SUMMER 2016 VOLUME 3
FREE
BOOMBALOO OKANAGAN
A M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E M O D E R N FA M I LY FRAICHE RECIPES
COVER STORY
EDITOR’S PICKS
F I S H TAC O S SPINACH SALAD R I C OT TA C A K E
KIDS SUMMER PA R T Y I N S P I R AT I O N & PA R T Y D E C O R
10 LIFE HACKS B AC K YA R D B R U N C H BC TREE FRUITS
A N OTE FROM T H E EDITOR S U M M ER 2016 Summer is here and I am beyond excited! The sun is hot, the kids are out of school, the beach
A huge Thank You to all of our sponsors and advertisers!
toys are out and our backyard is ready for entertaining.
Want to contribute? Email us at info@boombaloo.com
Whether you are a tourist or reside here, summer in
with the subject: Okanagan Contributor.
the Okanagan certainly has its advantages. This issue is jam packed with entertaining ideas, summer recipes,
With love,
books to dive into and amazing attractions to add to your to do list. From all of us here at Boombaloo we hope you have an amazing Summer’16. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @boombaloookanagan and tag us in your summer adventures by using #boombaloosummer for a chance to to be featured.
Nat a li e Gra nt F O U ND E R / C R E AT I V E D I R E CTO R BO O MBALO O O ka na g a n E ma i l: nat a li e@ b o o mb a lo o. c o m
VIEW ONLINE AT BOOMBALOO.COM
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BACKYARD BRUNCH
18
23
FRAICHE RECIPES
BC TREE FRUITS
WHAT’S INSIDE
09
10 LIFE HACKS
12
101 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER
14
BACKYARD BRUNCH
18
FRAICHE RECIPES
20
USING FITNESS TO FUEL YOUR LIFE
23
BC TREE FRUITS
26
KID’S SUMMER PARTY
31
WINE DESTINATION
26
KIDS SUMMER PARTY
CONTRIBUTORS MAKING BOOMBALOO OKANAGAN POSSIBLE
NATALIE GRANT
CODI LYNN W.
TANIA W.
TESS P.
F OUN DER/EDI TOR
GRAPHIC DES IGNE R
P HOTO G R A P HER
Wife, mother, founder, editor & creative director of BOOMBALOO.COM and owner of Grant Media in the Okanagan.
Married to an amazing man and mamma to (almost) three beautiful little ones.I have a passion for travel, photography and design. In the wee hours of the night is when I get most of my work done for both my freelance design and my life, motherhood and stlye blog called, Creative Wife & Joyful Worker.
HA I R SP ECI A L I ST / STY L I ST AT HEI R ESS SA LO N
“Marketing has always been a passion of mine, taking a leap of faith and creating a career that combines all of my passions into one has been the best decision I have ever made. Are there struggles at times? YES! But those struggles and defeats are what keep me going in this business ~ and in life!”
Tania is a amazing stylist and make-up guru with Heiress Salon. We welcome her to the Boombaloo team as our newest Beauty contributor. HEIRESSSALON.CA @HEIRESSSALON
CREATIVEWIFEANDJOYFULWORKER.COM @CREATIVEWIFEANDJOYFULWORKER
BOOMBALOO.COM @BOOMBALOOMAGAZINE
I am originally a small town girl from northern BC, who has had a passion for the arts for as long as I can remember. What started out as a hobby, quickly grew into an obsession, and I have not stopped since. I am a completely self-taught photographer, who has established my own business here in the Okanagan. I have had my creative work published and have found my niche photographing lifestyle sessions. I offer a range of services from boudoir and engagement to family and maternity. TESSAPARENTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM @TESSAPARENTPHOTOGRAPHY
TORI W.
VANESSA J.
ABBIE W.
NICOLE F.
