Modern Luxuria Vol 33 February 2023

BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD.

FOUNDER

Elsa Amorim

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jelena Bojic

MANAGING EDITOR

Beryl Bacchus

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Brandy Belitsky

COPY EDITOR

Lucie Oosterveld

BRAND AMBASSADOR

Gordana Bosiocic

CONTRIBUTORS

Brandy Belitsky

Mona Butler

Twyla Campbell

Marcia J. Hamm

Steven Hope

Nev Ostoin

Tom Sedens

Modern Luxuria is a digital magazine and is published monthly.

For subscription inquiries email: hello@modernluxuria.com

No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Modern Luxuria Magazine is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any unsolicited material. By accepting and publishing advertisements, Modern Luxuria Magazine is in no way endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or product with those advertisements.

Thank you

PUBLISHED

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

Twyla Campbell is a freelance writer and food columnist for CBC Radio (Edmonton). She is a seasoned traveler who seeks unique destinations both local and abroad. A proud supporter of Canadian wine and sustainable food producers, Twyla is a regularly sought food panelist and judge for culinary competitions in Canada.

Nev Ostoin is a lover of the outdoors, and winter being her favourite season makes her a perfect fit in Edmonton. Her passion is capturing every-day moments around the city, obsessing over perfectly framing each shot. Nev's favourite transportation method is her bike, and she can be found enjoying coffee at Kaffa or a good glass of wine at Rosso. Her photography focus is always on and the camera is always within arm's reach.

Mona Rose Butler, originally from Vancouver, brings with her to 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 coffee shops of Edmonton or taking her dog, Pixel, on adventures.

Marcia J. Hamm is a lover of all things wine, but is especially passionate about Italy's native grape varieties. She is a WSET diploma holder, an Italian Wine Scholar and one of only 15 Italian Wine Experts In the world through the Vinitaly international Academy (VIA). Marcia also loves to sing, ride her bicycle, have dinner parties and relax on the patio.

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 say something like “Hi reader, I’m the work, I’m humbly brilliant.”

Tom Sedens is a husband, father of 3, lover of pie and a world traveler that has explored over 50 countries. He is an accredited member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) who loves driving anything, anytime, anywhere.

February is the border between Winter and Spring

Now that the longest month of the year is over, we can collectively breathe out and get excited for the rest of the year. Between the post-holiday blues and cold weather, at one point it feels like a challenge to get excited about the new year, especially in the second part of the month. So we are taking the words from Tina Thomas, the new CEO of the Edmonton Community Foundation; blessings come when you least expect them. And this rings true for her and for the ECF organization; it seems like a perfect fit and we are so excited to see her taking on this important role that helps shape and improve our community.

Editor's Note

When it comes to fashion, February is the month to transition colour back into your wardrobe, and we visited Gravity Pope for inspiration and ideas.

In the month of love, Marcia J. Hamm, who always brings us something interesting when it comes to spirits, focused on the perfect Valentine’s Day drink ideas, and we believe the red mimosas are a must try!

The Edmonton Ski Club, one of the more iconic features situated in the heart of the city, is excited about the recent decision by the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Building Program to receive $6.6 million to make the facility a net zero carbon building. This space hosts the ski club in the Winter, as well as the popular Edmonton Folk Music Festival and many other events; so having a new facility that will fall in line with responsible stewardship of the River Valley is a great plus for the city.

As always, we are excited to bring you big and small luxuries, find new spots and remind you of the old ones, support local businesses and entrepreneurs, community builders and all other initiatives that take place in our great city. We hope you’ll enjoy the February edition.

– Jelena

WORDS BY BERYL BACCHUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE

Blessings Come When You Least Expect Them

Tina Thomas, CEO of the Edmonton Community Foundation shares her passion and dedication to serving

Edmonton

Speaking to Tina Thomas, one is struck by her impressive career trajectory, along with her steadfastness to learning and growing. Born in Peace River, she moved to Edmonton at five years of age living a pretty normal childhood. “I grew up in Mill Woods and was there when the neighbourhood and community were just developing. I was part of the first cohort to go to John Paul II Catholic Elementary School and then spent the rest of my education in the Catholic system. I am not Catholic but I am Christian. My parents immigrated from Kerala, the southernmost state of India in the 60s, which has a large Christian population.”

