spring 2013
Calgary Herald
hers S T Y L E | L I V I N G | H E A LT H
make it fun
Manjit Minhas goes behind the scenes on brewing success
colour up
How to wear this season’s brights
walk out
Nine casual, colourful shoes
dig in
Why gardening is good for you
Brown_220
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contents SPRING 2013
8 OPENING NOTES Celebrating Calgary shops 10 OUR FAVOURITE THINGS It’s spring! (Finally) 12 BEAUTY COUNTER Our latest finds
style 14 TRENDS Turn it on with neon 20 SHOES & BAGS Colourful, casual and cool 24 COVER STORY How Manjit Minhas manages it all 45 SHOPPING GUIDE All your store details 46 SPOTTED Style on the street
health 30 RELATIONSHIPS Dig in to your garden 38 HEALTH BOOSTERS Nutrition, fitness and inspiration 40 wellness New ways to get fit and have fun 42 SPA Getting in some face time
online at calgaryherald.com/hers events calendar Add your event listings free Heritage park contest Fun for the whole family
living 28 NOURISH An easy building block dish 34 HER RIDE How to green-clean your car 35 TRAVEL Why we love going solo 36 AT HOME The artful use of colour pops
Grey Mjus sneakers, $199, from Checkm8 Shoes
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HERS PAGE 5
Photo, leah hennel
up front
Designer Fashions Specializing in sizes 14 - 24
editor’s letter
Photo, CALGARY HERALD
Energy
My good friend Judith recently challenged me to answer this question: what do I do for fun? Since I was eating pizza and watching a Downton Abbey marathon with her at the time, I didn’t quite understand. This was fun! But she had a point about getting out more. So when the fabulous ladies at the Every Woman Foundation (everywomanfestival.org), led by musician and HERS cover model Sophie Serafino, invited me to their inaugural event for International Women’s Day in March, I was happy to accept. The evening was filled with the energy and inspiration that comes from putting more than 200 strong, vibrant women in a room together. There were conversations, music performances, speeches and a donation to the evening’s charity, Ovarian Cancer Canada. As meaningful as it all was, something else happened that evening that was incredibly moving. June Round, just back from India, brought with her woven silken threads blessed by the Dalai Lama. She urged all of us to tie the threads as a bracelet around the wrist of the person next to us, sending our own blessings to that person. What an amazing way to celebrate the energy of the room and the intention of the event: to reach out to embrace women, men and a new definition of unity that moves everyone forward together. Thank you, June and Sophie, and all of those in the Every Woman Foundation. Please join me in celebrating a season that’s all about renewed energy, and most definitely about fun.
hers Calgary Herald
SPRING 2013
Editor: Publisher: Editor-in-chief: Managing editor: Art direction: Writers: Photographers: Web designer: Copy editor: Editorial assistant: Project co-ordination: Print co-ordinator: Pre-press technician:
Yvonne Jeffery Guy Huntingford Lorne Motley Monica Zurowski Peridot Design Inc. Kerrie Etson, Christina Frangou, Christina Kuntz, Meghan Jessiman, Melissa Lampman, Michelle Magnan, Meghan Potkins, Gwendolyn Richards, Jody Robbins Colleen De Neve, Leah Hennel, Gavin Young, Gwendolyn Richards, Ted Rhodes Forrest Molstad Gwendolyn Richards Wendy Leckie Jamie Zachary Tori Marin Ron Kindrat, Kevin Andrechuk
Calgary Herald
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Willow Park Village
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Advertising queries can be directed to Laura Linnell at 403-235-7214.
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WHO DECIDED THAT THIRTEEN IS UNLUCKY, ANY WAY? ANYWAY? SUNRIDGE MALL IS MAKING S 2013 THIRTEEN MONTHS LONG 2 TO GIVE YOU THIRTEEN CHANCES TO GET LUCKY. WE HAVE ALREADY GIVEN AWAY W A $12,000 TRIP TO ATLANTIS, BAHAMAS AND WE’VE ONLY B JJUST BEGUN. THERE ARE STILL 12 AMAZING GIVEAWAYS IN 2013. 1 VISIT SUNRIDGE MALL TO ENTER V AND FIND OUT JUST HOW LUCKY A YOU CAN GET. Y
JUST ONE MORE REASON TO SHOP AT SUNRIDGE MALL. We are unveiling our first mall-wide rewards program for shopping at Sunridge Mall! Visit sunridgemall.com for all the details.
UP FRONT
opening notes
catch the (spring) fever This season brings a whole new energy to the city and we think you should make the most of it. Here are some of the events you can look forward to this spring, as well as what’s hot and happening on the local style scene. BY CHRISTINA KUNTZ
mirror, ch air &
OT TO M
2BIT: 2bitshop.com. “A subtle, wearable tribute to the things you love, told through pixelated pairs.” Intrigued? Then check out 2BIT, a new online shop by Calgary-based creative agency Uppercut. The shop caters to fans of cult movies, classic TV shows, popular websites and iconic figures, offering a range of cool T-shirt designs (for men and women) using image pairing. Dasan Interiors Inc.: dasaninteriors.com. Looking for that special piece to add to your home? Check out Dasan Interiors at 14-1435 40th Ave. N.E. Owner Anita Martens strives for the perfect mix s inc. erior int n of old and new, carrying vintage and antique furnisha as ,d ings and accessories from Europe, as well as select AN furniture lines; interior design consults available. David’s Bridal: davidsbridal.ca. American retailer David’s Bridal now has a store here, offering traditional and modern gowns for brides-to-be, along with special occasion dresses and accessories. You’ll appreciate the wide range of sizes (0 to 26), and the reasonable prices. It’s at Kingsland Village (319-7337 Macleod Trail S.W.). Destination Maternity: destinationmaternity.com. Stylish moms-to-be can find plenty of designer duds at the new Destination Maternity store at Kingsland Village (7337 Macleod Tr. S.W.). The shop carries maternity denim such as 7 for All Mankind, J Brand and AG Jeans, as well as A Pea in the Pod maternity wear, plus accessories and nursing apparel. Fashion Addition 14+: fashionaddition14plus. This Willow Park Village boutique is now offering the Vancouver-based Sympli Grand line, designed for full-figured women. This incredibly versatile line features clothes with an easy flow to them, and a fun, versatile mix-and-match approach to style and fit. Joints. This Kensington boutique recently changed their mix of style and home accessories to feature more clothing, particularly by Canadian designers from Vancouver and Montreal (half the store is now clothing). Located at 1145 Kensington Cres. N.W.; 403-270-0030. Lara Presber: larapresber.com. Calgary designer Lara Presber has introduced a new way for you to shop and save on her beautiful designs. Every
month, crowd-basing pricing will be offered for a limited time on one or two pieces from her collection, which means the more pieces sold, the more money you’ll save. Check out the website at shoplarapresber.com. RW&CO.: rw-co.com. They’ve got great styles for work and play and now they have shoes, too. The popular Canadian brand launched its first footwear collection as part of its spring 2013 line, featuring eight styles that range from hot heels to funky flats: Southcentre Mall and Chinook Centre.
Events
Matching Your Mediterranean Cuisine: willowpark. net. Enjoy delicious dishes from the Mediterranean region paired with wines to optimize your health at the next Women & Wine event at Willow Park Wines & Spirits (10801 Bonaventure Dr. S.E.), on Thursday, May 2 at 7 p.m. Peggy Perry, the company’s principal wine buyer, will be your host; tickets ($45 each) are available at the main store or by calling 403-296-1640 ext. 277. Brand Your Lifestyle: trenalaine.com/brandyour-lifestyle/. Trena Olfert, of Trena Laine Makeup Artist, is offering another workshop to help you get inspired and get ahead, whatever your career path may be. Meet and mingle with top industry experts at the next Brand Your Lifestyle event on Tuesday, May 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fairmont Palliser (133 9th Ave. S.W.). Tickets and details on the website. RW&CO.
