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SPRING 2013
G O L F & C O U N T R Y C L U B
W E L C O M E T O
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RAFIH STYLE MAGAZINE 5SPRING 2013
European model shown. Features and equipment may vary in Canada. †Total selling price for a new 2013 BMW 320i xDrive Sedan Classic Line is $42,518.36, which includes MSRP of $39,900, freight/PDI of $2,095, Dealer administration fee of $395, A/C levy of $100, OMVIC ($5), and tire stewardship fee ($23.36). Retailers are free to set individual prices and charge administration fees, which may change the price of the vehicle. Offer is subject to availability and may be cancelled or changed without notice. Certain conditions apply. See your local BMW Retailer for details. ††New 2013 BMW vehicles purchased from an authorized BMW Retailer in Canada are covered by a No-Charge Scheduled Maintenance plan for four years or 80,000 km, whichever comes first. Certain limitations apply. Contact your local BMW Retailer for details. ©2013 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and/or trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence.
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Job Desc.: BMW Toronto Retailers Docket: BMWTO0339 Client: BMW Canada Supplier: Type Page: 8” x 10.5” Trim: 8.5” x 11” Bleed: 8.75” x 11.25” Screen: Pub.: Rafih Style Magazine Colour: CMYK Date: Feb 27, 2013 Insert Date: Mar, 2013 Ad Number: BMWTO0339_RSM_4C_E_320i
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SPRING 2013
The Rafih Automotive Group
RAFIH STYLE PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Another winter is almost ending, which can only mean that spring is just around the corner. As ever, the onset of this fresh new season encourages us to de-stress and de-clutter every aspect of our lives. Our homes are often the best places to start.
What better way to fill the Ultimate Home Edition than with a catalogue of must-see ultimate dream homes from around the world? This issue, we take you on a private tour through some of the most luxurious rooms that money can buy. Elsewhere in the magazine, several jaw-dropping features are sure to have you fantasizing about gourmet kitchens, spa bathrooms, and showroom- worthy garages.
Of course, Rafih Style just wouldn’t be the same without a few feel-good stories to whet your appetite for some springtime excitement. This issue includes a special travel features on England, a fascinatingly modern and historical country, and an introduction to the exotic Turk and Caicos Islands. We also visit Jaguar Land Rover of Windsor to get a taste of the new vehicle that’s getting more and more local professionals through the winter.
With spring comes another exhilarating new vehicle from a Rafih Auto Group dealer. Read along as we showcase the all-new 2014 Mazda 6, the most exciting incarnation of Mazda’s flagship sedan yet.
Since we’ve last spoke, another edition of the North American International Auto Show has come and gone. As always, Rafih Style has everything you need to know.
If you cherish your home as much as I do, you know that there is always something that needs to be restored, renovated, or revamped. We hope these stories will encourage you to create a personal sanctuary in which you can always feel at home.
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SPRING 2013
SPRING 2013
52 Incorporation: Now, Later, Or Never?
55 Tax Talk
Charms Of The Turks & Caicos Islands
LIVING IN LUXURY
65 Ultimate Rooms
60 How Realtors Help
WHEELS
36 No Panic In Detroit: The Baest of The 2013 North American International Auto Show
48 The 2013 Range Rover Evoque Professional Grade Luxury 84 The All New 2014 Mazda 6
RAFIH IN THE COMMUNITY
65
36
30
10
Publisher Terry Rafih
Art Director Jayson Pynn
Design & Layout Myndlogic Publishing
Photography Pat Scandale Livetech Photo/Video Cover Photography Beach Grove
Rafih Style Magazine is mailed to the most desirable demographic in Windsor and Essex County. Rafih Style gives readers a taste of Southwestern Ontario culture. The publication also includes first-rate articles about lifestyle, luxury, business, travel, health & beauty, and the latest in automotive that transcend this specific geographical location.
By coupling intriguing and informative content with vibrant and imaginative advertising, Rafih Style presents many modern and exciting ways for area residents to diversify their everyday lives.
Choosing to advertise in Rafih Style Magazine ensures that your product will also receive star treatment, as it will be represented at its highest caliber. If you’re interested in advertising with Rafih Style Magazine, please inquire to:
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SPRING 2013
W E L C O M E T O
Issue 22: ultimate Home edition
Myndlogic Publishing Inc.
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Rafih Style Magazine is designed and published 4 times per year by Myndlogic Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Publication Mail Agreement 40718034
Contributing Writers
Reena Kainth Jesse Ziter Emma Truswell Dr. Donna Jezdic Trevor Le Drew Irfan Qadir Rod Mahler Sales Executives
Tony Catalano Mel Monczak JoAnne Lauzon Linda Miklas
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It’s the SOLD
FEATURED LISTING - 400 STONEBROOK LUXURIOUS LIVING IN THIS BREATHTAKING EXECUTIVE 2 STOREY
LOCATED ON A CUL DE SAC IN A PRESTIGIOUS AREA OF LAKESHORE
SPRING 2013
RAFIH STYLE FEATURE
Founded in 1921 by 16 area gentlemen, Beach Grove has blossomed into Windsor and Essex County’s premier family-focused golf and country club. A stately presence on the shores of Lake St. Clair, Tecumseh’s only private family club is also the only waterfront golf and country club in Windsor and Essex County – and one of only a small handful across the country.
Over the past century, Windsor-Essex residents have come to rightly associate Beach Grove with all the trappings of establishment luxury. Its 27,000-square-foot English Tudor clubhouse – grand fireplace, ceremonious vaulted ceilings, and all – has long been an icon for affluent and aspirational Tecumseh families.
While the club is proud of this hard-earned legacy, readers might be surprised by just how accessible – and affordable – the Beach Grove lifestyle can be today.
I’m speaking with Ryan Hughes, Beach Grove’s Director of Golf and a CPGA Class A Professional. “It’s about lifestyle; when you join the club, you become a member of the Beach Grove family,” he explains, ever earnest and enthusiastic about the club. “The lifestyle that you dream of is already accessible.” Beach Grove rejects the presumption that an authentic country club experience can’t be inclusive and unpretentious. Upscale need not mean a stiff upper lip. “We’re proud that we’re a private golf and country club, but we are not in a position of exclusivity,” reasons Hughes,
speaking on behalf of Beach Grove’s decidedly young and enterprising management team. “We combine fun and formal into an environment that everyone can enjoy.”
Beach Grove’s progressive, twenty-first-century ethos starts and ends with an earnest, fundamental commitment to serving area families. “Everything we do has to do with family,” asserts Hughes. “By really embracing the family unit and coming up with activities and programs that attract groups of people, we provide an outstanding family-oriented experience that can be enjoyed by anybody.”
To this end, all Beach Grove memberships are “family inclusive.” This means no add-on fees for spouses or children under 19. What’s more, Beach Grove’s family rates are competitive with other area clubs’ individual dues. Here’s another way of looking at it: It’s possible to secure a whole-family, four-season membership to Beach Grove – that is, an entire year worth of family leisure time – for the price of a single modest family vacation. Importantly, this leisure time includes club-organized “date nights” in the clubhouse and a full complement of children’s programs.
