A Taste of the KAWARTHAS
KAWARTHAS TREASURES
Editor’s Note - Redefining Your Priorities
Spring is a great time to reset. It doesn’t mean erasing your past; it means choosing your future with intention. You pause, reflect, and admit what isn’t working—habits, environments, relationships, or even your own mindset. Awareness is the first act of courage. Kortney Wilson’s new show ‘Life is Messy’ is a prime example. We highly recommend you add it to your watch list.
Clarity grows through small, deliberate choices. Redefine your priorities. What truly matters? Health, peace, growth, connection, purpose? Resetting your life often starts with simplifying. As you begin making changes, something shifts internally: a renewed excitement starts to rise. The simple act of taking control sparks energy you may not have felt in years. Possibilities feel open again. Mornings carry a sense of freshness instead of routine heaviness. Even small wins—finishing a workout, setting a boundary, learning something new—create momentum and remind you that change is real and within reach. Importantly, a reset is consistent. With time, momentum builds. Confidence returns. The life that once felt overwhelming becomes intentional, energized, and grounded.
Your continued support is what makes A Taste of the Kawarthas possible. We don’t just choose our stories with care — we also choose our advertisers based on how well they align with our mission. Please support them, because without them, this magazine wouldn’t exist.
With gratitude,
Karen Irvine - Editor, Videographer, Photographer & Social Media Diva E-mail - atasteofthekawarthas@gmail.com Website - www.atasteofthekawarthas.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Margaret Swaine
Author, Travel, Wine, Golf, Spas & Spirits Columnist
Travel & Spirits Editor
Karen Laws
Ontario Dog Trainer
Danielle French
South Pond Home
Carol Turner
Chef
Angela Beal Health & Safety Specialist
Angela Jones Principle Designer
Jennifer Boksman Wine Specialist
Vikki Whitney Gardening
John Chambers
Kawartha Conservation
Publisher - Slither Productions Editor - Karen Irvine
Creative Director - Jay Cooper
Chef Brian Henry Chef Extraordinaire & ATOTK Food Editor
Kelli Lovell
Real Estate Broker
Jay Cooper Musician, Photographer , Interviewer & Graphics Designer
Daniel Post Trent-Severn Waterways
Advertising Sales - (705) 772-8074 E-mail - atasteofthekawarthas@gmail.com
Photo Credits
Karen Irvine, Lauren Ash, HOME Network, Karen Laws, Carol Turner, Angela Beal, Angela Jones, Danielle French, Margaret Swaine
© 2025 by A Taste of the Kawarthas Magazine (ATOTK) is a free publication distributed locally an is supported by our advertisers. A Taste of the Kawarthas Magazine or Slither Productions do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.
by Chef Brian Henry Culinary Editor
M
www.thespiceco.square.site
GETTING ALL FIRED UP!
aple sugaring isn’t just a spring activity in Canada — it’s a full-blown seasonal obsession that kicks the crap out of that pumpkin spice thing. Long before stainless steel evaporators and Instagram reels, the people of the Eastern Woodlands figured out that if you cut a careful slash into a maple tree, you could collect the sap in birch bark containers and boil it down in hollowed logs using fire-heated stones. No gadgets. No shortcuts. Just smoke, patience, and grit.
Raw maple sap contains 2–4% sugar. That means you’ve got to boil it down until it hits 5–7 degrees above the boiling point of water to become syrup, meaning it takes 40 litres of sap to make 1 litre of liquid gold. Forty. To. One. Tap only mature Sugar Maples that are at least 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter, roughly 40 years old as they are strong enough to heal the tap hole and come back swinging next season. Maple sugaring rewards patience and punishes shortcuts. There’s a lesson in there.
For my family, this has been an annual tradition for a couple of decades now. We only tap a dozen or so trees the old-school way with buckets and spiles.
Making maple syrup is a long, slow burn. Which is exactly why this Maple Barbecued Pulled Chicken belongs on your table. This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan, 20-minute “I saw it on TikTok” meal. It’s low, slow, making it sweet, smoky, and sticky in all the right ways. Like sugaring season itself, it takes time.
The best traditions are made by hand, shared at the table and they’re kept in the family.
Owner of The Spice Co.
Dirty BBQ Pulled Chicken
INGREDIENTS: Kawartha Maple Barbecue Sauce
2 cups tomato puree
½ cup tomato paste
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup molasses
METHOD:
¼ cup strong coffee
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. yellow or Dijon mustard
1 – 2 Tbsp Kick Ass Cajun Seasoning
From The Spice Co. naturally
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and stir frequently allowing the sauce to reduce until it is thick and sticky. Strain sauce through a sieve and store in jars, refrigerated for 3-4 weeks or in the freezer longer.
INGREDIENTS: Dirty BBQ Pulled Chicken
2 pounds - 1kg of skinless chicken thighs
1 ½ - 2 cups of Kawartha Maple Barbecue Sauce
METHOD:
Place chicken thighs in crock pot or Dutch oven and cover the thighs with the barbecue sauce. If using a slow cooker, cook the thighs in the sauce for 4 hours on a low setting alternately place the Dutch oven in the oven at 295 °F and cook for 3-4 hours. Once the chicken is cooked separate the meat from the bones and discard. Use forks to pull the chicken into shreds.
Serve on onion buns with pickles, mayo and your favorite cheese.
Carol’s Kitchen
TBy Carol Turner Instagram @carolcooks9319
Honey Soy Salmon with Orange, Leek and Radishes over Jasmine Rice
he flavour and texture of radishes transform when roasted or sautéed, changing their pungent bite into a gentler and sweeter flavour. The leeks become buttery and lightly caramelized, while the orange segments provide a fresh brightness. Combined with the citrus forward dressing this combination complements the honey soy salmon and fragrant jasmine rice. The vegetables, dressing and rice can be prepared ahead of time.
INGREDIENTS:
½ pound salmon (two fillets)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon liquid honey
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 radishes, washed, trimmed and quartered
½ medium leek, washed well, cut lengthwise into quarters, then into 3 inch pieces
2 small oranges, peeled and segmented
DRESSING:
½ orange, zested and juiced
1 ½ teaspoons liquid honey
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon minced gingerroot
salt and pepper to taste
¼ small red onion thinly sliced
Micro greens for garnish (optional)
3 cups cooked jasmine rice
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Combine first 5 dressing ingredients. Season and set aside.
3. Combine soy sauce, honey and dried ginger in a small baking dish and add salmon fillets. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
4. Heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat and add leeks and radishes. Stir and reduce heat to medium. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook until vegetables are softened and beginning to brown, roughly 10 minutes (stir frequently to prevent burning).
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Add orange segments and dressing, stirring well to combine. You can leave this at room temperature or gently reheat if you prefer. Do not allow to boil.
7. Cook salmon for 12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.
8. To serve, divide cooked rice onto two plates and with a slotted spoon top with leek, radish and orange mixture. Place salmon on top and drizzle with remaining dressing. Garnish with thinly sliced red onion and micro greens (if using).
CENTRE AND MAIN
PORCH DOG
thanks to kortney Wilson’s husband, ryan, for his recipe!
KAWARTHA COUNTRY WINE
Annyong Bowl
By Chef Tyrone Flowers
This dish is one of our most ordered meals on the menu. When you need a quick, simple, delicious and healthy meal, this is it! It’s a customer favourite and has a fresh burst of flavour with each bite.