Openings/Launches
Awards
Doctors’ Wives Living: doctorswivesliving.com: Chuck out any stereotypes you may have for “a doctor’s wife.” Started by friends Sally Walton of Calgary and Tiffany Auvinen of B.C. — who both have masters degrees as well as being married to doctors — this online magazine is all about educating and empowering women, with expert advice and tips on everything from fashion to fitness. They were recently awarded the Best Collaborative/ Multi-Author Blog in Canada through the topblogs.ca competition. Do you have a style, decor or beauty event, or an opening or anniversary coming up? E-mail wleckie@calgaryherald.com.
HERS PAGE 8
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UP FRONT
our favourite things
Work, life and play Erin Bosch
Suneet Brar
President, Xerion Clinic and Dispensary: As an entrepreneur with 10 years of success in homeopathy, Bosch has learned to follow her heart in all aspects of life. So when it comes to matters of the heart and fashion, her best accessory is her three-year-old, 130-pound Great Dane named Django (after the guitar player, not the movie). “My Great Dane is a dapper young dude and in the spring I love to walk him — the smiles he gets are epic!” she says, noting her footwear of choice is a favourite pair of Birkenstocks that she walked through Italy in. “His backpack makes him look even more dapper and he can carry his water, bags and occasionally my keys.”
Fashion stylist, espy: Brar developed a love of good style from an early age, when she and her twin sister became a dynamic duo for advice in Chandigarh, India. After she moved to Calgary in 2011, her passion for fashion remained. “I love the continuing hi-low trend this spring! Especially with a belt placed high on my waist — it’s completely rocking and it’s the perfect way to show off spring fashion styles,” she says, adding the dress is from espy. “I love the navy colour in this dress, because it allows me to accessorize as much or as little as I want. And with such a great neutral colour, I can easily pair a denim jacket or a leather jacket to keep myself warm in the Calgary weather.”
Yvonne Silver Designer, Career Acceleration program for women; coach, The Shattered Ceiling: Silver is dedicated to helping women become leaders and accelerate in their career. One aspect of this is to be seen as fashionable and credible — and she leads by example. “This spring, ‘brights’ are in, so I found a luxurious purse from Coach New York (Chinook Centre store), in high quality leather, which goes from day to evening,” says Silver, noting that first impressions at work are so important for female executives and aspiring leaders. Not only is this structured, mid-sized fabulous bag in bright coral (called Candace) stylish, it’s also functional, since Silver can toss in her calendar, tablet, wallet, sunglasses and a few work papers. “The perforations along the base and sides add an elegant touch, and taupe lining allows me to see where my essentials are without hunting in the dark,” she says.
HERS PAGE 10
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Photos, ted rhodes & gavin young
No matter which aspect of your life you’re shopping for, you can take a cue from these three stylish Calgary women. BY MELISSA LAMPMAN
B…Inspired B… Admired B… Individual
Come to our Chanii B Spring Shoe Event on Saturday May 4th and enter to win a pair of Chanii B shoes
Aspen Glen Landing SW Asp
403-453-0790
Visit the Shoe Muse BLOG at muse.com for more details. www.theshoemuse.com
beauty counter
By YVONNE JEFFERY
Photos, leah hennel
UP FRONT
Brighten up
Doing just fine Frances Fine may be just 24, but she already has a decade of experience creating glass jewelry. She now combines that technique — known as lampwork, for its traditional heating of the glass using a torch or lamp — with metalwork to design her Franny E Jewelry line of “bohemian chic” necklaces, cuffs, rings and more. “It’s still fine jewelry, but a little rough and raw,” says Fine from her basement studio in her parents’ Calgary home. The ACAD graduate also has a small gallery in the Art Central building downtown. She finds inspiration in a wide variety of sources, including art and architecture. “Anything kind of old and unique and different from what you might see,” she says, adding the colours and patterns of Moroccan architecture are especially interesting to her. Fine uses a lot of her own glass, often mimicking gemstones, along with natural stones from here at home and farther afield. These days, she’s enjoying working with two metal tones of bronze and silver. The result can be seen in the cuff ($295) and ring shown here, which incorporate sterling silver, fine silver and bronze, inset with citrine and rutilated quartz stones. “I like the way the bronze looks on the silver — it makes it more of a whitish gold,” she says. Along with her own designs, Fine also works with her clients to bring their ideas to life in custom pieces. You can find more information at frannyejewelry.com.
It’s time to refresh our look, and our makeup. For gals on the go, Quo’s spring collection offers a Grace and Glamour Beauty Box ($20), complete with blush, eyeshadow and lip colours, in three combos: exotic charm, fluid elegance and sensual enigma. Look for them at Shoppers Drug Mart stores. And for beauty that goes more than skin deep, Skin Authority’s VitaD Fortified Illuminating Duo ($79) includes a whole food spice powder that’s a vegan plant source of vitamin D, and a topical elixir with a vitamin-rich compound of essential skin nutrients, including D, A, E and K. They even offer recipes to use with the powder at skinauthority.com/recipes. Skin Authority products are available at Murale locations.
Hair repair Alberta-based salon and spa company EvelineCharles recently released two new products for hair care. The complexes, designed to be used weekly to treat our hair inside and out, are especially welcome news for those looking to revive and replenish after another dry Calgary winter. The Nutrient Rich Complex helps to restore hair lacking inner strength, especially dry, brittle and damaged hair, while the Color Protect Luminous Complex helps hair colour that’s prone to fading. You can find these and other hair care products at evelinecharles.com and at their salons.
HERS PAGE 12
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Nine West Aritzia Blu’s Banana Republic Arnold Churgin Shoes Coach HS by Henry Singer Melanie Lyne BCBGMAXAZRIA Sephora Brown’s Shoes Michael Kors J Michaels Express RW & Co.
CORNER of ANDERSON & MACLEOD
STYLE
spring trends
HIGH VOLTAGE
NEON IS BACK, AND IT’S BETTER It’s everywhere this season, and we couldn’t be more pleased. “Colour makes us happy, so can you can imagine what neon will do for us?” asks stylist Karen Judge. But she’s quick to reassure us this latest trend is not about ‘80s neon. When trends come back, she says, they come back different — and better. She shows us how in these four outfits that pop with carefully placed neons. Story by Yvonne Jeffery. Styling by
Karen Judge. Photography by Leah Hennel FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE SEE OUR SHOPPING GUIDE ON PAGE 45
CASUAL Look for great value in neon jeans (Judge recommends Joe Fresh and the Gap) paired with a white shirt and bright scarves and shoes. Since the jeans risk going off trend quickly, save your money for investment items. Joe Fresh coloured jeans, $29, from Real Canadian Superstore; The Shirt, $165, from studiogorgeous.com; grey Mjus sneakers, $199, from Checkm8 Shoes; Donny Charm scarves, $88 each, from studiogorgeous.com; Michael Kors Mid-Size Golden Stainless Steel and Acetate Bradshaw Chronograph, $275, from Michael Kors.
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MOD Many of us trend toward black in our closets, so neon is a great way to brighten up this dark hue — the neon really pops, but so does the black. Judge suggests going all black with neon accessories. Alexander Wang skinny maxi dress, $199, from Primitive Culture; Mackage black leather jacket, $660 and Eject sneaker heels, $270, both from Crabapple Clothing Company; neon bracelets, $119-$129 per strand, from studiogorgeous.com.
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FLOWING The most popular neon right now is pink, says Judge, and this hi-low asymmetric dress has it all over. When you’re wearing neon from head to toe, keep accessories calm: nude shoes and neutral jewelry. Distressed denim jean jacket, $59.90, from Zara; neon pink hi-low dress, $218, from BCBG Max Azria; Wonders heeled sandals, $179, from Crabapple Clothing Company; gold coloured cuff, $14.95, from Le Chateau.
