We also have lots of great stories, interviews, puzzles, and more from our contributors just waiting to be read this month, so be sure to pick up your copy today at a G! Location near you!

Soon, friends. Soon.

Spring is like the craps shoot of the seasons: weather-wise, we never know what we’re going to get until we get it and rarely is it ever what we want. Sigh. Between random snowstorms and ankle-deep ice slush, we’re more than ready to kiss this winter weather goodbye. The good news (and yes, there is good news) is that even though we still get this smattering of crap weather, thankfully it doesn’t last. Get to steppin’ winter, the spring smack down is ON.

With spring on our minds, our thoughts have turned to what’s new, what’s fresh, and what’s trending. We’ve been out and about across this great Island checking out the latest and greatest in fashion, décor, food, and cars. One of our big highlights this month is our “Time For a New Ride” feature. The G! Team hit the open road, test driving some of 2013’s hottest vehicles and we’re telling you all about these fabulous rides. Buying a new car is a big deal, but as we found out it’s also a pretty fun experience, too. If you haven’t picked up the March/April issue, which is on stands now, get yours today and flip to Page 24 to find out what we drove and what we loved, and maybe even get inspired to buy a new ride for yourself this spring.

Speaking of inspiration, it’s everywhere this time of year. How can you not feel a little adventurous as we head into a new season full of eye-popping colours and fresh ideas? It’s like we’ve been woken from a long winter slumber and we’re seeing the world through new eyes. Why stick with what you’ve always done when there are so many new options available? If you’re looking to really shake things up, start with your palate. Chef Ilona has five food trends you must try and we promise they are all delicious, even the nasty bits (especially the nasty bits!) Want to learn more about we’ll possibly see popping up on Island menus? Whet your appetite for the unknown by clicking HERE for more mouth-watering food trends.

In the not so distant future, we’ll be launching a brand new Connect with G! giveaway for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Classic Albums Live – Ziggy Stardust: David Bowie at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, Saturday, April 20. Watch your feeds for details on how to enter to win. Classic Albums Live always put on a great show so don’t miss your opportunity to catch the closet thing to David Bowie (that is, other than David Bowie himself)!

Well, that’s it for now. Try not to let the snow get you down because it won’t be sticking around for long anyway. Enjoy the March/April issue of G! and get yourself psyched for warmer temperatures (they’re coming – promise!)

Cheers,

Meredith

Meredith Morrison
Feature Writer/Editor
G! Magazine

Cashing In with Mazen Ellaz

We’ve been wanting to put a money column in G! for quite some time. Something with helpful info that was also light and irreverent enough that you wouldn’t feel even more like a big ol’ brokester after reading it. So when investment consultant Mazen Ellaz came on the scene, we knew we’d found our guy.

Smart, sociable, and good with money (score!), Mazen brings a wealth of money-saving tips to G! readers every month in his column “Cashing In”, which we started running in our December/January issue.

You can check out Mazen’s articles in G! by clicking on the following links: Grow Your Own Money Tree (January/February 2013) and Avoid The Holiday Hangover (December/January 2013).

If you’ve got money questions, we want to hear from you!

Leave your questions as a comment to this post, or email Gtalk@transcontinental.ca. Mazen is looking forward to answering your questions and covering your money topic ideas in an upcoming “Cashing In” column.

Photography and text by Meredith Morrison

Sharon Quann give Elizabeth Landrigan the Quannessence facial experience.

I’m lying on Sharon Quann’s comfy aesthetics bed at Mystical Touch Therapeutics in Summerside, my face slathered in chardonnay. Yes, you read that correctly. Only it’s not the kind of chardonnay you’d buy at your local PEILCC. Instead, it’s a facial peel made from real chardonnay grapes. It smells just as delicious as a glass of the good stuff only this chardonnay is working like a thousand little PacMen eating away at dead skin cells to reveal healthy, vibrant skin. It tingles slightly, but Quann tells me that’s how you know it’s working. I’m debating whether or not it would be inappropriate to lick my face. I decide just to lay back and let Quann work her “mystical touch” instead.

Quann has graciously welcomed my lucky plus one, Elizabeth Landrigan, and myself to her underground oasis on Central Street to experience her brand new line of high-end skincare products aptly named Quannessence. The line, which is manufactured on site, currently consists of six potent serums and a complete skincare collection to be launched in the coming months. It’ll be sold exclusively in select salons throughout the Maritimes and eventually throughout Canada and the United States.

