiness Everyone deserves to be happy, so promise yourself that each day will be a new opportunity to discover what makes you happy. Happy, positive people tend to be healthier and live longer than those who see the dark cloud and not the sliver lining.

Do what you love "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life."

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have a job that is also a passion. If your work doesn't inspire you, find a hobby that does.

Never say never No matter what your age or lifestyle, it's never too late to make changes.

Start with something simple - vow to quit smoking or begin walking every evening. Visit your local spa and talk to a skincare professional about your specific needs or sign up for a yoga class. Just do it for yourself and you'll be the envy of everyone around you as you age gracefully. PEIL

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H E A L T H & W ELL N ESS

luxury purely for you

By Jacqui Chaisson Photo credit: Amy Parsons Photography

A facial is far more than cucumbers on your eyes and mud on your face; a good facial will include a mask that deeply cleanses pores you can’t see with the naked eye. A facial will also include moisturizers, toners and a facial massage that will leave your skin looking younger and healthier.

Photo by Kirsten Stewart

P

rofessional treatments at Pure Spa are customized to address your your individual skin concerns with products specifically chosen for anti-aging, sun damage, acne and dry irritated skin.

"All of our facials are customized to suit your individual needs," explains Suzie Frizzell, Aesthetician at Pure Spa in Charlottetown, "The treatments focus on anti-aging, acne and hyperpigmentation using certified organic products by Eminence Organic Skincare."

Organic fruit acid peels are a great way to remove the dead skin on the surface in order to hydrate and nourish the healthy skin underneath. “Keep your skin radiant and youthful with our innovative three-step peel and peptide system." Says Frizzell, "It awakens the skin’s natural inner beauty using a blend of arctic berries, lingonberry seed oil and hibiscus seed extract. ” It's important to visit a professional for your facial treatments as they use products that are tested and formulated. These concentrated products contain pure and natural ingredients that won’t damage your sensitive skin.

“Choosing the proper skin care can be challenging and the effectiveness of your home skin care needs to be boosted with regular spa treatments,” says Frizzell.

“In-spa treatments along with an at-home

skin care routine produce successful results, better and faster.”

not benefit you at all. says Frizzell. "It may actually damage it further.”

It’s important to see a professional for frequent examination and advice, and a good thorough skin cleansing — which includes properly done extractions.

Trained specialists may suggest looking closer at your diet or lifestyle to improve the health of your skin.

Professional products are a sound investment as they usually last longer than the cheaper options and you'll see a longer lasting result.

While lifestyle (smoking and sun exposure, for example), impact your skin, sugar and dairy have been known to cause acne and eczema and other inflammatory issues.

It’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to your skin’s health. For example, trying to get rid of wrinkles is always more difficult than preventing them in the first place. Our body starts the aging process in our early 20s, so using the correct antiaging products at a young age — in combination with a healthy lifestyle and proper sun protection — will keep you looking younger for longer.

Making facial treatments a regular part of your routine at any age will assist in slowing down the process of aging and allow skin to be more hydrated and youthful. Regular spa facial treatments are also an excellent stress relief creating time for you to be still and unwind adding to your healthy lifestyle.

"Purchasing products that aren’t specific for your skin concerns and skin type will

Make a point to visit your skin care professional at Pure Spa and experience the benefits of a truly customized, organic spa treatment.

“In-spa treatments along with an at-home skin care routine produce successful results, better and - Suzie Frizzell faster.”

Pure Spa Moksha Yoga Charlottetown 4 Prince Street, Charlottetown 902.894.9642 purespapei.com

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EXPERT ADVICE PHOTOGRAPHY

Alana Sprague Lans Photography

So you’ve decided to get in on the Instagram craze.

What do you do now?

Lans Photography

902.626.6650 @lansphotography

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Taking Photos for Instagram

S

o you’ve decided to get in on the Instagram craze. What do you do now? This was a question I asked myself when I took the leap from a personal Instagram page to a professional page, to showcase my photographs to the world. I launched my @lansphotography page early in 2016 and slowly started building up an audience.

Here’s what I learned; Editing your photos before sharing them is key. Let’s be honest, people don’t always take the perfect photo without a little editing. You can edit your photos outside of Instagram using other editing apps available online. There’s an abundance of them to pick from but these are a few of the top free photo editing apps available today; VSCO, Snapseed, PS Express, Repix. A few simple steps can take your photos from nice to WOW! You should consider adjusting your contrast, shadow, and highlight. You may discover these will bring your photo to the next level. If the colour appears a little duller than you like, increase your vibrancy or saturation for more pop. Be careful here though, it can take your photo from looking real to fake quickly!

Once your photo is edited, upload it to Instagram. You’ll want to consider who your audience is. Is your photo something that is appealing to a wide variety of people?

If so, you want to use the right hashtags.

For example, if you’re sharing a beautiful photo of PEI, you might use the following; #PEI, #TourismPEI, #truepei, #eastcoast.

Researching what hashtags might work best for what you’re sharing is a great way to start. You’ll begin notice what gets attention and then you can keep adding those moving forward. You can also include descriptors like #red, #cliffs, #golf, #craftbeer, or #fun, anything that will draw people to your photo. If you are looking to catch the eye of other Instagrammers, you can tag them in your photo as well. Simply click in the Tag People section below where your caption goes and type in the name. Using @ before the name will assist in bringing up that person’s page. If you’re lucky, they may even repost your photo which will draw even more people to your page.

Lastly, by liking and commenting on other pages and photos you will start to see your numbers grow. The more active you are on Instagram, the more attention your own page will see!

Happy Instagramming everyone!!

EXPERT ADVICE S A LO N & S P A

Balanced Haircare by Aveda

Virgina MacIsaac, G.M. Grand Senses Spa

Dry shampoo has shed its reputation as the lazy girl’s go-to, morphing into a universal favourite known for its versatility. It’s great for extending blowouts, giving hair grip for up-dos and ponys, and adding great texture to second or third day hair. Besides, over-zealous shampooing strips hair of its natural oils, right?

Grand Senses Spa – An Aveda Concept Spa, Salon, & Boutique At the Holman Grand Hotel

902.894.8332 grandsensesspa.com

W

hile it is true that over-zealous shampooing strips hair of its natural oils, foregoing proper cleansing by relying too heavily on oilabsorbing products like dry shampoo can wreak havoc on your scalp, which can lead to dull, lifeless hair.