F OUN DER F RA I C H E N U T RI T IO N
CO - FO UNDER & GENE RAL MANAGE R AT PURE GY M & JUICE R Y
P HOTO G R A P HER
OWNER / D I R ECTO R FU NK ~ T I O N FO R L I F E Funk~tion for Life, or FFL, was born out of a desire to help more people use fitness as a tool to live their best lives. After graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelors degree in Health and Recreation Education, I found my passion in personal training. I love helping people strengthen their bodies and minds through exercise.
I love food - good food. My name is Tori Wesszer, and I’m a proud foodie and Registered Dietitian hoping to inspire you to love the same. Check more delicious recipes and more on my website fraichenutrition.com FRAICHENUTRITION.COM @FRAICHENUTRITON
I am the Co-founder and General Manager of PURE Gym & Juicery, a certified Holistic Health Coach with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and a certified Raw Food Educator with the Raw Food Foundation in Vancouver, BC. On my blog www.pureandsimplenutrition.ca you will find recipes, nutrition coaching and meal planning. PUREANDSIMPLENUTRITION.CA @PS.NUTRITION
Abbie is a photographer, writer, and doula who was born and raised in the Okanagan Valley. She is deeply passionate about mental health and social justice, locally and abroad. ABBIEROSE.CA @ABBROSY
FACEBOOK.COM/ PERSONALTRAININGPEN TICTON
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10 LIFE HACKS T H AT W I L L C H A N G E Y O U R L I F E !
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KEEP YOUR GUACAMOLE GREEN There is rarely leftovers when you make fresh guacamole, but when there is, there’s a good chance you wake up in the morning and it’s turned brown!
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TIP: Before you place it in the fridge for storage, place the pit back into the bowl and add a small layer of water on top, this will keep air from getting to it which causes it to turn brown.
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BANANAS RIPENING TOO QUICKLY? TIP: Wrap the top of your bananas with plastic wrap to slow down the ripening process.
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EASY TO PEEL BOILED EGGS I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve thrown away the whole egg because I couldn’t get the shell off! TIP: Add about a teaspoon of baking soda to the water, wallah! Easy to peel boiled eggs! ICE COLD BEVERAGES This is actually really amazing. You know when you want a glass of wine but you forgot to put it in the fridge? TIP: Get a large bowl, fill it with ice and add some salt in to it. Fill it up with water to cover the bottle of wine. Wait 2 minutes and your wine will be ice cold. You’re Welcome!
KEEP A SALAD FRESH FOR DAYS So often we toss a leftover salad because who likes a wilted day-old salad anyways... not anymore!
GROW CELERY FROM THE SCRAPS Celery is one of the easiest foods to grow from scrap! TIP: Use the cut off bottom of the celery, place it in a bowl with a bit of warm water and set in direct sunlight. In about a week, you will see new leaves sprouting from the base. You can then transplant in to soil and watch it grow!
TIP: Place the onion in the fridge before cutting into it. (I have also heard that chewing gum helps... have yet to try it)
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TIP: Wrap the avocado in tinfoil, place in the oven at 200 degrees for roughly 10 minutes or until it softens. Cool down in fridge.
TIP: Drape paper towel over top of your salad bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. The paper towel will absorb the moisture so that any wetness doesn’t settle on the leaves. Moisture is the enemy of crispy veggies.
DOES CUTTING ONIONS MAKE YOU CRY? If you are like me, I will do almost anything to not use onions ever... and if I absolutely have to, I wear my sunglasses and turn on a fan. Seriously... I cry like a baby.
