The Party People Catering Co, a renowned catering company, is making waves as it expands its operations from British Columbia to Alberta. Led by the esteemed Chef Kayla Dhaliwall, who has left her mark on kitchens in five-star hotels, trendy restaurants, and more, this culinary powerhouse is set to revolutionize the party scene in Alberta. With Chef Kayla's impressive background, including competing on Top Chef Canada, contributing to cookbooks and lifestyle magazines, and even serving as a personal chef for the X Factor in Los Angeles, The Party People Catering Co brings a level of expertise and creativity that is unmatched. Get ready, Alberta, because The Party People is here to take your events to new heights with their exceptional catering services.
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Elsa Amorim
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Twyla Campbell
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Brandy Belitsky
COPY EDITOR
Lucie Oosterveld
Brandy Belitsky
Twyla Campbell
Marcia J. Hamm
Steven Hope
Phebe Melan
Francesca Roznicki
Tom Sedens
Erin Walker
Emily Welz
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
Twyla Campbell is a freelance writer, author, and the former food columnist for CBC radio (Edmonton). She is a seasoned traveller 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.
Erin Walker is a professional food photographer, recipe developer and food stylist, with clients in Edmonton and across North America. When she’s not spending time behind the lens or in the kitchen, you can find her reading, gardening and enjoying everyday life with her husband and her two busy boys.
Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and busy mom of two boys. Always passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't busy shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring the local real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping hot Americano.
Phebe Melan, Originally from Malaysia, Phebe moved to the UK when she was 19 and Alberta in 2013. She is a wildly creative photographer who uses her skill to uniquely capture images and make people look and feel great. Photography has allowed Phebe to expand her outlook on life. Her mission is to make every moment count, and she does so by capturing many of them frame by frame, in the process.
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 often uses minimalism in his work, allowing the concept to stand alone.
Brandy Belitsky is a mom, wife, graphic designer, photographer, writer, and singer. Her passion for art and design has kept her busy in both the working world and in play. If she's not working, she's probably spending time with her family, creating something, singing, or cooking something up in the kitchen.
Note
Embracing gratitude in October – Publisher's Note 8
Profile
From TV to radio: Stacey Brotzel 10
Fashion
Elevate your style with The Helm's fall/winter 2023 collection 16
Auto
Lamborghini Urus: Where supercar DNA meets luxury SUV brilliance 26
Cuisine
Unravelling the mystery of The Glass Monkey 32
Drinks
Sip into the season with pumpkin drinks 44
Arts & Culture
Exploring Alberta's rich history and culture at the Royal Alberta Museum 48
As we embrace the crisp autumn air and prepare for the warmth of fall gatherings, we reflect on the remarkable community of Edmonton. In this month's issue, we celebrate not only the art of design, but also the spirit of gratitude.
We extend our appreciation to each one of you, our dedicated readers, and the local businesses that make our city unique. Your support has been the cornerstone of Modern Luxuria that allows us to continue our journey of showcasing the vibrant tapestry that makes up this great city.
This month, we had the privilege of interviewing news personality and radio host, Stacey Brotzel, who has, for years, illuminated our lives with her infectious smile and stories. Stacey tells us about her transition from TV to radio and what she loves to do outside of work hours.
For fashion-conscious men, we've partnered with The Helm Clothing to bring you the latest from their fall/winter collection which combines rugged style with luxurious fabrics.
If you're looking to savour the flavours of the season, don't miss our drinks feature, where you’ll learn about the delightful world of pumpkin spice drinks, including a mouthwatering recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider cocktail.
Our décor feature takes you into the world of Wood WORKS! Alberta where we reveal the beauty and craftsmanship of wood in Alberta's design landscape.
As you leaf through the pages of this issue, we invite you to express gratitude to the people in your life— those on both a personal and a professional level— who make your life a little brighter. From our Modern Luxuria family to yours, we wish you a warm and joyful October.
– Elsa
Stacey Brotzel has been a staple of the Edmonton news scene for longer than she likes to admit. Known for her infectious smile and constant curiosity, she recently made the switch from telling stories behind the camera, to connecting with listeners from behind a microphone. Late last month, Brotzel said goodbye to her position as host and producer at CBC and joined longtime friend, Darryl McIntyre, as a co-host of This Morning with Stacey Brotzel and Daryl McIntyre on 630 CHED. We turned the interview tables on Brotzel to learn more about her personal story, plans for the future, and her favourite spots in the city.
