Welcome Home 2010

ELEGANCEMADE EASYCONSIDER A CATERED AFFAIR AND RELAX

FALLFAVOURITESCOZY IDEAS FROM ADESIGNER’S NOTEBOOK

heritage now

THE LANDMARKS: HERITAGE HOMES ARE STANDING PROUD ON THE NORTH SHORE

COLLECTING ART THE FALL GARDEN CUSTOM DESIGN Q & A KITCHENS REVISITED

welcomeYOUR RESOURCE FORNORTH SHORE LIVINGSEPTEMBER 2010

W W W. N O R T H S H O R E O U T L O O K . C O M ‹ W E L C O M E H O M E F A L L 2 0 1 0 ‹ 3

NORTH VANCOUVER 1405 Pemberton Avenue 604.988.8271

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LEATHER SOFAS EXCLUSIVE TO THE NORTH SHORE STORE

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Come on in! For information regarding advertising in the next edition of Welcome Home, Your Resource for North Shore Living, please contact the North Shore Outlook or the North Shore Real Estate Weekly.

Copyright and property rights subsist in all display advertising and other material appearing in Welcome Home, Your Resource for North Shore Living (North Shore Outlook). If, in the Publisher's opinion, an error is made that materially affects the value of the ad to the advertiser, a corrected advertisement will be inserted upon demand without further charge. Make good insertions are not granted on minor errors which do not lessen the value of the advertisement. Notice of error is required before second insertion.

The Outlook:104-980 West 1st Street, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3N4

PublisherAaron Van [email protected]

Advertising ManagerGreg [email protected]

Advertising RepresentativesNick Bellamy 604.903.1042Hollee Brown 604.903.1017Don Dobie 604.903.1015Janine Fieldgate 604.903.1014Dianne Hathaway 604.903.1012Mary Ellen Olsen 604.903.1030Tracey Wait 604.903.1020

Creative ServicesDoug AlysworthMaryann ErlamTannis Hendriks

The Garden in Fall BEAUTYBERRIES

BULBS & BLACK EYED SUSANS 6 A Designer’s

FavouritesTRENDS & IDEAS FROM A DESIGNER’S NOTEBOOK

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The Advertiser Index38

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INVITE YOUR FRIENDSTO TEST THEIR PALATE

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HERITAGE HOMES THRIVE ON THE NORTH SHORE

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ISSUES & IDEAS – CREATE A KITCHEN THAT WORKS

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Beautyberries toBlack Eyed SusansBring the best of the season

into your garden.

The warm, crisp feel of fall is in the air. And with that sensation, comes the need to make over garden beds so that it can give you the enjoyment of all the wonderful colours of the season. Vibrantyellows, striking oranges, and fi ery reds can be enjoyed all through-out nature, so why not add a little to your garden?

One of the fi rst steps should be garden maintenance. Deadhead-ing, pruning, weeding and general cleanup help you see what is going on in your fl ower beds. Once that is done, you can take alook around to see if you would like to add more trees, shrubs or perennials, or if you would be happy with some well placed planters to give the look you want.

Mums, pansies, ornamental kale and select grasses (pheasants tail, Japanese blood grass) make for beautiful planters. Take a small ever-green shrub and surround it with colour. Once the season is fi nished, you still have the evergreen tree for interest, and the annual colour can be replaced in the spring. You can also fi ll them with fallblooming perennials. It all depends on the look you are going for and how long you would like your planter to last. Planters are avail-able in a variety of shapes and sizes, and if you are not comfortable making your own, or just don’t have time, your local garden center will have a selection for you to choose from. One of the great things about the planters is that you can position them anywhere in your yard so that you get the best view.

There are some great shrubs for autumn colour. Callicarpa(Beautyberry) shows its true form in the fall months. Covered with small clusters of purple berries, this shrub will make everyone stop and look. Euonymus alatus (winged burning bush) is another great example of fall colour - what was once green is now red!

Fall blooming perennials to include in your garden include,Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan), Gaillardia (Blanket Flower),Japanese Anemones and Asters. Heucheras and perennial sage add great texture and are evergreen. Tall, waving Miscanthus make a wonderful show at the back of a border.