This welcome lack of ostentation isn’t the only thing progressive about Beach Grove. Currently, the club is undertaking extensive clubhouse renovations as part of a continued effort to blend contemporary decor and modern efficiencies with its ever-present
W E L C O M E T O
The country club has always seemed to exist outside of time. Like any local institution, it brings us comfortably back into our shared past as it occupies our leisure hours in the present. It spans generations; how often have the course and the clubhouse expertly backdropped scenes of fathers amongst sons and mothers amongst daughters, infants and grandparents, or moon-eyed young couples? It’s a timeless respite from the forces of necessity, the ever-changing but ever-present demands of work and home. As generations of Windsor-Essex families know well, Tecumseh’s Beach Grove Golf & Country Club is no stranger to these dreamlike moments. Perhaps the time is right to discover just how real this lifestyle can be for your family.
Story by Jesse Ziter Photography by Glenn Gervais
G O L F & C O U N T R Y C L U B air of class and tradition. It is all part of Beach Grove’s strategically plotted long-term plan. As the club is run as a non-profit organization, any surpluses go back into a general fund for eventual further
improvements. “The club is very proactive when it comes to the improvement and management of our assets,” promises Hughes, speaking in the club’s impressive six-year-old pro shop. “When we undertake a project we study and plan carefully. We aim to improve other elements of the Beach Grove experience over time.”
A fundamental part of that experience takes place in Beach Grove’s elegant dining area and bar. Executive Chef Rob Kelly and his award-winning culinary team are equipped to excite the palates of members and guests in a wide range of settings. While full-service catering for galas, gatherings, parties, and weddings remains de rigueur, Beach Grove is also quickly establishing itself as a first- rate option for casual family dining. “The culinary service does an unbelievable job,” explains Hughes. “We can do whatever you want, from hamburgerss to rack of lamb dinners.”
While the former option may not sound like familiar country club fare, Hughes forecasts an upturn in Beach Grove’s “drop- in” business as its dining room retools to further compete with Tecumseh’s arriviste abundance of (decidedly ahistorical) chain restaurants. After all, what says “family” more than the odd spontaneous visit?
One gets the impression that Hughes could speak for hours about the Cheers-esque culture of familiarity at the club. “We see ourselves as your second home away from
home,” he offers. “Once we get to know you and what you like, we provide personalized service moments tailored to you. It becomes much easier for our service team to meet and exceed your expectations.”
Of course, for many Beach Grove members, none of this would matter if the golf course layout and conditions weren’t first class. Prospective members of the Beach Grove family will be pleased to know that its excellent 18-hole, Par 72 parkland course was designed and accredited by the iconic Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson. It’s currently entertaining its sixth generation of golfers. General Membership includes full, unlimited golfing privileges for all family members.
Beach Grove continues to beat against the current as it demonstrates a real commitment to the growth of the game in Canada. Presently, this commitment involves running one of the region’s finest ongoing junior golf programs, for youths of various ages and abilities. To start, Beach Grove’s Little Linksters program regularly caters to golfers as young as four, although it has no formal minimum age. Its Advanced Junior program, meanwhile, promises aspirational golfers tournament play and genuine opportunities to pursue lucrative college scholarships and golf as a career.
Beach Grove’s already impressive “grow the game” initiative is furthered by its Volunteer Junior Program. The program provides local juniors with access to the club, valuable networking encounters, and a learning experience in the golf industry in exchange for a few hours of volunteer service in the club’s back shop and cart service areas.
Applicants to this unique and successful program are evaluated holistically in terms of golf experience, scholastic achievement, and community service. Interested candidates are invited to contact Ryan Hughes at the club.
Outside of golf, Beach Grove members also enjoy access to the club’s oversized outdoor pool and elevated convertible patio deck. Furthermore, its four-sheet curling rink and accompanying lounge promise diverse leisure opportunities through the winter months. In the warmer months, Beach Grove hosts an annual summer concert series, and its harbour can accommodate 29 boats with direct access to Lake St. Clair.
Consider finding the time for Beach Grove in your life. The future of your family time will be ever richer for it.
Become part of the Beach Grove family. To inquire about current membership incentives, contact Beach Grove Golf & Country Club today at (519) 979-8090 or info@ beachgrove.net. Further information is available online at www.beachgrove.net. You can also find Beach Grove on Facebook. Beach Grove is located at 14134 Riverside Drive East, Tecumseh, ON, N8N 1B6.
SPRING 2013
ES 350
lexus.ca
The all-new 2013 ES 350 features inspired Lexus L-Finesse styling along with more responsive dynamics and enhanced feel to deliver an entirely new ES experience. The lowered posture, cleaner lines and longer wheelbase highlight the elegant ES profile while contributing to the notably sharper handling, superior stability and exceptional ride.
INNOVATION ELEVATED to an art form.
STARTING FROM $39,500
the ALL-NEW 2013
ES 350
lexus.ca
The all-new 2013 ES 350 features inspired Lexus L-Finesse styling along with more responsive dynamics and enhanced feel to deliver an entirely new ES experience. The lowered posture, cleaner lines and longer wheelbase highlight the elegant ES profile while contributing to the notably sharper handling, superior stability and exceptional ride.
INNOVATION ELEVATED to an art form.
STARTING FROM $39,500
Inspiring Philanthropy C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D A T I O N
Your endowment fund at WECF builds our community one grant at a time…
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2575 Ouellette Place Windsor, ON N8X 1L9
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Essex Playground Grant
RAFIH STYLE ADvERTISEMENT
“We are creatures of habit,” explains Tim Rempel, owner of Home Logix, Essex County’s foremost authority on full and partial automation solutions for home and business. It’s an old axiom that we all know well, but nobody seems to understand it more than Control 4, makers of some of the smartest – and we do mean smartest – home improvement choices you can make.
As homeowners across North America are fast finding out, your Control 4 system really does have a better memory than you do. It remembers to shut off the lights at the end of the day – including the ones the kids left on – and reminds you of regularly scheduled obligations, garbage day included. Best of all, it knows how to have fun. “It’s really good for hosting,” promises Rempel. “It’s simple, and it sets the mood and the scene. It’s energy efficient, it’s green, and it provides you with a sense of security.”
With a sophisticated Control 4 home automation system from Home Logix, you can wake up to a new standard of living. Imagine your television awakening with you each morning and self-tuning to your favourite news network. In the meantime, your coffee percolates, and your lights gradually undim in concert with the sun. Some systems even connect to pressure sensors that notice when you get out of bed. While it sounds like the stuff of science fiction, it’s all within your control.
