VOL 23 APRIL 2022
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LIVEAUGUSTANA.CA
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April 2022
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Highlights Note Everyone needs encouragement – Editor’s Note 8 Profile Entrepreneurship and community support – Maureen MacKay 10 Fashion Capturing the essence of spring with bold looks and bright colours – Simons 16
Auto It’s time for the open-air driving in the Lexus LC 500 with Lexus of Edmonton 30 Cuisine A great Hellenic experience with calamari, retsina and lemony potatoes – Cosmos Greek Kitchen 36
Wine Your perfect Wine Cellar picks for the patient collectors 42 Health and Wellness Top 10 tips on how to spring clean your life 54
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April 2022
PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD. FOUNDER Elsa Amorim EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONTRIBUTORS
Jelena Bojic
Mona Butler MANAGING EDITOR
Twyla Campbell
Beryl Bacchus
Steven Hope Jelena Kovacevic
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lucija Ros
Brandy Belitsky
Tom Sedens Trevor Tsoi Emily Welz
COPY EDITOR Lucie Oosterveld BRAND AMBASSADORS Marlenie Arana Gordana Bosiocic Serap Ozturk Tracy Sestito
COVER Photo Supplied
Beryl Bacchus Managing Editor
Beryl Bacchus has had an extensive career with over 20 years in the fashion, events and entertainment worlds. Spending time in Montreal, Toronto and New York, she moved to Edmonton just over a decade ago and is excited to bring her passion for community to Modern Luxuria Magazine and help showcase the talent and vibrancy of Edmonton from a fresh perspective.
Contributors
Steven Hope is an award winning creative, working in commercials and film around the world. He is not good at writing about himself in the form of a bio and would prefer we let the work speak for itself. The work would
Mona Butler Originally from
say something like “Hi reader, I’m the
Vancouver, Mona brings with her to
work, I’m humbly brilliant.”
Edmonton a background in lifestyle writing within the luxury realm. When not working or training for her next strongman competition, she can be found exploring the restaurants and
Tom Sedens is a husband, father of 3,
coffee shops of Edmonton or taking
lover of pie and a world traveler that
her dog, Pixel, on adventures.
has explored over 50 countries. He is an accredited member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of
Twyla Campbell is a freelance writer
Canada) who loves driving anything,
and food columnist for CBC Radio
anytime, anywhere.
(Edmonton). She is a seasoned traveler who seeks unique destinations both local and abroad. A proud supporter of Canadian wine and sustainable food
Emily Welz is an internationally
producers, Twyla is a regularly sought
published photographer and stylist.
food panelist and judge for culinary
Before running her photography
competitions in Canada.
studio full-time, she worked in media communications and literacy advocacy. Her passion for storytelling inevitably led her to pursuing photography, creative direction, modelling, styling, and set design. Her favourite part about photography is the ability to connect with people from different walks of life to showcase their beautiful energy.
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April 2022
Editor's Note " If you are a leader, you should
never forget that everyone needs encouragement. And everyone who receives it – young or old, successful or less-thansuccessful, unknown or famous – is changed by it. " —JOHN C. MAXWELL
canvas that we get to paint each month, choosing those colors that we love and enjoy, that represent beauty, inclusion, respect, support, and kindness. Our goal is to create partnerships, connect people, and lend our hand in building even stronger communities for the future. And to have strong communities, there
AS
must be multiple voices and storytellers, so we send the current situation in the world continues
our respect and gratitude to all others who are doing
to be difficult and hard to fathom, we take
that. This city has a big enough heart to welcome all.
a moment to think about Modern Luxuria’s mission and mandate. Why are we here, and what is our
Edmonton deserves to be talked about from many
contribution to this wonderful city we call home. The
different perspectives, and we will continue to shape
world news is hard to face these days and can present
and develop the Modern Luxuria perspective and
a trigger for all of us, including my own memories
share it with you every month. We are all doing our
of the war in former Yugoslavia in the 90’s. But our
part in building this community each day; by being
purpose is not to cover those stories, as there are many
kind, humble, helpful, and mindful of others. You are
other sources and channels that do so, exceptionally
all a part of this collective movement, and for that,
well, on a daily basis.
we thank you.