“Sharon and I looked at all of the product lines that were out there and they are pretty much focused on symptoms of problems with skin,” says Reid Barnett of BioSpa (Quann) Cosmeceuticals Inc., who co-developed and manufactures Quannessence Skincare with Quann, an established aesthetician, naturotherapist, business owner, and President of BioSpa (Quann) Cosmeceuticals Inc. “While they are addressing that symptom, they’re not addressing the problem. We wanted to look at this line more holistically and therapeutically as opposed to just addressing a bunch of problems.”

The duo recognized three areas of skincare that need to be looked at: the breakdown of the skin barrier, moisture and nutrient loss (replenishment), and degradation of collagen and elastin (remodeling). They named this threefold approach SkinTrilogy and Quannessence products are specifically designed to address each of these factors. “As your skin ages or as it is damaged by the sun and the environment, things happen physiologically to your skin,” Barnett explains. “Of the six serums we have, five of those will address that SkinTrilogy.”

Included in the serum line is a cutting edge Botox alternative that contains three advanced peptide technologies, including a synthetic version of the venom of the Temple Viper. QTox Firming Serum provides an instant effect and is currently a top seller that retails for $110 for a 30 ml bottle (a little goes a long way)…but you’ll have to wait to get your hands on it. “We’re not even officially selling it but we’re out of stock,” laughs Barnett.

And it’s not hard to see why. Quannessence serums, while small in packaging, deliver maximum results. They’re extremely light, fragrance free, and contain no artificial colouring. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, they are easily absorbed and immediately leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. “I believe in beauty from the inside out,” says Quann. “It’s not just external; it’s not just topical. You have to work from the inside out in order to get beautiful skin.”

As Elizabeth and I finish getting the full Quannessence experience, Quann treats us to one more luxury facial treatment before sending us back to the office. It’s called The Cosmecanique Lift, or The Natural Face Lift, and Mystical Touch is the first and only spa on PEI to offer this vital tool for total skin fitness.

Oh. My. Word.
Using different attachments that are connected to a very large (and very expensive) machine, Quann applies magnetic pulses that work like a mini vacuum cleaner to stimulate the skin on the face and neck area. There are no injections, no surgery, and absolutely no pain or discomfort, but Quann assures both of us that if she only did one side of the face we would notice a difference (thankfully, she did the full face). The Cosmecanique Lift naturally stimulates the skin’s collagen, elastin, and circulation, making the skin look flatter, firmer, and smoother. And it works. Both Elizabeth and I noticed our skin felt better, looked brighter, and even felt tighter.

The may not be an actual fountain of youth, but Quannessence Skincare definitely comes close. And lucky for us, we don’t have very far to get it.

Quannessence serums are currently available in select spas across PEI. For more information on Quannessence Skincare products, visit biospadistributing.ca.

Meredith Morrison/ @Tweet_G

Text by Cassandra Bernard/ Photography by Timothy Daniel O’Brien

Waxing isn’t nearly as traumatic as Steve Carrell’s character made it seem on The 40 Year Old Virgin. Hair removal specialist Nicole Mead indulges Steve Dow’s need for manscaping at her waxing studio, Wax!t.

Admit it, guys. You love getting pampered as much as we do. Don’t worry, I won’t blab to your buddies about your fondness for lavender foot soak. It’ll be our little secret.

When it comes to being primped and primed, men are taking a cue from their female counterparts and spending a little extra on their own personal grooming. Ladies know it’s all about the hair, skin, teeth, and, last but not least, relaxation. Guys, you know you want the same things, too. And why not? A little pampering (aka manscaping) is a well deserved treat after a long and tiresome workweek.

Let’s go through the basics, shall we?

When it comes to hair, a trip to the barber for a wash, cut, and shave is just what the stylist ordered. Keeping your thick, unruly, manly locks groomed and maintained is a must. Who wants to hit the town with a caveman? A new cut and style just in time for summer is just what you need to shake that Grizzly Adams look you’ve been sporting all winter.

And depending on what barbershop you go to, you could be getting the ultimate in manscaping luxury with an old-time shave. Just like they did back in the days of saloons and gunfights, barbers are going old school and using sharp razors and a skilled hand to give customers an oh so smooth face and neck shave.

