Dyh winter 2014 for issue 2015 update

Free

Winter 2014

Western Manitoba

Avoid DIY Mistakes

ICE WINE

Canada’s Liquid Gold

Feature Stories:

Budget Blinds Springs of Life Construction

Western Manitoba Design Your Home magazine is a Brandon, MB based company created to promote and feature all the great trades in our local area. With the limited amount of media in Brandon and area, this magazine will assist you and your company with great exposure.

Design Your Home magazine will help local companies feature their business and the special work they do.

Design Your Home magazine will focus on the home and proper ty. Each issue you may see ar ticles on Home and Building, Real Estate, Design and Decorating, Landscaping, and a special featured Home and Business.

Why feature in Design Your Home:

• Local Home Magazine • 15,000 Magazines published each issue • Published 4x per year: Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring • Timeless, often kept and referred to again and again • We have articles that feature tips and advice from home owners and experts Contact us at: Email: dyh@designyourhome.ca Phone: (204) 573-3790 View Us at: Website: www.designyourhome.ca Images: Kara Matthews - Sterling Images, and Jaime-Lynn Dyck - DYH

Contents

8

Budget Blinds

22

In Every Issue

4 . . . . . . . . Letter from Editor 8 . . . . . . . . Featured Business: Budget Blinds 16 . . . . . . . Featured Home: Springs of Life Construction 26 . . . . . . . Photo Prize Contest

Lifestyle 25. . . . . . . Wine Advice: Ice Wine 12 . . . . . . . Protect Yourself From the Cold

My Idiah

16

Spring of Life Children’s Home

Design & Decorative 22. . . . . . . My IDIAH: Kitchen Hacks Put to the Test

Home Improvements 6 . . . . . . . . Kitchen Island 14 . . . . . . . Avoid Common DIY Home Imporovement Mistakes

Cover Picture: Special Thanks to Lori Miles-Pope

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

B

uying a new home can be one of the most stressful things you can do. In

fact, in terms of stress, it’s right up there with getting married and having a new baby. So I wonder how stressful will it be building a new home?

That is exactly what my wife and I are planning to do.

Over the next few months we will be building our first home and I‘m going to document the whole venture and share it with our readers. In the upcoming summer and fall issues, I will share our personal experience, the good and the bad, of building a new home for us.

There will be a few things I will keep in mind through the process: 1) I don’t want to break the bank A new home may seem wor thy of breaking out the credit for, but struggling to pay the bills is no fun at all.

I’m going to tr y to set a strict budget and stick to it, no matter how tempted I feel!

2) Don’t be in a hurry This is a home that we want to live in for many years; we want to make sure we have our wish lists made and executed correctly.

3) I want to have a contingency plan I don’t want to find myself caught in a “chain” (I can’t star t building until our home is sold) The last thing I

4 | Design Your Home | winter

Image By: Ginny Lu Photography

want is to be stuck with a bridge loan (a loan to tide you through the gap between building a home and selling another), so make sure we have somewhere to go, even if it is the spare room in your parents’ house, in case your chain breaks down.

4) I want to plan out as much as I can I want to do as much research and planning before I even break ground. Ask the expects, go online and talk to people who have built their own homes to get as much information as I can.

The next 9 months will be a great learning experience for our family. I’m looking forward to sharing my experience, good and bad, with you.

Stewart Dyck Publishing Editor, Design Your Home Fall 2014 “Name That Town” Contest Answers: 1) Minnedosa 2) Neepawa 3) Brandon 4) Dauphin 5) Virden 6) 1,272,000

Differentiate yourself from others

Design Your Home Magazine Promote your business or become a featured business or home in our next issue

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Kitchen Islands K itchen islands are helping to bring the social atmosphere back into the kitchen. They encourage your family and friends to hang out while you cook without getting in your way, or give them a space to help out. A well placed and designed kitchen island directs the flow of traffic in the kitchen, both physically and socially.

ends up in the kitchen. It again seems to be the place to congregate – more often there is more than one cook and families use the space for hanging out.