What Modern Luxuria gives me, and I believe all others
Enjoy the April edition, and if you feel like sharing your
included in developing each edition, is a creative outlet,
feedback, please do so at hello@modernluxuria.com.
a channel to share our love for Edmonton and to
— Jelena
celebrate this community and its builders. It’s a blank www.modernluxuria.com
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EDMONTON’S PREMIER DIGITAL GUIDE TO LUXURY AND LIFESTYLE
ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY HELLO@ MODERNLUXURIA.COM | PHONE 780-906-7235
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April 2022
WORDS BY BERYL BACCHUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY WELZ
Humbleness, Talent and Hard Work: Maureen MacKay is the Real Deal Entrepreneur You may remember a postcard rack at the entrance of your favourite restaurant, or notice a cool event on the due-date till tape you receive when signing a book out of the Edmonton Public Library. Maybe you require a service dog and have approached Western Canada’s fastest growing service dog organization. It is all the doing of one exceptional Edmonton entrepreneur.
Maureen MacKay’s journey and rise in
Edmonton’s business world began 23 years ago. As someone who has never wanted to be “just an investor”, she easily brings a seamless merging of business expertise and continual community support to the table. Currently the owner and founder of two successful companies, Wild Cards Advertising and Aspen Service Dogs, her legacy will endure, not just in Edmonton but across Canada.
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April 2022
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How did you come up with the concept of Wild
After a while I wanted to branch out into something
Cards Advertising?
different and I had seen a concept with very specific advertising in the public libraries in the United States.
I was approached to be an investor in a business
It was basically bookmarks that had advertising on
and during the course of the meeting, I noticed my
the front and in the old days they had the due date
contact had brought this rack that had postcards in it.
stamped on the back.
We were talking about the investment funds that she needed and I was focused on this rack. She explained
Nobody was doing it in Canada, so I approached
to me it was a little side business for her. I was more
Edmonton Public Libraries and I asked them if
intrigued by the postcard rack as opposed to being
they would be interested in this product along with
an investor in the company because I wanted to do
advertising revenue for them. So I started that whole
something more hands-on. The postcards in the rack
concept in Edmonton.
had advertising on them. It was being done over in Europe at the time and was very new to North America.
I eventually started getting federal campaigns where
That is how Wild Cards was formed. Basically, it was
they needed advertising throughout all of Canada.
postcards put into restaurants and cafes.
I ended up building a network of over 2500 public libraries.
How did you approach the Edmonton community with this new way of advertising?
About 10 years in, people stopped using bookmarks and they started using the automated due date receipts,
I worked with someone who had a background in
so we had to adjust. We started selling advertising on
sales. I had never sold a thing in my life and I went
the back of the automated due date receipts. I still do
with her to a couple of meetings, and just listened. I
that today across Canada.
quickly learned that every sales person has their own What is your business ethic?
way of doing sales pitches. I developed my own tone which turned out to be very different from what she taught me. The most important things I had always
I always want to deliver a quality product. I want to be
learned from others and successful business owners is
able to service the clients, and I want financial success
that the client is always right. And the most important
too. Financial success is important and also finding
thing is your reputation. You get other clients when
ways to give back to the community.
you do a really good job. Talk about Aspen Service Dogs. You provide advertising services for an elusive client now. How did you accomplish this?
Three years ago, I was looking at doing something different. I didn’t know what it was but I really wanted
I started Wild Cards with the postcard concept; there
it to encompass things that I love. I love dogs and I
was a need for distribution and it was really successful
also have a passion for helping people with disabilities.
for me in Alberta.
Having two sisters with disabilities, I realize how
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April 2022
Do you have a favourite story or memory?
important it is to make their lives more enjoyable and accessible.
When you are involved in the service dog industry, you During my time in Edmonton, I have worked with a lot
are kind of a lifer. Once you see the miracles that occur
of non-profit groups and one of them I volunteered
and know how much you are impacting individuals
for involved fostering service dogs. During that time I
that are disabled, have autism or PTSD and need the
met an amazing woman, Maria Illes, who is probably
support to make their lives less challenging, it’s really
one of the best service dog trainers in Western Canada.
hard to not continue creating these miracles again
Just about the time I was looking at different business
and again.
opportunities, we met for coffee and decided it was time for her to start her own school. That is how Aspen
Any words of wisdom for young entrepreneurs
Service Dogs was born.
starting out today?