Of course, when it comes to being fashionably groomtastic the hair on your head is the least of your worries. Nicole Mead, owner of Wax!t in Charlottetown, regularly sees male clients coming in to get waxed. From eyebrows to those pesky nose hairs that protrude onto the face, to the chest, back, shoulders – even feet! – guys are shedding their man fur and finding that skin is most definitely in
“I think that guys should pay attention to their appearance,” says Mead, whose walk-in waxing studio is a chic retreat for men and women alike who are new to the world of waxing. “Whether they want to be more prim and proper for their job, for the ladies, or for their partner.”
Not only is keeping body hair to a minimum good for the appearance, it also serves a functional purpose. Take, for instance, armpit hair. The less armpit hair you have, the less you’ll smell due to sweating. Think about it, guys…then do it!

Now that you’ve been shorn and waxed, it’s time to start thinking skincare. If you don’t have a skin care regiment already in place, you should. Everyone can benefit from taking care of their skin, so take the time to invest in a good cleanser that’ll keep your pores clean as well as a good moisturizer with an SPF. Wrinkles may not be as predominant on men’s skin, but that doesn’t mean your skin should have the texture of a leather boot, either. An organic, invigorating facial, like the Savasana Facial from Pure Spa, can do wonders for your skin’s circulation and help reduce breakouts. Plus, facials are relaxing and worth every penny for a full hour of uninterrupted peace and quiet.

Looking a little pasty from hibernating all winter long? Then you might want to consider using a self-tanner. There are a number of great tanning products on the market that will work with your skin type and won’t have you looking like you just fist-pumped your way from the Jersey Shore.

Most guys won’t admit it, but I know plenty of guys who use a touch of concealer to cover up a blemish. Look, if you have the option to cover it up then why would you ever leave it red and raw? A little cover up used ever so sparingly for an important meeting or special occasion won’t make you any less of a man, so I say cover it up – please!

Guys should also be taking good care of their teeth. I don’t think any woman dreams of their knight in shining armour having dull and yellowing teeth. Schedule a trip to the dentist for a check up and cleaning, or if you want to go all out, opt for a whitening treatment. By keeping your teeth clean, healthy, and sparkling, you’ll make a statement without having to say a word.

At this point in your manscaping adventure, you will have had your hair done, your skin primped, and your teeth buffed and shined. The next task is to make sure your finger nails and toe nails are up to par. Keeping under the nails clean, trimmed, and filed, and keeping them shiny and smooth will work wonders for business men and guys playing the dating game. After all, they are called MANicures for a reason.

When all of the physical pampering is finished, that is the time for the mental grooming. Getting a neck, back, or full body massage will literally make you feel like a whole new human. Don’t be shy, strip down, light some candles, and have a long, hot bath with some Epsom salts; everyone, including men, deserve a little pampering!

Cassandra Bernard/ @cassandraheaven

Skinny Wraps is a body-contouring treatment that detoxifies, tightens, tones, and firms the skin. It can be applied to any trouble areas (think stomach, thighs, back, or chin) to give dramatic, lasting results in as little as 45 minutes and last up to six months…

And we’re giving away a Skinny Wraps treatment along with a professional application PLUS  a swag bag full of goodies from Sherwood Styling Salon (valued at $60)!

To enter to win this fabulous prize, tell us a little about your favourite spa treatment (manis/pedis/facials, etc.) that makes you feel ready to “spring” into summer (it’ll be here before you know it!). Leave your entry in the form of a comment on this page and we’ll randomly select one lucky winner on Tuesday, April 10.

Maybe you like to treat yourself to a new spring ‘do, or maybe you enjoy a relaxing massage…however you get ready to Spring into Summer, we want you to tell us about it so you can win this awesome prize from Sherwood Styling Salon!

Living the seafood dream in North Cape

By Ellen Egan

Summer might be winding down (not to dwell on the obvious), but it’s not too late to take a few quick road trips here and there.  All you need is the right recipe: a wide open evening, juiced up iPod, full tank of gas, and someone who loves food just as much as you do.

Check, check, check… and check.  “Up west” to Wind & Reef Restaurant we go.

Upon arriving in the wee town of Tignish, it became apparent that the restaurant wouldn’t suddenly pop out of nowhere as I had originally assumed.  So, I dropped into a gas station (as any non-male would do), and after a local pointed me in the right direction and said we’d fall off the end of PEI if we drove past it, off we went.