At Aveda, they believe in a balanced approach to beauty, so here are a few key tenets to follow, to keep your dry shampoo habits in check.

Know your needs Just because there is a lot of buzz promoting extending time between shampoos, doesn't mean you should partake in the trend. Every scalp is different. As a general rule, three to five days – depending on hair type and texture – should be the max time you go between washes. Be sure to treat hair and scalp as separate entities with different needs. Cleanse your scalp, shampoo your hair.

Detox your scalp daily Like dry brushing the body, massaging the scalp with a specially designed brush like the Pramāsana™ Exfoliating Scalp Brush, helps promote microcirculation and loosens surface impurities. This uniquely designed brush has special loops so that you can move the brush in gentle circular motions without tangling hair.

Pro tip: You can use the brush even on non-shampoo days to help diminish product build-up.

Make the most of shampoo days It’s important to develop an impactful routine for your scalp that deeply cleanses, balances and helps protect.

Make sure to treat the scalp with an exfoliant, like Aveda’s Pramāsana™ Purifying Scalp Cleanser, which contains wintergreen derived salicylic acid to help promote cell turnover. Follow this by using shampoo on the hair. Finally, apply a serum to scalp, like Aveda’s Pramāsana™ Protective Concentrate, to help balance sebum levels and guard against environmental factors like pollution and other free radicals. Make sure you stick with your new scalp care regimen.

Experiment with dry shampoo and dry conditioner When you do need to skip a wash, don’t forget that the scalp and hair have different needs. Dry shampoo at the roots keeps oil at bay, but your actual hair could need a formula that’s offers more conditioning and softness. Good ones to try are Aveda’s Shampure™ Dry Shampoo (on the roots) and Shampure™ Thermal Dry Conditioner (on mid-lengths and ends).

Be aware of your lifestyle Working out is fantastic for your mind, body and soul, but the sweat production that comes with it can be an issue. Dry shampoo can help with absorbing the excess impurities but the Pramāsana™ Scalp Care Collection directly addresses sebum production and accumulation.

We get it, dry shampoo is amazing and will continue to occupy a permanent space on our top shelf of products, but to ensure it’s working as it should, we need to hit the reset button consistently with a purifying scalp routine that we can stick to. Will you be trying the Pramāsana™ Scalp Care Collection?

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S T Y LE - 5 I V E T R E N D S

5 ive coat

trends we love think 1980s style

1

The shearling coat is back and it's the perfect solution for pairing with denim and your favourite boots.

2 Cobalt blue is the new black this season - even better... wear it with black for a chic classic look.

Bring a little romance into your wardrobe. Velvet isn't just for fancy occasions, wear with jeans on the weekend or over a dress for the office.

3 4 Patent leather brings a little rock n' roll to your look.

Soften it with a bulky knit scarf in pink for a feminine yet edgy look.

Leopard (not the real thing!) is the fun solution to dreary winter days. If a coat is too bold for you, try a leopard print scarf, gloves or boots.

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INFOGRAPHICS

BRANDING STARTUPS

DATA VISUALIZATION

claudia.cotici

@claudiacotici

@cotici

ExclusivE advertising opportunities available • Photographers • Jewellers • Florists • Bridal Shops

• Venues • Makeup Artists • Salons & Spas • Bakeries

• Catering • Wedding Planners • Hotels - B&Bs • Travel Agents

the Bride Guide

PEI Living Magazine - Winter edition will include the first annual Bride Guide. The quintessential guide that every bride needs to plan her dream wedding. Advice from jewellers, bridal shops, florists, photographers, venues and more.

Contact: Jacqui Chaisson - E: jacqui@pei-living.ca (Cell) 902.394.7499 or Story Sheidow - E: story@pei-living.ca

Coming in the next edition of PEI Living Magazine • Bridal industry professionals? Contact us and find out how you can become an exclusive contributor - space is limited!

10% of all revenue goes to help build homes in Haiti.

Wedding • Lifestyle • Commercial • Humanitarian Photography

Simon Reid Photography | simonreid.ca | 902.213.3843

S T Y LE

CONFEDERATION COURT MALL Connecting the Downtown Core

By Cassandra Bernard Photos Lans Photography

D

owntown Charlottetown is the heart of the city and our region. The neighbourhood is the home of powerful symbols of Confederation, iconic landmarks and historic features of Prince Edward Island.

It offers unique insights into the city’s past, present and future. Having a healthy heart is essential to having a strong city and region, and the Confederation Court Mall has been working on new additions and expansions to keep our downtown atmosphere vibrant.

restaurants, and new retail merchants who have recently joined the scene.

It is not only the home of a pharmacy and post office; the Confederation Court Mall offers much more. The mall features independent and locally-owned boutiques offering exclusive brand names and personalized services, along with spas,

The Kent Street Market has been a huge addition not only to the mall, but to the greater downtown core. It is the only grocery store in the downtown area specializing in local and organic products with a Pete’s Frootique feel to it. The

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Jay Noble, marketing coordinator with Dyne Holdings, says while some shopping centres have been closing and going through hard times, the Confederation Court Mall has seen a revival in recent years. “What makes the Confederation Court Mall so special is that it’s mostly occupied by Island stores and owners. Familiar faces greet shoppers at stores that can’t be found outside of the area,” Noble says.

market imports all kinds of unique products you would not normally see at your local Sobeys or Superstore. “Kent Street Market goes out of their way to supply meat, cheese, breads, veggies, fruits et cetera from local suppliers,” says Noble.

Another new establishment which has found great success is The Humble Barber. “It is a very trendy and hip place to get your hair cut,” Noble says. Grand Senses Spa has also recently expanded to include a new area called Grand Senses Suite, an aqua massage therapy centre. “This area allows for groups of up to eight people enjoy a private spa area,” Noble explains. “Grand Senses is Charlottetown’s premier spa and only Aveda concept spa.”

Photo Pearl Tanada

Following a spa day or a fresh haircut, customers can enjoy some retail therapy within the Confederation Court Mall.

Uptown Shoes specializes in carrying the trendiest footwear, and has a Charlottetown exclusive on brands such as Michael Kors. Plus, this summer the shoe store underwent an expansion to carry a section devoted to upscale men’s shoes.

“This is not only a big addition to Uptown Shoes, but it finally gives Charlottetown men a place to shop for trend setting footwear,” says Noble.

The Confederation Court Mall has a lengthy list of shops and merchants catering to the wide variety of customers who shop in the area. “There isn’t just shopping. In addition to All About Golf simulators, there is an 18-hole professional

putting/chipping course in the mall basement. Open all year long, this indoor course is the first of its kind in North America,” he says.