Control 4 systems integrate audio-video, security, and climate control, and allow you to selectively stream personalized media to up to 64 zones in one house. It’s all run through a small set-top box and operated through the company’s proprietary Control 4’s app, which comes with the functionality and visual appeal of popular computing software you already know and love. It’s compatible with your PC, iPhone or iPad, or any Android device. “The controller is the brains,” offers Rempel. “The elegant user interface is the beauty.” They’re controllable via remote, a sleek television interface, or in-wall touchscreen.
Whether you’re concerned about your kids breaking curfew or work being done in your home, Home Logix home security systems boast features like temporary passwords, keyless entry, and video monitoring. Remarkably intelligent door locks will text you when the house is entered and exited. What’s more, Home Logix systems are reliable. “It’s definitive,” assures Rempel. “The same thing is going to happen every time.”
Home automation allows you to save energy (and money!) and conserve water without sacrificing comfort. For example, many homeowners are surprised to learn that a virtually unperceivable 10% reduction in a home’s light level can result in serious savings without affecting your quality of life.
While Home Logix systems are easy to use at any age, they’re especially excellent for snowbirds. Control 4’s “vacation mode” intuitively learns your regular schedule and automatically automates your lighting routine while you’re away. Its genius is that it adds in slight, randomized deviations, which create the illusion of occupancy. “It’s like the house is living for itself,” enthuses Rempel.
Home Logix is also Windsor and Essex County’s source for elegant light- control systems from Lutron Electronics, including Sivoia QS Wireless shades. These smart, easy to operate systems adjust in to daylight patterns to control both natural and artificial light. They’ve been proven to double the R-Value (a measure of insulation) of a home’s windows, leading to substantial energy conservation. What’s more, Rempel asserts, “Daylight has a quality that we respond to emotionally. With an innovative wireless shading system from Lutron, you can make the most of natural light. It’s beautiful, expandable, and reliable.”
Whether you’re currently building, planning a dream home, or refitting your existing space, Home Logix has a solution that will address your needs and budget – even if they don’t include a whole-home system. “Many of our clients start small and build. It’s the only system that is scalable and upgradable,” assures Rempel, who adds that a sophisticated home theatre package can be set up for only about $2500. Because Home Logix installs switches that communicate with one another wirelessly, its systems can be easily installed in virtually any home, regardless of age.
Make your home part of your family. Contact Home Logix today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
You can reach Home Logix by phone, at (519) 326-9898, or email, at life@homelgx. ca. For more information about Home Logix’s products and services, point your browser to www.homglgx.ca. Home Logix’s state-of-the-art showroom is located
at 2 Iroquois Rd., Unit 4, Leamington, Ontario.
HOME LOGIX: What Do You Want to Control?
519.326.9898 www.homelgx.ca
519.326.9898 www.homelgx.ca
SPRING 2013
RAFIH STYLE LIVING IN LUXURY
When the time comes to purchase a once-in-a-lifetime dream home, most of us imagine luxurious details like extravagant kitchens, serene backyards, and even party worthy basements. But when it comes to the imaginations of these ten designers and homeowners, creativity is far from limited to just decor and function. These homes don’t just set the bar for size and originality – they become architectural pieces of art by combining interesting materials, state-of-the-art technology, and unconventional shapes. From Mexico to Scotland, these extreme homes from around the world are guaranteed to wow you, awe you, and leave you reconsidering what a dream home really means to you.
ANTILLA – Mumbai, India
How many people can say they own a 27-story home with the most
expensive price tag in the world? Only one. Billionaire Mukesh Ambani
spared no expense to turn 110,000 square feet of this condo-like structure
into a lavish dream home worth an estimated $1.8 billion dollars. With
each story being almost double the height of a regular one, this tower
appears to hover 60 stories above the street and includes features such as
a six-level parking garage, three helipads, a movie theatre, a ballroom, a
health club and spa, a four-level garden, several levels for bedrooms and
bathrooms, and 600 permanent staff members. Each level is based on the
Indian tradition of Vastu Shastra, an ancient doctrine that believes that
design should be conductive for the movement of positive energy. In a
country whose cultural divide of which ranges from shacks on the street
to royal palaces on the ocean, Antilla is said to represent the extreme level
of wealth possible amongst this famously poverty stricken nation.
Th er
e’ s
N o
LeAF hoUse – rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Take an aerial view of this home’s property and you might have
a hard time discerning its banana-leaf shaped roof from the lush
surroundings. This eco-friendly architectural masterpiece outside
Rio de Janeiro incorporates the elements of nature into its giant
flower-shaped design and uses its leaf roof to harvest rainwater
and naturally shade each section of the home. The weather is so
ideal in this area of Brazil that Leaf House hardly needs any walls.
By using verandas instead of hallways, architectual firm Mareines
+ Patalano created a design that would naturally cool the house
by allowing beach winds to pass from room to room. A curved
swimming pool streams through the house and collects in a small
pond in the backyard complete with fish and blooming vegetation.
The distortion between indoor and outdoor space creates the
ultimate paradise for any nature lover looking to dwell amongst
the rainforest.
The NAUTILUs – Mexico city, Mexico
If you can’t live by the ocean, then why not live in the ocean –
or better yet, inside a seashell shaped home that would have any
snail jealous? The Nautilus Home in Mexico City was created to
imitate the hard, unique shell of a crustacean and was built based
on the principles of “bio-architecture,”a style which, according
to architect Javier Senosiain, brings us back to local history and
creates harmony with nature. Stone steps lead up to a mosaic
façade reminiscent of a mystical underwater residence, inviting
visitors past a glittering spiral-shaped exterior into a cavernous
interior filled with vegetation and small trees.
Each element of the home has been carefully chosen to incorporate
the ocean theme into furniture and décor while still appearing
homely and livable. Remaining true to its organic eco-factor, the
home is constructed of a sprayable ceramic called Grancrete,
which is stronger than concrete, fire resistant, and provides good
insulation in both hot and cold climates.
MUshrooM hoUse – perinton, New York
Who says mushrooms are just for pizza? In rural New York, this
vegetable-inspired home sits high above the ground in a cluster
of spaceship-like pods. Over 4,000 square feet of living space are
divided amongst five interconnected “mushrooms,” which rest
on concrete stems that range in height from 15-20 feet. Each pod
is 30 feet in diameter, weighs 80 tons and divides the house into
five sections: a living and dining room, a kitchen, two separate
bedrooms and bathrooms, and a half pod for an open air deck.
Architect James H. Johnson designed the home to create the feel
of living in art by decorating the interior with vein-like structures,
much like those of a flowering plant, and over 9,000 mosaic
tiles. Although originally built in 1971, the home has since been
renovated and still attracts hundreds of tourists who try to catch
a glimpse of the mutated mushroom caps that sit nestled in their
wooded surroundings.
heMeroscopIUM hoUse – Madrid, spain
At first glance, it’s unclear if this structure is an unfinished bridge
or a life-size concrete version of Jenga. A closer look at the indoor/
outdoor patio, two swimming pools, and minimalist kitchen
indicate that this is the epitome of a modern, structural home.
