Strøm Magazine – Autumn / Winter 2019-2020 Edition

Fall/Winter 2019-2020 / Issue Nine

C E N T R E D O N B A L A N C E / A R C H I T E C T U R E / N A T U R E / H O L I S T I C H E A LT H

THEMED FE ATURES

In this issue ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN 8

Cittaslow: The Cities That Take It Easy, by Hugues Lefebvre-Morasse I N S P I R AT I O N 12

Reconnecting with Yourself: A Conversation with Sandra Laznik Caregivers: Breaking through Isolation, Conversation with Rebecca Makonnen Live Out Your Ambition the Right Way, by Marie-Claude Trudeau WORLD 24

Travel Better by Being Still, by Voyageurs du Monde H O L I S T I C H E A LT H 2 8

CBD: The Wellness Industry’s New Muse Children, Massage and the Spa, by Pierre Blais Do Not Empty Your Mind: A Conversation with Meditation Teacher Dawn Mauricio Slowing Down to Benefit Your Child’s Brain, by Marie-Ève Caron LIVING 48

Aging Well: The Art of Staying Young, by Katlyne Lefebvre Five Books to Take Your Time With, by Nicolas Gendron An Oasis in the Heart of Winter: Three Perfect Plants, by Émilie Coulombe Five Cottages to Unwind In, by Frédérique Sauvée

PIERRE BLAIS

ÉMILIE COULOMBE

STÉPHANIE DUPUY

NICOL AS GENDRON

ISABELLE HUOT

K A T LY N E LEFEBVRE

HUGUES LEFEBVRE-MORASSE

RAPHAËL PODLASIEWICZ

FRÉDÉRIQUE SAUVÉE

MARIE - CL AUDE TRUDE AU

Guillaume Lemoine President / Emilie Lefebvre-Morasse Vice-president, Marketing and Sales and Editor-in-Chief Myriam Dumont Marketing Manager / Arianne Filion Marketing Coordinator and Editor Jacinthe Roy-Rioux Creative Content / Bianca Des Jardins Photographer Catherine Vaudry Copy Editor / Véronique Péloquin Artistic Director, sept24.com

Printing TC Transcontinental Printing Advertising Sales Christine Mailloux, cmailloux@stromspa.com, 514-761-7900, ext. 304 To Contribute Content Emilie Lefebvre-Morasse, elefebvre@stromspa.com, 514-761-7900, ext. 300 Publisher Strøm Nordic Spa, 1001 De la Forêt Boulevard, Nuns’ Island, QC H3E 1X9 Legal Deposit - ISSN 2369-5897 National Library of Canada and Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec.

The opinions expressed in the articles of Strøm Magazine are those of the authors only. Availability, vintages and prices mentioned in the magazine can be changed without notice. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the permission of Strøm Nordic Spa. All rights reserved. Post publication - 42293512

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À TA B L E 6 0

Fermentation: Foods That Take Time, Interview with Isabelle Huot A Sip of Nature, by Stephanie Dupuy Local Food in the Winter: The Essentials, by Raphaël Podlasiewicz Recipes: Winter Vegetable Salad and Winter Squash and Cardamom Pie, by Raphaël Podlasiewicz

EDITOR’S LETTER

WEATHER FOR SLOWING DOWN SLOW LI V I NG — The days are growing shorter, the light is waning and there is a crispness in the air. Fall and winter are seasons for winding down and putting things on hold. Our bodies also need rest. This natural cycle is a gentle invitation to take a slower pace to go through the cold season peacefully.

We adopt a different perspective on things that take time. We often admire results, but the process that led us there should be appreciated. Think of a scientific discovery that needed many years of research, the creation of a small being during the nine months of pregnancy or a masterpiece such as the Sagrada Família, which has been under construction since 1882 and whose architect and many craftspeople will never see the finished product.

The desire to slow down is at the heart of the slow movement, which is a lifestyle. The trends of slow ambition, slow food, Cittaslow and slow parenting are increasingly common topics of discussion among wellness enthusiasts.

To learn more about ways to integrate slowness into our lives and learn about the beginnings of what could be a societal shift, we wanted to dedicate this issue of Strøm Magazine to slow living.

We invite you to take the time to peacefully browse through it, page by page, while taking a few breaks to better digest the concepts and draw some inspiration.

Wishing you a happy and leisurely reading experience,

Guillaume Lemoine President of Strøm Nordic Spa

AWA R DS We wish to thank LemayMichaud, our partners and our employees for their contribution to the creation of Strøm Nordic Spa Vieux-Québec, the recipient of three prestigious awards.

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In the same spirit, Strøm Nordic Spa Vieux-Québec took a long time—seven years—to become a reality. From the first negotiations over the land to the official opening, plans and experiences were drawn up and overhauled many times before this internationally and locally acclaimed place of relaxation and contemplation could take shape.

Patience can be a burdensome virtue in this era of instant gratification, but it nevertheless allows our ideas to ripen!

This invaluable learning period and what it has enabled us to do will be helpful in designing the next Strøm spas.

P O S I T A N O , I T A LY

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Cittaslow : The Cities That Take It Easy

By Hugues Lefebvre-Morasse, Environmental Designer

Although these principles can be “easily” applied to yourself, your family and your household, incorporating them into our collective life or making them the driving force behind decisions for the common good seems almost impossible. However, in this world where everything is speeding up, casting our collective community environments in stone (both literally and figuratively) can be risky. Afterward, many people would have to live with the consequences of the decisions for a very long time.

True dissidents, 262 cities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants located around the world came together and chose to counteract the bustle of urban life. They provide their citizens and visitors with a lifestyle where slowness means quality, vitality and ecology.

FROM TUSCANY TO THE RCM OF GRANITE

These 262 communities are called Cittaslow towns. This name saw the light of day at the end of the last century when four small Italian città facing an endless stream of tour buses and the restaurant chains that came in their wake wanted to preserve their local colour, customs, gastronomy and quiet mediaeval streets. La dolce vita, indeed!

However, cities that adopt the Cittaslow certification haven’t given up on tourism or economic development: slowness doesn’t equate with idleness! Instead, drawing on the slow food movement, which also originated in Italy, Cittaslow towns have cast their lot with urban development that focuses on the quality of amenities, infrastructure and a sense of community. True, this choice could require more planning time or greater short-term investments, but in the long term, this approach leads to more profitable, sustainable and, above all, more enjoyable results.

C I T TA S L O W :

( F R O M T H E I T A L I A N C I T TÀ , “ C I T Y ” O R “ T O W N , ” A N D S L O W )

A group of communities that commit to slowing their inhabitants’ pace of life to safeguard their quality of life.

This quality of life is inspired by the many concepts of slowness, including that of slow living.

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COM M UNIT Y MOV EM ENT — Current trends make our homes antidotes to the speed of our lives, places where we can take refuge and recover. More than just an aesthetic for our interiors, the Danish hygge (a concept that comes from a Norwegian word meaning “well thought out”) or the Japanese wabi-sabi (the appreciation of imperfect things and passing time) are actually life philosophies and ways of seeing the world. These lifestyles call on us to stop and reflect to better enjoy things, think more clearly and make better decisions.

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Like the mediaeval villages perched on Italian mountains, a Cittaslow is an agglomeration with fewer than 50,000 people clustered around a vibrant village hub. They have invested in an accessible, green city centre where it’s pleasant to walk, cycle and celebrate the local culture, gastronomy and heritage to strengthen community life and intergenerational connections. It’s a place where you go to get to know others, your culture and yourself.

In Canada, there are four Cittaslow towns, including one in Quebec: Lac-Mégantic. When the city had to plan its reconstruction following the tragic accident in 2013, it thought deeply about the future of its downtown. Archival photos of the former downtown of Mégantic revealed that, prior to 2013, the city already had many characteristics of slow urbanism. It was an area with services as well as a good commercial and residential mix and a destination where you could enjoy the view of the lake or meet up at the now tragically famous Musi-Café. The idea of making Lac-Mégantic into a Cittaslow was a unifying project that allowed it to preserve what had made the downtown a lively place while propelling it into the 21st century. The certification doesn’t just draw inspiration from charming mediaeval towns—it also encourages its partners to address contemporary challenges, notably those of an environmental or social nature.

To obtain certification, cities must meet a number of criteria grouped into seven categories. Within these, there are, of course, the main urban principles of our times related to the fight against water and air pollution, waste management and the struggle against solo car use and asphalt’s stranglehold on public spaces. But the Cittaslow movement really stands out because it calls for real changes to urban life. The most innovative proposals include measures promoting telecommuting, the development of resilience plans to address climate change, the establishment of architectural quality offices, the development of regional offerings in health care, the valuing of traditional trades and work techniques, ease of access to agricultural areas and the opening up and diversification of neighbourhoods and ghettos, to name a few.

Increasingly, cities are experimenting with temporar y urbanism.

O N LY F O R S M A L L C I T I E S ?

In the mid 2000s, the Cittaslow movement attempted to reach out to big cities. Although this effort wasn’t successful and the criterion of a population below 50,000 remains in place, this view of urban life can still offer some inspiration to our metropolises. In fact, don’t some Montréal neighbourhoods with their shopping areas, such as Ontario Street East and Wellington Street, sometimes seem like small villages?

amenities permanent. They set up light, pliable wood structures that residents can take ownership of and move. They organize public consultations and co-design sessions involving both the public and professionals. However, beyond wood from pallets and bright colours, the city’s way of doing things must go beyond mere aesthetics and become true long-term visions, much like hygge and wabi-sabi, which are more than decorating trends. Since, for once, inspiration has been flowing from small to large cities and not the other way around, let’s celebrate the small, cozy and intimate!

Increasingly, cities are experimenting with temporary urbanism before making their new public

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ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

The Shift to Cittaslow in a Nutshell CERT I FICAT ION The Cittaslow Charter was signed in 1999 by four Italian cities.

The NPO that oversees certification provides almost 70 different recommendations and requirements.

They cover green technologies, the promotion of cultural heritage and the development of participatory democracy, among others.

To obtain Cittaslow certification, a municipality must not exceed 50,000 inhabitants and must meet at least 50% of the criteria defined in the charter. Regional governments and city councils handle the procedures related to certification.

In Canada, there are four cittaslow tow ns, including one in Quebec: Lac-MĂŠgantic.

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Photo credit: Sandra Laznik

INSPIR ATION

Reconnecting with Yourself: A Conversation with Sandra Laznik

gestures and movements can easily be done in bed.

Comfort is very important here so that you can take long, deep breaths without straining your tendons trying to show you master a particular yoga pose on Instagram. This involves closing your eyes and opening your inner eyes, stretching your mind and drawing your in-breaths into the depths of your belly. Do you see what I mean? I want you to feel everything there is to feel inside yourself, and not to turn away from it.

With your Intimi Yoga project, you explore the worlds of women’s health, yoga and sensuality.