One new design element that has crept into the kitchen as it (re)evolved is the kitchen island. The island seems to be bringing back the idea of the reliable work table, only now it is oh so adaptable.

If you’re building a new kitchen or remodeling an older kitchen and considering building a kitchen island, take a moment to figure out if that is indeed what your kitchen needs. Vastly useful and attractive, in can nonetheless be inappropriate for cer tain kitchens.

Your kitchen needs to be big enough for an island, usually

The kitchen has traditionally had three main design elements, the cabinets, work space and the appliances. The cabinets are used for storage; counters are used as preparation areas and the appliances for food preparation or various other handling like refrigeration, cooking, cutting, etc.

at least 13 feet wide. The size of the actual island will also

Modern kitchens have rever ted to the older model of a more social, open and customized kitchen. Everyone

have barstools or chairs at the island, make sure there is

6 | Design Your Home | winter

depend on the overall available space. You need to make sure that there is enough room to walk between the island and cabinetry as well as open all doors (cabinets, dishwasher, compost bin, etc.). Also, if you are planning to enough room with them there.

Islands work best with L, U and G shaped kitchens. These

or those cleaning. By bringing people into the kitchen but

shapes make for relatively enclosed kitchens and the island

keeping them separated, the kitchen island encourages a

can help to encourage more interaction in the space

social atmosphere without letting extra people get in the

without making the flow awkward.

way of the activity. Or if they’re helping, it gives them a

Next, think about what you will use the island for. The

separate space to work.

island is accessible from all sides and depending on size can have many applications. For example, kids can use it as a table to do homework on while dinner is being cooked.

Or, the stove top can be on the island and helpers can use it to chop and stir. If there are multiple cooks, a free standing structure like the island is convenient and will give you more space to move around and cook without getting into each others’ way. Perhaps you will use it to set up buffets that people can access while you continue to cook using the other counter space. A properly set up island can also function as an informal dining or breakfast area that is more akin to an actual table and more social than an alienating, single line counter top seating arrangement.

Depending on your needs, you can choose to put a sink or a stovetop on the island. Or you can leave it as pure counter space. It can be multi-level and custom shaped or rectangular and level. Fur ther, you can use the block as extra storage by adding drawers and doors.

The island adds a lot of functional advantages to the kitchen,

Finally, the island becomes a focal point in the kitchen not only functionally but also aesthetically. It is, in many ways, a large piece of immovable furniture. By placing it in the middle of the room, you are putting it in the spotlight. You can make it stand out more by using different countertop materials from the rest of the kitchen or try to blend it in by making everything match perfectly. There are many decorative elements that can be applied to the kitchen island,

but it can also help to structure the use of the space. It

ranging from colors and intricate, decorative mouldings to

works as an area where people congregate, but it also

island shapes and arrangements. The kitchen island is a great

works as a border, keeping them separate from the cooks

addition if your kitchen can accommodate it. - DYH

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Feature Business

By David McConkey Photography Sandy Black

Budget Blinds

M

eet a couple who took a chance. A chance to move to a new province.

A chance to star t a small business. A chance to make their enthusiasm for their product and service a success.

Meet Gord and Sue Swarbrick of Budget Blinds.

The Swarbricks’ story star ts in Regina a few years ago. Both Gord and Sue had successful careers in retail management.

Then their son got a job as an installer with Budget Blinds.

Later, Sue joined the company as a style consultant. Soon, she says, “We all fell in love with the business.”

They researched the oppor tunities and found an opening in western Manitoba. They purchased a Budget Blinds franchise and moved to Brandon in 2011.

8 | Design Your Home | winter

They are delighted with their decision.They like the people, the size, and the potential of Brandon. A place with all the amenities, but where you can get anywhere in 10 minutes.

“We absolutely love it here,” Sue says, “It’s home.”

They first set up shop in the 600 block of 10th St. As with any small business, the owners do a little bit of everything.