Small Print Board Game Café, Redwater Rustic Grille, McAuley’s Bakery, Café Thomas Martin, and Glo smoothie bar all provide great lunch options to the surrounding offices and wandering tourists.

The Holman Grand Hotel is the Island’s premier luxury resort and is connected directly to the mall, as is the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Whether you are making a special trip downtown or are in the area often, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Confederation Court Mall.

Confederation Court Mall University Ave., Charlottetown 902.566.1153 confedcourtmall.com

All About Golf Sports Bar & HD Simulators Atlantic Childcare Centre Downtown Atlantic Fitness Downtown Business Development Bank of Canada Bizou International Bank of Montreal Bob’s General Store & More Bombax Café Thomas Martin Canada Post Office Chameleon’s Hanger Charlotte Tea Colleen’s Elite Tailoring Cool As A Moose Daisies Fruit Bouquets Denis Office Supplies & Furniture Dow’s Fashions for Ladies Dow’s Men’s Wear Dr. J. Murray Rusk, Optometrist Eclipse Eyleen’s Gift Shop Formfree Branding Ltd Glo Grand Senses Spa Island Beach Company Jenney’s Garage Store Kent Street Market Kitchens Unlimited Leatherful Genuine Handcrafts Ltd. Little Olive Luna Eclectic Emporium MacAuley’s Bakery & Deli Maritime Travel Mason Antiques Merle Norman Cosmetics Miss Charlotte Montessori School Mortgage Alliance Atlantic National Bank Nortons Jewellers Pam & Joe Handcrafted Redwater Rustic Grille Robin’s Donuts Royal LePage Shoppers Drug Mart Simple Feast Small Print Board Game Café Subway Restaurant Taylor’s Jewellers TD Canada Trust Tea Talk The Bookmark The Great Canadian Bagel The Humble Barber The Lotto Booth & Cigar Corner The PEI Co. Store The Scrub Shop The Source The Travel Store Uptown Shoes Vogue Optical Zoja’s Hair Styling FALL 2017

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S T Y LE

Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel & Accessories

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"The past 32 years have been both challenging and rewarding, but I have been so fortunate to work at my 'dream job' fulfilling my passion for all things fashion."

- Debbie Matthews

E

xciting changes are happening in downtown Charlottetown and lower Queen Street is a big part of that evolution. Queen Street, in the last few years, has gained the reputation of being a shopping destination that offers beautiful boutiques, unique shops and restaurants all within steps of each-other.

Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel and Accessories is a specialty boutique located in the heart of this vibrant downtown location. Established locally in 1985, Lady Slipper is a unique shopping experience for quality brand name fashions, intimate apparel, jewellery and accessories.

"Our focus is on providing Island women and visitors alike with fashion brands or unique finds along with exceptional individual customer service." says Debbie Matthews, owner, "We have clients that tell us we are one of their first stops when visiting Charlottetown. The Lady Slipper's clientele are not just from P.E.I., but also in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia."

As the seasons change Matthews carefully sources the latest trends and wardrobe classics, "I have more than 40 years experience in the retail fashion industry and I still get excited choosing every item."

With exquisite fashion and accessory brands such as Frank Lyman; Joseph Ribkoff; Kameleon; NYDJ; Elle and Nine West; Lady

Slipper feels more like a boutique you would expect to find in a large urban centre. It's the emphasis on personalized service that makes this boutique a local favourite, the staff make it a point to get to know the customers' style preferences, sizes and details that ensure each visit is trully unique.

In addition to the beautiful selection of fashions Lady Slipper is the only lingerie retailer on the island that offers professional bra fittings and well-known and sought-after intimate brands such as Wacoal and Coemi.

Matthews is very passionate about her business and is very excited about the Queen Street location, "Our customers love the new shop, they find it such an intimate shopping experience and very conveinent to other unique shops and boutiques as well as right next door to Starbucks."

Lady Slipper strives to make your shopping experience hassle free and want you to be happy with your purchases "If for whatever reason you are not pleased with your choice, we will offer a refund within seven days of the purchase date and an exchange within 14 days." says Matthews, "We also offer parking tokens to our customers."

It's the details that make your experience at Lady Slipper so special and you'll quickly understand why it remains a treasured destination.

Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel & Accessories 65 Queen Street, Charlottetown 902.892.6525 theladyslipper.ca

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By Jacqui Chaisson Photo by Kirsten Stewart and Courtesy of Wacoal and Coemi

Lingerie may not be something obvious and visible to everyone but a woman wearing well-fitting intimate wear looks and feels beautiful and sexy.

Debbie Matthews, owner of Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel and Accessories on Queen Street, downtown Charlottetown, is serious about lingerie. "There are a lot of places that offer intimate apparel and it's unfortunate that many women don't understand the difference between good quality and well fitting intimates and the lesser quality brands."

Matthews is passionate about offering not only the best-fitting brands but also ensuring her customers take advantage of Lady Slipper's complimentary bra fitting service. "Every woman should have a professional fitting every time they purchase a new bra or intimate wear," says Matthews, "a proper fitting bra is comfortable and will make you appear thinner and more youthful, but more importantly it gives you confidence."

Sixty per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size, “Bra fitting is an art,” says Matthews, “You have the basic measurement, but then how does this woman’s breasts hang? Does she have firm breasts? Do her breasts slope? Is she fuller on the bottom? Does she have dense breasts? Has she been nursing?”

One of the biggest mistake that women make is thinking you have to buy a bigger back size (say a 38 instead of a 36) when they have large breasts, then the bra will fit them. “But it’s the cup that

covers the breast tissue. Not the back,” Matthews says. "They also make the mistake of buying the wrong cup size thinking a smaller fitting cup will give them more lift and cleavage. Having a professional fitting can be such a confidence boast for most women - it makes such a difference."

Lady Slipper offers intimate apparel to suit every need and occasion from everyday wear to bridal and figure-flattering shape-wear. Some of the brands you can find are Wacoal, Coemi, Spanx and Shapeez.

You'll love the beauty, support and comfort of Wacoal's signature lace collection or the full figure under-wire Retro Collection; a bra so comfortable it never goes out of style.

Purchasing good-quality intimate wear is an important investment every woman should make, "Regardless of your size or body shape, every woman deserves to look and feel beautiful."

Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel & Accessories 65 Queen Street, Charlottetown 902.892.6525 theladyslipper.ca

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S T Y LE

Hello autumn

Autumn - that wonderful time of the year when even Mother Nature dons her party dress; it's the season for cosy sweaters, sexy boots and lots of layers.

PHOTOGRAPHER: KIRSTEN STEWART MAKEUP: Makeup by Sabrina Sierra MODELS: Claudia Cotici, SABRINA BIGALOW, MIRNA DOW, Julie Ann Raynor, LOGAN DOIRON & FERGUS WARDROBE: GO GIRL FASHIONS (Summerside), DOW'S (Charlottetown), LADY SLIPPER (Charlottetown) SHOT ON LOCATION: VICTORIA ROW (Richmond Street, Charlottetown), Queen Street (Charlottetown) Special Thanks to Confederation Centre of the arts, Fish bones and john brown grill

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MODELS DRESSED BY: Go girl fashions • 215 Wyatt Crescent, Summerside 902.436.2122 • gogirlfashions.ca

(◄L) MODEL: Claudia Cotici WEARING: Pant by Simon Chang $159, Duster sweater by Tango Mango $115, Tank by Picadily $44, Necklace $34, Red handbag

by Iniz $89 (◄R) MODEL: Sabrina Bigalow WEARING: Pant by Tango Mango $89, Sweater by Katherine Barclay $99, Vest by Katherine Barclay $129, Necklace $29, Scarf by Charlie Paige $34 Go Girl Fashions and Accessories is a one of a kind ladies boutique tailored to today's women. This company began as a boutique on wheels in August of 2009, bringing designer fashion to shoppers all around the country.

Paulette has always had a passion for the fashion industry and is committed to knowing the latest, cutting edge fashion trends. Her access to quality suppliers in New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Montreal, ensures her clients have the most sophisticated, trendy, bold and glamorous fashions. Paulette values the opportunity to work with new and existing clients. She believes women should celebrate their personality through fashions that make them look and feel fabulous.

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LEFT & BELOW (◄R) MODEL: Claudia Cotici WEARING: Sweater by Elena Wang $179, Top by Tango Mango $99, Leggings by Artex $59, Necklace $84, Scarf $14 (◄L) MODEL: Sabrina Bigalow WEARING: Coat by Katherine Barclay $169, Pants by Tango Mango $89, Sweater with scarf

by Katerine Barclay $99, Belt by Charlie Paige $24

(▲L) MODEL: Claudia Cotici WEARING: Dress by Artex $139, Reversible Coat by Joseph Ribkoff $299, Necklace $59 (▲R) MODEL: Sabrina Bigalow WEARING: Jacket by Joseph Ribkoff $209, Skirt by Joseph Ribkoff $149, Blouse by Jella C. $55, Handbag by Iniz $79, Necklace $34

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S T Y LE

Autumn is here but the days can still feel like summer, so whether you're going to a show at the Confederation Centre or have an important meeting at work; autumn is all about loving layers.

Dow's Men's and Ladies Wear is Prince Edward Island’s premier shopping destination. One Building – two floors of the Island’s largest selection of men’s and ladies fashions, locally owned and operated they offer a wide selection of formal, business and casual wear for men and women.

TOP LEFT (Facing page)

TOP RIGHT (Facing page)

BOTTOM LEFT (Facing page)

BOTTOM RIGHT & ABOVE

(► L) MODEL: Mirna Dow WEARING: Dress by Joseph Ribkoff $249,

(►L) MODEL: Claudia Cotici WEARING: Jeans by Guess $108, Sweater by Cherishh $99, Handbag by Guess $90

(►L) MODEL: Logan Doiron WEARING: Casual pant by Brax $245, Shirt by A Fish Named Fred $145, Belt by Bench Craft $65

(►L) MODEL: Logan Doiron WEARING: Casual pant by Brax $245, Dress shirt by Lipson $185, Sweater by Toscano $145, Sport coat by Calvin Klein $299

(►R) MODEL: Logan Doiron WEARING: Casual pant by Brax $245, Dress shirt by Lipson $185, Sport coat by Calvin Klein $299, Belt by Bench Craft $65

(►R) MODEL: Mirna Dow WEARING: Sweater Dress by Cherishh $99 (Includes top, sweater & necklace), Handbag

by Guess $129

(►R) MODEL: Claudia Cotici WEARING: Green dress by Adrianna Papell $195, Jacket by Joesph Ribkoff $295, Handbag by Guess $125

MODELS DRESSED BY: Dow's Men's and Ladies Wear 145 Great George St, Charlottetown • (M) 902.894.3593 • (L) 902.566.3566 • dows.ca 72

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Dramatic red floral print on black with princess seams is feminine and a classic look when paired with the lipstickred jersey wrap.

MODEL: Claudia Cotici WEARING: Dress by Joseph Ribkoff, Red wrap by Joseph Ribkoff Black heels by Nine West Necklace by Only Accessories

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This beautiful body-hugging dress with cut-out neckline by Joseph Ribkoff is stunning in sapphire blue and perfect for any occasion.

MODELS DRESSED BY: Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel & Accessories 65 Queen St, Charlottetown • 902.892.6525 • theladyslipper.ca

MODEL: Julie Ann Raynor WEARING: Dress by Joseph Ribkoff Scarf by Majestia Black heels by Nine West Ring by Elle Bracelet by Liquid Metal

Black with grey piping and removable faux fur, this coat by Joseph Ribkoff collar is perfect paired with Spanx faux-leather leggings that shape and sculpt.

â—„MODEL: Claudia Cotici WEARING: Coat by Joseph Ribkoff Leggings by Spanx Ankle boots by Luv Shoes Handbag by High Fashion Handbags

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MODEL: Claudia Cotici WEARING: Legging by Hue Tunic sweater by Fashion Village Ankle boots by Luv Shoes

Black tunic sweater with eyelet detail and pockets is perfect for fall, worn with Hue leggings in a classic grey and burgundy plaid means you're ready for an afternoon downtown.

MODEL DRESSED BY: Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel & Accessories 65 Queen St, Charlottetown • 902.892.6525 • theladyslipper.ca

S T Y LE • M A K EU P T R E N D S

the face of

FALL

By Sabrina Bigalow

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hether you’re a fan of barely-there, natural makeup, or favour a bold, statement look, you’re in luck. This season, everything goes.