Bulbs! Plant spring blooming bulbs in mid October. If you would like to plant your bulbs directly into the garden, you may consider


Opposite page: Winged Burning Bush, Beautyberry, a planter; above: Black Eyed Susans and Orna-mental Grass – all ideas for bringing fall colours into your garden.

planting them around existing shrubs, so that they can be left in place after they bloom and do not interfere with early annual plantings. Plant tulips in large pots; place chicken wire over the top to prevent squirrels from eating them. When they come up in the spring, remove the chicken wire and place the pot where you would like it. If you want it to look like you planted directly in the ground, use an inexpensive growers pot and bury the pot full of blooming tulips in the garden. The pots are easy to remove when the fl owers are fi nished.

Fall is the best time to plant new trees and shrubs. The cooler weather gives the root system a chance to grow and do their thing before having to focus on the top growth of the plant in the spring. Many trees and shrubs offer fall and winter interest without the need for fl owers. Paperbark Maples, red and yellow stemmed dogwoods, and conifers with gold are russet foliage are just a few examples of exciting autumn plantings.

Your hard work, time and effort should not be wasted. Place a bench or chairs around the garden so you’ll have a place to sit and admire. Place your planters where you can see them from your home, or on your front step to greet you. The most important thing is to enjoy your garden.

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I have never lost my sense of excitement as fall arrives. I start dreaming about cozying up and nesting like we used to when I was a kid; hot tea and scrabble, comfort food,

snuggly clothes, clean-aired mornings, crisp nights, the turning of the leaves; truly one of my favourite seasons.

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, with my favourite cup of tea steaming at my side, I love to take pen in hand and write cards and letters. Think you don’t have time? Think again. For

such a small effort the impact is enormous! Email, junk mail, bills… booooorrrring! But a personal note is gratifying to write and is like sending a warm hug. Brighten someone’s day, “just because”.

After your letters are written, dress the dog in their favourite fall coat, and then dress your-self in warm and colourful rain gear for a fun walk in the rain to the mailbox. Watching it rain through the window is a downer; walking in the rain is exhilarating! Get outside in bright boots

Not all shades are created equal. Let the creative folks at the Victoria Lampshade Shop t your existing lamp with an exciting new shade, or have a unique shade made just for you! The ideas are endless.www.thevictorialampshadeshop.com103-1926 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver

West Vancouver’s Caren McSherry of the Gourmet Warehouse knows a thing or two about home cooked meals. Thousands of amazing foods and all the culinary tools you can dream of. We’re excited about Caren’s new cookbook In A Pinch (Whitecap Books), on shelves this fall.www.gourmetwarehouse.ca1340 East Hastings Streetin Vancouver

A cinch to customize (even in small quantities), well priced, elegant and tons of fun! Not just for special events. Make a statement with the many cards, invitations, notepads, custom stamps, even custom illustrations from The Paperqueen. The stationery everyone is talking about! www.thepaperqueen.comor by appointment in West Vancouver at 604.926.6606

Local store At Home is over owing with beautiful things for your comfort and pleasure. You must check out the linens and amazing bath products, key for the long nights to come. You’re worth [email protected] Marine Drive in West Vancouver

from my notebook…a few of my favourite things!

tiful thingsck out the

MADE IN THE SHADE

FROM THE VICTORIA LAMPSHADE SHOP

Here on the “wet coast” embracing the rain is a must.Gum Drops is your one stop shop for making rainy days special for all ages. Amazing boots for women, men and children, rain coats and hats plus fantastic umbrellaswww.gumdrops.ca2029 West 4th Avenue in Vancouver

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with fun umbrella to ght off the rainy day blahs.

What fall means to me is enjoying the great indoors; curling up to read on a comfy chair with soft pillows and a warm throw, the aromas of slow oven-roasted meals wafting through our home, and wine and cheese parties. A few small updates will bring new life to your home. A great way to introduce a new look for fall is with new lampshades. Huge impact at very little cost.

I love long steaming baths on cold nights and uffy new towels make it extra special. Fragrant candles, crisp new sheets on the bed… the simple comforts of home to help to lift the spirits during the longer nights.

Fall is here. Welcome home, my friends.

