Boulevard Magazine, Okanagan Home - May/June 2017 Issue

OK ANAGAN HOME

LIFE AT ITS FINEST

INSPIRE. CHANGE A LIFE. REPEAT. Luxury cars create lifetime memories

POINT OF VIEW Lake, vineyard views enhance light, bright and beautiful home

CATCH OF THE DAY

The fabulous flavours of fresh seafood

WORK IT Stay cool in hot-looking, sport chic workout wear

MAY | JUNE 2017

A WILD PIECE OF LAND

10 Minutes to Downtown 10 Steps to Nature

NATURE INSPIRED LIVING

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... where you can live surrounded by nature with wide open views and still so close to a vibrant city.

Only 10 minutes from downtown Kelowna you can find such a place.

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22

41 20

62 16 FEATURES

On the cover Featured home by Sierra West Luxury Homes in Peachland.

Photo by Darren Hull

26 POINT OF VIEW

46 CATCH OF THE DAY

Open spaces in stunning home

Let the flavour and

opens up glorious views.

freshness of seafood shine.

By Darcy Nybo / Darren Hull

By Chef Heidi Fink /

Don Denton

34 INSPIRE. CHANGE A LIFE. REPEAT.

62 SPRING BREAK

Matt August uses luxury

Nixing bad habits is good

cars to make memories.

for your health.

By Darcy Nybo / Darren Hull

By Pamela Durkin /

41

WORK IT

Lia Crowe

Stay cool in hot-looking,

“sport chic” workout wear.

6

By Kim Appelt / Darren Hull

26 34

56

46

71 66 CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

56 TRAVEL FAR 8 OUR CONTRIBUTORS 12 EDITOR’S LETTER

Stepping into spring

14 INSPIRED STYLE

Chantelle Pierson

By Lia Crowe

16

INSPIRED INTERIORS

A perfect union

By Justin O’Connor /

Lia Crowe

2O INSPIRED CHEFS

Jeff Burns

By Susan Lundy /

Lia Crowe

St. Barts: Land of the

rich and famous

By Bruce Sach

66 FRONT ROW 22 INSPIRED PEOPLE

Laurie Koss

By Patti Shales Lefkos /

Lia Crowe

54 TRAVEL NEAR

What’s on this month

By Brenda Giesbrecht

71

TALKING WITH TOBY

The real deal:

Allan Horwood

By Toby Tannas / Lia Crowe

Fairmont Empress

wellness retreat

By Sara Wilson /

74 OUTTAKE

Don Denton

By Darren Hull

7

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

KIM APPELT STYLIST: WORK IT

PAGE 41

“I loved watching the whole team come together on this shoot! There is nothing like the fun and excitement of making location changes ... on location!” Kim is a fashion stylist and respected style expert in the industry. Her work has been in many publications, seen on the red carpet at The Junos and The Daytime Emmys.

PAMELA DURKIN

STYLIST: INSPIRE. CHANGE A LIFE. REPEAT.

PHOTOGRAPHER: CATCH OF THE DAY

PAGE 34

PAGE 46

“Shooting Matt August at the Kelowna Airport was quite a challenge. The loud sound of jet engines blasted in the background and we had only a tiny window of sunlight ... not to mention we were trying to wrangle a helicopter and a Lamborghini into the best positions!

But as always Darren Hull captured some gorgeous photos to accompany a truly inspiring and humbling story.” Lia Crowe is a stylist, creative director, photographer and writer with a long history of working in the fashion industry.

HEIDI FINK

WRITER: SPRING BREAK

WRITER: CATCH OF THE DAY

PAGE 62

PAGE 46

“Spring is a glorious season, and it’s synonymous with renewal, making it the perfect time to let go of bad habits and embrace healthier ones. After working on this piece for Boulevard, I’ve identified two nasty habits I need to ‘breakup’ with and I’ve committed to kiss them goodbye!” Pamela is a freelance health writer and nutritional consultant whose work has appeared in numerous magazines.

GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto

“As always, I had the most fun at the photo shoot for this article: we went outdoors on a sunny day and cooked with the freshest, most delicious fish.”

Heidi Fink is a chef, food writer and culinary instructor, specializing in local foods and ethnic cuisines.

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe, Pamela Durkin,

WRITERS Heidi Fink, Brenda Giesbrecht, PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke Patti Shales Lefkos, Darcy

250.891.5627 Nybo, Justin O’Connor, Bruce Sach, Toby Tannas,

EDITOR Susan Lundy Sara Wilson

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe, Don Denton,

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

PHOTOGRAPHERS Darren Hull

DESIGN Lorianne Koch, Bravo Advertising CIRCULATION & Marilou Pasion Michelle Gjerde DISTRIBUTION 604.542.7411 Claudia Gross

ASSOCIATE GROUP Oliver Sommer PUBLISHER

8

DON DENTON

LIA CROWE

“The best part of food shoots is often the aftermath. The salmon looked amazing when photographed in the blue and black frying pan but after all the photographs were taken our crew were lucky enough to taste test (okay, eat them) and they were fabulous.” Don has photographed numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics, World Hockey Championships and a Royal wedding.

BRENDA GIESBRECHT WRITER: FRONT ROW PAGE 66

“Thoughts of the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival and summer garden party galas help me believe that warmer weather is just around the corner. Wonderful music keeps my heart singing as the winter concert season wraps up, and I look forward to the outdoor concerts that draw us out to enjoy the beauty of this valley and the wonderful musicians who share their gifts with us.”

Brenda has been writing for many years, in addition to doing graphic design, book production and fibre arts.

ADVERTISE Boulevard Magazine is British Columbia’s leading lifestyle magazine, celebrating 26 years of publishing. To advertise or to learn more about advertising opportunities please send us an email at info@blvdmag.ca Mailing Address: 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E4 Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca blvdmag.ca

Victoria Boulevard ® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication.

Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

LUXURY CUSTOM HOMES

EST. 1988

Commited to Excellence SINCE 1988

2016 Grand Tommie Home Of The Year

www.parshomes.ca | 250.878.0662

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

DARREN HULL

JENNY MCKINNEY

PHOTOGRAPHER: WORK IT

MAKEUP ARTIST: WORK IT

PATTI SHALES LEFKOS WRITER: INSPIRED PEOPLE

PAGE 41

PAGE 22

PAGE 41 “This issue I enjoyed working with the team again and was especially was stoked by the support we received from our location’s partners. New Wave Fitness, Motovida and the Film Factory — you guys are aces!” Darren is an editorial and commercial photographer and has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s top image makers with work informed by a strong sense of storyline.

“I feed off of collaboration, and working with this incredibly talented team is a gift that gives me a lot of fuel. I loved the vibe of this editorial and there were moments I definitely had Gwen Stefani-esque inspo flowing. Being in the company of such high level creators is a dream come true.” Jenny is a Kelownabased makeup artist.

“It is a pleasure to profile Laurie Koss and to join with her in celebrating her recent designation as a Senior Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists.”

Patti loves living in the woods of Silver Star Mountain where she skis, snowshoes, hikes and combats writers’ block by gazing out the window at the antics of squirrels eating her prayer flags.

DARCY NYBO

JUSTIN O’CONNOR

BRUCE SACH

WRITER: INSPIRE. CHANGE A LIFE. REPEAT.

WRITER: INSPIRED INTERIORS

WRITER: LAND OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS

PAGE 34

PAGE 16

PAGE 56

“Sometimes driving a luxury car is more about the dream of the car than the car itself. After meeting Matt August, one can’t help but be heartened by what he does for the people of the Okanagan. ‘Inspire. Change a Life.

Repeat’ isn’t just a slogan for him, it’s a lifestyle.” Darcy Nybo is a freelance writer, writing instructor and author. She is a self-professed word nerd and a wine aficionado by osmosis.

“In creating this house, the builder, designer and homeowner came together to create an environment that marries industrial and natural elements into a stunning setting”.

Justin O’Connor is the top Sales Associate in Kelowna for Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and President for the Canadian Home Builder’s Association Central Okanagan.

TOBY TANNAS WRITER: THE REAL DEAL PAGE 71

“’Never coming to a department store near you.’ So read the slogan on a T-shirt I noticed on a young entrepreneur’s back in St. Barts. Later I tried on a pair of swimming trucks that had no price tag but merely a serial number. Both indicated to me the exclusive nature of the haven.” Born and raised on the parklands of Alberta, Bruce is only now getting acquainted, one by one, with the islands of the Caribbean.

SARA WILSON WRITER: THE GOOD LIFE PAGE 54

“When I sat down with Allan Horwood, owner of The Pool Patrol, I immediately knew I was in the presence of an inspiring soul. An article I assumed would focus primarily on his pool cover business very quickly became about something much bigger.” Toby is a former TV news anchor, currently focused on her online fashion business, freelance media projects and beautiful family.

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“I had the most fun getting to know and learn from a dozen like-minded and driven women guided by Catherine Roscoe Barr, wellness guru at Vancouver’s The Life Delicious at the Fairmont Empress. Surrounded by such beauty, history and culinary marvels makes me want to come back again and again.” Sara is an award-winning journalist and editor of Monday Magazine and Where Magazine.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Putting spring into our steps

BY SUSAN LUNDY

Helping Peter fix the fence. And — of course — learning to distinguish between weeds and asparagus.

I confess, it’s not really my idea of “me” time, and I started reconsidering this garden business. Perhaps, I thought, spring is a good time to enjoy a brisk walk to a local food market, where you can purchase fresh veggies and flowers, or to sit on the deck with a locally made (rather than homemade) glass of wine.

Either way, enjoying the season with a copy of this edition of Boulevard in hand is certain to put a spring into your step. Two stories in particular make my heart sing, and readers will enjoy learning about two local businessmen — Matt August and Allan Horwood — who have discovered the deep joy of giving back to the community. Matt uses his access to luxury cars to help disadvantaged children realize their dreams, while Allan has dedicated much of his life to helping a community in Africa. These men are examples of all that is good in the Okanagan.

Through these pages readers will also visit two exquisite homes — discover the first in our cover story by Darcy Nybo and the second in Justin O’Connor’s Inspired Interiors piece. Our food story, Catch of the Day, offers up delectable ideas for creating seafood feasts; Travel Far takes us to the exclusive paradise of St. Barts; Travel Near journeys to a wellness retreat at the beautiful Fairmont Empress in Victoria. And Front Row gives an overview of some not-to-miss events coming up this spring in the Okanagan.

In Work It, feast your eyes on the latest in “sport chic” workout gear, beautifully photographed by the talented Darren Hull and styled by the fashion-savvy Kim Appelt.

Also in these pages, meet artist and “master of light and shade” Laurie Koss, Play Winery chef Jeff Burns and the stylish Chantelle Pierson.

