F O O R P Restore Vein & Skin Centre Healthy Aging Starts With Two Little Words: “Sun Safety” Jillian Harris: 5 Easy Ways to Update Your Walls Wining & Dining Feature
KELOWNA Vol 3 Iss 2 2017
F O O R P STANDING OUT MADE EFFORTLESS. SALES | CONSIGNMENT | FINANCE & LEASE ALL BRANDS. ONE LOCATION. (250) 860-0444 884 MCCURDY PLACE, KELOWNA WWW.AUGUSTMOTORCARS.COM
213 Bernard Ave, Kelowna | 236.361.8008 | galibellecanada.com
Contributors IN THIS ISSUE
JILLIAN HARRIS Host of Love it or List It Vancouver (Canada) & Love It Or List It Too (USA), spokesperson for international brands, interior designer, and publisher of original lifestyle content, Jillian Harris is a quintessential busy-bee who pours her heart and soul into every endeavour. Jillian’s signature blend of high-brow / low-brow style makes her relatable to both small-town and city gals alike. With creativity and infectious energy, Jillian’s love for fashion, decor, food, fitness, travel, and family is fully expressed at JillianHarris.com and through her JH for Privilege and JH for Melanie Auld collections. Her other happy place? Surrounded by family & friends at home in Kelowna with her fiancé Justin, son Leo, and their boxer pup Nacho Cilantro.
DR. CHELSEA GRONICK Dr. Chelsea Gronick is a Naturopathic Doctor with an expertise in helping men and women with thyroid and hormone imbalances, weight loss resistance, low energy and heavy stress. Using a natural approach, she helps them look and feel their best by balancing their hormones, bringing their energy and confidence back, helping them achieve their ideal bodies and improving their ability to handle stress. She sees patients in her downtown Kelowna office.
SHARLA PIKE Sharla Pike is a Photographer based in Kelowna but travels to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Los Angeles and New York. She’s a mother of two adorable children, Milanna & Cohen who have hardly a choice but to always be staring into the lens of her camera! Her most recent work has been with L.A. models in Los Angeles. Sharla is best known for her ability to capture real, genuine emotion in her photographs. She has been published in several online magazines, such as OK Magazine, Glamour, Chatelaine, Style Me Pretty, and Real Weddings just to name a few.
DARCIE JILLIAN Darcie Jillian is an owner and hairstylist at Antidote Hair. A Red seal stylist with 14 years in the industry who still falls in love with her craft more and more every day. Currently enrolled in an international hair program with the leading artists in the fashion industry and travelling to the UK for exciting hair programs and opportunities this fall. She was made to create.
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DR. PRAVEN CHETTY Dr. Praven Chetty is the Medical Director and founder of Cerulean Medical Institute and has been practicing medicine since 2002, after graduating from Wits University in South Africa. He went on to work as an emergency physician in London, England, after which he decided to specialize in integrative cosmetic medicine – a true passion of his. Over the past decade, Dr. Chetty has been performing dermatological and cosmetic procedures. His extensive experience alongside continuous learning at annual international conferences in cosmetic dermatology and laser for skin rejuvenation make him an expert in the field of cosmetic medicine.
BRANDIE JOLLIMORE It’s great being here in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. 18 years has passed since I first put down roots here, I’ve seen such an evolution in this city and myself over that time. After immersing myself in a wide array jobs, gaining direction of where my path was to go.....one of my talents became prominent; Makeup Artistry. It’s an art, taking a blank canvas and letting the beauty emerge one stroke at a time. Watching as people see their natural beauty, without judgement and those fresh eyes taking over. With hard work and lots of challenges in life, my own business has come from it. I wouldn’t change how anything has happened, I move forward each day striving to be the best version of my self. I welcome the road ahead.
ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY Ashley Godin is a self taught lifestyle photographer, a mother of two beautiful children who married the love of her life. Born in Manitoba but raised in the beautiful Okanagan, she absolutely loves her job and everything that comes with it. She loves meeting new people and capturing those in between moments. She specializes in portraits, family, couples, weddings, lifestyle, maternity and business photography.
TORI WESSZER Raised in the Okanagan, I have been surrounded by the freshest and most beautiful food since I can remember. Our family LOVES good food, and my sweet Mom and Ukrainian Granny had me in the kitchen at a very young age teaching me everything they know: I baked my first loaf of bread when I was 10 years old! I am now married to an amazing man who shares my passion for good food and a nice glass of wine, and am blessed with two sweet sons (my four year old is already rolling up his sleeves in the kitchen, I love it!).
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From Our Publisher
RHONDA TANNAHILL Mint readers! What a summer it has been. I feel so blessed to live in such a vibrant, beautiful community, in terms of geography of course, but also humanity. While, the weather has been incredible and the festivals, summer parties and days spent on the water, memorable, there has been a cloud of smoke in the air and a plea for help in our hearts. The public concern and outpouring of help is so darn admirable. As we look towards our next great adventure, let’s look back knowing whatever life throws at us, we have one another. xo
Volume 3 Issue 2, 2017 Publisher Rhonda Tannahill Editor Brandi Parnell Art Director Candace Haiko
Writers Brandi Parnell Jessica Kutok
Contributing Writers Dr. Praven Chetty
Dr. Chelsea Gronick Jillian Harris
Photographers Cory Osborne
Sharla Pike Photography Ashley Godin Photography
Cover Photo Sharla Pike Photography
From Our Editor
Ok Blogger Babes Photos Hair Makeup Models
BRANDI PARNELL Marine Biologist Sylvia A. Earle said, “There’s plenty of water in the universe without life, but nowhere is there life without water.”
Cory Osborne Darcie Jillian B. Jollie Artistry Marcy Simpson Christina Soares Jordan Sangster Alana Denham
Advertising Manager Christine Esovoloff 250.304.9054
Earle’s words feel especially relevant now; when water calls us to fill our lungs with air and jump, to lean back and feel weightless, and wash clean our bodies and minds. In this issue we look back at all of summer’s bests, the ones on water and those in need of. We sit down with people who recognize what it takes to move mountains and put out fires; the people who lead by example, aren’t afraid to get dirty, inspire the heck outta us. Here’s to another Okanagan season of feeling grateful for all that is and all that makes living a pleasure. xx
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 250.469.4447 mintmagazine.ca /mintmagkelowna @mintmagkelowna @mintmagkelowna Mint Magazine is published by Mint Media Incorporated. Articles and art may not be reprinted without written permission from the Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic material. Mint Magazine publishes 3 times per year. Copies are distributed to select homes, local businesses and offices in Kelowna and surrounding areas. If you would like to subscribe to home delivery please email rhonda@mintmagazine.ca
Mint Magazine 5261 Burnell Court Kelowna, BC 250.469.4447
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WIN A 2017
KIA SPORTAGE PLAY PASSPORT TO ORCHARD PARK OFFICI
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T PA S S P O R
Orchard Park has been divided into the Provinces and Territories that make Canada so amazing. In each Province and Territory you will discover all the stores and services that make Orchard Park such a fabulous place to shop! Pick Up Your Passport at Guest Services Then, between August 1st and November 10th, spend a minimum of $150 (before taxes) at any of the stores in a Province or $20 in The Territories to earn stamps from at least 6 different Provinces or Territories and you will be entered into the draw to win a 2017 Kia Sportage. Full details at Guest Services or online at orchardparkshopping.com/events
* photo for reference only - actual vehicle may vary slightly
2271 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna | www.orchardparkshopping.com
CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE Fashion 9 Wellness 18 Eats & Drinks 38 Abode 63 Explore 74 Life & Local Finds 76
FEATURES 28 Cover Story: Restore Vein & Skin Centre 91 Jillian Harris 5 Easy Ways to Update Your Walls 38 Wining & Dining Feature
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91 38
Fashion
OK blogger babes PHOTOS BY CORY OSBORNE
THE OK BABES CONSISTS OF FOUR OKANAGAN FASHION BLOGGERS - ALANA, CHRISTINA, JORDAN AND MARCY. FASHION BLOGGING CAN BE A LONELY, CUTTHROAT BUSINESS, AND THE GROUP WAS BORN FROM A DESIRE TO TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH, TO SUPPORT AND HELP EACH OTHER RATHER THAN COMPETE. THEY QUICKLY LEARNED THAT AS A COLLECTIVE THEIR CREATIVITY AND SPHERE OF INFLUENCE GREW EXPONENTIALLY. WHILE THE INITIAL FOCUS WAS TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER, THEY QUICKLY SAW THAT LOCAL BUSINESS WAS EAGER FOR THE KIND OF SUPPORT THEY COULD OFFER, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONTENT CREATION.