HERS PAGE 16
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classy Grey jeans soften the bright neon yellow of this jacket, while the white tank top brings out the colour — think of how shining a light on a picture brings out the artwork, says Judge. Neon yellow Katherine Barclay jacket, $155; white Nikibiki tank, $30; grey Apriori jeans, $175; all from Something 2 Wear. Horn pearl Jamie Lane necklace, $155, and snakeskin Mjus boots, $220, from Shoe Muse; House of Harlow sunglasses, $169, from Jack and Elliot.
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HERS PAGE 17
Calgary’s Largest and Most Exclusive Selection of Diaper Bags
would you like to see more of Heritage Park Historical Village? Enter to win a Family Annual Pass with Rides at calgaryherald.com/ hers! Visit Gasoline Alley Museum any time during the year and explore two levels chock full of beautifully restored vintage vehicles and North America’s largest collection of restored gas pumps. Bring the little ones down for story time every Tuesday morning during the winter months, or any time to enjoy crafts and classic games, a children’s trike track and play area. Special events run in the museum during the winter months, and this pass gives you full access to all the activities: play a round of Auto Golf, build and race your own car or try your hand at milk jug floor curling. The Historical Village opens May 18 and the park is yours to explore. Ride a thundering steam train around the track, get a bird’s eye view of the historical village atop an antique Ferris wheel, make bannock in the Aboriginal Encampment and enjoy a lively musical every weekend in the Canmore Opera House. The pass gives you full access to Heritage Park’s special events, where you can view hundreds of beautiful homemade quilts during the Festival of Quilts in May, celebrate Canada Day the old-fashioned way and get a behind-the-scenes look at Heritage Park’s rail history during Railway Days in September.
SOUTH STORE SO
*Nobody sells more! Based on our shipments and representatives data for 2011-2012.
Visit HeritagePark .ca for a full listing of upcoming special events and daily activities. The annual Family pass has a Value of $159 and is Valid for 365 days from date of activation; it must be activated before December 30, 2013. Valid for two adults and up to four children (aged 3-17). Additional children can be added onto the pass for $20.50 per child (3-17).
403-258-3831 40
www.kaczkids.com 7290 - 11 St. SE 18
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or New f
NEW PRINT!
Royal Envy y
NEW NE W PRINT! PRIN PR INT! IN T!
Perfect Paisley
NEW PRINT!
Pink Pinwheels NEW STYLE!
BetterBe
• detachable and adjustable messenger strap • messenger strap has a memory foam shoulder pad with a grippy textile underneath... no more straps sliding off your shoulders • swivel attachment points for Be Connected stroller clips (sold separately) • gusseted mommy pocket with extra long scrunchy key clip, sunglass case, lipstick loops and pen loop. Plus two zippered pockets... one with mesh so you can see whatʼs inside • two exterior bottle pockets insulated with 3M Thinsulate • picture pocket to keep photos handy when bragging to friends • smart interior organization... lots of pockets • zippered top flap pocket perfect for a few diapers • crumb drains get rid of mess so it doesnʼt stay in your bag • memory foam changing pad included • machine washable... air dry
NEW STYLE!
SuperBe • zippered closure on top keeps your stuff inside • 2 interior mesh pockets and I extra long interior zippered pocket • extra long key clip in main interior of tote • 3 exterior front pockets (2 are tall to hide drinks & the center zippered pocket is short for cell phone) • large exterior back pocket with snap closure • tote straps have 12-inch drop • ultra light • machine washable... air dry
SOUTH STORE SO
*Nobody sells more! Based on our shipments and representatives data for 2011-2012.
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403-258-3831 40 www.kaczkids.comHERS7290 11 St. SE PAGE- 19
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STYLE
shoes
Prada grey sneaker with toe cap, from Holt Renfrew, $490
EASY WALKING Put a little bounce in your walk with a stylish sneaker for
spring. This season brings bold colours, pretty patterns and delicious details — think ribbon laces and toe caps — to an otherwise standard shoe. STYLED by Gwendolyn Richards. PHOTO BY GAVIN YOUNG
Puma teal and grey sneaker, from Town Shoes, $99.95
Arnold Churgin blue sneaker, from Arnold Churgin, $135
HERS PAGE 20
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Vans neon pink leather high-top sneaker, from Gravity Pope, $90
Arche red sneaker with zipper, from O’Connors, $305
Burberry plaid sneaker, from Holt Renfrew, $265
Camper multi-colour sneaker, from Gravity Pope, $290
Keen coral sneaker, from Gravity Pope, $80
Amalfi by Rangoni cream and black sneaker with toe cap, from O’Connors, $215
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HERS PAGE 21
STYLE
bags
Big bags with plenty of room for all the necessities — and more — don’t have to be basic or boring. This spring brings roomy purses in both soft pastels and bold, bright shades for a colourful way to carry your belongings. STYLing by Gwendolyn Richards
leisurely & lovely Balenciaga blue purse, from Holt Renfrew, $2,045 Modalu lilac Pippa bag, from Town Shoes, $275
Photo, gavin young
La Diva woven bag with pastel accents, from Town Shoes, $138
Arnold Churgin orange bag, from Arnold Churgin, $199
Colab coral purse, from Town Shoes, $88 Bottega Veneta woven shoulder bag,from Holt Renfrew, $2,530
HERS PAGE 22
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BANKERS HALL . SOUTHCENTRE
www.blus.com
STYLE
cover story
BREWING SUCCESS Businesswoman and mom Manjit Minhas intended to go into oil and gas.
But a detour into entrepreneurship has offered up lessons in risk and respect. Story by Meghan Potkins. Styling by Karen Judge Photography by Colleen De Neve
Photo: Manjit Minhas on location at Gasoline Alley Museum, open year-round at Heritage Park. For style info from Crabapple Clothing Co., see page 45; to enter to win a family annual pass to Heritage Park, go to page 18.