There is so much to read and so many beautiful photos to enjoy in this spring edition of Boulevard, I think I’ll take a copy over to Peter and Shari. Maybe they’ll trade some roses.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

“D

O YOU HAVE ANY amusing gardening stories?” I asked my friends, whose thumbs are so green they glow in the dark.

Many people are thinking “garden” at this time of year, so I wanted to write something witty and entertaining about our own gardening efforts. However, our story is more akin to the tragic than comedic. So, as we dined with friends one evening, I popped the question.

“Well,” said Shari, “I once weeded out all the asparagus spears. They looked like weeds.”

Judging from Peter’s glare across the table, I gathered he didn’t find that story particularly amusing.

So I turned to him and said, “Didn’t you once have a situation with a bird and — um… well, there is no good way to put this — but … a bird and your nuts?”

Once, as Peter plucked nuts from his gazillion almond, hazelnut and walnut trees, a jay hopped from branch to branch, screeching at him every time he picked a nugget from the tree. Mildly amusing for sure!

Peter and Shari have an amazing garden. Every year, we remind them of our deep friendship by dropping by a little more frequently around the time they harvest their most spectacular-tasting pears.

They are the most popular barbecue guests on the block as they arrive with glorious salads — almost too pretty to eat — made entirely of homegrown vegetables. They sometimes come by with a bouquet of their heavenly scented red roses … and all year long they seem to be feasting on the bounty of their fruit trees.

Things aren’t quite as bountiful at our home. Last year our fledgling garden was savaged by a band of wild bunnies. The deer took care of any remaining foliage plus many of the flowers, and the birds made off with most of our cherries.

We did manage to produce some exquisite grapes — I wanted to frame them, not eat them — but they didn’t last long.

Our dinner conversation moved to other topics and later Shari and I sat with little glasses of their homemade blackberry port, chatting about our busy work schedules.

Turns out her days “off” involve weeding, watering, pruning, planting and plucking the garden. Hauling soil to and fro.

THE DEER TOOK CARE OF ANY REMAINING FOLIAGE PLUS MANY OF THE FLOWERS, AND THE BIRDS MADE OFF WITH MOST OF OUR CHERRIES.

12

Susan Lundy heads up the editorial team for the Boulevard Magazine Group. She is a former journalist, two-time recipient of the prestigious Jack Webster Award, and the author of Heritage Apples: A New Sensation (Touchwood Editions, 2013).

“WE LOVE IT HERE.”

Enjoy lakeside living minutes from downtown.

West Harbour is an intimate community of elegant designer homes perched on the Okanagan’s west shore. With an outdoor pool,

PHASE 3 NOW SELLING DETACHED HOMES

500 feet of sandy beach, Harbour Club (coming soon), available

FROM $650,000

boat moorage and a welcoming group of residents who love the

INCLUDING BOAT SLIP

Okanagan lifestyle.

*E. & O. E. THIS IS NOT AN OFFERING FOR SALE.

PHASE 3 IS NOW SELLING, with only 12 estate lots available and 3 brand new home designs to choose from, including bungalows.

Visit us to see everything there is to love about living here.

ONLY 12 ESTATE LOTS AVAILABLE IN PHASE 3

Sale Centre OPEN DAILY, 12 PM – 4 PM Take Hwy 97 to Westside Rd., turn onto Old Ferry Wharf Rd.

westharbourkelowna.com

inspired STYLE

BY LIA CROWE WITH CHANTELLE PIERSON, GRADUATE JEWELLER AND CO-OWNER OF JC BRADLEY JEWELLERS, VERNON

I

MET THE LOVELY CHANTELLE at the new and beautiful JC Bradley Jewellers location in downtown Vernon, and we walked to Triumph Coffee, where we chatted about life and style over lattes.

Originally from Vernon, Chantelle was born into jewellery. Her father started JC Bradley 35 years ago and she always knew jewellery was part of her future. In addition to being a Graduate Jeweller and business owner, she is well on her way to achieving the title Graduate Gemologist and is currently designing her own jewellery line.

“To me the study of and science of diamonds and gemstones is fascinating. Jewellery has all my interests in one industry; it’s nerdy science, while at the same time, glamorous and luxurious. It also ties in my love of fashion.”

She describes her personal style as “fairly classic and feminine, with a slight edge twist.”

When it comes to jewellery, she says, “I’m really into yellow gold and I also like refined, petite pieces like layered, thin, stacking necklaces. It’s so feminine and pretty.”

But above all what Chantelle loves about being on this path is working with family.

“My dad and I have a unique relationship — we’re father and daughter, business partners and best friends. We get along very well but we also each have our own unique ideas that we bring to the business.”

STYLE INSPIRATIONS

STYLE ICON: Audrey

WHAT DO YOU READ ONLINE FOR STYLE:

Hepburn: she’s classic and feminine. PIECE OF ART: Painting of my dog Zen. FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNER: Tom Ford.

FAVE PRINT MAGAZINE: Vogue.

COFFEE TABLE BOOK: Lonely

FAVOURITE MUSICIAN:

Van Morrisson.

FILM OR MOVIE THAT INSPIRED YOUR STYLE: Breakfast

at Tiffany’s.

FASHION

UNIFORM: Work days

— black pencil skirt and blouse.

Days off — Citizen of Humanity denim and basic white tee. ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PIECE: Helmut Lang black leather jacket.

CURRENTLY COVETING: Diamond Stainless Steel and 18KT Yellow Gold Datejust Diamond Rolex. FAVOURITE PAIR OF SHOES: Michael Kors black leather pump — I can actually stand in them all day at work and not have sore feet! FAVOURITE JEWELRY PIECE OR DESIGNER: S. Kashi and Sons Emerald Cut Halo diamond earrings. FASHION OBSESSION: Petite yellow gold layering necklaces.

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READING MATERIAL

Sincerely Jules or Song of Style.

Planet’s Ultimate Travel: Our List of the 500 Best Places on the Planet.

LAST GREAT READ:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

BEAUTY NECESSARY INDULGENCE:

Eyelash extensions: “That way I feel that I don’t have to wear any other makeup. Get up and go!” MOISTURIZER: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance. SCENT: Chance Chanel.

MUST-HAVE HAIR PRODUCT: Kerastase HydraSoothing Masque BEAUTY SECRET: “Smile! It radiates your beauty from the inside out.”

LIFE FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: My dad’s kitchen never disappoints. FAVOURITE WINE: Oculus by Mission Hill.

ALBUM ON CURRENT ROTATION: Dream Your Life Away, Vance Joy. FLOWER: Orchids. FAVOURITE CITY TO VISIT: Rio De Janeiro. “It has everything — city, beaches and mountains.”

FAVOURITE HOTEL: Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver. “The smell when you walk through the door gets me every time. The air is infused with jasmine.” FAVOURITE APP: Instagram.

FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WHOLE WORLD: “Kalamalka Provincial Park,

hiking with my dog. It’s where I go to relax and think.”

“I LOVE THAT I GET TO GO TO WORK AND HANG OUT WITH MY FAMILY.” 15

inspired INTERIORS

A perfect

INDUSTRIAL AND NATURAL ELEMENTS COMBINE FOR STUNNING INTERIORS

BY JUSTIN O’CONNOR

PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE

Shannon Cross in her and Cory Cross’ Raymer Bay home.

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union RAW INDUSTRIAL FINISHES OF BRICK, STEEL, CONCRETE AND EXPOSED GLULAM BEAMS PROVIDE A NICE CONTRAST OF REFINED TEAK CABINETRY AND SIMPLE, SHADOW LINE DETAILING. 17

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E

VERYONE DREAMS OF owning lakefront property in the Okanagan.

In this issue, we feature a dream that was 11 years in the making. The builder, designer and homeowner came together to create an environment that marries the industrial feel of brick, steel and concrete with the organic nature of wood and water. I believe they executed their task flawlessly.

LOCATION OF HOUSE: Raymer Bay, West Kelowna

BUILDER AND INTERIOR DESIGNER: James Wilson of Wilson & Company Custom Builders with Linda Trenholm Design HOMEOWNERS: Shannon and Cory Cross DESIGNER’S CONCEPT: A close collaboration between builder, designer and homeowner provides exceptional views and natural lighting for this modern lakefront home. Interesting rooflines and window design soften the impact on its hillside location. An open-concept floor plan on the ground level opens to a large pool deck, connecting indoor-outdoor living for an active young family that loves to entertain.

STYLE OF DESIGN: An industrial style highlighting glass, wood, steel and concrete finishes. High ceilings, clerestory windows and stainless steel railing systems provide a gallery-like feel to highlight the artist/owner’s paintings. (Shannon Cross is a painter.)

COLOUR SCHEME: Warm neutrals and organic finishes.

STANDOUT FEATURES: Raw industrial finishes of brick, steel, concrete and exposed glulam beams provide a nice contrast of refined teak cabinetry and simple, shadow line detailing.

A custom steel, see-through fireplace is the central feature of the house along with an antique steel barn door. While there are many feature finishes throughout the home, they are complementary and enhance the warmth and calmness of the space, allowing the quality of the work to tie it all together.

FROM HOMEOWNER SHANNON CROSS: I always wanted a home that brought the outdoors in. I wanted a home that had a slight West Coast feel — as well as a Soho or Manhattan vibe — but with a warm, industrial contemporary theme. Large, open rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass were a must, but I didn’t want it to look cold or too modern. I knew that if we made the space just right, with the perfect finishings, I could easily work with furnishings and décor to create a look that was aesthetically pleasing.

Being a professional artist, I wanted large wall space, in particular the front foyer. When you walk in the front door, you see a gallery wall that is currently the home for three of my own 5ive-by-five-foot pieces. They’re tough to miss from inside or outside, and are complemented by beautiful, custom railings using horizontal steel stringers and walnut handrails.

Being lucky enough to reside on the lake, we felt it fitting that every room in the house have a view to the water. Between designer Linda Trenholm and James Wilson, our builder, the floor plan was meticulously executed.

Our intent when we were building this home was to have a sense of organic charisma: a flow, using natural elements such as stone and wood. This was achieved with the exposed beams that span the entire main floor, the brick wall and the walnut features throughout the home. Although these elements provided a certain richness, we wanted to ensure the house was comfortable and social at the same time. As mentioned, every room in the house has a lake view and the bar was built as an indoor/outdoor bar making use of large sliding glass on the bar counter to the pool deck.

Our favorite area is the (main) floor living space. This is where most of the day-to-day activity goes on for our family. It was important for us that we had a huge area where we can be together with our kids, Ayla (11) and Cale (9). Here I have a massive kitchen from which I can see the rest of the family — either playing a game of pool or watching TV — while I prepare dinner. In the summer, it’s perfect because I can see the kids in the pool from anywhere I stand.

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inspiredCHEFS

JEFF BURNS CHEF AT PLAY WINERY BISTRO TEXT BY SUSAN LUNDY PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE

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Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie.

QUICK FACTS:

• Age: 29 • Born in Lethbridge, Alberta and grew up in Calgary.