Not like grandma used to have, modern day-beds come in all shapes and sizes for all home styles. Serves as a lounge chair, bench or a great place to lie down for nap. If you call a pro designer for some help your furniture options in Vancouver open up. Call your local designer today!www.bloomfurniturestudio.com108-611 Alexander Street in Vancouver

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Tea has been around for over 4000 and the folks at The Urban Tea Merchant know more about it than most. Black, white, herbal; whatever tea ts your taste you will nd it here. Check out their amazing tea pots and the wonderful food all while having your tea leaves read – now that’s fun!www.urbantea.comG3-825 Main Street. The Village at Park Royal West Vancouver

Two of my favourite things are my wiener dogs, Porsche and Cooper. And for a pampered pooch there is nowhere better than The Pet Shop Boys. Toys and treats, exclusive beds and clothes, a doggy daycare and spa, even a dog psychic! A trip here will lift your spirits.www.thepetshopboys.ca3080 Cambie Street in Vancouver

RELAXATION

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I love cheese! And what better way to present it than on the end of an oak barrel from SonomaValley? This cheese platter idea is stunning, large and easy to carry with the added handles. www.gourmetwarehouse.ca1340 East Hastings Street in Vancouver

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TEA TIME

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CONSIGNMENT CANADAConsignment Canada is the largest consignment store in Western Canada.

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In the Real Estate community, I am known as the “Heritage Expert”.There are many issues with heritage homes, from insurance to heritage protection, to knob and tube wiring. Let my experience guide you in the sale of your biggest asset.I sell more heritage homes than anyone. I am consistently in the top 3% of the 60,000 Realtors in the Prudential Network and a top producer at Prudential Sussex Realty.Visit my website for lots of information about heritage homes.

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EXPERTISE AND HOMES THAT INSPIRE


Heritage home hotbedNorth Shore has an abundance of landmark heritage

homes, from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay.

GREG HOEKSTRAContributor

The Vinson house,current day.

The Christie house, current day.

While it’s no secret the North Shore is a magnet for out-doorsy types, it’s also a community chock-full of heritage, to the delight of local history buffs.

One of the most appealing aspects of the North Shore’s communities is the abundance of heritage homes that line our city streets and are tucked away in the nooks and cran-nies of villages from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay.

Roy Pallant, a retired British engineer and president of the North Shore Historical Society, says he revels in walk-ing about the streets admiring neighbourhoods where each home looks different from the next.

“Taking the dog for a walk is a very interesting and educating activity,” says Pallant, who admits to taking three-hour long strolls when he fi rst arrived in the area.

Many of the most appealing heritage homes, says Pallant, were built by settlers in the early 1900s, and the fact that they are still standing today is a testament to the work ethic of the area’s founding fathers.

“Today there are homes built by ‘professionals’ that fall apart. But back then people built their own homes, and they took the time to plan exactly how it would look, and to build it properly,” says Pallant. “It was a nation of carpen-ters who weren’t really carpenters at all.”

One of the gems of the North Shore, says Pallant, is the Christie House, located at 267 West Queens Road near the district of North Van’s municipal hall. The local landmark — which was recently used by an arts house by the district — was fi rst built in 1911 by Thomas E. Christie, his brother Henry, and Norman Day, all of whom were employed at Wallace Shipyards.

Pallant says the house has enough history in it to “make you drool,” including a butler’s pantry, a Queen Ann turret, and fi ne wood panelling.

One of the earliest residents in the home was the estranged wife of customs offi cial R.D.E. McMann, who lived there for a year in 1917. In the 1920s the house was occupied by Dr. Salt, who used it as both a residence and a place for his medical offi ce.

Today, the house is owned by Jordan Levine, an architect with the Vancouver-based fi rm Omicron. Levine and his young family moved into the home earlier this year after buying it from the district and restoring some of the historic features — something he says is of utmost importance to him as an architect.

“Living here makes us feel like we’re stewards of some-

GREG HOEKSTRAStaff Reporter


thing larger. We’re living here, but we’re also maintaining a structure that will continue long after we’re gone,” says Levine.

In West Vancouver, Carol Howie says she feels the same way about her home — the Vinson House — located at 1425 Gordon Avenue in the Lower Ambleside area of West Van.

Howie, who is also the assistant archivist for the District of West Vancouver, says the craftsman-style bungalow built in 1913 is one of the earliest examples of a large house in the area.

“Back in those days West Vancouver was still very much a cottage community, with smaller, summer homes,” says Howie.