Growing up in Mill Woods was a favourite and exciting memory for Tina. “It was such a mix of cultures. My friends were multi-generational ‘Canadian’ for sure but also Trinidadian, Korean, Polish, Ukrainian, Croatian, Chilean, Filipino and more. I am generally comfortable with people from all backgrounds because that’s always been normal to me.”

Perhaps her focused constitution comes from her parents. Her mom was a pediatric nurse working with babies at the University of Alberta Hospital and her dad spent his career in Corrections, notably, the first person of colour to oversee an Alberta Corrections’ facility.

“I have always enjoyed school and tried to participate in everything I could. I played on all the sports teams and was part of the student council,” Tina reflects. She studied International Business and Marketing at the University of Alberta. Staying true to form, she tried to make the most out of the experience by getting involved with extracurricular activities. In her third year, she did an international student exchange to England.

Upon graduation, she got a job in Ottawa working with Canadian telecom giant Nortel. “It was an amazing experience for me as I was working for a large multinational at their international headquarters. Their philosophy was to support employee learning and development

by encouraging people to change jobs and move throughout the organization and I took that philosophy to heart, changing jobs, departments, and divisions every 2-3 years. Over my thirteen years there, I had the chance to work in every area of marketing and many areas of business, from managing the production of an international magazine, to working on events for Fortune 50 CEOs, to leading an analytics’ team and influencing marketing analysts on our market position, to developing the business case and marketing strategy for several industry segments such as hospitality and healthcare.”

During this time Tina also completed her Executive MBA at Queens and her Certified Management Accountant designation.

“After about 10 years in Ottawa and during Nortel’s demise, I had my first child and decided it was time to move home to Edmonton. I continued to work for Nortel remotely for three more years before deciding it was time to leave in 2009. I had the chance to be with Nortel as it grew to 100,000 employees globally and the single largest contributor to the TSX while also living through at least 10 rounds of layoffs that saw some of the smartest, most creative people I have ever worked with be laid off in auditoriums. It was a wild ride. But it gave me so many opportunities to learn, experiment, create, change and try new things.”

After leaving Nortel, Tina started at the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) as the Director of Marketing, Communications and Fund Development. “When I started, EPL’s approach to marketing was siloed. The department played two roles – order taking for print needs from library branches, and leading initiatives that weren’t aligned with the business goals of the organization. Looking back, I can’t believe how much I tackled in under a year. I restructured the group, hired staff with marketing expertise, implemented a marketing consultant model and started the process of updating the library’s mission and values to inform a complete rebranding that launched less than a year later.”

Seven years later, Tina became Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation, adding research and assessment, technology services, digital services and library services to her portfolio. Then, she took on the role of Executive Director Customer Experience, dropping technology and picking up all the library branches.

During this time she also completed her Master of Library Science at the University of Alabama.

“At EPL, the opportunities to innovate, experiment and grow services that Edmontonians needed and wanted were abundant. I was able to lead fabulous pure marketing initiatives, develop EPL’s smart, clever and cheeky brand voice, celebrate EPL’s 100th birthday through a year of activities across the city, lead community consultation for the downtown library, create the Forward Thinking Speaker Series, redesign services for adults, grow fundraising culminating in $18 million raised for the downtown library revitalization, lead the service design for the revitalized Stanley A. Milner Library, create and implement a virtual open house, design and build a teaching kitchen, launch an NFT book and so much more. I was very fortunate to work with and for strong, smart female leaders at EPL – Pilar Martinez, Joanne Griener and Linda Cook – who were deeply committed to my growth and development. From the beginning, each trusted my expertise and ideas and empowered me to partner with them to help implement the changes that would transform the perception and use of Edmonton’s Public Library and turn it into one of the most innovative libraries in North America.”