• Completed the professional cooking course at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) in 2007.

• At Play Winery since its inception in early 2016. (The bistro opened on June 9, 2016.)

• Prior to Play Winery, worked in some of Calgary’s most notable restaurants, including Divino Wine and Cheese Bistro, Sky 360 and at the Calgary Tower. He was also an integral part of the opening team at HY’s Steakhouse.

WHAT ARE YOU BEST KNOWN FOR AS A CHEF? Being classically trained early on in my career has shaped me into the chef I am today. As I spent most of my career in busy Calgary restaurants, I was able to gain a lot of experience running a line and driving a team towards successful services.

WHAT ARE THE 10 OR SO MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS IN YOUR PANTRY? When I think about what ingredients play an important role in my cooking, I always lean towards items such as fresh herbs, fresh citrus fruit and fresh produce such as kale, beets and carrots. These are items that I believe fit in very well year-round.

During the spring and summer season, I enjoy working with fresh mushrooms, plus the wide array of amazing stone fruit this valley has to offer. I also truly believe that a properly made white chicken stock is a necessity in any kitchen, as it provides the base to soups, sauces and other prepared dishes.

FAVOURITE DISH TO COOK AND EAT ON A WARM, SPRING DAY?

CAN YOU SHARE AN EASY, SEASONAL RECIPE FOR A QUICK BITE THIS SPRING?

I have always been a fan of large salads with numerous different vegetables, fruits and proteins incorporated into them. One of my go-tos would include kale, roasted beets, fresh apples, potatoes, grilled chicken and a sharp salty cheese, be it a firm goat cheese or some crumbled feta, dressed with a simple squeeze of fresh lemon and a healthy amount of olive oil.

CHILI SEARED PRAWN SPAGHETTI 3-4 large sized prawns 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 medium shallot, minced 1 tsp chili flakes 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 lemon zest and juice White wine 3 Tbsp olive oil Fresh chopped parsley

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO ITEM WHEN SAMPLING OTHER CHEFS’ FARE? When I dine out, I usually go for humble, simple fare. I love anything braised; I also really enjoy fresh fish dishes. I love seeing what chefs can do with inexpensive, everyday ingredients — it’s very fascinating to me.

HOBBIES? As far as hobbies go, I really enjoy snowboarding in the winter months and golfing during the summer months, and of course, now that I live in the Okanagan, wine tasting!

Remove the shell and tail from the prawns and cut them into thirds. Sauté the prawns with the oil over medium heat (olive oil has a low smoking point and doesn’t like high heat). Once the prawns are lightly seared, add the garlic, shallots, chili and paprika and cook until translucent (1 to 1.5 minutes).

Deglaze with white wine and lemon.

Finish with chopped parsley and a small nob of butter, if you so choose.

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“EACH PANSY HAS A UNIQUE FACE. THE SHOW IS A COMMENTARY ON DIVERSITY, THE CELEBRATION OF SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES.”

22

inspiredPEOPLE

MASTER OF

LIGHT & SHADE LAURIE KOSS AND HER PATH TO PAINT

BY PATTI SHALES LEFKOS PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE

L

AURIE KOSS VIVIDLY REMEMBERS the exact moment she began to see the world differently.

“I was five years old,” she says, “sitting beside my mother, artist Mary Eagle. There was an open art instruction book on the table. Mom was working on developing her technique of sketching with charcoal, and I was trying to draw a typical tree… you know, a brown straight trunk and green leaves.”

It’s easy to picture the petite, brown-haired 54-year-old woman, who now sits in front of her easel, as that little girl filled with wonder and inspiration.

When the phone rang, Laurie recalls, her mom went to another room to answer it. The book was left open at a page showing a leafless tree with intricate branches. Laurie set about to copy the tree in the book.

“I started to notice dark and light. I copied the entire tree.”

When her mom came back into the room she gasped. “Look at what you can do. You’re an artist.”

“I felt so filled up, proud and excited,” says Laurie. “From then on I saw dark and light everywhere.”

Her studio, on the second floor of her home on the shore of Okanagan Lake, is filled with natural light, as is the rest of the immaculate house.

“I designed the house,” she explains. “The style is transitional, traditional with cleaner lines and a touch of contemporary.”

Her artist’s touch, her signature neutral tones, dominate everything from the plump cushions on the welcoming, front porch wicker furniture, past the clean lines of the open-concept living area to the expansive cream-trimmed windows that draw the eye to the lake.

A third-generation Vancouverite, Laurie grew up in North Vancouver surrounded by a creative family. Both in their 80s, her mom still teaches art, and her dad, a former high-end men’s wear salesman, builds model ships. Her two younger sisters dabble in jewelry creation and dressmaking.

“I took my first art classes when I was about 11 years old.

23

“SSHL WAS A GIFT. IT REMINDED ME LIFE IS SHORT. AS SOON AS I WAS WELL ENOUGH, I STARTED TO PAINT AGAIN.”

Mom always encouraged my drawing,” says Laurie.

Artist Laurie Koss at home with She counts her grade five one of her original paintings. teacher Royal Plant as an inspiration, as well as high school art teacher Wing Chow and print shop guru Al Louie.

“I was obsessed with colours, While working at Kits Cameras during the summer of 1983, she fonts, details and the print design process.” met second year med student Michael Koss. The pair returned to After high school she enrolled in the Commercial Art Vancouver, Michael to finish his medical training and Laurie to Program at Capilano University in North Vancouver. study English and Art at UBC. “I learned a lot about colour and photography skills,” she Upon graduation, Laurie was awarded the prestigious says. “But for me art was a passion, not a business. I dropped out Brissenden Scholarship based on a photographic resource book just before completing the two-year course.” she created for art teachers.

A variety of jobs followed in Vancouver, including freelance “I worked on that with photography instructor and graphic photography, designing logos and T-shirts, selling tickets at artist Bob Steele, now a UBC Professor Emeritus,” she says. “He Vancouver’s Exhibition Park as well as a stint at Kits Cameras. had a big influence on me. He encouraged me to explore the light In the early 1980s, Laurie followed her parents to Kelowna. and form in black and white macro photography and acrylic, 24

challenging me to produce beautiful black and white photos that rely on shape, tone and movement in the absence of colour.”

Eventually Michael and Laurie married. Prior to the arrival of their two children, Sarah and James, Laurie worked briefly as a substitute art and English teacher. Then, as the children grew, she regularly volunteered her artistic talents in her children’s classrooms.

Bob Steele’s influence lay dormant for a few years but never died. Drawn to nature, Laurie began photographing and painting flowers: begonias, carnations, dahlias and mums.

“They have a lot of depth; folds and flow,” she says.

Then about 17 years ago, she had a thought: “If I removed the colour, would a flower still be beautiful?”

Her painting once again became dominated by dark and light, shade and form.

“I had come full circle, back to the tree I drew at the age of five,” she says.

A year later, Laurie had her first art exhibition at Lake Country’s Barn Gallery.

“It was exciting, but most of the time I was busy raising our children. Painting was put on hold. Over time I developed a collection of 10 neutral paintings.”

In 2004, Laurie’s life changed dramatically.

“On November 29, after I sent the kids off to school, I suddenly went deaf in my left ear and my balance went,” she says.

She had been struck by Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss, which involved a sudden, rapid loss of hearing, vertigo and balance issues, and given a one-in-three chance of a full

recovery. Totally incapacitated and bedridden for months, she vowed that if she ever recovered she would no longer put painting on hold.

“SSHL was a gift. It reminded me life is short. As soon as I was well enough, I started to paint again.”

Five months later, in a bid to get Laurie out of the doldrums, her mother asked Stewart Turcotte, the current owner of Kelowna’s Hambledon Gallery, for an opinion of Laurie’s work.

The intimacy and sensuality of her work encouraged Turcotte to take a chance on her. Another successful show followed. As well as returning to painting, she became a yoga instructor and created her own website.

The year 2014 marked a temporary transition from neutrals to colour in Laurie’s painting. During a show at Vancouver’s Rendezvous Gallery, a senior art consultant referred to Laurie as a contemporary master of light and shade, known in Italian as “chiaroscuro.” Then Canada Post discovered her website and invited her to design two stamps featuring pansy faces. She picked and photographed 22 pansies, chose two, then created the paintings for the stamps. Days later, she received a commission from the Royal Canadian Mint to design a black-eyed Susan flower for Canada’s $20 coin.

Haunted by the faces of the pansies that weren’t featured on the stamps, she decided to paint them. The result will be shown at Hambledon Galleries, opening on May 4.

“Each pansy has a unique face. The show is a commentary on diversity, the celebration of similarities and differences,” she says.

See more of her work at www.lauriekoss.com.

Spectacular Waterfront Homes

“It’s all here, we live in a year-round playground” “Before we arrived at The Cottages we looked up and down the Okanagan Valley for the ideal spot. The minute we arrived at The Cottages we knew we had found that place!

There’s so much do here, the beach, the walking trails, the clubhouse with it’s wonderful amenities, and the area surrounding The Cottages has endless possibilities. Cycling for miles along quiet country roads, hiking, golfing and of course the wineries. And we’ve loved getting to know our neighbours, that’s something we never did in the city.”

Visit our website for more details including photo galleries, home plans, video tours and more homeowner testimonials about our gorgeous location and homes.

1.855.742.5555 osoyooscottages.com Visit our Display Homes » 2450 Radio Tower Road, Oliver, BC See website for open hours.

25

POINT OF VIEW LAKE AND VINEYARD VIEWS ENHANCE LIGHT, BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL HOME

BY DARCY NYBO PHOTOS BY DARREN HULL & COLIN JEWALL

26

HOT PROPERTIES

“WE TOOK GREAT CARE WITH THE WINDOW PLACEMENT, INTEGRATING THE VINEYARD INTO THE HOME AND MAKING USE OF THE VIEWS FROM EVERY SINGLE ROOM.” 27

“WE DID A 3D RENDERING TO MAP OUT THE SEASONS, AND TRACK THE ANGLE OF THE SUN FOR OUR LOCATION FOR TIME OF DAY AND TIME OF YEAR.”

28

W

HEN KEVIN ADAMS OF Sierra West Homes and Brenda Shuwera of Cashmere Design created their luxurious Peachland home, their goal was two-fold.

One was to create a home that captured as many views as possible in an integrated high-end design in an eco-friendly building. The other was to build a show home that showcased all the possibilities of a Lux Ultima development home, built on a sunshine-rich plateau in Peachland off Coldham Road.

“This is the last available plateau with an abundance of sunshine in all of Peachland,” explained Adams. “It’s a modernist space using hydronic in-floor heating, cross ventilation and passive solar design.”

When the home was being built, they were very particular about the path of the sun and how to utilize it to create an energyefficient house.

“The home faces due south,” said Adams.

