#2

FEBRUARY - MARCH
2017

Other Paris

Contributing
ContributingAuthor
Author--
Chef
ChefChad
ChadStewart
Stewart

Ill
IllAt
AtWill:
Will:
Straight
StraightOutta
Outta
London
London
Read more
2
Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

Wake up. Smile. Plan your day. Rock it. Be

awesome. Repeat.
This is how we urge you to live and celebrate
every day with us. While preparing this issue,
we met so many amazing people. They
dreamed, created and started new ideas.
Sometimes they were successful, sometimes
they weren't. But nothing ever stopped them
from rising above all the obstacles. Be like them. Be strong and
motivated, young and gifted. Dare to fly and don't be afraid to fall.
Our life is beautiful, even when it's complicated. So, this issue
honours life in all its manifestations. It brings a promise of a Spring
- bright, fresh, invigorating...
Just turn the page, let it into your life and stay awesome.
~ Anna Orishchenko, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Meet a
Mari Udarbe new te
am mem
ber
Contributing author & Editor
I was born in the Philippines, raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and
am now a resident of London, Ontario. A physiotherapist by
trade, but a true lover of the arts - music, dance and literature. I
have a passion for cultural awareness, community building and
healing therapies. This city has many colours and flavours
which cannot be ignored or duplicated. Happy to be a part of
the Casa London team and help bring London to life!

Josh Mikaela
Hamilton Shannon

One-of-a-kind Gorgeous
Writer & Editor Photographer
 CONTENT
3

p. 4 p. 8 p. 16 p. 17

p. 18 p. 19 p. 24 p. 36

p. 40 p. 42 p. 44 p. 50

p. 58 p. 64 p. 66 p. 76

Idea & Design: Anna Orishchenko

 Our town

6
#CRUSHINIT:
COSMETICS
CRUSHED
WITH LOVE

Lorem ipsum dolor eiusmod ut

Natural home-made cosmetics are all the rage these days, but
can
Lorembe ipsumtricky to get
dolor sit amet, right.
consectetur Charissa
adipisicing elit, sed doat Crushed
eiusmod Withut labore
tempor incididunt Love makes
et dolore magna a
aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
great
Duis aute range
irure dolorof products
in reprehenderit fromvelit
in voluptate foot essescrubs,
cillum dolore to bath
eu fugiat salts,
nulla pariatur. bath bombs,
Consectetur
adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis
shower bombs,
nostrud exercitation ullamcoand loofah soaps. A self-confessed lover of the
Purdy Natural story (that youll find in our last issue), Charissa first
had the idea to sell some cosmetics to help pay for a bowl of fruit
for her kindergarten class. Now her business is booming, so we sat
down with her for a chat to see where it has all gone right.
Casa London: Lets start with the name, where did it come from?
Charissa: It just kind of came out of nowhere, I started off doing
bath bombs and on the top of it I was using crushed lemon peels
and lime peels dried out. I was trying to think of a name that was
kind of catchy and was to do with the business, so I thought well
I am crushing things on top and Im making them with love. So it
became Crushed With Love. I wasnt sure about it at the time but
I am glad I stuck with it! Now some people have started saying
Crushed is here or youre crushing it using the name in a way
I had never even thought of.
Sounds like a company hashtag in the making! #crushinit
Casa London: When did you start getting involved in making
your own soaps or bath bombs?
Charissa: Well last Christmas I made some foot and hand scrubs
for my sisters in law, my Mom, and my Grandma, so that was the
first time I made a home-made product. Then I saw someone making
bath bombs online, so I thought I could do that too!
 I thought I just made some scrubs, so maybe I should try some
bath bombs, and see if people would buy them. That was in
February, and then I just kind of went for it. I was scared to post
it online because I hadnt told anyone. I hadnt told any friends or
family; I hadnt even told my husband! But I was having fun taking
the photos and setting it all up, so I just went for it and put it online.
Casa London: Was there a particular reason you wanted to start
making your own products? Was it just curiosity? Or were you
fulfilling a lifelong ambition?

Charissa: Last Fall I was on my maternity leave and I was just

thinking, Im a full-time kindergarten teacher and I am at a school
where sometimes kids wont have the proper lunches, or
sometimes theyll have a big enough lunch but they dont have
any fruit or veggies. So I would give them an apple or a banana or
something from my lunch, because we try to have the morning
snack as something healthy, like fruit or yoghurt.
It was one girl in particular, who would come up nearly every day
and tell me she didnt have a healthy snack itd be like Oreo
cookies or chips.
5
 My first thought was Ill make some lip balm, but I didnt know
how to make enough money for fruit from that, so the idea got
kind of forgotten. Then in February when I made the bath bombs,
I thought I could make some money from this and use it for the
bowl of fruit for my classroom.
Casa London: So you got your bowl of fruit then?
Charissa: Yes, we did! We always have apples, and kids will
sometimes just randomly grab an apple when Im reading them a
book. And I always think well they are eating something healthy,
so its fine, I'm not going to get upset about that. I knew I wasnt
going to make a ton of money, but at least there would be a supply
for fruit in the classroom! Thats how it originally got started. Its
just nice to have it there. Its something that I enjoy which is
definitely a bonus.
Charissas bath bombs are a little bit special, she uses baking
soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, coconut and grape seed oils
meaning they are 100% natural. A lot of bath bombs dont have
coconut or grape seed oil, so they can make your bath feel that
little bit more luxurious.
Charissa: You can massage the oils into your skin while youre in
the bath - its great for the winter coming up. They can help with
dry skin from the cold! My daughter loves the bath bombs, so if
there are ever any leftovers, I will make a few little ones for her.
And for those of you who prefer showers to a bath, youre in
luck! Shower-bombs have been one of Crushed With Loves best-
selling items, and they are great for you if you have a cold or flu.
They have peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon essential oils, to
open up your pores and senses on a cold winters day.
Casa London: What is your favourite product to make for Crushed
With Love?
Charissa: I do love making the soaps, because I feel you can be
more creative with them, and each soap you make looks different.
I just made lavender soap in a mould yesterday so I am waiting to

6
cut it, and I am always excited to cut it, because its like a piece of
artwork. Its the product I enjoy making the most but they are time
consuming. I actually make it in the garage, and when the kids
arent around, because I am using lye its quite dangerous to make
soap, so you need eye-wear and gloves.
Soaps can be made using a hot or cold process; the hot process
soaps can be made in a matter of hours because the soap is cooked,
whereas the cold process can take 4-6 weeks before anyone can
use it because of the saponification and curing process.
Charissa: The cold process is really beautiful and you can do a
ton of designs because it is thinner, hot process is more of a rustic
look. It depends some people prefer the designs and some prefer
the chunkier, less deliberate look. I would love to be doing this full
time, but I guess I will just see where it goes.

You can find out more about Crushed With Loves product line
by checking out their Instagram and Facebook pages. Youll find
their products across stores in London, at The Been Garden, Local
& Lovely Boutique, Purdy Natural, Bombshell Hair and Aesthetics,
Nutrition House, Hanai Naturals & Organics, and many other stores.
At the moment Crushed With Love products are only offline and
in store, but you can order her products to collect them via
Facebook or Instagram.
7
Driven by passion,
fused by nature

8
 After many years of dabbling with herbalism through making
teas, tinctures and salves, Jane decided that she wanted to explore
herbalism on a scientific level, to get a true understanding of the
benefits of herbal medicine. So four years later, armed with a
Clinical Herbalism diploma and love of nature Jane, her husband
Chuck, and their three kids all live on the Wildflowers Farm,
running the business together. From a humble tea store, they have
branched out to yoga classes, solstice festivals, harvest dinners,
herbalism classes, and Apiary with their own brand of honey!
Casa London: Why dont we start with the teas! Where do you
get the ideas for all the different teas that you make?
Jane: Chuck and my kids have been the driving force behind all
of the teas. I started with a defence tea for colds and flus because
our son was getting sick. I wanted to have something that I could
go to as soon as I heard Ive got a sore throat or they got a fever.
That started with the defence tea, which contains catnip, which
always gets people intrigued!
Catnip is a traditional cold and flu remedy believe it or not. It is
an amazing warming diaphoretic as, it can help to sooth fevers
without leaving the body cold. It calms the nervous system with
its nervine sedative actions-this is the reason cats go crazy for it!
Not to worry though, catnip does not make people go crazy and
roll around in the plant! There is lemon balm, yarrow and thyme
(which is an excellent anti-microbial) in there too all of which
have been used for centuries for healing.
Casa London: How was the initial reaction?
Jane: When I started doing farmers markets people were often
a little apprehensive about what I was selling them, ten or twelve
years ago the knowledge and acceptance was not as strong as it
is today. . But eighty percent of the world still relies on herbal
medicine as part of their primary health care. . I am one hundred
percent grateful for our health service, so I want to be able to fuse
the two amenities you can make herbal medicine a lifestyle and
use allopathic medicine for emergencies.