How are these three spheres related? Imagine that you have the healthiest body in the world. You drink several glasses of celery juice every day, you sleep well, but nevertheless, you still aren’t happy. Most of the women I work with are obsessed with “health.” However, many neglect or ignore the sensual dimension of the term and concept. I’ve met hundreds of women who, on the outside, look like (and are) true heroines but who, on the inside, are deadened.

The only way to meditate and do yoga is to accept diving into and exploring yourself. And you can’t explore without delving into yourself from A to Z, without taking the time to feel and experience things.

My advice is to reconnect with yourself: don’t compare yourself to others (hello, social networks!), stop avoiding and ignoring yourself, make a ritual of going to the spa and do more yoga.

I think what they lack is this deeper connection with themselves, with the most intimate parts of their bodies and, therefore, their lives. That’s why I put so much emphasis on sensuality and well-being in my work.

You guide women in their effort to reconnect with themselves with trust, knowledge and sensuality. When did you start providing this guidance, and what draws you to this practice?

I quietly built sensuality into my lifestyle when I realized I was trying to silence or conceal what are commonly called “feminine” qualities (sweetness, kindness, letting go), thinking that only strength would enable me to reach my goals. But that’s wrong.

And if you have a male life partner (who often has more “masculine” qualities), you end up understanding that he doesn’t want to be with “another man.” He admires you for your feminine qualities, among other things.

This practice is wonderful because it gives you the feeling of being at the spa and that most of your

Can you describe your background and how you became interested in women’s health? I’m a certified teacher of physical education and yoga, a group facilitator of the Taoist and tantric arts and a nomadic practitioner of wellness in hotels, resorts and the most famous spas in the world (Six Senses, Soneva, St. Regis), where I offer personalized massages and private sessions. I am a woman, and I’ve always selfishly wanted to maintain a high level of happiness.

I just decided to take care of my health one practice at a time rather than one pill at a time. I fully support medicine, but I think that many things can be done before you have to turn to medication, for example.

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EX PLORI NG YOU R FEM I NI NIT Y — She offers retreats in Six Senses resorts throughout the world.

She teaches yoga and meditation abroad. She’s also known for Intimi Yoga, a school of yoga dedicated to women’s health with an emphasis on intimacy and sensuality within a framework of openness, emotional safety and trust. A conversation with Sandra Laznik, a luminous, courageous woman who isn’t afraid of doing things differently.

INSPIR ATION

In your work, do you face certain myths about the status of women in our modern societies? If so, do you try to debunk them? Certainly. I hear many things, such as being feminine is being weak, aging is sad, pleasure is dirty or sensuality should be hidden. I’ve dedicated my life to changing mindsets. My mission is to take care of women’s health, one enjoyable practice at a time.

“W hat would happen if one woma n told the tr uth about her life?

The world would split open.”

– Muriel Rukeyser In everyday life, what inspires you to create? As a yoga master once said, there are only two ways to live: as a victim or a victor. So, every day, I simply decide that I will lead a winning life, and this affirmation immediately sparks my little daily creative fire. Also, the inevitability of my death makes me say to myself, “Why not lead a fun, full, creative, joyful life with the power of grace, dignity and victory?”

How do you think the manifestations of feminine grace, dignity and victory can have a real impact on the lives of women in 2019? I’ll be poetic here and let Muriel Rukeyser answer for me so you can create your own picture of this influence: “What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life? The world would split open.”

TO LE A RN MORE sandralaznik.com intimiyoga.com

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R E B ECC A M AKO N NE N

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Photo credit: Maude Chauvin

INSPIR ATION

INSPIR ATION

Caregivers: Breaking through Isolation

to do so. You may not be familiar with all the steps, but they are essential and, above all, necessary. Who gets the house? Does the person want to be kept alive?

These are questions that need to be asked. It’s tempting to bury your head in the sand, especially when your parents are healthy. But they will eventually die one day, so why not do the minimum preparation?

Especially if illness comes into the picture, you’ll have other concerns: you’ll be completely devastated.

All this is hard, very hard. But it’s real life.

HER STORY — Rebecca Makonnen is a Canadian radio and TV host. She is currently at the helm of the radio show On dira ce qu’on voudra on ICI Radio-Canada Première in addition to co-anchoring Esprit critique on television (ICI ARTV). Since 2018, she has been the spokesperson of L’Appui’s national campaign that supports caregivers and encourages them to seek help.

THE BEGINNINGS

My mother was a self-reliant, very proud, very independent single mother. Over the years, we came to realize that she was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, an illness she greatly feared. We realized this thanks to my sister Sophie. My sister was living abroad at the time and, although I realized that something was wrong with Mom, it was confirmed when Sophie came back.

I S O L AT I O N

Caregivers tend to isolate themselves, whether by choice or not. On the one hand, you have less time for your social life, friends and dating. We’re either spending our time with the person we’re caring for or alone trying to recover. On the other hand, we don’t want to overburden those around us with everything. Because I was fairly young, I also told myself that the people around me couldn’t understand; they weren’t in that place in their lives yet. For this reason, it creates a strange downward spiral where you’re quickly left alone and exhausted with the feeling that you’re not going to make it.

Because it was my mother, because she was my only parent, because I loved her, I naturally ended up taking care of her. I was a kind of first responder. I was very young. I have no regrets, but it’s as if, at the age when I should have had children and been starting a family, I was taking care of my mother. Meanwhile, I was also caring for my then partner, who was suffering from blood cancer. Years 2009 to 2011 were not easy.

Also, we don’t necessarily immediately understand what a “caregiver” is. I told myself, “I’m my mother’s daughter and I’m my boyfriend’s partner: this is my job.” Later, I recognized who I was in that role. Becoming aware that you’re a caregiver early on gives you, I hope, the instinct to think about yourself, too, and not forget about yourself.

TA K I N G R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

My sister, who returned to Montréal regularly, was the first to think of the legal documents, protection mandates and notarized papers. She said, “We need to do this while Mom is still lucid.” We wanted to be able to make decisions for her if my mother was no longer able

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Conversation with Rebecca Makonnen, spokesperson for L’Appui

INSPIR ATION

ASKING FOR HELP

In life, I’m a pretty reserved person, and I don’t like to reveal much about myself. But I needed help. Both my body and mind were telling me this. So, I did some research and found a support group far from home because I didn’t want to open up about my private life in my neighbourhood. I went to meetings every Monday night for eight weeks at a nursing home in Pointe-Claire.

I needed to know what was coming next and break through my isolation. There, I found I wasn’t alone.

There’s no shame in asking for help. I understand that there’s sometimes a certain amount of embarrassment in admitting that you need someone else, but far from being a sign of weakness, it shows emotional intelligence.

G U I LT

For a caregiver, the psychological burden is immense.

As if that weren’t enough, you can often feel guilt related to the way you’re doing things. It’s hard to deal with guilt. In my case, my biggest weakness is impatience: it isn’t easy to be patient with someone who asks you to repeat yourself all the time. I’m still angry with myself for having lacked patience with my mother several times—but this stuff is normal, so don’t be too hard on yourself. We always do the best we can with what we have.

Whether you need a support group, guidance or just an attentive ear or some advice, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help. That’s what I liked about L’Appui: the listening part, where you can ask questions—all your questions. Illness is already overwhelming by itself.

But on top of that, you don’t want to be caught off guard because you don’t have the answers to your questions.

W hether you need a suppor t g roup, g uidance or just an attentive ear or some advice, you shouldn’ t hesitate to ask for help.

A N D A F T E R WA R D S?

Alzheimer’s means taking care of someone who will never get better. You’re providing support, and this is where the roles are reversed. In my case, I became the mother of my mother. At least she always recognized me, up to the last moment. She remembered that I was her daughter, even though she didn’t remember that she had been married very well. Her illness brought my mother and me much closer together, but the experience was also deeply physically and emotionally exhausting.

Very selfishly, one part of me was therefore relieved when it was over. And I came out of it more resilient: I realized that I was stronger than I thought, although at times I was sick of being strong. Having been a caregiver so early on helps me better support my friends who are going through it now. And I also know how much, in our society that often lacks compassion, caregivers are a model of empathy, like beacons in the night reminding us of our humanity.

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S TR ØM FOUNDATION

Strøm Foundation: You ensure the balance of ever y thing around you.

Let us be yours for a moment.

A MOM ENT FOR B A L A NCE — We all know someone, up close or from afar, who devotes herself or himself to a loved one daily. And these peer supporters and caregivers deserve to be taken care of in return. We wanted to thank these courageous and inspiring people through the creation of the Strøm Foundation – Caregiver.

Caregivers are always there, present, attentive and caring. They accompany a loved one, a relative or a spouse through difficult times, representing balance during hardship. They are the source of comfort for those who struggle every day. For those who give so much without expecting anything in return, we created the Foundation for them to enjoy a moment of their own. We would like to be at their side as much as we can, welcoming them so that they can recharge their batteries, energize and refocus to be able to continue offering what’s most precious: balance, courage and serenity.

“Accepting the gift offered by the Strøm Foundation – Caregiver, is about having an invigorating experience for the body, heart and soul and feeling in the most profound way what it means to have someone, somewhere who wants to take care of you.”

— Raymonde, Sherbrooke

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INSPIR ATION

According to this way of thinking, ambition, rather than being the driving force of your life, serves the meaning you want to give it and is therefore fully consistent with your values and desires.

Rather than letting society define success— often in a way linked to the ego, appearances and power —we define it ourselves based on our ow n criteria.

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INSPIR ATION

Live Out Your Ambition the Right Way

By Marie-Claude Trudeau, Creativity Speaker

RETHI N K I NG YOU R GOA LS — Success in all its forms seems to stimulate the same areas of the brain that some drugs do and, for this reason, you can become addicted to it. How then can you be ambitious without becoming addicted to success? How can you feel the rush of excelling without making it your driving force?

These are the questions that the slow ambition trend answers.

of ambition, kairos is essential: it refocuses us and brings us back down to earth. It’s important to slow down to be more attentive to kairos to better welcome success, at the opportune moment.

T H R E E P R I N C I P L E S : L I V I N G H A R M O N I O U S LY W ITH YOUR AM B ITI O N

the values, dreams and desires that most inspire you. The long-term vision should be the driver of your projects, yet we can be easily excited about a host of ideas, fill our agenda and get lost in the growing number of tasks to be done. What if you adopted a new approach? By eliminating anything that doesn’t align with your long-term vision of your life, you make more room for what you’re really striving for, and you focus on your core values at the expense of the rest. Less, but better!

N ° 2 Practise mindfulness to better enjoy the present. The goal is to unleash self-fulfillment and unfettered passion and place value on living in the present. This way, you can live a much more carefree life and break out of an obsession with time.

S L O W I N G D O W N T O H AV E M O R E T I M E

In the Greek tradition, two ways of perceiving time coexisted: chronos and kairos.

Chronos refers to time structured in minutes, hours, days and years. This is the time/money revered by our society of production and consumption. This time “that waits for no one” is both a useful and harsh master. Today we live almost exclusively by chronos, forgetting that there’s another way, one that’s is more in line with our internal rhythms: kairos.

