Featured video from our winter 22 issue: Cambellton Homes

April 21, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

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Fire-retardant kitchen spaces: an idea worth spreading

April 17, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 50% of all household fires are cooking-related and begin in the kitchen. Just imagine how much safer homes would be if cabinetry didn't burn. Ever.

Introducing Garnica, a world leader in premium sustainable plywood. Garnica is renowned for their advanced and responsibly-manufactured products, suitable for a wide array of applications. Perhaps most exciting is their innovative Fireshield® plywood, sourced from farm-grown poplar (agroforestry) in Spain and France. It's sustainably made and boasts a beautiful finish that will elevate any kitchen so designers and architects are no longer tasked with choosing between beauty, functionality and sustainability.

Fireshield® does not burn and meets the highest fire regulations in the industry: ASTM E-84 Class A and CAN/ULC S102-10. These building panels can be used for any design, from door frames, floors and walls to ceilings, cabinetry and even furniture. Unlike traditional MDF and plywood used in construction that rely on a fire-retardant coating, Garnica's Fireshield® veneers are individually soaked in a proprietary treatment before they're dried, glued and compressed to create plywood panels. This process ensures the panels can be sanded or machined in any configuration and will still retain their fire-retardant rating of 100%, the only product on the market with this distinction.

Yes, Garnica's Fireshield® may come at a slightly higher cost than other fire-rated materials, but when it comes to the safety of people's homes, it's a small price to pay.

Learn more about this or story ideas such as:

Selecting the appropriate type of fire-retardant material for each project.
The proprietary treatment process of Fireshield® panels.
Wood-inspired kitchen designs.

To schedule an interview or to learn more, please contact:

Zenergy Communications media@zenergycom.com

Featured in our latest winter 2022 issue: French Quarters

April 14, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

French Quarters
Hosting three doors in one incredible property, French Chateau style offers current appeal.

Our new Winter 2022 issue is now available on newsstands for $8.95 CDN.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)

A digital issue can be downloaded at our store here for $2.99 CDN.

To subscribe to Best Home visit our page here
A one year subscription (2 issues) is $12.99 or two year subscription (4 issues) is $19.95

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What's on your walls? Dog wall art offers many unexpected benefits.

April 10, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

Dogs and humans have been together for thousands of years, and we have benefited in countless ways. Just think about the safety, protection, and companionship dogs have provided throughout the millennia. Over the last 150 years, an explicit benefit of the human-canine relationship has emerged. It started when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, commented in 1860 that "a small pet is often an excellent companion for the sick."

I took another 70 years until Smokey, a tiny 4-pound Yorkshire Terrier, improved patients' mental and physical well-being in a military hospital. The news about the four-legged healer spread quickly, and other military hospitals followed suit and reported countless success stories. Today, there are more than 50,000 certified therapy dogs in the U.S.

The impact that therapy dogs have on patients is profound. Research published in the National Library of Medicine measured a 57% decrease across several negative stressors such as tension, anxiety, anger, hostility, fatigue, inertia, depression, and dejection when patients had access to therapy dogs. It is well-researched that reducing patient stress leads to faster recovery and better health outcomes. Conversely, slower recovery rates increase the risk of infections or complications, lengthen hospital stays, and magnify patient discomfort.

All Dogs are Therapy Dogs

Most people assume that therapy dogs need to be trained to have such a positive impact on patients, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Therapy dogs are certified to be safe around patients, but all dogs have the innate ability to promote our mental and physical well-being.

Beyond the medical field, dogs are the rockstars of advertisement for similar reasons. Dogs generate positive emotions even though they appear “only” on screen or in print. Here are the top 5 reasons why we all love dogs and why advertisements featuring dogs are very popular:

Dogs generate emotions: Dogs are known as man's best friend, so they evoke strong emotions in people. Advertisers use this human-dog bond to connect with the audience at an emotional level and make their brand more relatable and trustworthy.
Dogs appeal to a wide range of people: Dogs are widely loved creatures and are popular among people of all ages, genders, and cultures. Advertisers take advantage of this popularity to reach a huge audience and increase their brand's visibility.
Dogs represent positive traits: Dogs are often associated with loyalty, love, and happiness, which are all positive traits that advertisers like to associate with their products or services.
Dogs promote simplicity: Dogs are uncomplicated and have simple needs. Advertisers use this simplicity to promote their products or services as easy to use or understand.
Dogs are cute and funny: Dogs have playful and cute personalities that make people smile. Advertisers capitalize on this cuteness factor and use it to make their advertisements more memorable and entertaining.

