Showing posts with label Services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Services. Show all posts

THE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT IN BELLEVILLE

by Nancy Snipper

She's the one you need and will love working with 

She's so bright!

Her name is Mandy Gifkins. Never have I met such a brilliant real estate agent in my life. Mandy absolutely takes care of you from start to finish. 

 I must have called and emailed her over  (Don't want to say times). the same questions whose answers I could rarely recall due to my chronic senior moments. Never did she lose patience.

Mandy found the right house for me. I trusted her so much, I bought it site unseen in a town I had never even been to. She never put any pressure on me to buy. In fact, advised me what area to stay away from.

 My needs were specific and she listened with golden ears all the time.

 Mandy is your first and 'always-there' real estate responder in everything. She treats you like you are the only person in her life. But don't be fooled, she's a busy mother, community giver and never ever restricts any time you wish to call her. You'll get the house that meets your needs. Her personality is engaging and gorgeous to look at. And she has brains to match.

 Mandy has olympian stamina. She never rests until she gets every detail ironed out on your behalf.  She's a shining star with an infectious laugh and a heart made in heaven.

   I could not have bought without her. 

Contact her at:

 The Royle Group

Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate

 Her email is: mandy.gifkins@century21.ca
Cell: 289-387-0566
Office: 613-967-4621


Gorgeous Gulf Island Retreats Soothe your Body and Soul


 by Nancy Snipper

Ever feel the need to heal in a tranquil place where the ocean is before you and the forest surrounds you?   I recently traveled to two islands in British Columbia to stay in two extraordinary bed and breakfasts.  Rooms were remarkable, and breakfasts went beyond the standard of eggs, toast and jam.   Their hosts have talents that help you unwind while cocooning you in comfort and serenity - not to mention the spectacular views you get to enjoy from your own big balcony every day.

Serenity by the Sea




Last year, I suffered a back operation with an unfortunate painful outcome. I needed a retreat where I could self-reflect, distress and reset. The first place I headed for was Serenity by the Sea on Galiano Island.  Luannah Livermore, its owner, is an internationally trained healer, who also happens to be a marvelous baker – among other things.

 
Cottages with rustic charm
 Knowing I like view variation, Luannah offered me the chance to stay in two different fully equipped deluxe cottage-like cabins that nestle in the forest. Lush views greeted me every day until I moved into the main building. Perched high on a rock, this reception area has a stunning upstairs room with floor to ceiling windows and a huge balcony overlooking the sea. I could hear the lapping of waves hitting the rocks.  I slept like a babe.  

Healing treatments
 I looked forward to receiving her healing therapies held in her spacious studio.  After talking about her plan for me, she led me to a bed made off amethyst crystals.  Using an ancient Hawaiian method of treatment and combining it with others. She also uses sound and laser therapies on your body that give off vibration frequencies that actually heal pain.  Indeed, every time, she applied them, my pain diminished. While massaging me for three hours, she continuously sang in the Hawaiian language to a CD playing in the background.   Her 25 years of studying (five with an Elder in Hawaii) includes Lomi Lomi Temple Style. This incorporates traditional Hawaiian prayer, song, life coaching, energy release and deep joint massage and deep breathing.  Body, mind and soul become integrated in her approach. Her hands were remarkably strong; her angelic voice and her directions to breathe deeply at certain key moments during her treatments deepened my relaxation and eradicated kinks.   When it was over, I felt an incredible surge of energy; my body felt renewed.  My spirit picked up.
Having traveled all over the world, Luannah has acquired a vast knowledge of healing therapies which she is eager to share with you.  Personally, I found her guidance to be beneficial.  She helps us locate in ourselves a way to accept and actually love ourselves. Esoteric as it sounds, she revealed that cells respond to good “frequencies” - that the messages we send them profoundly affect our emotions, bodily feelings – and this in turn affects how we relate to others.   She also spoke about embracing both the shade and light parts along with the incongruities that we have in ourselves, and that we can learn to harmonize. She guided me in strategic ways to do this, emphasizing aloha (love). Luannah aims to bring our lives into goodness and love.  “The world needs to be lovingly corrected,” she said, smiling.
I came away from the retreat looking ten years younger.  Most importantly, I learned more about myself - how I was hurting myself by focusing on that which is not productive to my well-being.  Certainly, my pain had greatly diminished; my ankle was stronger, and my walking was steadier. Yes, I still use my cane but not all the time now. Most of all, Luannah gave me a spiritual strategy to deal with pain, and that alone has helped me when a setback arises.
I wanted to linger longer at Serenity by the sea, not just because of her remarkable gifts, but her breakfasts were great! Those raspberry, strawberry crepes and delicate pancakes soaked in home-made caramel and chocolate sauce were out of this world.  I also joined her family for a home-made Peruvian-style barbecue chicken dinner, made by her husband, Juan Carlos.