Sue focuses on style consulting; Gord on installing. Sue draws on her experience from her previous work in Regina.

Gord enjoys the hands-on work: he grew up immersed in the construction business in a small Saskatchewan town, where his dad owned the local lumberyard.

Establishing their own business has involved lots of adjustment, hard work, and long days. For one thing, Gord and Sue were used to working separately; working together was new. When they describe it now, they can look back and laugh. But, with relief, Sue says, “we survived.”

Showroom Location 381 Park Avenue East, Brandon, MB

Gord and Sue knew they had made it when they star ted

“We don’t go in and tell customers what to do,” Sue says.

getting returning customers. And when their customers

“We help them tell their story in their home.” And Gord

were telling other people. Gord and Sue’s number 1

and Sue appreciate a customer who will candidly tell them

source of work now is repeat business and referrals.

what they need and what their budget is.

They have grown to employ seven staff members, including

“Some people think a blind is a blind, but it is like buying a

style consultants and a cer tified designer. “We have a boatload of fun around here,” Sue says, “We hire people who really enjoy what they do.”

car,” Sue says, “you can keep it simple, or get more for your money that will do more.”

With their business thriving, they needed more space. They have just settled into a new larger location. The increased size also offers more oppor tunity to display their products.

You can drop by their showroom at 381 Park Ave. E. (near Richmond). Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 - 5:30.

You can also get a great idea of what is available by going online and visiting budgetblinds.ca, or their facebook page “Budget Blinds of Southwest Manitoba.” Gord and Sue are proud to include a couple of dozen customer testimonials.

But by far the best way to see their products and learn about their services is to schedule a free in-home consultation.

That way you can see what would work best with your windows, your light, your colours, and your home.

You can contact them swarbrick@budgetblinds.com.

at

204-727-4766.

What are the “blinds” in Budget Blinds? Their business is actually about a lot more. It encompasses a variety of products that cover, treat, and enhance windows.

That includes blinds, of course, but also shutters, shades, cur tains, drapes, and more. Products that increase the

Or :

What about the “budget” in Budget Blinds? Gord and Sue work hard to fit into a customer’s budget: whether it is

comfor t, beauty, and value of any home. Window coverings that look great and also improve a room’s lighting, privacy, warmth, and coolness. In working with everything that covers a window, Gord says, they strive for a “blend

modest or allows for much more. They have total window

between function and fashion.”

solutions – with a range of options and prices – but will

What’s the “franchise” in the Budget Blinds franchise? Gord

work within the budget that the customer has.

and Sue chose that approach as it combines the suppor t

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 9

Motorized Exterior Solar Shades of an international network with owning and operating their own small business. They can access the training, exper tise, and best practices of a substantial company. At the same time, they have the flexibility of locally running their own show. As members of a large group, they have clout with many suppliers. And, they have the freedom to order from any source they choose.

The result is a win-win-win. A win for customers. A win for Gord and Sue as independent business owners. And a win for the local community.

Their territory extends west to Saskatchewan border ; south to the U.S. border ; nor th as far as they can go; and east to Elie, which is close to Winnipeg. Nearly one-half of their business is outside Brandon. A bonus for customers everywhere: there are no mileage charges for in-home consultations or installations.

Gord and Sue’s Budget Blinds franchise benefits from the exposure and recognition provided by 100 other locations in Canada. As well as from 1,000 throughout Nor th America. Customers here can expect the same high quality of service and product as everywhere else. Like

10 | Design Your Home | winter

the comfor t with having on most items a “no questions asked” five-year warranty.

“We’ve literally had the dog chew the blinds,” Sue says, “and we’ve replaced them free of charge.”

What would Gord and Sue like you to know about windows and coverings, but you likely don’t? One is that they offer products that you might not think of. They carry a wide range of accessories – pillows, bedding, and more – that can complement your existing or new window coverings as well as your other furnishings.