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup Jasmine Rice
1/2 an Avocado
2 Poached Eggs
1/3 cup Kimchi
1 tbsp Chilli Crisp
DIRECTIONS:
1.5 tbsp Mayo
1 tsp Green Onion
4-6 thinly shaved Radishes
2 tsp Cucumber
1 tbsp Firikake Rice Seasoning
Add all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix and enjoy!
The Vine
THE VINE VIDEO
CHEFS OF THE KAWARTHAS
Tyrone Flowers: Where Creativity Meets Compassion
TBy Karen Irvine
yrone Flowers didn’t set out with a grand culinary plan—he started cooking out of necessity.
Raised in a single-parent household where his mother wasn’t always home, he began preparing meals for himself and his brother at around 11 or 12 years old. What began as microwave dinners and frozen food gradually evolved into experimenting with cookbooks and flavor combinations. By 14, he was working at Tim Hortons, where he gained an early appreciation for food safety and kitchen discipline. After high school, he took a chance on a pub cooking job despite only having home experience. He never looked back.
In 2023, Flowers opened The Vine in Peterborough. Originally envisioned as a pescatarian Italian eatery, the concept shifted when Flowers realized its close proximity to a local pasta shop would create unnecessary competition. Instead, The Vine leaned into a broader pescatarian focus, offering seafood- and vegetable-forward dishes without red meat or poultry.
Flowers largely runs the kitchen himself, so The Vine hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., though Flowers often arrives by 7 a.m. to prepare baked goods and coffee for early regulars.
Remarkably, he taught himself to bake after opening the restaurant. Aside from a buttermilk biscuit, he had no baking experience. There were failed baguettes and misshapen brioche, but eventually he found confidence in simpler breads like focaccia. Today, everything at The Vine is made in-house, with many pastries plant-based. Customers are often surprised to learn their baked goods contain no eggs or butter.
Flowers’ passion lies in culinary creativity and connection. He enjoys reimagining classic dishes—such as crafting a meatless version of a Philly cheesesteak that replicates the original’s texture and flavor. With an open-concept kitchen, he interacts directly with guests, watching them eat and engaging in conversation. For him, food is a universal love language.
Beyond the restaurant’s daily service, Flowers and his wife have built a meaningful community meal program.
Avocado Tot Waffle
Annyong Bowl
Located near a food bank and temporary housing, they began by offering free coffee and distributing leftover catering items. As the need became clearer, they committed to preparing weekly meals—initially funding about 40 meals per week themselves. Media coverage expanded awareness, and community donations followed. Today, they serve between 80 and 120 meals every Monday, offering nutritious, thoughtfully prepared food with dignity and care.
Donations now play a critical role in sustaining the program. While the restaurant continues to contribute, community support helps offset rising food and supply costs. A donation jar sits on the bar at all times, often filled with small bills and occasionally larger contributions. Flowers notes that cash donations are especially helpful, simplifying accounting and allowing funds to be directed immediately toward ingredients and essentials. Local partnerships
also assist, including suppliers who provide free takeout containers and organizations that share grocery gift cards when available. For Flowers, the generosity has been humbling—proof that many people want to help but simply need a tangible way to do so.
Despite physical strain, rising costs, and the realities of running a small business, Flowers remains committed to both sustainability and service. The Vine hosts drag brunches, buffets, creative markets, and collaborates with local businesses. It has won multiple food festival awards and recently launched the Lentil Giant food line, featuring soups, sauces, and condiments. Through constant adaptation, creativity, and generosity, Tyrone Flowers has built more than a restaurant—he has created a welcoming community space grounded in resilience, inclusivity, and heart.
KAWARTHA WHOLESALE BKRY
CHEMONG LODGE CASINO
CHEMONG LODGE VIP
I
Kortney Wilson
By Jay Cooper Designer, TV Host, Musician, Actress
t’s been five long years since I last had the pleasure of interviewing Kortney Wilson. A lot has happened since, and with the debut of her new show, ‘Life is Messy’ just on the horizon, I thought what better time to catch up. Kortney and Kenny are helping families regain control from clutter and disorganization. This is the synopsis of this project. Same busy lady with an added husband and podcast in tow, we chatted about what The Home Network audience was in for with the new show!
Jay Cooper (ATOTK): I wanted to say ‘Happy belated Birthday’ to you. It’s been five years since your last feature in ATOTK. New show ‘Life is Messy’. You also got married, congrats!
Kortney Wilson (KW): Thank you. A lot has changed. I didn’t meet him until five years ago next month. Crazy to think that our anniversary is coming up. It’s just flown by. Life is definitely less messy with him. (laughs)
ATOTK: You’re super busy. Television show, real estate, furniture line at ‘The Brick’, you have a podcast, family travel, anything I’m missing in all of this?
KW: Yeah. A little sleep. (laughs) Since we last spoke, I started the podcast, ‘The Shit Stick of Life’. I’m pretty transparent on it. That’s my place to be really transparent about my life, which isn’t perfect, and has been messy, and I think it’s been awesome to watch everything connecting the dots between the show and my life.
Now, when it came time to do another TV show, I was like, listen, I don’t think that I can do another happy, happy. Demo day, more electrical issues. We have termites again. I was like, I’ve already done that.
I wanted to get really real. To work on a show where we’re dealing with real people, real issues, problems that aren’t necessarily solved with a $200,000 budget.
Because life is messy, it’s just about cleaning up our act. So that’s where this show was born. I couldn’t be happier now, and how it’s turned out.
ATOTK: I’ve watched the first episode of ‘Life is Messy’. Hit series it will be! Kenny is back with you again. KW: Kenny and I are legit like brother and sister. It’s
awesome. He just came here with his boyfriend a few months ago. Kenny stood at my wedding. He was my flower man. I said, dude, you can’t steal the show. But he almost stole the show going down the aisle. It was so funny. It’s so cute. I love that we’re working together again. I don’t know that I would wanna work with anybody else.
Continued on page 44
Rice Wine Anyone?
Hello readers!! Is it spring yet? After a rough winter I think we all deserve a nice spring followed by a lovely summer. Don’t you? Well I had the pleasure of visiting Cambodia and Vietnam during the worst of the winter and discovered a whole new world of wine.
Rice wine! Both Cambodia and Vietnam are among the worlds top 10 producers of rice and it only seems fitting they produce rice wine as well. It is an alcoholic beverage fermented from... you guessed it, rice. It is traditionally consumed in East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The rice wine is made by the fermentation of rice starch, during which microbes enzymatically convert polysaccharides to sugar and then to ethanol. Blah, blah, blah, with the science stuff, let’s chat about its’ origins and what to pair with it.
The Chinese call their rice wine mijiu, the Japanese sake and the Koreans cheongju, dansul and takju. I was on the border of Vietnam and Cambodia when dinner started, when I was served this wine we were officially in Cambodia. The Vietnamese call it rurou gao and the Cambodians call it sra peang and it is a tradition that has graced celebrations for centuries.
ware jug, covered and allowed to ferment for at least one month. The strength of this alcoholic beverage is typically 15 to 25 percent alcohol by volume.
Jennifer Boksman
What we sampled at dinner was more than likely 25%!! It was a very different experience for me as a wine drinker. I have had sake, but this wine in Cambodia was so different from that. Not even a comparison comes to my mind. Question: did I like it? Well I believe it is an acquired taste like fine scotches, grappa or any other specialty drink. Would I order it often ...no, but I highly encourage you to try it. You don’t know until you try as my mother always said to me as a kid.