Anton Garcia Abril created his design just outside of Madrid using
five concrete I-beams, two steel girders, and two concrete sections
of an irrigation canal all anchored together with a 20-ton granite
stone that also serves as the home’s focal point. The simple and
aesthetically sleek look took over one year of meticulous designing
and yet was assembled in just seven days. The home is surrounded
with glass walls, which flood the rooms with light and allow the
indoor and outdoor elements to flow into one common space. The
most interesting element is on the second floor, where an irrigation
canal that supports the home has been turned into a lap swimming
pool where the homeowner can take a swim in the sky.
sTeeL hoUse – Lubbock, Texas
three-dimensional works of art. Then there’s Robert Bruno, an
architectural sculptor who has devoted his love of art into a lifelong
project known as Steel House. Perched on a cliff high above Ransom
Canyon Lake, Bruno began the construction of Steel House is 1974
and has been modifying and perfecting it ever since. Unlike typical
architectural projects, which include draftsmen and craftsmen,
Bruno has taken on every aspect of the construction and learned
from his mistakes by fixing them himself. Four legs support the
mass and have been designed to minimize the structure’s impact
on the earth as much as possible.
STEEL HOUSE photo courtesy of www.commons.wikimedia.org
SPRING 2013
The rusted work of art weighs over an estimated 110 tons and is made almost entirely of scrap metal and stained-glass shards, all of which have been welded by hand without a blueprint or initial design. Bruno took to the project as a sculptor not originally intending to live in this half - animal, half - machine looking structure, but he has since made this steel dream his home.
QUeTZALcoATL NesT – Mexico city, Mexico What do you do when you purchase a piece of land that is 98% covered with terrain but you can’t remove any of the plant life? You build a snake-like house high above the trees full of winding passageways and secret rooms. The body of this home - modeled after Quetzalcoatl, the ancient snake/bird deity of learning and knowledge - dips in and out of the oak trees where glimpses of a greenish-gold skin peak out under the Mexican sun. Flecks of deep violet and blue shimmer across the snake’s body, giving it a real life appearance in its forest surroundings. The interior is two-stories high and is designed to bring the elements of the exterior inside. Curved windows offer a generous view of the breath-taking garden and walls are painted with warm, earthy colours. The homeowners enter the house along the backbone of the serpent via a long hallway that descends into the snake’s spacious cavity. Perhaps the most impressive feature of the home is the six-meter -wide by 50-meter- high multi-coloured serpant’s head, which offers a remarkable panoramic view of the whole canyon it sits atop.
Free spIrIT sphere – Qualicum Beach, British columbia Take your living space to new heights with a Free Spirit Sphere designed by Canadian couple Tom and Rosy Chudleigh. Equipped with plumbing, electricity, and insulation, these sphere-shaped homes are suspended by vertical ropes attached to three separate trees and can be hung up to 100 feet from the ground. Made of wood and fibreglass, each treehouse weighs about 1,100 lbs and takes only three days to install. Their easy transportability has made them popular with homeowners around the world, but the Chudleigh family calls two pods on Vancouver Island their home away from home. A spiral stairway and short suspension bridge take you to the front entrance of the sphere which leads into a cozy living space complete with double bed, refrigerator, and microwave. Although not equipped with bathroom facilities just yet, the Chudleighs dream of soon offering an updated version of the sphere, which will serve as a fully functional year-round living space for the treehouse enthusiast.
VILLA AM see – Lake Lucerne, switzerland Built on a steep hill overlooking Lake Lucerne in Switzerland lies a stylish tri-level bachelor pad fit for James Bond himself. Designer André Treina stacked three matchbox like structures weighing a total of 1,791 tons and rotated each to face a different landscape – one for a view of the lake, one to view the slopes, and one to view the serene mountains. An elevator stops at every level – each with its own design and layout – and finally takes you to an underground garage where the owner keeps his collection of seven Porsches.
The entire home is uniform and modern, decorated with a clean, masculine colour palette throughout the spacious master bedroom, spa and gym area with outdoor pool, home office, theatre, and uncluttered kitchen and dining area. The entire house is controlled by an automatic panel that can access the surveillance cameras, lights, blinds, temperature, and every other gadget and gizmo that Bond may be hiding in this stealth abode.
sTrAW BALe hoUse – southern Ireland We’ve looked at homes made of concrete, steel, and wood, but - believe it or not - there is a building material that is even less expensive and just as strong. For a couple in Southern Ireland, building a “home-grown” house made of straw from a field just down the road seemed like the simplest, sturdiest, eco-friendliest option. The cottage feel of the Straw Bale House is both visually pleasing and completely sustainable, built by stacking bales of straw one on top of another and covering them in traditional plaster. According to the homeowner, using plaster with a strong base like straw allowed them to create rounded corners throughout the house, creating a fun Play-Doh impression. The walls are so strong, in fact, that they feel as sturdy as stone and yet are much more efficient at absorbing noise and insulating heat. Every attempt was made to create an eco-friendly house that would both hold its durability over the years and provide the comforting feeling that only a true home can make.
www.amazingclosetswindsor.com
RAFIH STYLE MAGAZINE 19SPRING 2013 www.amazingclosetswindsor.com
To book an appointment, call Kevin at
519.972.7100
We are Windsor & Essex County’s design and installation experts for all your closet and storage needs.
TO Organize yOur life...
The Hamptons: Settle Down in Style with Bungalow Group
Bungalow Group model home is located at 1160 Alliance St., LaSalle, Ontario.
Contact The Bungalow Group ph. 519-967-9479 e. [email protected]
www.bungalowgroup.com
As discerning Windsor-Essex residents are already well aware, quality matters.
Established in 1994, the multi-award-winning Bungalow Group has been constructing and renovating several of Windsor-Essex’s very finest custom homes and commercial developments for nearly twenty years. A principled builder with a firm commitment to quality and elegance, it’s also assembled an impressive reputation. Over the years, Owner and Developer Nicole Ciarrocchi and her staff have come to realize that the best way to lay a foundation of outstanding customer satisfaction is to consistently demonstrate an unbending commitment to masterly workmanship and superior materials.
“The history and background of Bungalow Group are very important,” offers Robert Gruich, a top-producing Sales Representative for Royal LePage Binder Real Estate. “They make luxury, high-end homes, and they don’t skimp.” A licensed real estate agent for more than 20 years, Gruich is an award-winning expert in residential resale and new home construction.
Lately, he and Bungalow Group have shared a common focus: The Hamptons, a uniquely exciting upscale residential development conveniently situated just outside the shadow of Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets, in one of LaSalle’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods. In addition to the easily accessible outlet mall, the Villas are located within walking distance of Holy Cross School, several exceptional retirement homes, and a number of burgeoning, affluent residential developments. By car, the location is minutes away from the quickly maturing Windsor- Essex parkway, soon to be the county’s major automotive artery.