RIPEN AN AVOCADO IN 10 MINUTES
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PEEL GARLIC IN 10 SECONDS FLAT TIP: Simply place your head of garlic into a jar (mason jar or some kind of shaker), screw on the lid and shake, shake, shake! The outer shell will simply fall off and you will be left with just the clove. NEVER PEAL ANOTHER KIWI EVER AGAIN TIP: The skin on a kiwi is completely edible and nearly triples the fibre content compared to eating just the meat of the fruit. (opt for organic when possible)
CO NT R I BU T E D BY: Va n e ssa Ja hn ke Co - Fo und er / Genera l Ma na g er Pure Gy m & J ui c er y N u tr i ti o n a n d H ea l th Co u c hi n g p u rea n d si mp len u t r i ti o n . c a @ p s. nut r i t i o n
SUMMER 2016 | BOOMBALOO 9
10 BOOMBALOO | SUMMER 2016
THE OKANAGAN’S 101 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER CONTEST WITH OKANAGAN LIFESTYLE & NEW WAVE FITNESS It’s cool company’s like these that make living in the Okanagan so Ah-Maz-ing! Some super rad people behind New Wave Fitness and Okanagan Lifestyle came up with an incredible list of 101 Activities to do in the Okanagan this Summer. From picking berries at Davison Orchards in Vernon, hitting some balls at the batting cage at Scandia, floating down the channel in Penticton, taking a SUP yoga class, and of course stopping at Tickleberries in Okanagan Falls. “To be honest,” says Jaclyn Robertson, owner of Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel, “the list is less of a ‘challenge’ and more like the most exhilarating summer anyone could ever hope for! The Okanagan is a beyond-charming, Canadian community representing infinite adventure. The Okanagan Lifestyle Challenge, which we also want to mimic for the winter season, is just one way we’re encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones, become curious, enjoy the outdoors and talk to strangers again.” Whether you live here or you are just visiting this summer, we challenge YOU to take the following list and explore the Okanagan. There are some amazing prizes up for grabs… and in our opinion this amazing list of fun activities already makes everyone a winner this Summer! Xx, Boombaloo Okanagan
THE OKANAGAN LIFESTYLE ADVENTURE LIST 101 OF OUR FAVOURITE OKANAGAN SUMMER ACTIVITIES The “Okanagan Lifestyle Adventure” occurs annually from July 1st - August 31st with the goal for locals and tourists alike to experience the vast adventures within the Okanagan Valley. At the end of the summer we throw a party and chat about our favourite adventures. Last year we collected over $5000 in prizes from local businesses to gift to the top 3 adventurers: those who complete the most items on the list! HOW TO ENTER: THE “RULES” (we use this term loosely) ARE SIMPLE: 1. Post a picture on Instagram when you complete one of the adventures. Pick a filter, or don’t, it will look cool no matter what! 2. Make sure you use the hashtag #myokanaganlifestyle 3. Tag @okanaganlifestyle and @newwavefitnesskelowna in all your pictures!
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BACKYARD BRUNCH W I T H C H A P T E R S / I N D I G O & N AT U R E ’ S FA R E M A R K E T S
+ Ahh...Those Summer Days! Did you head to your local Farmer’s Market over the weekend? I did! I absolutely love going to the market every Saturday morning and exploring what NEW goodies have arrived. It’s also the perfect time for me to refresh last week’s flowers and get a great assortment of local fruits, veggies and even meats! This past weekend we spent wiping down patio furniture and getting our deck ready for some summer entertaining. Weekdays seem to be so busy and on some days the only thing that gets me through is knowing another great weekend of fun and great food is around the corner. Today I am sharing with you some quick and easy backyard entertaining tips that are easy to do, affordable and delicious! Let’s start with decor! Grab any outdoor table or picnic table you already own. Add a tablecloth, great outdoor placemats, napkins (paper or linen), outdoor dishes, 1 large or 3 small vases (or both) filled with flowers from your garden OR local farmer’s market, outdoor goblets, and cutlery! If you have some nearby seating we like to throw a few outdoor pillows (similar colours to our placemats and napkins) for an extra POP of colour. Woven baskets are always a great staple and look great to have nearby as well - fill small baskets with extra napkins or bread and larger baskets with pillows or throws. PHOTOGRAPHY: MARY KONKIN 14 BOOMBALOO | SUMMER 2016
D E C O R C H E C K L I S T:
Outdoor table OR create a table with a folding table
Tablecloth Placemats Napkins (we like linen best but for outdoors you can sew your own in bright cottons) Dishes Vases
Fresh flowers (pick from your own garden if you can)
Pillows
Woven baskets
Extra: throw blankets for sitting on or for cooler temperatures.