“If your eyes are blinded by your worries, you cannot see the beauty of the sunset.”

— Jiddu Krishnamurti

Kairos refers to the cyclical nature of the seasons and days and how time can expand or contract depending on your mental and emotional state.

It’s a time that’s experienced internally and perceived by the body. It’s a nebulous time you could also call “the opportune moment,” when a creative state prevails and chronos seems suspended. In the concept

“Seeing the river current, surrendering yourself to it from start to finish; losing yourself in the enchantment, vitality and speed of the river...you cannot do all this if you are preoccupied with money, power and a successful career—which are just one aspect of life.”

— Jiddu Krishnamurti

N ° 3 Reconnect with the charm of yesteryear.

Taking your time also means letting yourself be surprised by the small joys of everyday life: a new flower, an interesting sound or a smile that does good.

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N ° 1 Define your own way of life that’s based on

According to this way of thinking, ambition, rather than being the driving force of your life, serves the meaning you want to give it and is therefore fully consistent with your values and desires. Rather than letting society define success—often in a way linked to the ego, appearances and power—we define it ourselves based on our own criteria. This process involves introspection, which will allow us not only to sift through what is important and unimportant, but also to understand what stokes our fires. That way, we can devote to the important things the time and energy that we previously gave to goals that no longer serve us.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

STRØM NORDIC SPA

Strøm Swimwear Collection Scandinavian Minimalist Aesthetic

CUTS COMBINING CLEAN LINES AND COMFORT

Inspired by the Scandinavian aesthetic, this first swimwear collection offers minimalist, timeless cuts that have a simple, authentic way of highlighting natural beauty. It features six two-piece suits (interchangeable tops and bottoms) and three one-piece suits for women and one simple, classic swim trunks style for men. Faithful to Strøm’s visual universe, which combines nature and architecture, the collection reflects the clean, straight, graphic lines of its facilities while incorporating the dominant colours: grey, blue, white and black.

E X TOLLI NG B E AUT Y I N ALL IT S FOR MS

Wishing to celebrate beauty in all its forms, Strøm Nordic Spa worked on the design with realism, inclusion and transparency in mind. Each piece has been designed to showcase natural beauty at any age. We launched the collection in the same spirit, with authentic, natural, inspiring models.

“Our choice of models demonstrates this desire for well-being with an honest representation of beauty, which is illustrated by a healthy lifestyle, above all,” says Emilie Lefebvre-Morasse, Vice-President, Marketing and Sales.

LOOKBOOK AND SHORT FILMS To view the lookbook and see the short films of the unveiling, visit stromspa.com/magazine.

COLLECTION N°1 Thirteen exclusive one- and two-piece suits, ranging from $40 to $90, are now available at all Strøm Nordic Spas

and our online store. A second collection will be unveiled in 2020.

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I M M ERSION — The fruit of a long period of ideation and creation, the first Strøm swimwear collection is finally here! This exclusive collection, designed in collaboration with the Quebec brand Everyday Sunday, is part of our desire to develop thoughtful, carefully manufactured products that embody the Strøm experience and make it something you can take home with you. Strøm designed this swimwear collection to mesh with the brand universe and reflect its values, identity and clientele.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

WORLD

T ravel Better by Being Still

By Voyageurs du Monde — voyageursdumonde.ca

STORI NG M EMORI ES — In this era of snapshots, bucket lists and fast-paced lifestyles, a culture of haste reigns supreme. At some point, we inevitably feel the urge to slow down, step back, finally stop running around and restore order to the daily whirlwind. Then comes the time for a vacation to escape this wild tempo. So it’s natural that travel has evolved and embraced this need to slow down. Today, slow travel is gradually gaining ground as an essential option. An alternative travel philosophy has developed that focuses on the quality of the time spent rather than on the number of things done. It’s all about the way you do things. Experiencing less but better is the new guiding principle. It’s a matter of the time you take to deepen experiences.

How long has it been since you turned off your cellphone for a whole day? Are hunting down the WiFi code, turning on your screens and starting the air conditioning before you even open the window the first things you do when you arrive at your vacation destination? These unconscious everyday actions have become reflexes. Really getting away may simply mean stopping everything and focusing on what’s essential: conversing with the friends or loved ones who are with us, playing it by ear, listening to the birds and meditating by the ocean. Forget about being connected—it’s time to unwind.

How long has it been since you turned off your cellphone for a whole day?

At the Three Camel Lodge, you’ll enjoy the moment with luxurious yurts in the heart of the Gobi Desert.

Organic vegetables grown on site, wildflowers, the vastness of the Mongolian sky—and you. Immersed in endless landscapes, you’ll watch the passing of caravans, like in the days of the Silk Road. When you see nomads and their camels suddenly coming your way, this human touch in the centre of a vast nothingness has a way of provoking deep joy.

Stopping time—maybe in Wolwedans, deep in southern Africa, this will happen. The NamibRand Nature Reserve is the heart of an ethical project: a camp, a lodge, a few refined cabins scattered throughout 1,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. There’s no network, no WiFi—but so many animals! Here, you listen to the wind caressing the sand. With its unreal red-hued dunes as your only horizon, Namibia will undoubtedly disconnect you from the rest of the world so that you can reconnect with yourself.

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S T O P A N D L I V E / M E D I TAT I O N I N T H E H E A R T O F M O T H E R N AT U R E

WORLD

T R AV E L B A C K I N T I M E / S L O W D O W N I N T H E H O M E O F T H E P H A R A O H S

To reacquaint yourself with the value of time going by, why not take advantage of your journey by changing your mode of transportation? For example, you could have an ancient adventure on the deck of a legendary boat.

You’re invited onto the Nile, the eternal river. Aboard Steamship Sudan, between Aswan and Luxor, time flows at a different pace. The golden age of ancient Egypt suddenly springs to life. The shorelines glide slowly by as fishers ply the banks. On the wooden decks, you find yourself reimmersed in a book too long forgotten on your nightstand. Your eyes soak in the undulating shades of green, blue and ochre light. Ancient myths, hieroglyphics carved in stone and colossi of old patiently await you on the other side of the horizon. But perhaps the mythical temples will be eclipsed by the idleness of your life aboard the ship.

Embracing slow travel also means taking the time to get to know others.

RECONNECT WITH PEOPLE

This is the friend you would dream of having all around the world, one who knows the place inside out and offers interested travellers an informal excursion based on their tastes. At their side, you enjoy their advice and address book: visiting trendy neighbourhoods, excellent little restaurants, a secret cove and a beautiful terrace for a drink at sunset while learning about local life and customs.

It makes for a special educational time among friends.

Whether pausing for a strong coffee in Istanbul or spending an evening setting the world right in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Bangkok, time around a table brings people together.

IN THE TIME OF ONE ENCOUNTER

How many times have you only crossed paths with people during your travels? At the end of busy days, you may have spoken only to servers or your hotel concierge. Embracing slow travel also means taking the time to get to know others. Get your bearings and soak up the neighbourhood or village where you’ve set down your luggage. An original way to experience a place is undoubtedly experiencing it like a local.

A unique service of Voyageurs du Monde, the “Local Friend” offers an authentic moment spent with a local resident.

H O W C A N S L O W T R AV E L B E P U T I N T O P R A C T I C E ?

Change your type of accommodation by renting a house or apartment, for example. Eat meals with locals and spend time getting to know them. Plan a less busy schedule, loosen up your itinerary and stay longer in the same neighbourhood, city or even region. Put aside your list of things that must be seen and done. Forget about taking pictures and sending news to loved ones back on another continent. Slow travel is perhaps the very spirit of travel: knowing how to enjoy the moment.

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Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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CBD: The Wellness Industr y’s New Muse

D E M Y S T I F I C AT I O N

How is cannabidiol different from cannabis?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant ingredient derived from the cannabis plant after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient. CBD and THC have one thing in common: they are cannabinoids, active substances that affect the body’s receptors. But there are also many differences. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive substance that, presumably, does not present any health risks. In fact, a recent report from the World Health Organization confirms that CBD has no effect that could lead to abuse or addiction. To date, no public health problems have been reported in connection with the use of pure CBD1.

NUANCES

Benefits of cannabidiol and warnings about its use CBD is increasingly popular since regulations have changed and the way it works has been better understood.

It is now commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, gastric distress and chronic pain, notably due to its antiinflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic properties. Scientific studies also indicate that it would be effective in treating certain epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

CBD’s benefits can be experienced through tablets, tinctures, oils or topically, as in the case of massages. Many people who use edible products infused with CBD feel relaxed and notice an improvement in their mood. A massage with CBD has the same effects. These include pain relief, a feeling of complete relaxation and stress reduction.

Cream containing CBD has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively soothe aching muscles and joints while accelerating the healing process. We recommend it to people with arthritis, fractures, sports injuries, overtaxed muscles, neurological disorders and to all those seeking a moment of relaxation 2.

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DEB AT E — We suggest it as a complement to a post-workout smoothie or your morning coffee. It’s incorporated into innovative gourmet menus, tinctures and massage oils. After its legalization in Canada, cannabis has increased in popularity since 2018, and nothing indicates that this enthusiasm will cool off any time soon.

The wellness industry believes that CBD, one of the chemical constituents of cannabis, will gradually become an essential ingredient. What is CBD? And why is it suddenly so popular?

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In the medical field, warnings about CBD use mainly concern the lack of scientific information, self-medication and the presence of side effects, such as drowsiness and insomnia. It is emphasized that the recommended dosage of products derived from CBD can be approximative, and consumers are encouraged to test by trial and error to ascertain the desired dosage.

“We would not allow this kind of approximation with any other drug, but cannabis businesses, without any clinical studies, frequently do this to promote the use of their products,” complains Dr. Didier Jutras-Aswad3.

The risk of self-medication without a dosage recommended by scientific research is very real. Side effects associated with the consumption of large doses or overdose are the possibility of vertigo and dizziness, low blood pressure or nausea. Finally, consumed in small doses, CBD oil causes relaxation, but in large doses, it causes drowsiness. Even larger doses could instead provoke a high level of alertness and therefore insomnia4. Moderate, cautious consumption supervised by a healthcare professional is therefore recommended.

I N T E G R AT I O N

CBD and Spa Treatments Since its beginnings, the spa industry has been using various natural remedies to relieve pain and reduce stress (such as arnica and aromatherapy). CBD is a topical herbal product that has interesting advantages for the industry’s needs. The possible combinations enable it to innovate with cutting-edge, effective treatments.

Combining, for example, hot camphor and arnica with CBD can obtain real results for pain reduction. Mixtures of arnica and lidocaine combined with CBD could also maximize its anti-inflammatory benefits. Despite encouraging results, scientific research in recent years cannot confirm beyond a doubt the recommended dosage. CBD seems to be a promising avenue for the future of the wellness industry, but certain questions remain. Only the scientific advances of the next few years will answer them.

THC

Psychoactive substance in cannabis, known for its psychoactive effects, that contributes to changing the consumer’s state of consciousness.