DRESSES: MAN + WOMAN
IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, THE OK BABES HAVE BECOME A MARKETING FORCE IN THE OKANAGAN, WORKING WITH COMPANIES, NOT ONLY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY BUT ALSO WINE, COFFEE, SPECIAL EVENT MANAGEMENT AND MULTIPLE RETAIL STORES. THE GIRLS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPPORTING AND PROMOTING LOCAL BUSINESSES BUT ALSO GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY WHICH THEY'VE DONE WITH VARIOUS FUNDRAISING EVENTS. THEY HAVE RELEASED THEIR OWN MERCHANDISE IN LIMITED RUNS, INCLUDING BATHING SUITS, JEWELRY, AND T-SHIRTS WITH MORE IN THE PIPELINE. @O.K.BABES MINT Kelowna
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THIS PAGE FRINGE VEST: BIA BORA
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THIS PAGE SUNGLASSES: SPAREPARTS FRINGE TOP: BIA BORA LACE KNICKERS: GYPSY SOUL HAIR DARCIE JILLIAN - ANTIDOTE HAIR MUA B.JOLLIE ARTISTRY MINT Kelowna
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Marcy simpson BATHING SUIT AND TOP: MAN + WOMEN MARCY SIMPSON MOVED TO KELOWNA IN 2013, HAILING FROM COLUMBUS, OHIO. WITH AN EARLY INTEREST IN FASHION, BLOGGING AND SOCIAL MEDIA, INSTAGRAM BECAME HER OUTLET FOR CREATIVITY WHILE RAISING HER TWO SMALL CHILDREN, MAVERICK (2) AND WESTLYN (11MTHS). A FORMER PROFESSIONAL FIGURE SKATER, MARCY SPENT 8 YEARS PERFORMING ON CRUISE SHIPS ALL OVER EUROPE AS WELL AS PARTICIPATED IN THE CBC REALITY TELEVISION SHOW, BATTLE OF THE BLADES, WHERE SHE MET HER HUSBAND, NHL PLAYER TODD SIMPSON. @LUXEANDLESS
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Christina soares DRESS: MAN + WOMAN CHRISTINA SOARES, BORN AND RAISED IN KELOWNA, HAS A PASSION FOR FASHION, INTERIOR DESIGN AND LIVING OUT HER WILD AND ADVENTUROUS LIFESTYLE. THIS FREE SPIRITED WAY OF LIVING HAS BROUGHT CHRISTINA INTO MANY DIFFERENT AVENUES INCLUDING WORKING IN PR, EVENT PLANNING, AND BECOMING INVOLVED IN GYPSY SOUL DESIGNS. WHEN CHRISTINA ISN’T WORKING AS A STYLIST ON SET YOU CAN FIND HER TAKING OUTFIT PICS FOR HER FASHION INSTAGRAM @GRUBLETTE. STYLE OR HANGING IN HER BOHEMIAN HERITAGE HOME WITH HER HUSBAND AND THEIR 2 TODDLERS WHO ARE 11 MONTHS APART! @GRUBLETTE.STYLE MINT Kelowna
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Jordan sangster BATHING SUIT AND TOP: MAN + WOMAN JORDAN SANGSTER IS A FASHION STYLIST AND FASHION BLOGGER IN KELOWNA, BC. AFTER COMPLETING HER FASHION DESIGN AND BUSINESS MARKETING DEGREE IN VANCOUVER, SHE HAS MOVED BACK TO KELOWNA TO CONTINUE TO GROW AS A FASHION STYLISTS AND BLOGGER IN CANADA, AS WELL AS SHARE HER EXPERTISE WITH THE KELOWNA COMMUNITY. JORDAN ALSO CONTINUES TO GROW HER INTERIOR DECORATING AND WARDROBE CONSULTING COMPANY MODA WITH IN WHICH SHE STARTED WITH HER MOTHER. FOLLOW ALONG HER FASHION JOURNEY WITH DAILY FASHION INSPIRATIONS, TIPS AND KNOWLEDGE AT @JSANGSTERR
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CLOTHING: BIA BORA AND MAN + WOMAN
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Alana denham EARRINGS: BIA BORA DRESS: MAN + WOMAN SINCE 2010, ALANA DENHAM ALBRECHT HAS MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF AS THE OKANAGAN’S FOREMOST FASHION AND STYLE BLOGGER. IN ADDITION TO WRITING AND CURATING ILOVEDENHAM.COM, ALANA HAS COVERED RUNWAY SHOWS AND FASHION EVENTS AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, APPEARED WEEKLY ON SUNFM, WRITTEN A WEEKLY FASHION COLUMN FOR CASTANET.NET, AND WORKED AS A STYLIST. YOU’LL FIND ALANA WALKING WITH HER HUSBAND AND NEW BABY GIGI IN DOWNTOWN KELOWNA, ENJOYING AN AMERICANO FROM BEAN SCENE, OR HITTING UP A CLASS AT ORANJ FITNESS ON ANY GIVEN DAY. ILOVEDENHAM.COM @ILOVEDENHAM /ILOVEDENHAM @ALANADENHAM
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Health & Wellness T H E A R T O F B E A U T I F I C AT I O N
Get Skin Tight for a Younger You BY DR. PRAVEN CHETTY, MD, CCFP, DPD, DAAAM
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BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
AFTER
With time, environmental exposure and inherent genetics, our skin and its supporting structures illustrate signs of aging in the form of saggy skin and loss of volume.
L
oss of volume shows itself in the form of concavity and sagging skin blunts previously well-defined structures and angles that once conferred youth. The respective concavity and blunting of defined structures portray themselves as sallow shadows resulting in a “heavy” aged facial appearance. A youthful appearance after all is the balance of facial light and shadow with light enhancing the cheek and jawline area and shadows enhancing the light by virtue of contrast. Understanding the skin and its surrounding structures, it’s anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology are essential to customizing skin tightening treatments such that predictable results are delivered time and again. At Cerulean Medical Institute, we specialize in personalized non-surgical skin tightening, facial
and body contouring so that the troubled areas are specifically targeted at the appropriate treatment settings for the best results possible. These before and after photos illustrate the beautifully enhanced results achieved from non-surgical skin tightening at Cerulean Medical Institute in Kelowna, BC. The photos above clearly show enhancement of the neck and jawlines with much improved light reflex from the treated areas with the added benefit of improved texture and tone that we achieve with well-controlled skin tightening. One of the key benefits of our head to toe skin tightening and body contouring treatments is there is no downtime, with no need to take time off work or your social schedule. Along with the non-invasive nature of our skin tightening procedure there is no surprise to see why this is one of our most popular anti-aging treatments at our state of the art skin care clinic in Kelowna, BC. Contact Cerulean Medical Institute at 778-760-5050 or visit us at www.ceruleanmedical.com to schedule your personalized skin tightening treatment today.
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LOOK & FEEL YOUR BEST KELOWNA’S LEADING EXPERTS IN COSMETIC MEDICINE, LASERS & ADVANCED SKINCARE.
Some of Our Popular Anti-Aging Solutions •
ANTI-WRINKLE TREATMENTS A ATMENTS
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DERMAL FILLERS
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LIP ENHANCEMENT
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IPL PHOTO-REJUVENATION A ATION
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LASER HAIR REMOVAL V VAL
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SKIN TIGHTENING & LIFTING
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BODY RESHAPING & CONTOURING
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CELLULITE TREATMENT A ATMENT & MORE...
SCHEDULE YOUR REJUVENATION APPOINTMENT BY CALLING US AT
778.760.5050
TODAY
WWW.CERULEANMEDICAL.COM | SUITE 300, 550 WEST AVENUE, KELOWNA, BC V1Y 4Z4
Healthy Youthful Skin, Naturally.
Live your best life.
Why NOT live your best life? In your 30's, 40's, 50's and BEYOND? Dr. Chelsea Gronick is a naturopathic doctor with expertise in helping patients with thyroid and hormone imbalances and weight loss resistance. Take the first step by scheduling a 15 minute complementary Discovery Session to see how naturopathic medicine can benefit you.
Areas of Focus Thyroid Conditions
Hormone Balancing
Digestive Restoration
Weight Loss Resistance
Follow me through my 7-step approach to regaining your energy and mood.
Trust your woman’s intuition. Let’s get your hormones under control.
Eliminate your digestive troubles permanently using my 5-step approach.
Finally lose those pounds by optimizing your metabolism and hormones.
Chronic Pain & Injury
Low Energy & Fatigue
Skin Care & Beauty
Allergies & Headaches
Do the things you love again with prolotherapy and stem cell induction.
Get your vitality back and have the energy you need to do great things.
Love your skin without the need for prescriptions, botox or fillers.
Beat your allergies and migraines with safe and effective natural therapies.
205 - 339 Bernard Ave, Kelowna • 778.383.9863 • drchelseagronick.com • info@drchelseagronick.com / naturopathicdoctorkelowna • @drchelseagronick
Reverse the Signs of Aging
Naturally BY DR. CHELSEA GRONICK, ND
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A perfect complexion with glowing, youthful skin starts from the inside out. Feeling and looking older than your age can sabotage your self-confidence. Whether its ridding your skin of acne or reducing wrinkles and age spots, rejuvenating your skin starts with a few simple steps. 1. FIGHT INFLAMMATION What we eat, ends up on our face. There can be many foods that cause skin inflammation and premature aging, but here are the top 4 and how to recognize them. Gluten – Spots on forehead, cheeks and chin, a puffy, swollen looking face, overall redness Dairy – Swollen eyelids, under-eye bags and dark circles, widespread acne especially around chin, cystic acne Alcohol – Deep lines between the eyebrows and around nose/mouth, droopy eyelids, deep line and wrinkles under the eyes, dehydrated and crepey skin, large pores, reddish skin tone Sugar – lines and wrinkles on the upper forehead, sagging under the eye, deeper cystic acne, thinning skin, spots all over the face The solution is to significantly reduce consumption or completely avoid these foods. Change happens fast, and you can expect to see results in as little as a few days. 2. BALANCE YOUTH-BOOSTING HORMONES Imbalances between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can wreak havoc on your skin. I’ve given many hormone-balancing tips in past issues. When it comes to skin, the same rules apply. If you’ve already tried many things with little success, it might be time to order a comprehensive urine or saliva hormone profile and get personalized guidance. 3. IMPROVE YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM HEALTH – THE PLACE WHERE AGING BEGINS Beauty starts in the digestive tract, where we absorb and assimilate youth-giving antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Excess levels of yeast, candida and bacteria in the digestive tract can lead to nutrient deficiencies
and leaky gut, which causes the skin to age prematurely and can trigger acne. 4. INDULGE IN THE ULTIMATE ANTIAGING SKINCARE REGIME A customized skin care routine is an absolute necessity for those who want to look younger than their age. Here are a few of my favorite all-natural skin care solutions that my patients swear by. THE PRP MICROPEN SKIN REJUVENATION FACIAL Glamorized by Hollywood celebrities like Kim Khardashian, where its known as the Vampire Facial, this ultimate beauty treatment is a secret weapon to creating gorgeous glowing skin without Botox or fillers. PRP, or platelet rich plasma, are cells in the blood that help tissue heal and grow healthy new cells. When applied to the skin using a medical microneedling device, PRP promotes the growth of new collagen, regenerates and repairs the skin, resulting in smoothing and tightening of the face, and improved texture, tone and volume. THE CUSTOMIZED BLEND & BOOST SKIN FORMULATION The beauty isle is full of expensive products with grand claims, yet few live up to our expectations. I prefer a completely custom, multi-targeted prescription strength skin care solution to address anti-aging, acne, redness, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and hyperpigmentation, or overly sensitive skin. Blend & Boost is one of the simplest and most cost effective, natural skin care creations that I’ve found to deliver the results my patients expect. It’s an all-in-one solution – custom blended moisturizer, targeted serums, and eye cream. Dr Chelsea Gronick is a Naturopathic Doctor with a practice in downtown Kelowna. She has an expertise in helping women balance their thyroid, hormones and digestion and creating beauty from the inside-out, along with her signature treatment, the PRP Micropen Rejuvenation Facial. www.drchelseagronick.com MINT Kelowna
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SHAPE UP WITH KELOWNA’S TRENDY NEW FITNESS FACILITY BY JESSICA KUTOK PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
ull disclosure: I’m a fitness amateur. I enjoy working out, but in terms of actually knowing what I’m doing, I’m clueless. I often ask myself questions like, “is my form right?” or “am I pushing myself hard enough to see results?” The struggle is real!