I was very fortunate to work with and for strong, smart female leaders at EPL

“ “

Tina will tell you the thirteen years she spent with EPL were the most personally and professionally stimulating and rewarding experiences of her career so far.

“If you had asked me a year ago about leaving public libraries, it would have never crossed my mind. But the Edmonton Community Foundation’s former CEO approached me at the right time with the right pitch, and I am now in a new sector and a new role leading an amazing organization. Blessings come when you least expect them.“

Through all of the demands of her career, Tina finds time to support her two teenage daughters who are active with sports. She is a foodie and loves spending time with friends at many of Edmonton’s restaurants. She will share her love of donuts, burgers and Earl Grey tea with anyone. She regularly bikes and walks Edmonton’s amazing array of trails.

And of course, Tina is an avid reader. “Working at the library has only increased my appetite. I am a huge fan of podcasts and audiobooks as a way to crush my mindless commute. And I both use and actively promote the amazing audiobook services available via EPL. I am trying to see if I can listen to 50 books this year!”

Tina continues to educate herself and grow. She has been taking guitar lessons since she finished her last degree and is hoping to add Spanish lessons sometime in the future.

In Living Colour

February is here and it’s the perfect month to start transitioning colour into your wardrobe as we get ready to welcome Spring. Nostalgia has hit us once again with silhouettes and colours reflective of the early 90’s. Baggier silhouettes and sophisticated comfort sporty looks complemented with burgundy, acid green, and blues will keep you cozy this month. WWW.GRAVITYPOPE.COM

Light

Colorful Standard

Classic

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE AGENCY MODE MODELS AGENCY MODELS NOAH STEPHENS AND MARIE KAMARA

Snow Peak

Mountain

Cloth Parka Orange

Organic Sock Raspberry Pink Marimekko

Pieni Unikko Bag

Simon Miller

Alder Pant

Burnt Burgundy

Marimekko

Lona Relaxed

Unikko Hoodie

Marimekko

Everything

Backpack

Simon Miller Alder Pant Burnt Burgundy

Marimekko

Lona Relaxed Unikko Hoodie On Cloudswift Shoe

Fester Oversized

Hoodie

Reigning Champ

Coach's Pant

1. Zara Red Vanilla Eau De Toilette www.zara.com

2. Danae Silk Draped Skirt www. bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca

3. Wishbone Madelyn www.brownsshoes.com

4. Mario Portolano Suede Glove www.gravitypope.com

5. Aureus & Argent Alexandria Red Onyx Cuff www. bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca

6. COMME des GARÇONS Wallet www.gravitypope.com

7. Kevin Aucoin Glas Glow Lip Gloss www.luxbeauty.com

8. Aureus & Argent Carnelian Agate Earrings www. bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca

9. B2 IRVINE Women www.brownsshoes.com

WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Peerless Refinement, Luxury and Modernity

The 2023 Range Rover - Modern Luxury

WHENyour vehicle has over 50 years of history behind it - the first Range Rover was introduced in 1970you don’t make big splashy moves unless you’ve thought them through. It seems Land Rover has put a lot of thought into this one as the latest generation of Range Rover takes everything the world knows and loves about it and turns it upside-down.

Completely redesigned inside and out, updated and upgraded in every way, the 2023 Range Rover is an absolute tour de force in the SUV world.

It remains instantly recognizable, yet the exterior has been masterfully designed, blending its trademark boxy shape with undeniable and almost breathtaking modernity.

All superfluous details are gone. Door handles seem to appear out of nowhere when the vehicle is

approached, only to silently disappear into the sleek body afterwards. Headlights, the delightful new taillight bar, and even the signature cowl accents are integrated beautifully, almost becoming one with the coachwork, and gently flared wheel-wells house gorgeous wheels.

The vehicle is huge and has incredible presence, yet somehow the mass is hidden within the smooth, flowing shape where it seems every crease, every angle and every line feels organic.

Inside, the same attention to detail is immediately evident. A crisp, clean design does away with almost all buttons, allowing for a focused environment for both drivers and passengers alike. The dash and door panels, and of course seats, are luxuriously upholstered in acres of sumptuous, flawless leather. Gorgeous woods trim the console and cabin, and clean metal trim completes the exquisite visual impact when you get into the Range Rover.

