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Shop local
Where you shop does make a difference in the economy. I remember when it was tough to get a job. One of my first jobs was at a major chain grocery store and I had to interview for the position and then watch videos, sit through training and take tests. Today, the help-wanted signs are overwhelming and the jobs we dreamed of getting are now impossible to fill. Many owners are working long hours because they cannot afford to pay the wage people are demanding today. Hiring people is not the only obstacle businesses face today; hiring the right people and retaining them are also things we need to address. We will visit these issues in the future, but for now we will discuss customer service and the importance of supporting your local, independent business owners.
Alternative Trends is here to discuss and explore the latest trends we encounter in life, the art that brings us inspiration and the questions we all have about the little (and big) things that make living interesting and exciting. In our pages you will find fresh ideas – for your health and wellness, your pet, your home, your relationship – and life in general. We are a consumer magazine with a special interest in the arts.
Help keep Edmonton small business alive by choosing a business advertised in Alternative Trends. We sit down with Jessie Radies and learn how to Keep Edmonton Original – read why it is important to support local business in your community.
In our special features, we explore relationship breakups – perhaps you are experiencing heartbreak – you need someone to understand – we give you simple tips on how to get through this tough time in How to Get Over a Relationship Breakup on page 15. We have been asked by many artists of all disciplines – how to value their art. A few experts give you tips on how to price your art on page 19. And in Lady Driven – a title poking fun at the male-dominated world of car maintenance – we hope to change the way women take care of their cars by teaching them the importance of winterizing on page 27.
You may be considering purchasing RSPs this winter – we give you the RSP Conundrum on page 10.
In Road to Success we highlight artists from around the globe. We want to find the emerging artists – the unknowns that should be known.
Don’t forget to attend our next Quarterly Connections event – an event organized for the busy professional every quarter. Join our Facebook group “Alternative Trends Quarterly Connections Mixers” to receive the invites. Check out the photos from our last event on page 6. More photos of all our events are available on Facebook.
Enjoy your winter with one of our Tasty Treats just like mom used to make on page 8 – Renee shares her recipes – enjoy!
The responses we received on our regular feature Lessons Learned were overwhelming; thank you for noticing and for sharing your stories. I would like to invite you to visit page 66 to read more lessons learned.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so they say. Truth is an acknowledgement is a far superior compliment. Be unique and original and if you do love that red sweater your enemy or best friend is wearing – let them know – don’t go buying the same one. These are the type of topics Saucy likes to introduce in Table Talk. Check out her column on page 68. Table Talk is not meant to be an advice column – Saucy loves to spark up conversation and debate we can engage in while sitting at a table.
We look forward to continue being involved in the community as our involvement contributes to our success. If you have an event you would like us to participate in – please let us know via email info@alternativetrends.com.
We would like to thank our many partners, readers and advertisers for your continued support. When you advertise in Alternative Trends you are more than just an advertiser – you are a partner in our success.
We hope to continue to bring you helpful tips from the pros, portfolios of the great ones, inspiration and entertainment. This is a magazine for you and your feedback is important to us. Please continue giving us suggestions on what you would like to see in the future.
Our advertisers would love to hear that you saw their ad in Alternative Trends, as this helps them track their marketing initiatives. When you call them please let them know you saw their ad in Alternative Trends – a magazine that brings advertisers and readers together – one ad at a time.
Your business, our readers – connected.
I would personally like to invite all writers, translators and publishers to join us on Saturday, November 8 at the Sir Winston Library for a free event – an all-day information session. For more information please visit page 24.
Thank you to friends – old and new – for always being there for me when needed the most. Also, the best gift a person can receive is the gift of time – give more of your time. Music is also one of my favourite gifts – thanks Aman – for creating a playlist that helped me get through this issue. Loud music helps me get through my days – discover what motivates you. Be in the present moment and enjoy!
Pardee, Publisher
pardee@alternativetrends.com
Loud music helps me get through my days – discover what motivates you.
Be in the present moment and enjoy!