Tell us about this big switch from television to radio, and your goals for your new show.
CBC was fantastic. I loved my two and a half years there. I filled 14 different positions—I counted! They gave me an opportunity to do radio for the first time and to learn the intricacies. They are so good at educating their staff. CBC gave me the tools to allow myself to fly but it's time to move on and shape something of my own.
I’ve done mornings for about 12 years and what's so special about that is that you wake up with a blank slate. [Our listeners] don’t know what’s going on because they just woke up and they haven’t had all day to check Twitter. Then they get into their cars and they find out what's happening from us, and I am honoured to have that role in people's lives.
Darryl and I now have this opportunity for three and a half hours to reflect on the community and to tell the stories that we think are not being told, and I am really excited about that. I want it to be intensely local. I want it to reflect the community that we serve. There are so many stories that are being left on the table that I think we need to tell. I don’t call myself a broadcaster, I call myself a storyteller. I also want to have fun! I love to laugh, and laugh at my own jokes—I think I am hilarious! I want to inform, too. I want it to be fun and lively but informative.
I also grew up listening to 630 CHED. I remember my dad saying to me in Grade 5, “Stacey, you should be listening to another FM station. Why
are you listening to 630 CHED?,” and I said, “This is my station This is my heart. This is my community. These are the people I know. These are the voices I want and need to hear everyday.” [This station] has always played a role in my life, so for me to have a job here is pretty mind-blowing for Grade 5 Stacey.
Have you ever thought about doing a podcast or are you sticking to broadcast news for now?
I actually helped out with the YWCA podcast Searching for Izena. It was incredible to work on. We talked about the women who have shaped this city; names you don’t even know, like Izena. She was the very first woman to be elected in 1921, and nobody knows her name. That podcast told the stories of the women throughout the decades who ran for office. Some were successful and some were not, but they shaped the city.
You are a major lover of Edmonton and area. What do you like to do when you're not busy with storytelling?
I love farmers’ markets, especially the St. Albert Farmers’ Market. It’s the largest outdoor market in western Canada. It’s an exploration of culture and people, and you can sample as much vodka as you want! I also love the Royal Glenora stairs. I am not running, just walking, so I still feel like I am exercising. And, I like walking around on Whyte Ave or 124 Street with so many little gems to visit. I love my food, too.
I remember a time in Edmonton where there were very few restaurants that were worth your dollar and now you can't even choose! There are so many great local places that serve incredible food and drink that you're surprised that it's in the city where we live. Leopard Pizza has this soft-serve ice cream that they make in-house. They put olive oil and sea salt on it. It will blow your mind! We have these little pockets of amazingness in our city—like that ice cream that’s off the charts, or Buco’s Pizzeria, or Fu’s Repair Shop’s cocktail, ‘Return of the Dragon’, that has clarified coconut milk and chili-infused vodka in it. It is incredible!
Tell us about your favourite must-have luxuries in your life.
I have been a news anchor (for almost 30 years), who has had to do her own makeup and hair. I’ve never had anyone do my makeup or hair unless it was for a promo shoot. And I can’t do hair. I am terrible at doing my hair. I found an implement that has changed my life: the Dyson Airwrap. It is stupid expensive—and I would still go buy one tomorrow if mine broke. It has dumbed down hairstyling for me enough that I can actually do it. So I can't go anywhere without my Dyson.
Another one of my luxuries is turning out to be time with my kid—I never thought that at 3 a.m., when (as a baby) she was screaming and I wanted to put
her down and go to bed. I never thought I would come to a point that I would realize I have less and less time with her. My kid is a pretty special kid. She makes me laugh and makes me think, and she has made me so proud to be a mom.
Finally: a good piece of chocolate. I am a chocoholic. I have it in my desk, in my purse, in my car, in my closet (and that’s the good stuff), but I love a good piece of chocolate that will make me say, “Oh wow.” I tasted a new Jacek chocolate recently that is rose chocolate. I had a bite and I stopped in my tracks, saying, “What is this? This is incredible!” To taste something [so good] that I’ve never experienced before, [it] rocks my world.
Do you think you will ever return to television broadcasting?
I go where the wind takes me! You can’t say never, or even promise a broadcast to be your last, because it may not be. As women grow older, though, you don’t see as many [of us] on television so maybe my time was coming anyway, but I have loved every second. I love my job. The only work I do is get up at 3 a.m., everything else is for fun. I have the best job in the world.