As a dog lover since early childhood, it was just a matter of time until I started taking pictures of dogs, initially for friends and family, animal shelters, and eventually for private clients and businesses. What I did not anticipate is that photos of dogs would have many of the same effects on people that real dogs have, but the reactions I observed and the feedback I received was consistent.

Seeing dogs triggers something in us

That's true whether it's a real dog, a dog on a screen, or in a photograph. Positive images of dogs help us connect with other people, make us feel better, and reduce stress. As I learned through my research, every time we see a dog, our subconsciousness runs a mental shortcut that signals something like friend, trust, loyalty, the things we have learned to associate with dogs during our joint evolutionary journey of more than 12,000 years. In addition, our brain increases the release of the social bonding hormone Oxytocin, further emphasizing this positive association. The responses that we have to pictures of dogs are very similar to the responses that we have when seeing a real dog. These involuntary responses put uplifting smiles on people's faces, make them feel better, and reduce their stress. Could there be a meaningful application of dog photos in medical settings to support the physical and mental recovery of patients? Let's take a closer look.

Expanding the reach of therapy dogs through photography

In 2019 we had 36.2M patients in U.S. hospitals. Now compare that to the just over 50,000 therapy dogs, and it becomes evident that we have a substantial gap that prevents hospitals from offering all patients the support of therapy dogs and, with that, the opportunity to recover more quickly, have fewer complications, and reduce the duration of their discomfort. We have a short supply of Certified Therapy Dogs. Conversely, we have an infinite supply of dog photos.

References to dogs and photos are used in psychotherapy to put patients at ease and enable more effective care conversations. Based on what I have seen and what I know about the science of how dogs and pictures of dogs benefit us, I have no doubt that dog photos can make a substantial difference not only in ICUs and hospital rooms but in any spaces where people experience stress, spaces where well-being is of the utmost importance, where people's mental health is compromised.

Boosting your well-being

All of us are patients when we go to the dentist, our family doctor, or the hospital. The next time you want to boost your well-being, look at pictures of dogs. After 5 minutes, your sense of well-being will rise by 16.5%, according to research conducted at the University of Maryland.

Don't get me wrong; nothing can replace the real thing – a dog, but photos of dogs can expand the impact of therapy dogs and go places where real dogs cannot. Pictures of dogs can substantially reduce stress and promote physical and mental recovery for patients, but the benefits don't stop there. Here are additional benefits of dog wall art for a variety of business settings.

Create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere: Dogs are often associated with warmth, loyalty, and companionship. Displaying dog-themed artwork in a business creates a more inviting environment and helps customers, clients, and patients feel more at ease.

Spark conversations and connections: Dog lovers are often passionate about their furry friends and enjoy bonding over shared experiences. Displaying dog wall art could be a conversation starter and help customers, clients, and patients find common ground with each other or the staff.

Boost morale and productivity: Research has shown that exposure to nature, animals, and art can have a positive impact on people's mood, creativity, and productivity. By incorporating dog art into the workplace, businesses can create a more uplifting and inspiring environment for their employees.

Differentiate from competitors: Non-pet-related businesses that display dog art could stand out from their competitors and leave a memorable impression on customers.

Support a cause: Depending on the artist or vendor, some dog wall art may be connected to animal welfare causes or organizations such as the Global Dog Art Gallery. By purchasing and displaying these artworks, businesses can show their support for a charitable cause and attract customers who care about these issues.

What’s on your walls?

Does your wall décor benefit your clients, customers and patients and in return your business? Photos of dogs are the smart and impactful choice for medical, business, and home environments as they extend the many benefits of the human-canine bond beyond the physical presence of a dog.