HERS PAGE 24
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M
anjit Minhas might be filling millions of beer bottles annually, but on this particular afternoon, she’s chosen to wash down lunch with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Over a quick meal, snatched between a run to grandma’s house to drop off her two daughters and an afternoon full of meetings, the CEO of Minhas Brewery admits that while she loves beer, she rarely imbibes. “When I’m drinking it’s more research than sitting back and throwing back a beer,” says Minhas. “I drink to find out what other people make and to find out what the trends are out there.” Dressed in a polished pink blazer, a Prada handbag hanging off her arm and juggling three different cell phones, Minhas seems out of sync with the low-brow, frat-friendly brand embodied by the company she helms. By now, Calgary’s Minhas Brewing — makers of the discount Boxer and Mountain Crest lagers — have become infamous in Alberta for their cheeky low-budget commercials starring Minhas’s younger brother, Ravinder. While Ravinder has become increasingly recognizable, Minhas works quietly behind the scenes, overseeing the finances and having a hand in developing each of the company’s nearly 40 beer products. Minhas and her brother got the idea to start their own business while stocking shelves after school and on weekends at their parents’ liquor stores. In 1999, with some savings and their parents’ blessing, the pair started supplying imported spirits to the family’s three liquor stores under the label Mountain Crest Liquor. Before long, the siblings were getting calls from other stores asking to carry the discounted label. All the while, Minhas says, they dreamt of brewing their own beer. Their business grew exponentially in the first few years; by the time they were plotting their first foray into the highly regulated, capitalintensive beer industry, they were still barely old enough to drink the stuff they were selling. Minhas was finishing up her degree in petroleum engineering at the University of Calgary — her brother just a few months behind her in the same program — when an opportunity came along to begin brewing beer under their own label in Wisconsin. Forsaking a career path into oil and gas, Minhas and her brother decided to buy the brewery. “I felt it was as good a time as any to experiment — I had no other responsibilities. No kids. I was still living at home. I had no debt — if it didn’t work out, I thought I could always go back and apply for a job downtown. “We jumped in with both feet. It worked out and we never looked back.” Despite her enthusiasm for the work, Minhas made the frustrating discovery that the beer industry wasn’t the most receptive place for a young South Asian woman, as an annoying pattern began to emerge in her dealings with suppliers and regulators. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 “I notice they’re not really talking to me, they’re talking to my brother who’s sitting beside me or behind me, even though I’m the one speaking,” she recalls. “I wasn’t always taken so seriously because there weren’t any other women really at the table.” She says she made a conscious decision not to focus on the negatives and threw herself into the work, taking charge of the company’s accounting department and operations in cities such as Edmonton, Regina and Winnipeg. “If you’re persistent and they know you’re not going away, then they are not so disrespectful,” says Minhas. “Eventually, I found that success breeds respect.” More than a decade later, Minhas Brewery — the 10th largest in the U.S. — retails in markets across Canada and in 35 American states, as well as Mexico, Korea and Japan. Last year, the company saw revenues of $135 million. Minhas is now a married working mom with two young daughters — a six-month-old and a three-and-a-half-year-old — so her days begin at 5 a.m. and often don’t finish until midnight. The company’s remarkable success has helped to bankroll their largest venture to date and a dream come true for the siblings; last June saw the opening of the Minhas Micro Brewery in northeast Calgary, featuring a restaurant, corporate offices and a
wood and granite-trimmed tasting room. Their delight at setting up shop in Calgary was marred only slightly by industry critics furious that a company so large enjoys a provincial tax break meant to encourage local small-batch brewers. Minhas points out that although the company does brew in Wisconsin, it is headquartered in Calgary and produces craft beers locally. She says it isn’t fair to lump them in with big brewers such as Molson and Labatt. “The difference between the 10th largest in the business and the first, second or third is very, very big,” she says. Minhas says she anticipated that building a microbrewery in their own backyard would come with additional stress. “It’s a lot of pressure, for sure, because we don’t feel the same investment in Wisconsin. I’m not born and raised in Wisconsin. I’m born and raised in Calgary,” says Minhas. “I can drive 15 minutes from my home and be at our brewery with our name on the building.” But if the pressure is getting to Minhas, she doesn’t let on — and the 32-year-old entrepreneur won’t make any apologies for employing the aggressive pricing strategy that has undercut the competition and made their company so successful. “We are business people and we are beer lovers. They go hand in hand.” n
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Now selling online … it’s a movement
LIVING
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Frittata is one of those building block recipes that are great to have in your back pocket for last-minute or lazy dinners, but it works equally well for luxurious brunches. It requires about as much skill as an omelette (less, perhaps, as it doesn’t require flipping or folding), but with its slightly puffed and golden presentation, the end is more than worth the easy effort. This version is spiced up with Spanish chorizo, some woodsy rosemary and hearty potatoes, but use whatever is on hand or appeals. Serve it up with a green salad and a glass of wine — or beer — for a complete meal worthy of company or a simple night at home. STORY and photo by Gwendolyn Richards
frittata amore
Chorizo and Potato Frittata ½ lb (250 g)
¼ lb (125 g)
Wine pairings
small, waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, cut in quarters
White or red wines — and beer to boot — will pair well with this chorizo-spiced frittata, says Erin Rosar, sommelier manager for Co-op Wine, Spirits and Beer. Here are her suggestions:
dry-cured (Iberico) chorizo, sliced ½-inch (1-cm) thick
•
The spicy chorizo will bring this dish alive with flavour; to balance the mix, La Posta Bonarda from Argentina will work perfectly. The wine is medium in weight and filled with black fruit flavours and hints of spice and smoke. Bonarda is an Italian grape whose name translates to ‘sweet black’; this wine shows the sweet, ripe fruit and the deep, inky colour it is known for.
•
For a white choice, something aromatic, with a touch of sweetness to soften out the spice a bit, will also complement the dish. Cline Viognier from California delivers a glass filled with ripe peaches, apricots, warm lemons and tangerines. This wine is great for brunch and is also wonderful with other spicy dish styles such as Indian or Thai.
•
For a lighter red that is filled with flavour, Peter Lehman’s Layers is an excellent choice. This blend of grapes makes it easy to sip and pairs well with food. Its hints of ripe berries and spice, along with a silky mouth feel, will make the pairing a delight.
•
On the beer front, a palate-quenching brew will refresh with every sip. La Chouffe, Blonde, from Belgium, is filled with soft fruit notes and subtle hops and spiced with coriander, which will combine in fabulous harmony when paired with the frittata.
1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) olive oil
medium onion, cut in half and sliced thinly in half-moons
1 tbsp (15 mL)
rosemary, chopped
8
eggs
salt
freshly ground pepper
¼ cup (60 mL)
parsley, chopped
1
Preheat the broiler. In a pot of boiling, salted water, cook the cut potatoes until tender, then drain. Meanwhile, heat a large, ovenproof frying pan over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook until slightly crisp and golden and the sausage has released some of its oil, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add 1 or 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) oil to the pan — depending on how much oil the chorizo has given off — and add the onion slices, sauteing until soft and translucent. Add the rosemary and potatoes, and return the chorizo to the pan. Stir and distribute so there’s a little bit of everything spread evenly around the pan. Reduce the heat to mediumlow. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the eggs into the pan and swirl slightly to get the mixture all over the pan to the edges. Using a spatula, lightly push the eggs inward from the edge, letting the uncooked egg fill in the space. Continue cooking until the frittata is almost set, then put in the oven. Broil until slightly puffed and golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove, then run a spatula around the edge to loosen the frittata and slide onto a plate to serve. Top with chopped parsley. Serves 4 to 6.
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HEALTH
relationships
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
— Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring
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Fresh fruit and veggies aren’t the only things you’ll gain by gardening. There are plenty of reasons to get your hands dirty and boost your relationship with the earth this spring. By CHRISTINA KUNTZ
why gardening is good for you Let’s be honest — not all of us were born with a green thumb. And maybe some of us will never be able to grow award-winning flowers or amazing vegetables that make the neighbours jealous. But so what? Even if you’ll never be a horticultural star, you’re likely getting a lot more out of your garden than you realize. Here are a few reasons why you should definitely plant something — anything! — this spring.
and getting away from your computer and iPhone,” says the executive director of the Calgary Horticultural Society, which promotes gardening to enhance your quality of life. “We also see a lot of seniors, for example, who connect with gardening later in life because sometimes they have a bit more time on their hands, but also because it keeps them moving and more engaged on all levels. And it does that with people of all ages.”
Gardens relieve stress
Gardens inspire creativity
Perhaps it’s from being outside in the sunshine. Or maybe it’s simply having a project to focus on. Whatever the reason, study after study has shown that gardening — and greenery in general — can reduce stress and boost your mood. “You might be doing a menial task, but once you take that task outside and you feel the wind blowing and hear birds chirping, you become part of nature,” says Donna Balzer, a local horticulturist and co-author of No Guff Vegetable Gardening. “I happen to find weeding particularly therapeutic. It’s a mindless activity that allows your brain to just relax. It’s better than yoga.”
Beautiful gardens don’t just happen; they require planning. And that gives every gardener the opportunity to get a little creative with their green space. “Sometimes, we think of gardens in terms of science, but really, it’s a work of 3-D art, and it can be quite challenging to design,” says Balzer. “It’s like any other hobby, whether it’s painting or macramé. (Gardening) is an outlet that allows your brain to go into a different space.”