When it comes food, I like to serve only the best quality and what’s in season. And, when it comes to entertaining, I like to keep the cost down too. While grocery shopping at Nature’s Fare Markets I do my best to watch for items that hit all three categories (Quality, Seasonal, and Price). You have no idea how gratifying it is for me when I find all three factors at once in a product. Most of the time, when items are in season the prices are great anyhow. As you may have noticed my family and I try our very hardest to eat quality organic products. I am obsessed with the quality and even more so with the taste. Plus, we all feel so-so much better. But you already know all the benefits of choosing organic ;) Again, another reason we are NFM’s fans! Organic fruits and veggies are on our checklist too for easy quick and delicious items to entertain with. They have numerous uses and are great in things like “infused water” too. You can make a fabulously elegant cold soup from seasonal vegetables like beets, tomatoes, corn; garnish with cukes, dill, hard boiled eggs and you have the makings of a super healthy, beautiful, chilled soup. continued...
SUMMER 2016 | BOOMBALOO 15
L U N C H C H E C K L I S T: Seedless Grapes Strawberries Cherries Oliver Cucumber (great for infused water too) Selections of Meats Selections of Cheese Crackers Olives Fresh French Bread Croissants Sparkling Water
Locally, I am a huge fan of “Ogopogo Meats” and “Two Rivers Meats” as well. Again, quality and flavour is top notch here and our guests always rave about them. Cheese, you will find variations of the “L’Ancetre” brand in my grocery cart quite often, and I think I have mentioned previously my obsession with True North Crackers along with “kii organic natural crisps in raisin, rosemary & pumpkin seed”. OBSESSED. Top off your grocery list with some delicious bread, baguette and/or croissants, sparkling water and you are all set! Summer entertaining isn’t about luxury and extravagance; it’s about fun and colour and healthy local food. You can serve quality items without breaking the bank, and relax and enjoy your friends and family. Isn’t it funny how, here in the Okanagan, everyone wants to visit in the summer? Have a great summer entertaining everyone! Feel free to send me an invitation ;) Xx, Natalie Grant
+ 16 BOOMBALOO | SUMMER 2016
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RECIPES
FISH TACOS WITH APPLE CILANTRO SLAW Makes 18 muffins COLESLAW INGREDIENTS: 4 c. finely shredded red cabbage 1 c. grated BC apple, skin on (Gala or Ambrosia are best) 1/4 c. chopped cilantro 1/3 c. fresh squeezed orange juice 1/2 tsp. sea salt FISH INGREDIENTS: 1 orange pepper, seeded & diced into 1/2” cubes 1 yellow pepper, seeded & diced into 1/2” cubes 1 lb. good white fish (i.e.: cod, sole or tilapia) 1/2 jalapeño, seeded & finely sliced 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp. sea salt CHIPOTLE CREME FRAICHE: 3/4 c. full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream 1 tsp. Chipotle Tabasco Sauce TACO FIXINGS: 12 small corn tortillas 1/2 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional) 1 lime cut into wedges 3/4 c. roughly chopped cilantro 18 BOOMBALOO | SUMMER 2016
DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine all of the coleslaw ingredients together in a large bowl, toss together, and set aside. 2. In a separate large bowl, combine all of the fish ingredients together and set aside. 3. Combine the sour cream or yogurt together with the Chipotle Tabasco Sauce in a small bowl and set aside. 4. Heat a large frying pan on medium heat and cook the fish mixture gently until the fish is cooked through, tossing half way through. Make sure that the pan isn’t crowded, you may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your pan. 5. Meanwhile, heat another medium frying pan over lowmedium heat to warm up your tortillas. Run each tortilla under water and place on the pan for about 30 seconds a side until the tortilla is warm. 6. To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the fish mixture, a serving of the coleslaw, a dollop of Chipotle Crème Fraîche, and if desired, a squeeze of lime, a couple of jalapeño slices and extra cilantro.