Email: info@serenitybythesea.com

Salt Spring Island and Armand Heights B and B


Leaving Galiano, I took the two-hour ferry ride to Salt Spring Island. Here the harbor and Ganges town were buzzing with people. Still seeking solitude, I traveled further north to stay at Armand Heights – a B and B located 1000 metres above sea level. My luxurious room gave a panoramic tree-high view of mountain and ocean. I loved it. The grounds comprised almost six acres of gardens with a flourish of over 160 hybrid roses and dozens of fruit trees and herbs that Irina, the Russian owner uses in her breakfast dishes and every meal she loves to cook.
 Irina Floreke, owner of this exquisite property wears many hats: she makes baroque style cakes and raises chickens whose eggs she sells at the Tuesday and Saturday Ganges markets.  She also makes dozens of different flavored fruit wine, using the fruit that grows on her property. Every guest gets a complimentary bottle in their room.  A home-made gourmet breakfast is delivered to each of the four rooms by Irina herself. She’ll even cook dinner for you if you ask her in advance.  Her borscht was brilliant!
 I came to know just how caring Irina is when on my last day I was determined to visit Truckle Park – at least a 30-minute drive from her place.  But I had not rented a car. This park is reputed to be the most beautiful of all the parks on the Gulf Islands. Irina went right to work; she arranged for me to get a ride there with a couple staying in one of the rooms who also wanted to explore this park.
 It was beautiful indeed with its coves and groves of trees that offered a solitary bench for gazing out to the endless blue of sea. She even wanted to know how I would get back and to call her.
Irina even drove me me to the market in Ganges, the main town, and it was here that she dragged me to her hairdresser, insisting that my hair definitely needed cutting. I appreciated Irina’s authenticity and frankness, but her hairdresser was too busy. I think she was more disappointed that I was. Clearly, Irina always puts her guests first. “I love working, but the most important thing for me is my guests. I want them to be very happy here.”  I certainly was.
Salt Spring is beautiful and welcoming.  Musician, Randy Bachman homes here as do many artists and creative if not maverick innovators. Parks, lakes, kayaking and festivals abound. This scintillating island has its own healing magic, and Armand Heights is part of it.

Email: reservations@armandheights.com

ST. LAURENT HAIR SALON COIFFURE

reviewed by Nancy Snipper



Remarkable Results with your Hair Happens Here
I’m not one to go to hairdressers. I have unruly, wiry hair that makes scissor-wielding salon employees very nervous. Suffice it to say that stylists and I don’t really mesh; cutting and colouring my own hair has been my modus operandi for years. But that recently changed during a lucky chance encounter with Irene Weinstein, owner of St. Laurent Hair Salon Coiffure in Westmount Square.


Irene Weinstein
Time for a Radical Change
Throwing caution to the wind, I stepped inside her spacious salon. I was immediately put at ease. The calm yet cheery atmosphere was reflected in the clients’ smiles.  I felt relaxed here. It wasn’t boisterously noisy, just nice; I certainly didn’t feel like I was in a hair assembly line.


                                                                             


           Irene  pleasantly greets you

“I want to make you feel like you’re in your own living room”, said Irene who has owned
St. Laurent for fourteen years. Formerly, Charles of Westmount, the salon’s now highly appealing white and red interior is the result of her extensive
renovations. Irene commented that the place has great synergy, and I couldn't agree more. Many factors contribute to this.










Thirty expert professionals, including hairdressers, colorists, make-up artists and manicurists make the magic happen. 


  Warm and authentic, St. Laurent was about to become a haven of  hope for my hair.

In the shampoo area, the smiles continued. Pablo, one of such happy shampoo specialist magnificently washed my hair using Awapuni shampoo; it’s specially formulated for treated hair. 

St. Laurent is a Saco-affiliated salon. Its full line of hair products is a beauty blessing for us all, as Saco – a 
London, England based company – uses all organic ingredients; they are all vegan! 
                                 