The Vinson house gets its name after its original owner — Valient Vivian Vinson — a prominent pioneer in West Van-couver. Vinson playes an important role in the early develop-ment of both the municipality and the community, serving as a councillor in 1915 and holding the offi ce of reeve for seven years in the late 1910s and 1920s.

Following Vinson’s death in 1934, Howie says the home switched hands a few times. In the 1940s it was reportedly

a boarding house for troubled young boys briefl y, until that was quashed by a petition from some neighbours.

“You can still see some of the boys’ initials inscribed in the beams... it’s quite neat,” says Howie.

Howie, who has owned the home since 2003, says her and her family are proud to own a piece of local history.

“This house has very good vibes. It’s a place where people like to gather,” she says.

“I think it’s hugely important that we try to save what we have here,” she adds. “Heritage homes put into perspective the development of our community.”

For more information on heritage homes in our commu-nity check out the North Vancouver Museum and Archives at www.northvanmuseum.ca or the District of West Vancou-ver’s archives at http//archives.westvancouver.ca.

The North Shore Heritage Preservation Society offers an email forum and online report called “Heritage Watch” through their website at www.northshoreheritage.org.

This fall, Capilano University’s continuing education department will also be offering a series of historical walking tours called “The North Shore Then and Now.” The program takes place over six Fridays from October to December. For more information or to register visit www.capilanou.ca/ce/.

The Vinson house,

circa 1920.

The Christie house, circa 1974.

Living here makes us feel like we’re stewards ofsomething larger.


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Casual BlindTasting Party1) Pick a theme: one varietal

from several producers in one region; one varietal from various regions around the world, etc.

2) Invite a small group of friends (four to 10). Make sure there’s enough stem-ware for a glass per wine per person – have people bring their own if you don’t have enough. You’ll also need paper and a pen or pencil for each person.

3) Plan on providing up to six wines or ask each guest or couple to bring a wine wrapped in a brown paper bag.

4) The tasting should take place in a well lit room with a white tablecloth or placemat. No fragrant candles, perfume or foods before the tasting and no chatting during the tasting.

5) Mark the bags and base of glasses with a letter and pour in order.

6) Guests taste the wines and guess the varietal, region or producer OR list their preference. In the fi rst, the guest with the most correct answers wins. In the latter, the guest who brought the most popular wine wins.

By Andrea Pollock

There are many things that come together to create a great wine taster; the most important of which is having a top notch palate. It is your sense of smell

and taste that are the most important in becoming an expert taster of wines.

Interestingly enough your sense of smell and your taste buds are at their prime between the age of 25 to 60. During this time you are able to distinguish a huge number of tastes, as well as detect the intricacies of seasonings and spices. You are also able to detect and identify a wider array of smells during this time.

Not to say that food will lose all its interesting characteristics and taste after the age of 60, but there are some things that can begin to stack up against your

favour as you age. In an effort to develop and save your palate for as long as possible there are a few strategies that you can employ:

Host a wine tastingAnd challenge your palate.

It’s nice to cozy up on a crisp autumn evening and just relax…but sometimes you feel like a bit of a challenge. Consider hosting a wine tasting party. Invite a few friends to each bring a bottle of wine (carefully concealed in a plain brown wrapper) and settle in to test your palates. The options are endless - themes run from casual-cheap, with a set dollar limit per bottle; to a chic, champagne-only affair. Between sips, you may want to provide bites of plain bread as a palate cleanser. And after the tasting, sit down with your guests to share a variety of appetizers or a casual dinner as you discuss the fl avours you’ve discovered.

Don’t smoke Smoking is the number one way to ruin your palate prematurely.

Try new ingredients You can’t identify things that you don’t know, so start tasting and smelling everything, And don’t just smell foods, smell everything – clothes, wood, plants, fl owers, anything you can think of. Wines contain more than just fruity smells; some wines can even have unpleasant odours like moulds, rotten wood, chemicals and urine.

Taste wines together There is no better way to start learning about a particu-lar grape variety than trying a bunch of different bottles all together; this gives you more opportunity to compare them and fi nd similarities between them. Try a Chardonnay tasting with friends, open 6 bottles of Chardonnay, each one differ-ent – you could try three that are aged in oak and three un-oaked styles. The side by side comparison is much better than relying on your taste memory to help you fi gure out what you are tasting and smelling.