The Hamptons development is an exclusive enclave of elegant 1,250 to 1,550 square-foot semi-detached open concept ranch style villas. Although the Villas are purposely designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers, these refreshing ranches are especially attractive for “empty nesters.” Known in the real estate industry as “turnkey” properties, the gracefully uncomplicated units are ideal options for Baby Boomers looking to downsize without compromising the hard-earned quality of life to which they’ve become accustomed.
“You can move into these and there’s nothing else to do to them,” promises Nicole. What’s more, homeowners pay no ongoing association fees.
Unlike the seas of lookalike raised ranches and monotonous multi-family units that populate other residential sites across the county, the Hamptons showcase a more distinctive, thoughtful style of construction. “Villas elsewhere all look the same,” offers Gruich, “These ones stand out.” In particular, each Villa features intricately designed and implemented stonework; no architectural or aesthetic detail has been spared.
Nicole readily rattles off a laundry list of high-end materials employed by Bungalow Group in the development’s construction, including granites, porcelains, and exclusive hardwoods. The units also feature luxurious cabinetry and a high degree of expert finishing work throughout. “They’re stunning,” she beams.
In particular, the Villas feature unique, remarkably attractive exteriors that are finished with concrete fibreboard, which visually resembles charming wood grain siding while offering myriad benefits. “It’s eco-friendly, fireproof, and comes with a 15- year warranty,” explains Nicole. “We could have used stucco,” she continues, “but the durability and longevity in this climate just aren’t there. Instead, we went with a product that’s appropriate but still very eye-catching.”
Although the Hamptons constitute excellent “last move” properties, they also make for formidable long-term investments. “The industry really took a beating during the recession,” recalls Gruich, “but this segment generally maintained its value and remained strong throughout. This market is only going to increase as more Boomers start making these purchasing decisions.”
Whether you can’t wait to occupy one of the Hamptons, have your heart set on a custom-build project elsewhere, or simply want to rejuvenate the home you already own and love, Bungalow Group would like to hear from you. Contact Bungalow Group today to give your home and your family the standard of professional workmanship they both deserve. It’s a matter of quality.
519-734-0000 www.melochewindows.com
Visit Ontario’s Most Beautiful Showroom! 6144 Morton Industrial Pkwy. LaSalle, ON
Great savings on all: • Replacement and New Construction • Wood & Vinyl Windows • Bays & Bows • Fiberglass & Steel Doors • Storm Doors • Patio, Garden and French Doors
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The perfect entry door will turn your home into a visual treat while reflecting your personal taste and lifestyle. In other words, it’s as beautiful as it is functional. To find the perfect door for your home, however, you’ll need to make yourself familiar with the traits, strengths, and weaknesses of the several available door types.
YOur Guide tO ChOOsinG a QualitY entrY dOOr
By Rod Mahler, Meloche Windows & Doors
Wood doors Fibreglass and steel varieties may do a good job of imitating them, but nothing has been able to come close to the warmth and richness of beautiful, high-quality wood doors. Even the simplest styles can create a stunning, traditional look.
A multitude of glass style options and molding profiles can be mixed and matched to create the perfect look for your door. Alternatively, on the higher end, carved patterns can transform a wood door into a work of art. To complete the look, finish it in the perfect color with paint, stain, or lacquer.
For maximum strength, look for a door with a mortise and tenon joint (a tongue fitted into a groove) rather than dowels. You’ll also need to remember that humidity can cause warping. Expert frame and panel construction can prevent warping by giving the wood space to expand and contract; doors with a thick veneer on the faces and sides can also help.
YOur Guide tO ChOOsinG a QualitY entrY dOOr
If you really want a door that will resist warping, however, look for higher-quality doors with stave cores. Stave cores consist of one- inch strips of wood glued together. The entire door should be made from the same species, which ensures that all components expand and contract at the same rate. If you choose wisely and perform regular maintenance, wood doors can last a lifetime. Protect them from the elements and direct sunlight as much as possible, and, when they start to lose their lustre, give them a quick refinishing to have them looking as good as new.
steel doors Steel doors may not have the warm, traditional look of wood, but you can’t beat them for security and durability. Their lifespan and energy efficiency does vary greatly, depending on the style and type you choose, but one thing remains constant: they look great in contemporary-styled homes with clean lines and modern looks.
When comparing steel doors, you’ll notice they’ll have solid wood, engineered, composite, or steel frames. They’re all sufficient, but you’ll find solid wood frames are the least stable and can warp over time. Steel frames, found in safety doors and premium styles, are the strongest and most resilient of the bunch.
Steel doors generally come with two kinds of foam core:
• Polystyrene sheets: These insulate the door but create air pockets that allows air to escape.
• Polyurethane spray foam: The most energy efficient option, it expands to fill the entire expanse of the door.
Just because a door is made of steel doesn’t mean you’re limited to a certain colour or finish. In fact, you’ll find they come in a number of factory finishes, including an embossed wood-grain pattern, or primed and ready to paint.
One thing you’ll need to be aware of is that while steel doors are resilient and durable, they will deteriorate quickly if the surface is worn or damaged. Therefore, Meloche Windows & Doors paint each door with high-quality heat-resistant paint that will resist coating, cracking, and flaking for at least 10 years.
Fibreglass doors Popular for their resistance to wear and available in a wide range of fashionable styles, fibreglass doors are perfect for homes that require the durability of steel and the beauty of wood. They arrive painted, stained, unfinished, or primed and ready to paint. They come in a number of different styles, with either a smooth or wood-grain texture, and have a variety of glass style options. The possibilities are endless.
Fibreglass doors are manufactured in much the same way as steel doors. However, instead of steel sheets over a frame, these doors have fibreglass sheets, called “skins,” which are attached to a wood, composite, or steel frame. Just like with steel doors, steel framing offers the most stability, strength, and resistance to warping. These doors also have a foam core that is filled with either sheeting or spray foam. What’s more, cleaning and maintaining fibreglass doors is easy. You’ll find, besides wiping them to keep them clean, these doors might eventually need to be refinished with an exterior finish. (Don’t sand it!) If the door gets scratches, simply refinish it. Deeper scratches and holes can be filled with a product much like an auto-body filler.
Ready to find the perfect door for your home? Visit Ontario’s most beautiful showroom at 6144 Morton Industrial Pkwy. Call Meloche Windows and Doors today at (519) 734-0000, or view our website
at www.melochewindows.com.
SPRING 2013
A landscape of unlimited possibilities awaits right in your own backyard.
Wednesday. 7:45 pm. Chardonnay. Evening dip. Freedom. What effect will the landscape have on you? For all your exterior needs just call 519.727.4769 or visit us online at landscapefx.com
OurHomeDPS_8.5x10.875.indd 1-2 13-03-12 12:47 PM
A landscape of unlimited possibilities awaits right in your own backyard.