St. Laurent's Saco product line embodies it’s distinct signature of outstanding hair care. 


                  
A Spectacular Hair Cut!
Hedy was my appointed hairdresser. Her 38 years of experience here and abroad was awesomely reflected in her masterful handling of the scissors.
Every lightning speed stroke with the scissors was done with passion and heart. The calibre of expertise reflects in the type of professionals dedicated to enhancing our own distinct beauty at St Laurent.

Hedy happily handled my hair – all unevenly cut (by me). I began to see a transformation happening – snip by snip. And there were a lot of them. No lazy fingers with these talented hair dressers. As I looked around the room, I witnessed them transform, enhance and handle hair masterfully. They inspire confidence. They know just what to do, so surrender yourself. All of St.  Laurent’s hairdressers will offer you their advice and a free consultation. I walked out of there beaming ear to ear. It was an utterly enjoyable experience. Thank you so much St. Laurent Salon Coiffure for boosting my outer self image and my inner one too. I will be back!




Before the hair cut


After the hair cut
I was happy




St. Laurent Salon Coiffure’s  address is 
1 Westmount Square, suite C 260 in Montreal.
Call (514) 934-3000.  
The website is: 
www.stlaurent-coiffure.com

WATERFALL RAPTURE, COUNTRY AIR AND CONSTANT CARE

by Nancy Snipper

                             
                                         A COCOON FOR SUBLIME RELAXATION

Nestled alongside the waterfall of the North Missisquoi River, the beauty begins. The setting with its never-ending cascade of scintillating pleasure instantly has its healing effect on all who enter the premises. You can hear and see the watery symphony at every turn.


                 Dip your feet in

 


 Snooze beside it as you stretch out in one of the spa’s riverside hammocks. 
       

                         Listen, watch, breathe it all in!                                                                       


I was so taken with this view, I sat for a good hour just listening to the waterfall and watching the birds dart among the trees.
Unquestionably, one of the Spa Bolton’s most distinguishing features is the harmonious integration of outdoor beauty within the spa’s interior. Take a look at the ceiling over the reception desk. Yes, that is a panel prettified with real moss that’s fed by the humidity from the spa. It’s colourful and enhanced by the wood-covering panels alongside it.
In addition, a  magnificent Medusa, carved from a litchi tree impressively adorns a wall. Fabulous to behold, it reminds us all how nature's growth can be transformed into a work of art. You can't miss  its striking effect, it as you enter the reception area.


No matter where you gaze, the outdoors is ever-present. Inside treatment rooms, it’s not just your body that will be massaged by the view, but your senses as well.

                                A Unique Place for your Massage
Surrender yourself to Spa Bolton’s natural magic, and soon personal epiphanies begin to fill your soul.  How utterly charming and ingenious that a series of adorable yurts is where you receive massages. 
A flap lifts up over a screened portion so you can hear and see the waterfall. And that’s not all. Overhead, the sky comes into view via a small glass dome. Watch the clouds float by as you lie on your back, and drift into massage heaven. I had a wonderful full-body massage given by Guylaine, and although I had the choice to have it in one of the six bigger open-to-the river structures that were on higher ground, I was perfectly content with the breeze  that sifted in, and the sky above me. It was like a mirage; I was looking at a portion of sky painted by Michelangelo.  But within hours, the pools beckoned. 


                               
                                               Pick your Pool
 Of course Spa Bolton is all about the baths! There’s a kidney shaped swimming pool with a waterfall you can activate with the press of a button. Two really warm Jacuzzis also operate the same way, and let’s not forget about the polar bear pool that you absolutely must use once you spend time in one of the two dry saunas or the steam room.





Julie Paige, who has been working at the spa since it opened, knows everything there is to know about Spa Bolton’s healing powers. She insisted I do four alternating dunkings between the hot steam room and the “freezing” cold pool to help me with my arthritis. I did it, and for the first time, my knee no longer hurt. I escaped as well into the heated big yurts; there are two.
 
 
Lie down down on a chair or one of the huge floor cushions.



