Design Your Home Magazine - Summer 2015

Free

Summer 2015

Western Manitoba

Experiencing

Riding Mountain DOWNSIZING Your Home Take Your Garage to the Next Level

Get a quote before July 31, 2015 and be entered to

win a $100 Visa card!

Cover Your Assets CAA Manitoba Insurance

CAA Manitoba Insurance wants to ensure you have the proper coverage and financial protection when insuring your greatest assets.

15th

Anniversary

We offer property insurance for: • homes • rentals (home or apartment) • condos • vacation homes or cottages • tenants • businesses (in-home or commercial) CAA Manitoba Insurance has 25 dedicated brokers with over 220 years of combined experience. Our team will take the time to find the right coverage for you from one of our trusted insurance partners.

Ask us about the 10% Member discount!* Let us be your broker of choice.

Get a quote before July 31, 2015 and be entered to win a $100 Visa card!

Brandon 204 571.4114 Toll-free 1 877 222.1321 caamanitoba.com/designhome

*Member discount only available with insurance policy from CAA Insurance Company (Ontario).

H&P Design Your Home Magazine.indd 1

6/9/2015 1:15:07 PM

Contents

20

Riding Mountain

In Every Issue

5

4 . . . . . . . . Letter from Editor 8 . . . . . . . . Featured Business: Westman Custom Cabinets and Garage Interiors 20. . . . . . . Featured Story: Riding Mountain National Park 30. . . . . . . Did You Know

Downsizing Your Home

8

Westman Custom Cabinets and Garage Interiors

Lifestyle 5 . . . . . . . . Downsizing Your Home 16 . . . . . . . T’is The Season for Ticks 18 . . . . . . . Wine Advice: The Perfect Summer Wines

Design & Decorative 14 . . . . . . . 5 Things to Do Before Starting a Kitchen Design Project 28. . . . . . . My IDIAH: Laundry Cents

Disclaimer Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Design Your Home Magazine ar ticles and other information on the web site are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by Design Your Home magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Fur thermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through Design Your Home magazine or website is not the responsibility of Design Your Home magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Design Your Home magazine.

All interior and exterior home improvements/repairs should be consulted by a professional, prior to the star t of the project.

Adver tisements and the content, including photos, of adver tisements published within Design Your Home magazine are solely by the adver tiser. Design Your Home magazine does not accept responsibility for opinions expressed in adver tisements for copyright issues with regards to photo, adver tising, copy and adver tisement, nor shall they find liable thereby.

Design and Layout by:

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 3

Letter from the Editor Building Our New Home

A

t this point in time I was hoping to have star ted building our new home.

We have all the trades selected and are ready to go.

Unfor tunately our current home has not sold. We had made the decision that we would not star t to build until our home has sold. Having the pressure of building a new home, while trying to sell your existing home, was not something we wanted.

We wanted to make sure we were not in a rush and making bad decisions because of time. This unfor tunately will put a strain on the trades people we are using. They have other commitments and this may bump us to the bottom of their list.

Duct work • is it included to complete the heating and ventilation system • Are the floor and wall grills included Plumbing and waterlines

In this issue of Design Your Home magazine we wanted to be able to share our experiences of building a new home but the details will have to be shared in the fall issue. The delay however gave us the oppor tunity to talk to future neighbours, friends, and trades people in regards to what we should be watching for in our new build.

• Are the finishings and hookups included (not just roughed in)

A suggestion I would recommend, is when you are getting quotes, make sure it is as descriptive as possible.

Understand exactly what your quote covers. You may find out later, what you assumed was covered, may not be.

Make your own list of what is needed and then have each trade quote from your list. This will make it clearer on what you are paying for. The different trades people were very open to tell me what was covered and were willing to give me suggestions on other companies that can assist in other area of the job.

An example is Plumbing/Heating has a wide range of components you have to be aware of.

Air conditioner/Furnace/HWT/HRV • Are the units included (not just hookup) • what type of units are installed • will the units be efficient enough for your home • are the thermostats and HRV controls included

4 | Design Your Home | summer

• Is the radiant heat system included • Is the septic field and tank included • Trenching waterline from the well and hookup included

By doing this you may also avoid unexpected costs and keep your build on budget.

Stewart Dyck Publishing Editor, Design Your Home

Downsizing

“I

t is very hard,” Pat Bowslaugh says to me. “It is one of the most emotional challenges a person has in their life.”

Your Home

By David McConkey Photo by Kara Matthews - Sterling Images

designed herself) of about 4,000 square feet. With a basement. Their new place: a condo of 1,280 square feet. No basement.

Pat and Cliff were able to buy their condo ahead of time.

If you can manage owning two places, then do so, Pat advises. Because that gave them additional time to have renovations done in the condo as well as to downsize Pat and I are meeting over coffee. Topic for discussion: their possessions. downsizing. Shrinking your living from a house for a family down to a condo or apar tment for a retired individual or couple.