Wednesday. 7:45 pm. Chardonnay. Evening dip. Freedom. What effect will the landscape have on you? For all your exterior needs just call 519.727.4769 or visit us online at landscapefx.com
OurHomeDPS_8.5x10.875.indd 1-2 13-03-12 12:47 PM
SPRING 2013
kitchen, bathroom & paint colour consultation.
INTERIORSBYMARIA
I can also be reached at Coulter’s Furniture 519.253.7422
Maria Kozmor B.A.
519.817.8963 www.interiorsbymaria.net [email protected]
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Working together to achieve your goals
TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. ® / The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.
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Benefit from a one-on-one relationship with a dedicated professional Investment Advisor. Receive sound financial advice while staying involved in the key decisions about your portfolio.
TD Waterhouse
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Overseas Motors Mercedes-Benz 9225 Tecumseh Road East., Windsor, ON 519.254.5038 www.overseasmotors.mercedes-benz.ca
© 2013 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. 2013 B 250 shown above. *National MSRP $29,900, all-in pricing up to $32,540 dependent on region. National MSRP pricing is shown and is intended for information purposes only. 1First, second and third month payment waivers are capped for the 2013 B 250 up to a total of $1,200 (including taxes) for lease programs and up to a total of $1,800 (including taxes) for finance programs. Payment waivers are only applicable on the 2013 B-Class, C-Class Coupe, Sedan, GLK-Class and E-Class models. Not applicable to AMG models. Prices do not include licence, insurance or registration fees, as well as any other products or services not listed that may be available to you through your selected Mercedes-Benz dealership. Vehicle prices subject to change. Dealer may sell for less. Offers may change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. See your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for details or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Relations Centre at 1-800-387-0100. Offers end March 31, 2013.
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RAFIH STYLE PROFILE
“How do I tell my story properly?” ponders Lora Crestan, Windsor- Essex’s foremost business strategist plus coach.
While Crestan is a generous and refreshingly introspective communicator, this time she’s speaking rhetorically. To Crestan, effective leadership entails looking both within and without to establish personal and professional goals, define and refine them through effective dialogue, and eventually express them with truth and clarity. She’s helped countless Windsor-Essex business people ensure their stories have a happy ending.
If you’re a regular reader of these pages, you may already be familiar with Crestan, who has over 25 years of experience in the business world. In her professional practice, Crestan works tirelessly to explode the myth that development coaching is necessarily “boring” and reserved for those with flawed business practices. “Coaching isn’t remedial,” she explains assertively. “It’s always about moving forward. Leaders who work on developing themselves build great businesses.” On a daily basis, Crestan reviews and develops leadership skills and custom tailored goal- setting-and-meeting strategies to accelerate the personal and professional growth of area business leaders.
Crestan subscribes to and encourages a refreshingly liberal, multifaceted definition of leadership. “Leadership is how you help others move forward through your example,” she explains. We lead through actions, of course, but also through words and subtle, often unconscious gestures, like body language. We also lead by demonstrating our authenticity and commitment to values.
We also lead through engaging with other leaders. This spring, Crestan welcomes the Windsor-Essex business community to Leadercast, an annual full-day simulcast leadership development event that she has expertly hosted for the past four years. An excellent networking opportunity for upstart entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals alike, Leadercast is also a collective celebration of local leadership-focused organizations. This year’s Leadercast will highlight pathways toward leadership through streamlining and simplifying your life. This entails maintaining focus, even when one’s surrounding aren’t necessarily conductive to it. It also entails what Crestan calls “understanding necessary endings.” While great leaders acknowledge that winning at all costs sometimes has to be the end game, there sometimes also need to be endings that aren’t fruitful.
Leadercast 2013 takes place on May 10, between 9am and 4pm at Windsor’s Caboto Club. It will feature nine high-energy, dynamic presenters, combining engaging live speakers with simulcast seminars delivered in Atlanta by internationally recognized leadership luminaries. Past keynote speakers have included world- class leaders like Tony Dungy and Seth Godin.
This year’s event includes speeches by Leadercast staple John Maxwell and new guest Jack Welch, an interview with Condoleezza Rice, and more. Tickets cost $120 per person and include lunch, snacks and refreshments, robust networking opportunities, and a personal leadership workbook. Discounts are available for parties of five or more associates. Because it’s held in Windsor, Leadercast requires no further travel expenses and time commitments. Participants will receive a certificate of participation for 5.25 hours of professional development.
Since Leadercast is a local event, it’s important that some of its speakers are available in the flesh. “There’s a lot of networking that goes on,” explains Crestan, “and there will also be local speakers. What we want to do is have speakers that our audience can walk up to. It changes how they will take home the messages of the day.” Born and raised in Windsor, Crestan moved back home after she was downsized out of a job in another city. “This is a great place to build businesses,” she maintains. “This event is particularly inspiring for our city; this is a way to provide some positive opportunities to live and grow.” As part of Crestan’s commitment to social positivity, Leadercast has pledged to do its part to give back. “We provide funding back to a local organization,” promises Crestan. This year’s beneficiary is Leadership Windsor-Essex.
By acquiring new and valuable leadership skills, you can also be a beneficiary. Contact Lora Crestan today at (519) 735-6820 to reserve your place in the Windsor-Essex leadership community. Crestan maintains an active online presence at www.loracrestan.com, where you have access to several complimentary eBooks, a free newsletter, regular blog updates, and a number of downloadable condensed presentations and worksheets to get you started on your own leadership journey. You can also find her on Twitter and LinkedIn.
By Jesse Ziter
w w w . l o r a c r e s t a n . c o m
SPRING 2013
SPRING 2013
RAFIH STYLE TRAVEL & LEISURE
ust off the edge of north-western Europe sits a tiny island full of breathtaking green landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and some of the most extraordinary stories ever to be told in history. For thousands of years, invaders and incomers have arrived, settled, and made their mark on this historic piece of land, which over 60 million people
now call home. This powerful nation has introduced us to everything from fish and chips to James Bond and continues to remain a significant centre for news, technology, and tourism.
The land of Great Britain, which is comprised by the countries England, Scotland, and Wales, has been inhabited by humans for as many as 30,000 years. Because of its central location – it is located between the Eastern and Western hemispheres – it has been popular among kings, conquerors, and Vikings alike. Spectacular castles and ancient ruins dot the island and attract over 30 million tourists yearly, many of whom set out to explore the land in hopes of understanding how our ancestors may have lived thousands of years ago.
Nearly half of the total visitors to Great Britain make their way through Heathrow Airport in the densely populated metropolis of London, home to Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and the Queen herself. The city of London sits on either side of the River Thames, where it has been making history since the Romans settled there some two millennia ago.
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These days, some of the most recognized celebrities in the world hail from this country. This celebrity population has most recently included a group of individuals who are all members of the same family – the Royal Family, that is. News of Prince Harry’s partying, the Queen’s Jubilee, and Kate Middleton’s baby bump seem to rattle the headlines just as much as Kim and Kanye. The world is watching England’s every move, which makes this year the best time to travel to this great, historic land.