@needfulthings2021
15 Cambridge St S Lindsay 705-878-2001
The production of rice wine is a traditional craft in Cambodia that is passed down from the ancient Khmer ancestors and is prevalent all across the regions of Cambodia. The fermented glutinous rice is mixed with several kinds of local herbs, including leaves and roots. The types and amount of herbs added differ according to ethnic group and region. It is then put into a large earthen-
Now what should we pair it with food wise to bring out its’ unique flavours. Rice wine pairs best with savory, salty, and fried foods or dishes featuring bold, fermented flavours like kimchi. Try some dumplings, pork belly or duck! You may also pair it with mild cheeses, like Brie or Camembert. And for a dessert try pear slices, mango sticky rice or honey drizzled figs.
I think it is a great idea to step outside of our red and white wine comfort zones and try something different. Pop by Needful Things in downtown Lindsay at 15 Cambridge St. S. and let me know your thoughts.
Until next time, thanks for reading, Happy Spring! - Jennifer
NEEDFUL THINGS
HOME Spring Reset
Aby Danielle French South Pond Home www.southpondfarms.ca
fter months of closed windows, cozy layers and mounds of snow here in Peterborough, I felt, like many of us, a real lift this past week, when the temperatures crept up toward 0 degrees and the sun was bright. There was a smell of spring from the thawing ground and the snow quietly evaporating in the warmth. My dogs certainly sensed it! They were electric all week, jumping, barking at the million squirrels in the neighbourhood, at anything at all that dares to move.
Inside, I find myself eyeing the furniture and my overall space. What could shift and what could be put away? It’s a “disease” and not just with me.. My youngest daughter, Aubrey Rose, has it too. We move furniture around seasonally, like we might adapt our wardrobe; we re-arrange our space and it always makes us happy. It drives Shawn, my husband, crazy. I wonder what that impulse says about us, always wanting change? Never satisfied with things the way they are? Or is it something else, more creative? Are we expressing ourselves and our surroundings to match how we feel inside? Restlessness? Maybe. Spring has that way of bringing that out in all of us.
My spring reset isn’t about perfection or reinventing everything in my house. It’s a gentle response to the season. I love that the afternoons and early evenings are light. The morning dog walks are no longer in the dark. Opening the windows. Letting in the light. Shifting things just enough to feel the change. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to make our space, and ourselves, feel renewed.
Or a reset might be swapping pillows out for fresher colours. Or filling a vase with flowers in energizing tones, like picking up the fuchsia left over from Valentine’s day. I might move the chairs around, opening up the view of the lake. Create a new focal point in my room with colour. It doesn’t require spending money, although sometimes a small addition, like a candle, a table runner or a simple vase, breathes new energy into a room.
When we lived on the farm, I had more space to
by
Photo
Sandy MacKay
“My spring reset is a gentle response to the season.”
work with and could rearrange rooms with ease. It was usually my office that became the experiment, much to the chagrin of those I worked with. I usually start moving things around when I notice the change in light, what am I looking at when I am enjoying a morning coffee, or when darkness settles in. Sometimes the answer is as simple as moving a lamp, angling a chair differently, pulling in a small side table or highlighting a corner.
Spring also calls for clearing away the layers that accumulated over winter. The stack of old magazines, the books that have quietly piled up, the extra pillows crowding the couch or the dried flowers from fall still hanging on in a vase. In colder months, I tend to pull things in around me, like an added layer of warmth. But as the days grow longer, less definitely feels like more. I like to begin by removing almost everything, within reason, and then thoughtfully placing back only what I truly love or want to see each day. Do we need as many blankets now that the sun is returning? I know that there is truth to the expression: clean space, clear mind.
I love clipping a few branches and placing them in a vase, watching tiny green leaves pop out within days. Even houseplants that look tired can be revived by moving them to a new spot or trimming away what isn’t thriving. My reset doesn’t mean the junk pile, it can simply mean re-imagining and re-purposing.
And in the end, even if the room isn’t perfect, it’s different and it’s a change. Both are good, Change is healthy and energizing. The cooler temperatures always come back in the fall and the darker, earthy colours return and blankets are close. But for now, I’m letting the light in. Shifting a chair. Clearing a table. Relax and breathe.
Contractor, TV Host, Reality Show, Model Kenny Brain
SBy Jay Cooper
omething happened 5 years ago, when an unknown name appeared next to Kortney Wilson on The Home Network. Who is Kenny Brain, the contractor? We now know he is the driving force that creates the finished product from the vision and design. From ‘Making it Home with Kortney and Kenny’ to ‘Life is Messy’, they are still inspiring and entertaining viewers from coast to coast.
Jay Cooper (ATOTK): Hi Kenny! It’s nice to chat with you! You were the contractor on ‘Making it Home with Kortney and Kenny, ‘ and the new show, ‘Life is Messy’. I had a chance to watch the first episode, and it’s a hit!
Kenny Brain (KB): Thank you very much. I’m super proud of it, that means a lot to me.
ATOTK: Your bio is quite interesting. Male model. Big Brother show, business degree and contractor. Did you come from a construction background?
KB: Not really. My father was a woodworker of sorts. He worked in the forestry department, and he comes from a line of woodsmen and woodworkers. So, there was influence, but in terms of actual construction, the extent of it was being forced to help build a deck or a shed when I was a kid. (Laughs) But it set the
foundation, just set the breadcrumbs leading me to what I’m currently doing. Unbeknownst to me.
ATOTK: You went to post-secondary school for a business degree, and you modelled on the side?
KB: No. I went to Memorial University and got a BBA, then I moved to Montreal. I moved to Montreal to work in an office for business development and sales. I got a modelling contract not long after I moved there. I’ve got the creative and the business acumen, on the other hand.
ATOTK: Big Brother. Was that your first foray into television?
KB: No, modelling on television. I was doing that, and one of my friends was a big fan of Big Brother. I personally had never seen it before. I wasn’t a fan of reality TV. She said, Kenny, you’d be perfect
Continued on page 46
DESIGN TIPS & TRENDS
SPRING IS A RESET - Not Just for Your Closets, But for Your Core
Spring isn’t about cleaning. It’s about alignment. This is your season. Get the most out of life. Your home is not just where you live. It is a living extension of your body, your mind, and your emotional state. Every room reflects something happening inside you. When your space is cluttered, chaotic, neglected, or heavy — that energy doesn’t stay in the walls. It shows up in your thoughts, your health, your wealth, your relationships, and your overall abundance. Your home is your core attraction point. It either supports your momentum or quietly drains it.
And in the Year of the Horse — an energy of movement, vitality, bold progress, and forward action — this is not the year to be energetically stalled. This is the year to clear the path and ride forward. Let’s walk your home as if we’re walking your body. Because We Are.
THE ENTRANCE - Your Head & Mental Clarity
Your front entry represents your head. Your thinking. Your mental focus. If shoes are piled up, mail is stacked, coats are hanging like a fabric avalanche, your subconscious is processing clutter before you even take your keys off. That mental static follows you into decision-making, into business, into relationships.
The front door is how life enters. In Feng Shui, it’s the “mouth” of energy. If it’s blocked, dim, or chaotic, opportunities feel harder to access. Spring Reset for the Mind:
• Clear the entry completely. Nothing stored behind the door.
• Edit coats to what you actually wear.
• Remove old mail and paperwork immediately.
• Clean the door and polish the hardware.
• Add light. Add something living.
If your entrance feels calm, your mind follows.
THE LIVING ROOM - Your Nervous System & Social Confidence
This space reflects your ability to connect and relax. Is your furniture arranged for conversation — or is the television the center of gravity? Are surfaces covered in unfinished stacks? Broken décor? Random objects that don’t belong anywhere?