9
 Chuck: Society has gone to a quick fix, take a pill and youre better.
We have forgotten how to find ways to prevent disease and just
look to cure it instead.
Jane: After I had our third child we launched our first line of
Wildflowers Tea. We wanted to deal with a range of common
health problems, like cold and flu, indigestion, insomnia. Our son
had recurring bronchitis for the first three years of his life, he was
on recurring antibiotics a few times every year. But as soon as I
started studying herbal medicine my eyes blew right open and
since then none of our kids have been on any type of antibiotics.
Its not that we are against it, so if there is a need we will go for it,
however with the help of herbs, foods and lifestyle changes, we
havent seemed to go down that path.
Chuck: The point is, if you are feeling ill or out of balance, there
are many natural ways to help you get through it, listen to whats
really happening- maybe overstressed or overworked? I know from
my experience, that once I got to the root of the problem, I was
able to alleviate symptoms through diet and herbs.
Jane: All of my teas are caffeine free and additive free, there is
nothing except the herbs themselves. Technically they arent even
called teas they are tisanes, but for simplicitys sake we just call
it herbal tea. We really try to focus on what grows here, so we dont
have any black tea or any jasmine tea. To put it simply I work with
wild flowers or weeds. Every single one of my teas are made from
my own experience. I cant really sell you something if I havent
felt the direct benefit of it.
After initial success with their teas, Chuck and Jane were looking
to branch out to other products. Quite by accident Chuck stumbled
into bee-keeping and has never looked back!
Jane: Chuck is kind of like the Bee whisperer, he goes out and
plays classical music and meditates with the bees. People always
say our honey has some sort of magical taste to it, so they can tell
they are loved and well looked after.

10
 Rudolph Steiner talked a lot
about the cycle of bees, the love
in the hive, and how we should
emulate that. Because everyone
has a job and works together to
the benefit of the hive. Rudolph
Steiner talks a lot about how the
bees bring the love- life of the
flowers into the hive, and the
honey that is produced by this is
made from the parts of the plants
centred in love. The elixir of life!
Casa London: What inspired you
to start keeping bees?
Chuck: I started bee keeping 5
years ago off the cuff. We went to
visit a friends farm where he had
had 2 hives. Not long after that
visit, I invested in two hives
myself and it grew from there. We
have 90 now, and this year is the
first year that we have had an
abundance of honey so we have
been able to play around with
incorporating Janes love of
herbal medicines and infusing
them into honey.
We have our yards two or three
miles apart, so the different yards
supply different honey. Not
drastically different flavours but
there is definitely a difference.
The different types of plants and
trees, even how hot the hives get,
 there is a whole science and theory about how they craft different
flavours.
The collection of infused honey at Wildflowers farm is vast, with
flavours like hibiscus, elderflower, garlic, lemon balm, sage,
lavender camomile, and many more. Its like a chefs dream!
Jane: When I work with clients in my herbal medicine practice,
and sometimes when I try and give kids herbal remedies they dont
want to take it. So when we infuse them in honey, they are a getting
the medicinal benefits all wrapped in some sweet fresh honey.
Its just like they say, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go
down!
Jane: I found herbal medicine when I was 18 because I needed
something to help alleviate some of digestive issues, skin issues,
and migraines that I was having. I tried many different types of
medicine and didnt get any results, but then someone suggested
I go see this healer/herbalist in England.
I walked into his office and it was just floor to ceiling with herbal
remedies, it was like walking into a local witchs den. It was so cool
and yet kind of intimidating because we are so used to things being
packaged ready and stamped. That blew me away and as soon as
I got results I was all in, and here I am 20 years later still dedicating
a lot of my time learning and educating others about plant
medicine.
Thats kind of our mantra, to bring awareness to the vast healing
that mother nature provides, because herbalism is the medicine
of the people. Plant wisdom has been passed down for centuries,
every village had a herbalist. My mentors wish is to keep that
tradition alive, by educating our community about our local plant
pharmacy - through identification and understanding of
energetics. This has been part of my mission, to raise awareness
and to empower those to know their local plants.. As a mother of
three it has been really empowering, to have my own apothecary
whether it is for bug bites, stings, fevers or coughs.

12
 At Wildflowers Farm they are also trying to spread the tradition
of celebrating the seasonal changes with equinox and solstice
celebrations. Over the last four years their celebrations have
grown to gatherings of around 500 people (keep an eye on social
media or subscribe to their newsletter for information closer to
the time!)
Jane: It is exciting to be celebrating the changing of the seasons
as you watch them shift around you. The summer solstice is about
the peak of the sun, the light, and then the movement towards the
darkness and the winter solstice is about the darkest day, the least
light and finding that guiding light within to illuminate the
movement towards the light. A lot of people miss that, but if we
can ride those waves and honour natural cycles then we can be
more at one with nature.
Casa London: What do you do for the harvest dinner?
Jane: Well at first we just wanted to get some people in and have
some really great food and showcase the creative ways we can
curate a meal based only on our local produce. We collaborated
with Chef Yoda (Glassroots) to bring a full vegan harvest dinner to
the plates of our community. The feedback was incredible, so we
went from 50 guests last year to 100 guests this year. We
incorporated an array of farms and chefs this year which allowed
us to showcase the many talents in Elgin county.
Dont get me wrong, there are some times when we have been
thinking What are we doing? How are we going to make this work?
We have to pay the bills. But the more we get support and get
great feedback from the community the more we get lifted up to
want to continue our dream of living on the land and sharing that
dream with others.
Casa London: Do you think you have benefitted from the growing
popularity of buying local produce rather than just supermarket
brands?
Jane: We definitely have! This Christmas we had a lot of people
in the store telling us that they were only buying locally for the
holidays.
 We may not be downtown but people will still drive down
Highway Four and Fruitridge Line because there is something
special about shopping at the farm... It takes you out of that clean
cut store where youre struggling to find a parking space, and
fighting the crowds, into somewhere where you might not want
to leave your car door open in case some cats or chickens jump in!
(Sidenote: This actually happened to us!)
Casa London: What about your yoga classes? Where did you first
get interested in that?
Jane: The first time I experienced yoga was in university, around
the same time I experienced herbal medicine for the first time.
When I finished my studies I wanted to go to India and learn all
about it and take a course there, but my path took me me to go to
South-East Asia instead!
I started teaching Ayurvedic Yoga a few years ago out of my pure
love of the benefits of yoga, and my own dedication to the practice.
It has truly changed my life, and I needed to share that with others!
I started with 1 class of eager friends, and it has now grown to a
dozen or so a week.. Ive maxed out at 10 people a time in here
but we dont want to go anywhere else because there is something
about this space that brings a sense of calm and escape. With that,
we are looking to expand the building to create a new studio, office
space and kitchen, it seems like the right time to do so.
Ayurveda is the sister science to yoga, it is a system of medicine
with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent.
Jane: Ayurveda is a system of healing also known as the science
of life It covers all aspects of health and well-being physical,
emotional, mental and spiritual. It includes methods of healing
from diet, herbs, exercise and lifestyle regimens to yogic practices
and meditation. Ayurveda provides the insight for each person
and each culture to create a way of life in harmony both with the
world of nature and our higher Self. Ayurveda has been the missing
piece to my practice and by fusing that with western herbalism I
got this amazing synergy of ancient eastern philosophy and
western herbs.
 For
Forany
anycouples
couplesthinking
thinkingofofgetting
gettingmarried,
married,Wildflowers
WildflowersFarm
Farmisis
available
availabletotorent
rentout
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weddingswith
withaaWildflowers
Wildflowersfeel,
feel,they
they
offer packages in collaboration with local organic farms supplying
offer packages in collaboration with local organic farms supplying
food.
food.
You
Youcan
canfind
findout
outmore
moreabout
aboutJane
Janeand
andChucks
Chucksfantastic
fantasticrange
rangeofof
products, events and workshops by visiting their website or by
products, events and workshops by visiting their website or by
heading
headingout
outtotovisit
visittheir
theirfarm.
farm.You
Youcan
canfollow
followthem
themonon Facebook
Facebook
and
and Twitter to keep up to date with anything new or exciting
Twitter to keep up to date with anything new or exciting
happening
happeningat atWildflowers
WildflowersFarm.
Farm. 15
 WIN
WIN 22 TICKETS
TICKETS TO
TO
WILDFLOWERS
WILDFLOWERS FARM
FARM
SUMMER
SUMMER SOLSTICE
SOLSTICE
FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL
SUNDAY
JUNE 25TH, 2017

TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GIVEAWAY:

1. Share this page to public on your Facebook feed
2. Use hashtag #SSFestival2017
3. Wait for the results that is to be announced on
March 19th, 2017 on Casa London Facebook and
Instagram accounts
GOOD LUCK!

42338 Fruit Ridge Line, St Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Haven't read our first
issue yet?
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Follow us
MORE THAN JUST
COMMON SCENTS
19
 Candles are romantic, they smell fantastic, and they make great
presents! Most candles are made with paraffin, and can leave black
spots on your ceiling. But the Red Door Candle Studio embodies
simplicity itself, using nothing but soya and then adding their
unique and vibrant scents! Sherrie and Anthony make the candles
along with their children; its a real family affair. We caught up
with the candle-making couple to see how they found themselves
running the Red Door Candle Studio and how they make their
candles smell so good!
Casa London: Why dont you start with the name? Where did
that come from?
Sherrie: Well my favourite colour is red. And if you have a red
door on your house it means welcome protection and good luck.
And over in Ireland it also means you have a mortgage free house.
So when I was at design school, if you ever had a red door on plans
for a house it meant good luck. You'd be surprised how quickly
people spot the logo and the banner!
Casa London: Why did you start making candles?
Sherrie: We started making candles in June of last year, just
because we liked the smell and we always like the house to smell
nice. We usually have candles on anyway. All of our candles are
soya based so they are a lot friendlier to the environment than
other paraffin based candles.
Casa London: Was there anything specific that inspired the idea?
Sherrie: We are creative people. My background is in design, my
daughter is very creative, Anthony is very creative, so we just
decided to do this.
Casa London: Where did you get your ideas for the scents?
Sherrie: We spent a great deal of time with a local supplier that
we have. Literally every Saturday for two months we would go up
and pick her brain and smell everything. So we have narrowed it
down to a few scents and we are going to be running a scent of
the month every month this year.