C B D

Non-psychoactive substance in cannabis, known for its soothing, calming properties.

1

Grinspoon, P. (24 August 2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) — what we know and what we don’t [Blog Post]. Retrieved at https://bit.ly/2Mz5W4g 2

Haleigh’s Hope. (17 January 2018). The 17 most compelling studies on CBD from 2017 [Blog Post]. Retrieved at https://bit.ly/2zaqQQQ 3 4

Péloquin, T. (25 November 2018). Cannabis – Le buzz du CBD. La Presse. Retrieved at à https://bit.ly/2Zl9loF

Grotenhermen, F. (2018). CBD. Un cannabinoïde au vaste potentiel thérapeutique. Soleure (Switzerland) : Solanacée.

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CA N·NA·BI·DIOL ( NA M E) Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940.

It is one of 113 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant, representing up to 40% of its extract.

In 2018, preliminar y clinical research on cannabidiol included studies on an xiety, cog nition, movement disorders and pain.

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Child ren, Massage and the Spa

By Pierre Blais, Massage Therapist

A NEW EX PERI ENCE — With the emergence of spas and the prevalence of massage in athletic, medical and even professional spheres, the sense of touch is regaining its importance in our society. But what about massages for children? One may question whether their presence is appropriate in a spa environment or whether a child is ready for this new experience and, if so, based on what criteria.

T H E S PA

These questions allow us to consider the importance of touch in the different phases of life. Recognized internationally, infant massage is now encouraged in all civilizations and cultures. However, the role of touch in children’s lives is clouded by some grey areas.

Due to a lack of understanding of healthy child development and, frankly, because of several fears, we often don’t know what to think about the subject.

In the context where children have already had positive experiences of touch with their families, they will probably be more able to enjoy the spa experience. As professional as massage therapists may be, they aren’t a significant adult in the child’s life at the outset. The younger the child, the more this is true and important.

The reason parents bring their child to the spa for a massage is also important. Some children have had massage incorporated into their lives after an illness or because they are athletes requiring the benefits of massage therapy treatments. Otherwise, it’s important to reiterate that it’s preferable that the child has had a positive experience with the sense of touch at home.

Many parents, however, don’t know how to go about it and say, for example, “I would like to, but I don’t know any massage techniques” or “I’m uncomfortable with this...”

As part of the MISP—Massage in Schools Program (misa-quebec.org)—children aged four to twelve years are invited (never required) to give each other massages consisting of fifteen techniques with a permission and thank you form. At no time may an adult touch a child; only parents can do so during family activities at school or in community centres. This program exists in some thirty-five countries and is rapidly growing, and for good reason. In today’s fast and often stressful world, adults aren’t the only ones under duress—children are too. But beyond these considerations, touch is always beneficial: all children should receive this emotional fulfillment at home because, without it, human beings cannot fully develop.

First, it should be noted that massage is primarily a means of communication and a game for the child. Technique is quite a secondary consideration.

In fact, the massage therapist (or, at home, the parent) must play the game and offer or ask the child what he or she would like. For children (and the future adults they will become), it’s a real asset to know what they want and to be able to express it.

Far from making them spoiled children, letting them express their needs will allow them to develop with greater affective and emotional security. Later on, they’ll have the enjoyment we had in massaging them and the enjoyment they had in receiving it as a reference. This, in turn, will bring the future parents closer to their own children.

Anthropologist Ashley Montagu has confirmed this in her book Touching: The Human Significance of the Skin.

While at school, children can fulfill this need to a certain extent. For this reason, the MISP wants to ensure that all children can enjoy the benefits of respectful touch.

They can then joyfully transmit their learning to all their family members.

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TOUCH

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In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, adults aren’ t the only ones under duress— child ren are too.

But beyond these considerations, touch is a lways beneficia l: all children should receive this emotional fulfillment at home because, without it, human beings cannot fully develop.

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TECHNIQUES

As with anyone receiving a massage, there are a number of factors behind a positive massage experience for children. When a person knows how to inhabit his or her body during a massage, there’s a slowing of the heart rate and breathing and a total letting go of body and mind. The limbs are relaxed and offer no resistance to the various movements initiated by the massage therapist. This is an important lesson for someone who wants to learn how to recuperate from a sometimes-demanding lifestyle.

To achieve these results with a child, the therapist shouldn’t be overly hasty in initiating skin-to-skin contact or applying oil. Several techniques with a sheet or blanket over top, such as repeated effleurage, will help the young receiver of the massage become accustomed to this new experience and the close relationship with an adult other than a parent. Moving the arms, legs and whole body at a slow and steady pace produces a rocking that can lead to letting go. Children sometimes fall asleep before the application of oil.

Children who aren’t at ease may show this by various signs, such as moving frequently, being unable to keep their eyes closed or stiffening.

Needless to say, many children have very ticklish feet: the massage therapist will take this into consideration.

Hand massage can also cause discomfort if the child is constantly trying to grab something. Without it indicating general discomfort, some body parts may be less “available” or require more time to relax or be touched.

The massage therapist shouldn’t hesitate to ask children questions about what they like or dislike.

FOR YOUNG CHI LDREN Strøm Nordic Spa offers massages for children with qualified massage therapists who are specially trained to provide this kind of treatment.

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DAW N M AU R I C I O

Meditation Teacher

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Photo credit: Dawn Mauricio

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Do not empty your mind

Conversation with Meditation Teacher Daw n Mauricio

STROMSPA .COM

A QUI ET MOM ENT — To offer an even more complete experience of relaxation, Strøm turned to Dawn Mauricio, a luminary in the world of meditation and yoga for over ten years, to design personalized guided meditation sessions.

A conversation with an expert to learn more about the myths and realities of this practice, which is becoming increasingly popular in the West.

DISCOVERY

How did you discover meditation?

The first time I practised meditation seriously was in 2005 in northern Thailand. I was coming to the end of a four-month solo backpacking trip. During my journey, I had met several people who had spoken to me about their positive experiences with Vipassana meditation. At the time, I was already practising yoga regularly, and what I liked in my practice was the calm I attained by focusing my attention on the present moment. So, it was natural for me to turn to meditation.

I N E V E R Y D AY L I F E

How does yoga complement meditation?

I think the pace of today’s society is so frantic that sitting down, being still and suddenly being calm and Zen at the end of the workday or even the beginning of a busy day is quite difficult. Yoga is a good way to start slowing down.

The end of a yoga session is, in my opinion, a great time to meditate because the body and mind are already in a state of calm, attentiveness and almost stillness.

What are the benefits of meditation?

In recent decades, countless studies have been done on meditation, which attribute mostly positive effects to it.

This ancient 2,600-year-old practice is known to reduce stress, relax the nervous system, increase self-confidence, develop intuition and improve compassion and concentration.

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G E T T I N G S TA R T E D

A good way to start is observing your own breathing.

For example, right now (or at the end of this sentence) take three deep breaths and, to the best of your ability, be mindful of every breath, how you feel between and at the very end of each one. What’s important in this experiment is not the time each of the breaths took or even how you felt—the important thing is the attention you devoted to the experience.

How can someone who has never meditated get started?

Meditation in itself is so simple that many people are unaware that they have probably already meditated in the course of their lives. It simply involves paying attention to what’s happening in the present moment, no matter what it is. You must not change, alter or judge the moment; simply be aware with a bit of curiosity.

“I wanted the meditations to be a complement, an experience that directly suppor ts the experience Strøm offers.”

What do you think of the popular belief that, to meditate properly, you must think about nothing?

That’s a misconception! Mindfulness means observing the present moment without trying to change it. You should simply avoid getting carried away by thoughts and losing control. That’s easier said than done, of course, but as soon as you feel your mind wandering, remember to return to the present moment. In other words, return to observing your breath or sensations in the different parts of your body. The mind gradually becomes more peaceful, but the goal isn’t to try to “stop thinking.”

C R E AT I O N What inspired you when creating the guided meditation sessions for Strøm?

In my creative process, I spent several hours enjoying the facilities, saunas and pools, as well as the relaxation rooms, to the point of taking a nap there! In each space, I paid special attention to the sensations in my body and my breathing. I wanted the meditations to be a complement, an experience that directly supports the experience Strøm offers.

Being surrounded by nature also helped me a lot: my breaths were deeper, my thoughts clearer. Like the thermal circuit, nature has a calming effect that promotes mindfulness.

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Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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GI V E IT A T RY! Strøm will offer guided meditations this fall in certain relaxation rooms.

There will be 10- and 20-minute sessions in French and English.

Children can also give them a try!

For the mobile version of the meditation, which can be experienced where and when you like, visit stromspa.com/magazine.

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Slowing Dow n to Benefit Your Child ’s Brain

By Marie-Ève Caron, Occupational Therapist and Founder of Baby Ü

ONE STEP AT A TIME — Time flies and every last second is occupied, busy and overloaded. We think about the future without taking time to live in the moment. In the blink of an eye, the kids are walking, going to school, asking for the keys to the car, falling in love and graduating from university.

P R OX I M A L PA R E N T I N G A N D S L O W PA R E N T I N G

The different concepts that are attributed to proximal parenting are definitely quite similar to those of slow parenting. In fact, freedom of movement, baby-led weaning, breastfeeding, baby-wearing and co-sleeping all have the goal of prioritizing the unique pace of each child. In fact, in the first months of their lives, children begin controlling their heads, rolling, crawling, moving about on all fours and toddling, all of which build their strength, postural control and coordination. They develop notions of time and space that will serve them throughout their lives for both their motor skills and all the rest of their pursuits.

The brain builds certain areas that specifically and respectively are responsible for every part of the child’s body, including memory-related areas, the limbic system and executive functions. These main areas are pillars of the maturation of communication, language and cognitive learning (academic). According to Ghassabian et al.

(2016) and the Upstate KIDS Study, “the age a child first stood was a significant predictor of later cognition. [...] there was a linear relation between the age at achievement of standing and IQ in adolescents and neuropsychological performance in adults.” 1 The research shows that what happens in the first year of an infant’s life can have significant importance for the child’s future.

Clearly, it isn’t necessarily desirable for children to achieve certain milestones earlier than expected. At eight months, rather than encouraging walking, it’s usually wise to respect the child’s desire to crawl on the ground to allow them to experience healthy neurological development. This concept of freedom of movement is part of respecting the process of toddlers’ brain maturation and promotes its development.

In many ways, proximal parenting and caring is part of the slow parenting movement. In both cases, children are encouraged to experiment and explore by themselves as we observe and help them as needed. That way, we can give children the time to really be children.

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New parents often feel the urgency to enjoy infancy, as it quickly slips through their fingers. Life goes by fast, and it’s quite normal to sometimes want to press “pause” to catch your breath and slow down. This is where the concept of slow parenting comes in.

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Slow parenting doesn’t at all mean putting everything on hold, but rather taking back some time to enjoy the small pleasures of daily life, being more present in the moment and improving your quality of life. In this way, you can help children go at their own pace while fostering their independence, enhancing communication and building interpersonal relationships.