Natural Beauty

The barely-there look is stunning on anyone, and it’s simple to achieve. New lightweight foundations that offer incredible coverage have been released this season, making getting ready in the morning a breeze. Choose a product with anti-aging components and SPF to save even more time and money.

When it comes to your eyes, opt for cool taupes or warm browns, in a matte or shimmer finish. Pigmentation is all the rage this season, and makeup companies have reacted by launching new formulas; it’s very exciting.

To really bring your look together, try pairing your eyeshadow with a waterproof, deep smokey liner and lots of mascara to make any eye colour pop.

What's a sexy look without some nude lipsticks? Brands are coming out with so many different shades, so women with any skin tone can find their perfect match. Opt for lippies with a glossy, velvet texture, and long-wear technology – they’re going to be everywhere this autumn.

Go Bold Bold blues, rich burgundies, deep greens and brilliant reds are all colours that scream fall. Don't be intimidated by bold colour; it's all about the shade you choose and where you apply it. Instead of going with an intense

pigmented lipstick, choose a sheer lipstick in a deep burgundy, or instead of an electric blue liquid liner, try a deeper blue pencil liner that can be smudged out and softened.

The choices are endless when it comes to makeup, so don't ever think just because you're not "makeup savvy" you can't still be rocking the latest makeup trends.

Big Brows Brows are here to stay, so put those tweezers down. For those of us who have thin or overplucked brows, every company out there has a product designed to help. Whether you want to spend a little or a lot, look for powders and nano retractable pencils; they’re my go-to recommendation for a natural brow look that is tasteful, yet bold.

For you blessed beauties out there that already have full brows but want to just keep them looking their best, go with a coloured brow gel.

Get creative and have fun this season with fall's hottest trends. PEIL

Born and raised in Ontario, Sabrina moved to Prince Edward Island to finish high school and went on to study Para-medicine at Holland College.

Sabrina was hired as a cosmetician and discovered makeup was her true passion. "I am inspired by up and coming trends. I dedicate my weekends each summer as a makeup artist for brides and I couldn't be happier."

Sabrina plans to open a studio and create her own cosmetic brand.

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B US I N ESS

Bring happiness to work

By Jacqui Chaisson

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rom Monday to Friday, the average person spends more than eight hours at work each day.

That's even more time than some people spend sleeping! Because we spend so much time at work, it's in your employer's best interest to make your work environment the best it

can be; it affects productivity and satisfaction in a major way. It's not just about free snacks, big windows, colorful conference rooms and Ping-Pong tables. In fact, there's a science behind what drives happiness in the workplace and what can be done to achieve it, through light, furniture, ergonomics and movement.

Here are five tips to bring happiness into the workplace:

Bring order to the chaos.

If you have an important meeting coming up or you're under a lot of stress, cleaning your workspace can help. A clean workspace allows you to arrive and immediately get to your most important task without wasting time.

For employers, ensure your employees have streamlined space, and that workstations can be tailored to individual and group tasks.

Adjust your workspace to fit you.

Whether it's a height-adjustable work surface, an ergonomic chair or even a wrist base for your keyboard, simple comforts can have a monumental impact on your productivity. Take the time to adjust your workspace to fit your needs instead of "making do" month after month. And don't be afraid to ask your employer for solutions to help. The tools you need may already exist‌you simply need to ask.

For employers, be cognizant of employee needs in seating and the functionality of their space. Not all employees or tasks require the same template. Consider seating options that promote ergonomic health, desks and stands that complement required privacy or sharing, and structure that encourages movement and healthy habits.

Let in the light.

Everyone values the corner office or space closest to the window — and that's not coincidence! Natural light has proven to provide renewed energy and vitamin intake. If your workstation leaves you lacking some sunlight, take a little time each day to find some natural light. A quick 15-minute trip to the office atrium or even a simple walk outside can leave you feeling rejuvenated. Make a quick coffee run or take your computer outside to catch up on emails - you won't regret it.

Are you an employer? If there is minimal natural light in the office, consider expanding to incorporate outdoor workstations, or simply encourage remote work or brief breaks to increase sunlight exposure.

Master your technology.

We all recognize and understand the frustrations faulty technology can bring. And while you may have little input regarding the types of printers or computers your office uses or who the conference call provider is, improving your technical knowledge will lower your frustration and your anxiety.

Take any training sessions offered by your IT department and/or watch available videos Online to learn how to use any given technology more efficiently.

For employers, it's critical to understand the day-to-day technologies that impact employee productivity and happiness, for both individual and group tasks. Ensure costs have been allocated to optimize technology and training in areas that are most impactful, and cut costs in areas of least impact (or perhaps frivolous add-ons that can be eliminated). Ensure employees understand training and troubleshooting that is available to them.

Stand up for storage.

Adding storage solutions to your workspace is about more than simply clearing the clutter; it's about taking ownership of the area where you spend so much time. A natural place to put your personal belongings or hang your coat makes your workspace feel more like home.

As an employer, it's important to empower employees with the control over their workspaces. Oftentimes, organizational tools and tactics can provide this – consider designated compartments, shelving, cabinets and drawers.

Customizable organization and storage can be critical to feeling control over the workspace and happiness in the workplace.

Until the day you retire, your workplace will be an integral part of your life, so as a reminder, make it the happiest it can be. PEIL

And run that system upgrade you've been putting off! Your machine will run more smoothly and so will you.

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EXPERT ADVICE FINANCIAL

Jeff Somers, BA, AIT, CFP, RRC Executive Financial Consultant

Finances can be tough to talk about, but keeping your money issues a secret can be bad for your health.

Jeff Somers & Associates 18 Queen Street, Suite 106 Charlottetown 902.368.1345 somersteam.com Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

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Don’t Give Money the Silent Treatment

G

rowing up, Sanna Guerin learned one thing about money from her family: it causes stress. “My mom spent, and my dad complained about the spending.

They didn’t talk about money at all. All I remember is them fighting about it,” says Guerin, now a program officer at the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General in Ottawa.

Guerin’s father took her and her sister to open savings accounts when they were teens, but there were no conversations about what to do with their money. “They never talked to us about budgeting; we never had any good, healthy discussions about money.” With no experience talking or learning about dollars and cents, Guerin had to teach herself as an adult.

School, based in the U.K. Yet despite plenty of good reasons to open up, people find that money is a difficult topic to discuss. Why? Because it often comes with an emotional attachment.

“Financial planning is difficult not because of the technical details, but because it requires us to think about aging, decrepitude and our own mortality,” he says. “We panic when stock markets fall, and then sell at the bottom not just out of a concern for money, but because of what that money may mean for the security of our families.”