“We did a 3D rendering to map out the seasons, and track the angle of the sun for our location for time of day and time of year. In the summer, when you get the most heat, the middle of the deck is as far as the sun comes. The deck overhang gives shade as well. We don’t need blinds on the windows as there is no direct sunlight or heat gain coming into the house in the summer. In the winter, the sunlight actually comes in and shines right into the home for light and heat gain.”

“We spent a great deal of time on the design process,” said Shuwera. “We took great care with the window placement, integrating the vineyard into the home and making use of the views from every single room. We took that care for us, just as we take it with our clients. Creating your dream home is a big investment and a huge experience. It’s a very personal thing and we make sure our clients get exactly what they want.”

The care taken was well worth the effort. Not only is the home gorgeous, it recently won a Gold Tommie award for best show home in the Okanagan over $500K. Despite the open concept, there is an illusion of walking from one room to another through a variation in ceiling heights.

This open concept allows for 180-degree views of the lake from the main living areas, with stunning hillside and vineyard views from other areas of the home. Outdoor views are easily accessed from the 1,400-square-foot upper deck, which looks out over a historical vineyard to the lake and hills beyond.

There are several elements that give this home unobstructed, fabulous views.

“IN THE WINTER, WHEN WE WAKE UP IN THE MORNING, WE CAN WATCH THE SUNRISE WHILE THE FIREPLACE KEEPS US COSY. IN THE SUMMER, WE HAVE OUR COFFEE ON THE DECK RIGHT OUTSIDE THE BEDROOM.”

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“We used Kolbe windows with 366 low UV rated glass as it increases energy efficiency in the home,” explained Adams.

“In the west facing stairwell, we were able to install the largest window they make.”

The 72-square-foot window gives unobstructed views of the yard, and the hills and pine forest beyond. There’s also an extensive use of steel beams, which allows for open, free spans that aren’t blocked by pillars. The biggest impact comes from the steel beam used on the deck. It’s 40 feet long with no pillar, and really opens up the view.

“Without the steel beam we would need two or three columns, which would obstruct the view,” said Adams.

The lower floor also incorporates a steel beam. This one is 20-feet long and opens up the area. Shuwera loves the feel it gives to the lower floor.

“It adds a different element to the space. I selected a metallic paint for the beam, and when the light hits, it has different dimensions. We selected photographs printed on metal to go with the steel beam.”

The lower floor has easy access to the ground level patio and the vineyard beyond, as well as stairs up to the elevated deck.

There’s an entertainment area and a second master bedroom with a fireplace, currently used as a spa room. Just off the spa room sits the yoga/relaxation room, with more great views.

The primary master bedroom is on the main floor.

“It’s my favourite room,” said Shuwera. “Having the fireplace in the bedroom is an added plus. In the winter, when we wake up in the morning, we can watch the sunrise while the fireplace keeps us cosy. In the summer, we have our coffee on the deck right outside the bedroom. It’s so peaceful.”

The kitchen and dining area is also an inviting space.

30

“We put double-smoked oak flooring throughout the main floor,” said Adams. “All the doors and drawers are made of top grade walnut throughout the kitchen, bedrooms and all the bathrooms. It’s all grain matched so when we laid out the sheets, the grain actually matches from one door to the next — from one drawer to the next.”

Add to that integrated touch and pull-cabinets and drawers, a butler’s pantry and Sub Zero and Wolf appliances, and you have a kitchen built for living and entertaining.

Adams’ favourite area is the outdoor space.

“I just love the front deck — all the outdoor space in general.

It ties in so well with the indoor space and it’s so easy to come and go from the kitchen and dining room to the upper and lower decks and the vineyard.”

There are so many features in this home it’s hard to list them all. There are Laguna sliding stainless steel rollers for the barn doors to the master bath and for the walk-in closet. They’re also on the door to the yoga studio.

The use of porcelain and travertine marble is well placed in this home. The foyer and front hallway have large-format porcelain tile, which is also on the front entryway. It’s very similar to what is on the decks, with a different size and finish.

The fireplace in the living room is surrounded by travertine marble as is the outside wood fireplace wall. It’s also on the inside and outside on the front entryway and foyer.

There is another very important feature in this house.

“Being on a vineyard it was important to have a wine feature when you first came into the home,” said Adams. “Our wine cellar is temperature controlled and holds 270 bottles.”

Currently, the Lux Ultima development is designed to include 40 lots. Seventy-five per cent will have lake and canyon views.

FAQ: Square Feet: 4,700 finished interior, 1,400 of elevated deck on main floor, 1,400 covered deck on the lower floor Bathrooms: 5 Bedrooms: 4 Yoga Room 2 master bedrooms: 1 up + 1 down, both with gas fireplaces Wood-burning fireplace outside Garage: 3-car Passive Solar Design Build Time: 11 months Lot size: about 3 acres including vineyard Suppliers list

There’s about 4.5 acres in grapes, which will be integrated into the building plans.

All enquiries should be directed to luxury@sierrawesthomes. com, 250-878-2207, or online at sierrawesthomes.com or luxultima.ca

Original Art: proudly partnered with “Art Evolution” Sub Zero and Wolf Appliances: Coast Appliances, Kelowna Faucets: Axor Hansgrohe Granite: Pure Granite Rocks Sinks: Kohler Slip-matched walnut cabinetry: Phoenix Kitchenworks Italian furniture: sourced by Cashmere Design, B & B Italia and Maxalto Windows: metal clad exterior, custom stained wood interior by Kolbe Grand Openings

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Come visit our Showroom to discuss a volume discount 31

Marine View With a Sunset

by Claude Monet used with permission

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Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal.

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10.8 Acre Gentleman’s Estate, breathtaking lake & vineyard views, 12,750 sq.ft. of oppulence in a private setting, Heli-pad, Indoor Pool, Riding Arena.

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The Team Justin O’Connor

Fred Brown

Susan Propp

Jeannine Dionne

Licensed Associate

Licensed Associate

Executive Administrator

Marketing Coordinator

FEATURE STORY

INSPIRE. CHANGE A LIFE. REPEAT. LUXURY CARS CREATE LIFETIME MEMORIES FOR CHILDREN

BY DARCY NYBO PHOTOS BY DARREN HULL

Matt August has combined his love of luxury cars and a desire to “give back” by creating the Okanagan Dream Rally.

W

HEN MATT AUGUST was a little boy, he had a poster of a Lamborghini on his wall. These days Matt, of August Luxury Motorcars, has the keys to dozens of luxury cars right at his fingertips — including half a dozen Lamborghinis.

Over the years, Matt has discovered two new passions.

One is learning to fly a helicopter and the other is giving back to the community. When it comes to giving back, he combined that with his love of luxury cars when he cofounded the Okanagan Dream Rally.

You could say cars are in Matt August’s blood.

“My grandfather started Kelowna Motors for Mazda in 1945,” says Matt from his Kelowna office, which sits above the showroom on McCurdy Place. “My dad took over the Kelowna Mazda store and I’m the general manager there too. Without that Mazda store, people wouldn’t know our store or our name. We’ve built up a lot of trust and credibility over the past 72 years.”

A year before opening August Luxury Motorcars, Matt’s uncle Gary passed away from brain cancer at Hospice House in Kelowna.

“He was a realtor for as long as I can remember. The

last deal he did was with me on my property where I built my house. My sister Michelle and I were sitting on my deck one day and we were talking about Uncle Gary and our amazing experience with the Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA). Every time we visited him at hospice, he was happy. The people looking after him were great. We decided to do a fundraiser with some cool live auction stuff and had a party at my house. We couldn’t believe it … we raised $72,000! That was the start of the August Family Foundation.”

The August Family Foundation’s five-year goal was to build a bereavement centre near the hospice, where people can go to grieve.

“After the party, my sister and my girlfriend, Jess, got together and we created the Okanagan Dream Rally.

We started contacting our clients. We asked them if they would take grieving kids on a fun ride. For our first year, we thought we’d get 10 to 15 clients and cars together.

We got help from COHA, the Boys and Girls Club, the Cancer Foundation and Kelowna General Hospital to find kids that needed a smile and a fun day. They were either dealing with cancer themselves or had a close friend or family member dealing with cancer.”

“WE COULD HARDLY BELIEVE THE RESPONSE WE GOT. THERE WERE 110 CARS AND 110 KIDS. WE HAD HELICOPTERS FLYING WITH US FOR AIR SUPPORT, AND LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS HELPING US OUT.”

Matt’s estimate of 10 to 15 cars was way off.

“We could hardly believe the response we got. There were 110 cars and 110 kids. We had helicopters flying with us for air support, and local police and fire departments helping us out. We had lunch and a concert at the South Okanagan Events Centre parking lot with Robyn & Ryleigh. The event even made Global National News!”

Once all the donations were tallied, the Okanagan Dream Rally had raised $134,000.

“We couldn’t have done it without such great support from the community. One of our drivers found out his co-pilot (the child) lost his dad and he didn’t have a bike to go out with his friends. So, he bought him a bike and helmet. Even now, I’m hearing about the connections that were made, of the kids getting taken places and doing fun things with their drivers.”

It didn’t take five years; the new bereavement centre will open in the spring of 2017 — a few months before the next Dream Car Rally on August 6.

“We have a space in Orchard Plaza, off Cooper, at 200 – 1890 Cooper Road. It’s the new offices for COHA as well as a bereavement centre,” says Matt. “There’s going to be counselling and a new kitchen for cooking classes. There will also be a Reiki clinic, adult grief support and in the future, group kid support.”

When Matt opened August Luxury Motorcars he believed his

buyers would be men wearing expensive suits. Now he knows better.

“My dad always told me never to judge a book by its cover, and he was right. My best clients walk in wearing jeans and a T-shirt. We get lots of couples too. None of them are flashy people. Like me, they had a goal when they were younger — many had posters of their dream car on their walls. They come here because they are ready to let me help them fulfill their dreams.

“The people buying these cars have the same reasoning for buying these cars as I do for having the dealerships. It’s not about how much money I can put in the till. It’s about meeting the people who buy these cars. I’ve always said that people need to dream and dreamers eventually achieve.

Most of these people have worked their butts off to get where they are … My clients inspire me every day.”

The atmosphere in the store is very laid back.

“There’s no sales desk here. Just come down and have a coffee and sit on the couch. We have great staff here who always go above and beyond. That’s how we do things,” Matt says, smiling.

“Our motto is redefining experience. We put peoples dreams into reality.”

The lifestyle that goes with owning luxury cars isn’t quite what Matt envisioned as a kid staring at that poster on his wall. For him, being able to afford a lifestyle that involves a

“I’VE ALWAYS SAID THAT PEOPLE NEED TO DREAM AND DREAMERS EVENTUALLY ACHIEVE.”

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“MOST OF MY CLIENTS SAID LAST YEAR’S EVENT WAS THE BEST CAR EXPERIENCE THEY’VE EVER DONE. THEY LOVED BEING INVOLVED.”