20
 January is pop the fizz. It is
strawberry and champagne.
February is a secret to be
revealed on 1st February. What
I can tell you is that it is going to
be a red candle called lovers
twist!
Casa London: So a perfect
valentines present for the
girlfriend! Or boyfriend!
Anthony: You'd be surprised
how many males buy candles,
especially things that remind
them of things from their
childhood like their
grandparents or somebody else.
There is one scent, the Lilac
candle is a big seller for the guys.
Sherrie: That is a big one if
anyone has spent time with their
grandparents, they seem to
remember that scent from lilac
bushes that their grandmother
had. When you smell something,
scent takes a form and it takes a
person back to a certain memory
that they have.
Casa London: Did the scents
come out of pure trial and error?
Or was it more methodical than
that?
Sherrie: We just tried to have a
mixture.
 We have the Hint of Dakkar which is more of a manly scent, we
have the lemon scent which is more of a fresh scent, the Orange
Tastic which is more of a sweet scent, and one called pumpkin
crumble which is more of an Autumn thanksgiving scent.
Casa London: How was the initial reaction when you first started
marketing and selling the candles?
Sherrie: We spent two or three months making them, trying them
all out, there are burn tests that need to be done on each one. You
need to know how the scent reacts and how the scent pool goes.
So we spent two or three months doing it, and when we went to
our first show in September we had a really great reaction.
Casa London: Do all the family get involved?
Sherrie: Yep, everyone helps out! My daughter helps to do some
of the photography and some of the social media stuff that we do.
My boyfriend pours, I pour, and my son helps as well. My son is
actually volunteering, boys don't generally want to be involved in
anything but he is hoping we book two shows in one day so he can
do one!
Casa London: What does the future hold for Red Door Candle
Studio? Have you got any plans to expand?
Sherrie: I have a full time job that takes around 75,000 hours of
my week travelling all around Ontario. So this is my way to relax. I
think eventually we would like to open a small store somewhere
in London. I love the area downtown at Rectory and Dundas where
they are starting to rebuild the shops there! We are also working
on something right now where they are thinking of distributing
the candles to salons.
Casa London: I believe you are working on an ice moulded
candle?
Sherrie: That is something that we have just started. You take
the mould and you put the wick in the bottom, and then you put
ice in it and pour the wax over the ice and that is what creates the
pattern. We are just starting to experiment with them.

22
 They
They are
are just
just called
called ice
ice candles,
candles, we we will
will probably
probably dodo different
different
colours
colours and scents for those too! One candle can take 24hours
and scents for those too! One candle can take 24 hours
because you have to leave it in the mould for a period of time.
because you have to leave it in the mould for a period of time.
And
Andthen
thenififyou
youhave
haveaataller
tallerone
oneititwill
willgo
gofrom
fromaareally
reallylight
lightshade
shade
at
at the top too really dark at the base because the ice floats inthe
the top too really dark at the base because the ice floats in the
hot
hotwax.
wax.They
Theywill
willprobably
probablybe beout outfor
forthe
thebig
bigshow
showininMay!
May!

Red
RedDoor
DoorCandle
CandleStudio
Studiowill
willbe
beon
onthe
theroad
roadatatthe
theWestmount
Westmount
Mall
Mall in February, the Lucan Craft Show in May, as wellas
in February, the Lucan Craft Show in May, as well asthe
the
upcoming Tilsonburg Craft Show. You can find details of all
upcoming Tilsonburg Craft Show. You can find details of all
these
theseevents
eventson ontheir
theirFacebook
Facebookpagepageand
andififyou
youcant
cantwait
waituntil
until
then appointments can be made to purchase and collect candles
then appointments can be made to purchase and collect candles
via
viaFacebook!
Facebook!So Soififyou
youare
arelooking
lookingfor
foraapresent
presentforforsomeone,
someone,or or
aasimple way to make your house smell fresh and fantastic, look
simple way to make your house smell fresh and fantastic, look
no
nofurther
furtherthan
thanRed
RedDoorDoorCandle
CandleStudio.
Studio.
23
FIGHTER
FOR
TOMORROW
 If there is one thing a personal trainer needs to understand, it is
how to overcome adversity. For many people getting in shape can
be a serious uphill struggle, both mentally and physically, so having
someone by your side that can empathise can make the experience
all the more bearable. Michelle Goldrick has just those qualities.
Having overcome numerous injuries, including early onset
osteoporosis, degenerative disk diseases, and even breast cancer,
she is more than aware of the hardships of looking after your body,
and learning to push yourself past what should be possible! Her
programs are all encompassing; focussing on weight routines,
mind muscle connection, and dietary needs to give you the best
chance to get yourself into shape. We met Michelle at her home
gym to talk about her career in the health and fitness industry, and
her burgeoning personal training business.
Casa London: How did you first get involved in the fitness
industry/lifestyle? Was it something you were always interested
in?
Michelle: It was something that I was always involved in. Right
out of High School at the ripe age of 18 I started in the weight loss
industry specifically and I advanced very quickly in the industry
so I knew it was a natural fit for me. It didnt take me long to
recognize and realize that this was not an effective lifestyle for
weight loss.
Casa London: What sparked that realization?
Michelle: In the weight-loss industry its all about the quick fix.
It is all about extreme calorie reduction, sometimes there is
products involved to boost the metabolism or over-stimulate it.
So it didnt take me long to really realize that this wasnt a good
form, and that is when I started researching things further and
going further into the industry.
Casa London: So you arent into the 48-hour juice cleanse type
of crash diet that you see advertised?

25
 Michelle: Absolutely not! The human body itself has every ability
to be able to detox and cleanse itself naturally. As long as you are
eating properly and exercising properly your cells are going to
take care of themselves. If you could put weight loss into one
capsule and it cost anything, youd be surprised how much people
would pay to take that and just be done with it. But it doesnt quite
work that way. Not for anything that is going to be long standing
or effective it is all about your lifestyle change.
Casa London: Then what was the next step for you after doing
your own research?
Michelle: The next step for me was I got more interested in how
vitamins really supported the weight loss process. Not in a
stimulation sort of way, but more in cellular support. So then I
started a job with a nutraceutical company and I was involved
with that for many years. I was a national manager for them, so I
travelled all across Canada launching new vitamin nutrition
programs, chiropractic offices, and small scale gym facilities. I
worked along-side some different holistic doctors and
naturopaths that are very well known as well. It really branched
things out for me in understanding how vitamins help support
the body.
Casa London: Your program seems to be very nutrition centred,
is that how you feel it should be?
Michelle: It is everything altogether! Nutrition plays a huge role,
its about 80% of everything that you do. Its that important, it
doesnt matter how hard youre training or who youre training
with. If youre not eating properly you are literally banging your
head against the wall and spinning your wheels. So nutrition its
a such a science it is a very finite science getting that all in place
and that is where the results come from.
Casa London: Where do you stand on supplements?
Michelle: For my ladies its your basic support system. First and
foremost, everyone has to be on a good multivitamin.

26
 I stand behind that because for any process that has to happen
within the body it has to start at a cellular level. So you can eat
organic and super healthy every day, but if youre asking
anything extra of your body whether it be athletic conditioning,
sports performance, or carrying a baby, you need to make sure
you have the cellular support in there to help the body do what
youre asking of it.
Fish Oil and Probiotic are imperative to take as well as a good
whey protein powder.

I may suggest additional support, but this is depending on the

clients assessment with me and their personal goals. I also
recommended a top quality protein powder, specifically one that
is antibiotic and hormone free. Ill only recommend quality brands
that are easy for my client to obtain, either in-store or online.
Casa London: What about vegan or vegetarian diets? Do you
think they are compatible with training and conditioning?
Michelle: Its not impossible, vegetarian is definitely a little bit
easier, but its not impossible to be vegan and be an athlete but it
is very difficult! Its tough but you have to do it right. The issue I
find is that a lot of vegans arent doing it right, but thats not to say
it isnt easy. So if you are going to be vegan you need to do your
research or have an expert help you out.
 Casa London: When did you turn
your attention to personal
training?
Michelle: I got more into
personal training on a serious
level in 2006. I was diagnosed with
early onset osteoporosis and what
ended up happening is that it
could possibly be tied back to a
birth control I had taken when I
was younger. They told me at the
time that I had the bones of a 65-
year-old woman.
Casa London: What sort of
treatment is there? Is there any
way to reverse that process?
Michelle: You can maintain the
level, but it is impossible to
increase your bone density I have
been successful in strengthening
my hip, but my spine keeps
declining. The best treatment was
to do more weight bearing
exercises so thats when I started
going a lot heavier and doing a lot
of research into how exercise
affects your bone density. That is
when I went and got my
certifications and got qualified as
a personal trainer.
Casa London: How did getting
diagnosed with breast cancer
affect the business? Did you have
to have chemo?
This isnt the only health i that
Michelle has had to overcome, she
28
 Michelle: I developed the breast
cancer in 2013 (which was linked
to the same birth control I
mentioned earlier) but I was
extremely lucky on a number of
levels that it was caught as early
as it was!
One day I found blood in the cup
of my bra, went into the doctor
who thought it would just be a
blocked milk duct or something
and it turns out I had cancer.
Thankfully, I didnt have to have
chemo, but I did have surgery. The
recovery from that was pretty
substantial, my range of
movement was severely limited,
and it also severed all the nerves
so I still have no feeling, it never
recovered. So it took me a really
long time to be able to build my
strength up again. I think that was
the most discouraging part, going
from someone who could do 71
push-ups I couldnt even do one.
This isnt the only health issue
that Michelle has had to
overcome, she blew out her back
when giving birth to her
daughter and isnt a candidate
for any form of surgery.
Michelle: Ive been told I need
to learn how to live with it, so

29
 thats what I am doing. Needless to say this all created my lifestyle
for me, because at this point I have no choice but to maintain heavy
weight bearing exercises from now until forever. Ill be 85 and still
pumping weights if you want to keep moving you have to hit
the gym!
I make sure I explain that there are no limitations on that sort of
thing, it is all about baby steps. I get clients whose doctor has told
them they will never squat again and people really take that to
heart.
Casa London: Did you get back to pre-diagnosis levels?
Michelle: I am back to where I was I was able to work with a
good enough mind muscle connection that I am firing up my pecs
enough to use them.
Having gone through all of this, Michelle is in a unique position
where she can honestly look at her clients and say Ive been
there.
After everything that I have gone through it also puts me in a
different position, where I am able to understand the obstacles
that people have to go through.