Nothing should be overlooked when imagining how a window could be transformed. One option: clear window films that reflect more than one-third of the sun’s heat and almost all of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Window films can help keep your home cool and your interior belongings protected.

One product that Budget Blinds carries exclusively is a line of faux iron decorative pieces. This lightweight product made of wood and resin can be made to fit any space.You can add the

artistic look of wrought iron without the difficulties of dealing with the real thing.

Faux Iron Solutions

And don’t forget drapes. “Draperies are not out-dated,” Sue says. “They can complete a look in any room.”

There are also intriguing possibilities with motorization.

Any window covering – whether blinds, shades, shutters or drapes – can be motorized. Think of pressing a remote to turn on a TV or open a garage door. Now think of that same kind of automation for your windows.

The advantages of motorization are many. Energy efficiency: sun sensors can move window coverings to Illusion Transitional Shades prevent heat loss in winter and reduce heat gain in summer. Convenience: window coverings can be controlled from anywhere with your smart phone. Options: now you can enhance those hard-to-reach windows. Safety: no dangling cords for children or pets to get caught in. Security: programmable timers can make your home look occupied when you are away. Outdoor lifestyle: motorized units can lift and lower large shades around decks, patios, and hot tubs. Living better: automated systems can help seniors live longer in their own homes.

Automation. Energy efficiency. Sensors. Timers. Welcome to the “smart home.” These motorized systems are getting better all the time as technologies improve, choices increase, and prices drop. Stay tuned for future developments.

Here’s an impor tant reminder from Gord and Sue: plan ahead. If renovating or doing new construction, don’t wait until the last minute to decide on window coverings.

Include them in your early planning. This especially applies to motorized options – the wiring could even be installed now for application later. Gord and Sue know that renovating or building new can be very stressful.

They work with homeowners and contractors to make any project go as easily as possible.

Gord and Sue also have the capacity to handle any commercial work, whether large or small.You can go online for specialized information at bbcommercialsolutions.com.

In the end, it is the customers who drive the rewards for Gord and Sue Swarbrick of Budget Blinds. Gord and Sue

speak with enthusiasm and enjoyment about the people who are their customers. “We come home at the end of the day,” Sue says, “and we are so grateful for the great people we have met.”

Gord sums up their real sense of satisfaction they get from their business. With pride, he describes the fulfillment from finishing an installation.

“It’s a great feeling,” Gord says, “when you turn around and see the customer looking at the job.”

And the customer is saying, “I love it!”

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204-727-4766 381 Park Avenue East, Unit B, Brandon www.budgetbinds.ca

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 11

Protect Yourself from the

COLD

W

inter is fast approaching and so is the cold weather so it is time for a reminder of the dangers of cold weather. Today I will touch on Frostbite and Hypothermia recognition and treatment.

Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing. It causes loss of feeling in exposed parts of the body including fingers and toes. If there is a chance you have frostbite seek medical attention as frostbite can damage the body and in severe cases amputation may be required. Be sure to always dress properly for cold temperatures.

As soon as redness or pain becomes evident get out of the cold and protect the exposed skin. Be aware of signs that may indicate problems such as white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels firm or waxy and numbness. Because of numbness, people are often unaware of these symptoms until they are pointed out to them.

If there is frostbite and no medical attention available follow these procedures: • proceed to a warm area as quickly as possible.

• do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes unless absolutely necessary.

12 | Design Your Home | winter

• immerse the frostbitten area in warm to the touch, not hot, water. You can also use body heat such as putting frostbitten fingers in your armpit.

• do not use heating appliances such as heating pads, heat lamps, stoves, etc for warming. Frostbitten areas are often numb and could be easily burned.

Take

preventative

measures. Wear proper clothing and do not leave skin exposed in severe Prepare

temperatures. your

home

and vehicle for winter emergencies

in

advance of the cold weather and obser ve safety precautions during cold weather.