Gardens keep you fit Obviously, a container on your balcony won’t need quite as much physical labour as a large garden, but Elizabeth Jolicoeur is a firm believer that any type of gardening activity is good for your overall health. “It’s the whole idea of moving and being outside
Gardens help you make friends Think gardening is all about me-time in the backyard? Well, that’s only if you want it to be. Many inner city-dwellers are embracing the idea of community gardens, which provide an opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded folk as well as grow your own fruit and vegetables. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 “Sometimes, just the act of gardening can bring solitude and quietness, and it’s the same even if you’re working in a plot in a community garden,” says Jolicoeur. “But it can also be a great gathering place. A lot of the community gardens here in Calgary have a celebration harvest at the end of the season where they share their harvest with others. “It gives you a chance to get to know your neighbours and share ideas and food, and it really creates a strong sense of community.”
Gardens give you satisfaction Everyone knows how good it feels to complete a project, but gardening takes that feeling of accomplishment to a whole new level. Whether you’re creating a beautiful flower garden or producing food for your family, Jolicoeur says growing something out of nothing is incredibly rewarding. “There are a lot of different reasons why people garden,” she says. “For me, I really relate it to food growing. I know people have been doing it for thousands of years, but it’s still so special when you do it on your own in your backyard. “It’s a huge sense of accomplishment.”
Where to start
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris): Calgary’s official flower, which blooms in early spring. Carpathian Bellflower (Campanula carpatica): Hardy and reliable with large blue or white flowers, it blooms from July to frost with daily deadheading (removing spent flowers). Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Large purple daisy flowers that bloom from mid-July to October. Variegated Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’): A long-blooming ornamental grass that provides a nice display in a container or garden bed. Lettuce and radishes: These vegetables are easy to grow and work well together in a container. You can also get plenty of help by attending a workshop or plant share through the Calgary Horticultural Society. Go to calhort.org for more information. n
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Photo, ted rhodes
Success in the garden can be simple — if you know what to grow. Elizabeth Jolicoeur says the following plants should a safe bet for new gardeners in Calgary:
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BACKYARD LIVING FOR ALL BUDGETS
Dress up your outdoor living space witha colourful selection of cushions
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LIVING
her ride
how to clean – and green – your ride Winter can be tough on vehicles, as the weather doesn’t make it easy to keep either interiors or exteriors clean. That means it’s time for a thorough spring clean. Here’s how to keep it environmentally friendly, too. By Jody Robbins
Detail oriented: If you want to have a clean, green driving environment, doing it yourself with homemade cleaners is the affordable way to go. There’s a lot you can do with vinegar, water and elbow grease. For those who prefer products, Calgary-based Small Planet (smallplanet.ca) has a host of all-natural cleaning supplies free of chemicals and synthetic ingredients that work just as well for the vehicle as your home. See-Thru Cleaner tackles windows and acts as a deodorizer, while Germs-Be-Gone makes light work of messes on the seats and carpet (tip: it also takes off stickers glued to windows). Workin’ at the car wash: You don’t have to do all the hard work yourself, as washing your car at home is a no-no in Calgary. “All of the oils and other residues that’s stuck to your car gets washed out to the street, then ends up back in the Bow,” says Lynn MacCallum, program assistant, healthy homes advisor and community engagement coordinator for Green Calgary (greencalgary.org). Calgary has implemented a drainage bylaw to try to prevent this, so you should cruise to a
Photo, stock.xchg.com
“Something funky is growing in the car,” my husband warned me not too long ago. Since I have a poor sense of smell and rarely clean out “Blue Steel” (our adorable station wagon), I have to take his word for it. But searching for the source opens Pandora’s Box. There are sticky granola bars fused to the seats, a good layer of grime covering the dash and, viola, the culprit: a Happy Meal toy coated in dried yogurt. I’ve rid my house of hazardous cleaning products, and figure I might as well carry the green theme onto the family-mobile so it resembles more a mode of transportation and less my junior high locker. And since I’m in charge of this glamorous project, I aim to gussy up Blue Steel, making her worthy of her moniker.
commercial car wash that sends their water to a treatment facility. Otherwise, you could face a fine ranging from $75 to $10,000.
Smells like teen spirit: If you’re prone to allergies, you’ll want to ditch commercial carfresheners hanging from your rearview mirror. As if the ubiquitous little tree deodorizer weren’t tacky enough, it’s also potentially toxic. “It can take up to 4,000 chemicals to get that certain smell you love. Those chemicals could be hormone disruptors and known carcinogens,” warns MacCallum. Health Canada doesn’t test fragrance ingredients for safety in personal care products, so you can never be truly sure what chemical concoction makes up the scent. Read the list of ingredients to make an informed choice before deciding if you’re fine with fragrances or sudsing agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). A better bet for keeping your vehicle smelling fresh is adding a few drops of essential oil with your cleaning solution, to get a luscious, lingering scent.
Pimp your ride: Just because we’re gals doesn’t mean we’re into decking out the car in pinks and purples. Women don’t go for girly colours or designs, says Jose Guerreiro, auto body technician and airbrush artist at Hose B Customs & Restoration Inc. (hoseb.webs.com). “Women come to our shop looking for something unique, that nobody else has,” he says, adding popular requests include metallic paint and tribal designs. If you’re looking to add a few bells and whistles to the interior, a visit to Canadian Tire (candiantire.ca) reveals lots of flair for blokes and a few affordable accessories for style-conscious gals. You could add a red (or pink) steering wheel cover ($11.24), leopard print seat cover ($24.99) or Betty Boop floor mat ($29.99). Or join the masses and apply stick figure decals to the rear windshield. After weighing my options, I decide a naturally clean Blue Steel is all I’m really after. She doesn’t need any bling to be beautiful. n JODY ROBBINS IS A CALGARY-BASED FREELANCE LIFESTYLES WRITER. FOLLOW HER AT TWITTER.COM/JODY_ROBBINS
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LIVING
journeys
travelling solo On the first day of my solo trip to Italy, an 18-year-old who’d only had his licence for three months ran a stop sign — right into me. It was my first-ever car accident, I didn’t speak Italian and he didn’t speak English. It could have been a disaster for a 40-something single woman travelling alone, but it turned out to be one of my trip highlights. Story and photos by Kerrie Etson The quiet country road was suddenly inundated with people I didn’t know, including the police. I quickly called the couple from whom I was renting my accommodation. Within 10 minutes, Francesco and Velleda arrived, translated, and set the scene for us to become lifelong friends. Travelling solo isn’t for everyone, but I love it. Want to sleep in, take a nap in the afternoon or laze by the pool? No problem. Found a great restaurant? Go back there often. Need several visits to the museum to satisfy your curiosity? Go for it. Full days or quiet days — it’s your choice. But, as I discovered on that Italian road, you can occasionally run into challenges. Here’s how to get past a few issues that might be a concern. Loneliness. Yes, there might be moments when you wish you had someone to talk to or share an experience with. But if you’re OK spending time alone at home, you’ll likely be comfortable spending time alone on vacation, too. And it’s easy to meet people and make friends when you’re travelling. Anxiety. I most often get nervous when I’m driving into a new village, town or city and have no
Routine. If you’re tempted to stick to the triedand-true on your trip, consider doing something unusual, to make your solo travels more memorable and worthwhile. After all, you don’t have to worry about what others might think of you. Just make sure you’re booking with a reputable adventure or tour business, to reduce risks.
idea where I need to go, or if I’m embarking on a new experience. This is entirely normal, of course; you just need to manage it so it doesn’t become overwhelming. Know you can never get too lost; someone will always help you out, even if neither of you speak each other’s language.
Safety. When you’re on your own, you need to be extra vigilant: always research destination risks, and be aware of what’s going on around you. I have a personal alarm strapped to my purse, and I carry my purse, bag or backpack crosswise in front of my body. Don’t keep your wallet or identification in an obvious place (I leave some cash and a credit card in a safe place, in case I lose my wallet). I also give friends or family at home my itinerary, and check in with them via e-mail. Common sense is important, too: if you wouldn’t walk down a dark alley back home, don’t walk down one overseas, either.