WWW.GLOBALNEWS.CA/EDMONTON/PROGRAM/THISMORNING-CHED
The Helm's fall/winter 2023 Collection defies convention with its eclectic mix of delicate cashmeres and rugged leathers, encompassing wardrobe essentials, inviting you to step outside of your style comfort zone. This collection masterfully captures the intricate balance in robust elegance, setting the tone for a season of style evolution. Take a glimpse into what The Helm has in store for the season.
WWW. THEHELMCLOTHING.COM
Stone Island
Green Cap
Stone Island
Black T-Shirt
Seamless Tunnel
Nylon Down-TC Vest
Stone Island
White Wool Blend
Quarter-Zip
Stone Island
Green Stretch
Gabardine Chino
Boglioli Sport jacket
Boglioli Black Sport Shirt
Briglia
Corduroy Cream Pants
Magnanni
Leather Chelsea Boots
Valstar Shearling Jacket
Gran Sasso
Cashmere
Sweater
Sunspel
T-Shirt
Ralph Lauren
Purple Label
Black Jeans
Brunello
Cucinelli
Black Leather Boots
ZEGNA
Burgundy
Bomber Jacket
Ralph Lauren
Purple Label
Cotton Black
Crewneck
ZEGNA
City 5 Pocket Pants
ZEGNA
Triple Stitch Sneaker
A timeless legacy of luxury and craftsmanship
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
WWW.GEMORO.CA
33 mm. Self-winding mechanical movement. Rose gold 750/1000 case set with 47 brilliantcut diamonds totaling 0.68 carats. Fluted crown decorated with a cabochon sapphire. Matt silvered stamped sunray dial set with 21 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.10 carats. Blued-steel swordshaped hands. Sapphire crystal. Burgundy alligator leather strap, rose gold 750/1000 ardillon buckle.
41 mm, chronograph mechanical movement with automatic winding, caliber 1904-CH MC. Steel case, fluted crown cap, crown and push-pieces set with synthetic spinels, silvered flinqué dial, blued-steel diamondshaped hands, steel bracelet with "SmartLink" adjustment system, second strap in dark gray alligator-skin, interchangeable steel folding buckle.
Ballon Bleu De Cartier Watch Pasha De Cartier WatchExtra-large model, Manufacture mechanical movement with manual winding, caliber 430 MC. Steel case, beaded steel crown set with a blue cabochon synthetic spinel, silver satin-finish dial with sunray-effect, Roman numerals, bluedsteel sword-shaped hands, sapphire crystal. Navy blue alligator leather strap, steel ardillon buckle.
33 mm, mechanical movement with automatic winding. Rose gold 750/1000 case set with 47 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling ~0.68 carats, fluted crown set with a sapphire cabochon, rose gold 750/1000 color sunray-brushed dial, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, sapphire crystal, gray alligator leather strap, rose gold 750/1000 ardillon buckle.
Santos-Dumont Watch
Ballon Bleu De Cartier Watch
When Lamborghini, the Italian supercar manufacturer renowned for its breathtakingly fast, sleek and aggressive sports cars, announced its foray into the realm of luxury SUVs with the Urus, the world didn’t know what to think. Could the storied supercar builder pull off a high-performance SUV?
The answer was obvious the moment the Urus was unveiled.
The Lamborghini Urus is a standout. It’s clear that the design team set out to make a statement as bold as that of any of their supercars.
The exterior somehow finds balance in its perfect proportions, clean sharp lines and creases, sleek aerodynamics, and ferocious aggression. It is a lot for the eye to take in, yet somehow, it all comes together in a symphony of power and dominance, hinting at the brute force lurking beneath its sculpted exterior.
As much as the Urus is a nod to Lamborghini’s future, its distinctive Y-shaped headlights and hexagonal grille clearly draw inspiration from its venerable supercar ancestry. The surfaces and contours of the Urus are all its own, and yet the unmistakable Lamborghini DNA is instantly recognizable in the design language. Look at the gaping intakes on the front and the steeply raked roofline and you will see hints of past and present Lamborghini supercars.
The company has never shied away from creating vehicles that are different and innovative and speak loudly to our souls, whether they are parked or screaming around a race track.
Inside the Urus, Lamborghini has crafted a luxurious cabin that seamlessly blends worldclass materials with leading-edge technology. The seating provides equal measures of comfort and highly bolstered support for five passengers, making it equally at home on road trips as it is on the track. The finest leathers, Alcantara material, and carbon fibre accents trim the interior, creating a sporty and luxurious ambience.