Featured video from our Winter 2022 issue: Suvic Homes

April 7, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

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Napoleon® Introduces the Industry's First Full-Size Electric Grill with IoT Technology in the New Rogue EQ ™ Connected Grill Series

April 3, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

The Napoleon Rogue EQ™ Connected Electric Outdoor Grill has the performance of gas but is powered by electricity

Napoleon®, a leader in innovative products and bringing sustainable choices to consumers has once again revolutionized the industry with a more sustainable option for grilling. The Napoleon Rogue EQ™ Connected Electric Grill Series is the first line of full-size outdoor electric grills with IoT technology. The two-burner Rogue EQ 365 is the first product launch in the series. Now backyard chefs can have flavor powered by electricity.

"Napoleon is changing the conversation around electric grilling", said Stephen Schroeter, Co-CEO, Napoleon. "Until now, the availability of electric grills was limited to indoor, travel-size, and those without smart technology. Napoleon's goal has always been to manufacture grills with the most advanced features on the market yet make them attainable to the grilling enthusiast. With our Rogue EQ Series, we're making sustainable technology and alternatives mainstream with a full-size electric grill at an affordable cost."

Research indicates that post-pandemic consumers are more aware of sustainability when purchasing products (Forrester 2021 data). According to a study from The Insight Partners (2021), the multi-billion-dollar electric grilling market is expected to grow more than 67% over the next 5 years.

"As consumers have evolved their mindset around sustainability, we have continued to evolve ours," said Chris Schroeter, Co-CEO, Napoleon. "Napoleon will increase our portfolio of sustainable products up to 250% by 2025. It's about giving consumers more choices when it comes to making sustainable decisions. This launch is a preview of what's to come. As one of the first grill manufacturers to offer infrared grilling technology to the consumer at an affordable price, this product demonstrates our commitment to continued industry-leading technology."

The Rogue EQ Connected Electric Grill allows you to manage every aspect of the grill with IoT controls through an app on your smartphone. You can monitor the temperatures and grill controls with precision on a 7- inch LCD screen. Our design and technology allow It to heat up as quickly as most similar-sized gas grills and can reach a maximum temperature that meets or exceeds traditional gas grills. The grill is more than just powerful – it's versatile. Backyard chefs have three different ways to cook: grill mode for traditional grilling and searing, oven mode for roasting, and smoker mode to infuse smoky flavor.

In addition to the electric grill, Napoleon has developed a full portfolio of sustainable home comfort innovations. "Our product diversification, sustainable product offerings and agility in responding to market input has helped us stand out among the competition," said Stephen Schroeter.

To learn more about Napoleon's other sustainable solutions, visit: napoleon.com

Featured video from our latest issue: MonTerra

March 31, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

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5 Unique Calgary coffee shops and cafés

March 27, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

As Spring approaches, it's time to enjoy warmer weather and longer days. Whether you're in the mood for a friendly java meetup, looking for a unique party idea or need a jolt of espresso to-go, these 5 unique Calgary coffee shops and cafés always serve up the perfect brew, pastries and other drinkables with a big side of ambience.

1. Calgary Heritage Roasting Co.

Image Credit: calgaryheritageroastingco/instagram

Founded by Wildland firefighters who learned to roast craft coffee on the fireline in the bush, this brick-walled coffeehouse in the restored C.C. Snowdon Oils Factory and Office is committed to giving back to the environment. Buy a 2-lb. bag of organic coffee, and they will plant a tree. Over the years, they have planted over 100,000 trees across Canada. Check out the roasting room rentals for small groups, or a private event rental of the full space.

The one-of-a-kind roasted coffees are aromatic, with tasting notes of toffee, chocolate and smoke.

Address: 2020 11 ST SE Calgary, AB
Phone: (403) 455-2472
Website: https://www.calgaryheritageroastingco.com/
Instagram: Calgary Heritage Roasting Co.

2. Socality House

Image Credit: socalityhouse/instagram

Sociality House has earned a local reputation for connecting creative communities. Virtual workers love to meet up in this hybrid space to exclusively enjoy Monogram coffee and all their favourite espresso drinks and baked goods.

Enjoy the selection of local and curated goods and pop-ups from Calgary artisans, from candles and skincare to greeting cards and more. And check out their products IRL at Socialty x Sunday Outpost, where you can view the looks of Sundays furniture that adorn this popular coffee hangout.

