Shop Local - Easy Floors!

Today’s Shop Local feature is a business which first opened in Regina in 2015 and was purchased by Shannon Forrester in November of 2017. It is a very unique business model which I find totally intriguing. The name of the company is Floor Coverings International Regina. What makes them so unique is that they come to your home in a van that is completely filled with flooring samples. No schlepping samples back and forth for you, the customer. They bring everything with them, including their design knowledge. Their mobile showroom holds 3500 skews, so they really do have something for everyone. Because their overhead is low, they are able to offer competitive pricing while still providing premium service and products. You’ll love Shannon. She is a self-described serial entrepreneur, having owned several companies in the past. She is a young wife and mother of 4. She took several years off to stay home with her kids, but now that her youngest is turning 3, she’s totally ready to get back into the game.

For more info, check out reginamobileflooring.com or give Shannon a call at 306-523-5667.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar January 2018.

Top Selling Kits of 2017

Wondering what the top 5 selling kits of 2017 at The Wine Cellar were? Here is the list! Maybe one of  your favourites is on it, or maybe something new you might want to try!

5. Atmosphere New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc        
Classic flavours of gooseberry, grass, passion fruit, & white peach, with a crisp, elegant finish.

4. LE16 Riverland Australia Grenache Cabernet
Grenache is the yin to Cabernet Sauvignon's yang. It's both soft and jammy to balance out the powerful structure of Cabernet, yet rich and spicy enough to stand up to him. Flavours like red licorice, black cherry and raspberry combine with a warm cinnamon spice that rounds out the blend perfectly. Enjoy this wine with bold protein-rich dishes like grilled steak or wild mushroom risotto if meat is not on the menu.

3. Passport Nero D'Avola
A lesser known Italian red wine grape, Nero D’Avola has long been a prized varietal in its native Sicily and in the last decade has been gaining favour in the rest of the world as a serious red, joining the ranks of big Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Nero D’Avola offers aromas of ripe black fruit with notes of vanilla and smoke, and abundant flavours of ripe black cherry & plum with spicy accents, velvety tannins, and a long finish.

2. Passport Kookaburra Red
A bold, charismatic blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro loaded with raspberry, blackberry, spice, and a supple finish. Grenache brings ripe, jammy fruit flavours and hints of cinnamon spice. Shiraz provides a punch of blackberry, and plum flavours with elements of black pepper spice, while Mataro brings savoury, earthy notes, spicy elements and texture.

#1 Eclipse Nocturnal
Hailing from Languedoc France, Eclipse Nocturnal is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault harvested under the moonlit sky to create a captivating palate of plum, black raspberry and woodsmoke. Grapes harvested at night when they are cool result in higher quality juice with more stable sugar levels and better acidity. And of course,  higher quality juice at the start means you get a better finished wine. A limited quantity of juice was secured, don't miss out on this exceptional limited release.

Shop Local - Amazing Style!

Today’s Shop Local feature is Deidre Leier at Wired Hair Design. As every woman knows, choosing a hairdresser is more difficult than choosing a doctor, and making a switch is always a scary venture. I was at a point where I felt I needed a change when our daughter, Carlee, gave me Deidre’s name. I decided to see her which turned out to be a great decision. Deidre is a wonderful young woman, who describes herself as a small town girl from Sedley, Saskatchewan. She’s been working with the gals at Wired since doing a work term with them in 2005 while attending Richards Beauty College (now The Style Academy). 12 years later and she’s still there, which speaks volumes. Deidre is an amazing stylist and colourist who really listens to her clients. She’s given me a number of tips which have made looking after my hair much easier. Wired carries several great product lines as well, including Unite, Schwarzkopf and Saryna Key. The Saryna Key Damage Repair has totally changed the condition of my hair. What most of you probably don’t know is that I actually have curly hair, which I straighten with a flat iron all the time, which is very damaging to your hair. This product is absolutely amazing and it totally prevents me from having all those frazzled ends. Deidre’s hours are M 9-6, T, W,T 10-8. You can get more information on the salon’s hours plus book appointments online at www.wiredhairdesign.com, find them on Instagram @wiredhairdesign, Facebook at Wired Hair Design, email wiredhairdesign@hotmail.com, or call them at 306-775-0533.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar December 2017.