" Under the Urus’s long hood lies a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque."
The infotainment system is anchored by a dual touchscreen setup, with intuitive and user-friendly controls for entertainment, communication, and navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard and audiophiles will appreciate the glorious 21-speaker, 1700-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Of course, a Lamborghini always backs up its design bark with a performance bite. Under the Urus’s long hood lies a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse allows the Urus to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a staggering 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the planet. Lamborghinis seek to appeal to all of our senses, and the Urus’s engine roars like nothing else on the road. Keep your foot on the pedal and you will reach
a top speed of 305 km/h, another testament to its Lamborghini DNA.
An incredibly sophisticated all-wheel drive system ensures that this power is delivered to all four corners, providing exceptional traction and stability in any driving conditions. The Urus driver can choose from multiple driving modes, including Strada (street), Sport, Corsa (race), and even off-road modes, allowing the driver to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences.
While the Lamborghini Urus is clearly a performance-oriented SUV, practicality does not get neglected. With a cargo capacity of 616 litres, it offers plenty of cargo space for both daily errands and long journeys.
Safety is paramount in the Urus—it offers a full suite of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors. These technologies quietly enhance the driving experience while providing peace of mind.
The Urus is a true synthesis of supercar DNA and SUV utility. Its breathtaking design, heart-pounding performance, and sumptuous cabin make it a standout in the luxury SUV segment. With real-world performance that lives up to the Lamborghini name, the Urus offers exhilaration that few SUVs can match. Whether you're navigating the busy city streetscape or carving through winding mountain roads, the Urus is a confident, formidable contender in the luxury SUV market and a symbol of automotive excellence that pushes the boundaries of what an SUV can be. WWW.SHERWOODMOTORCARS.COM
Unlocking Lendrum’s delicious secret
The name might be confusing and perusing the extensive menu—with items that range from butter chicken and duck confit to fresh pasta, pizza, and chicken piccata—might have you wondering what exactly this restaurant is trying to say. We donned our detective hats to decode the messages this monkey has been sending out since 2013.
A diverse and lengthy menu can run the risk of missing the mark, but Mohit and Tuan, two longstanding chefs in this kitchen, are crafting delicious dishes that hit the culinary bullseye time and time again.
The butter chicken is a perfect example. Creamy, tangy, rich, and wholly comforting, it is a mainstay on the menu, and for good reason: devotees of this neighbourhood nook would revolt, should the dish be taken out of rotation.
“As much as I’d like to pare down the menu, we can’t decide on what to take off,” says Rob Filipchuk who has owned the restaurant since buying it as the shuttered Jack’s Grill, renovating it, and opening it five months later. The fact that he’s managed to stay in business for 10 years, through both economic downturns and pandemic-related restrictions, is a testament to how he operates his business.
The Glass Monkey is about more than the food.
When COVID arrived, Filipchuk paid his staff higher wages to keep them on board knowing that without talented cooks, no matter the obvious hurdles, he’d have no restaurant to run.
“With more time on their hands during the pandemic, Mo and Tuan were able to get creative and work on some really great dishes,” Filipchuk
explains. “Both are very talented cooks, and several of the things they worked on during that time, stuck.”
Filipchuk is not new to the hospitality business. He got his first job as a busser at Chianti’s on Whyte Avenue in 1989, quickly working his way up to day manager because of his eagerness to learn and take on responsibility. Afterwards, he did a stage at Jack’s Grill, learning culinary techniques from the owner, Peter Jackson. Once he finessed his cooking skills, Filipchuk immersed himself in the world of wine at Cristall’s Wine Market, working there first before buying the business and running it for 12 years.
Now, he leaves the cooking to his staff and the front of house duties to his General Manager, Janine van Essen. When Filipchuk is not at the restaurant, he spends time at the family farm, usually returning with boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables he’s harvested from the property. Those items go to Mo and Tuan who create feature dishes and fruit-based condiments and desserts. The vegetables that get pickled and placed next to the cured- and smokedin-house duck, pork, and salmon on the charcuterie plate, are from the farm, too. This is true farm-tofork, and the way Filipchuk has run his operation since the beginning.
That might explain the food, but it doesn’t explain how The Glass Monkey got its name.
The mystery is revealed once you learn that Filipchuk’s grown children, both of whom put in hours at the restaurant, still get called by their nicknames, Monkey 1, and Monkey 2. Family ties are strong here.