Pat and her husband Cliff are now in the downsizing stage of life. It is a joy to talk with Pat and get her ideas and suggestions. She is passionate as she describes what she has learned from her family, her work, and her life.

After raising a family and retiring, people don’t need as much space. As well, they are usually happy to hand over the maintenance to someone else. They may want to reduce their costs and so seek a more simplified and economical situation. They may also wish to travel and so desire the convenience of having their place looked after when they are away.

Custom Murphy Bed

Pat carefully measured the condo and planned exactly A condo or apar tment often means no stairs, as well as what would go where in the new space. For the most the ease of negotiating a smaller space. For Pat and Cliff, par t, she was able to use their existing furniture. One like many others, an issue of mobility in their old house exception: the second bedroom. It would serve mainly as an office, but sometimes be a guest bedroom as well. To was a factor.

That brings us to the larger concern of health. Of course, make the best use of space, Pat designed a Murphy bed we don’t know how the future will unfold. But the ideal is (which pulls out from the wall) and had it constructed by to downsize before major health issues crop up. Also good NuTrend Kitchens. to know that the tasks of mowing the lawn, shoveling the Their condo unit was about 15 years old, and needed snow, and all the rest are taken care of. not only an upgrade, but also changes to suit Pat’s style.

But you can’t squeeze all of your stuff into your new location. How does that measure up for them?

Their old place: a large two-storey house (which Pat

So, she re-designed the kitchen and the two bathrooms and had them completely re-done, with the help from NuTrends Kitchens.

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 5

HOT SUMMER TRENDS WHERE HIGH STYLE MEETS LOW ENERGY COSTS

To personalize the window coverings in the condo, Pat chose Budget Blinds. Pat had already used Budget Blinds for her old house, so it was natural to choose them again. Pat raves about Budget Blinds: personable, professional, following her wishes, but also ready to make suggestions. The new look of the condo, Pat says, is “contemporary, but is me.”

With the condo furnished, there is still enough furniture left over to “stage” the old house for selling purposes. (Any

6 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | SUMMER

FEATURED NEW PRODUCT

Free In-Home Consultation Anywhere In Westman Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies & More

204-727-4766 381 Park Ave. E., Unit B, Brandon • budgetbinds.ca

NOW A LOCAL PROVIDER OF MOMENI AREA RUGS

furniture not sold with the house will be either moved to their cottage, sold, or given away.)

Dealing with all the other stuff – the stuff that won’t fit into the condo – is the really hard par t. What about the keepsakes, the family heirlooms, the things filled with a lifetime of memories? For Pat, most difficult to par t with have been the treasured gifts she received from her students over the years. To purge is tough. But, Pat says, remember : “it is only stuff.”

Here is an impor tant tip from Pat: don’t save stuff thinking that your kids will want it. Today’s generation, Pat says, wants today’s things, which are “plain, simple, current.” But, do give the younger generation the chance to take any “things that might catch their interest.”

Their son took photos of many items and posted them online; they were very quickly sold. Pat and Cliff also had several garage sales.

Don’t forget about donating, Pat reminds everyone.

Before throwing anything in the garbage, think if it could be donated instead. That could include extra food supplies that won’t fit into the new smaller space.

Quality professional clothing that Pat had worn during her career but didn’t need any more? She donated them to the Nearly New Shop, with the proceeds going to the Brandon Regional Health Centre. She says, “I felt really good about that.”

Now that the process is almost complete, how do they feel about their downsizing? Cliff is delighted with the NuTrend.Kitchens.F17.15_Layout 1 15-06-18 10:48 AM Page 1 new place. For Pat – well – she is still getting used to the

idea. She misses the house they left behind, the house she designed, the house with memories. But for Pat, downsizing is yet another stage to be tackled and accomplished in a full, productive life.

Pat feels very good about all that they have done: the reducing, the renovating, the re-decorating. The condo, Pat says, will be “the last place we’re going to be together.”

“We need a place that is ours.”

Downsizing Tips Sue Swarbrick of Budget Blinds has helped many people with downsizing. Here are some suggestions from Sue: • E mbrace this phase of your life. You are being liberated from the hassles of house and yard maintenance.

• F ocus on the positive. You have a smaller place; now enjoy making it your new home.

• L et your personality come out. Let your new place tell your story.

•G o ahead with those finishing touches, those little extras. Decorate it with the care you did your previous home over the years.

•N ote to the children: help your parents make their new place homey and special.

inspired

designs created 4 life

BRANDON SHOWROOM 535

- 34th Street

CELL

204.724.2711 • PHONE 204.717.9200 EMAIL

info@nutrendkitchens.com

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 7

Feature Business - Westman Garage Interiors

By Wanda Kurchaba Photos in part by Jaime-Lynn Dyck & Sandy Black

Take Your Garage to the

Next Level 8 | Design Your Home | summer

I

t is quite often the case that a kitchen or bathroom renovation will take priority when a home owner is trying to decide where to invest their hard earned money. A space that can add a great deal of value to your home, but is often forgotten, is the garage.