Your feet feel the deep carpets, your hands fall to the finely tuned and precision switchgear throughout, and everything feels as though it was carved from a solid block.

While Range Rover carries a weighty tradition with it, the future has arrived. From the fully digital dash that allows the driver to choose what they want to see, to the large touchscreen that is at once responsive and easy to use, everything in the vehicle feels fresh and new. The technology found throughout the vehicle is intuitive and seamlessly integrated.

A Range Rover would not be a Range Rover without exceptional driving balance, allowing it to perform as admirably on the pavement, coddling its

passengers in the highest level of luxury, as it does off the beaten path, allowing it to be driven almost anywhere in confidence and safety. The occupants will find serene comfort, assured and composed driving dynamics on the highway, as well as off-road. All-wheel steering and all-wheel drive, an electronic air suspension and the three powertrains providing up to 523 horsepower all work in concert to put the driver in charge of any environment, terrain and weather that may come.

There is no denying that the all-new 2023 Range Rover is the most desirable yet. Modern, sophisticated, luxurious - it is everything that Range Rover has ever been, and everything it will ever be.

WWW.LANDROVEREDMONTON.COM

WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY NEV OSTOIN

Yarrow Provides a Unique Culinary Experience Expect the Deliciously Unexpected

The Yarrow experience starts the moment you step into the small, dark, amniotic abyss of a foyer lit only by the glow of a hand-crafted candle. A door to the left admits guests into a cozy lounge where bartender, Steven Ove, serves pre-dinner drinks to early arrivals or anyone seeking liquid comfort and refuge from what lies beyond the doors of this intriguing venue in Queen Mary Park.

WWW.RESTAURANTYARROW.COM

For those who’ve reserved dinner spots, chef Tony Tipping will find them when the time is right and take them to an adjoining parlour for a glass of bubbles and hors d’oeuvres.

Natural elements help to soften a minimalist-forward space. Dried herbs and flowers adorn walls, smooth pebbles cradle candles set in earthenware bowls, and split wood peeks from cubbyholes, waiting for its fiery call to duty.

Dining at Yarrow is an intimate experience, but you don’t have to save it for date night, although it certainly lends itself well to that.

“I like to think of dinner here as more of an event,” says Tipping of the experience that is meant to stir the senses—from the woodland fragrance of the candle in the foyer to the enticing visuals and textures of Tipping’s creations to the last delicious bite or sip before you leave.

Tipping and his sous chef, Shaun McCabe, make a point of knowing who the guests are before they arrive. “We like to know what guests want and need so that they can just sit back, relax, and enjoy everything.”

Miatake mushroom, celeriac foam, fresh Périgord truffles

Fire plays a key role in the Yarrow experience. While most of the prep is done behind a wall and out of sight, the finishing takes place in full view of where guests sit at an impressively long island.

Squash roasts overnight in embers, rendered beef fat drips from a flambadou (a metal cone attached to a long rod and hung over fire) onto miatake mushrooms and Périgord truffles placed atop celeriac foam.

This is dinner and a show, and it’s obvious Tipping is in his element.

“Normally you’re stuck in the back of the kitchen where you don’t really get to see anything,” he says of past restaurant jobs. “Now I get to interact with people, one-on-one, getting to tell our story. Seeing everyone take those first bites of food is really rewarding to me.”

Having had unfulfilling tasting menu dinners himself, Tipping says that it is important to him and McCabe that guests don’t go home hungry. “Shaun and I really want to make sure that doesn’t happen, so our dishes are portioned well. Depending on how you look at the menu, there are about 16 courses; a fair amount of food. You’re going out for dinner, so we want to make sure that the first need is met—that you’re not leaving hungry.”