30
 Anything can be overcome. It is all in your mind. I do a lot of
training that involves mind muscle connection, which involves
firing up the central nervous system so you are activating the
specific muscle you are working on. Quite often people are in the
gym, going through the motions, without actually activating the
muscle that you need.
Casa London: And that can be detrimental?
Michelle: Definitely! When I am working on mind muscle
connection with clients and they are down in a squat position, I
will have them stop and actually start to flex or contract their glutes
before they push back up again and it seems like it might be easy
but if your brain isnt used to doing that it can be incredibly hard
to do.
Casa London: Is that something that is unique to your training?
Michelle: It is out there, but I think that it gives the training that
I do a little bit of an edge. You can work with a trainer and you can
still be going through the motions or focus more on the cardio side
of things. But I like to concentrate more on activating the certain
areas that we are trying to target. For me, a big issue I had, was
that after my spinal injury my glutes werent firing, so I have been
through those problems myself. It means when I work with people
that I can easily identify and correct the muscles that should be
firing.
Casa London: What do you do with a perspective client when
they first come to you? What is your process?
Michelle: I do a quick assessment, see
where their fitness levels are at,
where their strengths are,
where any
deficiencies are, and
take a look at any
corrective work that
we need to do.

31
 We also go through their health history, nutrition, and diet so
there is a lot that goes into it. People are often surprised because
their injured sides are often the strongest side because the other
side compensates and strains itself when you get an injury.
I focus a lot of weight-lifting and then we do a lot of foam rolling
to help lengthen out the ligaments that way. We do a lot of
stretching where I am stretching them, to help work out where the
trouble areas are but every client is different really.
Casa London: How would you describe your training style? Are
you like Micky from Rocky? Or more comforting and supportive?
Michelle: Id say a little of both and I think that is important. You
arent there to sympathise with people, they are here because they
need a trainer, not because they need a friend! Its all about having
the right amount of empathy and compassion but you also need
to be that person who kicks them in the butt! I always say personal
training is half physical and half mental. Any limitations that people
think they have are often self-imposed, and once they start over-
coming that really encourages and empowers them to move
forward.
Casa London: What does the future hold for you then?
Right now I dont see an end point or a retirement. In some aspect
or avenue I will always be involved in fitness and personal training!
As well as offering one on one sessions, Michelle also runs boot
camps during the summer for those wanting to get in shape for their
summer holidays, or just to lose some of the holiday weight that you
could still be holding onto! The boot camps run 3 days a week May
October and are a fantastic way to get fit, meet some great new friends,
and enjoy yourself whilst you do it! She also offers tailored pre and
post-natal personal training through all stages of maternity for
mothers and mothers to be to help deal with pregnancy, giving birth,
and getting in shape again afterwards. You can find out more about
her programs via her website or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram to keep up to date with everything she is doing.

32
Turn the page to find out the Quads & Chest
workout Michelle prepared for you
 A1. Narrow
Stance Squat
(3 pulses at the
bottom)
8 reps x 3 sets
45-60 lbs
dumbbell
Tempo 3010

A2. Push-Up
(use boscu if you
can)
AMAP x 3 sets
Tempo 2010
Rest 150s

B1. Split Squat

(good ankle
flexion)
12 reps per leg
x 4 sets
Tempo 3010
Rest 120s
B2. Chest Press
V elbows in
12 reps x 4 sets
12 lbs
dumbbells
Tempo 3010
Rest 120s

C1. Sumo Squat

toes out 45
15 reps x 4 sets
15 lbs
dumbbell
Tempo 2010
Rest 30s

C2. Chest Fly

12 reps X 4 sets
8 lbs dumbbells
Tempo 2010
Rest 30s

35
 Live smart,
eat local
Text and photo by Chad Stewart

Winter brings cold dry harsh weather and trees are without
leaves...
My name is Chef Chad Stewart, born and raised in London,
Ontario. Recently, I ventured off on my own as a Freelance Chef

sharing my love for food. My service is called Field to Fork

Catering. Field to Fork Catering is more than just a catering
company; it is a way of life for me and my family. Currently, I am
cooking for smaller intimate dinner parties and special events
using locally sourced organic products. I also teach part time at
Fanshawe College School of Hospitality & Tourism.
I work very closely with specialty farmers all over Southwestern
Ontario, constantly learning from them about true local farming
practices and let me tell you it is not an easy task.
We have some of the harshest winters in the country and for
most local farmers that means being well prepared starting in
the spring.
Any farmer I know plans their crop or livestock for each season,
including winter months. This means storing root vegetables in
cold cellars come late fall and having their meats processed,
wrapped, and put in the deep freeze for winter.
It can be very challenging to source local produce in the winter
months. I like to do most of my produce shopping directly at the
local farmers markets here in town. There are so many vegetables
that are still locally grown and stored for winter harvest.
 You can find anything from onions, leeks, and
garlic to carrots, rutabagas, squash, and cabbage.
With the right techniques & care, you can create
some really healthy delicious masterpieces for
your family while supporting our local agriculture
and farmers.
I have also been working with local beekeepers
to help me understand their important role in
pollination and agriculture. This past summer, I
joined forces with a local digital marketing group
called, Arcane and have been working closely with
CEO Eric Vardon on our sustainable rooftop apiary.
London is now considered a bee city
with our urban beehives located on the
roof of Arcane. Our main mission is to help
pollinate our downtown core and rooftop
garden; in turn, producing real urban
honey for Arcane employees coffee
stations in the meantime. We are looking
forward to expanding our knowledge of
the honey bee and other pollinators, and
cant wait to see who else joins the efforts
for Ontario honey bee awareness.
One of my favourite parts about cooking
here in Ontario is the four seasons that
directly reflect my cooking style each
month. Even in the late winter months,
there are still farmers producing excellent
products.

37
 Turn the page and find my recipes for a slow
cooked winter squash soup and winter vegetable
goulash. I call the squash soup my detox soup, as
it is loaded with vitamins such as beta-carotene.
As well, I tend to prepare it completely plant based
(vegan) just to allow the purest form of nutrition to
shine through with the use of organic turmeric, garlic,
ginger and chilies - this soup will keep your immune
system on guard against the nasty cold & flu season.
I love preparing a nice stew or goulash using many
varieties of vegetables and good quality local meat.
Once the stew is prepared it can be eaten on its
own or on top of a bed of beautiful pasta, rice or any
of your favourite starches. I prefer my Goulash with
a nice heaping spoon of plain Greek yogurt and
organic cabbage Kim Chi. This just adds depth,
flavour and enriches the nutritional aspect.

38
 SLOW COOKED
LOCAL WINTER
SQUASH BISQUE
INGREDIENTS

1 large butternut squash or

Jamaican pumpkin (approx 3lbs)
Note: Jamaican pumpkin is an
heirloom to the Caribbean that can be
found ground all over the world and
particularly grows well in Ontario. Rich
in flavour, vitamins and nutrition
1 tablespoon of olive oil, plus more
for drizzling
1 red onion, finely chopped (1-2
cups
2 tablespoons of chopped ginger
4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
1 fresh red chili
2 tablespoons of turmeric, fresh or
ground
teaspoon of ground clove
Freshly ground black pepper, to
taste
Sea salt, to taste
Up to 4 cups (32 ounces) of
vegetable broth
cup local honey
1 to 2 tablespoons of butter, to
taste (substitute with olive oil or
coconut oil for dairy free/vegan soup)

40
 INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Peel &
remove seeds from squash, chop into 1-2
inch pieces, season the squash with olive oil,
salt, and pepper and bake until tender and
slightly caramelized.
2. In your soup pot, pour olive oil or
coconut oil and place on medium heat. Then
add the onion, slowly sweat onions for 1-2
minutes before adding the garlic, ginger,
turmeric, chili, spices and allow to sweat for
additional 2-3 minutes. (make sure you
season with salt and pepper)
3. Now, continue to monitor your heat to
low medium heat level. Add the squash/
pumpkin to the pot. Submerge with
vegetable stock. Note: you can add water or
even coconut milk to the soup if it seems too
thick. You should be able to stir the
ingredients with little resistance, meaning
there is enough liquid. Always checking your
seasoning (salt)
4. Continue to simmer for 20-30mins on
low heat with occasional stirring. Adjust
thickness of soup if needed. Add 2
tablespoons of local honey and blend with
immersion blender or traditional blender.
5. Garnish soup with good quality yogurt,
fresh cracked pepper and honey. Serve
immediately or cool and store for another
day.