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When I met with Ryan and Tara, owners of Orangetheory Fitness Kelowna, they explained how the OTF model can help people like me make the most of their workout. “Orangetheory is about group personalized training. You show up to a one hour class, and our trainers do the rest,” explains Ryan. “It’s a full body workout, half cardio and half strength and resistance training, where we focus on your 5 heart rate zones. Wearing a heart rate monitor, we try to get you above 85% of your heart rate max for 24
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12 to 20 minutes of the workout. This results in great benefits including what we call ‘after burn’, where you continue to burn calories for 24-36 hours after class.” With so many class times 7 days a week, there is always a time to go! With that being said, Ryan and Tara were kind enough to invite me to try it out. I arrived 30 minutes early for my orientation and immediately felt welcomed. The trainer gave me a walk through and explained how the monitors showcased personal stats; the number of calories burned and what zone you’re currently at during the workout. The goal is to exercise in the “orange zone” as often as possible (unless the instructor tells you otherwise) because that’s when the benefits kick in. Your final
results from your workout are emailed to you at the end of every class. “Our members love the flexible class times and environment,” boasts Tara. “Our instructors show you exactly what to do, offer as much or as little support as you’d like, and then you work within your ability. One person might be power walking while the other is in a full on sprint, someone might use a 5 pound weight and another a 50 pound weight. It’s very personal.” When I was done my workout, I had one of the lowest “scores” in the class, but seeing how it was my first time and my own personal experience, I still felt proud of what I’d done and I had the sore muscles to prove it! My low score only means I can keep improving.
After searching for the right location for five years, Ryan and Tara are excited to finally be open in Pandosy Village. With over 800 open studios worldwide, month-to-month memberships, and classes seven days a week, it’s time to try this trendy new fitness facility for yourself. Sign up for your free trial and see why The New York Times, Men’s Health Magazine, and more call it the best one hour workout in the country.
590 K.L.O. Road, Kelowna 250.860.6888 | orangetheoryfitness.com
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COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR YOUR TEETH BY BRANDI PARNELL
PHOTOS BY ASHELY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
At Okanagan Dentistry, their philosophy is simple, they strive to improve their patients’ lives through dentistry, a philosophy entrenched in everything they do. All dentistry should both look great and allow your teeth to work as perfectly as possible. By improving the appearance of your smile, you ultimately feel more confident. And while we love that, at our practice we also strive to improve our patients’ lives overall. We believe the highest possible quality is just as important as the way it appears outwardly,” says Dr. Evan Wiens.
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Dr. Ian Leitch, Dr. Evan Wiens, and Dr. Natashia BoseRoberts make up the dental team at Okanagan Dentistry. Together they strive to be on the forefront of dentistry, which allows them to provide specialized treatment plans tailored for each patient. “We practice comprehensive dentistry,” he says. “When someone comes in to the office we assess the other factors in their life as well as their oral health. A person is a lot more than just their teeth.”
This belief grew partly from time spent at The Kois Center, an accredited program dedicated to advancing dentistry through science. “When a new patient comes in, we like looking at the whole self and how we increase the quality of their lives.” Okanagan Dentistry looks after patients from two years old to 102. They are a fully accessible practice, which includes a wheelchair lift. This allows them to see patients in long-term care that otherwise would not have access to care. “We can provide full mouth rehabilitation for people who may not have previously been able to chew or have worn down their teeth,” says Dr. Wiens. This includes on-site implant surgery to replace missing teeth from start to finish. While many dental clinics refer out the surgical part of the treatment, at Okanagan Dentistry it can usually be performed right in the office. “Jaw joint pain is a lot more common than you might think,” he says. “For therapeutic reasons, I began to use Botox to address jaw issues. We have found it also helps with tension headaches from long hours spent staring at a computer.” Botox is also administered in the office for cosmetic procedures. TOP L-R DR. EVAN WIENS, DR. IAN LEITCH, DR. NATASHIA BOSE-ROBERTS
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Another common issue seen in dentistry is poor quality of sleep due to snoring or breathing problems. “When a patient comes in feeling fatigued or is frequently experiencing headaches, there is a good chance we can help.” One option is a 3D printed sleep apparatus that helps bring the jaw forward and open the airway. “It’s amazing how much you can change someone’s life by helping them sleep better. The device we deliver is easy to wear, not cumbersome and comes with 5-year warranty.”
“When a new patient comes in, we like looking at the whole self and how we increase the quality of their lives.” DR. EVAN WIENS.
The entire team at Okanagan Dentistry believes in total patient care delivered in a welcoming environment. “Everyone here is fantastic to work with, and I would especially like to recognize Maureen, our treatment coordinator,” Dr. Wiens says gratefully. “Our office would not function without her. She plays a huge part in our ability to provide comprehensive care and make our patients feel comfortable throughout the often complex treatment process.” To learn more or find out how the team at Okanagan Dentistry can improve your life, call today. 302-1500 Hardy Street, Kelowna, BC 250.762.3563 | info@okanagandentistry.com
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Cover Story
H E A LT H Y A G I N G S TA R T S WITH TWO LITTLE WORDS: “SUN SAFETY” BY JESSICA KUTOK PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Let’s talk about skin. It’s your biggest organ and you know you’re supposed to take good care of it. Not doing so could result in serious damage. So, when we know the importance of healthy skincare habits, why do we habitually seem to plead ignorance?
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“The number one thing you should be doing to take care of your skin is sun protection.” DR. WONG DR. HENRY DOCHERTY, DR. JOHN MAH, DR. MANDY WONG, DR. JESSICA STRASBERG, AND DR. HARPREET LOTAY
D
r. Mandy Wong of Restore Vein & Skin Centre has plenty of things to say on the topic and you need to listen. Your skin depends on it!
“The number one thing you should be doing to take care of your skin is sun protection. Most medical and cosmetic skin concerns we see at Restore are due to sun exposure,” explains Dr. Wong. According to Dr. Wong, here are some ways sun damage is affecting your skin: •
#1 contributor to wrinkles (aging is obviously normal, but you see the signs sooner and they are exaggerated with sun damage)
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Loss of collagen
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Loss of skin elasticity
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Production of brown sunspots and enlarged red capillaries
While we can’t force anyone to protect their skin from the sun, we can continue to educate. “Prevention is easier than the cure,” says Dr. Wong. “50% of heat comes from infrared radiation, which can also damage the DNA of your skin cells and accelerate skin aging, but there’s no sunscreen for it. Sunscreen only protects you from UVA and UVB, so for optimal prevention, it’s still best to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or cover your skin with clothing. As for UV prevention, I recommend a mineral sunblock containing zinc and titanium.” Did you think sunscreen and sunblock were the same thing? So did I; they’re not. In fact, there’s actually a huge difference between the two.
“A mineral sunblock blocks sunrays and scatters light so it doesn’t get into your skin and protects you unless you wipe it off or spend a long time in water,” says Dr. Wong. “Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV rays through a chemical reaction. You have about a 2.5 hour time period where the product works. That means, if you apply it in the morning, by the time you go outside to have your lunch, you’re not protected anymore. If you’re going to wear sunscreen, reapplication is key.” We can’t prevent aging; we know that. But, we can reduce the visible signs of it.
DR. MANDY WONG’S HEALTHY SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS Wash your face for at least one minute Apply antioxidants like green tea extract, vitamin E, or vitamin C. Products containing several types of antioxidants work best. Apply a mineral sunblock to your skin. If you wear beauty products, use mineral makeup with at least SPF 20 over top of your sunblock. If you’re under 30, use glycolic acid along with a moisturizer. If you’re over 30, retinol is a must.
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Cover Story
Dr. Wong shared some other tips on a healthy skin aging process: •
Eating a healthy diet high in antioxidants
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Drinking enough water
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Use skin products that are scientifically proven to work
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Wearing protective clothing in the sun
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Get enough “beauty sleep”
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Examine your and your loved ones’ skin every month
What happens if the damage is done, and you’ve already harmed your skin from the sun? Dr. Wong enlightens us. “It’s never too late to take care of your skin. With the right products, the right routine, and the right sunblock, you can get that healthy glow back and even decrease your risk of skin cancer.” Another option you can consider is non-invasive cosmetic procedures. 30
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“If we see a client with minimal damage but they’re bothered by early showings of laugh lines, brow creases, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone, we might talk about preventative options like topical skin products, broad band light treatments, platelet rich plasma facials, Botox, or fillers,” explains Dr. Wong. “If there’s plenty of sun damage, we might look at light laser resurfacing such as Halo which works to remove pigment, decrease pore size, and increase collagen growth.” As Dr. Mandy Wong explains, how many cosmetic procedures you’ll get done over time really depends on how good you’ve been to your skin. Healthy aging starts with prevention and it’s never too late to start. To learn more ways you can age gracefully, schedule a consultation at Restore Vein & Skin Centre with Dr. Mandy Wong or another of the clinic’s experienced doctors and nurses. Restore Vein & Skin Centre 288 - 1835 Gordon Dr., Kelowna 236.420.2888 | kelownarestore.com info@kelownarestore.com
TEETH WHITENING MADE EASY with Beautique Nail & Smile Studio BY JESSICA KUTOK PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
When people hear the term “teeth whitening,” they often think of strips you buy at the drug store or going in for expensive teeth whitening sessions at the dentist. If you’re worried about the colour of your teeth but are nervous about the pain and cost to get them whitened, read closely. endall is an experienced dental hygienist who has since started her own business in professional teeth whitening under the name Beautique Nail & Smile Studio.
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“I always wanted to work on my own and be my own boss so Beautique really helps me do all of this,” explains Kendall. “I’m the only dental hygienist that I know of in the Okanagan that does professional teeth whitening from home.”
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Having your teeth whitened with Kendall is a completely different experience than going to a spa or a dentist for a similar service. “Because of my extensive experience as a dental hygienist, everyone who books with me receives a more hands-on, client-specific session. First, I always make sure you’re an eligible candidate for teeth whitening. Second, my teeth whitening services are more affordable than with a dentist. Plus, you’ll only need to come in for one session which lasts for about two hours.”