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 9

There

are

so

many

options to consider with what you can do with this likely under utilized space.

You could turn it into a man (or woman!) cave, a games room for the kids, a workshop or perhaps just a more organized, functional space that is bright,

welcoming

and

de-cluttered.

Glenn and Tara Veysey of

Westman

Cabinets

and

Custom Garage

Interiors can help you to plan and create a space that is suited exactly to your needs. They have multiple products and services that they offer so this part of your renovation will be a snap.

“People are starting to spend more money on garages and getting them organized and looking nice. A lot of people build a big, beautiful home and then have a garage that just has a concrete floor with maybe some drywall.

So people are now trying to spruce up their garages and make them much more functional,” Glenn said.

Westman Custom Cabinets and Garage Interiors opened three years ago in Brandon, while they have a diverse range of products, the business primarily star ted when Glenn saw a need for a floor coating system.

“We also own Precision Cleaning and with that business we got into doing a fair amount of concrete polishing.

What we discovered was that there are a lot of concrete floors with cracks and many that needed repairs and this doesn’t always look very good with concrete polishing,” Glenn said.

After some research, the Veysey’s found a floor coating system called Slide-Lok Polyaspartic that can be used for residential and commercial applications. And this is when the business really began and started to grow.

“Our initial concept was to concentrate on garages, but we can use this coating on any concrete floor. We’ve done houses, basements, cabins, schools and commercial places like the Keystone Centre, Brandon School Division, Brandon Research Station, & Cromer Valley Store ” Glenn said. “It’s a very durable product that basically protects your investment and saves your concrete from getting eaten or worn away.”

10 | Design Your Home | summer

The best par t of the coating is that it goes down into the concrete and attaches to it, so it doesn’t just sit on top like an epoxy or paint that could eventually end up peeling. To prepare the floor, Glenn and his team will use concrete grinders to open up the pores of the concrete, so the product can attach itself. It’s a roll-on three coat process. The first coat soaks in to the concrete, the paint chips (to add colour) go in to the second coat and the process is completed with a clear coat over top.

“It makes a beautiful fl oor that is very resistant; there’s nothing that harms this product, not even gasoline or oil. It protects the concrete fl oor from salt, stops it from dusting and seals it in,” Glenn said. “Another advantage is that you can apply it to new or old concrete. It’s way cheaper than jack hammering out old concrete and doing a new pour.”

In addition, this fl oor coating system comes in many different colour combinations, is non-slip, waterproof and will stop any moisture from getting into concrete. It can also be applied outside on driveways, sidewalks and stairs.

Before

After

Solid Wood Cabinets

Trusscore

Concrete Polishing

Handiwall & Accessories

Metal Cabinets

712 Victoria Ave., East Brandon, MB - (204) 717-4320 or (204) 724-2342 Email: glenn@garageinteriors.com • Website: wgarageinteriors.com

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE!

Hyloft Storage Before

After

Commercial/Residential Polyaspartic Floor Coating

Before

Mancaves After

Steps

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 11

So, now that we know what we’re doing in terms of fl ooring in the garage, it’s time for the rest of the remodel. Westman Custom Cabinets and Garage Interiors can design your garage so that you’ll be the envy of the neighbourhood. They have both medal and wood custom cabinets, HyLoft storage systems, and they carry HandiWall and HandiWall Accessories.

“Both styles of cabinets that we carry are Canadian made and are customizable in terms of colour and layout. They are a lifetime cabinet, which means they are of the highest quality which is important for a space like a garage, laundry or craft room,” Glenn said. “Another product that we’re really enjoying using is Trusscore PVC Wall Panels. You use this product instead of drywalling, which means no taping or mudding or painting. It can be washed, it’s bright, light, and can be used on the ceiling as well. It can really quickly transform a space.”

The best part is that this type of renovation isn’t weather dependent or seasonal. Westman Custom Cabinets and Garage Interiors can apply the fl oor coating in the summer or winter. And while any home renovation has an impact on your life, renovating a garage, storage room or laundry area is certainly less obtrusive.

Westman Custom Garage also have a seamless urethane decking membrane called Flex-Stone that can be applied over existing wood, tiles, vinyl, fi berglass or other membranes. It to is a Canadian product, which is made for our harsh winters and is weatherproof, waterproof, chemical resistant, and designed to handle heavy traffi c and even vehicle traffi c. Flex- Stone is CCMC approved as a 100% waterproof roofi ng & sundeck membrane and can be applied in a variety of colors.