Your nervous system cannot settle in visual chaos. It stays slightly alert. Slightly tense. Slightly “on.”
Spring Reset for Emotional Balance:
• Remove anything broken. Broken items reinforce limitation.
• Create breathing space on tables.
• Rearrange seating to face one another.
• Open the curtains daily.
• Add one element that symbolizes growth — a plant, fresh florals, light.
When this room feels open, you feel more open.
By Angela Jones, Owner & Principal Designer of Lakeshore Designs
THE KITCHEN - Your Nutrition & Wealth Center
The kitchen represents nourishment - both physical and financial. The stove in Feng Shui symbolizes income and incoming opportunity. If it’s greasy, cluttered, or rarely used, it subtly mirrors stagnation in growth.
Pantries packed with expired food reflect old thinking patterns we haven’t cleared.
Spring Reset for Vitality:
• Deep clean the stove and oven.
• Remove expired food.
• Clear counters to essentials.
• Organize one drawer at a time.
• Add fresh fruit as a symbol of abundance.
Your body thrives on clean nutrition. Your mind thrives on clean environments. Your finances thrive in energized spaces.
THE BATHROOM - Release & Detox
Bathrooms represent elimination - what you’re ready to let go of. Cluttered drawers, expired products, empty bottles, broken pumps mirror old habits and stagnant patterns.
Spring Reset for Release:
• Dispose of expired products.
• Clear counter tops.
• Replace worn towels.
• Clean mirrors thoroughly.
• Keep drains clear.
Release creates space for renewal.
THE BEDROOM - Your Heart, Romance & Restoration
This is your heart space. If there is clutter under the bed, you are literally sleeping over stored stress. If your night stands are stacked with paperwork, your mind never truly rests. If laundry is piled in corners, unfinished emotional cycles linger.
Your bedroom must feel safe, calm, and supportive. Spring Reset for the Heart:
• Remove storage under the bed (or only soft linens).
• Clear night stands to simplicity.
• Upgrade tired bedding.
• Remove work materials and devices.
• Soften lighting.
You cannot build an abundant life if you are exhausted. Rest is productive.
DESIGN TIPS & TRENDS
LAUNDRY ROOM - Completion & Discipline
Laundry reflects cycles and follow-through. Halffolded piles and unfinished loads mirror incomplete decisions elsewhere in life.
Spring Reset for Momentum:
• Finish loads the same day.
• Install simple baskets or hooks.
• Remove items you never wear.
• Wipe machines down.
• Keep it fresh and functional. Completion and confidence builds success.
THE YARD - Expansion & Growth
MUDROOM/GARAGE - Movement & Future Vision
These spaces represent forward motion. Your vehicles live here. Your tools. Your gear. If the garage is buried in old paint cans, broken equipment, and things you “might use someday,” you’re subconsciously anchored to the past. And this is the Year of the Horse — forward motion is the theme.
Spring Reset for Progress:
• Clear pathways completely.
• Purge broken tools.
• Donate unused items.
• Sweep floors.
• Organize vertically. You can’t gallop forward dragging yesterday behind you. Continued from previous page
Your yard reflects your external opportunities and future potential. Overgrown hedges and neglected corners mirror neglected goals.
Spring Reset for Expansion:
• Trim and prune.
• Remove debris.
• Plant something new with intention.
• Create a small seating moment.
• Make space to enjoy the life you are building. Success is not just about achieving. It’s about enjoying.
THE REAL SHIFT
This is your season. Get the most out of life. Aligning your home aligns your overall energy. When your space is clear, intentional, and harmonious, it creates an open path — mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That open path allows opportunity to enter more easily. It allows clarity to guide decisions. It allows abundance to circulate instead of stagnate.
When your home is aligned: You think clearer. You rest deeper. You move faster. You attract stronger opportunities. And most importantly, you create a harmonious home where you can share life’s best moments — dinners that linger, conversations that matter, laughter that echoes, quiet mornings that restore you.
This is not about perfection. It is about intention. Your space speaks.
LAKESHORE DESIGNS
KITCHENS DEPOT
2026 KITCHEN TRENDS
WHAT’S NEW THIS YEAR AT KITCHENS DEPOT
By Gary Williams, President ~ Kitchens Depot Peterborough
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, but in 2026 it has become something more: a multi functional living space where cooking, entertaining, working, and gathering seamlessly intersect. Storage is no longer simply about putting things away - it’s about creating calm, beauty, and intuitive function within the most used room of the home.
We are seeing a clear shift toward highly personalized, design-forward storage solutions that elevate everyday living. Hardware is considered much earlier in the design process - not as a final add-on, but as a foundational element. Functional components are influencing cabinet sizing, layout decisions and how storage zones are planned from the start.
The Rise of the Working Pantry
The working pantry has quickly become one of the most requested features in modern kitchen design. More than a place to store food, it functions as a secondary prep and organization zone that keeps the main kitchen pristine. These spaces often include floor-to-ceiling shelving, coffee and beverage stations, and hidden small appliance storage. The result is a kitchen that feels elegant and uncluttered while remaining highly functional.
Quiet Luxury Meets Functional Storage
The era of cluttered counter tops is over. Today’s homeowners are embracing quiet luxury - a design philosophy centered on simplicity, craftsmanship, and intentional living.
Custom drawer inserts, concealed appliance garages, and seamless cabinetry create a serene and cohesive space. Natural wood interiors and integrated lighting elevate storage from purely functional to beautifully intentional.
In 2026, storage is part of the visual design language of the kitchen. True functionality comes from visibility. When you can see and access the full contents of a cabinet at a glance, you eliminate wasted space and make every inch work harder.
Deep Drawers Replace Upper Cabinets
Accessibility and ease of use are shaping kitchen storage in 2026. Deep drawers are replacing traditional cabinets, offering better visibility and improved organization. Custom dividers for cookware, dishes and utensils ensure every item has its place. Many homeowners are also opting for fewer upper cabinets, creating open space and a lighter overall aesthetic.
Hyper-Organized Interiors
Behind every beautiful kitchen is intelligent organization. Today’s cabinetry interiors are engineered for efficiency. Popular features include spice pull-outs beside cooking areas, built-in recycling centers, tray dividers, and hidden charging drawers. These solutions eliminate clutter and streamline everyday routines.
Sustainability and Smart Storage
Sustainability remains a major influence in kitchen design. Homeowners are prioritizing durable cabinetry and storage systems that support environmentally conscious living. Integrated recycling and compost systems, reusable container organization, and motion-activated lighting are becoming standard. Smart storage helps reduce waste while improving functionality.
Multi-Functional Islands with Smart Storage
The kitchen island continues to evolve as the command center of the home. Storage within islands is now highly specialized and tailored.
Designs often include double-sided storage, hidden snack drawers, dish caddy, knife storage and display niches. The island is no longer just for prep - it is a central hub for organization and entertaining.
Designing for Real Life in the Kawarthas
Kawarthas kitchens are designed for gathering and entertaining. Storage must accommodate real life - from large cookware to hosting essentials.
The Future of Kitchen Storage
Looking ahead, kitchen storage will continue to become more personalized and integrated. The most successful kitchens combine thoughtful design with exceptional functionality.
At Kitchens Depot, each kitchen is designed around how our clients live. The goal is always effortless functionality paired with elevated design.
Kitchens Depot believes exceptional storage is the foundation of an exceptional kitchen - and in 2026 that foundation is more beautiful and innovative than ever.