Address: 831 17 Ave SW Calgary, AB
Phone: (403) 875-6654
Website: https://www.socalityhouse.com/
Instagram: Socality House

3. Alforno

Image Credit: alfornoyyc/instagram

Alforno is the heart of Teatro's Group's baking program and one of Calgary's favourite spots for brunch, lunch and dinner. From mouth-watering tarts and cakes to savoury pasta and pizza and a sustainable coffee programme, this stylish and comfortable dine-in bakery & cafe is a must-try.

Super close to Eau Claire Park and the Bow River Pathway, it's also the perfect place to sample an artisan wine, beer or spirit.

Address: 222 7 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0E4
Phone: (403) 454-0308
Website: https://alforno.ca/
Instagram: AlfornoYYC

4. Cafe Gravity

Image Credit: cafegravityyyc/instagram

This high-end family-run business is the perfect place to dust off the day with an exceptional menu of coffee, wine, beer and pastry selections. Featuring slick modern decor, with multiple locations in Inglewood, Beltline, and Eau Claire, Cafe Gravity also offers catering services and space rentals for private events.

Inglewood - Art Block Building

Address: 909 10 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S7
Phone: (403) 457-0697

Beltline - CBE Building

Address: 1221 8 Street SW
Phone: (403) 764-4770

Eau Claire - Waterfront Towers

Address: 240 Riverfront Ave SW
Phone: (403) 452-1431
Website: https://www.cafegravity.com/
Instagram: c afegravityyyc

5. The Mad Hatter Coffee Community

Image Credit: themadhatteryyc/instagram

This new and original Inglewood coffee go-to encourages community, sustainability and expressing yourself. There's a delicious espresso-inspired coffee and food menu, and even free art supplies to express your artistic side. Patrons can draw on the walls and white spaces, while enjoying a deep cup of Paradise Mountain Coffee. A great date night idea!

Address: 917 9th avenue SE, Unit 105 (Main Floor Unit)
Gmail: themadhatteryyc@gmail.com
Website: https://www.themadhatteryyc.com/
Instagram: t hemadhatteryyc

Featured in our Winter 2022 issue: Cambellton Homes

March 24, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

The Natural
Cambellton Homes extends views with a home that naturally captures exquisite design.

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Top Ten Celebrity Real Estate News

March 20, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

J.Lo Changes Her Mind - Lists Bel Air Home
Back in 2016, Jennifer Lopez bought a home in LA's tony Bel Air neighborhood for $28 million, with plans to renovate. Now looking for a new home with Ben, Jennifer has listed the nine-bedroom estate on eight acres for $42.5 million. The compound also includes a guest home, 100-seat amphitheater and a private lake with a sandy beach.

Jim Carrey's Private & Artsy LA Home
Jim Carrey has listed his longtime LA home for $28.9 million. Located in the city's Brentwood neighborhood, the five-bedroom home includes 12,704 square feet on two acres with more than 280 feet of hedged frontage. The listing shows some of Carrey's own artwork, but the art is not included in the sale.

The Kardashian – West Property Breakup
Talk about a complicated divorce! Between Kanye West's real estate and Kim Kardashian's homes, the two exes own 21 properties in four states and Belgium. According to E!News, they have reached an agreement on the property division.

Lil Wayne Sells Miami Beach Home
Lil Wayne has sold his Miami Beach contemporary home for $28 million. Located on Allison Island, the 10,632-square-foot home features 110 feet of water frontage and stellar views of the palm-lined Miami shore. Sleekly modern, the home features mahogany paneling, tons of glass, and 22-foot ceilings. The home was originally listed for $29 million.

Mark Wahlberg Sells Mega Mansion
After almost a year and a $32 million price cut, Mark Wahlberg has sold his 30,500-square-foot Beverly Hills home for $55 million. Some of the home's features include 12 bedrooms, a five-hole golf course, a tennis court, skate park, and a giant workout room.

Madonna's 1990's Hollywood Hills Home
A Hollywood Hills home with views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign and was previously owned by Madonna from 1993 to '96 is for sale at $21 million. The nine-bedroom home was also reportedly used by Bugsy Siegel as a gambling den and as a film location for the movie Beverly Hills Cop.