When I asked Glenn & Tara if they had the perfect garage, they laughed and replied…”No, but it’s getting there. We were initially using our garage as a showroom, so it has a lot of the elements, but it’s not perfect. It’s kind of like the shoemaker’s children,” said Tara.

For more information on their products and services, visit www.wgarageinteriors.com or call 204-717-4320 to set up an appointment to visit their showroom at 712 Victoria Avenue East (it’s very inspiring!).

12 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | SUMMER

Metal Cabinets

Hyloft Storage and Accessories

Trusscore PVC Wall Panel

Feel at home, on-the-go.

MTS Total Internet.

Introducing Total Internet. One plan for all your wireless data and home internet needs.

It’s a better way to keep you, your family, and all your devices connected, at home and on the go.

mts.ca/totalinternet

Visit an MTS store for details.

Available to residential customers only. Service available in select areas. All members must subscribe to MTS MyPlan. Up to 5 Wireless devices can be added to a Total Internet plan.

Bundle discounts are not available with MTS Total Internet. Offer and eligibility is subject to change. While a member of MTS Total Internet, you will not be charged for any data option selected as part of your wireless contract. Once removed from Total Internet membership, the data option is automatically reinstated. All plans are subject to our Fair Use Policy – see mts.ca/fairuse for details on our network management practices. Total Internet and MTS design mark are trademarks of Manitoba Telecom Services Inc., used under license.

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 13

5 Things to Do

I

n deciding on what to do in hiring a kitchen designer a well thought out plan is necessary for any kitchen design project to be successful.

A good kitchen designer should be able to work with you to create the design that will both fit your desires and needs and that squares with your budget.

Before Starting A Kitchen Design Project

Level with the designer just how much you will be willing to spend on your kitchen design project.

Let the designer know just what you would feel comfortable spending. This way you can insure that the designer and contractor will have a clear direction on where to go with

the project and not go overboard. They will have

a good idea of the limits when drawing up plans and selecting materials.

2. How Much Time Are You Willing To Devote?

You

need

to

consider

what

your

personal needs are and if you will be able to work around the necessary construction in your kitchen. By consulting with an experienced kitchen designer you can get a good idea of how long your kitchen design



project will take by providing a timeline that your family can plan around.

14 | Design Your Home | summer

$

1. How Much Are You Willing To Spend?

3. whAT sTYle Are You

plAnning For Your KiTchen Design proJecT?

You want to give the kitchen designer as much information as possible. You need to do as much research as possible before your meeting with a kitchen designer.

First you should consult with design magazines and catalogs to get an idea of what style and design elements you would like to see for your kitchen.

To compile more ideas visit kitchen design showrooms, check out products and design on the internet and take notes. What are your likes and dislikes regarding colour and styles. Make a scrapbook with clips from the magazines and catalogs, as well as examples of materials and design elements you would like to see in the kitchen. Use these to show the kitchen designer what your vision is for the new kitchen.

Also bring a list of questions for your kitchen designer.

of activities? You should also fine out what other family members have in the way of ideas.

5. how To prepAre For Your KiTchen Design proJecT? You will need to prepare for the disruption that will be caused by your kitchen design project. But with the right planning you can make the project run as smoothly and as quickly as possible.

You need to make sure that the kitchen design project area and the living area are separate for both safety reasons and to stay out of the way of the contractor and his crew. You might have to set up a temporary kitchen in another room of the house. What time of the year you schedule a kitchen design project can make it easier on everyone since in the warmer months it is possible to eat and cook outdoors. - DYH

Countertops, Memorials, & More...

Granite / Quartz / Marble

4. how Do You use Your KiTchen?

You need to be prepared for questions that a kitchen designer will ask you when you first meet with them.

Among the questions that you need to ask yourself before talking to your kitchen designer are: Will you be doing a lot of enter taining with family and friends? Is your family busy during the week with lots

F

rom the quarry to your home, we strive for perfection! We provide our customers with effecient and precise fabrication and installation.

www.boundarystoneworks.com Boundary Stone Works Elkhorn, MB. Box 40 R0M 0N0 Ph: (204) 851.5662 Fax: (204) 845.2203 email: sales@bstoneworks.com

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 15

T’is the Season for Ticks

W

hen I was a kid we were told to avoid areas where there were Oak trees. This is a myth as ticks can be found in and about most grassy or treed areas. I removed a tick recently after mowing my lawn in an urban setting. Check yourself if you have been in any grassy area.

Most ticks do not carry diseases, and most tick bites do not cause serious health problems. But it is important to avoid and check for ticks, and to remove a tick as soon as you fi nd it. Removing the tick completely may help you avoid diseases such as Lyme disease that the tick may pass on during feeding, or a skin infection where the tick bit you.

HOW TO AVOID TICK BITES

Learn where ticks are most commonly found in your community. Avoid those areas if possible.

Cover as much of your body as possible when working or playing in grassy or wooded areas. Wear a hat, a longsleeved shir t, and long pants with the legs tucked into your socks. Keep in mind that it is easier to spot ticks on lightcoloured clothes.