I now have an absolutely amazing business partner
You have to work hard and you better have some
whose dedication and passion to the service dog
passion towards what you are starting and what your
industry is truly amazing.
dream is. The vision of your company has to align with your long term goals. Work with mentors.
In the three years we have been in business, even What legacy do you hope to leave?
throughout Covid, we continued training and servicing our clients and we really are one of the fastest growing service dog schools in Western Canada. We have built
The legacy that I am building with my partner Maria
a great reputation in a short amount of time and we
Illes, is to continue building out a national service dog
have certified more service dogs teams than any other
school that can fulfill the huge demand for people
school in Western Canada. We started with two dogs
needing service dogs.
and we now train over 100 dogs. WWW.ASPENSERVICEDOGS.COM WWW.WILDCARDS.CA
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April 2022
David: Le 31 Par Simons Fuscia Pant Acne Studios Rose Graphic T-Shirt Soul of London Blue Floral Print Jacket Melissa: Contemporaine Coral Blazer Contemporaine Coral Pant Hugo Boss Camo Print Blouse Claudine: Contemporaine Yellow Blazer Contemporaine Yellow Pant Contemporaine Blue and White Sleeveless Blouse
COLOR
….That’s What We’re Talking About www.modernluxuria.com
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FASHION BY SIMONS STYLED BY BERYL BACCHUS ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY WELZ MODELS DAVID DUNKLEY TAYLOR JONES MELISSA RAE CLAUDINE ZOPOULA AGENCY CHAN INTERNATIONAL MODEL & TALENT AGENCY WWW.SIMONS.CA
Bold color, graphic prints, flowers and individuality. Capture the essence of Spring at Simons. - 17 -
April 2022
Scotch & Soda Green Floral Shorts Scotch & Soda Green Floral Blazer Contemporaine White Ribbed T-Shirt
Dress: Meda midi dress Earrings: Suri hoops gold
Leather Jacket by Torras Leather Cashmere Turtle Neck by Lorenzoni Wool Vest by Empire (made in Canada) Green Pants by AG Denim Suede Blucher Shoe by Brother Frere
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ONYRMRK Burnt Orange Wrap Shirt Dsquared2 Grey Skater Jean
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April 2022
Le 31 Pars Simons Green and Orange Flowered Linen Shirt Scotch and Soda Suede and Leather Bomber Jacket
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Runaway Green Dress
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April 2022
Clockwise from top left: Taylor: Dsquared2 Denim Shirt Scotch & Soda Ralston Regular Slim Fit Jean Melissa: DL 1961 Ultra High Rise Flare Jeans Icone by Simons Black Studded Top David: Dsquared2 Printed Shirt Dsquared2 Grey Skater Jean Claudine: Contemporaine Denim Culotte Shorts Balmain Short Sleeve T-Shirt with Gold Studs
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April 2022
Double J Black and White Waist Belt Twill Silk Long & Sassy Dress
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Self Portrait Brown Checked Vintage Styled Dress
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Paul Smith Olive Patch Pocket Jacket Paul Smith Olive Pant Acne Studios T-Shirt
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April 2022
www.modernluxuria.com
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April 2022
Executor Luciano Sleek Derby Shoe
Limited Edition 7th Heaven Derby Swirl, Classic Derby Boot
Radio 2 Chris Brogued Wingtip Derby Swordfish Women’s Bauhaus Bubblegum Gingham Swordfish Boot
Lopro Prado Vegan High Top Sneaker
Ultra Vog Lace-up Corset Boot
Light Tauri Flower Ankle Boot
Fellowship Martha Contrast Lace-Up Shoe
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Light Altair Pump with Laces *Tudor Jimi Fluevog x Jimi Hendrix
Manifold United Vegan Sneaker (*m/w)
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Ready to go in Fluevog
Modvog Moneymaker Lace-up Derby Shoe
Shoes come first this spring at Edmonton’s Fluevog store on Whyte Avenue
Fox & Fluevog Figaro Monkstrap Loafer with Heel
*Stand Up Foxey Lady, Fluevog x Jimi Hendrix Women’s Boot
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April 2022
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Pure Sensory Exhilaration Open-air driving in a thrilling work of art WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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April 2022
THE
LC
Convertible
captivates
your
imagination from the moment one