TIP:
ONTARIO GRASS FED
BEEF & LOCAL
VEGETABLE GOULASH
INGREDIENTS:
2-3 lbs of local beef (organic and grass
fed for maximum quality) Available at www.
clearcreek.ca
1 cup of double smoked bacon, chopped
2 cups of chopped Portobello mushroom
(can be substituted for meat entirely)
1 cup of chopped leek
1 onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
1 medium rutabaga
1 small head of purple cabbage or 3 cups
chopped
2 cloves mince garlic
1 tsp of clove
1-2 cup of red wine (but make sure you
have an extra bottle to pair with this meal)
2 litres of beef or chicken stock
(vegetable stock and even water will work
Fresh parsley
Yogurt (optional)
Kim chi (optional) similar to the idea of
adding horseradish to a pot roast.
Olive oil
1 can of crushed tomatoes
Butter (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Firstly - before starting the stew, take some time to
prepare your mise en place. This is the French term for
everything in place. This means get all your vegetables, meat
and ingredients pre chopped, portioned and ready to go.
2. Start by using a good thick bottom pot, I like to use my
La Creuset / Dutch oven pot. The retain heat and conduct
heat very well. Make sure your meat is dry and season with
salt and pepper. On medium high heat with olive oil, begin
to brown your meat. Once the meat has browned, add cup
of red wine to deglaze some of the flavour off the bottom of
the pan. Remove all the meat from pot and set aside.
3. Now add a touch more olive oil and start to cook the
vegetables adding first the mushrooms, leek and onions
sweating for 3-5 minutes. Feel free to add a couple knobs of
butter to this mixture to help add flavour and colour.
4. Add the remainder of the vegetables, crushed tomatoes,
wine and spices. Also, you can add back the browned beef
and all the juices that come with it.
5. Submerge the stew with stock until completely covered;
bring to a boil for a few minutes then reduce heat to a low-
medium simmer and cover with lid.
6. Cook on medium low for 2-3 hours on stove top, stirring
occasionally and adding more liquid as necessary.
7. Once the beef is super tender, turn heat off, check the
seasoning and keep covered until youre ready to enjoy.
Once cooled, you can portion leftovers and freeze or keep
refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Chef Tips
With the leftovers you can get creative and make tacos the
next day, pasta or on the side of some poached eggs.
Vegetarian version is also delicious, enjoy!

43
Get A Taste
Of Ontario
 What do you do with a love of people, wine, and the hospitality
industry? Well Kristine thinks she has it cracked with her new
venture Vineyard At Home! You get to take part in a wine tasting,
from the comfort of your own home, exploring wines from several
wineries across Ontario. If you love wine, or just want to do
something a little different for your next night in, then Vineyard
at Home could be exactly what you are looking for!
Casa London: Why dont you start by telling us a little bit about
your background in food and wine?
Kristine: My very first job when I was 16 was in a restaurant. I
started off as a hostess and ended up spending in total about a
decade in hospitality in various different positions, from server
and bartender all the way up to manager and corporate trainer.
So Ive had lots of front of house hospitality industry experience
and I always enjoyed the social aspect and the conversational
aspect, especially as a manager being able to hop around and
check in with everyone and make sure they are having a good
time. In terms of making food and wine pairing suggestions, the
knowledge was always there, and the entertaining social aspect
was already there as well. After I had my second baby I thought
why not combine all this experience and my passions and interests
and teach people about awesome things like wine, and have a
great time while doing it!
Casa London: What sort of restaurants did you work in?
Kristine: Ive worked at Caseys Bar and Grill, Moxies, Milestones,
Jack Astors it has been an amazing experience and I loved it all.
But I feel it is a very challenging industry to be in when you have
children and so this allowed me the flexibility, while still being
able to call on my years of experience and knowledge of the
industry.
Casa London: Where did the idea for Vineyard At Home come
from? What inspired you?
Kristine: After having my daughter, I spent a couple of years in

45
birth support work, which was wonderful, but after I had my son,
I was looking for something that had more flexibility; I wanted
something that I could really enjoy doing and bring a lot of
entertainment and joy to the people that I was doing it with.
Ironically, the idea actually came to me when I was eight and half
months pregnant with my son. I always had the desire to run my
own business, and wanted to put my years of experience to use.
It all just came together!
Casa London: If we came to you, and asked you to organize a
party for us, what can you offer? What do you need from us?
Kristine: We would discuss some logistics: We ask that there to
be between 12-20 people, we walk the host through the wineries
that we represent, and a give a little sneak peek description of the
wines. I am given a selection of wines for sampling from the
wineries, and the host chooses which wines they would like for
their party. Often I am asked to choose the wines, which can be
great, because I can suggest our most popular selection. We also
bring some palette cleansing food for the evening - its a simple
process really, we set a date, choose the wine, and then enjoy our
evening.
Ive tried everything that I carry, so I know it is all really high
quality. It is rare to go to a party and have someone completely
hate a bottle of wine that I have brought for the tasting. Sometimes
you will get people who arent red drinkers, but I suggest that
perhaps their friends might appreciate some red wine instead of
it all being white.
The service is different to having a party catered, or hiring a
bartender. You are there to not only have fun, but to learn a little
bit about the wine as well!
Kristine: The focus is on it being a tour of wine Ontarios countries,
sampling from the different regions and wineries. We do
incorporate a Tasting 101 where we talk about the different steps
to really experience your wine on a higher level, but no-one really
does the traditional swish it round your mouth and spit it out.
47
 Casa London: That always seemed like an awful waste anyway
Kristine: We are finding the balance between making it an
educational experience and an entertaining experience. Its
about the social side as much as it is for learning about wine and
tasting! And thats what people have been really enjoying that
they can take something away from the evening, as well as having
a great night with their friends.
Most of the parties we have done so far have been women, and
they will normally all be staying at the hosts house that night!
We always ensure safe, responsible consumption.
Casa London: Have you any plans to expand the business or
move into new areas?
Kristine: Ive been in talks with a few caterers and cheese makers
to see if there is any way we can incorporate that. At the moment
the style we do now is tour style, essentially hopping the different
wine regions in Ontario, and that is what people want to
experience is the different wines across the region all in one night.
We are also starting to focus on bringing in craft beers, we have
been getting a lot of interest in that. But it will still be all about
the tasting, experience, and discussion of the beer! During the
actual tasting we provide palette cleansers like plain crackers,
or baguettes we dont like people to be eating during the tasting
so the food doesnt interfere with the wine tasting experience.
That said, we do recommend that people eat before and after.
Casa London: How long does the tasting take?
Kristine: The evening takes around two hours, and afterwards
I hang around to take orders and talk to everyone. People can
order any of the wine that they have tried that evening, or any
of the wine that I supply from the wineries, including some
exclusive wines not available in the LCBO. It is a great way to end
the evening!

48
 You can host your own Vineyard At Home party for an incredible $15
per person. The price even includes the shipping costs for any wine
you order at the end of the night! Kristine represents and sells wine
from Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, Coopers Hawk Vineyards,
Kings Court Estate Winery, Rapscallion Wine Company (Frisky Beaver
and Smoke & Gamble, respectively), Rosewood Estates Winery (a
green winery), and Traynor Family Vineyards. You can contact her
through her website www.vineyardathome.ca and follow her on
Facebook to keep up to date about new products or services from
Kristine!
 THE
JEWELLERY
STORY