Although newborns innately go at their own pace, the environment where they develop can nurture this inclination to be attentive to themselves or, conversely, negatively affect them. This goes to the heart of the concept of slow parenting: Sensory and motor experiences affect brain architecture. Proximity enables you to be attentive to the baby’s needs and desires, and the way you respond to them helps build connections in the brain that provide a solid foundation for all that awaits him or her in life.

A LIFES T YLE TO ADOP T AND ADAP T

The practice of slow parenting doesn’t require specific skills and is easily integrated into everyday life. The first simple trick is to learn from children. Their perception of time isn’t the same because they are more rooted in the present, not caring what will happen in the future and what has happened in the past. You should also choose activities for them because they are fun for everyone, not for the way they fit into a schedule. Go outside! Take the opportunity to see what nature has to offer: its sounds, colours, smells and textures. The outdoors offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss what children see, smell and touch.

Make adjustments based on children’s needs. Just go along with their tempo and observe the world as they perceive it: this is what sets the tone for a slower, more enjoyable life.

TO RE A D AUDREY SCKOROPA D’ S A RT ICLE See our full feature at stromspa.com/magazine

1

Ghassabian, A. et al. (2016). Gross motor milestones and subsequent development, Pediatrics, 138(1). doi: 10.1542/peds.2015-4372

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ADVERTORIAL

Auberge Saint-Antoine — Take a Few Days to Slow Dow n and Be Delighted and R ejuvenated

By Marie-Laure Barlet

HOT EL/M USEUM — Located in Québec City’s Old Port near the majestic St. Lawrence River and one of the city’s most important archaeological sites, Auberge Saint-Antoine is much more than a classic hotel. Family-owned, a true icon of Old Québec and a hotel/museum with more than 700 artifacts that were found on site, the hotel is the perfect combination of history and modern hospitality, timeless elegance and convenience. Its 95 rooms, each with a unique character and decor, provide the room and comfort you need for a relaxing, reinvigorating stay in an urban area. A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, whose motto is “All over the world, unique in the world,” Auberge Saint-Antoine is the perfect example of a hotel offering more than just a simple stay: it’s an experience in itself, a contemporary testimony to history.

N O R D I C R E L A X AT I O N PA C K A G E

In exclusive collaboration with the Strøm Nordic Spa in Old Québec, the Auberge offers the Nordic Relaxation package: a perfect choice, whether you go on your own, as a couple or with a loved one. Spend a night in the room category of your choice and enjoy the breakfast buffet at Chez Muffy and access to the Premium thermal experience with various added perks. The package is available at www.saint-antoine.com. And no need to worry about the distance: Auberge Saint-Antoine is just steps from Strøm Nordic Spa Vieux-Québec, making it the perfect complement to a relaxing stay in the heart of the Old Port.

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Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

LIVING

Aging Gracefully

T he A r t of Stay ing You ng

By Katlyne Lefebvre, Family Life Contributor

It isn’t unusual for this time to be filled in part by grandchildren. We often hear grandparents say, “I finally have time to spend with my grandchildren, time I didn’t have when my children were little. I’m making up for lost time with them.” This parental support presents a wonderful opportunity to develop a personal connection based on the practical and, especially, the emotional aspects associated with raising children.

This is nothing new: since the beginning of time, grandparents have played a vital role in raising children. In many matriarchal societies, the grandmaternal bond was the basis of “taking care” of children from birth to adolescence.

In the West, industrialization, migration into cities or, in short, access to work is behind grandparents’ involvement in caring for young children. But what’s happened to this phenomenon in recent years, now that society provides accessible childcare structures? Since the 2000s, we’ve been becoming grandparents much later in life. Women have children later and, consequently, we become grandparents when we’re older. However, grandparents are living longer—and the good news is that they’re healthier.

Slow ness becomes par t of life and is, of course, something to savour.

The presence of grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren contributes to their health, well-being, development and education. But back to the question: What benefits do grandparents get by being in contact with and, especially, having relationships with their grandchildren?

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THE LI F E TH AT LI ES A HE A D — As we grow older, we know and try to apply the basic principles for healthy aging: eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, staying intellectually active and maintaining an active social life.

Work-related activities generally decrease, more time is available to us, timeframes extend and schedules are no longer filled. Slowness becomes part of life and is, of course, something to savour. You finally have an abundance of free, flexible time.

LIVING

Marie-France Léger, journalist at La Presse, reports that, according to a study from the Women’s Health Ageing Project in Australia, grandmothers who care for their grandchildren once a week have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive disorders. Another study published in Evolution and Human Behavior shows that life expectancy increases among seniors who regularly take care of their grandchildren. Studies confirm that the health of grandparents benefits from spending time with their grandchildren and that they develop and maintain a relationship with them. However, the pace, workload and frequency should be well thought out. Grandparents should maintain a balance between caring for others and caring for themselves.

useful, loved and welcomed for who we really are by loved ones proves to be the best therapy for selfesteem and for feeling that our life, even though it’s less productive, still has a meaning and purpose.

THE EXPERIENCE OF TRANSMISSION

At retirement age, when professional duties and family responsibilities decrease, there’s more room for sports and cultural activities. Obviously, these leisure pursuits are deeply satisfying and contribute to our personal fulfillment. Spending time with our grandchildren, however, also allows us to continue to feel useful and involved in a project. Passing on the values, skills, stories and rituals that have shaped our lives gives rise to an indescribable feeling.

A C T I O N A N D M O T I VA T I O N

Taking care of grandchildren makes us more physically and intellectually active. The activities we do with them keep us alert. We exercise more, pick up the pace and stay open to the world. We generally make better decisions for our health. We try to sleep better, eat better and stay in shape so that we can keep up! And what about their impact on our imagination and creativity?

Becoming the prisoner who will be saved or spreading out a tablecloth on the grass for a banquet are also memorable, magical moments for us.

We have to admit that it takes longer to bake a cake or pick up kindling with young children, but time is the most precious thing we can give them. The stories children tell of these times together exude an aura of eternity that we can see in their eyes. We know being

Spending time with our grandchildren allows us to continue to feel useful.

Moreover, cognitively, grandchildren are such a great help when it comes to technology. Their contribution allows us to stay open to and be more active in the world of communications. Grandchildren feel valued in turn. The role reversal leads to fruitful conversations about today’s world. There’s nothing like a teenager to reshape our brains.

Thanks to them, we exercise more, learn, feel loved and sometimes need to catch our breath—they make us feel so alive. What if, instead of saying, “It went by so fast,” when speaking about our lives, we said, “It will live on in them”?

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Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

LIVING

Five Books to Take Your Time With

By Nicolas Gendron, Journalist and Film Critic

T I M E F LI ES — In our relentless race against time, literature stands out as one of the best ways to escape, embrace, slow, rewind or confront it. Certain images make you pause to savour the moment.

AND THE BIRDS R AINED DOWN

By Jocelyne Saucier (Coach House Books, 2012) Inspired by the deadliest wildfires in Canadian history, which raged in northern Ontario in 1916, this beautiful story—told in many voices by writer Jocelyne Saucier— is shrouded in an atmosphere of chiaroscuro despite the haunting memories of the flames. Three “freedom-loving” men live as hermits in a forest that has reasserted itself. However, their tranquility is disturbed by the investigation of a photographer who, too curious about the past of one of their own, disturbs the “death pact that adds some spice to life.” You’ll savour an enigmatic, delicate writing inhabited by imposing figures like the pain of old wounds. In September, the work was reborn in the cinematic adaptation by director Louise Archambault (Gabrielle, Trop), who directed a starstudded cast including Rémy Girard, Andrée Lachapelle and Eve Landry. A timeless story to (re)discover.

SLEEP STORIES

By Phoebe Smith (Calm, 2017–present) Are you waging war against insomnia? Have you also always wanted to board the Orient Express or probe the mysteries of Moroccan forests? If so, author Phoebe Smith is definitely the writer for you. A world traveller focused on the world’s eternal mysteries, this Brit is the leader of the slow literature movement, which doesn’t try to captivate you until the last page but helps you drift off to sleep. Yes, you read that right! Phoebe Smith, deemed the J.K. Rowling of the movement, uses her travel diaries in Sweden, Nepal and Madagascar to lead us down meditative journeys in collaboration with the Calm app and her Sleep Stories series. The most popular story, “Blue Gold,” is actually narrated by actor Stephen Fry, the narrator of—you guessed it—the Harry Potter audiobooks. His enchanting voice quickly turns soft beds into the lavender fields of Provence. blog.calm.com

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LIVING

L’ O R I G I N E D E M E S E S P È C E S

By Michel Rivard (Spectra Musique, 2019) When was the last time you listened to an album in order, from the first to the last song, without interruption? Still wielding his guitar and his enveloping melodies, Michel Rivard “comes up to the foot of the twentieth century,” since “it’s tempting to test time/ to feel the old days/ to stretch time along the clothesline in Marquette Alley.”

In this book/CD based on the eponymous show, which has been travelling throughout Quebec since the spring with great success, the singer-songwriter has given us the gift of ten new songs and has opened up about his life with self-deprecating subtlety.

As the title suggests, it traces his journey with his “melancholy mom” and his father with “the voice of an actor/ who rarely spoke.” Little Michel wonders about the “accident of love” between them. He is a gifted storyteller—and a revelation even after all these years. Excerpt read and sung by Michel Rivard: icimusique.ca

By Antonine Maillet (Leméac, 2019) Beau Dommage isn’t the only one looking in the rear-view mirror. The creator of La Sagouine, the irresistible Antonine Maillet, has boldly invited us into “the waltz in three-quarter time” of her life and to those milestones that we all will pass: “dawn, daylight and dusk.” With “fleeing, capricious, elusive” Time as the sole character, the famous Acadian expresses herself with relentless precision while recounting the lie of the writer in the making, her compassion for Anne Frank (who, like the author, was born in 1929) and her attraction to the margins of existence. An incorrigible dreamer, who writes “like other people breathe,” makes Évangeline, Pélagie-la-Charrette, President Mitterrand and her beloved Mecha come alive during historical or fictional interludes, public performances and offerings of scenes from her private life. A timeless gift for yourself.

C E Q U ’ O N R E S P I R E S U R TAT O U I N E

By Jean-Christophe Réhel (Del Busso, 2018) The first novel of a poet praised many times over for his unique voice and disarming humour (Les volcans sentent la coconut, La fatigue des fruits), Ce qu’on respire sur Tatouine introduces us to the author’s alter ego, who, like him, is suffering from cystic fibrosis—but the comparisons stop there. Star Wars fans, hold on before pointing out an unforgivable spelling blunder. Although the anti-hero in question also has an obsession with George Lucas’s franchise and therefore with Tatooine, the desert planet where the Skywalker family originates, he prefers to invent a new one, which is “almost like the real one but just different enough,” to better endure his shifts at a Super C or late-night texts from Amidala, his budding love interest. An ode to the imagination as a bulwark against gloom that plays with the stereotype of the star-crossed poet with an infectious pleasure, this striking book is the most recent winner of the Prix littéraire des collégiens.