A common objection to teeth whitening is any associated sensitivities, which is true in some cases. However, Kendall explains that with her, sensitivity is greatly minimized because she avoids root exposure and uses a different teeth whitening line, Wicked White Professional, which helps decrease the pain. “Clients may experience some gum sensitivity the day after, but it’s bearable. I’ve heard cases where people went in for teeth whitening treatments and even just breathing in air was painful afterwards. That’s simply not the case with me,” says Kendall. The biggest benefit associated with teeth whitening is the confidence boost. Kendall loves how happy her clients are when they’re all finished up their treatment, and to her, it’s the biggest reward of her job. “I love seeing people’s faces light up once they see how white their teeth are. They start smiling, showing their teeth in pictures… it’s like they feel they’re a whole new person. It’s so rewarding.”
While the main focus of Beautique Nail & Smile Studio is teeth whitening, she also sells high-quality cosmetic products that are smudge-proof, waterproof and kiss-proof, and provides gel nail services, as specified in her business name. Kendall operates Beautique Nail & Smile Studio alone, which helps make her services much more convenient to her clients. “I operate mainly out of my own home, but I’m also happy to do house calls if that’s what my clients are looking for.” Speaking with Kendall, it’s clear how passionate she is about helping improve the self-esteem of her Okanagan clients. If you want to improve your pearly whites, see Kendall and start flashing that gorgeous smile stat! You can find Beautique Nail & Smile Studio on Facebook or Instagram to book your appointment. Beautique Nail & Smile Studio Lake Country | 250.681.0768 thesmilestudio.wix.com/thesmilestudio
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EYE OPENING:
Finding the Perfect Lash Stylist for You BY RAMONA MANOLA
If the eyes are the window to the soul then lashes serve as the gateway. Beautiful, long eyelashes have long been sought after. They may seem like a small detail, but they make a big difference. The truth is that long and lush lashes look sophisticated and feminine, and can dramatically impact your face and improve your beauty when applied correctly. 34
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MIRROR AND STUDIO PHOTO BY TAMMY GAGNON PHOTOGRAPHY
any women have begun turning to lash extensions to get that gorgeous look without the hassle of mascara. These days you can pretty much find extensions services everywhere, but before spending hundreds of dollars in search of beautiful, sexy lashes, there are few things you should consider.
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COMMITMENT Before you commit to eyelash extensions, have a consultation to discuss your expectations. Regardless of the look you are trying to achieve, know that you will likely need a touch-up within 2-3 weeks. This service will cost between $65 and $85 dollars and your appointment will last approximately an hour and a half. You will also be shown how to care for your new eyelash extensions. The aftercare is essential as it will increase the lifespan of your extensions, keep your lashes healthy and looking beautiful.
TRAINING Is your extensions provider certified as an eyelash stylist? Since the industry is not regulated, certification is not required. This means that an uncertified provider may not have had proper training in sterilization, application, and design. For your protection as well as your beauty, ensure that the stylist is certified.
your natural lashes is very important. The right adhesive is just as significant. Many adhesives contain unsafe chemicals, even formaldehyde, which can cause instant allergic reactions and even long-lasting damage. Lash & Sparkle Boutique provides premium and professional eyelash extensions in a chic and inviting studio. We use Xtreme Lashes™, an established luxury brand of eyelash extensions, medical-grade adhesives, and cosmetic products. Our mission is to provide each client with a renewed sense of confidence while enjoying a low maintenance beauty routine. You’ll be pampered on a sumptuous bed in our private studio while listening to calm, relaxing music and leave looking and feeling beautiful. Ramona Manola is an Xtreme Lashes Certified - Lash Master Stylist, and the proprietor of Lash & Sparkle Boutique. She is passionate about fashion and beauty and it is her mission to make women feel beautiful and confident. Book your consultation at 778-895-1695. Lash & Sparkle Boutique 778.895.1695 *All comments, suggestions, opinions are my own personal and Xtreme Lashes is not affiliated with this article*
STERILIZATION Ask the provider how they sterilize their tools. You want to make sure that they use an industry approved sterilizer, and that they have multiple sets of tools. Each set needs to be soaked in sterilizer for at least 20 minutes after use, so if the stylist just finished with a client and you are next, you need to ensure they are using fresh tools. The right extensions provider will always be concerned with protecting your health.
BRAND Ask the provider what brand they use for extensions and adhesive. The market is flooded with many different types. Choosing a quality brand of extensions that won’t damage MINT Kelowna
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STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR SUCCESS Increasing Your Mental Wealth WITH
Jamie Wood, CEO of Sanga Living, Stress Management Counsultant
Productivity is one of the first things to go when stress has infiltrated a company’s operations, and the high performance individuals within it. The direct cause and effect of a stressed out “reactive” team verses a high performance “proactive” team has significant ripple effects across an organization. This is felt not only on a physical level, where employees experience the negative impact elevated stress hormones have on their bodies and brains; it is also felt on an operational level, where productivity and efficiencies are compromised eventually affecting the bottom line.
success of a company, as well as ensuring a healthy competitive edge. The popular corporate SMA program (Stress Management through Awareness) developed by Jamie Wood for High Performance Individuals combines neuroscience, operations management, and physiology to help companies strategize for success.
Why you should care? The consequences of stress are very real and presenteeism, the problem of workers’ being on the job but not fully functioning— can cut individual productivity by one-third.
Sanga Living www.sangaliving.com
On a physiological level stress works against the body making it feel agitated, depleted, and exhausted. On a neurological level stress can cause the brain to lack performance ability making it hard to retrieve data, focus, and have creative thought. The brain is not wired to multitask but the funny thing about multitasking is it is believed to be a skill-set, when in reality it couldn’t be further from the truth. Multitasking has been found to increase the production of the stress hormone cortisol as well as the fight-or-flight hormone adrenaline, which can overstimulate your brain and cause mental fog or scrambled thinking. Taking a proactive approach towards effectively managing the stress levels of employees has a direct benefit to the 36
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Don’t let stress effect your bottom line!
Jamie Wood
HOW TO FEEL AND LOOK AGELESS THIS SUMMER WITH
Dr. De Pieri of The De Pieri Clinic
THE POWER OF VITAMIN C Consider Vitamin C your anti-aging superstar. It’s one of the only ingredients that have been proven to decrease the effect of the sun and environmental stressors such as pollution and cigarette smoke. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, donating electrons to hungry free radicals to stabilize and inhibit their harmful activity. Look for C products containing at least 10% L-ascorbic acid (the most bioavailable kind typically found in a serum) and apply before your sunscreen to boost its efficacy and reduce your risk of sunburn.
SUPPLEMENT RIGHT Chronic stress accelerates premature aging at the cellular level by shortening DNA telomeres. When our telomeres become too short, our cells start to function incorrectly creating inflammation and increasing collagen loss (read wrinkles). Ashwagandha extract not only supports your adrenal function by normalizing cortisol levels, but has also been shown to increase telomerase activity. A typical daily dose is between 500 and 1000mg taken in the evening.
collagen content, skin thickness and elasticity and hydration. In turn this plumps out wrinkles and lines, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas.
COLLAGEN STIMULATION THERAPY For natural looking enhancements consider professionally administered treatments that stimulate your own collagen production such as Microneedle therapy, Sculptra® and Carbon Dioxide (Carbossi) therapy. These treatments work in one of two ways: either by wounding the skin on the surface, which heals by releasing growth factors and creating new collagen, or by stimulating collagen production deep in the dermis to replace lost volume. Look your best, naturally. The De Pieri Clinic 6-1353 Ellis Street, Kelowna 250.448.7408 | thedepierriclinic.com
ESTROGEN Estrogen and youthful, plump skin go hand in hand. When menopause hits, estrogen levels significantly decline exacerbating both normal and environmental skin aging, resulting in sagging tissues, thinning and dry skin. Carefully monitoring your hormone levels and supplementing with topical estrogen levels under the guidance of an experienced doctor can induce profound anti-aging effects. With balanced estrogen levels you can expect an increase in your skin’s
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Eats & Drinks
Wining &Dining++ Our Wining and Dining section is a collection of morsels meant to make your mouth water. Hector Elizondo said, "Food is a passion. Food is love." As is the standard with every issue of Mint, we strive to share passion with you; our passion and that of our chefs, passionate foodies and entrepreneurs create businesses built on passion. But equally important to us is that you see this section as love. Dishes paired with wines, connection rooted in love.
Enjoy!
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Monday - Friday OPEN AT 3PM Saturday- Sunday OPEN AT 12PM Happy Hour EVERYDAY 3 - 6 PM
@BACAROKELOWNA
231 BERNARD AVE
(778) 484.6994
BACARO.CA
INFO@BACARO.CA
C E L E B R AT I N G N AT U R E ’ S E X C E L L E N C E at Sunset Bistro in Summerhill Winery BY JESSICA KUTOK
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUMMERHILL WINERY
ummerhill Pyramid Winery has goals to influence more organic practices throughout the Okanagan, and after talking with Paul, the Food and Beverage Manager at Sunset Bistro within Summerhill, it’s obvious how important this lifestyle is to them. The restaurant follows the wineries two major mandates: local and organic.
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“The inspiration of our menu comes from our owner, Stephen. He really wants to go organic and natural with the wine and make a real difference in the valley from that perspective,” explains Paul. “When we opened the restaurant, Stephen’s decision was that we’d take the same philosophy we had with wine and bring it into the food.” Summerhill has their own organic and bio-dynamic farm where they harvest the bulk of their produce onsite. However, building strong relationships with farmers and local suppliers is a top-priority.
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“We want to find as much local food as we can. If we can’t harvest produce ourselves, we’ll then turn to local farmers like Morning Dove Gardens, Green City Acres, and Unearthed Farms. We have our own bees to get honey, but if not, we get it from Arlo’s Honey Farm. Our meat comes from Two Rivers Meats and Cache Creek Beef. They do really good stuff and they care,” says Paul. “It’s so great for our service and kitchen staff to be able to say that we got our food just a couple of miles away.” Working with suppliers who don’t push a ton of product fits into Summerhill and Sunset Bistro’s philosophy of a more organic and environmentally friendly lifestyle, requiring the chefs in Sunset Bistro to be extra flexible. “Because we’re dealing with small producers, our menu offerings have to be that much more creative. Suppliers will let us know when they have something like beef or duck,
and we’ll choose to take it and do something unique with it on our menu.” Respecting the animal is highly important to Sunset Bistro. Paul says, “We don’t offer options like Wing Wednesday because then what happens to the rest of the chicken? We want to buy as much as we can from our suppliers and use as much from the animal as we can.” In fact, Sunset Bistro is headed towards a more vegetarian and vegan focused menu because of the positive environmental impacts that a plant-based diet can offer. Paul explains how they’ll always provide a few different meat choices to keep the menu open for everybody, but plant-based with dairyfree and gluten-free options is what they’re aiming for. With all this talk about food, we mustn’t forget what draws most people into the venue: the satisfying, organic wine.