As with other hard-to-discuss topics, it’s often easier to stay quiet than to admit that you’re deep in debt or have another money-related problem. But studies show that talking about money can reduce feelings of financial stress and help you make better money decisions.

finances and future, but no one had ever talked about it,” wrote Howes. “Once he opened up, they all dog-piled in with their own financial-stress stories.

That led to supporting one another with encouragement and tips.”

More than just money Of course, talking is easier said than done. When you’re ready to open up, accept that the discussion will inevitably not just be about money, but also what it symbolizes. Fenton-O’Creevy says to start by acknowledging your own emotional relationship with money and understand that finances trigger different feelings in others. As Howes’ study participant found, everyone will feel some shame: silence has a way of doing that.

This silence around money encourages us to stay ignorant and then hide our resulting financial errors. Plus, we seldom know what our loved ones think about money, and misunderstandings fester when we don’t communicate.

Guerin’s experience is common: Canadians don’t like chatting about their finances.

We’re also in denial about them. A 2014 study1 asked people what the most difficult conversation to have would be and 44 per cent said personal finances, topping the list.

Silence causes stress This silence around money encourages us to stay ignorant and then hide our resulting financial errors. Plus, we seldom know what our loved ones think about money, and misunderstandings fester when we don’t communicate. Studies have also shown that keeping secrets, whether financial or not, can result in stress, anxiety and even depression.

Money secrets, specifically, can lead to marital breakdown and feelings of mistrust and shame, says Mark Fenton-O’Creevy, a professor at the Open University Business 1 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-money-

conversation-idUSBREA2Q1UN20140327

It feels good to talk Earlier this year, Ryan Howes, a Pasadena, California-based clinical psychologist, conducted a study around Acute Financial Stress, which is essentially PTSD caused by financial concerns; it afflicts 23 per cent of Americans. In a post for Psychology Today, he wrote about a study participant who was in major debt and had such severe money anxiety that he couldn’t sleep and had trouble maintaining relationships.

While Howes tried to calm this person down using the usual cognitive behavioural approaches – relaxation exercises, mindfulness, identifying patterns in negative feelings – the thing that helped most was to talk. After spontaneously sharing his financial challenges with friends, the participant started feeling much better.

Best of all, his friends started sharing their feelings about money, too.

“It turns out, every one of his friends had significant stress related to their

It helps to have a goal in mind about what you want the talk to accomplish, and to start conversations about money with professionals that you have no emotional connection with before sharing financial feelings with loved ones. At that point, be patient, listen and try not to judge.

Guerin broke her silence gradually by reading about money, then talking about it. “I started asking more questions of my bank, and I have an advisor for some of my investments.” She gained confidence, which allowed her to plan for and then buy a home. That lesson she learned as a child has been overwritten: money’s not stressful anymore. Instead, it’s a tool Guerin can use to accomplish her goals. That’s worth talking about.

Written and published by Investors Group as a general source of information only. Not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, or to provide tax, legal or investment advice. Seek advice on your specific circumstances from an Investors Group Consultant.

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stephendesroches.com

I N S P I R I N G E N T R E P R E N EU R

By Jacqui Chaisson

A

bridie or Forfar bridie is a Scottish savoury meat pastry that originates from Forfar, Scotland; but on Prince Edward Island it's simply known as the handpie.

Sarah Bennetto O'Brien is the owner and chef at The Handpie Company located at the Gateway Village on the Island side of the Confederation Bridge in Borden-Carleton.

Sarah sources all of her ingredients for the savoury meat pastries from local organic farmers and producers such as Barnyard Organics; Sheldon MacQuarrie and his herd of freerange highland cows; the fantastic local farms of Plate It, Soleil's Farm; Brian and Kathy of Crystal Green Organics; Chad Ceretti - butcher and owner of Ceretti's Grocery in BordenCarleton and so many more.

The Handpie Company is open year-round, and offers their signature handheld personal pies fresh, hot and ready to eat or frozen to enjoy at home or the cottage.

Sarah may have gotten the idea for the handpie from the Outlander book series, but she's certainly made The Handpie Company an Island favourite.

PEIL

The Handpie Comapny 105 Abegweit Blvd, Borden-Carleton PE handpie.ca

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A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

By Fraser McCallum Photos courtesy of CCOA

Confederation Centre has pulled back the curtain on a dazzling lineup for the upcoming season of Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre. Centre officials are proud to present their most dynamic season of LIVE to date, including contemporary dance, chamber music, Indigenous performance, choral concerts, rock'n'roll, family fun, and live theatre. â–˛Menopause The Musical â–ź A Passage to Bollywood

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The

'17-18 season kicks off on October 16 with major pop-rock icons, The Barenaked Ladies and their Canada 1-FIVE-0 TOUR, presented by the National Arts Centre. October 24 marks the return of Canadian troubadour Joel Plaskett, joining his father Bill Plaskett for a collaborative show in the Homburg Theatre to celebrate their duo album, Solidarity.

guests Heather Rankin and Dave Gunning. From December 14-16, Adam Brazier's Holiday Spectacular variety show brings big laughs, guest stars, stunning dance and musical numbers, and sketches to the mainstage.

Sprinkled throughout December, the Choral Music Programme - under the direction of Donald Fraser - presents three beloved annual concerts, with Handel's Messiah, Sing Noël, and Sing Along Messiah.

November is jam-packed month with 11 shows on deck. These include Liam Corcoran's album release for Nevahland; the Island premiere of A Passage to Bollywood, a rollicking family musical experience; the return of Classic Albums LIVE with the prog-rock classic 2112 by Rush; and a one night only musical comedy performance of the international hit, Menopause the Musical.

The 2018 portion of the LIVE calendar is equally exciting. January offers critically acclaimed Indigenous artist Susan Aglukark as well as the return of Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT).

The holiday season is equally busy in December with Tomato/Tomato's A Maritime Christmas channeling old school holiday concerts with special ▼ Fortune Ones

Other highlights in 2017 include Island artists The East Pointers, Dennis Ellsworth and Kinley Dowling, and The Atlantic String Machine. The Songwriters Series also returns with three heavy hitting raconteurs from Canada's East Coast: Old Man Luedecke, Hillsburn, and Fortunate Ones, each performing for one night only in the intimate listening

space of The Mack. Fellow Maritimer, Classified makes a rare Charlottetown appearance on April 14, with a special acoustic performance with guest artists entitled Classified and Friends.