Visit our website at KitchensDepot.ca or come see us at our newly renovated Kitchens Depot’s premier 5,000 SQ FT showroom today and explore the ELEVATE Brand Collection.
GRIFFINS
GARDENING - Serenity In Bloom
By Vikki Whitney Griffin’s Greenhouses
There was a lot of eye rolling when the global company Pantone, experts on colour for trend and design, announced the Colour of the Year for 2026 was “Cloud Dancer”. In their own words they describe “Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201), (as) a billowy, serene off-white designed to offer a calming, quiet, and minimalist influence in a fast-paced, chaotic world. It signifies a shift toward reflection, peace, and simplicity, functioning as a versatile neutral across fashion, design, and technology”.
As a society we do appreciate peace and simplicity but, as designers, a version of white was not what was expected for colour of the year. In past years, the colour selected to celebrate has been salmon, teal, golden yellow, rich red and ocean blue. These choices were easy and welcome colours to add to vibrant garden design. While clothing and home décor will easily steer to an emphasis on white and off-white, adding Cloud Dancer to a Summer garden pallet might be challenging if you prefer a riot of joyous colour after a long, white Winter.
If this calm concept appeals to you, perhaps you will happily integrate a “Moon Garden” (white blooms only), popular in the 1970’s. Others may be excited to design planters of only white blooms and variegated foliage. If you are hosting a white wedding on property this Summer, this might be your plan already; or, if integrating white (admittedly, quite beautiful at dusk and in
moonlight) appeals to you, then the following plant list might be of benefit:
Perennials and Flowering Shrubs: garden and tall phlox, hydrangeas, coneflowers, cranesbill, scabiosa, white bleeding heart, veronica, daisies, Japanese anemone, white joe-pye weed, clematis, roses, hellebore, lilac, astilbe and spirea.
Annuals: petunias, geraniums, impatiens, sunpatiens, begonias, bacopa, nemesia, verbena, gaura, lobelia, cosmos, snapdragons, salvia, lobularia/alyssum and calibrachoa.
White and green variegated foliaged can also enhance “Cloud Dancer” designs. For shade to light sun locations, green and white leaf hosta can fill in big spaces and draw the eye to these darker garden spots. In a combo container, the long succulent-like tendrils of variegated dorotheanthus (meezoo) will create length and add drama to the arrangement.
Real Estate Talk
Living Life to the Fullest in the Kawarthas: Embracing Every Age & Season
TBy Kelli Lovell, Kawartha Kelli
here’s something truly special about life in the Kawarthas—a region where lakes sparkle under the summer sun, forests blaze with autumn color, and communities come alive with small-town warmth and big-hearted spirit.
Whether you’re launching a new chapter, raising a family, or enjoying the golden years, the Kawarthas offer endless ways to live life to the fullest. Every sunrise over Stony Lake and sunset along Pigeon Lake reminds us that life here moves at just the right pace—slow enough to savor, yet rich with opportunity.
In 2026, the Kawarthas are buzzing with events and experiences that make it easy to enjoy every moment. Summer brings the Bobcaygeon Craft Beer and Food Festival, while Fenelon Falls Live! continues to fill the air with music under the stars.
Warmer months are perfect for kayaking through the Trent-Severn Waterway or biking the Victoria Rail Trail, while winter welcomes the Lindsay Frost Festival and cozy weekends spent skating on lake rinks or browsing local artisan markets. Each town—from charming Buckhorn to picturesque Lakefield—has its own way of celebrating life’s simple pleasures.
Residents here connect easily, whether it’s volunteering at a community fund raiser, joining a golf league, or spending a quiet morning fishing at dawn. Local farm-to-table restaurants, scenic hiking trails, and seasonal fairs make it easy to rediscover what matters most: connection, adventure, and balance. And the best part? Every age and stage of life finds a place to thrive here.
If 2026 is your year to start a new chapter—perhaps a cozy cottage by the water, a family home in town, or a peaceful retreat near Bobcaygeon— Kawartha Kelli & Company is here to help. With full real estate services offered at 4% commission, our dedicated team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Life in the Kawarthas isn’t just about where you live - it’s about how you live.
Let us help you find not just a house, but a lifestyle you’ll love in the heart of the Kawarthas. Reach out today to make your next move your best one yet.
KAWARTHA KELLI
EDGEWATER #405 - 200 East Street Updated Suite on 11 manicured ac. Pool , waterfront , clubhouse & docks 11 manicured ac Pool , waterfront , clubhouse & docks
EDGEWATER #405 - 200 East Street . Updated Suite on
EDGEWATER #405 - 200 East Street . Updated Suite on 11 manicured ac. Pool , waterfront , clubhouse & docks
FOREST HILL
Spring on Foot
Discover the Kawarthas Scenic Conservation Trails
“Conservation Areas offer some of the most rewarding walking and hiking trails.”
Spring is the season that invites you outside. The days grow longer, the air feels lighter, and the Kawartha Lakes landscape begins to stretch and breathe again after winter. It is the perfect time to explore on foot, before summer heat arrives and while views remain wide open through the trees. Across the region, Conservation Areas offer some of the most rewarding walking and hiking trails, each with its own character, scenery, and sense of escape.
Just minutes from downtown Lindsay, Ken Reid Conservation Area is often the first stop for spring walkers, and for good reason. Its trail network weaves through hardwood forest, cedar stands, and open spaces that gradually reveal one of the area’s most striking features.
A viewing platform overlooks the Provincially Significant McLaren Marsh, a rich wetland that comes alive in spring with birds and wildlife. Beyond the marsh, Sturgeon Lake stretches out in the distance, offering a calm, expansive view that feels far removed from town.
Whether you are out for a short walk or a longer loop, Ken Reid delivers variety, accessibility, and a front row seat to the season’s return.
For those drawn to elevation and big landscapes, Windy Ridge Conservation Area offers a very different experience. Set atop the Oak Ridges Moraine, Windy Ridge features rolling terrain and noticeable elevation changes that make
Ken Reid Conservation Area
Discover Kawarthas Scenic Conservation Trails
Continued from previous page
Visit the Trent-Severn Waterway
every walk feel a little more adventurous. Trails rise and fall through hardwood forest and open meadows, with scenic viewpoints that showcase the moraine’s sweeping contours. In spring, before leaves fully emerge, long views across the countryside are especially striking. It is a place that rewards effort, offering both a physical challenge and a sense of standing above the landscape.
A quieter but equally engaging walk can be found at Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area. Here, trails follow the beginnings of a river system that shapes much of the surrounding watershed.
The landscape feels subtle and reflective, with mixed forest, low lying areas, and gently winding paths that encourage a slower pace. Spring highlights the connections between land and forest here, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy observation as much as movement.
Completing the experience is Fleetwood Creek Natural Area, another Oak Ridges Moraine gem that surprises visitors with its variety and scenery. Trails dip and climb through forested sections and open areas that feel expansive and inviting. The elevation changes add interest underfoot, while views across the rolling moraine landscape are among the most scenic in the region. In many places, the combination of open sky and layered terrain creates vistas that are both dramatic and peaceful, making Fleetwood Creek a favourite for walkers who enjoy both movement and visual reward.
Together, these Conservation Areas showcase the diversity that defines walking in the Kawartha Lakes. From marshland views and lakeshore lookouts to rolling hills and forested trails, spring offers a chance to experience them all at their most welcoming. Whether you are planning a weekend outing, a quiet solo walk, or a shared afternoon outdoors, these trails provide an easy and memorable way to step into the season.