Expect to spend three to four hours for the Yarrow tasting menu experience. Reservations are required.

apple & parsnip tartlet

carrot sorbet

WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Drinks from the Heart

On a day where we celebrate love, fill your glass with something that will give you a happy heart while you spend quality time with the significant person in your life

INthe month of February, glimpses of light appear as the days are getting just a little longer and the excitement of Valentine’s Day is on the horizon. If you choose to spend the evening with your love in the comfort of your own home rather than trying to find a reservation at one of the city’s most popular restaurants, then read on for the pink and red, elegant, sweet and savoury drinks that will make your Heart Day memorable.

Many think that rosé is only for drinking in the summer. We’ve all seen the famous saying “rosé all day” and for those that embrace drinking pink all year long, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to crack open something really special. The common perception is that all wines in shades of pink are sweet, but in reality, most of them are dry, especially if they come from France or Italy. Made with a plethora of red grapes, they are exposed to varying times on the skins to get the delicate shades from salmon pink to fuschia that we see in the bottle. For something truly special, look for Domaine Tempier, the iconic producer from Bandol in Southern France that makes its cult rosé from a blend of (mostly) Mourvedre, with Grenache and Cinsault. It might set you back about $60 a bottle, but is well worth the price. From ripe red berries and currants, to savoury, salty crushed thyme accents, it’s a wine that is delicious now but will age beautifully and can be celebrated for years to come.

There’s something to be said about a wine that makes you ruminate on love, life, laughter and success. This is one such wine! Made from the rare grape Ciliegiolo, it might be one of Italy’s most underappreciated grape varieties, but one sip of this wine will have you wanting more. Light in colour with red berries, red cherry and cinnamon intensity, the aroma is intoxicating. Best chilled for an hour before opening, this elegant wine will change as you sip on it, making it perfect to share with your love while talking about the great future you will have together. Like the grape, stores that carry this wine might be more rare, but it’s worth the search and will cost around $35.

Cocktails more your style for Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re going out with your love for brunch, lunch or dinner, there are many “red-coloured” cocktails to choose from. Take the day off this year and enjoy a lazy Valentine’s Day morning with your love. The Mimosa is easy to make, refreshing, and a great pick-me-up. Change it up by using pomegranate juice instead of orange juice. Mix equal parts prosecco and pomegranate juice and garnish with the pomegranate arils for a red alert Mimosa and a happy heart!

WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER

Sun, Snow, Skis, Slopes, and Stewardship

The Edmonton Ski Club has been a facet of the River Valley for over 100 years. This important establishment in the city’s history is now looking toward the future in how it can continue to serve the community and help preserve the valley it resides in.

There are big changes coming to one of the River Valley’s most iconic features. It’s impossible to be around for over a hundred years without weathering a few times of turbulence. In recent years, the facility’s operations have outgrown the aging buildings that are currently on site; but soon, construction will begin on a new lodge that will truly be worthy of such an important mainstay.

“We had a facility that had really reached the end of its life cycle and because we’re in an ecologically sensitive area, it takes a lot more to get behind the development. There are a lot of things to observe when it comes to developing in the River Valley that fall in line with responsible stewardship,” explained Zoe Sloan, general manager of the Edmonton Ski Club.

Responsible stewardship will not only play a role in how the new lodge is built, but also in how it operates. The Edmonton Ski Club was awarded $6.6 million from the Government of Canada's Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, thanks to the plan to make the facility a net-zero carbon building.

“We had made a proposition to build a net-zero, carbon-neutral facility that would really be a welcoming centrepiece for all Edmontonians to come down and enjoy the site year-round. The goal is really to become the premier destination in the River Valley.”

The site is on the future LRT line, making it one of the few ski facilities in the world accessible through public transit, which helps reduce the carbon that would otherwise be let out into the environment by those who drive. The new lodge will also utilize solar and geothermal technologies so that it can operate in an eco-friendly manner.

Known for being the place where everyone goes to learn to ski, the Club would like to shift that image slightly. The goal of the new facility is to not only be a place for beginners, but also for those who participate at an Olympic level and those who face barriers when it comes to participating in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.