“In my opinion, we serve the best organic wine in the valley. And if we’re selling organic wine on the table, then the food in the restaurant should also meet those expectations,” explains Paul. Drive up to Summerhill Winery and celebrate nature’s excellence by enjoying an organic meal in Sunset Bistro. 4870 Chute Lake Road, overlooking Lake Okanagan. Summerhill Pyramid Winery 4870 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna 1-800-667-3538 | summerhill.bc.ca
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H O M E M A D E . F R E S H . C R A Z Y. Any Questions? BY BRANDI PARNELL
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
ptly named, CrAsian is satisfying Kelowna food truck followers, one hunger craving at a time. Serving up North American street food fused with Asian flavour, their menu is as eclectic as their approach. Savoury, salty, sweet and spicy, The CrAsian Food Truck is sure to satisfy.
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The vibrant duo behind CrAsian is sisters Courtney and Meiko Koga. While it’s awesome to work with your sister, the life of a food trucker is hard work. “You’re not only running a kitchen, but you’re also running the service side of the business. You’re organizing food prep, truck maintenance and on top of that, there’s still keeping up on the administration for an incorporated business. You’re running all aspects of a restaurant, crammed into a 119 square foot stainless steel box on wheels,” says Courtney who is used to thinking on her feet. “And then you’re like, wait! Did we gas up???” “I’ve always worked front of house in the restaurant business, but my heart has always been in a kitchen.” From the time she can remember, Courtney was always asking to prepare family dinners at home. As she grew, she immersed herself in the world of hospitality, but often she was left wanting more passion in food. “I always find myself wishing people would do something different with food. It’s fun! Get creative. Do it well,” she says. “When I decided to leave my full-time management position within the corporate restaurant scene, it was obvious to me the next step was to start a food truck. I traded in my blazer and heels for a truck with wheels!” She says, knowing it was time to put the fun back in food! And they have done just that. Their loyal customers follow them around town to get in on their delicious grilled Kimcheese sandwiches, Sriracha fries and Thai burgers. “CrAsian, it’s hybrid food.” Much like The Koga sisters who are half Japanese, and half German. Christmas dinners were traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, as well as chow mien, sushi and sashimi. “I feel so fortunate to have been raised where large family gatherings were based around the dinner table.” 42
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L-R MEIKO AND COURTNEY KOGA.
The CrAsian Food Truck caters events from office parties and weddings to festivals and sporting events. Although the rest of the 2017 season is pretty well booked, they have a secondary food cart stationed at Kettle River Brewery. “Being mobile it has its perks. We seek out our own business, bringing food to you. We arrive onsite with hot, delicious food and when we leave, we take away all of the mess. You don’t even know you’re hungry and then BAM! a yellow truck pulls up,” she says. “I am so grateful for all of the support we’ve received.” That sense of gratitude seems to be infused into everything they do. “Thank you is definitely one of my top phases used right now. We’re so fortunate for all of the support we’ve received this far, our customers, family and friends...the people we’ve met and partnerships we’ve formed. It’s all of that that keeps us going. Sure it’s hard work but no matter how hot and sweaty and chaotic it can be, that’s what fuels us even more. It’s funny where life leads you. I’m thankful to be where I am.” crasianfood.com
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A DELICIOUS, HAND-CRAFTED LIFE BY BRANDI PARNELL
PHOTOS ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
“Pleasure is the object, duty and the goal of all rational creatures.”
evin Bojda and Victor Laderoute know the value of living life fully. Kindred spirits and passionate foodies, they appreciate the pleasure of homemade food, the influence of fresh, local ingredients and the art of making small batch, epicurean gelato; because sometimes life’s simplest pleasures bring the greatest joys.
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Together they are QB Gelato, Kelowna’s newest dessert destination. Located in the Landmark Centre, Kevin and Victor have carefully thought out and brought to life the experience of sweet and satisfying, cool and refreshing, nostalgic and new, for locals and visitors alike.
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“We want to unite people and create joyful moments through the simple enjoyment of great food.” Both Kevin and Victor studied the art and science of gelato making in Italy. At a relatively young age, Victor was exposed to the very fascinating world of hospitality service. “It pulled me in and kept me wanting more. I learned
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quickly that attention to detail was required,” he says. “As time went on and I travelled my path, I witnessed experiences that forced a gasp, that made people feel special and that changed the way they looked at the world.” Those emotions that make situations memorable became the backdrop for their business concept. After many months of planning, studying and executing with meticulous attention to detail, they built a jaw dropping, artisan gelato experience unlike any other. “We want to engage with our customers and share our knowledge of gelato. We want to hear them discover different ingredients and know how it makes them feel,” says Kevin. With open hearts and small stainless steel spoons ready for trying, the staff at QB Gelato is ready to discuss the menu board and offer you a taste of whatever speaks to you. QB Gelato or Quanto Basta means ‘as much as you need - no more, no less’ in Italian. To Kevin and Victor, QB Gelato is a place where gourmet treats meet pure contentment. “We want our customers to try any flavour they wish,” says Victor. “We love hearing their feedback and getting them to try something new, to step out of their comfort zone.” Every batch of QB Gelato is made from scratch with fresh, local goodness. They have weekly feature flavours, dairy-free sorbet and support local farmers. Their menu bar includes something to satisfy every craving from decadent Salted Caramel to PB & J made with homemade Jammery jelly. They serve up Carrot Cake in a cup like grandma made and a fan favourite is their Holy Cacao made with cacao from Real Raw Food on the Naramata Bench.
“We’re all about the simple enjoyment of great food, with fresh and natural ingredients. Because life is good, and it should be enjoyed.” VICTOR LADEROUTE
Fellow foodies are sure to appreciate Mascarpone & Peaches, Orange Blossom or an after dinner scoop of Café au Lait. Whether you’re in the mood for tart, fruity or rich and creamy, hand over your taste buds for a truly authentic trip. “We want to help people to slow down, even for a short amount of time. We want the QB Gelato experience to be fun, shared amongst family and friends, and to be memorable,” says Victor. “We’re all about the simple enjoyment of great food, with fresh and natural ingredients. Because life is good, and it should be enjoyed.”
QB Gelato 1884 Dayton Street, Kelowna 250.861.6622 | hello@qbgelato.com qbgelato.com
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AN URBAN D E S T I N AT I O N F O R L I B AT I O N S BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Henny Youngman said, “When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.” Urban Liquor Store, conveniently located in Guisachan Village Centre on Gordon Drive, is raising the bar, so to speak. joint venture that began with friendship and a shared love of wine, turned into the acquisition of Urban Liquor, an Okanagan– based boutique liquor store with a commitment to top shelf customer service.
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Ed and Riki-Lynn Boettcher, along with friends Dustin Noble and Rachelle Lien, purchased the neighbourhood business in hopes of elevating the liquor store experience. “I’ve been in the industry my entire career,” says Riki, a certified professional sommelier who manages the day-to-day operations. “Because I have a passion for the business, I knew there was a market for a different experience in the world of liquor.” A quaint shop in a great location, shoppers can come to one destination, Guisachan Village Centre, to shop for seafood, fresh cuts of meat, chocolate and of course, wine, spirits and craft beers as well as ciders. Urban Liquor Store is committed to offering VQA wines and features craft, hand-batched distilleries and breweries.“ When we took over the store two and a half years ago, we had a real market for people who wanted to support VQA. We continue to support that market. Paul Clark is our certified wine educator with over 30 years experience in the BC wine industry and, Miranda Maxson is our 46
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TOP L-R SHELBY ANDERSEN, RIKI-LYNN BOETTCHER ,PAUL CLARK ,MIRANDA MAXSON
craft beer guru. Together we strive to keep a pulse on everything fashionable in the world of wine, cocktails, beer and ciders as well as aspire to engage with our customers to understand their buying patterns and loyalties,” says Riki. Having in-house experts in their respective fields makes them leaders in craft beer and spirits with an extensive international wine selection as well. “I want to be as educated as possible on what my customers may wish to try or the businesses they support,” she says. Riki who along with her husband Ed love to travel to new cities, support local restaurants and network with industry experts on an ongoing basis. Urban Liquor Store is a tailored experience to shopping. Locally owned and operated, they are as invested in the local economy as their customers.
“We generally taste everything that comes into our store. Because entertaining is a passion we all share, we are committed to providing an outstanding customer experience and love staying on top of up and coming trends.”
new wines. The cost is $10 and all money collected is donated to Autism Okanagan, a charity very near and dear to their hearts. You can find a schedule and book your space online at urbanliquor.ca.
They will help you select the perfect gift or the perfect pairing and aspire to answer any question you may have about a product from the place of origin to the history of the vineyard.
They offer a Rewards Loyalty Program and provide a free bag of ice with every purchase.
“I attribute a lot of our growth to the relationships we’ve built with our clientele. We love getting to know their buying patterns, their likes and dislikes as well as their hobbies and interests - we love making suggestions, helping to plan menus and suggesting new products.” The second Wednesday of each month, the store hosts Tutored Tastings in which customers can taste and learn about eight to 10
To experience a premium way to shop for liquor or to learn about new and local products, stop by Urban Liquor today. Urban Liquor Store
2395 Gordon Drive, Suite 106, Kelowna 250.860.0364 urbanliquor.ca
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THERE IS A NEW ICE CREAM SHOP IN TOWN BY JESSICA KUTOK
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Have you ever noticed there’s a lack of ice cream shops in Kelowna? There’s tons of frozen yogurt places, but in terms of ice cream, there isn’t a whole lot of options. Until now! 48
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n a small little space right across from the waterfront and iconic Kelowna sails is a little place called Parlour Ice Cream, and let me tell you, it’s fantastic for many reasons. Parlour Ice Cream is built on all things local – order the Coffee Chocolate Chunk and your ice cream is made with Bean Scene coffee, indulge in the Whisky Hazelnut, and it’s infused with whisky from Okanagan Spirits. That’s right, most of their flavours come from other local businesses to create absolute magic.