Hypothermia is the result of your body reaching an abnormally low body temperature due to exposure to very cold temperatures for a short period of time or even cool temperatures for a longer period of time. Some of the warning signs are shivering, exhaustion, low energy, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech and bright red, cold skin. If you notice any of these signs take the person’s temperature and if it is below 35 degrees celsius get medical attention immediately.

If medical help is not available, warm the person by using the following steps: • get the victim into a warm area • remove any wet clothing • warm the center of the body first using an electric blanket if possible or skin to skin contact under several layers of blankets, sheets, towels, clothing, etc.

• warm beverages can help warm the body. Do not give to an unconscious person. NO alcohol • after the body temperature has increased, keep the person wrapped in a warm blanket • get medical attention as soon as possible Low body temperatures affects the brain and makes the person unable to think clearly or move well.The person may not know this is happening and will not do anything to help themselves.

Victims are often elderly or babies with inadequate clothing and in cold conditions.

Victims may also be people who are outside for long periods such as the homeless or hikers and hunters. People who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also vulnerable to hypothermia.

A person with severe hypothermia may lose consciousness and appear to not be breathing or have a pulse. Handle the person carefully and get emergency help immediately.

Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should be provided and continued while the victim is being warmed, responds or medical help arrives.

Bill White has been associated with work place safety committees for 25 years in the government and the private sectors

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DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 13

Avoid Common DIY Home Improvement Mistakes

A

sk people who have completed do-it-yourself projects and they’ll tell you that the projects took at least twice as much time and three times the money they thought it would. The basic reason is that DIYers usually make a lot of mistakes that end up making home improvement projects more expensive and time-consuming.

Here are 10 sure-fire ways to avoid the top DIY home improvement mistakes in the future and ensure success.

1. Take out the required permits — it’s amazing how many DIYers skip this step. It takes time, and it means you have to deal with the government, but it’s actually in your best interest to make sure you get the required home improvement permits. The folks in the permitting office will make sure the project is done correctly and that you stay safe in the process. Also, for some projects, you’ll need proof that you have a permit or your insurance company won’t cover the improvement. You’ll probably

14 | Design Your Home | winter

need a permit for any project larger than wallpapering and painting. If you’re unsure, call your local building depar tment and ask.

2. Have all the tools and materials you need available before you star t your project — star ting a job without the necessary tools and supplies will slow down the job and delay your progress.

And make sure you buy quality tools.

They’re a wise investment. If it is a ‘one-time’ project, you may want to rent the necessary tools from your local hardware store.

3. Prepare the job site for material deliveries — when your suppliers deliver materials, you’ll want to make sure the job site is ready to accept them. You don’t want your

materials exposed to the weather while you are working and you want to have a storage area to prevent theft.

4. Don’t skimp on materials — for example, don’t use 1/4inch drywall for building walls. Use at least 5/8-inch; and 3/4-inch works well for a good sound barrier. Use 3/4-inch plywood for sub-floors. It creates a much stronger floor.

at plumbing or electrical work, for instance, don’t attempt those projects.

5. Prepare the walls for painting — clean the walls, sand them and patch any holes before you paint. Use a coat of primer or stain blocker if you’re trying to cover over oilbased paint, stains or peeling paint, or if you’re painting a lighter color over a darker color.

10. Don’t star t to learn how to do a project on your own. If you want to learn how to do a project, offer your assistance to a friend who is an experienced DIYer or a contractor. And if you have any question about what you’re doing, make sure you stop and ask. - DYH 408 Park Ave. E Bdn, MB 204 727-3799 www.contractorscorner.ca

6. Use the correct paint — use flat paint on ceilings. Interior paints should have at least an eggshell or satin finish so you can scrub it. For outdoor decks, use a linseed-oil-based stain to drive the pigment into the wood and preserve it.

7. Keep safe while working — you don’t want to end up in the emergency room. Wear safety goggles when using power tools or working with drywall or wood. Wear a hard hat when you’re working under other people on scaffolding, and open some windows when you’re painting or staining, or stripping old finishes off of floors or walls.