Adoption. Fellow travellers in pairs or groups often think you must be lonely, and so try to “adopt” or include you. If you’d like to strike up a conversation, go for it, but if your intuition says don’t — listen to it. A polite “no, thank you” usually works .
Each time I head out on my own, I experience nerves and then some. But once I board the plane and click my seatbelt into place, I start thinking of all the fantastic experiences to come — and most of the butterflies just disappear. n
MAIN: The iconic Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice. ABOVE: Kerrie Etson, overlooking St. Mark’s Square in Venice.
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LIVING
at home
pop of pink
Carefully placed splashes of colour bring playfulness and light to a formal room. By GWENDOLYN RICHARDS There’s no danger of modern equalling cold in this beautiful Altadore living room from Calgary designer Aly Velji. Velji, of Alykhan Velji Designs (alyveljidesigns.com) used plenty of texture and pops of pink to add softness and comfort to the modern lines and sophisticated space. He says the homeowner wasn’t certain at first about adding pink to the palette. “He said, ‘Pink, are you sure?’ ” Velji recalls. But Velji was sure playing with textures and patterns — and yes, adding in some bright colour — would bring softness to the clean and modern lines of the room. The result is an inviting space with a mix of fabrics in greys, creams and light browns, all accented by splashes of bright pink in the pillows and a Moroccan pouf seat. With the design complete, the owner is now happy with the splashes of colour. The contemporary couch — an L-shaped, clean-lined piece in dark grey that the homeowner already possessed — offered a neutral and logical starting point for the design. “Grey is an amazing colour to work with,” Velji notes. Taking cues from the homeowner’s love of the restaurant Alloy, Velji went with a design that would honour clean, contemporary lines and decor but also add some dynamic pieces to the space. “I wanted the space to be punchy and bold, yet modern and sophisticated,” he says. The first order of business was tackling the black-tiled fireplace, which dominated the space like a monolith. Velji had it redone in grey marble for a light and airy feel, and the rest of the room grew from there. He added floor-to-ceiling sheers on the windows to create some softness, had a pair of vintage, mid-century chairs redone in a tone-on-tone material with a subtle pattern, and brought in a patterned rug to add layers to the space. A wood burl table is a subtle statement piece that brings a natural facet to the room. “We played with texture and colour in the smaller elements,” Velji says. Keeping the main pieces neutral — in creams, greys and light browns — makes it easy to play with colours through the accessories, something he recommends as a design strategy. “There are small, subtle ways to add a bold colour palette,” says Velji. “That’s what makes a space dynamic and comfortable.” Here, the pops of pink repeating in the space bring the room alive. From the pouf on the floor in front of the fireplace to the throw pillows covered in a bright blossom pink Marimekko fabric and solid pink pillows on the vintage chairs, the colours bring a lightness and freshness that’s reinforced by two large turquoise vessels that Velji brought in. In combination with the patterned fabrics and other touches, the living room offers a lesson in combining sophistication with a warm welcome. n
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Photo, COLLEEN DE NEVE
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HEALTH health boosters
BY CHRISTINA FRANGOU
Spring therapy April showers bring more snowstorms than May flowers to Calgary. While we await the first buds of spring, try these fun ways to get your spring greens. Green your space: Add a plant to your home or workspace. Plants filter the air and increase moisture in a room — always a boon in Calgary’s dry climate. Plus, plants provide a psychological boost. A Norwegian study conducted in the 1990s showed office workers with planters in their office during the spring months had fewer coughs, and less fatigue and dry skin. Drink your greens: Blend two cups of baby spinach, one cup of almond milk, one tablespoon of ground flax and a frozen banana. Makes a bright green detox juice. Quench your skin: Try an avocado-and-honey mask. Puree the flesh of one avocado and add a teaspoon of coconut or avocado oil and a teaspoon of honey. Spread the mask over your face with your fingertips and let it set for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Wear green: Put on something green, a colour known for its calming effect. According to a report in Psychology Today, green is linked to success in the minds of North Americans. And this year, you’ll score fashion points: emerald green is Pantone’s color of the year for 2013.
Recommended read:
The Slow Fix, by Carl Honoré Feeling frazzled? Curl up with a copy of The Slow Fix. In his latest book, author Carl Honoré argues that the best way to face challenges is to take our time. Our society, he says, is “hooked on a quick fix.” We rely on things like pills and crash diets for temporary relief to our problems. Instead, Honoré says we need to slow down, examine the source of our problems and come up with creative solutions that will be long lasting. It might sound like advice better suited to a yoga studio than real life. But Honoré, who was raised in Edmonton, travelled the world, talking to leaders in business, politics, medicine and education about their successful and not so successful problem-solving techniques. The lessons he distilled from his conversations apply to everything from everyday living to company takeovers, and are a welcome respite from the busy pressures of life today.
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Spring clean your snacks Want to really clean up your act this spring? Start with your stash of snacks. “Get rid of processed junk food and replace them with whole foods,” says Vincci Tsui, a Calgary-based dietitian who blogs at Ceci N’est Pas Un Food Blog. • Toss the cookies, potato chips and anything with refined carbohydrates or high levels of sugar. Say goodbye to leftover Valentine’s Day and Easter chocolates. And those 100-calorie snack packs — chuck them, too. “People buy them because of the calorie count, but they’re just a lot of junk foods full of refined carbohydrates that won’t fill you up,” says Tsui. • Got nuts? Move them into the fridge or the freezer. Storing nuts at room temperature can cause them to become rancid quicker, according to researchers from the University of California. Nuts keep their quality for a year or more in the fridge, or up to two years in the freezer. Make sure they are packed in clean, airtight containers. • Stock up on whole-grain crackers, fresh fruits and vegetables. Good-quality carbohydrates will help carry you through to your next meal. Get your fruits and veggies snack-ready by washing and cutting them as soon as you get home from the grocery store. They’ll still last several days in the fridge. • Your snacks should include carbs and protein. The combo will keep you going for several hours, says registered dietitian Sharla Stoffman. Good sources of protein include hummus, low-fat cheese, nut butters, Greek yogurt or small cans of tuna. • Throw out any expired yogurts or yogurts open for more than two weeks. Replace them with plain Greek yogurt. But check the label. Proper Greek yogurt is strained, which drives up the protein content. Some manufacturers make “Greek-style” yogurt by adding substitutes such as whipping cream to mimic the thick consistency of the real stuff. Like flavoured yogurt? Pick up fresh or frozen berries. Frozen varieties will keep in the freezer for about a year. visit calgaryherald.com/hers
Keller ab move Prime your abs for bikini season with this trick from Calgary Pilates instructor Kathleen Keller (aim for 12 repetitions): 1. Lie on the floor with your hands resting on your low belly. Keep your feet flat on the floor, your legs bent at the knee. “The first step is to find a neutral pelvis,” says Keller, an instructor at Tower Physio and creator of The Keller Method. Avoid pushing your low back into the floor. “Imagine there’s a cup of tea on your lower belly. You’ve got to keep the tea from spilling up towards your chest or down your legs.” 2. Now, clasp your hands behind
your head with your elbows in your peripheral vision. 3. Picture a zipper that runs from your pubic bone to your belly button. Slowly begin to engage the inner muscles of your lower abdomen, starting at the bottom of the zipper and working your way up — just like you’re zipping up a pair of jeans. 4. Once you’ve “zipped” up, inhale and nod your chin towards your chest. Exhale and lift your head and shoulders up into a Pilates-style crunch. “Don’t squeeze your butt or pull your head; use your core,” says Keller.