As for the “Glass”; that is Filipchuk’s nod to his past (and present) connection to the wine industry. If you pull up a stool at the bar, it will be either him or one of his very capable employees filling your glass while expounding the wine’s flavour profile and provenance.
One last mystery remains, and that is, just what kind of restaurant is this? Is it a wine bar? A gastropub?
“We like to call it fine dining without the fussiness,” Filipchuk says.
There you have it. Run your hands over the smooth African Rosewood tabletop, dig into duck confit or braised pork pappardelle, savour a sip of a Belle Glos Pinot Noir, and suddenly, the pieces come together.
Mystery revealed: The Glass Monkey is about familiarity, comfort, and quality—three things we could all use a little more of these days. And, if that’s the secret combination to longevity in the hospitality business, Rob Filipchuk knew it and found it, a long time ago. WWW.THEGLASSMONKEY.CA
For over a century, the Pendennis Building has sat on Jasper Avenue soaking up unparalleled views of the River Valley.
With its abundance of natural light and its historic yet modern architecture, owners Lorraine Bodnarek and Ed Cyrankiewicz have always known it would make an incredible office environment and restaurant space.
“There is not another building in Edmonton like ours. All the design elements of its historic brick, its open concept and its immense light would provide the perfect environment for a business and would be a daily privilege to work in,” says Cyrankiewicz. “The location and its river valley views… it’s just breathtaking.”
Currently, there is a wealth of open leased space available for any business or restaurant looking for a stunning inspirational space to create or grow a business that is something special in downtown Edmonton.
Pendennis Wedding and Events hosts numerous events within the Pendennis Building every month. These events would benefit from a restaurant or commercial kitchen moving into the building to provide full-service food and beverages to the event space. A coffee bar or restaurant on the main floor would also benefit from walk-up customers and traffic from Jasper Avenue. The Pendennis Building is in close proximity to Edmonton’s Arts District and within walking distance of the Citadel, the Edmonton Art Gallery, the Winspear Centre, the Edmonton Convention Centre, the LRT, and more.
The open design concept within the Pendennis building is perfect for any type of office environment. This blank canvas is ready to create both intimate and private workspaces that seek to promote collaboration and togetherness.
Before the modern mixed-use office space became current prime real estate in downtown Edmonton, the building began as the California Rooming House in 1898. It was then transformed into the Pendennis Hotel in 1904, followed by the stately redeveloped Edwardian-style brick hotel designed
From its early beginnings, the Pendennis Building quickly rose to become a prominent fixture in the cultural, social and commercial development of downtown Edmonton. Within the sturdy brick walls of the remodelled century-old structure live stories of the city’s Wild West past, with all the colourful people who owned and visited the building throughout the years.
The City of Edmonton declared the structure a historic property in 2001. Since then, LEDR Developments has spent over 13 million dollars to restore the structure to its former glory.
“The door is open to exciting opportunities for forward-thinking businesses and Edmonton’s next great restaurant,” says co-owner, Lorraine Bodnarek.
“The next great chapter in the Pendennis Building story is ready to be told.”
To book a tour of the building, email hello@ pendennisbuilding.ca
Fifteen years ago, the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks was the most popular hot drink of the season. Since then, many have jumped on the bandwagon with their own version of pumpkin spice drinks. With or without alcohol, hot or cold, pumpkin spice everything is a seasonal trend that many have come to expect during the month of October.
Even beers have joined the frenzy with pumpkin beers in all styles making their way to the market. Like sour beer, pumpkin flavoured beer can also be polarizing, but if you are looking for that flavour, be it an ale, stout or lager, you’ll find a pumpkin’d version available. The Howe Sound Brewing Pumpkineater Imperial pumpkin ale is a big 8 per cent ABV (alcohol by volume) ale that packs a punch, yet the additional nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and clove spices mellow out the high alcohol (by beer standards) and keep the pumpkin flavour from being overwhelming.
Whiskies, too, have hopped on board. In fact, Canadian whiskies made with 100 per cent rye are perfect for adding pumpkin spice flavouring to complement the spirit’s spicy attack. Spicebox, a company from Montreal, takes its name from a group of bootleggers during Prohibition who smuggled liquor across the border in boxes and barrels labelled “Spices”, to evade the watchful eye of the authorities. Spicebox joins in on the seasonal trend, offering whisky infused with spices that go into Thanksgiving’s iconic pie. This whisky is just that: pumpkin pie in a glass with a warm, smooth finish.