Storytelling
Storytelling maymay not
not be
be the
the first
first thing
thing that
that comes
comes to to mind
mind when
when
you
you think
think ofof jewellery,
jewellery, but
but that
that isis exactly
exactly what
what Wendy
Wendy Vanderwerff
Vanderwerff
has
has woven together with Evil & Enchanted. Her love of all
woven together with Evil & Enchanted. Her love of all things
things
fantasy means that the story behind each piece
fantasy means that the story behind each piece of jewellery mean of jewellery mean
as
as much
much asas the
the jewellery
jewellery itself.
itself. But
But she
she isis no
no one
one trick
trick pony.
pony. Wendy
Wendy
has
has one of the widest range of products we have ever seen come
one of the widest range of products we have ever seen come
from one person! We met up with her to discuss
from one person! We met up with her to discuss how she amassed how she amassed
such
such aa vast
vast array
array ofof products,
products, where
where the the inspiration
inspiration all
all came
came from,
from,
and
and howhow she
she manages
manages to to keep
keep expanding
expanding her her business!
business!
50
 Casa London: Where did you first become interested in making
jewellery? What first sparked the creator in you?
Wendy: From Kindergarten to 6th Grade, we had a janitor in my
school and he was just the coolest guy ever. He used to be given
all the old books and art supplies. The school just said you take it
all and if the kids coming asking for stuff you can just give it to
them. Well, I was down in his little cubicle every second day. He
was always giving me books and bits of construction paper and
whatever little art tools that he had around. He pushed me to write
and was always such a great inspiration to me. He would always
say dont stop, keep going, youre doing great. Such words were
always welcomed, and it made me want to keep going. Anybody
who is an artist, no matter what age, is their own biggest critic, so
to hear that sort of encouragement was amazing! That was when
it started.
Many years ago, I also created craft patterns that I gave away for
free on my website. One in particular sparked a worldwide
phenomenon which was featured in countless magazines and on
Martha Stewart TV, giving me instant recognition. I was hooked on
making jewellery from then on.
Casa London: When did you start making jewellery? And when
did you become interested in fantasy writing?
Wendy: It started so many years ago! In 1995 I opened up a craft
supply company, selling doll eyes and noses and parts to make
plush animals and teddy bears.
With that company, I started meeting a lot of people, and a lot of
fashion designers. One particular fashion designer bought 10,000
eyes from me to put on a dress for his runway show!
(Editors note you could say all eyes were on her)
Wendy: At this same time, (running my craft company) I also
owned a modelling agency. I did that for a lot of years, so fashion
was already a large part of my life. There were a lot of jewellery
findings in my craft supplier catalogues, so I started buying parts
and creating a bit, thinking I would do a few shows with the finished
pieces.
 Thats really how it all came about. One
thing lead to another, and I just starting
ordering more and more...and then began
creating on a larger scale. As for the writing,
I have written from a young age. I entered
many contests and won many as well. I have
been published many times.
Casa London: Was it fiction?
Wendy: What I write now, is mostly just
little shorts. The first contest I actually ever
won was when I was in grade one. From
there, I wrote short stories, speeches and
poems. As I started getting older I began
writing even more, took courses and then
as I was making jewellery pieces , I would
often find it entertaining to make stories to
go along with the creations. Fiction and non
fiction. I love writing both.
Casa London: That is quite a collection
you have here! *pointing to the
bookshelves* What sort of books inspired
the stories that you write?
Wendy: The stories I write are not actually
based on anything I have read. The stories
are inspired by something that makes me
happy, or even something that is bothering
me in the world. I never really set out to
"write like this person", or "I want to be like
that person". It is all me, and sometimes
there is no rhyme nor is there reason to any
of it to be honest. That is what makes it fun
to do. Some of them are just little love
stories, and some of them are more
inspirational, about being courageous for
instance.
 Casa London: What comes first? The
jewellery or the story?
Wendy: Both...and it depends on my mood.
I usually have an array of jewellery parts on
my studio workspace, and I just start
assembling random pieces until I have
created a finished product. I will then make
a story to go with it because it inspires that
creative aspect in me. Other times, it is the
complete opposite, I will be inspired by
something that is bothering me (bullying,
etc.) create a story for it, then create a piece
that pertains to that story. For example, I
have a short story about gossip. The jewelry
piece that I made for it contains a ring. A
circle of eternal friendship, and signifying
the need to have people around you,
supporting you. Wearing it is a reminder that
you can indeed depend on that support to
get you through the tough times.
Casa London: Where does the inspiration
for the jewellery pieces come from?
Wendy: At one point I found myself really
wanting to make jewellery that was
interchangeable, and I was thinking of doing
it with magnets. This was years and years
ago. I always make prototypes of everything.
I originally wanted to make a children's
necklace that said "Today I am" on the top...
and then have an area for an
interchangeable magnet for the bottom that
said "happy, "sad" etc. so they could change
it up to let the world know their mood that
day. Magnets didn't hold well, so I left the
magnets idea for quite a long time.

53
Much later, one of my craft supply catalogues had button back
parts... and the idea was back once again but with the supplies that
were perfect. This is how I started making the Snap To It pieces.
There was nothing like it in the US or Canada at that point. Snap
To It was the first of its kind in Canada.
With regards to the map jewellery, I swear I messed around with
those things for two years before I found the exact procedure in
which I wanted to make them. Again...so many prototypes that I
did not like. If Im not happy with it, Im not making it, but I finally
perfected it to the point I loved them. All of my other jewellery
pieces are inspired by day to day events.
Casa London: What got you interested in making the steam punk
jewellery?
Wendy: Steampunk is a mix of science fiction and fantasy
featuring advanced machines and other technology based on
steam power of the 19th century, with the twist that it takes place
in a historical period or a fantasy world. My love for reading fantasy
books was the biggest inspiration for this. This, together with the
fact that I was raised surrounded by vintage pieces and antiquities.
Im obsessed with watch-works, which is a large part of steampunk.
I love the cogs and wheels. It is all just so beautiful. Ive always
have this obsession with time, and the beauty of the ticking clocks.
Casa London: What about the maps? Where did that idea come
from?
Wendy: Thats another thing I can attribute to my parents, and
going to flea markets. They would take us there every weekend.
My Dad used to collect all sorts of vintage items, and maps were
one of the things that he loved. My favorites were those beautiful
old brown antique versions. They look so old-school, plus they are
the style always shown in all the fantasy movies. I love that. I
started making jewellery with maps because of those memories.
What I love about making them, is that every single person that
buys from me has an incredible story about a location, and they
always want to tell me about it. Locations mean everything to
people.
 IIdid
didoneonefor
foraalady
ladyat atChristmas,
Christmas,who whoended
endedup upbuying
buying99or or10
10
different ones! One was for her dad with the city where he was
different ones! One was for her dad with the city where he was
born.
born.SheShesaid
saidtotomemeO Omymygosh,
gosh,ififIIget
gethimhimthisthisheheisisgoing
goingtoto
cry.
cry.IIswear
swearhe hewill
willcry
crythere
therewas
wasjust
justso
somuch
muchmeaning
meaningbehindbehind
these places and I get that all the time. Its really special.
these places and I get that all the time. Its really special.
Casa
CasaLondon:
London:Where
Wherewerewerethey
theyfrom?
from?
Wendy:
Wendy: London, in England. And then
London, in England. And then there
there was was another
another one
one
from
from Scotland! I do more custom work than anything, but I haveaa
Scotland! I do more custom work than anything, but I have
huge
huge selection
selection ofof ready
ready made
made ones
ones also.
also. II probably
probably have have about
about
600
600 made, so usually they can find one, but if not, I makethem
made, so usually they can find one, but if not, I make them
custom. I have pretty much every location covered. I use many
custom. I have pretty much every location covered. I use many
different
differentmaps,
maps,so sothey
theyare
are always
alwaysone oneofofaakind.
kind.

55
 Other important destinations customers choose are wedding and
honeymoon locations, or places they have travelled to. I get a lot
of Moms buying necklaces at shows for their daughters who have
travelled to Italy or Istanbul to do philanthropy or other wonderful
places they want celebrated. Everyone has a story and that is so
beautiful to me. Giving them something that brings so much joy,
excitement, and pleasure from something as simple as a map
location is very satisfying. I use the actual maps to make bookmarks
and keychains as well. It gives people that feeling of wow, you
thought that much of me to do something that personal? I think
thats beautiful, theres not as much beauty and kindness left in
the world as their probably should be, so there you go.
Casa London: Have you got any plans for the future? Anything
new to work on?
Wendy: I have so many ideas and aspirations! I have to get back
to more of the writing this year, take some more courses, and
publish a book at some point even though I dont know what itll
be about quite yet! There are a lot of things I want to do with the
map and steampunk jewellery. I have already sold a lot of pieces
to celebrities, and you will be seeing a lot more of them wearing
them. (happy face inserted here) Nothing I do ever follows the
exact path I start out with. I get too many ideas along the way that
make my initial plans better. You will see my pieces in more stores
and in magazines. That is already in the works!
You can follow Wendy on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date
with everything Evil & Enchanted, and be sure to check out their
amazing Instagram page, which is chocked full of incredible jewellery
designs! You can check out her vast range of products on the Evil &
Enchanted website at www.evilandenchanted.com, or youll find some
of her pieces in Loveleigh Boutique on Richmond Street, The Been
Garden on Dundas St., and at a myriad of shows that she attends that
you can follow on her website event page. You can order via the website
or via Facebook for custom designs and inquiries.

57
We Could All Bee
More Eco-Friendly
 Brittany and Nick Zwart are the couple behind Z & Bee, a carbon-
conscious and eco-friendly duo who make and sell everything
from hand-crocheted woolly hats, to home-made honey and jams.
While their range of products can seem vast, it is all woven together
with a philosophy of up-cycling and avoiding any wastefulness.
By studying their bees, they have been inspired to follow in their
footsteps, working together with their community by sourcing
materials from local independent vendors, and even reaching out
to help a charity in Nicaragua.
Casa London: How did you get started with Z and Bee?
Brittany: So a couple of years ago Strathroy started a farmers
market on the downtown strip, so it became a part of the Saturday
morning culture in Strathroy. We went to the first one, and Nick
was just getting into the bees and our garden was doing pretty
well that year, so we thought why not sell at the farmers market,
that could be fun! We originally called ourselves Zs Farm Fresh,
because Nicks roommates in college called him Z, and after four
weeks we started to build a following, then it just exploded from
there.
Somewhere along the way I decided I wanted to start sewing, so
I taught myself how to sew. And I have also known how to crochet
my whole life, so we were selling things like wash-cloths. I dont
really remember how we got into doing scrubs. I was just on
Pinterest one day and thought O, I want to make those!. The trick
with the scrubs was finding natural ingredients. Because Nick
keeps bees, being as eco-friendly as possible has always been part
of who we are. Bee culture can be hard to do sometimes because
you are guaranteed to lose hives every year, we are not exempt
from the amount of hives that farmers around here lose to
pesticides and stuff like that.
Nick: At the market we started with the honey and the jams, and
then we had a whole bunch of wax leftover so thats why you
looked into doing the scrubs. That got us into the essential oils
and we did lots of stuff with the essential oils. Next we thought,
well we are at a farmers market, so we started selling wash-cloths.