Tips to becoming a better wine taster

Each bottle of wine is concealed, numbered, and poured into a fresh glass for your guests to taste and evaluate.


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We want to build a new house. How do we decide between an architect and a building designer?

The term “architect” is reserved by legislation for those who, through training, experience, and examination, are registered members with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC). Only persons who

are registered members with the AIBC (MAIBC designation) are legally entitled to call themselves “architects”. Building designers may have the same training but if not registered with the institute as members they cannot call themselves architects. A building designer is permitted to design single or two-family dwellings and both ar-chitects and building designers are bound by the same regional building codes as well as governing municipal jurisdictions. Both types of designers will contribute success-fully to the built environment of today within their allowable scope of practice. There are good and not-so-good architects and building designers so you must evaluate their level of competency while you make your decision.

If I can choose either a building designer or architect for my house, what criteria should I use to make the fi nal choice for professional help?

Research the reputation and particular expertise of those you will interview including the individual’s familiarity with the area and municipal by-laws. Ask friends who have used professional help with their homes about their

experience and satisfaction. Some architects and designers develop a focus on a par-ticular architectural genre while others have a much wider range of creative offerings. While budget is always a consideration, it is not recommended that you select a pro-fessional based solely on the fee. Don’t short change yourself; the fee for designing your home represents a relatively small part of the overall cost of your building project so do yourself a big favor and don’t scrimp. Another big consideration is personal fi t – there must be good “chemistry” for you to want to work with this person. You are embarking on a very intimate process so trust is paramount.

Why would I design a custom home when I can buy stock plans?

Stock plans can be reasonably priced and can help you pick a style of home. Purchased plans, however, will be incomplete initially and will require adjustments to suit your building site, local building codes, by-laws, as well as refi nements to suit your specifi c needs and lifestyle; this will

all cost extra. The fi nancial investment to design a custom home will be greater than buying a stock plan, but the emotional cost of building a house that does not fully suit your needs could be more signifi cant. Building a house is expensive and takes patience and lots of your energy; why take the risk of disappointment with the fi nal results when you have real options beforehand.

QAQ

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Q

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A

Custom design:Consider the options and be clear

about your needs.


QA

Q How long should it take to design my house?

That varies. The design process includes pre-design consultation, design development, design review and revisions, production of working draw-ings plus engineering, before a building permit application can be made.

The design process can take as little as four weeks and up to a few months depending on the complexity. Permit issuance varies by municipality.

What should we bring to an initial meeting with a building designer or architect?

Be clear about your needs, the purpose of the building and your prefer-ences. Have a construction budget in mind. Provide your land survey or a plan of the lot. If this is a renovation bring information and plans of the

existing house if possible. Bring photos, ideas and sketches; anything you can use to clearly convey your expectations and desires to get the ball rolling.

A

Joe Rommel, RC.AIBC, AScT

T/F 604.913.0103C 604.617.5478E [email protected]

w w w.rommeldesign.comResidential Design SpecialistsSuite One • 650 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1E2

Bring photos, ideas, sketches…to convey your expectations and desires.


Well designed kitchensthat workAdd resale value to your home

The kitchen is the heart of the home so a great deal of thought and planning needs to go into deciding what is needed in order to meet your needs. A kitchen renovation can be one of the most exciting and important changes you make to your home. A well-designed kitchen will give you enjoyment and effi cient workspace for many years to come and add value and salability to your home. Kitchen renovations represent a signifi cant investment, so the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association offers some advice to make sure you make the right moves.

Begin by visiting building suppliers, retail outlets and kitchen showrooms to fi nd out what’s available and get an idea of prices. However, kitchen renovations go be-yond cabinetry and appliances. Talk with a professional renovation contractor in the early stages of planning to get a clear sense of the full scope of the work involved. Then you’ll be in a good position to make informed deci-sions and choices. Here are some of the issues you and your renovator will want to discuss.

The kitchenis the heartof the home.


What do you want to accomplish? This is a simple-sounding question, but one that your renovator needs to understand in order to give you the best advice. Do you need more storage and workspace? A new updated look? Better traffi c fl ow? A quiet, bright morning breakfast spot? What bothers you about your existing kitchen? Often, renovators will ask you to describe your daily routine to determine the best design solutions to achieve your objectives, in and around the kitchen area.

