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.

Shop Local: Marketing Made Fun - and Easy!

One of the best things that has happened to our business in the last few years is meeting Danielle Carrier. When we met, online marketing was stressful. Website changes were difficult, social media was confusing and getting information to our customers was slow. Danielle knew immediately what we needed and how to make it all happen.

Marketing is still work, but with Danielle's training and using the plan she developed, I have discovered I love the social part of social media. We update our website easily and quickly anytime we have new information and we have an email marketing campaign that our customers love. All the stress is gone.

Danielle and Brandi Good launched Your Marketing Made Easy, DIY Marketing Membership +Networking for small business, this year. As a founding member, I highly recommend membership to any small business owner who has marketing decisions to make. They provide extensive resources on the members only website, live help twice weekly, network events and workshops. Non-members are welcome at events and can find tips on their blog. Their weekly small business event listing is a great resource that non-members can sign up for and advertise their events in.

We credit Danielle with the success of our move online. Her direction and training has provided a way for us to develop deeper relationships with our customers and getting to know them all has been such a joy!

Want to experience more joy in your online marketing? Check them out!
yourmarketingmadeeasy.com | diymarketinghelp.com  |  reginasmallbusiness.com

Originally published in The Wine Cellar November 2016.

Shop Local: Staying Strong with B's Fitness!

Our shop local feature this month is someone who is very near and dear to my heart. Several years ago, a hip problem caused me to stop running. Having always been active, this was difficult for me and when my hip improved, I was anxious to get back to regular activity but very aware I could injure my hip. Our daughter encouraged me to seek out the help of a personal trainer and that is how Brandi Smith entered my life.

Brandi was working at Gold’s Gym at the time and, from the very first time I worked out with her, I knew I was in good hands. She has her degree in kinesiology as well as her personal trainer credentials and truly knows her stuff. About a year after working out together, Brandi moved on to Heavy Gym. I finished off my sessions at Gold’s under George’s watchful eye and then followed her. Brandi is amazing. She makes a personal connection with every client she trains. She loves what she does. She believes in what she does. She lives what she does and it shows. When I was able to run stairs again, I realized she truly changed my life! She will help you get stronger and healthier. Don’t be intimidated.

I encourage you to check out B’s Fitness Facebook page or get in touch:
Facebook | Email | Call 306.540.6964

Originally published in The Wine Cellar October 2016.

Shop Local: Ginga Futebol Academy

Although we have always only featured local businesses which we frequent ourselves, we’re making an exception this month. That’s because the only reason we haven’t used this business is because they were not in business when our kids were young. Ginga Futebol Academy has been open since 2010. It is owned by two of my dear friends, Filipe and Sarah Cameron. Ginga  provides soccer training and development for kids ages 5 through 18. At Ginga, the focus is on building a strong technical foundation in a fun and supportive environment. With small player/coach ratios and trained coaches, they have something for everyone from the beginner to the player looking to take their game to the next level! Ginga is one of a kind in Regina and if our grandkids lived in Regina, we’d want to enroll them in this Academy. Filipe is totally dedicated to making sure that all kids have a wonderful experience. Fall registrations are open now!

I encourage you to contact Ginga Futebol Academy:
Register | More Info | Email | Facebook

Originally published in The Wine Cellar September 2016.

Shop Local: The Perfect Fit

If you’re like me, you have alterations and/or tailoring that need to be done from time to time. It’s always a bit scary leaving your favourite clothing items with someone to cut up and alter. Well, be afraid no longer and visit Alieh Soleimani at Art Tailoring, 1230 Broad Street, in the Value Mall.

Alieh opened her business in 2006. She is a lovely person and the most amazing tailor with over 20 years experience in the field. She does custom tailoring and makes complete wedding and grad gowns, and any kind of costume.

A friend of mine recently had a sari tailored by Alieh, which turned out beautifully. She has altered numerous items for my family and we trust her implicitly. She guarantees her work and she has the most reasonable rates.