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HEALTH
wellness
FINDING YOUR
FITNESS FIT Photos, colleen de neve and gavin young
Discovering an activity that’s fun and beneficial for both body and mood increases your odds of sticking with it even when après-work drinks or Chinese takeout are calling your name. Here are five of the city’s most intriguing fitness trends to help you narrow the search. BY MEGHAN JESSIMAN
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If someone had told me three years ago that I was about to become one of those people who believed a day without exercise was incomplete, I would have taken pause from my Kraft Dinner just long enough to tell them they were nuts. Imagine my surprise, then, to find I’m now one of those people. Though the likelihood of New Year’s resolutions sticking past spring thaw is often slim to none, January 1, 2010 was the day I decided to perform an overhaul on my fitness regimen. And by overhaul, I mean removing myself from the well-worn spot on my couch and injecting some form of physical activity into my life. Any form would do. Here’s my first lesson: gyms are boring. Finding a workout that truly excites you can be a challenge. Though I never thought of myself as a particularly aggressive person, I discovered kickboxing was my ideal workout. After throwing a few hooks, I was officially hooked myself. To help you find your perfect fitness fit, here are five more ideas to try.
MOGA: Often neglected in favour of high calorie burns or weight lifting, flexibility and joint mobility are actually two important aspects of movement efficiency. Personal trainer Curtis McGorman’s MOGA (mobility style yoga) classes start by activating muscles with foam rolling, move into a dynamic warm-up and progress into a stretching and mobility phase, all focused on gently increasing your body’s range of motion. “It will only take one class for someone to notice a difference,” McGorman says. “Students will become more aware of their body, how it moves and works, which in turn, decreases the chance of injury.” Injury prevention is one of the reasons McGorman recommends MOGA for those who take their fitness pretty seriously. If you’re the go-go-go type or have been injured, MOGA could serve your body better than straight-up yoga. 2110 Fitness, 6624 Centre St. S.E. 403252-2225, 2110fitness.com.
Reebok Crossfit Ramsay: If you’re a bit of a workout aficionado but have yet to step inside one of Calgary’s numerous crossfit boxes, it’s time to test your might. Billed as “the sport of fitness,” crossfit is designed
next day, but you are going to have a smile on your face while you are sweating.” Whether you’re a former dancer or have two left feet, there are plenty of benefits to be reaped from stepping up to this barre. 1202 20th Ave. S.E., 403-720-6635, barrebodystudio.com.
Get It Done Boot Camp:
MAIN: Taking participants through an intense cycling class at One Cycle Spin Studio. ABOVE: Barre Body Fit owner Marlo Brausse in her Calgary studio.
to push you to your physical limits with its multi-disciplinary workouts of the day (WODs). Functional fitness at its best, crossfit’s specialty is to avoid specializing, instead attempting to create well-rounded, adaptable athletes who can face any physical challenge. Owner of the newly rebranded Reebok Crossfit Ramsay, Ken Andrukow and his team of serious yet very personable coaches were the first to introduce YYC to this now booming trend. If adrenaline rushes and the competitive spirit get your workout juices flowing, crossfit will wake those muscles up with a few muscleups. 2030 – 2600 Portland St. S.E. 403-4574010, reebokcrossfitramsay.com.
Barre Body Fit: The first in Calgary to capitalize on the ballet barre fitness craze sweeping North America over the past few years, Barre Body Fit owner Marlo Brausse has created her own unique combination of danceinspired toning and stretching techniques sure to make you feel the burn. Don’t be intimidated if graceful movements aren’t your thing, as Brausse (who was never a dancer herself) is adamant that BBF is focused on fitness first. While barre classes are certainly physically challenging, they are also pretty lowimpact on the body. “This is an ideal activity for people dealing with joint injuries, new moms that are returning to fitness and those people who are looking to get started with regular exercise,” Brausse explains. “Your muscles are going to feel it the
If variety is a spice you crave, trainer Damir Mulalic’s Get It Done Boot Camp is the place for you. No two classes are ever the same, so your body, cardiovascular system and mind are left guessing as to what will come next in these carefully designed strength training and cardio programs. “The fact that classes are three times a week has a number of benefits in terms of training,” Mulalic, the owner of Empowerment Personal Training, explains. “We can break up the body into sections, much like in personal training, focusing on the front of the body on Monday and back of the body on Wednesday, for example, which allows for proper muscle recovery time.” The time commitment pretty much guarantees results as long as you show up to class. This boot camp has the social benefits (and bargain price tag) of group fitness with the watchful eye of a skilled personal trainer, for the best of both exercise worlds. Bow Valley Club, 250 6th Ave. S.W. 403-605-2754, empowermentpt.com.
One Cycle: Modelled on the popular SoulCycle model of intensely high energy spin classes paired with lightweight upper body intervals, One Cycle Spin Studio will have you dripping with sweat and signing up for more the next day. The concept of a musically-driven spin class may seem as far away from the zen principles of yoga as you can get, but as the brainchild of Elmira and Paul Barry (owners of Hot Yoga on 17th), One Cycle’s philosophy is surprisingly grounded and community minded. They say they created the studio with a vision of ‘oneness’ in mind — bringing people together to move and breathe as one, in a safe, welcoming and, most of all, fun environment. Whether you require a major endorphin kick to get through the day, or have slightly sadistic tendencies (these classes are no joke), One Cycle is the place for you. 2115 4th Street S.W., 403-244-4484, one-cycle.com. n
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HEALTH
spa
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SKIN GAME CHANGER A few months ago, I stopped in at Calgary’s new Babor Beauty Spa for some skin love. Perched on the southern end of 4th Street S.W., the boutique spa had only opened its doors two days before my visit. Not that you would know it — the lovely locale was an oasis of contemporary cool, with its white and grey decor, clean lines and serene vibes. By Michelle Magnan
Owner Helene Levesque greeted me and explained how her own experience with Babor — a luxury brand that hails from Germany — had totally changed her skin. She decided to bring the high-quality facials and body treatments, along with the skin care line, to Calgarians. And we are lucky, indeed; this is Babor’s first entry to North America. “We are sharing the European secret,” said Danusia Onulov, Babor’s director of education and services — and the woman who would soon work her magic on my winter-worn skin. As I nestled in for my 80-minute Collagen Booster Therapy facial ($220, designed to “plump and densify your skin”), Onulov told me she’d gone to yoga that morning. Aside from the workout, she’d attended the class to have “happiness and positive energy” to share with her clients. It worked. In Onulov’s hands, I felt calm and cared for. She proceeded to give me one of the most
divine facials I’ve ever had. It’s hard to pinpoint why something is excellent when you’re drifting in and out of dreamland, but suffice it to say everything from the signature oil cleanser to the tingling, plumping mask was fantastic. The best part? Every time Onulov used warm towels to clean my skin, she massaged my temples, brow bones, cheekbones and jaw. The massage within the facial was bliss. As for the final results, when I said goodbye to the women in Babor’s sunny entrance, Onulov looked at me and said, “Your skin is glowing in the light.” No joke: it glowed for days afterwards, which meant I immediately booked a follow-up appointment to keep the skin love going. Babor, I am hooked. (Roxboro River Shoppes, 2500 4th St.S.W., 403-474-7213, baborbeautyspacalgary.com) CONTINUED ON PAGE 44
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Danusia Onulov, Babor Beauty Spa’s director of education and services, has three simple skin care rules she swears by. If you can’t make it in for one of the spa’s facials — well, even if you can! — you’ll put your best face forward if you follow her mantra: • Cleanse and moisturize. Seriously. No ifs, ands or buts about it: this is key. • Drink water. • Love yourself!* *This is my favourite tip, by far, and probably the hardest for us ladies to follow.