Julie epitomizes the incredible friendliness exuded and the casual ease one feels with the staff.  “No one is a client here; each person is our guest.”
Indeed the hospitality of this homey spa was what I think I most enjoyed about the personal side of things aside from my treatments.
I had an hour-long facial, masterfully given by Véronique.  She used Ella Baché’s tomato-based products from France. They felt divine.Véronique gently applied at least 10 different hands-on-my face applications. The mask which gave me a noticeable after-glow consisted of macadamia nuts, cranberry, camphor, and tomato. Best of all, while leaving it there to work its healing effect, Veronique began applying cream on my arms and hands while rubbing them. That’s a facial with a highly soothing added touch.
 
                                 

 Changing the face of my feet
I had an hour-and-a-half pedicure that was foot fabulous. Twelve steps were needed to get my feet into silky smooth shape. This included a UV lamp to solidify the gel nail polish and an exfoliant that went knee high – not to mention the zillion other things she applied to my feet along with massaging them one exceptional part included putting my feet in plastic bags filled with very warm melted paraffin wax. 
                                                                  

Véronique applied nail polish, appropriately named Elite 99, that actually changes colour depending on how hot or cool your body temp is. Now how cool – or should I say hot is that!!! From fuchsia for heat to orange for cool, my toes became my very own thermometer.
Truth is, you should stay here as long as you can. Fortunately, Spa Bolton is open until10 pm.  It is so romantic at night. 
Enjoy the many treatments and idyllic natural surroundings the area offers.
                                              
                            The Villa

I spent three nights housed in Spa Bolton’s 4-bedroom spacious country villa. 

You can book the entire villa for your family and friends. If you’re alone, common areas, including the two bathrooms, ground floor living room, dining room and kitchen will be shared with newly arrived overnight guests. But it is so big, it’s easy to find your own privacy. My room was lovely, and the bathroom next door was ever-so roomy.



 
                 
                                        Outside was equally splendid
                                                                                     


                                           A Site for a Visionary
Owner, Claude Provost junior, son of the late great hockey legend who played for the Montreal canadiens, is a man of vision. He saw the waterfall and fell in love with  the site. Formerly a mill sat here, (the waterfall reminds us of this). Claude was set on keeping everything natural when he began building his spa. Ingeniously, solar energy acts as a geothermal station for the building and water heating. In 2001, Spa Bolton was opened, and soon word spread about this unique place built with heart by a conscientious man keen on creating a healing environment. 


How lucky for us! I left wearing a smile that perhaps resembled the enormous wall mural that greets you at reception.

Spa Bolton offers a specified series of treatments and great packages that also include overnight stays. It’s open every day of the year, winter too!
Only an hour-and-a-half easy drive from Montreal,
The address: 883, route 245 south, Bolton-Est.
Visit their website: www.spabolton.com
You can also call them at (1-888)944-4772.

Although Spa Bolton has wraps, snacks, soup and cookies, full meals are not served here. Julie suggested I dine at Auberge du Petit Randonneur in Potton. Only six minutes away by car, this one-of-a-kind dining hall is akin to a Quebec-style Downton Abbey. You can even sleep in one of its six expansive rooms, including a suite. Historical in feel, and resembling an enormous dance hall, the place possesses 140 acres of pastoral views. Hosts, Louise and Serge are about the nicest people you can ever find. They made me feel so at home, I spent over three hours there just talking and being given a tour of this impressive old-world mansion. Staying here did cross my mind.
My candlelight dinner with Serge and Louise
Together the couple cook up hearty home-cooked meals. They even make their own beans. I had the most tender fillet Mignon that Serge served me. His coup de grace is the sauce he makes from scratch with onion, and broth from the beef and more. I told him he should bottle it and sell it. He did bottle it, in fact, handing me lots to take home with me. How generous is that?  I liked the place so much, including their affable company, I went back for their big breakfast the next day. The huge portions of egg, sausage, ham toast, beans listed on the menu as a brunch breakfast hit the spot. In fact, every Sunday, Louise and Serge serve the best brunch this side of Bolton. Their home-made strawberry compost is to die!
Call to reserve: (450) 292-4444.
www.aubergedupetitrandonneur.com
Another place Julie recommended was le Côte in Eastman, about 12 kilometres from Spa Bolton. Bustling busy, popular and noisy, this happening place is known for its meat, fish  and chips, mussels and innovative dishes. I ordered a bavette (flank steak) and a terrific tataki.

 
The parsnip soup was creamy good too.
I loved the barbecue popcorn with melted Parmesan cheese that was served in a little bag you before your main meal arrives. 
 The crème caramel  was a taste treat.
                                    Here is the website:  www.lecote.ca