Check Alieh out at arttailoring.ca, pop her an email at info@arttailoring.ca or call her at 306-525-9009.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar August 2016.

Introducing Atmosphere™

Atmosphere™ is a NEW 6 week brand from Vineco that we are very excited about! It represents exactly how we feel about wine...

Whatever the mood, no matter the moment, create your own

Atmosphere™.

 

click here for the list of reds

click here for the list of whites

Accent Your Everyday with Atmosphere™

Good friends. Weekends. Nice weather. Get-togethers. Girls night. Outta sight. Pose & click. Posting pics. Dinner table. Feeling grateful. Generations. Foundations. Me time. Sublime. Contemplate. Resonate. Date night. Candlelight. Take out. Make out. Fancy dress. Wedding guests. I do. Me & you. Celebrate. Appreciate. Happenstance. Take a chance. Good times. Great wine. Any day. My way.

Arriving in August 2016! We know you'll love it.

How to Find Us

We're OPEN at 2300 Dewdney Avenue. Our store sign has not yet arrived! We apologize that it has been difficult for you to find us. We have a larger, temporary sign in the window now and our permanent sign will go up very soon. Until then, we thought we'd show you the way.

Our Door is on Dewdney Avenue
We are located on the corner of Dewdney Avenue and Lorne Street, above The Eldorado. Our door is on Dewdney (see above). 

click here for a map 

FREE Parking on the WEST Side
Look for The Wine Cellar customer parking signs along the WEST side of the building (see below) beside Brewed Awakening. Pull into any one of them and you park for free.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Shop Local: A Look Back

With summer here and many of us out and around the city enjoying the season, we wanted to take a second look at some of the fantastic local businesses in our community. Here are the ones we have featured so far. Click through to meet the owners and find out more about why I shop local.

Crave Kitchen + wine bar
Chef Jonathan Thauberger is a big believer in good quality food and supports local producers.

Hip2Knit
Hip2Knit offers knitters a place to get together, and share their knowledge and experience with one another.

Pawsitively Purrfect
Anything you need for your pet, can be found at Pawsitively Purrfect at a competitive price with unbeatable service.

Bib & Tucker Clothing
You won’t leave with something that doesn’t look absolutely great on you.

Brenda Klarer, RMT & Bowen Therapy
I encourage you to give Brenda a call if you are experiencing pain or mobility issues. She can help!

Tasha's Day Spa
Everything hair and nails, the entire staff at Tasha’s has a commitment to great customer service.

Serendipity Gluten Free Catering
Serendipity offers a daily luncheon menu as well as baking, featuring soup and more. It's all absolutely delicious!

Sara Lindsay The Makeup Store
Whenever I have a special occasion, Sara is my go-to gal and The Makeup Store luxury products are unbelievable.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar, July 2016.

Moving BLOW OUT Sale!

We're moving! On August 2, you will find us at 2300 Dewdney Avenue. To accommodate the move, we will be closed from July 24 - August 2. But we don't want to pack!!

You're the winner with our Moving Blow Out Sale, now until July 23 at 5:30pm. Drop on down to 1646 Albert Street and help us get ready to move with discounts up to 50% OFF!!

15% OFF all in stock Wine & Beer Kits
15% OFF all in stock Equipment & Supplies (not including bottles, labels & shrink caps)

25% OFF all in stock Le Creuset
25% OFF all in stock Giftware

40% OFF all in stock Napkins

50% OFF all in stock Glassware

We also have a 50% off bin that is FULL of all kinds of interesting things. Be sure and check it out when you are in store.


We hope to see you there!

Construction is on time! A moving update.

We are delighted to say that construction of our new digs is on schedule and progressing nicely. There has been a lot of activity and we are getting excited to show you all around the new place. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

The Wine Cellar is going to be

closed from July 24 – August 2

to accommodate the move.

We will reopen at 10:00 a.m. on August 2, 2016 at 2300 Dewdney Avenue. Come and check out our new digs on August 2nd! We'd love to see you there!