Cream liqueurs with a rum, whisky, brandy or bourbon base make their way into our refrigerators during the fall months, with many brands providing a pumpkin spice variety. On ice, or in coffee, if pumpkin is a favourite fall flavour of yours, be sure to seek these out.
With the days getting shorter and the nights cooler, cozy up to the fire with this spiked cider made with ingredients that exemplify fall—including pumpkin, of course.
Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider
Yields 1
3 cups apple cider
½ cup canned pumpkin
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 ½ oz brandy, bourbon, rum, or Canadian whisky (rye based)
Pinch of ground clove
Garnish:
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup heavy whipping cream
3 apple slices, ¼” thick
1 cinnamon stick
For the garnish: In a small dish, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. To a medium mixer bowl, add the cream and 1 ½ tsp of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. With a hand (or stand) mixer, beat until soft peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
For the cider: In a medium saucepan, add the apple cider, pumpkin and spices, and whisk over medium heat until hot. Ladle into a heatproof mug and add the preferred spirit (omit, if making a mocktail). Top with the cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and sprinkle the remaining ½ tsp of cinnamon sugar on top. Add the apple slices and cinnamon stick.
If you’ve wondered what stories the people, landmarks, and even animals of Alberta could tell from a historical perspective, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is the place to listen and learn. Located in the city’s downtown Arts District, the 419,000-square foot space is the largest museum in Western Canada, boasting a massive collection of 5.1 million objects that speak to millions of years of provincial history.
The building is an architectural beauty with an abundance of glass walls that allow sunshine to flood much of the space at every turn. DIALOG’s team of architects, engineers, landscape architects, and interior designers created a venue to represent the landscape and spirit of Alberta. A beautiful curved staircase connecting the two floors of collections was designed specifically to mimic both the Johnston and Maligne Canyons.
One of the most memorable collections from days past is the taxidermy diorama collection in the Natural History Hall. This immersive experience is filled with duelling elk, hunting bobcats, and running rabbits, among many other creatures set in
various poses and habitats. This collection has now expanded to include a number of live animals, like fish and turtles, as well as a magnificent gathering of sparkling gems and rocks, including tempting tactile items that people are encouraged to touch and explore.
The Human History Hall is a compilation of the stories of Indigenous peoples, farmers, soldiers, and other men and women who shaped the land we live on today. Indigenous peoples and communities in Alberta helped to curate the displays in this gallery, while the space itself is regularly honoured with smudge ceremonies. The Archaeological artifacts in the Hall are displayed to help visitors experience and connect with all those who have come before them.
“When we were building the new galleries, we wanted people to see themselves in the galleries,” says RAM Executive Director, Meaghan Patterson. “It’s maybe not what you may think would be in a museum, but it shows the everyday Albertans as well as the remarkable Albertans from our history.”
The Bug Gallery, designed by Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership, is a temperate, slightly humid space that holds live spiders, insects and other invertebrates, and the Children’s Gallery (designed by the same group) offers a play space meant for exploration, experimentation, and movement for the youngest museum-goers.
Patterson also teased at an exciting new feature exhibit that will open this winter. “We’re bringing in a pretty significant exhibition that’s going to fill our feature gallery, a 12,000 square foot space. It will tell stories that we wouldn’t be able to otherwise tell within our collections. This [exhibit] will feature a window into a different part of the world, a different culture and connect communities throughout the province.”
The Royal Alberta Museum is open for guests Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. WWW.ROYALALBERTAMUSEUM.CA
PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, it's time to transition your skincare routine to adapt to the fall season. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and indoor heating can all impact your skin, making it essential to adjust your skincare regimen. Here are some fall skincare tips to help you maintain healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin throughout the season.
With the arrival of fall, the air becomes drier which can lead to dehydration and dry skin. To combat this, ensure you drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated from within. Additionally, switch to a heavier moisturizer that provides deep hydration and helps to lock in moisture. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which are known for their hydrating properties.
For Her: Ember Wellness Facial Oil www.luxbeauty.com
For Him: Jack Black Line Smoother Face Moisturizer www.luxbeauty.com
For Her: Adewunmi Skincare Oil Balancing Black Soap www.adewunmi.ca
For Him: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex www.loshen.ca
Exfoliation is crucial to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, revealing a fresh and glowing complexion. However, be mindful not to overexfoliate, as it can lead to dryness and sensitivity. Choose a gentle exfoliator with natural ingredients like fruit enzymes or mild acids, and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.