sets eyes on it, fusing elegance and aggression, and showcasing a new facet of its personality from every angle - a wide and aggressive front end with the signature Lexus dynamic spindle grille, sophisticated LED projector lights, and bold fender flares. Take in the sleek, flowing side silhouette accentuated by a low-slung centre of gravity and a sharp, tapered roofline. The rear leaves an equally strong impression with its trunk line, and perhaps the most distinctive tail lamps ever. Finished off with incredible 21-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, the LC 500 Convertible is breathtaking with its soft-top roof open or closed. Artfully
designed
with
asymmetrical
lines
and
appointed with stunning, world-class materials and textures, along with unparalleled fit and finish, the LC Convertible’s intimate cabin engages your senses every time you get into it. From the comfort of the beautifully sculpted seats - upholstered in perforated and quilted leather - to the heated steering wheel, the digital dash and the high-resolution multimedia display - everything is integrated into the thoughtful design cabin. Unmatched refinement of the LC 500 Convertible is coupled with equally exhilarating performance. Depressing the starter button fires up the 5.0-Litre V8 with an authoritative bark. Paired with a 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission, the engine generates 471 HP and 398 ft-lbs of torque and catapults the LC from 0 to pure exhilaration in seconds.
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April 2022
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With the turn of a dial, you can choose from five
air from entering the cabin even at high speeds, for
different drive modes, and the remarkable adaptive
uninhibited enjoyment of open-air driving that only
variable suspension and performance dampers
a convertible can provide.
smooth out the ride, even on less than ideal road An innovative folding system enables the roof to
surfaces.
be stored in an exceptionally small space so that The LC 500 Convertible’s dual character is a truly
it doesn’t intrude on luggage capacity. The trunk
amazing feature. While a computer-controlled
isn’t large but it can easily handle anything from a
valve dials up the aggressive soul-stirring sounds
grocery run to a weekend road trip.
of the exhaust, transmitting the rich and exquisite soundtrack of the V8 into the cabin, the driver can
The Lexus Safety System+ integrates an incredible
also choose to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and easy
portfolio of active safety technologies, taking every
conversation. Thanks to its exceptional engineering,
possibility into account and surrounding the driver
the LC 500 Convertible lets you do both. Using
and passengers in an envelope of safety and security.
active sound-cancelling technology and remarkable dampening features, the ride can be quieter than
If you desire an even more unique LC 500
almost anything else on the road - even with the top
Convertible ownership experience, Lexus’ Bespoke
down.
Build is available, where you can customize your LC 500 by choosing your own combination of interior
That lightweight soft-top is capable of opening or
and exterior colours and even which wheels you
closing in 15-seconds, while driving at speeds up to
prefer.
50 km/h. An animated display on the instrument panel lets you monitor its progress, and the top-
The LC 500 Convertible is a rolling work of art - a
down driving is meant to be as enjoyable as possible.
triumph of style, luxury, performance and open-air
The LC 500’s aerodynamic and sculpted exterior,
motoring. Bring on the summer!
the transparent wind deflector and many other technologies work in concert to reduce unwanted
WWW.LEXUSOFEDMONTON.CA
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April 2022
WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE
A constant on an ever-changing landscape Familiarity feels like home at Cosmos Greek Kitchen
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April 2022
THE
124 Street location of Cosmos Greek
has distinct notes of pine resin, and while I wouldn’t
Kitchen has been in place for nearly
consider it a wine to order again and again, everybody
20 years. The original restaurant, though, was located
needs a Retsina encounter at least once, to get the
on 111 Street and 103 Avenue. That is the Cosmos I knew:
full Hellenic experience.
where plates were smashed, tables were danced upon, and where ouzo flowed like water from a goddess' urn.