Shop Local: Feeling beautiful with Sara Lindsay!

With wedding season getting into full swing now, I thought it would be a perfect time to feature one of my favourite shops: Sara Lindsay The Makeup Store, located at 3420 Hill Avenue, phone 306-347-7829. I first met Sara in 2012 when she had a small studio on Dewdney Avenue and she did my make-up for our daughter’s wedding. Although I will confess to being a little intimidated by her credentials when I first arrived, she immediately put me at ease with her friendly manner. I was so impressed by her professionalism and friendliness, not to mention the awesome job she did on my face, that I never forgot her. So, of course when she opened her shop on Hill Avenue a couple of years ago, I became a customer and now think of her as a friend. Whenever I have a special occasion, she’s my go-to gal. When I was recently nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction award, Sara did my make-up for the Awards Gala and made me feel very beautiful. But Sara Lindsay The Makeup Store offers more than getting your makeup done! Sara offers makeup lessons as well for people of all ages. They also offer esthetics and lash extensions, and sell several lines of luxury cosmetics and hair products. Believe me, it’s beautiful stuff. For more information, you can find Sara Lindsay The Makeup Store online at:

Website  | Facebook  | Twitter  |  Instagram

Originally published in The Wine Cellar, June 2016.

Summer Fun with Niagara Mist

Niagara Mist has come out with 4 summer fun drink and dessert recipes to give you new ideas for enjoying your wine. We have shared them on Sarah's recipe blog to make is easy for you to find and try them anytime this summer.

Lemonade  |  Vanilla Mist Iced Tea  |  Misty Freeze  |  Fruity Winesicles

But the recipes are just the start of the fun. With 14 different Niagara Mist flavours to choose from, the possibilities are endless! Try your own twists on the recipes and send us your Niagara Mist Twist! If you happen upon a great combination, we would love to share it.

We will continue to share these recipes throughout June in celebration of summer and as if that wasn't enough, in honour of summer fun, ALL Niagara Mist kits are $5 OFF for the month of June! Come on in and let's get your summer fun started!

We have a building permit! A moving update.

Great news everyone! We have a Building Permit! Finally the construction plans can move full steam ahead.

We are so excited about this because it means we are on our way to being moved into our new location. One of the biggest reasons we are moving is to be able to serve you better. We will have more production capacity to make more of your wine!

Now that we are under construction, we will be sharing lots of pictures. Watch our progress on our blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Coming Soon! We're Moving this Summer!

Same great service, same great people, same great product!

Awesome NEW location!

2300 Dewdney Avenue

(corner of Dewdney & Lorne St.)

Shop Local: Serendipity, YUM!

Many of you know that I have Celiac Disease. It is a real challenge at times finding food that is gluten free and tastes delicious. Meet Kathryn Santha of Serendipity Gluten Free Catering.

The first time I ever tasted the deliciousness that is Serendipity’s baking was at Tasha’s Day Spa’s grand reopening where Tasha was serving mini cupcakes from Serendipity. When I bit into the cupcake, I almost spit it back out. Not because it was not tasty, but BECAUSE it was soooo tasty. I thought for sure that this could not be a gluten free cupcake and that I was about to get very sick. Not so. It was completely gluten free AND delicious. I could not believe what I was tasting!

Kathryn began her business as a catering business four years ago and opened her bakery at 910 11th Avenue on October 15. You can read more about her serendipitous path to where she is today on her website. She has quite a story. Serendipity is truly a family owned business. Kathryn’s mother, Tara, helps with the baking and cooking and her dad does the deliveries and maintenance.

Serendipity offers a daily luncheon menu as well as baking, featuring delicious soup and other things. You can also find their products at Café Drip, Dad’s Organic Market, The Diplomat and Rochdale Roca House. I really encourage you to check them out, even if you are not on a gluten free diet, because Serendipity offers delicious food which just happens to be gluten free.

Find them online: Website  | Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Originally published in The Wine Cellar May 2016.