59
 well we are at a farmers market, so we started selling wash-cloths.
Then Brittany started sewing and crocheting other things so thats
kind of how it ballooned.
Brittany: So, as we started to build our brand around our bees,
their influence has seeped into a lot of what we do. We source all
our essential oils from Wildflowers Tea in St. Thomas (Check out
their interview with us on page 8 of this issue), and we source the
coffee for our scrubs from O-Joe I love to support other vendors
who are donating back into the community!
Nicks cousin works with an organisation in Nicaragua called
Juntos Contigo, they help to support the communities and provide
education to those who wouldnt otherwise have access to it.
Through that Z & Bee have also started to support local vendors
from Nicaragua, by bringing up fabric from them, while remaining
conscious to minimize their ecological footprint.
Casa London: Would you say you have an over-arching theme to
your product line?
Nick: At the moment it is more seeing what we can do, but
everything tags back to being eco-friendly and it all relates to the
bees!
Brittany: It is interesting too, because with the bees you spend
so much more time paying attention to the ecosystems in general.
Nick grew up farming, his Grandpa owned an orchard in St. Thomas,
so this is something that has always been very near and dear to
him. In our garden we dont spray pesticides, we are starting to
figure out how to preserve seeds so we dont have to keep buying
seeds from the store, things like that. We are just lucky because
the response from our community has been so great; part of it has
been timing, and part of it has been luck.
Casa London: I believe you like to work with old materials when
you are making your bags?
Brittany: Its kind of cool actually, people will give me leather
jackets that they have used, or Ill go to second hand shops and

60
look for leather coats. Im on Etsy a lot, which is full of other hand-
made vendors, so it is really cool to be able to support the small
shop in the southern United States, or there is one company that I
buy reclaimed leather from. I can tell you where each single piece
came from in my stash because I pay so much attention to where
everything is coming from!
Things like zippers can be tricky, they wear out after a while and
they arent always the easiest to take out of coats either. For clasps,
we have a lady who has been donating a lot of purses to us, so that
I can apart all the hardware out of them and start re-using them.
Obviously Im not the only person who does it, there are a lot of
people who up-cycle, but for us it just made sense. I love sewing
with old stuff, and honestly old leather coats are just the best! Its
so fun to sew with them because they all have a story, a background,
and a smell then as you take them apart you understand how
the original tailor put them together. There is definitely a difference
in quality between the stuff from the 70s or 80s and the pieces
that are being made now.
Casa London: How was the reception when you first started
selling the repurposed bags?
Brittany: I just remember in the very beginning when we kind of
started this, I made a purse, and I was so proud of the purse! It had
this beautiful orange canvas fabric on it, and I was so excited
because one lady came to the market that first week and spent $60
on it! I think I was excited about that for a solid week and a half
afterwards because it was so unexpected. When the first one was
gone, that spurred me into action.
Casa London: So have you got any plans for expansion?
Brittany: This summer we are hoping to expand a little bit more,
do some more gardening out the back! We are just going to keep
doing what we are doing, we will continue to stock in Loveleigh
Boutique. It would be great to be like Rustix and have to physically
move out that was great for them!
(You can read our interview with Rustix on page 8 of our previous issue).
 If
If you
you find
find them
them at at aa farmers
farmers market
market be be careful
careful not
not to
to be
be fooled
fooled
by
by traditional
traditional stereotypes,
stereotypes, Nick Nick makes
makes allall the
the jams
jams and
and facial
facial
scrubs,
scrubs, while
while Brittany
Brittany is is kept
kept busy
busy with
with sewing
sewing and
and crocheting!
crocheting!
You
You can
can follow
follow ZZ && Bee
Bee on on Facebook
Facebook and
and Instagram
Instagram toto keep
keep upup to
to
date
date with
with new
new shows
shows and and products,
products, or
or find
find their
their fantastic
fantastic produce
produce
on
on Etsy
Etsy or
or in
in store
store at
at Loveleigh
Loveleigh Boutique
Boutique on on Richmond
Richmond Street
Street in
in
London!
London! For For those
those ofof you
you interested
interested in
in finding
finding out
out more,
more, you
you could
could
check
check out
out Brittanys
Brittanys blog
blog where
where she
she talks
talks about
about how
how she
she makes
makes
all
all her
her products.
products.
63
 Juntos Contigo is an education centre located near the edge of
the garbage dump in Managua, Nicaragua. It began over ten years
ago with a dream to provide every child living near the garbage
dump with the right to read and write. Education is the foundation
for the future of every child, and Juntos Contigo works with these
kids by providing tutoring, arts and crafts, dance, sports, and most
of all love and hope. The local team works very hard to make sure
every child is receiving the support they need.
Many families in this area would work finding recyclable items
in order to provide for their daily living. To be close to their work,
many of the families live around the dump. Some children go to
work on the dump with their parents, picking and sorting garbage.
For them, it seems to be the most normal thing in the world, but
for Juntos Contigo it is not.
Along with education, Juntos Contigo also has a program for young
women to make jewellery. A few days a week, local women come
to the centre and hand-make beads out of strips of recycled paper
for bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. It not only provides the
women with a form of income, it grants them social skills and
friendships they might not have ever experienced before.
Over the past few years the centre has been building a new,
permanent building with the help of volunteers from the
Netherlands and Canada. The new building will provide a safer and
more structured learning environment for the kids.
Juntos Contigo runs on the generous donations from the
Netherlands, Canada, and Denmark. Without these donations, the
centre can not operate. The team would like to thank all those who
have donated and supported the centre. Without your donations
and prayers, Juntos Contigo would not be where it is today!

If you are interested in learning more, you can follow

Juntos Contigo or Juntos Contigo Canada on Facebook.

65
Ill at Will:
Straight
Outta
London
 Have you ever found yourself in the midst of others
with a common purpose, celebrating movement
together but at the same time, expressing yourself
completely and freely?
This is what happens in a Cypher.
A decades old tradition of dancers coming together to
create their own dance floor, where every individual has
a chance to represent themselves.
It is both a space of respect and freedom.
One look can begin a domino effect of reactions, on
their feet or on the floor.
Headspins. Airflares. Windmills. Swipes.
All amazing displays of physical prowess combined
with flavour and rhythm.
Something makes you want to keep watching.
Maybe it is the fact that whoever takes the middle of
the circle leaves their heart on this makeshift stage every
single time.
Inviting and intimidating, all at once.
That is the essence of Breaking.

67
 Breaking, which is also called breakdancing or
bboying (bgirling), is a style of hip hop where dancers
move to the break part of the music. It is influenced
by various forms of dance such as Tap, Salsa, Native
American folk dances, Capoiera and more. Breaking
originated from New York, but is alive and well in
London, Ontario. A group of individuals, known as
the Ill at Will Crew, is sharing the knowledge of hip
hop and breaking locally.
Ill at Will (IAW) was formed in 2008 with members
from Windsor, Toronto and London. This Canadian
breaking crew pride themselves with the work they
have done towards community and youth
empowerment, which include hosting breaking
competitions or jams, inner city workshops, public
speaking engagements and hip hop awareness
campaigns. In addition, they have made regular
appearances in local events such as Beerfest and
Dundas Street Festival. Foundation to breaking
lessons and open practice sessions are currently held
at their home studio, O.N.E. Hip Hop Dance Studio
(236 Dundas Street). Being in the downtown location
has opened their eyes to the abundance of talent the
city has to offer, but also to the need for a greater
sense of community in London.
This year, IAW is going to hold events that will
celebrate the four elements of hip hop (Breaking,
MC-ing/rapping, DJ-ing, and Graffiti writing) and
explore its influences in art, wellness and fashion
starting with the Stay Hungry & Stay Humble Brand
Launch Party on March 25, 2017 at O.N.E. Hip Hop
Dance Studio. Stay Hungry & Stay Humble is not just
a clothing line, it is a collective movement that will
foster a more cohesive creative community in
London, Ontario.

68
 Casa London met with a few members of Ill at Will to talk about
their dance journey.
Casa London: What is your full name and bboy alias?
Loebz: Rob Loebach a.k.a. Bboy Loebz (like ear lobes).
NN: Nickolaas Van Der Velde a.k.a. Nasty Nick.
JFX: Jim Francis Xavier Han a.k.a. JFX.
Casa London: You all are living in London now, but where are
you originally from?
Loebz: I was born in South Korea but my hometown is Windsor,
Ontario.
NN: I grew up in Holland before I moved to Canada.
JFX: I was also born in South Korea, and grew up in London, Ontario.
Casa London: How and why did you start breaking?
Loebz: I saw a RUN DMC vs. Jason Nevins video. I thought it was
super cool and wanted to learn.
NN: My best friend introduced me to breaking at 16 years old.
Two years later, my father passed away and thats when I fully
emerged myself into the hip hop culture, as it provided an escape.
JFX: When I was growing up, I read a comic book called The Hip
Hop, which inspired me to learn how to break. Later in University,
I found breaking to be a creative outlet for self-expression.
Casa London: As mentors for your students and younger crew
members, you are able to shape them as dancers. Who (or what)
would you say were your biggest influences over your dancing
careers?
Loebz: My family and my girlfriend, Sulyn. But ultimately, my crew
(IAW) & the JR Crew (Chosen 1s) influence my craft everyday.
NN: My crew will continue to inspire me and is a part of who I
am; however, my earlier inspirations were bboy crews from
Holland.
JFX: I would say my parents, my dance family and the bboy
community as a whole (specifically from Toronto, ie. Supernaturalz
Crew, and those who collaborated with us in the early years of IAW).