As active proprietor and host, Costa is the face of the restaurant, but he has a solid team working alongside him, including a very capable cook named Athena.
When I tell Costa Panousis, the owner, of the night I lost a shoe at that location, he laughs. It was the 80s, I say, and we both shrug. Costa was a server during
"If I go in there and she doesn’t like what I say, she
those years and has stories of his own, many of which
tells me to…" His words drop off, but I get the drift,
revolve around NHL players, including The Great One
and I feel much respect for this woman who, in her
himself, and a parade of celebrities who frequented
seventies now, has been cooking home-style Greek
the restaurant and partied long into the night.
food at Cosmos for 22 years.
“Times have changed,” he says, which is an
"Athena is the name of the Goddess of War, is it not?"
understatement considering what has transpired
I ask.
the past two years, never mind four decades of being in this industry.
He tells me he’s not so good with mythology, but I see the twinkle in his eye. If he’s learned anything
What hasn’t changed is the food, in fact, it’s gotten
after this many years in business, it’s that diplomacy
better. The lemony potatoes are perfectly cooked;
is a priceless trait.
the moussaka has the right amount of cinnamon, and the calamari, which took the city by storm when
According to Costa, the most important part of his
it first appeared in the early 80s, is still the best in
job is to keep people happy; something that requires
town. And while I was surprised to see Retsina on the
patience, discipline, and compassion. It’s been working
menu, I was heartened that it had kept its place in
for him. Cosmos Greek Kitchen has a longstanding
the inventory. This wine, first made 2,000 years ago,
and very devoted customer base.
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April 2022
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When he offered a 20% discount for people to pick up their orders at the start of the pandemic, instead of having them delivered, many customers just added the 20% back—on top of the tip. That’s what you get for being a good host all these years. The Passport Lounge that takes up space next to the restaurant is also owned by Costa. A door connects the two, but each has their own kitchen. The lounge is home to live bands as well as a Thursday piano bar and if the situation presents itself for a customer to get on a table and dance, you just might see Costa lending a hand up. Things may have changed, yes, but there’s still a little bit of the 1980s in Costantinos Panousis, and I for one, am all for it. Opa!
WWW.COSMOSYEG.COM
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April 2022
Wines Worth Waiting For
WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Wade Brintnell of The Wine Cellar on divine wines worth adding to your cellar for future sipping
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These bottles are for the patient wine-lover. If you’re one to collect wine and allow it to mature to its fullest potential, then you must add these to your cellar. Just resist the temptation to pop the cork for about 10 years.
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April 2022
2018 Cliff Lede Poetry Hailing from the Napa Valley Stags Leap District, this wine actually has Canadian roots. Cliff Lede is from Edmonton but purchased a winery in 2001, with remarkable results. While it would qualify as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Cliff Lede calls it poetry which allows him to play with the blend each year. This particular year is made up of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. It is a dense, full-bodied wine that anyone would be lucky to find, as there are only 30 - 35 six-pack cases allocated to the province of Alberta. “On your palate, you get a lot of black fruits, such as blackberry, blueberry, and blackcurrant,” said Wade Brintnell. “On the nose right now, you get a lot of ripe fruit and spice, like cinnamon and anise seed and a bit of cedar. I’ve been lucky to taste this wine at different vintages, and it takes on layers and layers of characteristics and flavours.” This wine pairs well with red meat, like lamb or steak. However, more importantly, according to Wade, are the sauces and the cooking. Take a minimalistic approach and allow the meat characteristics to show through.
~$438.95
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2016 Piccolomini Pianrosso Brunello di Montalcino This wine comes from one of The Wine Cellar’s longtime Italian producers, from Montalcino specializing in Brunellos. For a single vineyard Brunello, the site being only 11-hectares, the price point is exceptional. There were only 30 cases allocated to Alberta. “Right now if we were to open it, we wouldn’t get a lot of the character that will develop in this wine. Typically, wild berry, and some rosemary, would be something I would pick up on the nose a little bit. When these wines are fully mature, the Brunellos develop a really enchanting aroma. It’s a wine I could just sit and smell all evening without even tasting it.” Pair this wine with a recipe from the region or something Italian-themed. It would be excellent with Osso Bucco. For Italian wine lovers, this is a musthave.