Lamborghini, means giving back to the community.

Last year, for Random Acts of Kindness Day, Matt and other drivers connected with three boys who had lost their dads to cancer.

“We picked them up at school at lunch hour and George from OK Helicopters took them for a flight. This year we brought 10 cars to the Arion Therapeutic Farm Community. Then we took all the kids for a drive through East Kelowna.”

Matt’s smile and his passion for giving back is infectious. He shows me photos of kids having fun and a video of last year’s rally.

“Having this store connects me to people who want to participate in the Okanagan Dream Rally.

They want to share with the community. Most of my clients said last year’s event was the best car experience they’ve ever done. They loved being involved. You don’t get to see or feel what change you make with a simple monetary donation. The Dream Rally gives you immediate feedback of what your contribution is to the cause.”

Matt grows silent for a moment and leans back in his chair.

“I want to build something that helps kids who’ve lost someone or who are going through a hard time in life. I know what sports and group activities did for me when I was growing up. I was never the smartest kid at school, but group activities and getting out of your comfort zone really molds a person.

If you go through a loss in your family you become different 38

from other kids. I want to put all those kids that are different together. I want to show them they can climb that rock wall, and that kids with disabilities can go mountain biking. When we plan an event, if all the kids can’t do it — then we won’t do it.”

Asked what the best thing is about owning August Luxury Motorcars, Matt says: “The thing I am most thankful for is that it has given me the Okanagan Dream Rally. Like our slogan says, ‘Inspire. Change a Life. Repeat.’”

For more information on August Luxury Motorcars and the Okanagan Dream Rally and how you can take part, go to augustmotorcars.com and okanagandreamrally.com.

cashmeredesign@telus.net

For all your Home Design and Building Needs call 250-878-2207 Coming Soon! Lux Ultima Vineyard Developments luxury@sierrawesthomes.com www.sierrawesthomes.com

Outstanding Craftsmanship 778-753-1953 | Kelowna, BC | www.candelcustomhomes.com

“Courtney” bomber jacket ($165) by Brunette the Label and “Aki” fanny pack in black ($86) by Matt & Nat, both at Birch Hill Studio; white circle ring top ($328 in a set with skirt on pg.45) at Bia Boro Boutique; sheer panel tights ($49) at ShopInfluence.ca; gold chain and leather necklace ($450)

by Uno De 50 at Posh Jewelry; shoes — model’s own.

FASHION

WORK IT STYLING BY KIM APPELT

PHOTOS BY DARREN HULL

Mesh and neoprene that stretch and sweat, sporty detailing and athletic cuts — “sport chic’ melds workout gear with ready-to-wear fashion, creating hot looks that keep you cool. Go team!

Pink “Yasmin” sleeveless blazer ($130) by Preloved and “Aki” fanny pack in coral ($86)

by Matt & Nat, both at Birch Hill Studio; Defend 75 ($129) by Defend Paris at La Bonne Vie; vegan leather shorts ($54) at ShopInfluence.ca

Floral print joggers ($75), satin embroidered bomber jacket ($89) and gold neck cuff ($240), all at ShopInfluence.ca; shoes with colour-blocked heels ($429) by Untitled at Bia Boro Boutique; mesh bodysuit — stylist’s own.

43

Track suit ($549)

by Vince at La Bonne Vie, ring ($285) by Pyrrha at Posh Jewelry; bodysuit — stylist’s own .

44

Mesh Scuba Hoodie ($249) by Alo Yoga at La Bonne Vie; white circle ring skirt ($328 in a set with top on pg.41) at Bia Boro Boutique.

Custom 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 “Tracker” from MotoVida Handcrafted Motorcycle Lifestyle and matching helmut.

Makeup and Hair: Jenny McKinney Model: Sommer O’Shaughnessy Styling Assistant: Erin Hicks Photographed on location in Kelowna at New Wave Fitness with motorbike from MotoVida Handcrafted Motorcycle Lifestyle, and The Film Factory photo studio. A huge thank you to MotoVida, New Wave Fitness and The Film Factory!

FOOD & DRINK

“THE SIGHT OF SILVER-SCALED FISH AND SPOTTED PRAWNS FILLS ME WITH AN EXHILARATION THAT I CAN’T WAIT TO BRING TO MY KITCHEN!”

CATCH

OF THE

DAY LET THE FLAVOUR AND FRESHNESS OF LOCAL SEAFOOD SHINE

BY CHEF HEIDI FINK

S

PRING IN BC is a time of wonderful abundance, and the bounty from the ocean is the most exciting of all. Spring is the start of the salmon run, halibut season and the very short window for our unbelievably delicious local prawns and shrimp.

I try to make the most of this time of year, cooking up fresh local fish and shrimp whenever the opportunity allows. The sight of silver-scaled fish and spotted prawns fills me with an exhilaration that I can’t wait to bring to my kitchen!

The season for some of these foods is so short, I prefer to keep things simple and let the freshness and flavour of our local seafood shine.

PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

A quick pan sear for fillets, or pan roast for thicker steaks, with little or no adornment, is my preferred way of cooking perfect fish. The freshness speaks for itself, no sauce necessary. To fancy things up a little, I will sometimes make a compound butter, flavoured with herbs, citrus, chilies or other aromatics, adding flair to an otherwise simple meal from the sea. Served with steamed spring vegetables from the farm market, fish like this makes a wonderful meal.

Shrimp and prawns tend to get more fancy treatments from my kitchen. They are absolutely delicious on their own, but pair beautifully with a variety of flavours, from Thai lemongrass and coconut milk, to garlic and red chili. I incorporate them into 47

pastas, soups, Thai noodle dishes, as well as serve them very simply, with garlic butter and a basket of crusty bread.

Fresh prawns have a sweetness and tenderness that’s unmatched. I serve them in my cooking classes and invariably hear raves about the wonderful texture and flavour of fresh shrimp and prawns. They are available frozen year round, but do make the most of their short season while they are sold fresh.

Utterly delicious!

For the compound butters, I like to make a different flavour for different fish. Lemon and herbs cut through the richness of salmon without detracting from its taste. White fish are usually leaner and need more robust flavours to shine: smoked chilies, black pepper, ginger and garlic are some of the few I mix and match to create a sauce for leaner fish.

Freshness, seasonality, deliciousness and kitchen inspiration: fish and seafood have everything. One of the best places to buy fresh fish and seafood is Codfathers Seafood market in Kelowna.

All we have to do is take some home and enjoy every bite.

1½ tsp sherry vinegar OR 1 Tbsp dry sherry sliced crusty baguette for serving

SPANISH GARLIC SHRIMP

Soup 1 lb small, unpeeled local side-stripe shrimp or spot prawns 1 Tbsp oil 2 shallots, sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro 4 stalks lemongrass 2-inch length of fresh galangal, sliced into thin disks 5 cups water 7 to 8 kefir lime leaves, roughly torn 2 cans coconut milk (400 ml)

Serves 8 to 10 for an appetizer, 2 for a meal Nothing but robust flavours and tender juicy shrimp, this is best served piping hot with crusty bread to soak up the juices. To make it into a full meal, add a salad and a cheese plate.

10 -12 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped fine 1 lb side-stripe shrimp or spot prawns, shelled and deveined 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp salt 1 tsp minced dried New Mexico chili, OR ½ tsp sweet paprika

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and garlic and sauté until the garlic is softened, a light gold and starting to stick together in clumps — about 45 seconds. Add the chili or paprika, stir once and immediately add the shrimp and salt, stirring well to mix. Cook, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through. Add the sherry vinegar or sherry and serve immediately with bread to mop up the juices.

THAI SHRIMP AND COCONUT MILK SOUP

Serves 6 to 8 The fragrant Thai aromatics and creamy coconut milk in this soup highlight the sweet flavour and delicate texture of our local shrimp. The Thai ingredients can be purchased at Fisgard Market in Chinatown or at Fairway Market at Quadra/Hillside.

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½ lb oyster mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 4 Tbsp fish sauce 2 tsp red curry paste 2 kefir lime leaves, central rib removed, leaves finely sliced 1 to 2 tsp fresh lime juice 1 to 2 tsp crushed palm sugar or light brown sugar Garnish 3 green onions, thinly sliced ½ cup chopped cilantro 3 red Thai chilies, seeded and finely sliced Peel the shrimp or prawns and reserve the shells. You will use them for making stock. If the prawns you bought are on the large side, or if you want them to stretch further, cut the prawns in half lengthwise.

Cut the lemongrass into 1-inch lengths, discarding the tough root and the grassy tops (you will only get about 2 to 3 inches of usable stalk from each piece of lemongrass). Smash each piece of lemongrass with the bottom of a heavy pan.

In a soup pot, heat the oil. Add the shallots and sauté for a minute or two, until softened. Add garlic, prawn shells and cilantro and continue to sauté until shells are turning pink in spots. Add the prepared lemongrass and the slices of galangal.

Stir and sauté for a minute, or until very fragrant, but do not let the aromatics brown. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, add the kefir lime leaves and simmer 3 minutes more, until stock is very fragrant.

Strain the broth into a bowl. Discard all solids left in the strainer. Pour the strained broth back into the soup pot. Add coconut milk, mushrooms, fish sauce and red curry paste. Bring

back to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. (The soup can be made up to this point, cooled and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Bring to a simmer before proceeding.)

Add the prawns, as well as the 2 thinly sliced kefir lime leaves. Simmer soup for 2 to 3 minutes (prawns cook very quickly). Add the lime juice and sugar. Now taste to adjust seasonings. You may need more fish sauce (salt) and more fresh lime juice and/or palm sugar. Serve immediately with garnishes.

SIMPLE PAN-SEARED FISH WITH FLAVOURED BUTTERS Fish in season, cooked right, needs no seasoning other than salt; still, a small dollop of a flavoured butter adds some polish to a light and refreshing meal. Choose fresh, seasonal fish such as halibut, rockfish (snapper) or salmon (spring, sockeye or coho) for this simple pan sear. This can be made with either fillets or steaks; thicker steaks will need additional time in the oven to finish cooking. I usually serve this fish with steamed or boiled spring vegetables, choosing whatever is freshest and most appealing at the market: baby potatoes, young carrots, snap peas, asparagus, overwintering broccoli, baby beets or turnips.

Fillets 4 fish fillets, approx. 150 – 200 gm each 4 Tbsp clarified butter or oil Salt Heat two large skillets (cast iron is a great choice) over medium to medium-high heat. While they are heating, sprinkle the fillets generously with salt. When the skillets are hot, add half the butter or oil to each pan, place fillets skin-side down in the pans and cook without moving for 3 minutes. Use a thin

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metal spatula to loosen the fish and flip it over. Cook for about 3 minutes more. Serve immediately, with flavoured butter and spring vegetables.