The Centre's own dance umbrella program culminates their 2017-18 instructional season with four public performances -- musical theatre romps The Nifty Fifties and All the World's A Stage in March and April at The Mack, and the matinee and evening Annual Showcases, May 5 on the mainstage.

For ticket information and the entire Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre season calendar please visit confederationcentre.com/live or contact the Confederation Centre box office at (902) 566.1267 or toll free, at 1-800-565-0278. Special thanks are extended to the Government of Canada for their support of Confederation Centre; as well to Sobeys, the returning title sponsor for LIVE @ The Centre. Media sponsors are The Guardian, Hot 105.5, and Ocean 100.

▼ Barenaked Ladies

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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

here

be

SEPTEMBER

Charlottetown Film Festival September 29 – October 1 • All Day City Cinema 64 King St., Charlottetown

14th Annual PEI Marathon Oct 13 - 15 Boston Marathon qualifying event Island wide www.peimarathon.ca Barenaked Ladies: Canada 1-Five-0 Tour Oct 16 • 8 p.m.

Confederation Centre of the Arts 130 Queen St, Charlottetown

The Guild Festival Sept - October 24 The Guild Theatre 111 Queen St., Charlottetown

Wyatt Heritage Properties/Culture Summerside's Historic Ghostwalk Oct 19 • 6:30 - 8:20 p.m.

MacNaught History Centre and Archives 75 Spring St, Summerside

Brackley Drive-In Theatre Until Sept 30 3164 Brackley Point Rd, Brackley Beach For info: www.drivein.ca

Irish Lecture Series Oct 23 - Nov 27 • Mondays 7:30 p.m.

Irish Cultural Centre 582 North River Road, Charlottetown

Charlottetown Film Festival Sept 29 - Oct 1 - $10 per screening City Cinema 64 King Street, Charlottetown

Lunch at Allen's Oct 29 • 7:30 p.m.

Harbourfront Theatre 124 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside

Culture days Sept 29 - Oct 1 Charlottetown For info: culturedays.ca

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER Farm Day in the City Oct 1 • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Downtown Charlottetown Free open-air market Irish Mythen at the Trailside Oct 3 - 4 • open 6:30 p.m. - music 8 p.m.

109 Main St, Trailside Cafe Mount Stewart Rumours- The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show Oct 10 – 4 pm • 7:30 p.m.

Harbourfront Theatre 124 Heather Moyse Drive, Summerside Claire Lynch Oct 11 - 6:30 p.m.

Trailside Cafe 109 Main St, Mount Stewart Oct 12 - 7:30 p.m.

Harbourfront Theatre 124 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside

Lisa LeBlanc Nov 2 • 7:30 p.m.

Confederation Centre of the Arts 130 Queen St, Charlottetown Summerside Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival Nov 3 - Nov 5 Summerside info@exploresummerside.com An Evening with Frank Mills Nov 4 • 7 p.m.

Harbourfront Theatre 124 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside Liam Corcoran -Album Release - Nevahland Nov 10 • 7:30 p.m.

Confederation Centre of the Arts 130 Queen St, Charlottetown Choral Music Programme: In Remembrance Nov 11 • 7:30 p.m.

Trinity United Church 220 Richmond St, Charlottetown

Classic Albums Live: Rush 2112 Nov 15 • 7:30 p.m.

Harbourfront Theatre 124 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside PEI Spirit Festival Nov 18 • 7- 10 p.m.

Memorial Hall 130 Queen Street, Charlottetown Tafelmusik Nov 23 • 7:30 p.m.

Confederation Centre of the Arts 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown Souris Christmas Festival Nov 24 - Dec 2 Souris For info: www.sourispei.com Wannabe - The Spice Girls Tribute Nov 24 • 8 p.m.

PEI Brewing Company 96 Kensington Road, Charlottetown A Christmas Carol Nov 24 - Dec 2 • 7 p.m.

Harbourfront Theatre 124 Heather Moyse Dr, Summerside Charlottetown Christmas Parade Nov 25 Charlottetown Menopause The Musical Nov 25 • 7:30 p.m.

Confederation Centre of the Arts 145 Richmond St., Charlottetown

DECEMBER Victorian Christmas Festival Dec 1 - Dec 3 Downtown Charlottetown ww.discovercharlottetown.com/victorian

Do you have an upcoming event you’d like to be featured for the Winter issue? (Dec/17 Feb/18) Submit it to jacqui@pei-living.ca

by Nov 1, 2017.

2017 LINE-UP From October through May, the Centre offers a rich line-up of music, dance, theatre, and family entertainment, in intimate studio settings or rocking the rafters of the Homburg Theatre.

Enjoy this, our most dynamic season yet!

OCTOBER 16

Barenaked Ladies: Canada 1-FIVE-0 Sponsored by KKP

24

Bill & Joel Plaskett Sponsored by flypei

NOVEMBER 02 10 11

Lisa LeBlanc Liam Corcoran, Nevahland ALBUM RELEASE Choral Music: In Remembrance Sponsored by Maritime Electric

15 16 23 24 25 30 30

DECEMBER 01 03

Tomato/Tomato: A Maritime Christmas Choral Music: Handel’s Messiah

14-16 17

The Confederation Centre Holiday Variety Show Choral Music: Sing Noël

Sponsored by Maritime Electric

Sponsored by Maritime Electric

21 28

Matt Andersen: Home for Christmas Choral Music: Sing Along Messiah Sponsored by Maritime Electric

A Passage to Bollywood Classic Albums Live: RUSH

COMING IN 2018:

Sponsored by KKP

Toronto Dance Theatre, The East Pointers, Atlantic String Machine, Old Man Luedecke, Classic Albums Live: Supertramp, Classified & Friends, Hillsburn and more!

Tafelmusik The Jerry Cans Menopause the Musical Mud Bay Jugglers Dominic Langlois with Andrew Creeggan

TICKETS ON SALE NOW 1 800 565 0278 CONFEDERATIONCENTRE.COM FALL 2017

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A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Waking to the sounds of the Ocean 100

By Louise Campbell Photos Simon Reid

If you wake up to the sounds of Ocean 100 Mornings, you are not alone.

In fact, some 29,999 other Islanders begin their day with Kirk MacKinnon and Kerri Wynne MacLeod. Furthermore, many of you have been show fans for many, many years, tuning in for news, weather, entertainment and regular components such as the Water Cooler Question; He Said, She Said, and the ever-popular People Prank.