~$108.95
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April 2022
2018 Remoissenet Bâtard Montrachet Grand Cru This Grand Cru Chardonnay from Burgundy comes from Remoissenent, a very old estate that was a négociant for the early part of the 20th century. They were later purchased by a group of investors, who have since purchased a number of holdings in Burgundy, which is a rare feat unless the holdings come to you through hereditary or familial means. This Chardonnay is considered to be one of the world’s best white wines. “As a Chardonnay, you tend to get tropical fruit, almond, spice, and floral notes - all of which will develop and be enhanced by that bottle’s age. I would consider it a very powerful wine. When you taste this wine when it’s mature, you could literally taste it for 60 to 90 seconds and the flavours would be evolving in your mouth constantly.” This wine screams to be paired with something rich and elegant. You don’t want to influence the character of the wine, so opt for something like lobster, with a very light serving of cream sauce. ~$1046.95
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4552 - 99 Street Edmonton, AB T6E 5H5 www.rsvpdesign.ca
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April 2022
Functional and Funky Kaleb Romano’s bold style brings thought, whimsy, and delight to otherwise everyday objects WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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A mug can just be a mug, but wouldn’t it be better if it
Kaleb’s work celebrates the most underappreciated
were the highlight of your day? Should the objects we
parts of the pieces he creates, like the bases or the
use on the day-to-day not enrich our lives and bring
inside of the handles. This turns a typically mundane
us joy? You can’t find that in an item made exactly
moment into a delightful surprise for someone sitting
the same as thousands of others on an assembly line.
across from you as you drink, or whoever is washing
You find that in an item made by hand.
the dishes. As a lover of theatre and pageantry, he translates some of that larger-than-life absurdity into
“It’s all in the details that they do. Oftentimes, if you
his work. He pulls inspiration not only from there,
don’t see a physical signature on my work, the way
but also from the art and crafts movement, nature,
that I leave my mark is that I leave orange fingerprints.
architecture, and even the notions of sacred geometry.
I call it my maker's mark. I like to celebrate the fact that it’s handmade. There are ways I could make each
Lately, his work has taken a turn for the wonderfully
piece uniform, but that’s not what I'm trying to do,”
absurd, with skull sculptures and cat vases powder-
explains Kaleb Romano.
coated in bold colors - something 5 years ago he would have never considered. It’s along this almost Alice in
Kaleb’s passion and interest in ceramics come not only
Wonderland-esque direction his next collection is
from their functionality, but also in creating pieces
going.
that are completely unique from one another. No two pieces of his work are the same, and therein lies
“One thing I’m really excited about right now, that
their irresistible charm. Touch and feel play a key role
I haven’t posted any pictures of, is that I’m about to
in exploring his art and he makes a point of adding
make a body of work that is completely absurd and
different surfaces to each item to enhance the tactile
just fun, from these moulds that I’ve bought and
experience. Online sales are great, but the best is to
found called Turn of the Century Women. I’ve been
visit his studio on Wagner Road, where touching the
cutting off their heads and then replacing them with
art is encouraged.
animal heads and I’m turning them into candlestick holders and lamps and I’m going to glaze them into
“It’s really interesting to watch people hold them and
really bright colors.”
become almost ritualistic. I often find people telling me that it’s the coffee cup that they use every day or
WWW.KALEBROMANO.COM
they fight over it between them and their partners. Just being able to stroke and rub them… the fondling that people do with those textured bottoms is so fascinating! They all do it subconsciously!”
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April 2022
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April 2022
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April 2022
PHOTO BY TREVOR TSOI
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WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC
10 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Health It’s that time of the year when we should look at our habits and routines related to all things wellness; skincare, diet, activities, relationships, and everything else that makes us whole. We reflect on the conversations we’ve had over the past twelve months with specialists in various fields and bring you our suggestions for 10 things to revisit and implement in your own health check-up.