IMPORTANT: The pan should be hot but not smoking for this. You should end up with a golden brown crust on the top, not a black one. The fish will be just barely cooked in the middle, to maintain moisture. Make adjustments in heat and timing depending on how easily your stove heats up and how thick the fish is.

Steaks 2 fish steaks, approx. 200 – 400 gm each Clarified butter or oil Salt If the steaks are 1 inch thick or more, preheat the oven to 400 F. Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt. When the skillet is hot, add the butter or oil, and then add the steaks. Sear until a nice brown crust forms, about 3 minutes. Flip the steaks; if the steaks are thick, immediately place in the oven and cook for about 10 minutes. If they are thinner, continue cooking on the stovetop, but reduce heat to medium-low. Cook (either way) until the fish is just starting to pull away from the bone, but still gives some resistance. Remove to a serving platter and serve immediately with flavoured butter and spring vegetables.

FLAVOURED BUTTERS

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The mayonnaise helps to both loosen the texture and emulsify the flavouring ingredients with the butter, and helps make a perfect creamy smooth texture. These butters can be made several days ahead of time and kept in the fridge until needed.

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Chive, Lemon, Herb (excellent with salmon) 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened 1 Tbsp mayonnaise 2 Tbsp minced chives finely grated zest of 1 lemon ¼ tsp salt, or more, to taste 1 tsp fresh lemon juice Optional – finely chopped herbs (dill, parsley) Smoked Paprika, Honey, Garlic (excellent with halibut) 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened 1 Tbsp mayonnaise 1 Tbsp smoked paprika 1 clove garlic, pressed through garlic press or minced to paste 1 Tbsp honey ¼ tsp salt, or more, to taste Ginger, Black Pepper, Cilantro (excellent with rockfish) 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened 1 Tbsp mayonnaise 1 Tbsp finely grated ginger 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp very finely minced stems of cilantro ¼ tsp salt, or more, to taste Method is the same for each butter: In a small bowl, combine the butter, mayonnaise and all other ingredients.

Stir and mash with a fork until well-combined and the sauce is emulsified. Use immediately or store in the fridge for several days.

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TRAVEL NEAR

The

GOOD LIFE

WELLNESS GURU HOSTS LUXURY RETREAT AT VICTORIA’S FAIRMONT EMPRESS

BY SARA WILSON

I

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

T’S EASY TO FEEL INTIMIDATED when you meet Catherine Roscoe Barr, wellness guru at Vancouver’s The Life Delicious. She has a BSc in neuroscience, is probably the only person left who refuses to own a microwave, crafts her own organic and local homemade menus, is an ambassador for SPUD.ca and commands any room with confidence.

But spend three days on one of her luxury retreats and you’ll see she is anything but intimidating — the Instagram star is approachable, passionate and honest.

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Yoga instructor Katie Thacker

From famed personal trainer to rock bottom at 30, Barr has built a brand off her strengths and put her weaknesses straight into the spotlight.

Barr’s recent retreat in Victoria featured two nights at the Fairmont Empress, six meals, three exercise classes and six lectures with free time to meditate and explore the perfectly manicured grounds of the newly renovated hotel.

Barr’s is one of a series of luxury retreats the Fairmont Empress is planning for the year.

“We are passionate about fresh and local food, great sleep and the importance of finding your energy,” said Kerry Duff, director of public relations with the Fairmont Empress. “We created the Luxury Wellness Weekend with Catherine Roscoe Barr to share our love for wellness in one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.”

Let’s face it, if you are going to make health and wellness a priority, it’s much easier to start when you have Victoria’s picturesque inner harbour as your backdrop.

Folded into Barr’s lesson plans throughout the retreat — her 10th so far — were personal stories of “dark times,” martial lessons learned with her husband of 20 years and monologues of how she’s wrestled with self-identity and eventually found a calm within. These stories were engaging enough that on a Friday night — surrounded by hundreds of books containing pages of assorted pasts, wisdom and knowledge — she got 12 strangers to open up.

Some cried, others were skeptical, but all talked about what they were here to work on, what they hold sacred and where they struggle. And that’s just what Barr capitalizes on, a brothers-in-arms theme, except for this retreat, it was sisters around the table. No competition, no prejudice, just support.

“The most valuable part of all this, is being with all of you,” Barr said, as she welcomed everyone.

Our first day, we were met with beautifully light and delicious, handmade canapés. Barr described these as a “healthy indulgence” — something she stresses is vital to a happy soul.

Her guests introduced themselves, and at first some were overwhelmed by the spotlight and attention. Sharing was encouraged but not mandatory, so some shared, others listened. But by the end of the night, everyone knew a little bit about the person sitting beside her.

As we packed up and headed to our rooms, there was a quiet buzz of excitement for what was to come tomorrow.

For those who thought the retreat was going to be all champagne and relaxing, it wasn’t.

At 8 am Saturday morning, we gathered in the library on the main floor of the Empress for the strength-training portion of the day. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the 30 minutes, full (ish) body work out performed on yoga mats. After seven minutes (a rotating series of seven exercises performed for one minute each), I was re-evaluating my cardiovascular abilities.

Designed specifically for those who don’t have time to go to the gym, or prefer to stay at home, Barr’s exercises were approachable for all fitness levels, but challenging enough to want to include in my daily routine.

Apparently, I’ve been doing it wrong all these years.

After two sets and 30 minutes, breakfast was brought in. The menu, created with Barr’s commitment to showcasing local ingredients, highlighted the talents of the Empress’ executive chef, and was served at 8:45 am sharp.

The meal included a buffet of beautifully baked, farm fresh

eggs, topped with sweet potatoes and almonds and served with fresh fruit and homemade yogurt, plus sides of chia seeds and hemp hearts.

The afternoon was a series of lectures, focusing on topics varying from techniques to achieve a better night’s sleep, and how to create a positive mindset by sidestepping negative emotions. Barr referenced her own experiences and her favourite TED Talks (of which there are many).

We took a three-hour break from the classroom and lectures on Saturday before returning for dinner, and more importantly, wine, later that evening.

This evening was about getting to know each other. Drinks and good food flowed and kept the conversations interesting.

Bright and early Sunday morning, Barr led a run/walk outside to help burn off some of the wellworth-it calories collected from the previous night’s A.J.’s Etemis chocolate creations and Mission Hill Winery vintages.

Sunday’s lunch was another work of art, including Mason Street Greens — arugula, baby gem, iceberg wedges, frisee, pea shoots and alfalfa sprouts served with Empress honey, balsamic or Creamy Green Goddess dressing. Cedar Smoked Salmon, Smoked Paprika and Lime Grilled Flank Steak and Hot Chick Peas were also on the menu.

Sunday afternoon’s 30-minute yoga session was led by Victoria yogi Katie Thacker, a Vinyasa and Acro Yin yoga instructor. Thacker “strives to provide a balance of breath, fluid movement and alignment” and that’s just what she did. The routine focused on deep breathing and fluid motions — perfect after a couple of hours of sitting.

The retreat closed with an introspective look at what we’d learned and what we could take away from the weekend. Many were excited and energized by the revelations, and immediately planned to make life-long changes to help them cope with stress in their lives as best as they can.

Barr has created a retreat designed to challenge and broaden both body and mind, but in your own way and at your own pace, because that’s the whole point of the retreat — finding a way to make yourself a priority in your own life.

AND THAT’S JUST WHAT BARR CAPITALIZES ON, A BROTHERS-IN-ARMS THEME, EXCEPT FOR THIS RETREAT, IT WAS SISTERS AROUND THE TABLE. NO COMPETITION, NO PREJUDICE, JUST SUPPORT.

55

TRAVEL FAR

LAND of

RICH &FAMOUS the

ST. BARTS: AN EXCLUSIVE PIECE OF HEAVEN

BY BRUCE SACH

SINCE BEYONCÉ, DUSTIN HOFFMAN, IVAN REITMAN AND TOM HANKS (TO NAME BUT A FEW) HAVE SECOND HOMES HERE, YOU FIND YOURSELF RUBBER NECKING ON A REGULAR BASIS.

Infinity pool at Eden Rock's villa.

N

O ONE IN ST. BARTS COULD ADEQUATELY explain to me why Christopher Columbus named this island Saint Barthélemy after his brother Bartholomew, who, as far as I know, was never any kind of saint.

After spending a few days on this tiny island in the French West Indies near St. Martin, I began to realize that there are numerous misconceptions about the place. Sure, it's a hideaway for the rich and famous, but it's a pretty neat little island on its own terms. And, in an informal poll conducted with strangers and friends back home, I discovered few people know much about St. Barts at all.

One of the many discrete (or indiscreet, depending on your point of view) charms of St. Barts is that you cannot fly there directly from any distant, foreign airport on a large airplane.

Access is via air or water from nearby St. Martin, and small planes, many private, are continually making their way to this true island paradise.

No one knows who's in those planes, but you can bet your bottom dollar the passengers are exclusive. And the mega-yachts anchored at Gustavia, the main port, speak volumes of their owners’ deep pockets.

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A 10-minute car drive from the airport (the hotel manager picked us up) brought us to the village of St. Jean and Le Village St. Barts Hotel, a well-established resort made up of villas of differing sizes that's been here since 1969.

By St. Barts standards, this hotel speaks of another era, although rooms have been completely redone, the work supervised by Bertrand Charneau, son of the founder. The hotel was one of the first built here, when the Rockefellers were the only semi-permanent vacationers in these parts, and when only a few thousand locals lived on St. Barts. About this time, the likes of Greta Garbo, the Vanderbilts and Howard Hughes began arriving.

It was Greta Garbo who suggested replacing the wooden window slats at the hotel with glass ones — “should one wish to see something outside of the air-conditioned rooms.”

How Le Village St. Barts Hotel’s founder André Charneau saw promise in this fresh-water-deprived island is a mystery, but his gamble paid off big time. So, did he snap up the best oceanfront properties at St-Jean or Nikki Beach, whose value today must be staggering?

No, according to daughter Catherine: “He deliberately chose

the high land overlooking the Baie de St-Jean, therefore taking advantage of the gloriously cool trade winds that blow in.”

Today, as you sit on the high, huge veranda of a villa at Le Village, the main reminders of modern day “civilization” are the small propeller planes that take off and land at the nearby, but undetectable main airport.

These tiny, distant planes provide a romantic distraction as they slide, almost in an old-fashioned, slow motion waltz, back and over Baie de St-Jean. Rather than being bothersome, they somehow reinforce the exclusive nature of the island — big, noisy jets just aren’t part of the scene at St. Barts.

One of the most outstanding villas here, the “Catherine” resembles a pop art museum. Every year, brother and sister owners Catherine and Bertrand invite a different contemporary artist to visit for a week in order to create and add a new piece of contemporary art.

St. Jean is not exactly the peaceful village it was a few years ago. Wild parties involving the rich and famous can erupt at Nikki Beach during New Year's Eve and the like here. I'm talking people taking champagne showers along with all the excess your imagination can muster. You can walk down and be part of the

action, or remain in splendid isolation at Le Village.