Don’t wear loose, hanging clothing, especially when using power tools. Wear gloves when carrying wood, metal and rock, or when hammering, and wear a nail or tool pouch to prevent damage to your floors, feet, and pets.

8. Measure twice and cut once — probably the most impor tant rule of any project. If you’re going to make a mistake, make it too long. You can always make something shor ter. You can’t make it longer.

9. Know the limits of your abilities — you’re not going to be good at everything. If you don’t have a lot of experience

In stock solutions for all your kitchen and home renovation needs.

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DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 15

Feature Home

By Wanda Kurchaba Photos by Kara Matthews - Sterling Images

“

hile earning your daily bread, W be sure you share a slice with those less fortunate.� ~ Author Unknown Ian and Petty White have without a doubt taken this quote to heart. Springs of Life Construction exists so the White family can not only earn their daily bread, but so they can also share loaf upon loaf with others.

Built by Springs of Life Construction

Building Quality Homes for a Great Cause

20 Frobisher Crescent

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 17

20 Frobisher Crescent

Large Kitchen with Island and Walk-in Pantry Ian builds homes for a living and is the owner of Springs of Life Construction. He is a journeyman carpenter and has been in the industry for more than 35 years. Over the years, Ian has built many residential homes of varying styles and sizes and he has worked on a number of commercial projects. However, one of the most impor tant building projects he’s completed has literally saved dozens of lives.

20 Frobisher Crescent

In 2004, Ian went on a shor t-term mission’s trip to Zambia.

It was on this trip that he came to the realization that he wanted to do something to help the children of Africa. It was on this trip, that the idea to build homes in Canada, sell them and use the profit to develop a children’s home in Bukura, Kenya was born.

Two years later, Ian founded the Springs of Life Children’s Home and in 2007 they were able to star t accepting children. Sadly enough, children that come to the home have mostly been abandoned. They’ve been left in sugar cane fields, on the side of the road or in someone else’s hands because the family is not able to care for them.

Almost 160 children have been saved, nursed to good health and eventually adopted since the inception of the children’s home.

18 | Design Your Home | winter

Large Front Entrance

“I take pride in my work and I do it to raise money, but I do whatever it takes to do a quality job. I do my best and strive for excellence,” Ian said.

20 Frobisher Crescent

With many years of experience, Ian does as much of the construction work as he can, and hires other skilled trades people such as Hard Scabble for his exterior work.

20 Frobisher Crescent

Open Concept Kitchen and Livingroom “When I went over the first time, there were a 12 to 15 babies in the hospital. They weren’t’ finding homes for them so they were dying and just being replaced by more dying babies. If we don’t take the kids, a lot of them will die. They just won’t make it,” Ian said.

Ian and his wife Petty are in the residential construction business, in order to support the children’s home. In the summer months, they live and build houses in Brandon and in the winter they live in Kenya and work at the children’s home.

Ian and Petty worked hard this summer building two houses. The first is a 1300 square foot bi-level at 20 Frobisher Crescent. With quality work from local companies such as Brandon Drywall, this carefully crafted home has four bedrooms, including a beautiful on suite off the master bedroom. The kitchen features a walkin pantry and beautifully crafted cabinets and island by Rosehill Woodcrafters. The open concept floor plan with vaulted ceilings in the main living space allows for great family interaction or enter taining.

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“We are pleased to be able to help support this worthy project”

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 19

As well, he shops local by purchasing his building materials and fixtures from Rona in Brandon. He is onsite on a daily basis and closely supervises every project to ensure it meets the highest professional standards.

The second fundraiser home that Ian and Petty built this year is at 19 Ericson Crescent, also in the Woodlands area.

This spacious home is a similar size and floor plan to the dwelling on Frobisher Crescent. Both proper ties feature a large foyer, a two-car garage, a large driveway, garden doors to a beautiful backyard deck and basic landscaping. These ready-to-move-into houses are perfect for any family to turn into a wonderful home. Contact HomeLife Home Professional Realty in Brandon for more information on these homes today.