As a global hub for business, finance, and politics, the city represents some of the most impressive period work in the world. Thousand- year-old hand-carved stone monuments stand in the reflection of modern-day glass buildings, a striking juxtaposition that can be seen throughout the city and reminds visitors of the strong history that lies in every brick and cobblestone.
Roundabout after roundabout, the streets reveal must-see attractions like The London Eye, a 450-foot Ferris-wheel-like structure which gives visitors a chance to view the whole city in one shot; One Canada Square, the second-tallest building in the UK, located in the major financial district Canary Wharf; the Tower of London, a second-century castle built by William the Conqueror, which houses the famous Crown Jewels of the Royal Family; and Picadilly Circus, the intense, busy square in the heart of London that is the city’s very own version of Times Square. Visitors can hop on an iconic red double-decker bus and be chauffeured around the lively city, taking in the sights, sounds, and surprises that London has to offer.
For a relaxing day in the city, visitors can grab a chicken tikka masala (now one of the most popular national dishes thanks to the country’s strong mix of cultures and ethnicities) and enjoy it as a park-side
snack at one of the many reserved green spaces throughout town. Afterwards, stroll through one of the hopping weekend markets, where everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to jewellery and old Beatles records can be found amongst a clutter of antique goods.
There are over 250 museums in London, many of which now offer free entry thanks to the government’s enthusiasm to make history accessible to all visitors. The British Museum, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Natural History Museum house some of the world’s rarest and most-treasured artifacts, as well as collections that hold vital information about our past, present, and future generations.
London has always been and remains a leader in film, music, art, and fashion, and the world is constantly looking to the avant- garde designs and inspiring ideas from the originators of punk rock and the swinging ’60s. Boutiques of world-famous designers like Alexander McQueen, Burberry, and Stella McCartney line the savvy streets in the city’s multiple fashion districts and attract posh shoppers and visitors who browse the creative window displays. Trends that start in London are long considered outdated by the time they reach North America.
While the city itself hosts plenty of sights and tourist opportunities, traveling a short distance outside of the hustle and bustle can be a blissful experience. The London Underground, which became the world’s very first metro system when it was built in 1863, takes riders throughout the city and beyond. Travel Harry Potter style to the traditional English countryside where towns like Oxford and Cambridge will have you wondering if you’ve been transported to early 20th-century life.
SPRING 2013
These towns are not just popular for their globally recognized universities: they are
also considered to be the epitome of the English experience. Visitors can stay at a
traditional bed and breakfast, take canoe rides up the canal through green pastures,
and grab a pint and a plate of bangers and mash at the pub down the road – which
is almost literally in the middle of nowhere!
A temperate climate in most of southern England makes travel to the country
popular year round, but the summer months, when outdoor activities, festivals, and
sightseeing are at their peaks, see the most attraction. If you’re feeling adventurous,
rent a car and zip around the country, stopping to ponder the prehistoric monument
of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, breaking to relax on the Porthchapel Beach in the seaside
town of Cornwall, and imagining epic battles that once took place at the medieval
Warwick Castle in Warwickshire.
Whether you’re traveling to the island for just a week
or as long as a month or more, you are guaranteed to
leave Great Britain full of history, curiosity, and a full
belly! An exciting past has paved the way for some of
the best tourist attractions and breathtaking scenery,
leaving something new to always be discovered –
and giving you an excuse to visit again soon!
RAFIH STYLE ADvERTISEMENT
Rico Lopez is a family man. A parent to three young children, he strives to continue on his father’s work at F&J Collision, a business that Frank Lopez started in 1969. In fact, that family atmosphere is exactly what the skilled businessman and auto mechanic tries to instill at the automotive shop, which he operates along with his wife, Lidia, and a team of employees. Says Lopez, “The entire shop, they are all family to me. We truly work as a team.”
Though Lopez owns and runs the business, he prefers that his employees refer to him as their coworker rather than their boss.
“I need them, and they need me,” explains Lopez. “We all work together to make sure the job gets done properly. They don’t look at me as trying to be above them.”
Lopez is adamant about being personally part of every job that comes into the shop, which is why you’ll never catch
him working in a suit and tie. The fact that he advises on every repair allows the shop to maintain a high level of quality control. “We repair every vehicle the way I would want my own vehicle repaired,” he promises, “and make sure that every customer is happy at the end of the day.”
The shop even guarantees all repairs with a written warranty that customers can take with them. “I want the customer to be comfortable with their repair,” Lopez explains. “They may have gotten into an accident, and [the warranty] offers comfort in a bad situation.”
It is this strong moral centre that grounds the philosophy behind F&J Collision. Says Lopez, “I run my business on my morals, my integrity, and my pride. If you allow strong business ethics to guide you, success will follow. I’m not looking for a big payday. I’m just looking to make myself and my customers happy.”
This customer-oriented attitude is what has allowed Lopez to grow the company since joining his father’s team in 2001. Even through economic downturns, he has seen F&J Collision grow in uncertain times; he will undoubtedly continue to do so for years to come.
SPRING 2013
te ®
The car you dream about. Even after you buy one.
*For Example, the MSRP of a 2013 BMW 6 Series 650i Gran Coupe is $98,800. Freight and PDI, license, insurance, taxes and vehicle registration are extra. Limited time offer and subject to change. 2013 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, and all BMW model designations are registered trademarks of BMW AG, used under license.
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Introducing the new BMW 6 Series. A redefined exterior and interior brings mew
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Package that includes innovations such as Night Vision and Lane Departure
Warning. Also available is the upgraded Executive Package that offers Active
Steering, Head-Up Display and a LOGIC7 Sound System. All this, and a 360hp V8
engine with Valvetronic® complete with F1 inspired steering-wheel shift-paddles
and a 6-speed Sport Automatic or manual transmission. It’s no wonder that the new
BMW 6 Series has everything you could ever desire in a driving experience.
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Ad Name: Neros - Worldly Cuisine Trim Size: 8.5" x 5.5" File Resolution: 300ppi
Publication: Rafi h Style Magazine Safe Area: N/A Colour: CMYK
Insertion Date: Spring Issue Bleed: .5" Designer: Erica Advertising Department: x22739
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Know Your Limit, Play Within It! 1-888-230-3505 Ontario Problem Gambling HelpLine. Must be 19 years of age or older to participate in this promotion or enter the casino. Caesars Windsor reserves the right to cancel or alter/change this promotion without prior notice. Some restrictions apply. Prices shown are in CAD funds. Those who have been trespassed from Caesars Windsor and/or self-excluded from any OLG or Caesars property are not eligible to participate in a promotion and/or redeem offers. The Caesars brand and related trademarks are owned by Caesars License Company, LLC and its affi liated companies. Used with permission. *Tax, alcohol and gratuity not included.
CaesarsWindsor_RafihMag_8_5x5_5-March8.indd 1 13-03-11 3:30 PM
The new BMW 6 Series 650i Gran Coupe
te ®
The car you dream about. Even after you buy one.