Do you really need a larger work area? The renovator will help you to assess your existing space. Older kitchens are often poorly laid out, with wasted space in corner cabinets, ineffi cient shelving and small counters with inadequate workspace. Can you gain the space you want from a more effi cient layout? Can you run cupboards to the ceiling for storing seldom-used items? Would bigger windows or glass doors to the outside help to open up or brighten the area? When more space is needed, can you expand to another area of the home, or is it necessary to add on additional space?

Do you need help with design? It’s often diffi cult to see beyond what you already have, and you may not be aware of all the possibilities. Kitchen design has evolved a great deal in the past 10 to 15 years. Because they are involved in many different kitchens, renovators can provide lots of ideas and suggest things you may never have considered. They will be pleased to work with you to redesign your kitchen to meet with your current and future needs.

What work is involved? Typically, a complete kitchen renovation involves more than simply changing the cabinets. It includes preparing the room, modifying the services and fi nish-ing which may include installation of cabinets, tile, fl ooring, trim and lighting.

During the fi rst stage, your kitchen is dismantled and struc-tural work -- such as stripping and moving walls, installing windows and/or doors, drywalling, and fl ooring -- is done. Elec-trical work may entail upgrading, including split receptacles for lighting and separate circuits for each appliance to ensure they conform to current electrical code requirements. You may have to add a sub-panel or your electrical panel may need upgrading.

Changing your kitchen layout may also mean moving the plumbing. Your renovator may suggest replacing old or cor-roded water lines to ensure good water pressure and to avoid future leaks.

How long will I be without a kitchen? The work schedule depends on the scale of the project. A complete kitchen renova-tion typically takes about eight to ten weeks or longer if you are adding space or doing extensive renovations in adjoining areas. Your renovator will help you set up temporary kitchen facilities elsewhere in the house or they may suggest that you move your family out until the project is completed.

Greater Vancouver Home Builder’s Association


The biggest part of any household fl ooring renovation comes long before any tile, hardwood or laminate surface makes its way into your home. It all starts with understanding the nature of each room you are looking to renovate. “For example, in a kitchen I recom-mend using a porcelain tile, not ceram-ic because porcelain is more durable,” says fl ooring specialist Al Eris. “Moisture, and water, can damage other fl oors. The dishwasher, sink and fridge can all cause problems. Even if it is an accident, on a tile fl oor you won’t have to replace them if something goes wrong. This is something you have to understand before making any choices. “The same reasoning should be ap-plied to the bathroom, he says. Moisture, again, is an issue and both laminate and wood fl oors can be prob-lematic. If water gets into the joints of a laminate fl oor, for instance, it will swell and you will have to replace it. In the living room and dining room areas of the house, there are a more options to consider. If either of these rooms is connected to the kitchen, then Eris recommends staying with a tile surface, but if they aren’t, then a wood fl oor can add a richness to the rooms. There are two types of hardwood fl oors—solid and engineered. Solid hardwood needs to be nailed down, so

a wood subfl oor is necessary for instal-lation. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, can be attached to any type of fl oor. This fl exibility makes it an opti-mal choice for those living in condos, where a sub-fl oor may not be available. It is also the more stable of the two op-tions. For the basement or rec room, Eris urges going with something a little more durable like carpet—but engi-neered hardwood or laminate fl oors can also work. Solid hardwood cannot be installed in a basement because of the concrete surface. Basements can also have moisture problems and that should be taken into consideration.

Rec rooms by nature are a tough room to fi nd a good fl ooring for because of the often heavy usage of the space. Carpet is relatively cheap to replace and may be the way to go in these popular rooms. Regarding fl ooring trends, Eris says eco-friendly fl ooring has become quite popular. Bamboo fl oors, for example, are attractive because they are a renew-able resource that grows quickly, unlike maple or oak trees which take years to grow. Cork fl ooring has also risen in popu-larity. A major selling point for this type of surface is that it’s non-allergen-ic. Carpets, on the contrary, keep dust and can drive the sinuses crazy.

What’s underfoot?Understanding good fl ooring.SEAN KOLENKOStaff Reporter

Some tips • If you’re handy, you can buy laminate fl oors that come with an interlocking click

system that make the installation process easy for any do-it-yourselfer.