Eden Rock’s Sandbar Restaurant, next to Nikki Beach in St. Jean was my kind of place for lunch or a drink. Chefs JeanGeorge Vongerichten and Eric Desbordes’ lunch suggestions included grilled filet mignon and wood-oven roasted St. Barts lobster.

I went for the Fontina cheese and black truffle pizza on the terrace facing the Baie de St. Jean. The divine taste remains etched into my memory, as does the surprise serving of digestible chic pearls, confectioned with a delicious jelly that followed dessert.

At the Kiki-é Mo Café, you can go for an exceedingly healthy light lunch (with a green smoothie) at a spot inspired by former New York Times food critic Craig Claiborne. (His daughter runs the place).

Nearby, the Esprit Café knocked us over with its sophisticated supper menu and discreet service in an outdoor setting near Saline Beach.

St. Barts is so compact that you are inevitably going to run into celebrities, if that’s your fancy. After a few days, we figured out where Steve Martin goes to body surf unnoticed, saw where Russian oligarchs anchor their mega yachts and had a very good

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Interior and exterior views of Villa Catherine, with its colourful pop art atmosphere.

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idea of where Kevin O’Leary hangs his hat.

Since Beyoncé, Dustin Hoffman, Ivan Reitman and Tom Hanks (to name but a few) have second homes here, you find yourself rubber necking on a regular basis.

Despite the number of foreign visitors, St. Barts has kept a great deal of its original charm.

Locals have a nodding acquaintance with most other islanders. Crime is almost unheard of and many women mentioned that they felt entirely safe anywhere on the island, any time of day. There is a delicate balance between the insular, traditional, laid-back vibe and the modern jet set lifestyle factor.

Truth be told, if you strip away the glitz, there is a very real, grounded feel to the place.

In the port city of Gustavia, fabulously expensive designer stores follow one after the other, extending along the uninspiringly named Rue du Bord de Mer to Samuel Fahlerg Street. I’m talking Christian Liaigre, Laurent Effel, Patek Philippe, Hermès, Vilebrequin and Edmiston (should you wish to consider a super yacht).

But walk into the area on the other side of the harbour and

you'll see decrepit buildings and real charm. We climbed up the steps to what's left of Fort Carl, one of the old Swedish forts here. Along with the fabulous views of St. Kitts and Nevis and the tiny Dutch islands of Saba and St. Eustatius to the west, we had a stunning view of Shell Beach. It is a quiet perch, where tropical shrubs and huge volcanic boulders far outnumber the number of daily visitors.

St. Barts was known as a safe port even in colonial days. There reigns a quiet chic, with Mini Coopers, the rental car of choice, clogging up traffic. Locals will confirm that it’s cheaper to rent a car than pay for a taxi! And no, although free-range chicken might be on your menu, there are no free-running, crowing roosters — the kind you might expect in the Caribbean.

“It used to be an island with 5,000 donkeys and one car, and that was owned by the Roman Catholic priest,” deadpanned David Matthews, the British owner of Eden Rock. “Now it’s an island of 5,000 cars and one donkey.”

Christopher Columbus’ brother may not have been a saint, but his namesake island is certainly a little piece of heaven.

THE DIVINE TASTE REMAINS ETCHED INTO MY MEMORY, AS DOES THE SURPRISE SERVING OF DIGESTIBLE CHIC PEARLS, CONFECTIONED WITH A DELICIOUS JELLY THAT FOLLOWED DESSERT.

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HEALTH FEATURE

SPRING BREAK BREAKING UP IS NEVER EASY, BUT NIXING BAD HABITS IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH.

BY PAMELA DURKIN

PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE

S

PRING IS THE SEASON OF renewal, making it the perfect time to replace health-derailing habits with more salubrious practices that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve identified some prevalent and counterproductive habits we’d all be wise to exorcise.

“Breaking up” with these bad boys will not only ensure enjoyment of a more invigorating summer, it will optimize your health in myriad ways.

HAVING LUNCH AT YOUR DESK

According to a recent survey by Right Management, only one in five office workers reports taking an actual lunch break away from their desk.

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That’s not a healthy statistic, and here’s why: prolonged sitting has been linked to elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Not surprisingly, health experts are urging us to get off our butts as often as we can, and for many desk-bound, nine-to-fivers, the lunch break presents the perfect opportunity to do just that.

“Just getting up for a walk on your way to lunch introduces some movement into your day and can actually help you return to the workplace feeling refreshed and more productive,” notes career and life coach Julia James.

An intriguing study from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education echoes James’ thoughts and reveals that movement isn’t the only benefit we get from choosing to lunch away from our desks. The Stanford researchers found that those who lunched off-site displayed better problem solving skills and had higher degrees of concentration in the afternoon than

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workers who remained at their desk during lunch.

Another reason to tear yourself away from your desk at noon — according to a report in the New York Times — casual munching in front of a screen leads to increased calorie consumption and weight gain.

And as James notes, “When we eat while working, we’re not relaxed and our digestion suffers, leading to things like indigestion and bloating.”

So do your body and brain a favour — take your brown bag to the park or walk to your favourite local café for lunch. Think of it as recess for adults!

ENGAGING IN NEGATIVE SELF-TALK

l iqu id it yw ine s .c om

Most people carry on a silent conversation with themselves during much of the day and this “internal tape” has a direct 63

effect on their thoughts and behaviours.

Unfortunately, for far too many folks this self-talk consists of negative put downs such as: “I’m too fat” or “I’ll never get the job.” If you think these self-directed slings only damage the psyche, you’re wrong. Compelling new research suggests engaging in this sort of self-talk can actually raise inflammation markers that have been linked to a host of chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. “Negative self-talk is making us sick,” says James. “Engaging in it is like drinking poison all day long.”

So what’s the antidote?

“I advise people to find three personality traits or physical attributes they like about themselves and identify just one area that requires growth,” states James. “With enough practice, this breaks the negative cycle and opens up avenues for positive change.”

It’s also likely to make you happier and a lot more fun to be around.

NOT MAKING TIME FOR INTIMACY

If you’ve been too tired, busy or just not inclined to make whoopi with your significant other lately, you’re missing out on some significant health benefits.

Sex releases the hormone oxytocin, which studies suggest may reduce the craving for sweets, relieve anxiety, boost memory and learning levels, lower blood pressure, enhance immune function and increase confidence.

And that’s not all regular time in the sack can do for you. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology showed

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that men who had sex two times per week were less likely to develop heart disease than men who had sex only once per month.

What’s more, when you climax, your body releases endorphins that are natural painkillers, rendering sex a great remedy for aches and pains. Sadly, in today’s hectic world too many of us are not making intimacy a priority — we’re either too tired or too busy catching up with emails and social obligations.

“I have clients who will bend over backwards to fit in time at the gym or the kids’ soccer games, but they won’t schedule time for sex,” declares intimacy and lifestyle coach Cherish Dorrington MCT. “To reap all the benefits of sex you have to set aside time for it — schedule date nights complete with candles and wine, a little adventure, something new that keeps you interested and lets you view your partner through a new lens.”

Clearly, following this advice won’t just enhance your health — it will enhance the health of your relationship.

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NEVER CHANGING YOUR WORKOUT

Are you a creature of habit when it comes to your fitness regime? If you’ve been faithfully performing the same exercises in the same way, day in and day out, you may not be experiencing all the health benefits exercise has to offer.

“Our bodies plateau over time,” explains personal trainer Ali Spillette. “They adapt to exercises they are asked to repeat over and over, and we stop seeing continued improvements in endurance and strength unless we challenge the body in new ways.”

So, if you want your fitness level to improve, you’ll have to break out of your fitness rut and switch things up.

But, as Spillette says, “You don’t have to make radical changes to break out of a plateau — simply increasing the intensity of your current workout or adding more sets or heavier weights to your routine will challenge the body to respond.”

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NIXING CARBS

Pity poor carbohydrates — they’ve been vilified as fattening foes, and trendy diets like the Paleo diet and Whole30 suggest people eschew them altogether. If you’ve taken this advice to heart, you may want to rethink your decision for the sake of your health, and, surprisingly, your waistline.

Admittedly, it’s irrefutable that refined carbohydrates, like white bread, can contribute to weight gain and associated diseases, but the reverse is true of complex carbohydrates.

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that people who ate the most complex carbohydrates were 40 per cent less likely to be obese or overweight compared with people who ate the least.

Another recent study conducted by scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health reported that a diet rich in whole grains is linked to longevity.

If you’re not convinced, consider the residents of “Blue Zones” — regions that play host to the world’s longest living people. Their diets are rich in complex carbs like whole grains and legumes. The take-home lesson? Ignore the social media hype and listen to science — those oats you’ve been avoiding are good for you!

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FRONT ROW

BY BRENDA GIESBRECHT

A ROUNDUP OF ARTSY AND DELICIOUS HAPPENINGS, TAKING PLACE SOON IN THE OKANAGAN. ENJOY A COLLECTION OF FEASTS FOR THE EARS AND TASTE BUDS, PLUS SOME SIGHTS TO BEHOLD. ENJOY!

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Coco Love Alcorn

COCO LOVE ALCORN WONDERLAND SPRING TOUR MAY 17

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T’S BEEN A WHILE since Canadian singer-songwriter Coco Love Alcorn toured the country, but she’s back with new energy, new music and a fabulous new show.

Alcorn’s spring tour brings the music of her latest album Wonderland to Vernon in an On Stage Concert. It will be an intimate, cabaret-style event with a smaller audience, like an evening out with friends.

Wonderland took form during Alcorn’s five-year hiatus from touring, when she stayed home with her young daughter.

“Throughout my career I have explored many genres, collaborations and projects, taking a winding path to get to here,” says Alcorn. “It wasn’t until I took a step back and a break from touring that a new idea came. After all those years of thinking I was chasing down a sound, it turns out I was searching for the right feeling. That feeling is connection — connection with the listener, the moment, the music and the spirit.

“Everything I’ve ever done has led me to here, to Wonderland, a

collection of songs that are an invitation to connect, an invitation to sing and an invitation to myself to dig deeper than ever before.”

A TASTE OF SPRING

SPRING OKANAGAN WINE FESTIVAL MAY 4 TO 14 Spring is here and the vines in the valley are waking up from their winter’s sleep. It’s time for the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival. The grapes have been working their magic in the barrels and bottles, and now is the time to enjoy the first tastings of the new releases.

Events take place in a variety of locations throughout the Okanagan Valley. A complete listing is available online at thewinefestivals.com.

Here are a few to consider: It’s the battle of the sommeliers at Iron Sommelier British Columbia on May 13 at the Okanagan College Kelowna Campus.