And he certainly earned it. Excerpt from the novel read by Emmanuel Schwartz facebook.com/jcrehel

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C L I N D ’Œ I L AU T E M P S Q U I PA S S E

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

BOWSTRING HEMP

LIVING

An Oasis in the Hear t of Winter Three Per fect Plants By Émilie Coulombe, Horticulturist

I M ITAT I NG NAT U RE — Fluctuating between shades of grey and white, winter is often hard on our morale, especially when the days are at their shortest. In the depths of winter, creating a little green oasis at home is a salve for our daily lives that reminds us that we too need to slow down. Even for the most experienced among us, keeping our plants healthy during winter can be difficult. Fortunately, some of them are fail-safe.

The bowstring hemp, also called “snake plant” and “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is a plant that adapts to all levels of light. It can be placed near a south-facing window or in the darkest corner of a room. The only thing to remember is that they don’t tolerate heavy watering. You should therefore let the soil fully dry out between waterings.

P E A C E L I LY

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) will forgive forgotten waterings as much as they will excessive watering while producing beautiful white flowers. This is one of the few houseplants that can bloom indoors without forcing. You just need to keep in mind that they don’t tolerate direct sunlight. You should keep them a small distance from windows or in an east-facing room.

POTHOS

Finally, the pothos is without a doubt the easiest houseplant to care for at home. This climbing plant is often the first success for those who don’t have a green thumb. It tolerates all types of sunshine and watering and can be easily propagated by putting a stem cutting in a glass of water.

A S L O W PA C E T H AT I N S P I R E S U S

Sunlight hours are the primary factor determining the speed of plants’ metabolic activity. When fall sets in, plants begin to slow down until they come to an almost complete stop in late December. Some plants are dormant from November to February. This period requires allowing the soil time to dry out and, consequently, less frequent watering. To successfully keep our plants healthy, it’s essential to respect this rhythm, which also encourages us to slow our own tempo during a season that’s sometimes difficult to get through.

When the days begin to lengthen, metabolic activity gradually picks up. New leaves will start to appear and growth resumes. If you take the time to look, you can admire this little natural spectacle that, after a period of rest, is quietly coming back to life, one leaf at a time.

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BOWSTRING HEMP

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Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

LIVING

LIVING

Five Cottages to Unwind In

By Frédérique Sauvée, Outdoors Contributor

EM BR ACI NG LEISU RE — It isn’t uncommon for a weekend when “we have nothing planned” to mean that household chores, errands and shopping will almost unremittingly take up all your time, not to speak of the hundreds of times you’ll peek at your phone. The weekend thus ends up being full and empty at the same time: You didn’t stop for a second, but you didn’t do anything that you actually enjoyed either. You end up not feeling truly rested.

N °1 L AÖ C AB INES / R ACINE

Take time to enjoy the simple things in life.

Chat over tea, listen to a crackling fire or watch snowflakes swirling outside your window. In Racine, north of Mont-Orford, Laö Cabines bring those simple pleasures that are such blessings in our lives to the forefront.

On stilts or wheels, these eight upscale rustic cabins for two to four people (beds, wood stove, composting toilet, table and two propane burners for cooking) embody the principle of minimalism.

N ° 2 H O M M I N I C O T T A G E S / VA L - D E S - M O N T S

Take time to take care of yourself.

Soak in a bubble bath, meditate by the lake or do some yoga in the forest. In Val-des-Monts, north of Gatineau, the two HOM mini-cottages for two to four with all the comforts of home (kitchen, bathroom, separate bedroom, washer and dryer) offer you a haven where you can take care of yourself. On the deck, you can lounge in the hot tub for hours while admiring beautiful Lake McGregor.

N ° 3 C H A L E T E X P / N AT I O N A L PA R K S O F Q U E B E C

Take time to reconnect with nature.

Take a walk without wanting to conquer a mountain, stop and close your eyes for a “forest bath” or watch a bird build its nest for hours. In several national parks in Quebec, you can rent EXP cabins (for two to four people), designed to make you feel like you’re outside when you’re inside. Their large windows, ubiquitous noble materials and prime locations deep in the forest are perfect base camps for a 100% natural reprieve.

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To truly do nothing, you need to break out of your daily habits and cut yourself off from the stimuli that distract us and, of course, the many screens! Why not rent a pretty cottage in the woods and have forty-eight hours to yourself?

It’s a matter of taking some time—and taking your time.

LIVING

N °4 LE PI C M I N E U R H U T

I N THE UPPER L AUR ENTIANS

Take time to unleash your creativity.

Write your first novel by the fire, draw the surrounding landscapes or learn to play the harmonica. In the Parc régional du Poisson-Blanc in the Laurentians, the Pic Mineur hut (for two adults and two children) is located 300 metres on foot or by ski or snowshoe from the welcome centre. Inside, there’s a wood stove, a hammock chair and a loft bed, and that’s about it. It’s a simple space that leaves plenty of room for your imagination and creativity in the inspiring setting of the immaculate, snow-covered reservoir.

N ° 5 U TA P I C H A L E T / C H A R L E V O I X

Take time to be with your loved ones.

Reminisce about fond childhood memories, play a board game with the little ones or make dinner with your best friends. East of Baie-Saint-Paul, in the heart of Charlevoix, Repère Boréal’s Utapi chalet can host up to six people in a homey atmosphere befitting reunions. Bonus: a treehouse inside with a bed and no screen, to encourage discussions.

L AÖ CA BI NES From $85 per night / laocabines.ca HOM M I NI COT TAGES From $259 per night / homminichalets.com EX P CA BI NS From $130 per night / sepaq.com LE PIC M I NEU R H UT From $115 per night / poissonblanc.ca UTA PI CH A LET From $200 per night / repereboreal.com

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Fer mentation: Foods That Take Time Interview with Isabelle Huot, Nutritionist

LIVING FOODS — In an era of returning to slowness, people are gradually rediscovering the many benefits of an ancestral method of food preservation: fermentation. We had the pleasure of speaking with Isabelle Huot, a Doctor of Nutrition, so that she could shed some light on this culinary technique long reserved for living food enthusiasts.

foods seems to benefit intestinal health and the immune system. Nevertheless, more research is needed to confirm these hypotheses. In any case, one thing is certain: fermentation maximizes the nutritional value of food and even increases the bioavailability (absorption potential) of certain nutrients. The predigestion of some components due to the activity of bacteria makes some of them more digestible. For example, in sourdough bread, part of the gluten has been digested by bacteria.

For this reason, people who are sensitive to this protein sometimes find it easier to assimilate this kind of baked good.

What is a fermented food?

A fermented food is a food whose chemical structure has been modified by the activities of yeast (fungi) or bacteria. In other words, the bacteria feeds on sugars or proteins contained in the food to create acids, carbon dioxide—or alcohol! After having undergone its transformation by bacteria, the food gains certain nutritional properties and develops new flavours and textures.

You may discover entirely new flavour profiles!

What are the benefits of fermentation?

Although trendy, fermentation is nothing new: foodies and chefs have simply been having fun rediscovering and reinventing it. If we go back in time, the primary function of fermentation becomes obvious: conservation.

Which foods can be fermented?

The beauty of it is that many foods can be fermented.

In fact, any organic material can be fermented through the activities of bacteria. Dairy products, soy, fruits and vegetables, bread, wine, beer and even meat and fish can all undergo the fermentation process.

In Quebec, we primarily find fermented dairy products (yogurt, kefir and cheese), vegetables (kimchi and sauerkraut) and soy (soy sauce, tempeh and miso).

Sourdough bread, alcoholic beverages and kombucha are also favourites in Quebec.

Fermentation creates an acidic environment, which is conducive to the survival of good bacteria while preventing the development of harmful bacteria. In 2019, when we talk about conservation, we immediately think about food waste. Any new food preservation techniques are most welcome!

However, the aspect that most interests me is the effect on human health. The consumption of fermented

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To experiment with home fermentation, start with vegetables.

The basic principle is simple: just put whole, chopped or grated vegetables in an airtight jar, add salt and water, and then set aside for a few days or weeks at room temperature until the fermentation process has done its work.

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R E C I P E F O R F E R M E N T E D V E G E TA B L E S

S T E P N °4

Add salt to the water, mixing well: 1 litre (4 cups) of water requires 15 ml (1 tbsp.) of salt.

Vegetables are great for experimenting with home fermentation, and this basic recipe is perfect for starting to learn about the process.

STEP N°5

STEP N°1

Pour the brine over the vegetables so that they are completely covered. Be sure to leave a 2.5-cm (1-in.) space between the mixture and the lid.

Fermentation must take place in an airtight jar with a rubber seal. Before starting, be sure to properly sterilize your receptacle and its lid with boiling water.

STEP N°6

STEP N°2

To put some pizazz into the mixture, add some aromatics (optional): fresh herbs, hot peppers, garlic, mustard seeds, etc. For example, kimchi is a fermentation of napa cabbage, garlic and hot peppers.

Gather your ingredients: water, salt, carrots, napa cabbage and rutabaga.

STEP N°3

STEP N°7

Carefully wash the vegetables and then shred them.

Next, put them in the sterilized jar.

Close the jar (do not use a sterilization method, as you would for canning). Store at room temperature (about 20 °C) for two to three weeks before eating.

S TOR AGE

As long as the jar isn’t opened, fermented vegetables can be stored up to a year at room temperature. After opening the jar, the mixture will keep for two weeks in the refrigerator. And don’t worry, if the fermentation is inadequate, and the vegetables are unfit for consumption, the jar will emit a very strong odour.

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Are there different types of fermentation and do they have different effects and benefits?

There are in fact different types of fermentation, depending on the microorganisms used. Regardless of the type of fermentation, the benefits are similar.

Here are the main types of fermentation: • Yeasts produce alcoholic fermentation: They transform sugars into alcohol.

• Acetic acid bacteria produce acetogenic fermentation: They transform sugars into acetic acid.

• Lactic bacteria produce lactic acid fermentation: They transform sugars into lactic acid. This is the most popular type of fermentation.

How often and in what amount should we eat fermented foods?

The ideal is to eat some daily in small quantities. Since bacteria are alive, they have beneficial effects when consumed regularly. However, it’s difficult to determine the amount of bacteria in fermented foods (unlike probiotics). This variability in the products prevents precise recommendations.

What are the precautions that should be taken with fermented foods?

If fermentation is done correctly, the risk of food poisoning is relatively low due to the acidic environment in which the food is kept. However, if you want to do some fermentation at home, be sure to follow the rules of preparation.

Excessively low acidity increases the risk of botulism, a severe poisoning due to bacteria.

Do you have any favourite fermented foods?

Of course! Personally, I love tempeh. In addition to being fermented, it’s an excellent source of vegetable protein.

Kimchi, a delicious preparation of fermented vegetables from Korea, is also a personal favourite. It’s perfect for garnishing poke, salads and burgers.