More face time
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Rules to glow by
CONSIGNMENT CONSIGNMENT STORE STORE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43
The best
DESIGNER & TRENDY CLOTHING on consignment. Your one stop shop for FABULOUS style in the heart of the beltline. MEN & WOMEN 1222-8 St SW (parking lot behind) www.betteronyou.com
We’ll make it worth your while by pickin g up your preloved desig ner labels, selling yo ur items and putting cas h in your pocket.
www.rewindconsignment.com
403.263.6669
We tracked down a few other facials around town that sound skin-tastic: A Calming Touch Soothe sensitive or irritated skin with the Calming TEYE Azu-Zinc Facial at Oasis Wellness Centre and Spa. This 65-minute treatment incorporates echinacea, zinc and vitamin K to cut down on redness and leave your skin feeling moist and smooth. (Mount Royal Village, lower level, 880 16th Ave. S.W., 403-216-2747, experienceoasis.ca) The Whole Shebang You’ve heard about diamond microdermabrasion, hot and cold laser treatments, ultrasonic treatment and galvanic treatment. Sign up for The Pro4 Facial at EvelineCharles and you’ll experience all four in a 1.5-hour session ($190). The combo of “noninvasive, regenerative” treatments is designed to give aging skin a mega-boost. (Available at Market Mall and Southcentre locations, evelinecharles.com) Members Only Last year, Skoah, the Vancouver-born skin care company that delivers “personal training for your skin,” introduced Skin Gym Memberships. For a one-time $500 payment or $50 per month, you’ll receive 12 fitskin or 8 facialiscious facials over a year. And to sweeten the deal, Skoah is securing partnerships with “like-minded brands” to develop fun events and offers for Skin Gym members. Stay tuned. (Two locations in Calgary, skoah.com)
Now Located in Willow Park Village Mall!! 564, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E. Calgary, Alberta p. 587 350 7946 Tankinis Bikinis One-Pieces Mastectomy sizes xs-26W 32B-42H
COME FIND THAT PERFECT SWIMSUIT, SUN DRESS, COVER-UP AND MORE!
www.maliasboutique.ca
Enter for a chance to
WIN
d Expert ith Truste Travel w gy Perry
Peg
aVIP trip to
&Portugal
Spain
Enter Here to Get Your Ballot www.calgaryherald.com/spain-contest
HERS PAGE 44
visit calgaryherald.com/hers
STYLE
sources
shopping guide High Voltage Neon: Pages 14-17 BCBG Max Azria: various locations, bcbg.com Blue Moon Accessories: Willow Park Village, Unit 210, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E., 403-278-7039, bluemooncalgary.com Checkm8 Shoes: various locations, checkmateshoes.com Crabapple Clothing Company: 3526 Garrison Gate S.W., 403-686-3661, crabappleclothing.com Jack and Elliott: Third level of The Core (TD Square), jackandelliott.com Joe Fresh (Real Canadian Superstore): various locations, joefresh.com, superstore.ca Le Chateau: various locations, lechateau.com Michael Kors: various locations, michaelkors.com Primitive Culture: 814A 16th Ave. S.W., 403-244-4404, primitiveculture.ca Shoe Muse: 106, 326 Aspen Glen Landing S.W., 403-453-0790, shoemuse.com Something 2 Wear: 118, 326 Aspen Glen Landing S.W., 403-457-1182, something2wear.com Studio Gorgeous: studiogorgeous.com Zara: Chinook Centre; zara.com Shoes & Bags: Pages 20-22 Arnold Churgin: multiple locations, arnoldchurgin.com Gravity Pope: 524 17th Ave. S.W., 403-209-0961, gravitypope.com Holt Renfrew: 510 8th Ave SW, 403-269-7341, holtrenfrew.com O’Connors: 1420 1 St. S.W., 403-269-4996, and O’Connors Fine Footwear, 244 7 Ave. S.W., 403-264-1275, oconnors.ca Town Shoes: multiple locations, townshoes.com
Cover story: Manjit Minhas: Pages 24-26 What a fabulous day we had at Heritage Park’s Gasoline Alley Museum. This year-round attraction features the most amazing vehicles from the last century and beyond, from horse-drawn wagons to a 1930s gas station. (We loved the camping trailer and drive-in for inspiring some fun memories!) Despite a snowy day, the colourful vehicles and warm welcome made shooting our cover story such fun. Be sure to check out our contest to win an annual family pass to Heritage Park, on pages 18-19. Model: Manjit Minhas, CEO Minhas Brewery (minhasbrewery.com) Hair & Makeup: Kada Issa, for Sohni Skin & Hair Studio (sohni.ca) Location: Heritage Park’s Gasoline Alley Museum (heritagepark.ca) Styling: Karen Judge, Studio Gorgeous (studiogorgeous.com) Clothing and accessories: all from Crabapple Clothing Company, 3526 Garrison Gate S.W., 403-686-3661 (crabappleclothing.com) Cover: Eva Franco ‘Audrey’ dress, $398; Part Two Mallory jacket, $189; Hillberg & Berk bracelet $295, necklace $395 Inside: Free People ivory comb tunic, $168; Highclass straight jeans, $198; Shereen de Rousseau necklace, $400
Celebrate
A MOTHER'S LOVE
Sterling silver charms from $30
�������� ��� �������� ���� ��� � ��������� �������� ����� �� MARKET MALL CHINOOK CENTRE SOUTHCENTRE MALL
Purchase the PANDORA Mother’s Day gift set for $230, featuring one sterling silver bracelet, two “Beveled” clips, one “Mom” charm, and a charm of your choice valued up to $40 with a travel jewelry case (a retail value of $290).* *Before taxes. Good while supplies last. See our store for details.
STYLE
on the street
spotted BY yvonne jeffERy
Photo, gavin young
Kait Kucy: Full disclosure — we’ve been watching this fashion maven for a while on her blog at yuppielove.org. So when she agreed to meet our photographer at the Yellow Door Bistro, we were thrilled. For spring, she’s pairing this Urban Outfitters eyelet dress with a Gap jean jacket and shoes from Forever 21 in her fave colour, turquoise. “I like a mix of vintage and classic styles,” Kucy says. “The dress is a classic silhouette, but I just mixed it up with a jean jacket and the wedges, and fun jewelry, of course.” Her purse deserves special mention, as she made it herself, using vinyl fabric from Fabricland and vintage buttons found at a garage sale. It’s bright, fun and large enough to carry the laptop that’s an essential tool for this freelance writer about town.
HERS PAGE 46
visit calgaryherald.com/hers
From Treatment to Transformaoon
Fine lines and wrinkles: V-100
the effect of the Botox.
Ageing, rred eyes: So Li Eyes
Environ to work in conjunction with the Botox.
Sun spots, age spots and pregnancy mask: Clear + Brilliant
Loose skin, deep wrinkles and scars: Sublavve Rejuvenaoon
Thinning lips: Juvéderm
Iredale’s Just Kissed Lip Plumper.
100, 1919 Sirocco Drive SW T3H 2Y3 | 403.242.0484 www.v-spa.ca | info@v-spa.ca
A fresher looking you – Polish your look Botox®, Juvederm®, Voluma® • Wrinkle and frown treatments
Ultrashape Fat Removal
• Removes up to 1-3 inches
Thermage® and Fraxel • Surgery-free, no downtime face and neck lifts • Rejuvenates skin, removes wrinkles and age spots
Laser Hair Removal
• Permanent, all skin types
Facial Wrinkle Rejuvenation
• Photorejuvenation (IPL) • Fraxel • Laser resurfacing • Laser eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty) • FeatherLift®
Laser Removal
• Veins • Tattoos • Age spots • Moles • Acne
Cellulite and fat removal
• Endermologie® • Mesotherapy • Acthyderm • Thermage • UltraShape
Skin and Spa Services • Infusion facials • Chemical peels • Body wraps • Permanent make-up • Microdermabrasion
Product Lines
• CosMedical • DerMed • Obagi • Colorscience
COSMETIC DERMATOLOGISTS Dr. Tom Woo Dr. Janis P. Campbell,
w w w.laserclinics.com • 150, 10601 Southport Road S.W. • 286-6888