“Laughter is imperative in this world and it often takes a back seat to work and responsibilities, especially in the hectic mornings,” says Kerri Wynne. “I think people tune in to us knowing they’re assured of a humorous reprieve and even just the smallest moment to breathe.”

Kirk and Kerri Wynne have cohosted the morning show for a dozen years, first with 720 CHTN and then with the newly-launched Ocean 100 (owned by NewCap Radio). Though this gig is not for 90

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the faint of heart (consider having to rise and shine at 4:30 a.m. five days a week), it does have its perks.

“I love being at the very start of each day when everything is fresh and new! I love ‘waking up’ the Island and seeing it come to life,” says Kerri Wynne. “On a personal note, as the father of six, I enjoy the quietness of the house and uninterrupted bathroom time,” adds Kirk.

The duo has a special magic that makes Ocean 100 Mornings the station’s most popular show. In fact, Kerri Wynne refers to the chemistry between them as the “most cherished jewel in my radio crown!”

“Kerri Wynne and I are truly kindred spirits.

We share many of the same morals, memories, experiences and views, allowing us to carry out conversations that resonate with the landscape of our community and that is important to both of us,” says Kirk.

Above all, the co-hosts are genuine.

Real people. Never pretending to be something they are not.

They are quick to compliment each other.

She describes him as brilliant and her faithful “work husband” while he says she is compassionate and has an incredible ability to connect with people and maintain a great sense of humour.

They both acknowledge the news guy, Scott Chapman, as an irreplaceable link that allows breathing space in the frantic pace. Ocean 100 Morning listeners are like one big family, with lots of different personalities and views. “We can pretty well tell you where each of our regulars lives, what they had for supper the night before, how their kids or grandkids are doing, and what the doctor said at their last appointment,” says Kerri Wynne. “We love them all and appreciate we’re such an important part of their lives.”

Both hosts believe that the great popularity and power of morning radio comes with great responsibility – and they fulfil that responsibility through dozens of community events and initiatives each year – Toys for Tots, Stuff-A-Bus for the food banks,

“Laughter is imperative in this world and it often takes a back seat to work and responsibilities, especially in the hectic mornings,” says Kerri Wynne. “I think people tune in to us knowing they’re assured of a humorous reprieve and even just the smallest moment to breathe.” ▲ Kerri Wynne MacLeod

Children’s Wish Foundation, and Canadian Cancer Society, just to name a few. They also enjoy taking the show on the road several times a year.

One unique challenge for the duo is operating in a fish bowl, front and centre at one of Charlottetown’s busiest intersections. “It’s a great location with lots to see and talk about. It’s fun to watch Kerri Wynne try to manage it since she’s easily distracted,” says Kirk.

She, however, begs to differ! “He thinks I’m easily distracted. But I’m just better at multi-tasking than he or Scott could ever dream of being! I can listen to what they’re saying, type, monitor Facebook posts, wave at regular passers-by, respond to a text, assess how much and what kind of fuel the Cudmore’s Ultramar customer is putting in his tank, detect any tension between couples on their way to work, observe the new shoes or boots Ms. Federal Government Worker is sporting, drink coffee, eat a bagel, and still be able to describe in a court of law the last driver

▲ Kirk MacKinnon

▲Scott Chapman

who turned the wrong way onto Fiztroy Street!”

While they have shared many memorable moments over years – a live on-air marriage proposal, celebrity visitors, not to mention Zelda the Psychic Chicken – they both cite the launch of Ocean 100 a highlight in their respective careers. “Being here to watch it all grow from the ground up has been nothing short of wonderful!"

If you have never tuned into this popular morning show, maybe it’s time to start. And if you are a regular listener, rest assured – you will be able to wake up to the sound of the Ocean 100 for many years to come. PEIL

Ocean 100 176 Great George Street Main: 902.569.1003 Newsroom: 902.566.6397 Request: 902.368.1720 ocean100.com

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A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Connecting You with Visual Art Confederation Centre Art Gallery

By Tanya Wiltshire Photos: Courtesy of CCOA Gallery 92

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RE:collection exhibition is on view until the end of 2017. The major exhibition explores the building of a Canadian art collection as an optimistic mission and a reflection on the evolving country, its history, geography, people and communities. Our focus on art and artists during the 150th anniversary of Confederation demonstrates a 53year commitment to presenting and collecting Canadian art.

The exhibition is intended to provide an overview of the scope of the collection of historic, modern, and contemporary art works— objects and images that connect, challenge, and expand our understanding of Canadian art history. Drawing from several special collections including the Robert Harris Collection and Archives, the Expo 67 fine craft collection, the L.M. Montgomery Collection, and the Canadian Art Collection, including the commissioned painting, often referred to as the Confederation Murals.

A handsome new publication, RE:collection at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery features 150 works of art and short texts by more than 35 writers and serves as an updated introduction to the range of the Gallery’s Canadian Art Collection and is available for sale.

Photo: Simon Reid

Photo by Simon Reid

▲John Greer: Material and Metaphor A selection of John Greer’s witty sculptures dating from 1972 to 1990 which includes More Than Meets the Eye (shown here). All shown at the legendary Isaacs Gallery in Toronto, will be on exhibition September 30-December 31, 2017 at the CCAG. ▲ Concourse entrance to Confederation Centre Art Gallery featuring Eleanor King’s wall painting, Emerald (Cradled in the Waves), 2017 and Paul Griffin’s sculpture, Leviathan, 2015. (photo Louise Vessey) ◄Robert Harris (1849-1919) The Studio Boy’s Private View, 1886 oil on canvas, 89.5 x 74.5 cm Gift of an anonymous donor, 1978 CAG H-571 ► Kenojuak Ashevak (1927-2013) Arrival of the Sun, 1962 stonecut on paper, 57 x 68.6 cm Gift of Arthur and Barbara Currie, Charlottetown, P.E.I., 1987 CAG 87.2.1

"

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

"

- Thomas Merton

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A N I SL A N D V I E W

Photo credit: St. Clair MacAulay Photography.com

To contribute to 'An Island View' for the Winter 2017 edition of PEI Living magazine - email: jacqui@pei-living.ca - Deadline: November 1/2017

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Investments • Insurance • Retirement Income Planning

Investors Group Financial Services Inc. • 18 Queen Street, Suite 106, Charlottetown 902.368.1345 • somersteam.com Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company.