*For Example, the MSRP of a 2013 BMW 6 Series 650i Gran Coupe is $98,800. Freight and PDI, license, insurance, taxes and vehicle registration are extra. Limited time offer and subject to change. 2013 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, and all BMW model designations are registered trademarks of BMW AG, used under license.
Starting from $98,800*
Introducing the new BMW 6 Series. A redefined exterior and interior brings mew
meaning to the words luxury and sportiness. Take advantage of the new Technology
Package that includes innovations such as Night Vision and Lane Departure
Warning. Also available is the upgraded Executive Package that offers Active
Steering, Head-Up Display and a LOGIC7 Sound System. All this, and a 360hp V8
engine with Valvetronic® complete with F1 inspired steering-wheel shift-paddles
and a 6-speed Sport Automatic or manual transmission. It’s no wonder that the new
BMW 6 Series has everything you could ever desire in a driving experience.
SPRING 2013
RAFIH STYLE WHEELS
By Jesse Ziter
This January, the better part of a million people came from more than five dozen countries to converge on a venue that many Windsorites can see without squinting from their living room windows. One imagines we’d pay closer attention if it didn’t happen every year.
Not to be taken for granted, the North American International (read: Detroit) Auto Show continues each winter to transform the lately renovated COBO Center into a two-week celebration of cars and technology – all the while doing a fine job as the de facto state-of-the-industry summit for motoring on our continent.
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INTerNATIoNAL AUTo shoW
All in all, nearly 800,000 patrons took in this year’s show, contributing to a total economic impact of $365 million. These figures – which exceed last year’s edition by about 30,000 show-goers – are welcome news to Motor City apologists and area auto enthusiasts alike; they constitute something of a broadside against the Windsor-Detroit pessimist community. According to NAIAS Charman Jim Seavitt, this year’s attendance bests any since 2004, making this year’s show Detroit’s most successful in nearly a decade.
No longer licking its wounds, this year’s NAIAS conveyed an industry cautiously growing in confidence. While it’s undeniable that the Show speaks with a more measured voice than it did a decade ago – it’s never likely to be the unmufflered fete to Western excess that it once was – we at Rafih Style remain unconvinced that this is a bad thing. It’s always been about the cars, anyway. To that end, this year’s NAIAS saw 59 total vehicle introductions, including nine new Detroit Three products.
In particular, Chevrolet’s display quickly established itself as something of a centre of gravity within Cobo Hall as the 2014 Corvette Stingray, a rare major redesign for the iconic American motor, drew in show-goers throughout the weekend with its familiar personality and venomously striking good looks.
A thoroughly au courant interpretation of the Corvette’s iconic brand values, the new Stingray borrows its name from the second generation (1963-7) Corvette Sting Ray. It’s not just the name – now space-less – that’s sleeker. Now in its seventh generation, the 2014 Corvette boasts a trim new silhouette that starts and finishes with a strikingly modern front end and an iconic, historically reverent split rear window. In a decidedly twenty-first century twist, the 2014 Stingray’s roof and hood are hewn from deceptively hardwearing carbon fibre. Underneath, new ‘Vette owners will enjoy a lusty 450-horsepower V8 capable of putting up an outlandish four-second zero-to-60 time. It lands in showrooms later in the year.
Elsewhere, Ford Motor Company’s colossal Atlas Concept truck took home this year’s EyesOn Design Award for Design Excellence. A logical extension – or perhaps amplification – of the familiar F-150 pickup, the geographically proportioned Atlas inspired more than shrugs as patrons and industry types alike examined its ruggedly handsome adjustable grille shutters and familiarly muscular credentials.
While Ford were more than eager to superglue the Atlas concept to the word “intelligent,” the vehicle’s impressive technological capacities remain alloyed to a full complement of work-minded, functional amenities. In particular, the already popular Ford Tailgate Step takes a versatile turn – it now doubles as a cargo cradle that lifts and holds extra-long cargo items above the truck, thereby freeing valuable bed space.
RAFIH STYLE MAGAZINE 39
The Atlas also came equipped with a Ford-first 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera system, and a similarly innovative Trailer Backup Assist feature. If you’ve ever done it the old-fashioned way, your interest is already piqued.
Ford’s impressive commitment to the environment – and your wallet – is reflected in the Atlas Concept’s Next-Generation EcoBoost Powertrain, fuel- saving Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology, and smartly aerodynamic profile – including slimming features like auto-deploying power running boards. What’s more, the Atlas hopes to eventually tiptoe into showrooms as many as 700lbs lighter than a current F150.
Meanwhile, although it enjoyed an arguably lower profile, the Chrysler Corporation’s already-realized 2013 Ram 1500 took home North American Truck of the Year honours. It’s similarly strapping, not without it’s own complement of gadgets, and – most importantly – you could buy one tomorrow.
For motorists looking for something a little more elegant, Mercedes attracted attention this year with the 2014 CLA, an unshakably arresting turbocharged coupe the promises to hit showrooms at a remarkable (well, for a Mercedes turbocharged coupe) price point. You may recognize it from this year’s eye-catching, Kate Upton - heavy Super Bowl ad, which unsubtly invited a comparison that well befits the aggressively sexy four-door. While the CLA comes with charming curves of its own, its comparatively sleek profile makes it potentially the most aerodynamic car currently in production. Of course, Mercedes also promises impressive brains and brawny performance to go with the CLA’s toothsome aesthetics.
Of course, Mercedes’ old rival was hardly likely to go gentle into the Detroit night. BMW’s presence at this year’s show revolved around its production-ready 4-Series Concept Coupe, an aptly named successor to the 3-Series that dramatically wraps a lowered, elongated body around a decidedly luxurious leather and chestnut interior. The pervasive luxury automaker’s trademark grille is tweaked just enough to make sure you take notice.
Elsewhere in the market, the Toyota Corolla Furia Concept added a welcome modicum of flare to one of the world’s most practical cars, as rakishly extended bars of front and rear LED headlamps and taillights helped create a decidedly more daring face for Toyota’s stalwart. It was difficult to shake the opinion that the new Furia concept, the newly assertive lines of which help sculpt a more spacious interior, proposes an everyday auto with a bit more conviction about it. Likely to enjoy a relatively smooth transition into production, the Furia/Corolla will eventually hit showrooms at a customarily attainable price point.
While the Furia, like several of the vehicles listed above, is yet to hit the market, Windsor-area driving enthusiasts can take comfort in the knowledge that they’ll know where to turn when it does. To talk to a salesperson about what your automotive future has in store, or to get yourself into a new vehicle today, contact your preferred Rafih Auto Group dealership.
SPRING 2013
inside & out
SPRING 2013
For Windsor/Essex County businesses with more complex financial needs, your local TD Commercial Banking Relationship Managers will take the time to understand your business and then work with you to customize the products and services to help meet your unique business needs. As your business needs change, we are committed to devoting the time, energy and expertise to

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