CHECKING FOR TICKS

When you come in from outdoors, check your clothing and all over your body for ticks, including your groin, head, and underarms. Comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb, or have someone check your scalp.

Check for ticks on any gear you had with you in the woods.

Check your children daily for ticks, especially during the summer months.

Check your pets for ticks after they’ve been outdoors.

Your pets can carry infected ticks indoors where they might fall off your pet and attach to you.

HOW TO REMOVE A TICK

Use insect repellents, such as products with DEET.

Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick. If you don’t have tweezers, put on gloves or cover your hands with tissue paper, then use your fingers. Do not handle the tick with bare hands.

Clear leaves, brush and tall grasses from around your house and the edges of your yard or garden. This may help reduce ticks and the rodents that the ticks depend on.

Grab the tick as close to its mouth (the par t that is stuck in your skin) as you can. The body of the tick will be above your skin.

In extreme situations call your local nursery or municipal extension office to see if your yard can be treated for ticks with nonchemical or environmentally safe methods.

Do not grab the tick around its swollen belly. You could push infected fluid from the tick into your body if you squeeze it.

16 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | SUMMER

Gently pull the tick straight out until its mouth lets go of your skin. Do not twist the tick. This may break off the tick’s body and leave the head in your skin.

Put the tick in a dry jar or ziplock bag and save it in the freezer for later identification if needed.

After the tick has been removed, wash the area of the tick bite with a lot of warm water and soap. A mild dishwashing soap works well. Be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water also.

NOTE: If you can’t remove a tick, call your doctor.

You can use an antibiotic ointment. Put a little bit of ointment on the wound.The ointment will keep the wound from sticking to a bandage. If you get a skin rash or itching under the bandage, stop using the ointment. The rash may mean you had an allergic reaction to the ointment.

Some ticks are so small it is hard to see them. This makes it hard to tell if you have removed the tick’s head. If you do not see any obvious par ts of the tick’s head where it bit you, assume you have removed the entire tick, but watch for symptoms of a skin infection.

If you have a bullseye rash, headache, joint pain, fever, or flu-like symptoms, this could mean you have an illness related to a tick bite. If you have any of these symptoms, or symptoms of a skin infection, call your doctor.

WHAT TO AVOID - DO NOT TRY TO: Smother a tick that is stuck to your skin with petroleum jelly, nail polish, gasoline, or rubbing alcohol.

Burn the tick while it is stuck to your skin.

Smothering or burning a tick could make it release fluid, which could be infected, into your body and increase your chance of infection.

There are some tick-removal devices that you can buy. If you are active outdoors in areas where there are a lot of ticks, you may want to consider buying such a device. ~ Information found on Health links BC Bill White has been associated with work place safety committees for 25 years in the government and the private sectors

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 17

Wine Advice Wine Words

The Perfect Summer Wines

H

ave you ever heard the expression “the dog days of summer”. It refers to “the sultr y par t of summer, when Sirius, the Dog Star, rises at the same time as the sun.” The days are longer, the temperatures warmer. A time for relaxation.

18 | Design Your Home | summer

Imagine, there you are, sitting outside, basking in the sun and sipping on a nice cool and refreshing glass of wine.

What kind of wines pair the best with warm summer weather? White, rosé, sparkling, and red are all suitable, each in it’s own way.

Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava as well as many other sparkling wines are sensational selections. They range from dr y to ver y sweet so it is best to let your personal preferences and food selections be your guide. Sparkling wines must be ser ved between the temperatures of 6 – 8 degrees C . to fully appreciate their vibrant acidity

and lively mousse. One of the sparkling wines I enjoy is Sileni Cellar Selection Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc ($17.06). This vivacious sparkling white wine is extradr y and features gooseberr y, grass, herbs and tropical fruit. The mouth-watering and citrus-laden acidity is refreshing and palate cleansing.

summer in a glass this white wine is a crowd-pleaser. Serve light-bodied white wines between 8-10 degrees C..

Optimal red wine selections are light-bodied with moderately high to high acidity. Wines made from the Barbera, Gamay or Pinot Noir grape varieties are excellent choices. Although they differ in some ways they do have some similairities and it is these qualities that make them suitable summer wines. These reds are both fresh and fruity with up front aromas and flavours of strawberries, raspberries and red currant. Light and medium-bodied red wines reveal their best when served between the temperatures of 14-16 degrees C. These wines are enjoyable on their own yet they also make great picnic and bistro wines, pairing well with charcuterie, brie cheese and salads with strawberries, cranberries or pomegranite.

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages ($14.49) is ripe and fresh with good acidity and charming red cherry, strawberry and blueberry notes.