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A Sip of Nature

By Stéphanie Dupuy, Sommelier

SEEI NG THI NGS MORE CLE A RLY — Sometimes, you hear a term so often you think you know exactly what it means without ever really thinking it through. Here is a glossary of the main methods currently used in viticulture.

I N T E G R AT E D

In opposition to so-called conventional viticulture, which systematically uses plant protection products (fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides) at regular intervals, “integrated” viticulture advocates the use of these products in a better-thought-out manner. Treatments are done only when necessary, according to the real risks of disease or damage incurred by the vine. In France, this approach is regulated and guaranteed by Terra Vitis certification.

ORGANIC

Organic wines don’t date back as far as you might think. In fact, before 2012, you could only speak of wines produced by organic farming because “organic farming” applied only to growing the vines. Now, regulations also cover the winemaking process. This approach prohibits the use of plant protection products when growing the vine. Although they can eliminate the risk of disease and damage to vineyards, they kill the soil by divesting it of microorganisms that are crucial for the health of the vine. They’re also prohibited in the winemaking process.

The yeast must be of organic origin and a maximum level of sulfites is set.

B I O DY N A M I C

One might think that this is a very recent approach to agriculture, but that is certainly not the case.

Biodynamic agriculture comes from Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), an Austrian philosopher and scientist who proposed the theory that the Earth is a whole: the soil, plants, animals and people are interconnected. According to him, the best way to farm is to respect the balance between these elements. The aim of biodynamics is to strengthen the vitality and resistance of the vine while getting the best possible expression of the terroir. The basic principles are the same as those of organic farming with the addition of spraying the vines with herbal or manure preparations. No farm machinery is permitted, and herds of animals (goats, sheep, geese, etc.) are often used to fertilize the soil and control weed growth. Work in the vineyard and cellar is done based on the lunar cycle.

N AT U R A L

Natural wines are either organic or biodynamic. Once in the cellar, only indigenous yeast (naturally present on the grapes and in the environment) is used. Less gentle winemaking techniques such as reverse osmosis and thermo-vinification are avoided. The wines are usually unfiltered, and the addition of sulfites is minimal or nonexistent. In short, the winemaking process is as nonintrusive as possible. The Natural Wine Association (NWA) exists, but it isn’t yet an official certification.

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OUR PH ILOSO PH Y I N YOUR GL A SS

Faithful to our values and the producers whom we support, Strøm’s menu exclusively features natural wines produced through integrated viticulture or organic or biodynamic agriculture.

D O M A I N E DE S H UA R DS, PU R E 2 018 (B I O DY N A M I C )

France, Loire White wine / 750 ml / SAQ code 961607 / Price: $25.45

D O M A I N E M E I N K L A N G , 2 0 17 ( B I O DY N A M I C )

Austria, Burgenland Red wine / 750 ml / SAQ code 13971164 / Price: $20.00 Located in the heart of the Neusiedlersee National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this biodynamic estate is a family affair for the Michlits in which everyone is involved. Their herd of cows, which contributes significantly to fertilizing the soil, is a key element of the vineyard. This Austrian red, composed of local grape varieties—zweigelt, blaufränkisch and Saint-Laurent—is fruity and evocative of summer. One glass leads to another!

S É B A S T I E N D AV I D , H U R L U B E R L U ( B I O D Y N A M I C )

France, Loire Red wine / 750 ml / SAQ code 14172719 / Price: $20.00

Sébastien David grows a single grape variety on his fifteen hectares of biodynamic vines: cabernet franc. His head is full of ideas about renewing his way of making wine.

In his cellar, there are concrete tubs, barrels, amphorae and even ovoid (egg-shaped) tanks. The Hurluberlu cuvée has a joyful freshness. It’s a real thirst-quenching wine that’s both crisp and delicious.

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This estate is the fruit of the labours of seven generations of the Gendrier family.

The vineyard has practised organic and biodynamic agriculture since 1998. The fermentations are done with indigenous yeasts, and wines are minimally sulphited. They aspire to produce wines that are an expression of the vintage and the terroir. The Pure cuvée is a blend of sauvignon and chardonnay with dominant citrus notes. Maturing on lees gives this refreshing wine a round body. Superb balance!

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

E AT I N G L O C A L

Although eating local can sometimes be costly, there are many ways to do so without paying more than when buying based on price rather than origin. Cooking and buying local products in season when they’re on sale, visiting different shops and producers and signing up for a CSA are all good ways to support the local economy and bring freshness and flavour to your plate throughout the year.

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Local Food in the Winter: The Essentials

By Raphaël Podlasiewicz, Strøm Nordic Spa Head Chef

out of style. Tomato sauce, pickles and berry jam are excellent bases for creating nutritious meals that taste like summer all year long. Canning is also a great ritual to mark the transition between summer and fall and get ready for the chilly days ahead.

ESSENT I A L — Eating local foods has many wonderful benefits. The food is better and fresher and has more nutritional value. If you do some exploring, you may even discover new products you’ll enjoy preparing and cooking. Because the transportation of what you buy is reduced, overpackaging and energy consumption is also reduced. Another positive aspect is that buying locally produced items supports the local economy.

In fact, the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec has concluded that, if each consumer bought $30 more in Quebec products yearly, a billion extra dollars would be invested in the local economy over five years. That’s certainly enough to inspire us to take the time to make informed choices! To start, here are five essentials for winter cooking.

Camelina oil is the perfect substitute for olive oil, twelve months a year. Produced right here in Quebec, it’s increasingly recognized for its high omega-3 content. With sesame and hazelnut notes, it will give personality to dishes and salads while remaining an ally in cooking your food. Camelina is an annual oil-producing plant with small yellow flowers native to Eurasia. It’s increasingly grown in North America.

IN GREENHOUSES

T H E G O U R D FA M I LY A N D R O O T V E G E TA B L E S

To enjoy fresh, local fruits and vegetables, greenhouse farming is vital for quality and availability. It allows us to put tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries and lettuce, among other produce, on our plate. Demers, Savoura and Mirabel greenhouses are Quebec-based brands you can look for in the supermarket.

Including squashes, Jerusalem artichokes, turnips and beets, the gourd family (winter squash, pumpkins and melons) and root vegetables are vegetables whose growth isn’t compromised by colder weather. They are planted in spring and harvested through late fall.

Parsnips actually improve when dug up after the first frosts and snowfalls because the cold gives them an even sweeter taste. The gourd family and root vegetables are therefore included in the fall menu and can stay there all winter because they keep for a long time.

Incorporate them into your soups, stews and risottos.

SHOOTS AND SPROUTS

Winter is a good excuse to turn to shoots and sprouts of all kinds. Very rich in nutrients, including vitamins and fibre, they are eaten in salads and sandwiches. Both sprouts, which are seeds that you let sprout in a little water for a few days (alfalfa, chickpeas and fenugreek), and shoots, where the seeds grow in soil (radishes, buckwheat, cilantro, sugar beets and sunflowers), are fast, inexpensive and easy to grow at home regardless of the season. It’s a great way to eat more vegetables!

C A N N E D G O O D S

To consume fruits and vegetables from the garden another way and eat local foods even during the winter, canned goods are an essential that never goes

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Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ). (2007). Le Québec dans votre assiette :

stratégie d’accroissement des achats de produits alimentaires québécois sur le marché. Québec : Gouvernement du Québec.

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CAMELINA

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

INGREDIENTS

Winter Vegetable Salad • 2 medium beets, peeled and cut into 8 quarters each • 8 Nantes carrots, washed and cut in half and then into quarters • 4 parsnips, peeled and cut in half and then into quarters • 8 small Tokyo turnips (or small turnips), cut into quarters • 2 tsp. of coarsely crushed caraway seeds • 1 tsp. of coarsely crushed fennel seeds • ¼ cup of camelina oil • 2 cups of sprouts of your choice (chickpeas, azukis, lentils, green peas) • 2 French shallots, minced • 8 chive leaves, finely chopped • ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp. of maple syrup • Salt and pepper

Toasted Almond “Ricotta” • 1 cup of blanched and roasted almonds • 3 garlic cloves, chopped • ¼ cup of camelina oil • ¼ cup of lemon juice • ½ cup of unsweetened almond drink • 1 ½ tsp. of salt • Pepper to taste

Camelina Aïoli • 2 egg yolks • 3 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 tsp. of maple syrup • 1 tbsp. of Dijon mustard • 1 lemon (zest and juice) • 1 cup of camelina oil • 2 tbsp. of camelina seeds • Salt and pepper

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Winter Vegetable Salad S P R O U T S / PA I N D E M I C H E C R O U T O N S

DIRECTIONS

A S S E M B LY F O R 1 P O R T I O N

Winter vegetable salad • Preheat the oven to 450 °F. • In a skillet, dry roast the caraway and fennel seeds.

• Spread out the vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Rub the vegetables with the crushed caraway and fennel seeds and sprinkle them with camelina oil.

• Cook vegetables in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are well browned.

(The vegetables should remain crunchy on the inside).

• Remove tray from the oven and let the vegetables cool.

• Mix the vegetables with the sprouts blend while retrieving the camelina oil left on the bottom of the tray.

• Add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, minced shallots and chives and season to taste.

Ingredients • 1 cup of winter vegetable salad and sprouts • 3 tbsp. of toasted almond “ricotta” • 2 tsp. of camelina aïoli • 1 tsp. of camelina oil • 8 pain de miche croutons measuring about 2 cm x 2 cm • 2 tbsp. of toasted nuts or seeds of your choice (suggestion: a mixture of pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts) • Your choice of microgreens (use crisp microgreens, such as pea shoots) Directions • In the centre of a large bowl or large plate, arrange the toasted almond “ricotta” and make a hole in the centre where you can put 1 tsp. of camelina oil.

• Arrange the winter vegetable and sprout salad around the “ricotta.”

• Drizzle with camelina aïoli.

• Garnish with croutons and toasted nuts or seeds and microgreens.

Toasted Almond “Ricotta” • In a skillet, toast the almonds.

• Add garlic and brown for 15 seconds.

• In a grinder or blender, grind all the ingredients.

• Check the seasoning and adjust to taste.

Camelina Aïoli • Mix the egg yolks with the garlic, maple syrup, Dijon mustard and lemon zest.

• Using a hand blender, emulsify while pouring in a little camelina oil. Add lemon juice and camelina seeds when the mixture thickens.

• Season to taste.

A C R E AT I O N B Y R A P H A Ë L P O D L A S I E W I C Z

Head Chef, Strøm Nordic Spa

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Winter Squash and Cardamom P ie N U T S A N D B U T T E R - M A P L E C A R A M E L / C H A N T I L LY C O F F E E C R E A M

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Sweet dough • 2 cups of flour • ¾ cup of powdered sugar • ¼ cup of almond powder • ½ cup + 2 tbsp. of cold butter, cubed • 1 egg (large) • 1 orange (zest only)

Sweet dough • In a food processor, mix the flour, powdered sugar and almond powder.

• Add the butter and mix. Then add the egg and orange zest and mix until the mixture forms a ball.