BLUEBERRY SPINACH SALAD SALAD INGREDIENTS: 5 c. lightly packed washed baby spinach leaves 1 c. BC Blueberries ½ c. sliced almonds, lightly toasted 2/3 c. feta cheese, crumbled 1 avocado, diced
DIRECTIONS:
DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
1. Mix all of the salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
Juice of 1 lemon
2. In a mason jar or large cup, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar and garlic clove. Whisk together. Slowly add the vegetable oil while whisking (I use an Aerolatte for this, it makes perfectly emulsified salad dressings every time!).
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, crushed ½ c. vegetable oil (ie: canola oil)
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad (you may not use it all depending on your taste) and serve.To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the fish mixture, a serving of the coleslaw, a dollop of Chipotle Crème Fraîche, and if desired, a squeeze of lime, a couple of jalapeño slices and extra cilantro.
SICILIAN RICOTTA CAKE Serves 10-12 INGR EDIENTS: 2 c. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 c. sugar 1 c. ricotta cheese 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 3 Tbsp. lemon zest 2 Tbsp. orange zest 1/2 c. olive oil 1/4 c fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice 1/4 c. honey
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 350F and spray a bundt pan with oil. 2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar. Whisk until combined. 3. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and mix together until smooth. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk and/or rubber spatula until fully combined (don’t over-mix the batter). 4. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean with no crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the cake sit for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack. SUMMER 2016 | BOOMBALOO 19
USING FITNESS TO FUEL YOUR LIFE WITH NICOLE FUNK AND FUNK~TION FOR LIFE, O P T I M U M H E A LT H & F I T N E S S
Boombaloo sat down with Nicole Funk, owner of personal training company, Funk~tion for Life, to find out how this busy mom of three incorporates fitness into her daily life and her tips for staying healthy this summer.
Q.
WHAT IS T H E STORY BE HI N D F UN K~T ION FOR LIFE? WH Y D I D YO U START T HE B USINESS? Funk~tion for Life, or FFL, was born out of a desire to help more people use fitness as a tool to live their best lives. After graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelors degree in Health and Recreation Education, I found my passion in personal training. I love helping people strengthen their bodies and minds through exercise. Like many businesses, FFL started out as just me working from my basement in a small studio! I used to travel to train clients but the demand soon became more than I could handle alone. Eight years later, FFL has a team of five trainers who provide group fitness classes, personal and small group training all over Penticton and Naramata.
Check us out here! /PERSONALTRAININGPENTICTON CONTACT: HELLO@FUNKTIONFORLIFE.COM NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!
Q.
T HE HE ALT H & F I T N E S S I N D U ST RY SE E M S TO BE CO N STAN T LY M OV I N G F R OM ONE T R E N D TO T HE N E X T. W HAT ’ S YOUR F I T N E SS P HI LO SO P HY ? It’s true. While my team and I love to stay on top of what’s new in the industry, our core philosophy never changes. We believe that the path to optimal health and fitness needs to be personal and tailored to the individual. We are also huge advocates of balance. There needs to be balance between pushing yourself and rest and recovery, as well as balance in the type of exercise.
Q.
SP E AKI N G O F BAL ANC E, H OW D O YO U F I N D BAL AN C E I N YOUR O W N L I F E ? HO W D O YO U FI ND T I M E TO E X E R C I SE AS A M O M OF T HR E E , P E R SO N AL T R AI N E R A ND ENTREPRENEUR? It isn’t easy. All moms out there can testify to that! For me, I focus on the higher purpose exercise serves in my life. I know that when I am investing in my body and mind I generate more energy to give back to my family, which is what matters the most to me. That said, there are times – and sometimes long periods of time – when it simply isn’t possible to carve out much time for yourself. After I had my youngest son, I couldn’t dedicate the time I wanted to exercise. I remedied that by just not sitting still. It’s amazing how many exercises you can fit in while on the floor playing trucks!
Q.
SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE AND FOR PARENTS IT TYPICALLY MEANS THE ROUTINE IS OUT OF THE WINDOW! WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ON HOW TO STAY IN SHAPE OVER THE SUMMER WHEN THE KIDS ARE OFF SCHOOL? I think it is important to remember that exercise can come in all shapes and forms. Just because you can’t carve out an hour in the gym, doesn’t mean you can’t move today! Take every opportunity to move your body, throw a Frisbee on the beach instead of collapsing on the beach towel and be sure to move as a family whether it is walks, bike rides or soccer in the back yard. It all adds up.
Q.
IS IT A MISPERCEPTION THAT PERSONAL TRAINING IS A LUXURY OR ONLY FOR THE SUPER RICH AND SUPER STRONG?
You can also find us at the Sandy Beach Lodge in Naramata at 10:30 am every Tuesday & Thursday from 10:30-11:30am. The combination of exercise, fresh air, group energy and a lake view with sunshine is hard to beat! Our schedule is on the MindBody app. We also provide updates on the Funk~tion for Lifefacebook page and on our website www. personaltrainingpenticton.com. I hope to see Boombaloo readers outside this summer to get a sweat on and move along the path to ultimate health and fitness Thanks Nicole. Boombaloo readers who bring a copy of Boombaloo to a FFL outdoor group exercise class will get the first class for half price. Now there is really no excuse not to move this summer!
It sure is. We work with clients that range from a 13 year old hockey player right through to clients in their sixties and seventies! Each of my trainers has a different fitness background which gives FFL plenty of scope to find the right personal fit. We also work in different settings, which provides a range of affordability. There’s a lot of scope to make it work for individuals from all walks of life – what our clients have in common is the desire to use fitness to as the means to live their best lives.
Q.
YOU ARE MAKING ME WANT TO GET OUT AND EXERCISE! WHERE CAN WE FIND THE FFL TEAM? I am glad to hear it! The FFL team provides all styles of training at Pure Gym & Juicery (at the Lakeside Hotel) and the Penticton Community Centre. We also meet clients in their homes, public parks or use our private gym facilities. Now that the sun is shining, we are also running drop in Fusion Fitness classes at Okanagan Lake Park every Saturday at 9 am for just $10.
C O N T R I B U T E D B Y: Nicole Fu n k O wner a nd D i rec t o r o f Funk ~ t ion For Life CREDENTIALS: B achelor D egree in Health & Recreation Educ at i on ,Ps y c h ol ogy minor – Unive rs i t y of Vi c t ori a Certified Per sonal Train e r (Ca n - Fi t - Pro) Certified S p i n In s t ru c t or Certified Group Fi t i n s t ru c t or Fir st A i d & C P R / A E D
Pantone 2925
Pantone 376
Pantone 540C
PHOTOGRAPHY: ABBIE ROSE
BC TREE FRUITS H A R V E S T I N G S O M E T H I N G H E A V E N LY
Living in the Okanagan certainly has its advantages. There are not too many places in this world where you can enjoy both amazing scenic winters on the hill straight to hot breathtaking views on the beach in the summer! When I think of the Okanagan two other famous benefits come to mind. Wine (of course), and our vast selection of delicious fresh fruit, grown right here in the Okanagan! I invited a couple of special guests Rachel, from Daily Routine Fitness and Kati Pollock, wife of Marketing Manager for BC Tree Fruits (Chris Pollock) to join me on a unique and beautiful tour. Before I get started, a little trivia. Do you know why they decided on BC Tree Fruits and not BC Tree Fruit? I actually have to admit I revert to the other all the time. Their answer: “Both are plural. And both are correct. But the word “fruits” implies more than one kind. And we like that. Because since 1936, we’ve helped to promote not just British Columbia’s amazing apples, but also pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, prune plums and nectarines. And even some stuff that doesn’t grow on trees, like grapes and blueberries. Hence, fruits.” continued...
“ WE ARE NOT JUST GROWING FRUIT HERE. WE ARE GROWNING A N E C O N O M Y.”