Kate Wagner Zeke, Sommelier(ISG) Certified Specialist of Wine, Certified Wine Educator(SWE) wineadviser@wcgwave.ca

Rosé is delicious, a versatile food pairing wine, and beautiful. Like sparkling wines, rosé is available in many different sweetness levels. Blush Zinfandel from California is, by far, the sweetest rosé whereas those from the Rhone Valley, Bordeaux and Provence, France, and many other European wine-making areas are dry. Dry rosé pairs exceptionally well with Mediterranean foods while offdry rosé compliments fresh red berries and fruit-based desser ts. Try Chateau Mas Neuf Paradox Rosé ($15.99) from the Rhone Valley, a dry wine blended from four different grape varieties. This light-medium- bodied rosé has delicate aromas of white flower blossoms, raspberry, watermelon and peaches.

Love Life at the Lake

You can realize your dream of owning a home or cottage at an affordable price. Inland lots at Sunset Point are now available starting at just $49,000!

We offer stunning lake view property on the shores of Rossman Lake near Riding Mountain National Park.

• Fully serviced lots include a chlorinated water system, power and telephone lines • Abundance of recreational activities for the outdoor enthusiasts • Accessible year-round

White wines are considered the quintessential wines of summer. Riesling, Muscat, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio are some of the most-loved grape varieties.They are light-bodied and easy-drinking. The best over-all food pairing wines are white, high-acid and off-dry. One such wine is Jackson-Triggs Reserve Riesling ($14.99) from Canada, like

Visit sunsetproperty.ca for more details

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 19

Feature Story

By Wanda Kurchaba Photos in part by Jaime-Lynn Dyck

Experiencing Riding Mountain!

Dory Fee Photography

20 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | SUMMER

Photo by Riding Mountain National Park

or renting a cabin, yur t or hotel. Being able to stay in the area only opens the door for more activities and of course a whole lot of fun.

W

e are really for tunate in Manitoba to have a national park accessible to so many of us on the western side of the province. There is so much to explore and so many adventures to be had.

The park itself is comprised of 3000 kilometres of prairie parkland. The townsite, officially called Wasagaming, is also well known as Clear Lake. There are over 60 businesses and as a popular tourist destination literally thousands of visitors and cottage owners can be found in the townsite during the busy summer months.

With all its beauty and vastness, the possibilities at Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) during the summer are nearly endless. If you love nature photography, there’s no better place, plus there’s always the chance you’ll run into amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. RMNP is a haven for bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts in general. There are 400 kilometres of hiking trails, there is an abundance of scenic and challenging biking trails and of course we mustn’t forget about canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing. There are many options for camping

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 21

Simply Rosie Photography

There are many great places to shop, a fabulous variety of eateries and numerous places to relax and enjoy some downtime. Since the 1930’s, McTavish’s has been par t of the rich history and character that the Wasagaming townsite was built upon.

Boutique Hotel

reserve online staylakehouse.ca or call 204.848.7366

22 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | SUMMER

As of February Simply Rosie Photography 17 of this year new owners took possession of this historic business. And while they’ve made extensive changes in the last four months, what hasn’t change is the impor tance of the past.

“We really wanted to honour the history of the place and the history of Riding Mountain National Park, so when we designed the front of the building we kept those things in mind and mirrored cer tain architectural aspects that characterize the original Riding Mountain National Park buildings, such as the use of cedar shingles and reclaimed cedar timbers. We wanted to do small things to make sure the building looked like it fit and had always been here,” said Karly McRae, managing par tner.

Par tners Mike and Julie Collyer of Collyer Construction, Jason Potter and Karly McRae had a clear vision on how to develop it, change it and bring new life into it as they transformed McTavish’s into the breathtaking Lake House Boutique Hotel and the Lake House Ice Cream Shop.

“We’re all business owners in the area, we live here, and our kids go to the school here. We really wanted to revitalize one of the original businesses in downtown Clear Lake and bring it back to what it was when we were kids.

We hope to help star t creating a new buzz around the Wasagaming Townsite (Clear Lake) as being the premiere tourist destination in Manitoba.” said Karly.

Renovations began on March 1 and Karly refers to the remodel of the building as being a bit like Extreme Make-over Hotel and Ice Cream Shop Edition. “If you had been to McTavish’s before, you’ll have a hard time believing you’re in the same place. The crew at Collyers did an absolutely fantastic job in a very shor t time frame.” Other companies like Roy Painting and Decorating and Gord’s Plumbing and Heating also had a hand in the transformation of this unique Wasagaming destination point.

The entire ice cream shop was gutted and completely redone with aspen wood ceilings, timber beams and live edge White Oak counter tops, along with new lighting (from barn light electric), fixtures and furnishings. The new owners have also enhanced the business by adding a clean eating smoothie bar where all smoothies are made with fresh fruit and vegetables.

In terms of enjoying one of the most delicious treats of summer, that hasn’t changed at all. The Lake House Ice Cream Shop has 32 flavours of heavenly goodness.