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I had the chance to speak with co-owners, Omar and Amanda, and one thing I got besides their passion for ice cream was their obvious love for the Okanagan. “We source local whenever possible,” explains Omar. “Our objective for Parlour Ice Cream is to get the highest quality ingredients to put into our ice cream. We want to partner with the right businesses based on the season.” Rotating the menu to match seasonal ingredients is something you can expect from Parlour. However, they’ll still keep flavours around long enough so people get to try them. And, that includes our friends who don’t eat dairy. “We’ve received an overwhelming amount of support from the vegan and non-dairy community and want to continue coming up with new options for them and we’re definitely listening” says Amanda. “We created a coconut base for our ice cream and are consistently looking for new non-dairy flavours to introduce to the menu.” It’s safe to say Parlour’s ice cream is fantastic but about those waffle cones? Omar tells me they’re made every single day and they do it right out front for their customers to see! I tried one, and yes, they’re amazing. The waffle batter is provided by a local company and the plug at the bottom is made with two delicious marshmallows. Can it get any better than that? In the hot Kelowna summers, not really. Speaking of which, Parlour Ice Cream is open year-round. So, in the winter, you can still come in, have a cone, or pick up a pint of ice cream to take home with you to pair with a piece of pie! Also, don’t expect something like thirty flavours to choose from. Parlour is very much quality over quantity, and I’m okay with that. Why? Because after trying their Bi Honest. Hot or cold, rain or shine, it’s worth a visit to Parlour Ice Cream, right downstairs from Earl’s – the restaurant that owns their location and carries Parlour’s ice cream on their menu for people to enjoy after their delicious dinner. Further your local ice cream experience and visit Parlour on Facebook, Instagram, and at www.parlouricecream.ca. Parlour Ice Cream 1571 Abbott Street, Kelowna 604.616-0211 | parlouriceream.ca /parlouricecream.ca | @parlour.icecream
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F E E L W E L C O M E D , B E AT E A S E BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILLSIDE WINERY
f you haven’t been to the Naramata Bench, you might not know what you’re missing. This wine region has become a destination for outstanding wines, incredible landscapes and a tranquil way of living. Just 45 minutes south of Kelowna, lies a rich tapestry of both agriculture and history, as well as a warm opening of hearts. At Hillside Winery & Bistro, you can leave the city behind and experience a slower more beautiful look at life.
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The journey begins on the outskirts of Penticton as you follow the graceful curves of Naramata Road, beneath the warm sunshine, aside the breathtaking vineyard and lake views you can’t help but leave the hectic urban life behind. On arrival, you get the sense you are in the heart of wine country as guests leisurely make their way along the garden path to the quaint and charming tasting room, which offers the warmest of welcomes. Kick back in the adjoining Bistro situated perfectly in sunlight as you soak in the shimmering Okanagan Lake. Hillside offers not only beautiful scenery and exceptional wine and food, but also a fascinating pioneer history unique from the other wineries in the region. In 1979, the property was purchased by Bohumir and Vera Klokocka who had recently immigrated to the Okanagan Valley from Czechoslovakia. Vera had a dream. In 1984 she planted the first of Hillside’s estate vineyards. The grapevines thrived in the gravelly soil and warm Okanagan sunshine and Vera’s dream took shape. By 1989, Hillside became one of the first Farmgate wineries in the Okanagan Valley as Vera lobbied toward changing policy for small wineries at that time. She was instrumental in shaping the B.C. wine industry as we know it today. While Hillside is no longer family owned, it remains true to its heritage and remains committed to producing wines made with 100 percent Naramata Bench grapes. At the helm of this small-batch and hand crafted approach to wine making is gifted winemaker Kathy Malone. “It has been our commitment since our inception to produce hand-crafted, naturally fruit-forward, wellbalanced wines that represent the true character of the grapes. Our uniquely designed winery allows us
to ferment and age the wine in many small batches to maintain the varietal character and integrity of each grape type and vineyard,” she says Kathy. While this process can be challenging, the hard working folks at Hillside are bent to stay the course, regardless of effort. Jody Schwindt, sales and marketing manager, is also firmly planted in this commitment. “Kathy has a such a great understanding of the unique conditions of the Naramata Bench, we are able to ‘own our dirt’ and express our local terroir.” “Our guests will find we have a unique approach to life out here. It is a slower way of being, a life meant to be savoured. Our food is gourmet, but made for sharing. We want our guests to relax, get lost in the region and allow their minds to go back in time,” she says. It is a sensory experience being onsite, a feeling, and an emotional draw that makes you want to be part of something that has withstood time. It is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the woman who came to Canada and had a vision. Loosen your tie, leave your heels at home and satisfy a longing you didn’t even know you had; Hillside Winery & Bistro is a gracious vineyard built on respect for its people and the land beneath your feet. Nourish your body with sustainably grown produce, 100 percent Naramata wine and an aura of goodness. Hillside Winery & Bistro 1350 Naramata Rd, Penticton Winery: 250.493.6274 | Bistro: 250.487.1350 Toll Free: 888.923.9463 | hillsidewinery.ca
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M E X I C A N P A L E TA MEETS THE OKANAGAN -The Ultimate Refresher BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
hile working in rural Mexico, Rob McPhee did what many other Canadians have done before him...he immersed himself in the vibrant culture - the art, the music and of course, the delicious food.
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“I fell in love with the local cuisine. One of my favourite discoveries was the Mexican Paleta. After a long day, working in the hot sun, it was so refreshing. A Paleta is a frozen treat made from fresh fruit,” he says. When his work ended in Mexico, Rob returned home to Canada and returned to the oil and gas industry. “I was happy to be home, but somehow, I just didn’t feel fulfilled. I guess I kept thinking about those delicious popsicles,” he laughs. Like any great entrepreneur, Rob didn’t dismiss the idea. In fact, he did the opposite; he continued to mull it over, contemplating flavours, researching food trends, and thinking of ways he could put a Canadian twist on the Paleta. “I just kept thinking of a way to reinvent frozen treats to make them appealing to all ages,” says Rob. “I discovered no one was doing it in the Okanagan, which seemed like the perfect place to begin.” And so Okanagan Ice Pops was born from a desire to infuse locally grown, fresh fruit into really amazing treats that people could feel good about eating. Many of the flavour options are vegan; all are healthful, gourmet treats made from the finest ingredients and sure to delight any taste bud. “I still like having a Popsicle on a really hot day, it’s nostalgic; it takes me back. But, I wanted to create something more appealing to my tastes. I no longer wanted frozen sugar water. I wanted more.” Customers are always surprised when they first try an Okapop at how flavourful they are, not to mention their delight at the outrageous flavour combinations, including strawberry lime basil, chocolate avocado coconut and pineapple mango chilli. Then, they’re amazed at how little sugar and calories they have.
“Our goal is to make perfect ice pop for everyone. We love supporting our local dairy for the creamiest pops ever. For those with a dairy intolerance, we offer vegan alternatives as well as our fruity pops. We want everyone to enjoy the full, fresh flavours offered by the valley, which is why we use premium ingredients such as coconut cream, fresh cream, seasonal fruit, chocolate and authentic spices. We source the ripest seasonal fruit, then we roast, juice, blend and mix in preparation for flash freezing. We use no artificial ingredients and don’t add any flavourings, colours or preservatives.” Because of the unbelievable flavour, the innovation and their approach to quality, Okanagan Ice Pops are available at many different location including special events and fairs around the area. You can stop in at their storefront or purchase individual Okapops at various retail partners. You can order in bulk to take home and they will cater any event under the sun, including weddings, parties or casual get-togethers. Think sparkling pops! Currently they serve up 27 flavours, which include six dairy options and the rest are vegan. Each batch uses 100 percent local products, including fruit, honey, herbs and of course, Okanapure water. The exception is tropical fruit. To surprise your taste buds, to travel back in time or to impress your guests, opt for Okapops today. OKAPOP SHOP 450 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna okapops.ca
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TOP SCOTT LOCKE, GM ABOVE TAYLOR WHELAN-O’MARA, WINEMAKER MINT Kelowna
HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY CEDARCREEK -What’s Next? BY JESSICA KUTOK
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
edarCreek on the Lakeshore Wine Trail is celebrating their 30th anniversary, and between harvesting the grapes, offering up wine tastings, and running a restaurant, this popular winery still makes time to help the Okanagan flourish.
Oh, did I mention CedarCreek is in the middle of an incredible renovation, building a new year-round, full-service restaurant?
Since 1987 when Senator Ross Fitzpatrick opened CedarCreek Estate Winery, to 2014 when the winery transitioned ownership to Anthony von Mandl, CedarCreek continues to be a 100% family-owned business who have proven themselves as a top winery to visit in the valley.
“Our new restaurant will be open all year round. We’re looking at planting a vegetable garden on the property where we can source our own vegetables right here at the winery,” says Scott. “We’ll also be opening up a brand new tasting room along with a separate spot for private tastings.”
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“We were awarded the Best Red White and Best White Wine in Canada backto-back for our 2012 Platinum Block 2 Pinot Noir and 2014 Platinum Block 3 Riesling. That was definitely a huge achievement for us,” boasts winemaker, Taylor Whelan. The wine at CedarCreek is the establishment’s biggest draw, but creating a positive community is just as important. “2014 was the year when we saw a real embracement from the Okanagan. The Fitzpatrick family did a great job building our brand, and now we’re continuing that tradition by connecting that brand to our community,” explains general manager, Scott Locke. “We make a serious effort to reach out to OUR people. It’s the little things we do here that make a big difference like Sunset Yoga, concerts, flights & bites in the winter months, and even the combination of agri-tourism in our culinary menu.” Jeremy Tucker, executive chef of the winery’s Vineyard Terrace Restaurant is committed to providing a farm-to-table local menu for visitors to enjoy and that focus will only increase as we head into spring 2018, when CedarCreek opens up their new property.