“We really do strive to make winter sports the glue that binds us all together regardless of where you’re from. We see this new facility as a way to enhance

winter sports and how people are able to access winter sports. Further, the folks who do come, do so because of our affordability and subsidized programs. Being able to welcome them to a facility that is beautiful also imparts the sense that they have value.”

This gorgeous new facility will not only be a winter hub, but one that welcomes people year-round thanks to events such as the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and other events that will help members of the community become familiar with local artists and reacquaint them with the beauty of the River Valley. Construction is due to start in 2024, with the new lodge opening in 2025.

WWW.EDMONTONSKICLUB.COM

PHOTO BY CATHERINE PAGE

WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Crafting a Dream Job into Reality

When you have an incredible talent, people often express that they would love to own a piece of your work. But whether or not you should follow up on those who express desire in passing conversation is often a grey area. The great success of Iron Hide Woodworks is what happens when you take a chance and follow up.

Brad Neilson was an oil and gas worker by trade and a woodworker at heart. When Brad and his wife and business partner, Jennifer, moved into their current home, he built them an 8-foot-long dining table which drew countless questions and compliments.

In the face of an unfortunate downturn, Brad Neilson took a chance at his dream, becoming a globally admired woodworker in the process

In 2015, the oil crashed in the middle of the season, so they lost a lot of work. “We started to wonder if people would pay us to make the tables,” explained co-owner of Iron Hide Woodworks, Jennifer Neilson. “That’s kind of how Iron Hide got started. It was, ‘Did you mean it? Did you really want a table?’ It started with tables and 7 years later, here we are.”

When working with Iron Hide, your commission begins with a quote, dimensions, and, for most, a few inspirational photos to guide the process. For those who want to see what the piece would look like, Brad can make up an AutoCAD drawing. Each piece is handmade by Brad from start to finish, the woodwork and metalwork are both done in his shop.

There’s no doubt that Brad’s work is impeccable, but of course, it’s expected that most people will want to have more control over the design process when it comes to important pieces in their home, such as tables, beds, and shelving, to get the gorgeous piece asked for. If you’re looking for something truly unique, truly mind blowing, then consider relinquishing control and giving as few details as possible.

“That is usually when you’ll get the coolest thing. Brad is very, very creative. He’s got all kinds of ideas. What people come to us the most for is the cantilever tables, with the metal bases and the wooden tops, and what [the popularity of that table] stems from is a client doing exactly that. They said, 'Look, I want something unique. I want it to be a showstopper'. That's where that table was born from, a client just blindly trusting us.”

While Iron Hide Woodworks can craft nearly any piece of furniture you can imagine, the cantilever table has gained the most traction. Global traction in fact! They’ve sent pieces across Canada, to the United States, received requests from Puerto Rico, and most recently, the United Kingdom.

Every piece that Brad makes is unique, but there are a few that stand out from the crowd. The first cantilever table stands out is the piece that started it all. “At the time it was the biggest, craziest piece!”

Expandable tables and beds with inlaid LED lights are some of the outstanding works Brad has produced, but there is one project on his mind he’s hoping a client will give him the opportunity to turn into reality.

“A dream project for Brad would be building a high-end poker table or games table. He's built a convertible table before, but a higher budget one would be something he would love to work on.”

WWW.IRONHIDEWOODWORKS.COM

Urban Elegance

WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Elegance combines with rustic charm to create a fabulous home retreat

Welcome to Donsdale, one of southwest Edmonton’s hidden gems. Situated between the North Saskatchewan River and Lessard Road, the Donsdale neighborhood offers lush River Valley trails and stunning modern homes; one of which is 4505 Donsdale Drive.

Upon first glance, 4505 Donsdale Drive emanates elegance, from the beautifully landscaped front yard to the tall front windows and stone accents. A private balcony leads from the master suite and sits atop the triple garage. The overall presentation of the home is a perfect illustration for what lies beyond its exterior.

Boasting 5,370 square feet of open concept living space, no detail has been overlooked in this bright and spacious family home. The foyer creates a great first impression with soaring ceilings and a spiral staircase greeting you as you enter the front door. The sitting room area to the right is beaming with light from floor-to-ceiling windows and leads to a dining room. To the left, a hallway leads to a half-bath and office, and then opens up to a second sitting area and kitchen.