• If carpet is your surface of choice, go with a good quality underpad and a thinner carpet. When it’s time to replace the carpet again, you won’t have to buy a new underpad and you’ll save a few bucks.

• For those who want to go the tile route, Eris says going with a more expensive product may help you in the long run. A cheaper product may crack and replace-ment costs are expensive.

• If you want real wood, look for discontinued lines at the store. This will save a you a few dollars especially when renovating a large area.

• There are a number of do-it-yourself videos online for those interested in taking on the big project.


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Judi Whyte RI

f o c u s e d c a r i n g s e r v i c e

With over 30 years experience, real estate has indeed become a way of life for me – and yet every day is different! I am constantly meeting new people and I am honoured to be invited to engage with them at a time when they are making one of the biggestdecisions of their lives

My daughter Robbi-Layne Robertson has recently joined me. Together we are proud to offer a real estate experience that isfocused, caring, and personally tailored to your needs. We choose to work with only a few clients at a time so we canprovide the attention to detail that is important to us and is critical for your decision making process.

If you are thinking about a move, think of us.

When you select a realtor you should know their background, education, and experience. To understand and learn more about us, we invite you to visit our web site at www.judiwhyte.com.

And please, feel free to call us for an appointment to talk in person – we lookforward to meeting you!

Judi Whyte RICell: 604.868.9812 | email: [email protected]

Robbi-Layne RobertsonCell: 604.351.9417 | email: [email protected]

www.judiwhyte.com


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Elegant dinner partiesmade easy

What hostess has time to mingle with guests when there is food to come out of the oven, spilled wine on the carpet, and a playlist that has run out of songs.

By hiring a full-service catering company you can sit back and be a guest at your own party. From organiz-ing valet parking to hiring a DJ, today’s caterers bring more to the party than just the main dish.

“You can leave your keys with us, come back home with your guests, and everything’s done,” says Dale Ferris, owner of Dale Ferris Catering. “We’re pretty trustful.”

And that’s lesson number one when choosing a ca-terer. You should be able to trust that the food will be delicious, every worst-case scenario has been thought of, and most importantly, that you won’t have a fi nan-cial hangover when you get the bill.

“I can let them (clients) know basically to the penny what the cost will be beforehand, except for staffi ng,” says Ferris. “I won’t know until the day of if they have to stay late at the event.”

The initial meeting to discuss party details also re-quires honesty on the part of the client. It’s important to let your caterer know precisely what your vision is so there is no disappointment on the big day.

“I will go to their (prospective client’s) home,” says Ferris. “We chat and get to know each other.”

Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals and always read the fi ne print before signing on the dotted line, she advises.

MARIA SPITALE-LEISKContributor

Dale Ferris, owner of Dale Ferris Catering.

According to A Moveable Feast owner Mina Petrovich, appetizer parties are easier to accommodate than full dinners themselves if you haven’t given your caterer ample notice.

“The phone starts ringing in mid-October for Christmas inquiries,” says Petrovich. “The more notice you can give the better.”

Ferris echoes that sentiment saying that the caterer should be booked “as early as when you fi rst start talking about it.”

“With any holiday party there are only so many days before the holiday that you can host it,” says Ferris.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, Ferris has offered up the perfect harvest ap-petizer recipe that is simple enough for anyone to make: Roasted corn and caramelized onion mini muffi ns with chipotle and sweet pepper topping.

She explains how the recipe is basically adding wet ingredients to the dry ones and then mixing gently. The muffi ns only take seven and 10 minutes to bake; also the batter can also be made a day ahead.

“They are easy to eat and they display beautifully,” says Ferris.

…leave your keys with us,

come back home with your

guests, andeverything’s

done.


Roasted Corn & Caramelized OnionMini Corn Muffi nsFrom Dale Ferris Catering Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serving Size: 120.