With delicious wine tastings comes information about CedarCreek’s amazing Platinum Wine Club. “You get 3 shipments a year, 18 bottles, plus front of the line access to all of our events, like our popular Sunset Concert Series. When a shipment comes in, members are invited to join us for a pick-up party with tastings, food pairings, and live music. Our members are really a part of what makes CedarCreek so special,” says Scott. “Our goal for renovations is for our guests to enjoy themselves like nowhere else in the valley. We want CedarCreek to be a special spot for people not just in the Mission district, but for people all over Kelowna, and those visiting from around the world. We’re ready for it and the Okanagan is ready for it.” Be a part of CedarCreek’s exciting story – celebrate their 30th anniversary by planning a visit to 5445 Lakeshore Rd, open during renovations! Keep your eyes open for exciting announcements next spring as their new building nears completion! CedarCreek Estate Winery 5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna 778.738.1020 | cedarcreek.bc.ca info@cedarcreek.bc.ca
FUTURE VIEW FROM LAKESHORE ROAD MINT Kelowna
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MEET YOUR NEW F AV O U R I T E LIQUOR STORE BY JESSICA KUTOK PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
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TBC Liquor Merchants (Turtle Bay Crossing Liquor Merchants) isn’t your average liquor store. Yes, they sell your everyday favourites, but for their local selection, they carry it in a way that makes sense to the Okanagan. Local is what TBC prides themselves on, and after speaking with Leah, co-owner and manager of the store, you can feel the significance supporting local has on its business success. COCKTAIL RECIPES FROM LEAH For The Sour Lovers: 2 oz Legend Distilling Black Moon Gin (Naramada Bench) ½ oz honey syrup
/4 oz lemon juice
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1 egg white Shake and strain into coup glass Garnish with fresh rosemary sprig or sage leaf
With Okanagan Fruit: 1 ½ oz Legends Distilling Doctors Orders Gin ½ oz Elephant Island Framboise Top with Fentiman’s Tonic, Ice Cubes & Fresh Raspberries
We want to celebrate what our local winemakers, craft brewers, and distillers are doing in the Okanagan,” explains Leah. “These farmers, wine makers and brewers are putting the Okanagan on the map by entering their creations into international competitions and we want to help support their efforts in any way we can.”
Between the flavour chart and the local selection, we can’t forget to highlight the careful design of the interior.
Carrying local liquor products is a great way to show support, but TBC Liquor Merchants takes it a positive step further.
Leah has her Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3, is a Canadian Wine Scholar, and is Sommelier Certified, so what better person to give food pairing advice and cocktail recipes than her? Spread the local love by paying TBC Liquor Merchants a visit up in Lake Country at their convenient location on Oceola Road, beside Starbucks – everyday low prices and the best selection in North Okanagan for hard to find, specialty liquor products.
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“Our store is strategically matched to what’s going on in our regions,” says Leah. “The wine wall goes from North to South the same you would drive through the Okanagan. For example, in the North, you’ll find more Riesling’s and Pinot Noir’s and the further south you go, that’s when you’ll get a fuller bodied Cabernet, Syrah & Chardonnay. It gives us a great opportunity to educate our customers on the grapes and what you’d find as you drive through the valley. The whole idea is to make it as easy as possible for our customers.”
“In our store, we wanted to give off a more personal vibe as if you’re at home. The idea is to make people feel as welcome as possible when they come inside.”
TBC LIquor Merchants 201-11850 Oceola Rd, Lake Country 778.480.6646 | /tbcliquormerchants
We all know the Okanagan is home to some of the best wines in the world, but we mustn’t forget about the beer and spirits that are created here as well. “We have a flavour chart on the wall which allows customers to learn about specific single malts while they’re shopping,” explains Leah. “Sometimes people only drink a certain bottle because it’s what they’re used to, but the flavour chart gives customers an opportunity to try something new.” MINT Kelowna
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Cora Breakfast and Lunch is located in Orchard Park Shopping Centre in the heart of Kelowna. Under the new direction of owner-operator, Douglas Chan, who has 17 years in the restaurant industry, Cora strives to be a leading provider of wholesome breakfast and lunch offerings in a family atmosphere with friendly service. We have delicious sweet and savoury dishes to satisfy all palates – like our StrawberryBanana Pancakes, or a variety of Ben et Dictine plates. We look forward to serving you!
DOUGLAS CHAN - OWNER-OPERATOR
chezcora.com follow us on
Orchard Park Shopping Centre 2271 Harvey Ave, Kelowna 250 868-0880
S U M M E R D AY S A R E B E T T E R S P E N T AT SUNSET RANCH BY BRANDI PARNELL
PHOTOS BY ASHELY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
ake it from Jeff Richard, Operations Manager at Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club, if there’s anywhere you should be spending your summer, it’s out on the links at Sunset Ranch.
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Over the winter, Sunset Ranch renovated to add a 90 seat patio and an 80 person banquet space, giving them more room to host events like birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, charity fundraisers, corporate parties and more. They’ve also spruced up the aesthetic of the Clubhouse interior. The flooring has been redone, a fresh coat of paint has been applied to the walls, a brand new bar has been installed, and the furniture has been switched up, all combining to give the Clubhouse a fresh and contemporary look. 60
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And for those looking to score that big hole-in-one, you’ll love knowing that the golf course at Sunset Ranch is nothing short of exceptional. “Being locally owned and operated for the past 27 years, our hometown roots are what really makes everyone feel welcome at Sunset Ranch” Jeff continues, “One of the things we love most about our course is it’s great for golfers of all calibers. Novice or professional, Sunset Ranch is enjoyable for everybody.” Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, come hang out at Sunset Ranch this summer; play a round of golf, have a bite to eat, and simply enjoy your entire day spent out on the links. No matter how you choose to spend it, the memories you make at Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club will stay with you all year long. Don’t wait until the summer is over! See their all-new, contemporary look and book a tee time right from the Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club website. Online at Sunsetranchbc.com. Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club 5101 Upper Booth Rd South, Kelowna 1.877.606.7700 | sunsetranchbc.com pro shop: 250.765.7700 proshop@sunsetranchbc.com
“All restaurants need to overhaul their appearance to stay current and modern and it was time for us to do the same,” says Jeff. “The renovations showed an instant growth – people coming in for lunches and dinners on the patio before or after a day of playing golf.” For the large group of people in Kelowna who take extra care knowing where their food comes from, or for those who simply appreciate a tasty meal, the Clubhouse offers a local flare to their menu. Sourcing ingredients as local as possible is important to the Sunset Ranch team. Whenever possible, salmon is from Vancouver and Vancouver Island, beef is from a farm close to Merritt, and veggies are selected from local farms around the Okanagan. The locally focused menu and the newly renovated space are certainly big draws, but what has Jeff feeling especially proud of the facility he operates is how his customers feel about their entire experience out on the golf course. “Everyone feels welcome at Sunset Ranch” says Jeff. “We have a great golf course, a good menu in our clubhouse, a nice patio, and friendly staff. That’s the feedback we always seems to get. It’s such a good vibe here.”
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Asparagus LEMON GARLIC SAUTÉED
SERVES 6-8
BY FRAÎCHE NUTRITION
This is one of the easiest and quickest veggie side dishes in town, and takes a mere few minutes to prepare. My kinda veggie dish! Asparagus is rich in Vitamin A (for immune function and vision) and Vitamin C (antioxidant), Vitamin K (helps blood clot), fibre (need I explain what that helps) and is packed with folate, otherwise known as B9. Folate helps protect against neural tube defects in pregnant women and is also essential for keeping your heart healthy among other things. You can simply use all olive oil and leave out the butter if you want to make this dairy free or vegan.
INGREDIENTS 2 lbs fresh asparagus, ends trimmed* 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp butter 1 clove smashed garlic** juice of 1/2 lemon salt & pepper to taste *trim the asparagus by bending the stems 3/4 of the way down toward the end, the woody part will snap off **smash a clove of peeled garlic with the side of a chef’s knife, pressing down firmly on the clove with the palm of your hand while holding the knife horizontally DIRECTIONS: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat with the oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the clove of smashed garlic, stirring, until it is fragrant but not brown, approximately 30-60 seconds. Add the trimmed asparagus, the lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Sauté and turn occasionally with rubber tongs until the asparagus is cooked but still crisp, approximately 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed (to taste). Remove the garlic clove and serve immediately! 62
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CLEAN & GREEN Easy tips on keeping your house clean! WITH
Kaity Bains of GIRLS GONE GREEN KELOWNA
When it comes to being clean, Girls Gone Green means business! As Kelowna’s professional green cleaners, we’re officially Green Business Certified, meaning everything we use is EPA approved and locally sourced. While our team loves cleaning, we understand it’s not everyone’s favourite thing. That’s why we’re offering a few easy ways to clean your house without really doing any cleaning at all! 1. Stand up showers get grimy as soap, shampoo, and conditioner builds up. To prevent this, try spritzing your shower with cleaning vinegar, then towel dry it after. This helps get rid of the bacteria that causes discolouration and removes hard water stains and build up. 2. Use environmentally friendly products to purify the air in your home and make it smell fresh. Best of all, nothing harmful will be left in the air for you to breathe in! We recommend investing in an Essential Oil Diffuser (Girls Gone Green likes Young Livings Collection or Saje Wellness diffusers) and diffusing oils high in Aldehyde, which has anti-fungal properties. For a refreshing fragrance, we prefer blends with peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus. In warmer months, try diffusing citrus oils. When the temperature drops, Balsam Fir Needle, Wintergreen and Pine make for a comforting and cozy home.
finishes fresh and clean, wipe and dry surfaces immediately after you use them. Try keeping compostable baby wipes under your bathroom sink. They’re great for wiping away gunk after washing your hands or brushing your teeth and for cleaning up any mess before it has a chance to settle in! Girls Gone Green Kelowna, BC 778.899.9679 | girlsgonegreen.ca
Kaity Bains
3. It may sound like a no brainer but if you let grease and grime build up, it’s almost impossible to restore your sinks or appliances back to their original condition. To keep your MINT Kelowna
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Abode
FIVE EASY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR WALLS BY JILLIAN HARRIS EDITED BY MINT TEAM
As you know, I’ve been working away on the house, planning how I want it styled, what decor I want to use and where but more importantly I’ve been trying out a few new things I’ve never done before! When I had Leo I knew right away that I wanted to step outside the box and get a little creative with his room and bathroom so my gears started turning and while my mind changes like the wind (lol) I I also wanted to try something that wasn’t permanent … and I discovered peel and stick wallpaper and decals! Anyway, Before I dig into that, thought I would share with you, my 5 EASY ideas on how you can freshen up your walls!