Land-based visitors are welcome to explore the locks along the Trent–Severn Waterway completely free of charge. Unlike many national parks or national historic sites, there is no admission fee to visit the lock stations by land, making it an easy and affordable day trip for families, couples, and visitors of all ages.
Ken Reid Conservation Area
Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area
Windy Ridge Conservation Area
Most lock sites feature beautiful green spaces, well-maintained grounds, and scenic waterfront views. Visitors can stroll the grounds, relax under the trees, or settle in for a picnic by the water. One of the highlights is watching boats pass through the historic locks — a fascinating process that has connected communities across Ontario for over a century. During operating hours, washrooms are available and friendly lock staff are on site to answer questions and share information.
The Canada Strong Pass returns in 2026, offering even more reasons to plan a visit. From June 19 to September 7, 2026 (inclusive), a 25% discount applies to fees for thru-camping, reservable camping, oTENTiks, and rustic cabins (where available). The discount is automatically applied at the time of booking through the reservation system.
Popular lock stations for land-based visitors include Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, Buckhorn, Lakefield, and Peterborough. Each offers its own unique charm and inviting waterfront setting — perfect for spending a relaxing summer day outdoors.
The Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) offers a range of camping & roofed accommodation options for visitors. There are two types of tent camping: reservable camping, (can be booked in advance at select lockstations), and thru-camping, offered on a first-come, first-served basis for boaters. At Lock 35 – Rosedale, visitors can enjoy reservable tent camping, stay in a comfortable oTENTik, or book a rustic cabin. Lock 24 – Douro also offers oTENTik accommodations. While Parks Canada does not maintain official walking trails, many nearby towns provide serviced trails close by. Visitors can explore the scenic Dewey’s Island Nature Reserve trails and can check with local tourism organizations for additional recommendations.
For more information, go to parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern
global
The Three Faces of Tulum GETAWAY
Wby Margaret Swaine Columnist and Author www.margaretswaine.com
hen I first travelled to Tulum Mexico a couple of decades ago it was a small sleepy town with a fantastic beach and much of its Mayan culture still very present. The wandering hippies of the world had discovered it and eco lodges that focused on yoga and healthy lifestyles were the first tourist offerings. Air conditioning was nonexistent and mosquitoes were in abundance.
I’d had a traumatic injury to my hand that more than two years of physiotherapy had barely improved so I went there for an appointment with a gifted Mayan healer. This shaman of sorts, got more movement out of my fingers in several sessions than those years of painful rehab. I went back a year later for more help. While the sessions still yielded results, I could feel the place was already changing. Several restaurants, still open air, but fancier and pricier had sprung up and some fully air conditioned five star boutique hotels had been built.
This coastal town by the Caribbean Sea in the Yucatan Peninsula was becoming a desired destination, known for its expanse of white sand beaches and Bohemian atmosphere.
However, I wasn’t prepared for how much the place had evolved when I returned again last November. There was still a single road leading into the coastal strip now known as the Zona Hotelera. The seemingly endless sandy beach was still magnificent and the waters bright azure. But it had been discovered by all sorts of enterprises aimed at every type of traveller. There were massive discos, Michelin recognized restaurants, luxury condos, clothing boutiques and other shops as well as multiple deluxe air conditioned hotels stretching side by side down the strip.
Construction was all around even within or next door to a couple of our hotels. The peace was gone and the noise sometimes intrusive.
And this was just the beach strip of Tulum, not the city
Beach, National Park
“...you pick up what vibe you want as there are at least three faces of Tulum.”
itself which had its own growth explosion with more affordable lodging and markets. Don’t get me wrong. There are still many excellent reasons to vacation in Tulum. It’s just now you pick what vibe you want as there are at least three faces of Tulum; the party places, the quiet romance hideaways and the family spots - plus some that straddle all three.
The first hotel we stayed in, La Valise, was on a quieter part of the beach with additional accommodation in the “jungle” across the road. The beach side had the advantage of a restaurant open to the sound and smells of the sea. The jungle side boasted a large pool, lots of greenery and an excellent bar with attentive staff. The food, mainly Mexican, was uniformly delicious and generous in portion. They had a decent spa but the best part was their affiliated restaurant on the jungle side, the Michelin recognized NU. www.lavalisetulum.com
NU was a fun, somewhat exciting spot to dine. The menu was elevated Mexican with dishes such as Hamachi Tiradito, Duck Tartlet with Pink Mole, grilled local Campeche prawns, the local catch of the day and Beef Tetela (corn dough filled with oxtail). We liked it so much we returned to dine there twice. www.nutulum.com
Our next place was La Zebra, its rooms more contemporary, the beach area livelier and music a constant companion from about 10am in the morning until well after supper. We loved our room which was large, well laid out, with a terrace facing the sea, oodles of closet space and plenty of comfortable spots to sit. www. lazebratulum.com
This was a place that appealed to families and couples alike. Their beach and its bar was busy but with many canopied sunbeds to accommodate the crowds. The sports bar had two large screens live streaming the latest games. There
White Sand and Beach La Valise, Tulum
Local Grilled Prawns, NU Restaurant
La Zebra Bar and Beach
global
GETAWAY
Continued from previous page
was an intimate small pool and bar on a second level above the main dining room. Those who wanted to exercise could access the yoga studio and spa in their sister property Lulu right next door. Shopping was right across the road with boutiques such as La Bikineria selling locally made fashion. There were also taco stands, drink kiosks, and other fast food places for a cheap snack.
When we took a cab at night to Mezzanine, another sister property, to enjoy a Thai meal by the sea within about five minutes we were in clubland with the boom and blast of disco music filling the air. Well dressed crowds were milling about waiting to get in. Traffic was so jammed up it took us a while to pass through. Rumour had it that these giant clubs were a favoured spot for some of the cartels to launder money. We didn’t stop to investigate. www/mezzaninetulum.com
Our third hotel, Bespoke, was an entirely different scene. Just ten minutes drive from Tulum, down a long dirt road, it was nestled in serene Tankah Bay. The beach was not as well tended as the one on the hotel strip so we practically had it to ourselves when we went walking. It was shared with one other hotel and several private homes and bracketed by untamed jungle on one end and a fishing wharf on the other.
Bespoke was a condo residence with one to four bedroom fully equipped apartments. It was a perfect place for families and we saw many taking advantage of the in-room kitchens. (In the evening the hotel’s dining room was fairly quiet.) We were upgraded to a three bedroom, three bathroom penthouse with sweeping views of the sea and jungle. It was so gorgeous that we ate in room mostly and only left it for a swim in the sea and walk along the beach. www.thebespoke.com
The last hotel we stayed in was in the government protected Jaguar Park, an archaeological zone where ancient Mayan ruins are located. Visitors to the Park pay a fee, hotel guests included, but this had the advantage of keeping the crowds away. The ruins, the remains of a 13th century fortified city, originally called Zama (City of Dawn) are open daily from 8am to 5pm and well worth a visit. Electric shuttles and golf carts transport visitors from the main entrance to the ruins and beaches.
This meant our adult only hotel, Mi Amor, was also free of the noise of people and traffic. The place is designed as a love nest, complete with an “intimacy kit” as a playful in room amenity. Breakfast is served until 11am, rooms are screen free (no TV’s) and guests are encouraged to “reconnect” with each other. For beach access guests can go next door to a quite secluded public beach. On property was a small infinity pool and two room spa.