• Knead the ball by hand so that the dough has an even consistency.

• Roll the dough uniformly to a thickness of 2–3 mm.

Line a 9-inch fluted pie pan and remove excess dough from the rim.

• Prick the dough with a fork and set aside.

Winter Squash and Cardamom Filling • 2 medium butternut squashes (2 cups of purée) • 4 shredded cardamom pods or 1 tsp. of ground cardamom • ½ cup of packed brown sugar • ½ cup of milk • 2 eggs

Winter Squash and Cardamom Filling • Preheat the oven to 375 °F. • Cut the butternut squashes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, cut side down.

• Roast the squash in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the flesh separates from the skin.

• Decrease the oven temperature to 325 °F. • Remove the flesh of the squash with a spoon.

• In a food processor, blend the flesh of the squash until it becomes a smooth purée.

Set aside 2 cups of squash purée.

• Using a hand mixer, combine the milk, brown sugar and eggs. Add the set-aside purée and mix.

• Pour the squash mixture into the pie shell and bake (325 °F) for 20 to 25 minutes (the pie is done when the crust is browned and the mixture hardens uniformly).

• Let cool and refrigerate.

Nuts and Butter-Maple Caramel • 1 cup of pecans • 1 cup of walnuts • 1 cup of slivered almonds • 2 cups of sugar • 2/3 cup of Réduit de Léo or Coureur des Bois whisky • 1 cup of 35% cream • ¼ cup of butter • 1 tsp. of fleur de sel Chantilly Coffee Cream • 2 cups of 35% cream • 1 cup of sugar • 1 cup of arabica coffee beans (preferably organic and fair trade) • 2 short espressos • 3 gelatin sheets (optional)

A C R E AT I O N B Y R A P H A Ë L P O D L A S I E W I C Z

Head Chef, Strøm Nordic Spa

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DIRECTIONS

Nuts and Butter-Maple Caramel • In a saucepan, caramelize the sugar and the Réduit de Léo until the mixture turns a coppery colour.

• Remove from heat and add the cream and butter to the mixture. Return to heat and bring to a boil.

Set aside.

• In a skillet, dry roast the almonds.

Add the maple caramel by thoroughly coating the nuts.

Set aside the mixture of nuts and caramel.

Chantilly Coffee Cream • In a saucepan, dry roast the coffee beans for 1 minute.

Deglaze with the cream, then add the sugar and 2 short espressos. Bring to a boil.

Remove from heat, cover and let infuse for 30 minutes.

• Rehydrate the gelatin sheets in cold water.

• Pass the cream and coffee mixture through a fine sieve, then bring back to a boil. Wring out the gelatin sheets and melt them in the boiling coffee cream.

• Put the cream and coffee mixture in a container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.

• Using an electric mixer or whisk, whip the cold cream until soft peaks form.

A S S E M B LY

Remove the pie from the refrigerator and let it sit for 10 minutes. Put the mixture of nuts and caramel onto the winter squash pie so that the top is completely covered.

Garnish with Chantilly coffee cream to taste and serve.

NOR DIC SPA — Take the time to take a break—this is your mantra to stave off the frantic pace of everyday life. Just let go and get away, even if you’re close to home. Strøm wellness centres offer four locations where you can make time stand still for a moment. Reconnect with the quiet strength within you. Rediscover the slowness of the present, one second at a time. Reground yourself in the reality that may be hidden beneath everyday worries.

Here, time stands still. The boundaries between outside and inside are blurred. The water’s heat contrasts with the Nordic landscapes. These wellness spaces seem suspended between the remains of key historical locations and our modern lifestyles. You can enjoy the everyday pleasures of deep reflection with an end-of-day cocktail in your bathrobe, wrapped in a blanket beside the outdoor fireplace.

Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

Four Havens W here You Can Slow Dow n

STRØM NORDIC SPA

Nuns’ Island: The Beginning of a Wellness Mission A H AV E N J U S T M I N U T E S F R O M T H E M E T R O P O L I S

The Strøm Nordic Spa on Nuns’ Island is a peaceful haven hidden away just a few minutes from downtown Montréal offering facilities that are in harmony with the vastness of nature. The ergonomics of the thermal cycle, the living force and the tide initiate regeneration that becomes a state of balance. This destination is deeply rooted in a holistic approach to beauty and wellness with a range of treatments, massage therapy, innovative cuisine, authentic rituals and wellness pauses on the Lac des Battures dock. In addition to being Strøm’s first location, it’s also a place that perfectly combines nature and urbanism. It’s hard to believe that we’re so close to the city.

Outdoor whirlpools • Hot and cold baths • Finnish saunas Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Bistro • Terraces • Docks • Massage rooms on stilts • And much more

F AV O U R I T E S

Fireplace area Intimacy. Gathering. Heat. The force of fire blends with the charm of the location, offering a majestic view of the panorama of Lac des Battures. A radiant space that brings guests together in the summer and winter alike.

Massage rooms on stilts Combining the benefits of nature and massage therapy, massage rooms on stilts allow you to extend the experience of outdoor relaxation. In the summer, this treatment is provided in the heart of lush vegetation filled by birdsong.

In the winter, the heated rooms become true cocoons: being outside in cold weather has never been so pleasant.

Rød relaxation room An experience focused on relieving tension and overall relaxation, unwinding on infrared beds is a way to enjoy all the effects of infratherapy on the body. Relief of muscle and joint tension, stress reduction, lowered blood pressure, immune system stimulation, skin tightening, improved blood circulation, elimination of toxins: the benefits are manifold. This is the ideal pause for athletes and wellness enthusiasts

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S T R Ø M N O R D I C S PA FAC I L I T I E S O N N U N S ’ I S L A N D

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Mont-Saint-Hilaire: View of the Summit Since 2014

O N T H E M O U N TA I N S I D E

Built in the heart of the Gault Nature Reserve, Strøm Mont-Saint-Hilaire offers moments of deep contemplation where silence reigns supreme. The spa in Montérégie offers an experience in harmony with nature’s changing seasons. Back to basics, purity and the need to reconnect. Large windows and clean lines showcase the surrounding wilderness. Because the land and a special connection with nature are our starting point, restaurant Nord highlights the flavours and products of the terroir. With panoramic views of Mont Saint-Hilaire, its outdoor pool, salt exfoliation area and innovative lounges, the spa is, not surprisingly, the most popular one in Montérégie.

FA C I L I T I E S AT S T R Ø M M O N T- S A I N T- H I L A I R E

Outdoor whirlpools • Hot and cold baths • Pool • Finnish saunas Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Restaurant • Terraces • And much more

F AV O U R I T E S

The Panoramic Room In this elegant, refined relaxation area, wellness prevails. Here, nature’s style meets vernacular architecture.

In a place where plant life has always been important, broad windows showcase its beauties.

Outdoor pool Built at the foot of the mountain, the large, sunny pool encircled by the majestic foliage of weeping willows offers stunning views of Mont Saint-Hilaire. The spectacle of nature offers itself up to swimmers who enjoy water heated to just the right temperature. A must-visit all year long.

Salt exfoliation area This experience stimulates the senses while restoring your skin’s radiance, softness and vitality. The ritual begins in the sauna or steam bath, where you relax for about ten minutes. Afterwards, you head to the exfoliation area for a salt scrub, skin massage and then a rinse. It’s a wonderful addition to the traditional thermal circuit.

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Photo credit: Bianca Des Jardins

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Photo credit: Adrien Williams

STRØM NORDIC SPA

STRØM NORDIC SPA

Sherbrooke: In the Heart of the Action Since 2016 O N T H E S H O R E S O F L A C D E S N AT I O N S

FA C I L I T I E S AT S T R Ø M S PA S H E R B R O O K E Outdoor whirlpools • Hot and cold baths • Finnish saunas Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths • Thermal and Nordic waterfalls Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Restaurant • Terraces • Dock • Beach • And much more

F AV O U R I T E S

The Nat Relaxation Room The sheer immensity of silence in the heart of total darkness: the Nat (“night”) relaxation room is an ode to darkness and, above all, a meditative and restorative space where silence is golden. For complete relaxation, you lie on the heated black granite beds for about twenty minutes and unwind. When our body is positioned on a hard-levelled bed, its weight is distributed more evenly, providing many benefits, from maximum relaxation of the muscles and nervous system to stimulating blood circulation.

Beach The beach is flooded with light, both at dawn and when the setting sun turns the landscape gold. Lush vegetation surrounds the relaxation area while leaving a spectacular view of Lac des Nations and the pastel-coloured sunsets that are reflected on the water.

Drøm hanging chair area This contemplative space invites you to reconnect with the quiet energy of the location. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a moment of tranquility to get in-sync with the infinitely slower pace of the nature around you.

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The choice of raw and noble materials, the clean lines and the cohesion between form and function are the characteristics of the Strøm Nordic Spa in Sherbrooke, located on the shores of Lac des Nations. Unifying the building and landscape, this healing place near the city centre makes it easy to get away and unwind. In the summer, you can enjoy the dock, the beach and a large sunny terrace. In the winter, you can wrap yourself in a fur blanket for a cozy moment around the fireplace. A Nordic experience approved by hygge lovers.

Vieux-Québec: A Year Centred on Balance REDISCOVER THE RIVER

In the heart of a historic site, the new Strøm Nordic Spa in Old Québec has been created, arguably becoming the most magnificent spa in the province. With the vastness and power as well as the tranquility of the St. Lawrence River, it feels like a place where you can get away from it all. The carefully considered architecture is in harmony with the richness of this special place. The vast, majestic floating pool is surrounded by candles, which brings the experience of floating closer to meditation. An infinity pool for contemplation, a marble steam bath room, an intimate atmosphere: the unique experience culminates in the indoor/outdoor bath—for a journey between darkness and light.

FA C I L I T I E S AT S T R Ø M S PA V I E U X - Q U É B E C Outdoor whirlpools • Hot and cold baths • Epsom salt floating pool Infinity pool • Finnish saunas • Eucalyptus and essential oil steam baths Thermal and Nordic waterfalls • Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces Restaurant • Terraces • And much more

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Photo credit: Adrien Williams

STRØM NORDIC SPA

STRØM NORDIC SPA

F AV O U R I T E S

Infinity pool A visit to Strøm Nordic Spa Vieux-Québec is also a chance to be immersed in a site rich in history. Here, at the end of the magnificent Samuel de Champlain Promenade, the infinity pool beside the river evokes the Brown Basin’s heritage as a port.

The Strøm River An immersive space blurring the boundary between inside and outside, the Strøm River offers a contrast-based circuit. Light and darkness, inside and outside—it’s a fluid experience that stimulates the senses and lets you peacefully drift away.

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Floating pool Evocative of the Dead Sea, the Epsom salt floating pool is made of a dense solution that minimizes the forces of gravity and allows the body to float effortlessly. With a salinity that varies from 25% to 27%, it provides an experience worthy of a dip in the waters of the Dead Sea. With the relaxation of the body and absence of pressure points, floating offers a superlative feeling of relaxation.

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