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April 2022
1. Skincare routine; from winter to spring Last year, we asked Dr. Thomas Nakatsui, one of the top dermatologists in the city, what is the best way to transition the skincare regime from winter to spring. His recommendation for that great skin glow was to: wear sunscreen, hydrate frequently with a lighter product, exfoliate with a gentle exfoliant, and never underestimate the power of water, so stay hydrated all the time!
2. Fitness: balance first, looks second It’s certainly on our minds, as the weather starts to warm up and in anticipation of summer, we are all thinking about adding activities that include spending time outdoors. Micaela from Love Your Bod Fitness shared with us a few things to keep in mind: •
Don’t be all or nothing. 20 minutes of exercise a day is better than no exercise!
•
Focus on positive changes, 2-3 sessions per week, and incorporate healthy foods. If you mess up, don’t worry – tomorrow is a new day!
•
Don’t wait until Monday to begin – each day can be a fresh start.
3. Spa time with luxury and hospitality Don’t forget that your skin needs some of that special touch that only an expert can provide. We visited the Kaavish Spa last year for some great treatments and can tell you that a trip there will feel like a mini vacation, and a Forma facial will have you glowing for weeks to come.
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April 2022
PHOTO BY JELENA JOVACEVIC
PHOTO BY TREVOR TSOI
PHOTO BY TREVOR TSOI
PHOTO BY LUCIJA ROS
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4. Best in class hair
•
Spend 15 minutes talking to each other.
•
Learn
how
to
control
your
anger
and
frustrations. Great time to change it up a bit and check out
•
Learn not to personalize things.
the new hairstyles. One of the places we visited
•
Make time for each other and do things you
over the last 12 months is Barber Ha, and if you’re
both enjoy.
looking for a leisurely experience and a top-of-the-
•
line men’s cut, check them out!
Set your intention to believing that your partner has good will towards you.
5. The Modern Man
8. Luxurious Glamping Experience
Whether it’s a pedicure, facial treatment or a laser
Breathe
hair removal, men are getting equally comfortable
shared some really good tips on how to create
with a language of wellness through taking care
your own camping experience that takes a regular
of themselves, as we learned in a conversation
trip to an extraordinary glamping excursion.
with the team at Eveline Charles.
Heated chairs, hammocks, lanterns for the right
Outdoors
(former
Campers
Village)
ambience, even shower tents – be as creative as
6. Self care through bubbly baths
you want, to achieve that luxury feel and a great memory!
Essential form of relaxation, de-stress, therapy,
9. Mind and Body Reconnection
me-time; call it what you want, but taking a bath is always a great way to add some wellness into your day. Instant luxury can be found in aromatic
Alyssa Schmidt, founder of 4 Points Health &
salt soaks and candles, body butters and cozy bath
Wellness, created a studio with a multi-modal
towels and bathrobes.
approach to health and wellness where you can get many services, from massage, acupuncture,
7. Everlasting Love
even a psychologist. Add some great group or individual fitness classes from Alyssa, and all the
We take our cars for tune ups, hit the dentist chair
wellness points will be addressed here.
twice a year and find time for nail appointments
10. Do what makes YOU feel GREAT
and haircuts. But our relationships? Sometimes they are put on a back burner, and issues aren’t addressed. Dr. Ottawa Easingwood shared five tips
Our final step; do what feels good. Make yourself
to help us get started on a road to creating healthy,
a priority and go out of your way to hear your own
functional relationships with our significant other:
voice, and everything else will fall into place.
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April 2022
Taking Back Your Outdoor Space As the days stretch on and the weather gets warmer, it’s time to reclaim your yard from the mud and the snow. The experts at Cottswood Interiors are here to help you make this the best outdoor hosting season yet.
www.modernluxuria.com
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WORDS BY MONA BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY WELZ
Cottswood Interiors has been providing its home furnishing expertise to Edmonton for over 30 years. In the words of owner Matt Singer, “We are an inspirational showroom providing beginning-to-end, design-to-delivery, custom furniture, decor and interior design for your home.” Cottswood Interiors has become known not only for their beautiful furnishings, but also for the lasting relationships they build with their clients, which last well after they’ve left the showroom. As the days get warmer and backyard get-togethers approach, the designers at Cottswood are here to make sure your gatherings are the ones your friends will be talking about well into next winter!