Our day started with us all meeting at one of BC Tree Fruits’ orchards located in Kelowna. They have orchards everywhere throughout the Okanagan. At first viewing, this beautiful orchard seemed to have hundreds and hundreds of rows of cherry trees. My first thought? My kids would love running through here (to be honest so would I!) The orchard was perfectly manicured. In my opinion that’s a beauty in itself. As moms, we are so accustomed to heading to our local grocer or market to pick up our produce. The opportunity to see what happens from the moment the fruit is picked was so cool. We were so in awe of how well kept the orchards were. Every row, every branch. I started to think of my own cherry tree and the work it takes to keep it healthy and happy (never mind hundreds upon hundreds of them) and how hard growers work to bring families like ours delicious fruit each season. Did you know that over 500 Okanagan Valley families own BC Tree Fruits?
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Chris Pollock said, “These are folks who every day put everything they have into tending their orchards. Many grew up on their farms and have Okanagan air in their DNA. Others came from faraway places and were so struck by BC’s glorious interior region that they simply never left. All of them have the same goal – to harvest something heavenly – but their stories are all a bit different”. Visiting the orchard was such an exceptional way of “literally” picking the fruit from the trees and waiting to see what happened to them next. Which brings me to our next stop ~ the packing house. Pictures speak a thousand words, and since I have limited room in this editorial, I am going to let the beautiful photography do just that.
In the packing house each cherry gets individually sorted by grade and size. The fruit takes a quick path down the line through a cluster cutter, quality control, hydro cooler, camera (which takes over 30 photos of each cherry in under a second) to a bag or box! Our next stop was in the actual BC Tree Fruits store. It was huge, clean, tidy and fun! Did I mention (as a marketing person) I am in LOVE with BC Tree Fruits branding. It’s so-so cool! Fresh seasonal summer fruits by the crates, delectable jams, juices, coffee and Oh ya….the BC Tree Fruits cider company is literally next door - which ended up being our last stop. Perfect way to end the day if you ask me. In fact, on my next wine tour this summer I am adding it to my places to visit! One of my favourite taglines from BC Tree Fruits is: “We’re not just growing fruit here. We’re growing an economy”. Thank you, BC Tree Fruits, for taking the time to show some very passionate Mommas more things grown and produced directly here in the Okanagan. It was so inspiring to see how you support the local growers, local initiatives, and the community. We left smiling, knowing a little more about you and will continue to support companies like yours right back! For more information on BC Tree Fruits, including some amazing recipes, please visit them on their website found here: bctree.com along with their social media platforms. FACEBOOK.COM/BCTREE @BCTREE FRUITS See you in the store!
KID’S SUMMER PARTY INSPIRATION Bright colors, summer treats and gold foil balloons... put them together and you have a deliciously sweet Kid’s Summer Party. The kids gathered around with their friends hopping from petite seat to petite seat checking out the mixed fruit pineapple bowls and their paper strawberry crates to see the goodies they contained. Seeing big bold smiles on their faces always makes the hard work of the party planning and styling so much more worth it. “I have always loved styling events. So when I became a Mom I knew there first 5 birthday parties would be something I was going to look forward too. Then their 5th birthdays went by and I became obsessed with doing more…including this “End of the year school party” I threw for my boys with my girlfriend Cindy from Confetti & Sparkle who has the most amazing party shop. She ships to the Okanagan too ;) If you are a Mom like me I hope you are inspired by our end of the school year party! Details are in the photos... ;)” Xx, Natalie Grant Founder + Creative Director at BOOMBALOO
26 BOOMBALOO | SUMMER 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISTEL DANIELLE
PA R T Y H I G H L I G H T S • OPEN FACED TR IP LE LAYE R E D S P R IN K LE CA K E by Re ddy M ade Ca ke s • PIN EA PPLE, PA LM T R E E S A N D FLA M IN G O COOKIES by Love S u ga r • F RU IT F ILLED PI N E A P P LE B OWLS • GOLD F OIL LETT E R E D “S UM M E R ” B A LLOON S by Confetti & Spa r kl e • PETITE SEATS by C h i c Fe t e • F RESH M A DE DO N UT S by Ca rt e m s • CRATES F U LL OF S OFT PA ST E L M ACA R ON S b y L a B elle M acaron • GORGEOUS F LO R A LS by Fl ow e r s & Com pa n y
PA R T Y C R E D I T S STY L I NG AN D DES IG N N ata li e Gra n t o f B O OM BA M OO & C i n d y D u ec k o f Co nfetti & S park l e P H OTO G RAP HER K ristel Dan iel l e
BAL LOO N S, P LAT ES, NAP K I NS , C U P S ST RAW S, RIB B O N Co n f etti & S p a rk l e Party Sh op W HI T E P L AT T E R S + CAKE STAN D H om e S en se C H I L D R E N’ S C H I AVARI CHAIRS Ch ic Fete STRIP ED FAB RIC Fabricl an d PAP E R ST R AW BERRY CRAT ES , C U T L E RY, M AS O N JARS M ich eal s S O DA Jon es Soda Co.