“In a true battle of wits, balderdash and cunning, three sommeliers who are experts on BC wine will be tasked with 67

PHOTO: LISA VANDERVELDE, VERNON MORNING STAR

Vernon Public Art Gallery’s Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts.

pairing wines over five gourmet courses,” notes promotional material.

With 15 wines to sample and food to go with them, it’s a marathon like no other.

New this year, the very first spring garden party festival takes place May 14 at the Laurel Heritage Packinghouse in Kelowna.

Floral, presented by Valley First, will offer new releases from over 20 Okanagan wineries plus snacks and activities. Give your mom a unique afternoon out on Mother’s Day.

CANADIAN MUSICAL JAM LUNCH AT ALLEN’S JUNE 18 AND 19

Get a few great Canadian musicians/songwriters together and call it Lunch At Allen’s. That’s what Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas did back in 2004, initially a one-off, eight-city tour.

They had so much fun that they’ve continued to tour together every year since then.

Lunch At Allen’s is stopping in both Vernon and Kelowna during its 2017 Western Summer Tour. It is a unique opportunity to hear some of Canada’s musical “royalty” perform live. Their stage show is intimate and humorous, featuring many familiar and beloved songs as well as new songs, and creating an evening of music for the heart and soul.

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It’s an interactive show, each backing up the others with instrumentation and harmonies.

“It feels like it’s in a living room, no matter how big the theatre is,” said Thomas in an interview last year. “We’re so relaxed with one another that it just kind of puts everyone at ease, and we’re making fun of each other as we go.”

And the name? Marc Jordan, Murray McLauchlan and Ian Thomas often met for lunch at Allen’s Restaurant in Toronto.

Treat yourself to an evening with friends. Make a date for Lunch At Allen’s at Vernon Performing Arts Centre, June 18 or Kelowna Community Theatre, June 19.

MAGIC IN THE MUSE

MIDSUMMER’S EVE OF THE ARTS JULY 19 It’s an event like no other — an art auction and summer garden party all rolled into one, in a vineyard with a spectacular view of the North Okanagan valley thrown in for good measure.

Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts is the Vernon Public Art Gallery’s major annual fundraiser.

It is generously supported by both local corporate and catering partners as well as local artists, who donate their works for the auction in support of the gallery.

Held high atop the valley at Turtle Mountain Winery, the event also includes live music and dancing, regional wines, beers and other beverages, as well as a fine array of appies.

“It’s always a beautiful, magical evening,” said VPAG’s executive director Dauna Kennedy-Grant. “People have such a great time, it’s quite the social event. And the view is incredible.”

There will upwards of 80 items on offer this year, both artwork and auction packages.

There will be something for everyone from the first-time buyer to the serious collector, with works produced by emerging to wellknown established Okanagan artists, in various mediums.

There are also packages for accommodation, recreation, health spas, houseboat trips and more to be auctioned.

The garden party begins at 6:30 pm, providing an opportunity to view the items on offer.

NATURE TRUST OF BC FUNDRAISER EARTH WIND FIRE 2017 GALA JUNE 24

“An evening of great food and great wines for a great cause.”

That’s the promise the Nature Trust of BC has made to guests who will attend the 9th annual Earth Wind Fire Gala this June.

Held in the sumptuous Delta Grand Okanagan, the evening will begin with jazz vocals by Anna Jaczysyn, while guests review the silent auction offerings. Then a musical presentation in the ballroom will be followed by a meal sure to delight the senses as chefs from the Canadian Culinary Federation, including Team Okanagan and Team BC, Lunch At Allen’s includes: Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan showcase their talents, pairing each course and Ian Thomas. with Okanagan Valley wines. An after-dinner presentation by the Nature Trust will be It’s a time of economic prosperity, bootlegged whiskey, followed by a live auction and evening of dance. flapper culture and ostentatious parties, where champagne flows “The Nature Trust of BC has been conserving habitat for in the fountains of the very rich on Long Island. Welcome back wildlife, fish and plants in BC for 46 years by acquiring to the cautionary tale of Jay Gatsby and his obsession with the ecologically significant land and then caring for it,” said Robin beautiful, and married, Daisy Buchanan.

Rivers of the Nature Trust.

Kelowna Actors Studio presents this classic story, told “One of our priority areas is the Okanagan. We have 25 through the memory of narrator Nick Carraway. A Midwest properties totalling over 10,000 acres. We are currently boy raised with old-fashioned values, Carraway finds himself fundraising for an 85-acre property near Skaha Lake, to provide a pawn in a messy love triangle that threatens to destroy habitat for bighorn sheep and other at-risk species. This property everyone around him. His narrative explores the ideas of will be added to surrounding Nature Trust conservation love, morality, identity and the corruption of the American properties.”

Dream.

The stage adaptation by Simon Levy has been described as a fine distillation of Fitzgerald’s novel, clarifying the narrative while still bringing forth a sense of memory of those whom KELOWNA ACTORS STUDIO AND DINNER THEATRE Gertrude Stein called The Lost Generation.

MAY 31 TO JUNE 17 Make it a date night. Dinner is served prior to the show and It’s 1922, the glittering Jazz Age, well defined by writer F. service starts at 6 pm sharp. Patrons also have the option of Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. attending the show only, beginning at 7:30 pm.

THE GREAT GATSBY

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TALKING WITH TOBY

the

real

DEAL

ALLAN HORWOOD FINDS MEANING IN CARING AND GIVING BACK

BY TOBY TANNAS PHOTOS BY LIA CROWE

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IFE IS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS. Allan Horwood knows this for certain. Whether he’s meeting an Okanagan homeowner to discuss the installation of a high-end, automatic swimming pool cover or handing out food hampers to the poorest of the poor in an African village, the BC businessman values each and every connection.

“Life’s about giving and caring and giving back,” says Horwood, “It’s not always about money or business, there’s more to it.”

Horwood is at the helm of The Pool Patrol. The 52-year-old founded the company in 1995 and within a few years took over the niche market of designing, fitting and installing automatic pool covers. The Pool Patrol services the Okanagan Valley, Vancouver and Victoria.

With his personable and genuine nature, Horwood has made a big splash, doubling sales in the past two years — and 2017 looks to be the busiest yet. After 30 years in the swimming pool industry, Horwood still loves the job but confides that this will not be his legacy.

“I never wanted it to be on my tombstone how many pool covers I sold.”

Horwood’s true life calling was revealed on Christmas Eve in 2013. Happily married to wife Tasha, father to then three-year-old son Hudson, a devoted yogi and in his own words a mediocre golfer, his life was good. But it was about to get even better.

After a seemingly endless adoption process and a long flight to Africa, his heart was captured by a set of big brown eyes in a crowded orphanage. The adoption of 15-month-old Komelo made the family complete, but her arrival also sparked a new chapter. The Horwoods found themselves on a journey, one of charity and commitment to Lesotho (Li-soo-too), the country that gave them their daughter.

“We go back every year and do charity work with the orphanages, with the kids and it’s become an awesome experience.”

With five trips to Africa on their passports, the family enjoys a kind of rock star status each time they return.

“In Lesotho, especially, our reputation has grown,” admits Horwood, “this is what we do.”

The Horwoods take a very direct approach to charity. They bring money, including their own, plus funds donated by family, friends and co-workers. During the most recent trip in January, the donations went towards purchasing more than 120 pairs of school shoes for orphans. Horwood and his wife personally fitted each child and then presented the gifts in a special way.

“We rented a party room at the mall, we had cake, balloons and KFC. The kids played in the playground and at that party each child got a new school backpack and new school shoes.”

It’s never hard to spend the money in the face of so much need. Buying portable oxygen tanks for children with serious respiratory issues, cooking supplies and personal hygiene products, the Horwoods have the ability to direct the funds exactly where they’re needed.

“We are actually putting two of the older kids through high school. For about $250 a year, you can pay for high school.

So we selected two kids and we keep in touch with them on a monthly basis.”

The Horwoods don’t actively solicit donations but do offer full disclosure for those who want to contribute.

“If you’re serious, we will give you a PDF printout showing that for $25 dollars you can give a pair of shoes, for $50 dollars we can do a food hamper for a family.”

Allan and Tasha buy and assemble the food hampers themselves then drive into the mountains to gift them to the poorest families. Their effort is direct, efficient and above all rewarding.

“Selling pool covers is great, running a successful business is great, but the real deal is when we go there, that’s the real deal.

It’s awesome.”

Horwood admits he relies heavily on his business background to get through all of the potential roadblocks of doing charity work in Africa. It’s a system long plagued by corruption and so much donated money ends up in the wrong hands.

“I know how to work with people, I know how to work within certain parameters; I know how to not rub people the wrong way. I get things done. I’m a fixer.”

Horwood’s approach and commitment have won him many friends in Lesotho.

He’s learning the language.

“I can speak a little bit of Sesotho. If you start going too fast, I can’t get it, but I can do all the formalities.”

He’s even been given a Sesotho (Si-soo-too) name.

“I’d like my Sesotho name to be on my tombstone. It’s Thuso, it means caregiver.”

Caregiver is a role Horwood takes very seriously. Whether he’s in Africa helping a hotel employee get her vegetable business off the ground, at home in Vancouver with his family or at his vacation property in Naramata offering advice on a neighbour’s pool project, “Thuso” is a man who cares about people.

He’s already planning charity projects for his next trip to Africa in early 2018. On the work front, he’s determined to keep his business personable and customer-focused in the face of rapid growth. And he balances it all with a commitment to selfcare in the form of regular yoga practice.

Allan Horwood prefers a hug over a handshake, savours a good glass of wine and always takes a moment to appreciate a beautiful view. He’s the kind of guy who seeks out conversation with strangers. If he’s talking with you he looks you in the eye, and you can feel he’s actively listening to what you have to say. He offers something and takes something away from each encounter. It’s completely intentional because for Allan Horwood it all comes back to relationships. You just never know what the next one could bring to your life.

“At the end of the day you want to come home and know your bucket has been filled or at least it’s a little fuller than it was yesterday.”

(For more information on Allan Horwood’s charity work in Africa you can contact him directly through Facebook.)

“WE GO BACK EVERY YEAR AND DO CHARITY WORK WITH THE ORPHANAGES, WITH THE KIDS AND IT’S BECOME AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE.”

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“LIFE’S ABOUT GIVING AND CARING AND GIVING BACK. IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT MONEY OR BUSINESS, THERE’S MORE TO IT.”

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OUTTAKE

Shooting spring fashion on an April day in Kelowna with dark clouds and intermittent showers proved challenging for this edition’s fashion story. When our outdoor location became too wet to continue shooting, The Film Factory jumped in, offering use of a photo studio. The Okanagan fashion team leapt into action, moving everything into the studio mid-day and creating, as always, some gorgeous results.

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Left to right: Makeup artist Jenny McKinney, stylist Kim Appelt, model Sommer O’Shaughnessy, Boulevard’s Lia Crowe, and styling assistant Erin Hicks in The Film Factory photo studio.

Photo by Darren Hull

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