A neutral palette and textures combine with modern and traditional elements to make up the

chef’s kitchen. The kitchen offers plenty of cabinet space, a walk-in pantry, built-in appliances, an island with a second sink and a breakfast nook with a door leading out to the back yard for barbecue season. Facing the kitchen, the second sitting area features a stone wall with a built-in gas fireplace covering the main wall. The stone wall leads up to a unique molded ceiling, uniting rustic vibes and elegance. There are detailed touches like this throughout the entire house.

At the top of the stairs on the second floor, a loft overlooks the main foyer. This makes a great space for another sitting area. The second floor features five bedrooms, two four-piece bathrooms and a five-piece en-suite to the master bedroom. The master suite radiates warmth combining neutral and citrus tones. Two windows and french doors leading to a private upper balcony offer ample lighting. A two-way gas fireplace leads into the five-piece en-suite for double the coziness.

One of the best features of this house is that it comes with a second home. A basement suite can be found following a staircase down off the main foyer. The basement suite comes complete with a full kitchen, living room, four-piece bathroom, separate laundry, rec room, and three bedrooms. With a separate entry, this space can be rented out for some extra income, or can be used for guests to enjoy. WWW.SALLYMUNRO.COM

WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Arts, Culture, and Community Events –February ’23

Take part in some of the best activities, events, and festivals that Edmonton has to offer. Here are the selected ones we want to share with you, but keep in mind there are countless other happenings; from a simple River Valley walk, to phenomenal live performance events going on in the city throughout the whole year.

Flying Canoe Volant

February 1 – 4 - Mill Creek Ravine

A longtime winter tradition taking place in Bonnie Doon is back again, February 1 – 4: The Flying Canoe Volant. This festival celebrates long winter nights based on the legend of the flying canoe, on French Canadian, First Nations and Metis traditions, and offers some great adventures along the illuminated Mill Creek Ravine.

Alberta Ballet - Love Rocks

February 10-11 - Jubilee Auditorium

Alberta Ballet brings its incredible dance performances along with music by Lenny Kravitz. This Complexions Contemporary Ballet represents one of the most recognized, diverse, inclusive and respected performing arts brands in the world. Alberta Ballet will be welcoming them this year, in their effort to bring leading edge performances to Edmonton.

“Love Rocks” will be performing at the Jubilee Auditorium on February 10 and 11.

WWW.ALBERTABALLET.COM/LOVE-ROCKS

Silver Skate Festival

February 10 - 20 - Hawrelak Park

Silver Skate, one of the city’s favourite events, is back again with a great skating pond and fantastic Edmonton based music, followed by delicious local snacks and spirits called Silver Linings. The festival is at Hawrelak Park from February 10 to 20. For a full schedule visit their website: WWW.SILVERSKATE.CA

WWW.FLYINGCANOEVOLANT.CA

Edmonton Opera Annual Valentine's Gala

February 14 - Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

Edmonton Opera hosts its annual Valentine’s Gala, this year in the charming setting of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. This is the company’s biggest fundraising event of the year, with an opportunity to showcase your best red carpet outfit. Enjoy the evening of fine dining, followed by spectacular live entertainment. By the time you are reading this, tickets may be sold out, but it’s worth checking it out at:

WWW.EDMONTONOPERA.COM

Winefest

February 24 - 25 - Edmonton Convention Centre

Calling all wine lovers! Over 300 wines of different flavours and styles, paired with hors d’oeuvres will be sampled during the annual Winefest at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Sample some award winning wines, learn about perfect pairings and turn this into a great evening out.

WWW.CELEBRATEWINEFEST.COM/WINEFEST-EDMONTON

Viva Drag Vegas

February 25 - Kingsway Legion Branch #175

Viva Drag Vegas features an all-star cast of fierce queens performing hit songs, wearing stunning costumes and bringing incredible energy and fun to the stage! You can do dinner and a show, or opt for a show only.

WWW.ISCWRYEG.CA