Food was top notch and diners could choose to sit in a shallow part of the pool with their feet dangling in the water if they wished. They could also take a cocktail class for two in the pool or dine on the rocks by the sea in a private cabana. Honeymooners might decide to go all out with breakfast in bed, a couples massage, cocktail class and dinner on the rocks. www.tulumhotelmiamor.com
As I said, just pick your vibe when going to Tulum to make the most of it - and life - tailored for you.
Private Pool & View from Penthouse at Bespoke
BARKING WITH PURPOSE
Your Dog Isn’t Barking to Be Annoying
Here’s what they’re actually trying to tell you.
If you live with a barking dog, you already know how quickly it can wear on your nerves - ask me how I know! The noise. The neighbours. The feeling that you should have this under control by now.
Most advice focuses on how to make the barking stop. That’s usually where things go wrong.
Barking isn’t disobedience. It isn’t a bad habit. And it’s rarely about a dog being stubborn or difficult. Barking is communication. It’s information.
Dogs bark because something is unclear, unmet, or unmanaged in their world. When that message doesn’t land, barking doesn’t fade out. It escalates. Louder. Longer. More frequently.
Some dogs bark to alert you that something has changed. Others bark because barking has worked before and gotten them what they want. Some bark out of boredom or frustration because their brain has nowhere useful to go, so that pent-up energy just ‘pops out.’ Anxiety can drive barking too, especially when routines are unpredictable or stress builds quietly. And then there’s play barking, often misunderstood, sometimes harmless, but capable of tipping into trouble when excitement runs unchecked.
Yelling “BE QUIET!!!” doesn’t address any of that. Neither does ignoring it and hoping it goes away.
By Karen Laws
What actually reduces barking long-term is clarity. Structure. Predictable routines. Every Single Day. Teaching calm as a skill. Giving dogs a purpose instead of just wearing them out with mindless expenditure of energy. When dogs understand what’s expected and feel supported, they stop needing to shout.
I break this down in detail in my latest YouTube episode, including the most common barking mistakes owners make and what actually changes things without force or frustration.
If barking has become background noise in your home, this episode is worth watching. You can find the full video on my YouTube channel. And while you’re there, please subscribe to get free access to practical guidance that helps dogs and owners live more comfortably together. www.youtube.com/@TheOntarioDogTrainer Remember, Calm is teachable; Silence comes from clarity.
Learn more about calm, connected living with your dog at ontariodogtrainer.com
KAREN LAWS
KAREN LAWS
Kortney Wilson
ATOTK: How did Kenny get brought in with you? Did he audition for it?
KW: Yeah, great question. After I got divorced, we were looking for a new cohost. I was heartbroken at the time, and I also wanted to take steps forward. Initially, we were gonna do a show around finding a cohost. Like a competition show. This is something I don’t think I’ve ever shared. Planning the show, but COVID happened. We decided to do virtual casting. They hired a casting company and went through a bunch of people without those people knowing who I was or which show it was. It’s a show that’s well known on TV and we’re looking for a new host. On the first day there were 200 people. I got to the second one, and I was bawling my eyes out. I’m not gonna be able to do this. Get it down to 20 or less, and then let me know. They presented roughly 10 for a screen test.
They were all lovely except one or two. I remember saying, I would really love it if this guy was gay. (laughs) I was in a place where I didn’t need any rumours. There was already a rumour mill, as with the divorce, I don’t want any of that. Straight, unmarried guys on the show. I wasn’t opposed to it, but wouldn’t that be nice if? So that was always in the back of my head.
Then I met Kenny. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. I think that’s really important when you’re gonna work with somebody to have transparency and honesty, and that’s what makes a great relationship and what makes for a great show. So that’s how Kenny got the job. He’s a beautiful gay man, a great contractor and funny as hell. He checked a lot of boxes.
ATOTK: ‘Life is Messy’ is a show you’ve never done. What attracted you to this kind of concept?
KW: I wanted to tell stories, Jay. Like I had this crazy story that I was holding inside about my life. It reminded me that everybody has a story. Everybody has struggled. Everybody gets hit by the shit stick of life. The real lessons are in how we overcome it. And so, this show. Not just renovating spaces, much more. One couple lost their sense of their relationship because they’re parenting, his job, and her going back
to work. It’s so relatable. There are other episodes where it’s a single mother who can’t afford her own home. She’s living on one level of her parents’ house. How does she make that work so she can be fulfilled and give her son a better life than what she had? There’s another couple who have messaged me over and over, saying we’ve changed their lives, and I’m dating my husband again.
How to function in your house so you’re not stressed or screaming at your spouse or kids or going to bed crying at night because it’s all these little things adding up. That’s something relatable. That’s why I wanted to do the show. I hope to do more of these shows.
ATOTK: You’re not just dealing with brick and mortar, you’re dealing with people’s emotions and heads. That’s a pretty heavy ask. I was wondering if there was a psychologist involved in case somebody goes off the rails?
KW: You’re not wrong, as that was considered. I always say a realtor has many hats. We play a therapist, a lawyer, and an accountant. I felt I was actually equipped more than most to play that role, but it really came down to a lot of emotional stuff, especially in the warehouse.
The reality that it was a real thing that our couples
“Everybody has struggled. The real lessons are in how we overcome it.”
had to do. They’re essentially going back into a warehouse after we emptied the home, and they’re shopping their own stock. Those decisions that they make directly affect my design decisions. It’s hard and, sometimes, not being able to get rid of household items. It’s way more emotional and deeper issues than what appears to be on the surface.
ATOTK: Now, you would love to have my house on this show. You would say to me, “You’ve got 15 guitars and four amps, all this stuff. When’s the last time you played and used all those?” My response would be, GET THE HELL OUT! (laughs)
KW: So yeah, you’re not being cast on the show. (laughs) It wasn’t just about letting go - it was about creating priorities and really having to re-evaluate things.
ATOTK: Will we see some cliff hangers?
KW: There are some cliff hangers and we obviously are super sensitive, because this is not about shaming anybody for not being able to make decisions like other families could. They’re all different. This was about embracing their story and where they were at. There are a couple of episodes where you’ll notice that we did not take on all of the rooms because we didn’t make enough decisions in letting go. That’s not a shame thing, it’s just that they weren’t ready. This
was not about the best transformations I’ve ever done. That’s not what this show is. They’re great reveals for what you can do in 10 days, and they’re absolutely relatable.
ATOTK: I was relieved to see that you circled back to check in.
KW: It is a great element to the show to be able to go back after the cameras are gone. See how they’re now living, because where we put things away may not be what actually works. Or opposite. That could happen in most cases for this show. What we found is by going back, and even now, hearing from some of the families months later, they took on more spaces in their homes. They did the same process because they now know it works. They now know that it changed how they single handedly functioned in the house.
ATOTK: The show is great and can’t wait for further episodes myself. What are you currently up to?
KW: We’re growing the Kort & Co. brand. I am showing houses here in Nashville. We’re done filming second season for the podcast. However, we’re considering doing a couple of episodes with some of the families from this season at some point, so we can do a little behind the scenes conversation. I’ll have to keep you posted on that. Then we’ll be back to filming in a couple of months with season three for the podcast. So, it’s busy. I’m also doing a lot of home shows, I’m about to go to Vancouver next and very excited to be back on Canadian soil.
ATOTK: I’ve never been prouder to be a Canadian at this point.
KW: I feel that.
ATOTK: I’ve taken up so much of your time again, but it’s nice to catch up every five years. Hopefully we’ll talk in less than five years. How’s that?
KW: Sounds good, Jay. Thank you so much!