Simply Rosie Photography

Congratulations

“All of our ice cream is sourced from Manitoba based companies, we are carrying two local brands - Cornell Cream from Anola and Prairie West Ice Cream out of Winnipeg. We’re proud that all of our ice cream is made locally.” said Karly.

Another new component of the business is their signature, made-to-order ice cream sandwiches. You choose your

Serving Clear Lake and Surrounding Communities Since 1985 gords@live.com • www.gordsplumbingandheating.com

• Paper and Vinyl Wallcovering • Commercial and Residential • Over 30 Years Experience

Hubert Roy

Bus: 204-483-3979 Cell: 204-724-5989 Email: roypainting_decorating@live.com Fax: 204-483-2599

Servicing the Brandon and Clear Lake Area DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 23

cookie, provided by local bakers, and then pick your ice cream flavour. It’s then sandwiched all together to make a delicious treat.

In terms of the hotel, extensive work was also done to update all 16 rooms. The headboards and bed bases are custom made by the Collyer Construction team using reclaimed barn wood. The rooms also have all new lighting and fixtures, new furniture and linens. The design was purposeful in that the local entrepreneurs wanted to keep the look consistent throughout the proper ty and maintain a modern, yet rustic flow throughout the space.

“It’s a boutique hotel because we feel you’ll find things in our rooms that you will not find in any other hotel.

For example, we have hotel amenities made by a business

located in Inglis, MB. All the soap and body butters for our rooms are handcrafted; those are the little things that set us apar t.”

While the new Lake House owners are focusing on revitalizing downtown Wasagaming, they aren’t the only ones. Their neighbours to the nor th, Tyler and Julie Katkins, opened their second location of the The Foxtail Cafe. This former Scrase’s location was also completely remodeled

by Collyer Construction.

It is all about the

Details collyers.ca

24 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | SUMMER

n

“It is really, really nice and encouraging to have new investment in business right next door to us. That’s what we were really hoping for and we hope to see more of it down the road. Having more businesses certainly helps to beef up the destination aspect, and to provide more for visitors to do and see while visiting Riding Mountain National Park.”

is Sportsman’s Park. As a summer

Another iconic business in the area, just a half mile south of the gates for RMNP,

said seasonal camping has been a trend

Enjoy the Great Amenities Sportsman’s Park Has to Offer!

A short walk to down town Clear Lake!

• Corner Store • Pool • Restaurant • Mini Golf • Family Friendly Activities • And more!

“EXPERIENCE LAKE LIFE FOR LESS THAN YOU IMAGINED”

destination for recreational vehicle (RV) travellers, the park offers campers and visitors an abundance of amenities including an outdoor pool, restaurant and lounge. They currently have 150 RV sites, the majority of which are seasonal. Managing par tner, AJ Lewis, for a number of years.

MOVE IN READY PARK MODEL CABINS W!

E NO

L LAB AVAI

Cute, Comfortable & Best of All Affordable!

Just south of the Riding Mountain National Park Highway 10 at Onanole, MB

204-848-2520

questions@sportsmanspark.ca

In Brandon: 1615-18th St. N, Brandon • 1-877-786-7434 At Sportsman’s Park: AJ Lewis - 204-721-0026

www.sunridgehomes.ca

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 25

A Relaxing & Rejuvenating Retreat Located at Elkhorn Resort Spa & Conference Centre, the Solstice Spa is the perfect destination for a mini spa getaway. The tranquil environment of Riding Mountain National Park combined with one of our signature treatments and a soak in the Equinox Mineral Pool will provide a peaceful escape for you!

3 Mooswa Drive E. Onanole, Manitoba R0J 1N0 1.866.ELKHORN (1.866.355.4676) www.elkhornresort.mb.ca/spa

Call 1.204.848.8739 to book your treatment

One Stop Shopping!

Liquor Vendor • Grocery • Paint • Giftware

B&D Home Hardware 5 Gateway St. - Onanole, MB - 204-848-4663

26 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | SUMMER

“You just don’t see as many of them (RVs) fl ying down the highway like you used to. A lot of people are looking for seasonal lots; they want to park in one place. I would say that 40 per cent of the people here don’t even have trucks that will pull their RVs anymore. The added bonus is that they can store them here and leave them over the winter,” AJ said.

Spor tsman’s Park is also expanding this year. They are developing 40-44 additional lots with 20 year leases. The lots will be for RV and Park Model vacation homes.

Don’t worry about forgetting something. There are local grocery stores, gas stations, and hardware stores nearby that can take care of you.

Whatever you decide to do around the Riding Mountain National Park, just remember it is a great place to relax, visit, or stay.

“Sunridge Homes has exclusivity here for Park Models.

They are low maintenance and ready to move in to. They definitely offer an affordable option for those wanting to be at the lake without a huge investment. A lot of the other proper ties in this area can be quite dear, in terms of price,” AJ said.