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April 2022
Kristi Kingdon The big gatherings are back. After a few years of having to pare down our parties, people are eager to bring their entire family or friend group together. This means furnishing for comfort and an awareness of space. A trend Kristi is seeing carry over from previous years, is the transition from outdoor furniture looking like exactly that, to pieces that make your yard or deck look like an extension of a cozy and inviting living room. “Maximize your outdoor spaces with comfortable, oversized chairs and sectional sofas for entertaining or relaxing. The use of performance fabrics keeps the upholstery looking great for years without fading and staining. Fire tables help extend our seasons and can be used on decks and balconies.”
www.modernluxuria.com
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Anastasia Baikova With the return of big gatherings comes the question of how to optimize the space you have to seat guests. The key to this is furniture that can do double duty. If you’re a gourmet who can’t wait to have outdoor dinner parties, a large table is a must, but opt for larger chairs with arms so that people can lounge comfortably after dinner. If you plan on hosting a cocktail-style event where games and mingling are the focus, then instead lean toward chairs where guests can rest, and coffee tables for them to leave their drinks and snacks. “To maximize the space, you’d have to be able to easily transform your yard from a dining area - to a lounge - to a dance floor. It can be tricky. My advice is to use lightweight furniture in your layouts with lots of stackable chairs, benches and portable accent tables.” - 63 -
April 2022
Christopher Cook A lack of yard space should not mean you have to suffer by not having any outdoor parties. It simply means optimizing your patio space and making it an inviting space for guests to wander in and out throughout the evening. As much seating as your balcony can accommodate as well as some small end tables will entice them to spend time outside. Adding greenery is an excellent touch, and it can act as a way to add some privacy. “ A tall row of plants can provide privacy and create a backdrop to the plants in the middle and front rows. Also, one can add screens and even mirrors to reflect back areas of screening created by the plants, to privatize the garden and stop your eye from going beyond the garden, as well as making it difficult for others to look within your space.”
www.modernluxuria.com
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Allison Hardy Those who are living the dream of having a sprawling outdoor space aren’t without conundrums of their own. It can be difficult to have a large space feel cohesive, instead of like islands of furniture dotting your yard and doubly so if there are larger, typically less aesthetically pleasing items like playsets, pools, or lawn games laying around. Connecting different spaces by using consistent colors and interesting items can help the flow. The strategic use of dividers, flower boxes, and umbrellas can help disguise some of those items that would otherwise stand out like a sore thumb. “Working on their space with people that have different tastes is a challenge, but it can produce the best and most interesting results! Marrying ideas from both parties and making them feel like they are creating together is the key. I use my coaching background to help them get clarity and agree on something they both can love and be proud of.”
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April 2022
Janey McCurdy Much like decorating indoors, your outdoor space isn’t complete without accessories. Here they can do double duty, such as throws and blankets for looks and warmth, and potted plants and herbs for decoration, for cooking, and even for natural bug repellent. Don’t be afraid to bring rugs outdoors as well. They can serve to divide up the space and add a pop of color and texture. “Consider a large tilt-movement umbrella for shade and shelter from a light summer drizzle and smaller tables and stools that can move around as needed. I like to keep pillows, blankets and throws handy as well.”
www.modernluxuria.com
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Dean Wiens A late summer evening gathering isn’t complete without a fire pit to ward off any chill that might settle in as the night progresses. Make it the centrepiece of your yard by adding seating all around it, accented with cushions, throws, and of course, a small end table where guests can place their drinks. The fire pit doesn’t have to be the only source of light either; adding lanterns, candles, and even a string of lights can add ambiance and comfort. “Make the fire pit area a focal point by placing the furniture and fire pit on a solid surface area, such as brick pavers or stone for a wood-burning fire pit. Many options are available for a gas/propane-fired fire pit to make for easy start-up, and also a smoke-free fire. A fire-table can be placed on a wood or composite decking, or even layered on an outdoor area carpet to define the space.” - 67 -
April 2022
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www.modernluxuria.com
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