Kenny Brain
for this show. I didn’t know what that meant. I don’t know if that’s necessarily a compliment or if you’re secretly digging me. Just try it out she said. I was all about experience, squeeze whatever you can from life, so why the hell not? I went and tried out, and I couldn’t believe it, but I got on the show.
ATOTK: What was that experience like for you?
KB: You’re basically locked in a home. I was there for 43 days: no phones, no books, no television, no pencils, no pens. You’re completely segregated from the rest of humanity.
I loved it. It’s not a set, it’s literally a home. You don’t see any of the cameras. They’re all hidden in the walls, and that’s the whole point of it, right? It’s a social experiment where they put people from different backgrounds, different mentalities, and put them in a house. They basically pressure cook them and see what happens. It was an incredible experience. Really hard. Absolutely much harder than I ever could have anticipated, but I absolutely do not regret it. I loved it, and it actually weirdly led me to being on The Home Network, because one of the producers who reached out to me was from Big Brother to audition for this renovation show, ‘Making it Home.’
ATOTK: After Big Brother, you became a contractor who then auditioned for ‘Making it Home?’
KB: I had tried the TV thing with Big Brother, and I wasn’t sure that I really wanted to put my hat in that ring anymore. I was working on my own business at the time. I was doing renovations in the Lower Mainland on the West Coast. I was happy, I thought I checked that off my bucket list. I had no idea what the actual show was; they couldn’t tell me at the time. They just said, it’s a great show. It’s established. We think you’re perfect for it. So I did. So happy I did, obviously. (laughs)
ATOTK: You read for the show during the Pandemic?
KB: We never got to meet each other, just on Zoom, until we started filming. The network was taking a chance, Kourtney was taking a chance. What if we hated each other? What if we didn’t have chemistry in person? I think everybody was waiting on bated breath to see how it would all come together.
ATOTK: ‘Life is Messy’. This is more than a Reno show. Did you get personally invested in these projects?
KB: Without doubt, 100%. These are real people going through very real life, and a lot of times they have shame attached to these situations. We wanted to take the shame out of it. This is a very accessible, very real and relatable issue that most people go through. That doesn’t make it any less hard. So when you’re dealing with these people, you connect with them on a very real level, and it’d be impossible not to be 100% invested.
ATOTK: I’ve only seen the first episode. Highlights for you?
KB: There were a couple of highlights. There are specific stories, but it’s when the process really feels like it lands, like it’s actually going to change their life. These processes and systems that we’re implementing move forward with them in a positive way that will impact their life in a positive way. The one thing I love about the show, too, is that we check back in with them a little while later to see how things are going. For a couple of homeowners, it has truly changed their lives. What more do you want, right?
“These are real people going through very real life. We wanted to take the shame out of it.”
ATOTK: The episode I did see, you were building the double liquor cabinet.
KB: They were the best. They had the energy, which was one of the episodes that I loved because there wasn’t a heaviness to it. There was a readiness; they were ready to move into this next chapter of their life. He had golden retriever energy. That’s the only way I can explain it. He was just so ready and so full of life. I had so much fun with them.
ATOTK: You’re not just a contractor because you do put your 2 cents in on design also. Learned or innate?
KB: It’s a little of both. Desire for artistic outlets. Being involved with so many designers and seeing things come together, and also just being a gay man, it’s hard not to be part of the reason. Part of the reason Kortney chose me. (laughs)
ATOTK: Things we don’t know about Kenny - are you a pilot, Scrabble champion? Chef?
KB: I am a man of many facets. I love cooking. I just
made a delicious ragu last night. I love travelling. I’m an avid outdoorsman. I still have an off-grid cabin in central Newfoundland. Cooking outdoors, voracious reader. We’re going to South Africa on a rhino rehabilitation trip. I like squeezing all of life’s juice as much as I possibly can.
ATOTK: Anything else you’d like to add to your Canadian viewing audience?
KB: Close it out with how excited and proud I am of the show. It’s not major renovations, and everybody should love the home that they have, and this allows them to do that. Accessible to so many people. This is what I’ve wanted to do since getting into this industry. I’m really looking forward to everyone getting to experience what we poured our heart and soul into.
ATOTK: Lovely chatting. Thank you so much.
KB: Likewise. You have a good day, Jay!
Instagram @kennybrain
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GRIFFIN’S GREENHOUSES
Pantone has named Cloud Dancer as the Color of the Year for 2026. Described as a soft, airy, and billowy white, this shade is intended to offer a “whisper of calm” and a serene, neutral foundation to combat a chaotic world, emphasizing quiet reflection and intentional simplicity. Participants in this workshop will experience the calm in the creation of a beautiful white and green arrangement in a milky white 10” glass planter.
A double stem orchid plant will be the feature and surrounding it will be a selection of white blooming accent plants and soft green foliage. A sweet “tweet” white ceramic bird figurine will be nestled amongst the plants, along with decorative moss. Beautiful! Do note that is workshop has been created in the spirit of the Colour of the Year, there will not be any traditionally “colourful” plants included in this workshop, only tones of white and green. This is an elegant planter for indoor decor, perhaps on a kitchen island or dining table.
A classic beige ceramic footed planter is the container in this unique workshop. It is 8″ round and 5″ tall – perfect for the centre of the Easter table or to give as a beautiful hostess gift.
Your choice (upon registration) will be to make your design a planted one featuring potted plants such as calla lilies, ranunculus, ivy, ferns, spring bulbs and more or to make a fresh flower arrangement (in water) with an abundance of cut flower stems such as lisianthus, stocks, spray roses, eucalyptus and more. Your designers will be Vikki for the folks who decide to plant and a certified florist for those who decide to make a fresh arrangement. Both designs will be happening at the same time in each session – it will be fun watching each group be creative! Lots of colour choice for both styles will be offered as well as bonus accents like pussy willows, decorative moss (planted version) and seasonal decor picks.
KAWARTHA COUNTRY WINES
With step-by-step instructions and a fun, supportive atmosphere, you’ll be dancing to the rhythm in no time!
New participants will also receive a colourful hip scarf. This scarf will be used during classes and for at-home practice. Best of all, it’s yours to keep once the series ends!
*Regular & Plus Size scarf options
Each class includes a glass of wine, cider or non-alcoholic sparkling cider!
Wednesday, May 6
Wednesday, May 13
Wednesday, May 20
Wednesday, May 27
7-8PM
Pre-registration is required. There will be no refunds for this special series.
Check their website for more upcoming events! www.kawarthacountrywines.ca
CHEMONG LODGE
Casino Royale in Support of the PRHC Foundation
Dust off your formal wear for an elegant Black Tie evening of high-stakes fun, live jazz, and community fundraising! 100% of net auction proceeds being donated to the PRHC Foundation, keeping care close to home at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Gaming & Entertainment - Whether you’re a seasoned high-roller or total beginner, we invite you to step into a world of professional play with tables for Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and Slots.
Live Entertainment - 2x Juno Award winner Fergus Hambleton & Co. will provide a sophisticated live jazz soundtrack for an unforgettable night.
Auction Highlights - Bid on exclusive items in our Silent Auction throughout the evening, or join the high-energy Live Auction hosted by local heavyweight Pete Dalliday! Don’t forget- 100% of net auction proceeds will go directly to the PRHC Foundation.
Culinary Offerings - Guests will indulge in a Premium Selection of Passed Canapés & Signature Lodge Oyster Bar. *food is included and a cash bar will be available for spirits, refreshments, and signature cocktails.
Check their website for more upcoming events! www.chemonglodge.com/calendar