71
 Casa London: Since were reminiscing, name some of your most
memorable performances with IAW
Loebz: There is a ton that comes to mind! I would personally say
our NYE Performance at The Ceasars Windsor. Because when I first
started dancing, I thought it would be amazing to perform on the
biggest stage in my hometown.
NN: I agree with Loebz, I can name several unforgettable
performances but my top three would be Londons Dundas Street
Festival and Canadas Walk of Fame in Toronto (both in Sept 2016),
and finally, our workshop for Native youth in Wikwemikong on
Manitoulin Island (Feb 2013).
JFX: The Wikwemikong workshop was definitely memorable
because it was a testament to hip hop bringing people together,
where distance and race didnt matter. Our performance at the
Dundas Street Festival was very special to us as it was dedicated
to a friend we lost over the summer, Nathan Deslippe. Nathan
shared a lot of our values towards community building and youth
advocacy.
Casa London: Speaking of community building, why is it
important for you and IAW to give back to the London community?
Loebz: The hip hop culture is sometimes misunderstood. Our
crew is one of the faces of hip hop in London and I feel that it is
important to represent the culture in a positive way, one of which
is to give back and promote this way of thinking in todays youth.
NN: As seasoned dancers and trailblazers in the community, I
believe we have the power to inspire others, to build success
together and to show that you can persevere through defeat and
struggle as long as you can commit to something you are passionate
about like dance.
JFX: I personally felt that the community platform wasnt
available when we started IAW. The hip hop scene and culture are
for us to pass down to the next generations, so we need to reinvest
into it and bring awareness to its potential in uniting people,
cultures and generations through creativity.
 Casa London: How do you portray the motto, Stay Hungry &
Stay Humble in your daily life?
Loebz: Because of our work with kids, I am constantly reminded
of how hungry we are to learn so I apply that to my daily routine.
On another note, Ive realized that you can also be humbled by
kids. I truly believe everyone can teach you something new.
NN: Professionally and personally, I feel that I am very hungry
for success and always look to expand my knowledge. Being a part
of IAW and having the opportunity to meet people from all walks
of life keeps me balanced and allows me to uplift others.
JFX: My gratitude for the life my parents have given me by moving
to Canada definitely keeps me humble. I also have a personal goal
to better myself as an individual, to do more for others and to leave
this message for our students to carry forward - staying hungry
and humble is not taking the life you are blessed with for granted,
but making more out of it than you could ever imagine.

Casa London: Lastly, what advice would you give to future bboys
and bgirls?
Loebz: Dont give up. Try your hardest and always step outside
of your comfort zone but mostly, HAVE FUN!
NN: Foundation!!! Not just with technique, but with this culture.
Find out where hip hop comes from, how it evolved and what you
can contribute to it. If you have a solid foundation, you can build
a strong skill set in this dance.
JFX: Welcome challenges. Dont expect results right away and
dont be discouraged when you fail. Take the time to learn from
others and always remember to spread the love.

73
 Ill at Will and Casa London Magazine are calling all artists, dancers,
community advocates and visionaries to get involved with the Stay H
events by contacting your local illinz through the IAW Facebook page
 musicians, photographers, small business owners, wellness activists,
Hungry & Stay Humble movement. Stay tuned for 2017 projects and
e, give them a follow on Instagram or check out the IAW website.

75
 Other
Paris

Text: Anastasia Lavelina, Anna Orishchenko

Photos: Anastasia Lavelina // Paris, France
 Did you know that 10% of buildings in France
are abandoned? All of them belong to
someone, but have been never used for years.
Why? The reasons may be different: a landlord
may have died or went abroad, there may be a
jurisdiction process or some other bureaucratic
nuances. Meanwhile, tens of thousands are in
need for homes and can not afford to buy a
house, much less to rent one. The heroes of this
article found a solution that is not in accordance
to the law, but they believe its in accordance
with a law of justice. Meet the term squatting
- expropriation of living space for the benefit
of those who need it most.

Squatting traditionally means "to take a

building without permission"; in the modern
sense - to occupy a territory for the purpose
of residence without the consent of its rightful
owner. In a broad meaning, squat - is a
captured accommodation. However, it is
always illegal.
"WE TR
Are squatters just anarchist denying property
rights? Not certainly in that way.

78
REAT THE HOUSES WE OCCUPY
AS OUR HOMES"
"FREEDOM -
IT IS THE KEY NOTION OF THE
SQUATTING"
 We agree when we are told that property
gives a needed minimum of privacy and
stability. But we find that it is rightfully so,
only if the proprietor uses his or her property,
if he or she needs it, if he or she does
something with it: this is whats called a used
property. And according to this principle we
treat the houses we occupy as our homes -
we inhabit, we nurture, we decorate, and we
fix it. Moreover, according to this principle
we do not allow ourselves to squat buildings
that are used by its owners, for example
furnished apartments. Just the opposite, we
do not respect only the situation when a
property is abused, when it is being
speculated, when it is just a piece of paper,
record of title for an owner. For the most
bereaved people that is an insult. They brag
their property which we need most, which
we would treat in the best way, but the private
property law prohibits to touch it, and the
abandoned houses are being ruined without
proper using.
Here is the lie of the land we would like to
stop: the greedy, prudent, heartless attitude
to material goods, the senseless stockpiling,
and an indifference to those in need.
" This is the quote from the squatters
manifesto - a website where you can find
squatters agenda, advice on property
search, occupation, and hold premises.

81
 Freedom - it is the key notion of the squatting. Free house - a
home away from the beaten paths, outside the norms, outside of
politics, without the authorities outlawed. No obligations, no
certainty, no rent! A fee for the right to have a roof over your head
(which must be unconditional) is nonsense; squatters refuse to
waste their lifetime and their energy for those who speculate with
such a vital resource.
However, squatters pay for their happiness in other ways. First
of all, their temporary accommodation is very fragile. Insecurity,
illegality, temporariness are all the synonyms of squatting. But it
is a conscious choice. The minimum level of comfort and safety,
and the awareness of the instability of their position gives them
feeling of adventure. When every day under the roof may be the
last, one can begin to appreciate every moment of it. Therefore,
there are so many artistic people among the squatters. Art squats,
where artists live and work together as in a commune, are a
widespread phenomenon.
For creative people who want to be among their peers 24/7, this
is the perfect way of life. The government often supports such
projects: the building that were originally captured by artists and
then used illegally, sometimes are being legalized. For instance,
the city has bought the famous building on 59 Rivoli, and, after
being repaired, used the space for art workshops. Legally speaking,
59 Rivoli isnt a squat anymore as the artists are now paying the
rent and no longer live in their studios.
A less romantic aspect of squatting is when it just solves a housing
problem, with no creative claims. Not only artists need a shelter;
many abandoned buildings and houses are occupied by poor and
homeless, including non-citizens of France who do not have
residence permits and work permits. Their situation is particularly
fragile, because if you want to foothold in a captured home, you
need to prove your identity, and their documents raise many
questions from the police. Therefore, illegal immigrants prefer to
infiltrate into an already existing squat discovered by other, more
"competent, squatters.

82
 How does a building become a squat? Activists of
the movement, who are usually experienced
squatters, look out for a non-residential building and,
after they are convinced of its abandonment, hack it
and barricade themselves inside. If they were not
stopped at the same time by the police - half of the
battle is won; the next step is to prove that the
occupant is in the building for more than 48 hours.
No one has the right to put a person out without a
trial that can last for weeks or even months. And for
that you need a statement from the owner; if such is
not available, or the owner is tolerant to squatters,
they can stay and live there for years and even
decades.
This phenomenon amazes many: the authorities
may know that some aliens live in a house, but they
can not do anything. However, if the squatters do not
violate any laws and do not interfere with their
neighbours, they are treated kindly. Here is an
example, the inhabitants of the block around the
Place des Vosges, where one of the oldest mansions
La Marquise (l'htel Coulanges) was occupied in
2009 by a team of squatters named Black Thursday
(Collectif Jeudi noir), say following: "At last we can
see the light in these windows!" (Ainsi squattent-
ilssee is a 2013 documentary by Marie Maffre telling
a story about the activities of Black Thursday
" group). Squatters had remained on the Place des
Vosges for the whole year, and in October 2010 were,
by a court order, evicted and fined a substantial sum.
However, they immediately grabbed a vacant
building on the Avenue Matignon overlooking the
Elysee Palace. Such tireless guys!

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LAAYY
P
P

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 In contrast to the UK, where squatters after 10
years of occupation of the property can
(theoretically) apply for a possession, France does
not offer such an option. The squat can have two
endings: either legalization and turning into
creative workshops with the rent payments or
eviction without providing alternative
accommodation. In France, squatters does not even
have a "winter truce" (la trve hivernale), a law
prohibiting eviction of defaulters in the cold
season. All illegal invaders might be ruthlessly
exposed to the winter frost.
Speaking about cold weather, it is worth
mentioning that in abandoned houses, there is
generally no heating, no electricity, no running tap
water. Squatters live in 19th century conditions
using candle light, arranging stoves and
composting toilets, bringing water in buckets from
wells This way of life in some ways merges with
a modern-day environmental philosophy. So, it is
not surprising that you can find vegan restaurants
serving meals from unsold products donated by
restaurants and grocery stores near squats.
That's right, next to the respectable bourgeois
and office workers, on the same streets, in the
neighbouring houses, there is a strange life of
people who explored beyond the boundaries. Look
around, you may notice an unusual faade,
decorated with graffitti, open gates, green door in
the wall - you can either pass or you can discover
a whole new world and offer , food, shelter, clothing
- and who knows - maybe even take part in amazing
adventures.

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