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30 BOOMBALOO | SUMMER 2016
WINE DESTINATION Make visiting the Southern Okanagan wineries part of your to-do list this summer. A few weeks back I was officially half-corked. I had the pleasure of participating in the Southern Okanagan’s Half-Corked Marathon. Have you heard of it? Most people hear “marathon” and shudder but if you add “winery” to “marathon” the appeal becomes apparent pretty quickly. This was probably the most fun and the BEST race I have ever participated in. There was so much activity and hilarity packed into the weekend that I could fill an entire novel. But for now I’ll focus on the highlights. Inspired by the legendary Medoc Marathon in Bordeaux, this annual race sells out year after year (you must get your tickets early). It’s basically the most fun you’ve ever had race that takes you from winery to winery - sampling along the way. Yes, there are not typos here. It’s an 18 kilometre race with wine involved. While “running” from winery to winery we enjoyed delicious food pairings along the way from local chefs, restaurateurs and café owners. continued...
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32 BOOMBALOO | SUMMER 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY: KEIRAN FREY and DARREN ROBINSON
“Half-Corked Marathon gives visitors a true taste of our region,” says Jennifer Busmann from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association. “Visitors can enjoy an unforgettable weekend in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country and get a flavour of the wide range of wineries with a burst of springtime sunshine.” I have to admit, I was super nervous thinking about the duration of this race, all while having to drink wine along the way. But when the race began there was so much energy, laughter and excitement from everyone you kind of forgot about all of that. In fact, most of the time my crew and I walked (we talked a lot along the way) and we managed to complete the race in just under 4 hours. Which leads me to this next part…..the Finish Line PARTY! As we made our way to the finish line, our adrenaline kicked in again. Everyone was cheering, live music was playing, and more wine and delicious food was waiting for us. Even as the rain started to drop, everyone’s spirits were kept very high.
The Half-Corked is a race like no other here in the Southern Okanagan. I can 100% say I look forward to going again next year…and I hope to see you there too! But while you’re waiting for next year’s race, there is still the rest of this summer so make time to take a day trip or even a night (I recommend N’KMIP Resort) and visit some amazing wineries in the south. Make sure to tell them you read this article in BOOMBALOO OKANAGAN! In fact, be sure to take a photo while there and tag us and the winery you are visiting for a chance to be featured tag #boombaloowine. From one wine lover to another ~ have a great Summer! For more information visit oliverosoyoos.com Xx, Natalie Grant Founder + Creative Director at BOOMBALOO
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SHO ONL P INE!
Birch Hill Studio is a lifestyle boutique and gift shop located in beautiful Vernon, British Columbia. We carry carefully selected items including apparel for women, men and children; jewelry; and home dÊcor. We proudly support local and Canadian artisans, makers and designers. We’re drawn towards unique items with a high level of quality and appreciate the art of thoughtful gifting.
S H o p y o u r T ru e N o rT H S T r o Ng a N d F r e e
3208 30th Avenue, Vernon
250.541.7557
www.birchhillstudio.com
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