Shop Local - Jesse at Blacksmith Art Studio

This month, we are featuring Jesse Exner from Blacksmith Art Studio, which has been in business for about 4 years now. Jesse has been a body artist for about 6 years and has been tattooing me since January of last year. I had investigated several studios before I walked in to Blacksmith and I immediately knew this was the place for me. Jesse and his business partner, Chris, run a very laid back operation. They play great music and are always happy to take all the time you need to help them understand what you want and why you want it. They are the epitome of chill and they are both amazing artists! I started off with a very small tattoo on my wrist, added another small tattoo several weeks later and then decided to go big or go home lol. I give Jesse an idea of what I’m after and he never fails to deliver. I love every single one of my tattoos.

If you’re interested in body art, or have questions, I’d encourage you to visit Blacksmith’s website at blacksmithartstudio.com, Instagram @blacksmithartstudio or Facebook @blacksmithartstudio. They are located at 1817 Halifax Street in an old converted house, and their phone number is 306.359.0130. You can message Jesse through Facebook as well. His hours are Monday-Saturday 11-6, and starting in October Tuesday-Saturday 11-7/8.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar September 2017.

Shop Local: Feeling Beautiful in Amazing Brands

Queen V Fashion House recently moved their store to 1846 Hamilton in the heart of downtown and Tammy, the owner, tells me that it was a fantastic move. Regina has embraced the new location and I’m not surprised. I’ve loved Queen V for years and their new location just makes me love it more. Tammy bought the women’s clothing store in March of 2016 and, I think, improved on what was already a great shop.

You’ll find everything from jeans to gowns there. They carry such amazing brands as For Love & Lemons, Lipsy London, Black Tape by Dex, Black Swan and French Connection UK to name just a few. But Queen V is more than a clothing store. You’ll also find beautiful jewelry as well as funky Sunglasses by Quay. And, let’s not forget the Juliette has a Gun line of fragrances. The name alone makes you want to buy it, right?

To find out more or to shop online, visit their website at www.queenv.co, email them at hello@queenv.co, call 306.206.1331, or better yet, go down and see the store in person. It’s stunning.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar, August 2017.

Shop Local: The Best Brisket Ever!

Our shop local spotlight this month is on Jack Keaton’s, which is a locally owned and operated restaurant. Owners, Brett and Kristi Huber started their business in 2011, naming it after their two sons, Jack and Keaton.

I learned about this amazing place a few years ago while I was at an event in which they were taking part. I was so impressed with the quality of the food, that I had them cater our staff Christmas party that year. Let me tell you, their food is absolutely delicious. They specialize in BBQ (can you say the best brisket ever???) but they also serve vegetarian dishes. They offer dine in, take out and, as I mentioned, catering. It is such a friendly atmosphere that you feel more like family than customers.

Jack Keaton’s also loves to partner with local businesses and currently has 7 local beers on tap. They also serve other local liquor in their signature cocktails. Since January of 2016, Jack Keaton’s can be found at 210 – 2410 Dewdney Avenue, in the Warehouse District (just down the street from The Wine Cellar). The restaurant has a rustic charm and there is a patio!!! Check them out. I highly recommend them.

For more information, visit www.jackkeatons.com.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar, July 2017.

Shop Local: Enhance Your Summer Fun!

It is such a pleasure for me to tell you about Windsor Plywood Regina. The first time I shopped there was to buy a new door for my office many years ago. I still love that door! They made the process so simple that ever since, Windsor Plywood Regina is the first place I think of for anything home renovation.

Windsor Plywood Regina is family owned and run, and you will find the owners, Richard and Val Daku, and their son, Brennan, on the store floor daily, helping customers. They and their staff have strong customer service values and will always do their best to make sure that their customer leaves happy.

Their staff is very knowledgeable about all of the products and are happy to share the information, making decisions between options very easy! Tell them a little about where the product is going to be used and how that space will be used and they know exactly which beautiful option to recommend.

Summer is here and if you are planning any home or yard renovations, stop by Windsor Plywood Regina at 920 Bower Crescent. You'll be glad you did.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar, June 2017.