While it's important to keep your skin clean, avoid using harsh cleansers that can strip away your skin's natural oils. Opt for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that effectively removes dirt and impurities without causing dryness or irritation. Consider double cleansing, using an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to ensure a thorough, yet gentle cleanse.
For Her: SkinCeuticals Micro-exfoliating scrub www.studionbeauty.com
For Him: Cellmen Switzerland Face Scrub www.loshen.ca
Although the sun may not feel as intense during fall, harmful UV rays can still damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day—even on cloudy days. Don't forget to protect often overlooked areas like your neck, ears, and hands. Consider using a moisturizer with built-in sun protection for added convenience.
For Her: Biologique Recherche Crème VG Derm www.loshen.ca
For Him: Skinbetter Science Solo Hydrating Defense www.loshen.ca
For Her: Tesoro Botanicals
Amor Lip Butter www.tesorobotanicals.com
For Him: Prairie Soap Shack Wild Greens Lip Balm www.prairiesoapshack.com
Cooler weather can cause dry and chapped lips. Keep them soft and supple by regularly applying a lip balm with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil. Exfoliate your lips gently with a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub to remove any dry, flaky skin before applying lip balm.
The delicate skin around your eyes is prone to dryness and fine lines, especially during fall. Invest in a nourishing eye cream that targets hydration and addresses specific concerns like puffiness or dark circles. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants to keep the eye area moisturized and rejuvenated.
For Her: Pura Botanicals Neroli Eye Ritual www.purabotanicals.com
For Him: Yonka Under Eye Gel www.loshen.ca
Consider incorporating products that provide extra nourishment and protection for your skin during fall. Antioxidant-rich serums or facial oils can help combat environmental stressors and provide an extra layer of hydration. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, or rosehip oil to boost your skin's radiance and resilience.
For Her: Pura Botanicals Ambrosia Beautifying Serum www.purabotanicals.com
For Him: RW Men Lookin' Good Lotion www.edenpureskin.com
Transitioning your skincare routine for fall is essential to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing. By focusing on hydration, gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, sun protection, and targeted care for your lips and eyes, you can ensure your skin remains radiant and well-nourished throughout the season. Embrace the changes that fall brings and adapt your skincare routine to maintain a vibrant and healthy complexion.
In the wonderful world of wood, Rory Koska stands as a beacon of expertise and innovation. As the executive director of both Wood WORKS! Alberta and the Canadian Wood Council, he dedicates his career to promoting the use of wood in construction and fostering a greener future.
Koska’s journey began after graduating from NAIT as an architectural technologist. He honed his skills and knowledge by working as a truss designer for several years, gaining him a deep understanding of the intricacies of wood structures until one day a phone call resulted in a remarkable career trajectory. Koska received an unexpected offer from the Canadian Wood Council as a technical advisor, and after a successful interview, he embarked on a new journey.
Fuelled by his passion for wood, Koska rapidly ascended the ranks. His peers and colleagues soon recognized him as a distinguished expert in the field. Today, he proudly holds the coveted role of executive director.
Wood WORKS! Alberta is a program of the Canadian Wood Council, which stands as an invaluable resource for architects, engineers, builders, and anyone involved in construction. It promotes the use of wood in various construction projects, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and health and wellness.
The latter claim may come as a surprise to some, but wood’s natural aesthetic has an innate ability to create warm, inviting spaces that nurture well-being and promote a sense of tranquillity. This connection to the outdoors reduces stress, thereby enhancing mental health. The tendency to surround ourselves with nature inside of our homes is called biophilia
The program also provides various resources, including educational workshops, technical support, and access to a network of industry experts.
Under Koska’s guidance, Wood WORKS! Alberta has played a pivotal role in advocating for the use of wood in both residential and non-residential construction projects across the province. Their efforts have contributed to several notable buildings including the PRIMED Mosaic Centre, the West Block (Glenora) office building, the Ritchie Market, and the Meadows Community Recreation Centre.
Wood WORKS! Is also responsible for the allowance of 5- and 6-storey apartment structures to be built with wood frames while passing strict building codes—codes they were responsible for changing and implementing; just one of many feats for Rory, Wood WORKS!, and the Canadian Wood Council.
WWW.WOOD-WORKS.CA/ALBERTA