Buying a home built by Springs of Life Construction gives the homeowner the satisfaction of purchasing a quality built home complete with a new home warranty, as well as the pleasure of knowing that they played a role in significantly helping others.

At the same time, many children and their families thousands of miles away in Africa can be rest assured that the Springs of Life Children’s Home is there for

Five Star Real Estate Service Put our Higher Standards to work for you.

Step up to home ownership sooner than you think.

HomeLife Home Professional Realty Inc. 108-18th Street, Brandon, MB Office: 204-726-5340 GREEN & GOLD GOT IT SOLD www.homelifepro.com • homeprofessional@homelife.com H L

TM

WWW.

20 | Design Your Home | winter

OME IFE.CA

GREEN & GOLD GOT IT SOLDTM WWW.HOMELIFE.CA

Springs of Life

Children’s Home

them. Proceeds from Ian and Petty’s fundraiser homes are used in various ways to suppor t the children’s home.

There are many operating costs including wages for the 23 caregivers, food and formula, laundry expenses and rent.

Ian and Petty also hope to build a new facility in the next few years so that they will no longer have to pay rent and so that they can build a space that is designed specifically for a children’s home.

“I take pride in my work and I do it to raise money, but I do whatever it takes to do a quality job. I do my best and strive for excellence,” - Ian White Just knowing that someone is there to feed these children, care for them and love them goes a long way. So, whether it’s in Africa or in Canada, the White family is dedicated and devoted to working hard to build a foundation of hope for children that might not otherwise have any.

Specializing in New Home Construction

- 35 Years Experience Contact: Ian White • ianwhite1@live.ca

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Take a video walk-through of 20 Frobisher Crescent

Video at designyourhome.ca DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 21

By Jaime-Lynn Dyck

E

very day I seem to find myself reading different Kitchen Hacks. Easier ways to cut this, faster ways to prepare that!

So I thought it was time that I put some of these “so called” Kitchen Hacks to the test. Hopefully I can help save you some time and effor t in the kitchen by showing you which ones actually worked for me.

22 | Design Your Home | winter

I have seen over and over again that putting a wooden spoon on top of your pot will prevent it from boiling over on the stove. I have to give this one a FAIL! I tried it several times, with different scenarios and found that in all, it would slow down the liquid from pouring over the pot, but it always happened! My advice is to cook on lower temperatures and watch, as cleaning up your stove top after isn’t fun!

A great way to cool your room temperature beverage or wine is by placing frozen grapes in the glass. I give this one a PASS! It took roughly 5 minutes but the beverage did get cooler. The grapes were a nice treat at the bottom of the glass as well, and they don’t water down your beverage.

I read that by boiling water before freezing your ice cubes, will achieve clear ice cubes. I put this one to the test and have to give it a FAIL! I tried it several times, with the same results. You could barely tell the difference between the ice cubes that came straight from the tap and the ones I had boiled first. Save yourself the time and don’t boil your water before making your ice cubes.

Have you ever used your cutting board on your counter and had it slip on you when cutting or working on it? Try wetting a paper towel and ringing it out. Spread it out flat on your counter and place your cutting board on top. This will prevent it from moving while working on it. I give this one a PASS!

Here is another one I just had to try. Place grapes or cherry tomatoes between 2 plastic lids or flat plates and slice between to cut several at once. I found you had to watch where you were cutting, but it was successful. This is a great time saver if you need to cut a lot of grapes or cherry tomatoes at one time. I also give this one a PASS!

Do you need to use shredded chicken in some of your recipes? I found an easy way to shred chicken in no time at all! Once your chicken is cooked and still warm, put it in your Kitchen Aid mixer with the beater attachment and beat at medium speed. Within 30 seconds your chicken will be shredded perfectly! I give this easy and fast hack a Pass!