Once I got over the novelty of the windmills along the windy road, it was time to focus on our true purpose: food.

We were impressed from the very beginning.  Arriving at sunset, the place was hopping outside with tourists taking photos, couples walking the trail, and kids scampering about.

Inside, the scene was actually picture-perfect (so much so that I abandoned my dinner partner for a bit to take something like fifty obnoxious tourist photos).  And, seated right by a window, we were able to look out at the ocean as the setting sun painted it every colour you can imagine.

That was just the beginning.

Our server had that friendly ease about her that only comes from living in a place so charming.  After she recommended we share the “Lightkeeper’s Platter” (for only $32), the anticipation nearly killed us.  Thank God for the lobster bibs to catch any mouth-watering action.

Get this: a cup of chowder (with a delicious roll), 2 lbs of mussels, (2) oysters, (1) 4 oz. deep-fried haddock, (5) pan-fried scallops, (4) fan-tail shrimp, (1) 12-14 oz. steamed cracked whole PEI lobster, accompanied by your choice of starch.

Oh my lanta.

Needless to say, it was delicious.  And they didn’t skimp out on a single thing (you just never know).  We devoured until our bellies blatantly refused any more food.

After being basically forklifted out of the restaurant, we headed back to town.  And although we realized on the way home we probably could have made it all the way to Moncton and back in the same amount of time, it was totally worth the ride and the puffy eyes that kindly accompanied me to work the next morning.

So, the next time you have a free evening, or better yet a whole day, put on your adventurous hat and take a trip up. I’ll even bet you half a tank of gas on it.

No actual bets, please and thanks.

Happy Eating!

What’s that growling noise?  That would be your stomach.  You can thank Ellen Egan for that.  When she’s not noshing and writing, Ellen splits her creative juices as a Communications Officer between Versatile Management Group and the QEH Foundation.

By Ellen Egan

It’s 11:30am.  No, wait. Let’s be serious – it’s 11am, and you’re already thinking about lunch.  There’s no shame in that.  The once full belly of breakfast has worn off and in its place rests a void, followed by the first slight rumble signaling your stomach needs a refill.  The only thing keeping you from thinking about the 12pm rush out the door is the paranoia that the rumble is getting louder with each passing minute.  Oh, so sacred that lunch hour.

Now, you’re out.  It’s a beautiful day.  Where to go?

Let’s make this easy.  Where is the place that no matter what you try on the menu, you savour every last bite?  Where you don’t have to fork over an arm and a leg for a satisfying lunch?  Where you almost consider ordering another sandwich on your way out the door?

One word.  Well, two, actually: Downtown Deli.

The thought that some people haven’t tried this delicious Grafton street deli continues to shock and appall me.  The unsuspecting individual often receives an immediate, albeit harsh, response: “You’ve seriously never eaten at Downtown Deli? Where have you been?”  It’s a passionate topic, okay.  Trust me, it’s like crack.  Or what I imagine crack cravings would be like – except it’s for the 9-5ivers.

The menu literally has something for every taste.  A personal favourite is the Garden Veggie and Brie Sandwich on Focaccia bread.  The Gourmet Tuna is another “go-to” with many others in close contention.  The Chicken Shawarma apparently has loyal followers salivating from blocks away.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it, so there you go.

Each sandwich comes with a delightful garden salad, topped with balsamic vinaigrette.  For an additional cost, you could choose the soup de jour or caesar salad.  I’m not usually a big caesar salad fan, but I’m telling you, this one is phenomenal.

And now that the sun has decided to stick around on a semi-regular basis, Downtown Deli’s street side patio is primed and ready to rack up frequent fliers for that mid-day break.  They’re even licensed and fully equipped with ice-cold beer.  What’s not to love?

As per true deli style, head right on up and order from the counter.  Then comes the tricky part – the waiting game.  However, you’ll find there are plenty of nice tables and booths to settle into while you wait in canine-like anticipation.
Then, finally, dig in.

Have I mentioned the friendly staff and owners?  You’ll feel right at home after just a few short visits. So scurry along, my friends, and get in line.

Happy Eating!

By Ellen Egan

Please allow me to introduce a new word I’ve recently added to my vocabulary: Patio-ing.