INGREDIENTS For the Corn Muffi ns3 cups cornmeal2 cups fl our2/3 cup sugar2 tablespoons baking

powder2 teaspoons salt3 cups buttermilk4 eggs - lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups butter - melted and cooled

1 whole jalapeno chilepepper - fi nely chopped

1 whole white onion - fi nely chopped

2 cobs of corn - kernels removed

For the Chipotle Cream and Red Pepper Topping500 milligrams cream cheese1 1/2 tablespoons chipotle

peppers -pureed1 whole sweet pepper - cut

into small cubes

DIRECTIONS: In a frying pan on high heat sauté the corn kernels in one tbsp olive oil, stirring often until browned. In another frying pan saute the onion on med-low heat in one tbsp butter, stirring occasionally until dark & caramelized. In a large mixing bowl combine the fi rst fi ve dry ingredients. Add the toasted corn, caramelized onion and chopped jalapeno chile to the dry ingredients. Lightly beat together the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter. Stir wet ingredients into the corn meal mixture, being care-ful not to over mix. Spoon a large tablespoon of batter into greased mini muffi n tins. Bake at 375 until toothpick comes out clean (approximately 7 to 10 minutes) or until fi rm, but not browned. Be careful not to overcook.

CHIPOTLE CREAM ANDRED PEPPER TOPPING Combine cream cheese and pureed chipotle peppers. Load into piping bag with open star tip. Lightly saute peppers until just soft. Top each mini corn muffi n with a star of chipotle cream and a cube ofsweet pepper.

1Sauté corn and onions. 2 Combine 1st fi ve.

4 Add liquid to dry. 5 Spoon into mini tins. 6 Pipe chipotle cream.

3 Mix liquids.


Linda Feil bought her fi rst original art piece at the PNE.

That was 20-odd years ago, but the small, abstract landscape water-colour still hangs in her kitchen.

“I can see myself there,” the North Vancouver Community Arts Council executive director says of the piece. “I still love it.”

That was the beginning, now she collects pottery as well. You see, once you start collecting art the more you appreciate it and the harder it is to stop, Feil acknowledged.

But for fi rst time buyers, the purchase of original art can feel like a big step, she noted. And that’s where the arts council comes in.

It offers a program in which people can rent art work. From anywhere between $8 to $35 a month, one can take a piece home and try it on, so to speak.

“I know people who have been renting art for years,” she says.

There are 300 pieces to choose from, created by 90 different artists. If the piece doesn’t fi t with the theme of your house, you can take it back before the month is up. But if you don’t want to part with it, the council can set up a payment plan so it never has to leave your house, Feil says.

Besides renting, the North Shore has many exhibits perfect for those considering diving into the world of art. One of Feil’s favourites is the

REBECCA ALDOUSStaff Reporter

Art 101A beginner’s guide to collecting

art for your home.

CapilanoUniversityProfessor

Wayne Eastcott works on a print.

He says prints are an inexpensive way to get into the art market.


council’s annual anonymous art show, where artists enter work that’s all sold for $100. Last year 636 pieces by 250 artists were on display.

“There is usually a big line up to get in,” Feil says.

The exhibit is held at the end of November, just in time for Christmas. Hot chocolate is served and the whole event turns into an experience, she says.

Art college and university shows are also a great way to buy original art without breaking the bank. Faculty members, who are often established art-ists themselves, will also sell their work in these shows, said Wayne Eastcott, Capilano University’s studio art program’s print making professor.

And many times it is the only place one can buy their work because they may only display pieces outside of Canada, he added.

Prints are a good place for beginner collectors to start, Eastcott suggests. Because prints can be made in editions, they are usually less costly than paintings.

“But you should be very suspicious if you fi nd editions in the thousands,” Eastcott noted.

Owning a piece of original art changes your life and that is really what art is all about.

“After being exposed to a good artist’s work you will never see the world in the same way.”

…one can take a piece home and try it on so to speak.

Tips for beginning art collectorsand good reminders for anyone interested in art or alreadycollecting art.

• Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, andbecause it will enhance your life.

• Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.

• Get on gallery mailing lists so you’ll be invited to openings and special events.

• Visit and join your local art mu-seums and non profi t art centers.Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.

• Attend National & International Art Fairs and Art Expos when-ever possible.

• If you know art collectors, talk to them and fi nd out what they know and what they’ve learned about collecting art.

• Read books on art history and books about collecting art.

• Subscribe to a few art magazines.

• Read reviews by local andnational art critics, keeping in mind that reviews usually just refl ect one persons opinion.

• Working with a professional art advisor / art consultant is a good way to learn about art collecting, and they will guide you through the process of purchasing art.

• Once you’ve educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art, buy it, take it home and enjoy it.

TIPSON ART COLLECTING


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