Tommy Hilfiger Acts Fast To List Palm Beach Mansion
In January, Tommy Hilfiger bought a Palm Beach home with 7,265 square feet for $36.85 million. He has already listed it for sale at $47.95 million. The Mediterranean-style home was built in 1927.

Fess "Davy Crockett" Parker's Palm Springs Home
Before The Mickey Mouse Club, The Beatles and Farah Fawcett, actor Fess Parker's role as a real-life frontiersman in Walt Disney's Davy Crockett television series was the first big media star for baby boomers. Kids from LA to Boston were glued to their parents' TV screens in 1954 when Disney brought the historical figure to life. Parker's longtime Palm Springs home, known as the Fess Parker Estate, has been listed for $1.975 million. Parker died in 2010.

Big Bang Theory Star Lists Los Feliz Home
Simon Helberg, best known for his role in the Big Bang Theory as Howard Wolowitz, a Jewish aerospace engineer and former astronaut, has listed his LA home for $8.997 million. Located on a private lot at the end of a cul de sac in the celebrity-heavy neighborhood of Los Feliz, the Spanish-style estate was previously owned by Vince Vaughn.

Queen of Soul's Motown Golf Home
Aretha Franklin's Detroit home on a golf course has listed for $975,000. Built in 1927 on the Detroit Golf Club, the six-bedroom home includes almost 6,000 square feet. Aretha died in 2018.

What's New & Different: VICOSTONE

March 15, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

Redefine Smart Home Convenience with the All-New Stylus Cara Elite Fireplace and Napoleon App

March 9, 2023 Cindy Chobanik

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The new innovative and design-forward electric fireplace with Smart Technology brings more than ambiance and comfort

BARRIE, Ont. — Fireplace technology has evolved immensely, with consumer convenience at the forefront.

Napoleon, a leader in home comfort, is prioritizing home functionality and accessibility, with the release of the all-new Stylus Cara Elite electric fireplace. Innovative and design-forward, the Stylus Cara Elite brings more than ambiance and comfortable temperatures to a room —it is built with Smart Technology, enabling voice control through Google Home and Alexa devices and controls that are fully customizable through the newly introduced Napoleon Home mobile application.

"The Stylus Cara Elite offers a new and innovative perspective on fireplaces," said Garry Scott, Vice President of Marketing. "The Stylus Cara Elite and the Napoleon Home mobile app are built with innovative and design-forward technology, allowing consumers to maximize convenience and recognize the benefits of a connected lifestyle. All at a cost-effective price, nonetheless."

The Stylus Cara Elite, which will arrive in stores March 14, is a cutting-edge electric fireplace that goes beyond the basic functions. Installation is simple and inexpensive, and the wall mount design will complement any living space in the home. The heat level, flame colour and ember bed colour are fully customizable, to match any room's style and create instant ambience. Plus, the fireplace has a display that communicates the time and date, along with the indoor and outdoor weather conditions. The display automatically updates the information of local conditions through a Wi-Fi connection.

When paired with the new Napoleon Home mobile app, the Stylus Cara Elite revolutionizes convenience and control. It allows consumers to manage the features of the fireplace — and other compatible Napoleon products, such as the Napoleon EQHub Thermostat — from anywhere, at any time, all within one simple and user-friendly smartphone application. The Napoleon Home app is designed to embrace diversity within Napoleon products, and allows for personalized options to match the consumers' individual style, desired atmosphere and comfort.

For more information, please visit www.napoleon.com. Follow Napoleon on Twitter @NapoleonProduct, Instagram @napoleonproducts, Pinterest @NapoleonProducts and Like it Facebook.

About Napoleon:

Napoleon® is a global operation and North America's largest privately owned manufacturer of quality fireplaces, grills, outdoor living, heating and cooling products. Napoleon® is an ISO 9001:2015 registered company and now operates with 1.8 million square feet of manufacturing space and employs more than 2,000 associates. Napoleon® was named in 2021 as one of Canada's Top 50 Best Managed Companies, an annual distinction sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC and the Globe and Mail.