So, just for the record, I decided to consult the ever credible, online Urban Dictionary to define this new word. To my delight (followed by mild disappointment), patio-ing is the act of going out for drinks on a patio.

Thanks for enlightening us UD, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Sun. Music. Beer (or beverage of choice). What more could you ask for? Well, a lot, apparently. Our high standards may explain why we have such exceptional patios on PEI. Hell, we even have a whole street dedicated to this exact cause.  Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past six years or are just now losing your PEI virginity, you’ve likely indulged in downtown Charlottetown’s Victoria Row experience.

Simply wander “the Row” and you’ll become intoxicated off local musicians filling the air with music day and night. Bring out your Italian side for a day at Castello’s. Find your inner Chocolatier at Chocolate Elements. Savour authentic Island seafood at Fishbones. Sip cosmos like Carrie Bradshaw at the Globe. Or appreciate truly good coffee at Café Diem.

Throughout the rest of Charlottetown, it’s not hard to find a street-side patio to share a drink and a meal. The options are endless. Test out your Irish roots at The Old Triangle, quench your thirst with novelty size beers at Hunters Ale House, enjoy a few appetizers at Rum Runners, and taste seafood fresh off the boat at Water-Prince Corner Shop.

For a little finer dining, Sims Steakhouse, Off Broadway, St. James Gate, and Sirenella’s offer street-side seating in the refreshing outdoors. It really is the best of both worlds.

Moving ocean-side now, watch the boats come and go from the Peakes Quay deck or hoe into a lobster feed at Lobster on the Wharf.

But Charlottetown doesn’t lay claim to all of the Island’s notable patios.  Head out on an adventure and stop in at Ship to Shore in Darnley, The Dunes in Brackley Beach, Blue Mussel Café in North Rustico, Olde Glasgow Mill overlooking the River Clyde, or Clam Diggers in Georgetown, just to name a few.

Now that the summer is still young, get out and test-drive some patios yourself. You won’t regret it.
Happy Patio-ing!

Drinks and apps: been there, done that. But how often are we truly satisfied with our actual drinks and appetizers?

Such an event often takes place mid week – a time when you’re not quite willing to fork over an arm and a leg just to do some social bonding. But, you do want quality.

Oh, half-price appetizers. How they always seem too good to be true. And most times, yet admittedly not always, they under deliver. So, why make the sacrifice?

The next time a friend invites you out for the usual “half price app,” you will be armed with an even better idea: Mavor’s.

Tucked away on the first floor of the Confederation Centre, Mavor’s Bistro and Bar often flies under the radar as one of Charlottetown’s “hotspots.” Rest assured you will not be disappointed. For an evening such as this, go with a few delicious appetizers and a selection or two from their extensive martini list. It’s the perfect place to relax mid-week without splurging weekend-style.

First timers beware: it can be busy on show nights. Check ahead to see if there’s a show going on at the Centre that night. If so, you may run into some traffic around dinner time. This decision is two-fold, however. Late night, you may just be lucky enough to run into a performer after the show. It’s all about timing.

Grab your date, your best friend, or even your business associate and slip into a plush round booth or saddle up at Mavor’s swanky bar. Once you’re equipped with a tasty martini or wine selection, you’re ready to talk about the real star of the show, appetizers.

You’ve got quite a few to choose from. Although they range from pub to entrée style, Mavor’s up-and-coming chefs will not steer you wrong. For seafood lovers, the mussels are to die for. For land-lovers, the sweet potato fries are a must. The portion, huge. The taste, delightful.

Is your mouth watering yet?

Once you’ve filled your belly and spirit, you may be looking to take this night a step further. Insert: The Gahan House.

With live musical acts every Wednesday night, and no cover charge in sight, Gahan is the next stop on your mid-week night out. Did I mention everyone gets treated like one of their own with staff prices? You heard me. So hop, skip, or simply walk, whatever, down the street and around the corner for some foot-stomping good times.

Expected at work in the morning? Gahan has got you covered by closing at 1a.m. so you won’t over exude yourself midweek (you’ll be thankful in the morning).

Happy Eating!

When she’s not serving food/drinks, snapping photos, exploring the canvas, or searching for fashion finds, Ellen spends her days as a Communications Officer and writing columns for G!  Write, create, play – all day.  That’s Ellen.