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 23

while the boiling water cooks off most of the fat, you are suppose to be left with nice, crisp bacon. I cooked the bacon on medium until the water finally cooked away; at that point, I reduced the temperature to medium-low as instructed. I flipped the bacon a few times and was left with very nicely cooked bacon. At the same time, I tried the second kitchen hack and cooked bacon in the oven.

Some strips I placed on a baking sheet and other strips I rinsed under cold water first; which was suppose to reduce shrinkage by up to 50%. It also said to cook bacon in the oven for 10 minutes at 365 F for maximum flavour. I found it took a bit longer than 10 minutes to cook the bacon, but found no difference in the size of the bacon in the end, even when compared to the bacon cooked on the stove.

We tested all 3 different ways to prepare the bacon and all preferred the bacon cooked in the oven that hadn’t been under water the best. Though all were very good and eaten up! The bacon on the stove, I give a Pass, as it was very good and crispy. I would have to give the second one a Fail, as the claim to less shrinkage didn’t happen and I had to cook it longer then suggested. But the end result was very great tasting bacon as well.

I hope some of these kitchen hacks will help you out in the kitchen. Feel free to share your kitchen hacks with us on our Face Book Page at Design Your Home magazine.

Bacon is a breakfast favourite in our different kitchen hacks with different try them both out. The first one says in a frying pan and cover with water.

house. I found 2 claims and had to to put your bacon Cook on medium;

*these kitchen hacks were performed by me in my kitchen.

If one did not pass for me, I tried it several times before I gave it a fail, though it could possibly work for you in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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Wine Advice

Frozen Wonders:

Ice Wine

I

t’s cold outside. Almost cold enough for grape harvest harvest time for grapes used in the production of Ice Wine. That time of year when frozen grapes are hand-harvested by pickers, dressed in heavy winter clothing, picking quickly through the night.

Canada is the world’s largest producer of Ice Wine. Our reliably cool

temperatures guarantee the conditions

required for grapes to freeze.

Ice Wine production may date to Roman times. The Germans have produced Ice Wine (Eiswein in Germany) since 1794. Quite possibly by mistake. Since then, Ice Wine was not produced annually in Germany, rather, its production was dependent on the vintage, often as a result of inclement weather. Annual production began in 1961 when better equipment became available. The Germans continue to produce Ice Wine but due to global warming production is increasingly rare in some areas.

Canadian production began in 1972 when the first Ice Wine was made in the Okanagan Valley. The Inniskillin Winery of Ontario has made Ice Wine since 1983 and in 1991 the winery entered the 1987 vintage Ice Wine in the famous Vinexpo wine competition in Bordeaux, winning the award, earning Ice Wine, and Canada, a place on the world wine stage.

There are regulations that must be fulfilled in order for wine to carry the label “Ice Wine”. After ripening, grapes must be frozen, naturally, on the grape vine, to a temperature of minus 8 degrees Celsius or colder. The sugar content is measured and must be a minimum of 35 degrees Brix (a measurement of the sugar content). By contrast, grapes for the production of table wine are harvested between 21-25 Brix.

Production costs are extremely high. Grapes are handpicked and crop size is small. Grapes may be affected by rot, be eaten by birds or animals, or may simply fall off the vine. All of these factors contribute to the price and the reason Ice Wine is referred to as Canada’s “liquid gold”. At least in par t due to cost, and the fact that serving por tions are minimal, bottle sizes vary.

Surprisingly, despite the sugar level, Ice Wine wine is not cloyingly sweet.The high sugar content in the wine is balanced by high acidity and it is this balance that is responsible for the bright refreshing qualities of these wines.

Flavors and aromas vary depending on the grape variety(red or white) used for production. These wines are medium-full-bodied, lush and flavourful. They have the ability to age but many believe that they are best enjoyed while youthful, fresh and vibrant.

Ice Wine pairs beautifully with foie gras, fruit-based desser ts and aged cheese.

Enjoy “Canada’s liquid gold”.

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

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 25

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