With Spor tsman’s Park having the reputation of being a meeting place, they offer events and activities to facilitate that. They have everything from a convenience store and car wash to mini-golf and bounce castles for the kids. Plus, star ting just before the July long weekend the Flea Market opens every Saturday and Sunday.

When planning your trip to Riding Mountain National Park, you should plan a coffee at one of the many shops and cafes. Hike, bike, canoe or kayak on the many trails and lakes that are available. Have your fi ll with the wide selection of great restaurants and lounges. Cool off in the many lakes or swimming pools. . Enjoy a round of golf at the wide selection of courses available to you. Or just relax and rejuvenate at the Elkhorn Resort Spa and Conferences Centre.

30

oTENTiks now available

a new way to experience camping!

A unique blend of comfort with a taste of outdoor adventure.

We’re bringing you closer to nature while providing a roof over your head and a floor beneath your feet – a unique blend of comfort with a taste of outdoor adventure.

Share a moment and create new memories. Book your next Parks Canada vacation today!

INFORMATION parkscanada.gc.ca/riding

Like us on facebook.com/RidingNP Follow us on twitter.com @Riding NP Visit us at parkscanada.gc.ca/riding

Westman.com

LESLIE WOYWADA-ROESCH Real Estate Professional Erickson, Manitoba R0J 0P0 Fax: 204-636-2965 Email: realestate@mymts.net www.ParklandRealEstate.biz

204-848-0599 Serving Erickson, Onanole, Clear Lake, Sandy Lake, Ditch Lake, Minnedosa and Surrounding Areas.

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 27

Laundry I Cents!

have been making my own laundry soap for over 4 years now. I decided to make my

own soap because it seemed easy enough, I enjoy making things myself and that feeling of accomplishment when it works! I love the fact that when I run out of soap, I just go grab 3 simple ingredients from my laundry room and make another batch.

Written and Photos By

By Jaime-Lynn Dyck

28 | Design Your Home | summer

Many people have asked

for the recipe I use, so I thought I would share it with everyone here

Home Made Laundry Soap

In a large container or bucket pour the soap mixture from the pot. Then add approximately 25 cups of water. I then leave it overnight. The next day your mixture will have become a solid gel. I take a wooden spoon and star t to loosen it up; sometimes I get my hands in there too. Fun par t for kids! Then add another 10+ cups of warm water and stir until it is of liquid consistency again. Leave it again to see if it stays liquid. If it becomes gel again, you will need to add more water. There is no exact amount of water to add, just until it has a thick consistency that you can pour. Sometimes the end product can be lumpy, but that doesn’t affect the soap, if it gets too thick, just add more water.

• 1 Bar of Sunlight Soap • 1 Cup of Borax • 1 Cup of Washing Soda • Water

This recipe makes anywhere from 3-4 4L jugs of laundry soap. I store mine in 4L milk jugs, but any container you can pour from works. I use approximately ½ cup of soap for each load of laundry. I just pour it in the liquid compar tment of my washing machine and it is safe for front load HE machines. As this is scent free, if I want a little scent in my laundry I just add some laundry scent beads with my load or a few drops of essential oils.

In a large pot, grate the bar of Sunlight Soap, and then add 8 cups of warm water. Cook on medium until soap is dissolved and star ts to boil. Then add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir continually until dissolved and comes to a boil. Let boil for a minute while stirring. Keep a close eye on it, as it can boil over quickly!

All of these ingredients can be found in the laundry aisle of your grocery store. Borax has been harder to find lately, but some grocery stores or pharmacies still have it with the laundry soap. All 3 of these ingredients can be used for other things; look them up online to see.

Like any product you try, watch for skin sensitivity and use at your own discretion. Happy Washing!

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 29

?

Do You Know?

??

ANSWER THIS

RIDDLE! What occurs

twice in a week, once in a year but never in a day?

for Win a CertiďŹ cate

* l a e M p u o r G One + $10 Gift Card Email your answers to contest@designyourhome.ca. or enter on our contest page at designyourhome.ca.

All correct answers will be entered into a draw, a winner will be drawn August 9th, 2015 One entry per email. *See designyourhome.ca for details 30 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | SUMMER

1405 1st Street, Brandon, MB R7A 2Y7

@tasteeson1st

(204) 728-2889

Differentiate Yourself From Others

P Do you want to stand out

P Increase brand awareness

P Help build relationships with customers and potential customers Your Print and Digital Media Solutions PromotionalPublications.com Phone: (204) 573-3790

P Introduce new products or services P Enhance your reputation as an expert in your industry

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 31

Magazine

Design Your Home magazine has articles about the house, cottage, apartment or condo living, from the interior to the exterior.

Contact us at: Email: dyh@designyourhome.ca Phone: (204) 573-3790 View Us at: Website: www.designyourhome.ca