Fresh Coat of Paint: If you’re tired of your old walls and need to liven things up a bit, stop by the paint store, grab some chips, stick ’em on your walls and decide which paint you would like to go for! Brighten up your space with a nice white or light grey or get a little edgy with a POP of colour! On the walls in our home, we went for Cloud Cover by Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray in the bathroom and all of our trim and millwork is Simply White! These are by far some of my favourite neutrals right now!
Wallpaper Wallpaper is an AWESOME way to completely change the look of a room in your home! You can cover an entire room in wallpaper or you can do a feature wall with a crazy pattern! There are so many classic and unique patterns out there to choose from so have a little fun with it!! Have you checked out my collaboration with Milton & King?? We teamed up together to come up with three funky prints and they’re all pictured below!! The beauty of this wallpaper is it peels RIGHT OFF! So if you’re a little on the indecisive side … no worries! LOL! 64
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Decals / Murals Stick on/peel off decals are HUGE right now and some of the patterns are so freakin ADORABLE!! The girls and I recently covered the walls of Leo’s nursery in the CUTEST little spots from Urban Walls!! You literally peel them off of the sheet and stick them on the wall one by one. Side note: I would recommend tackling these sorts of jobs with some girls over a bottle of wine, the job goes by pretty quick when you can have some laughs and vino along the way!
Wainscotting In our old house Justin and my Dad did a little DIY wainscoting (AKA faux wainscotting), which is the most money friendly way to get this look! Basically, you put up paneling and then trim over the panelling … but you skip the ‘background’ stuff (you can google this if you’re really interested lol!!).
Shiplap We have shiplap from WoodTone in our pantry and we absolutely LOVE IT!! If you want that cozy farmhouse feel in your home, then shiplap is the way to do it! I have a little insider scoop for you … WoodTone is coming out with DIY Shiplap paneling this fall!! Click here for more details and to put your name on their VIP launch! There you have it! I hope you enjoyed these tips!! If you try any of them, or if you have tips of your own, make sure to share them with me in the comments section below!!
xo Jilly MINT Kelowna
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This isn’t just a home.
“We were impressed with the quality and care they put into listing & selling our home and when it came time to buy, they went above and beyond and found our forever home! Professional, knowledgeable and dedicated, thanks Lora+Christy!” Dr. Arun & Rondelle Ganesan
This is your story.
“Just a home.” Some will call it that – but you know better, and at LORA+CHRISTY Real Estate, we do too. This is your story. And every story has chapters. You grow, your needs change – your story evolves. At LORA+CHRISTY Real Estate we take the time to learn about our clients. Their stories. So, when the time comes and you’re ready to turn the page, LORA+CHRISTY Real Estate are here. Helping to write your story. #YourStory LoraChristy.com Lora Proskiw, Realtor® 250.212.3055 Christy LeGeyt, Realtor® 250.718.8001 Alana Deleurme, Realtor® 250.878.8108 Info@LoraChristy.com
Explore Revelsoke’s Newest
C O M M U N I T Y B U I LT F O R A D V E N T U R E BY JESSICA KUTOK WITH EDITS BY SHELLY EVANS
Revelstoke is a small town with big adventures, and now is the perfect time to be a part of Revelstoke’s newest community, Mackenzie Village, starting with phase one; single and multi-family homes surrounded by energizing nature that reminds us why we want to live here in the first place.
This unique neighborhood is the perfect place for home owners who are seeking adventure without having to sacrifice convenience. Halfway between Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Revelstoke’s downtown, the community is situated so you can easily jump on your mountain bike and head to the trails or walk downtown to meet friends.
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So why Revelstoke? Nestled in the Columbia Basin between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains, Revelstoke is every outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination. Averaging over 10 metres of snowfall a year paired with hot summer days, this small town is the gateway to every outdoor activity imaginable. The town of Revelstoke has one of the top school districts in British Columbia, innovative collaborative work space, and with the introduction of fibre internet, ample opportunities for freelance workers. In Revelstoke, community groups, healthcare support and outdoor activities can be found at your fingertips.
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Halfway between Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Revelstoke’s downtown, the community is situated so you can easily jump on your mountain bike and head to the trails or walk downtown to meet friends.
As for Mackenzie Village, it’s more than a just a community. It’s a quality living experience. The construction uses innovative building materials, contemporary finishings and energy efficient solutions throughout. Heated bathroom floors, triple glazed low E windows, effective R value 31 wall insulation with outsulation, and a 50 STC rating for soundproofing are just some of the many features found in the units. New residents will love the large spaces, community gardens, and ample storage for each unit.
Perhaps the most admirable aspect of all, is that new residents don’t have to sacrifice too much of their pay cheque in order to live in these high-quality homes. Units start at just $224,900. For larger cities in British Columbia, housing prices like that are almost unheard of. The initial phase of development has a variety of housing options to choose from. You’ll find everything from large one bedroom apartments at 758.6 square feet to spacious townhomes at 1751.8 square feet. For the convenience of urban life paired with the peace and quiet of the great outdoors, start your adventure today at www.mackenzievillage.ca and register your interest. www.mackenzievillage.ca
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T H E E C O - F R I E N D LY, LUXURY DUVETS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP BY JESSICA KUTOK PHOTOS BY ASHELY GODIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Young or old, who doesn’t love a soft blanket? They’re cozy and comforting, and if you add eco-friendly, handmade, and high-quality to the mix, you’re setting yourself up for many nights of amazing rest
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onsidering we spend about a third of our life sleeping, it only makes sense to consider your duvet as a serious investment. Introducing Séviere Designs, an online luxury duvet company based in Kelowna whose products can help you live a happier and healthier life.
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Anton is the founder of Séviere Designs and it’s clear how passionate he is about his high-quality, handmade, environmentally friendly duvets and how they can help improve the lives of those who use them. He searches far and wide to source out the best natural materials for our skin and general health. Those topperforming fibers are then fashioned into exquisite duvets with lovely touches like embroidery, piping, special weaves, and reusable packaging. “Our materials really are the best nature can provide along with extraordinary craftspeople bringing everything together to deliver an exceptional product,” says Anton. “I want to rekindle people’s love affair with natural materials. It’s so gratifying to work with what nature has given while highlighting its hidden properties,” explains Anton. “Committing to the use of natural materials will hopefully inspire others to think about their health and consumer choices.” As for the duvets themselves, Séviere Designs has a few different options to snuggle up with at night; fine and supple camel wool, sensuous and provocative silk, or the all-season 50/50 combination of a beautiful Australian Wool & Silk blend. Anton is the only shop in Canada to offer this combined product. No matter which one you get, your duvet should last approximately 15-20 years, so they’re well worth the price-tag, especially since they’ve been created to improve symptoms of restless sleep. “We need 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to be at our optimal performance. Sleep is one of the pillars of health and wellbeing. My duvets are specifically designed to promote a better sleep.” Throughout our conversation, Anton proudly mentioned his family on a few different occasions, so I had to ask whether or not his kids and wife were the driving force of inspiration behind Séviere Designs. “I’m a dedicated family man… a father of four fun and energetic boys and a husband of fourteen years. Each day, they inspire me to be extra conscientious about our future, health, and our environment.” Anton says. “We’ve become so
tolerant of materials that aren’t beneficial to us or the earth, and those poor choices are adversely affecting our health.” So what’s next for Anton at Séviere Designs? “Right now, we’re increasing our visibility in Kelowna and Western Canada by building strong relationships with home décor businesses and we’ll continue to make our duvets available right from our website.” To learn more ways to achieve better sleep, find a stockist near you, or order your exquisite, handmade duvet- visit www.sevieredesigns.com. MINT Kelowna
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FIRST TIME HOME BUYER TIPS WITH
Kendra Cameron, Agent at ROYAL LEPAGE KELOWNA
As a young resident of Kelowna, I can relate to the difficulties of being a first time home buyer in a hot real estate market. It’s difficult but I assure you it’s not impossible. Here are a few tips to help you to tackle some of the challenges you may face when trying to get into your first home. • Before you even start looking at listings, build a team of trusted professionals who will do the work for you. Real estate agents and mortgage brokers are happy to educate and guide you in the right direction, even before you’re ready to begin the buying process. Best of all, it costs nothing to you! • Familiarize yourself with all the different options available to you. You can narrow down what you really want by exploring things like the various types of housing (e.g. condos vs. detached homes), possible locations you’d like to live in, and the potential costs associated with property maintenance and utilities. • Know your limit and stay within it. Getting preapproved for a certain mortgage amount will ensure you’re shopping for a property that suits your budget. It can also help give you the upper hand when negotiating a deal. • Learn about government programs designed to help first time buyers. Did you know that as a first time buyer, you can save all or some of the property transfer tax? Or that you can use RRSP money tax free as a down payment? The B.C. Government has also introduced a new program to help first time buyers with their down payment. It’s called the B.C. 72
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Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership Program and it might be perfect for you! For one-on-one advice on buying or selling your home, contact me today! Royal LePage Kelowna 1-1890 Cooper | Kelowna, BC O 250.860.1100 | C 250.859.4168 kendracameronrealestate@gmail.com
Kendra Cameron
ARE YOU PROTECTING THE BANK OR YOUR LOVED ONES WITH CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
Kristi Ames, CFP
Once you’re approved for a mortgage, your lender will offer you mortgage insurance. While this seems convenient, there are other, better options available. Instead, I recommend protecting your mortgage with an individually owned, term life insurance plan as this offers you and your family better guarantees and more choice. Let’s take a look at the differences between protecting your mortgage using life insurance versus most lenders’ mortgage insurance: With Individual Life Insurance
With Most Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance
I pay the premiums, so I would own the policy. Right?
Yes. You own the policy and you name your beneficiaries.
No. You’re part of a group policy owned by the lender. Your lender is the beneficiary.
Is the coverage flexible?
Yes. You choose from 3 coverage options and the amount of coverage you want, regardless of your mortgage balance. You can increase or decrease your coverage, renew your coverage and convert to permanent protection. If you renegotiate or pay off your mortgage or sell your home, you can continue your coverage.
No. Your lender will insure you only for the amount of your mortgage. You can’t alter, renew or convert the policy. If you choose to move your mortgage to another lender, you can’t transfer the policy. Your coverage ends when the mortgage is paid off or ends.
Circumstances change. If it’s better for my beneficiaries to use the proceeds from the policy for something other than paying off the mortgage, will they have that option?
Yes. Upon death, the benefit goes directly to your beneficiaries. They decide how to best use the money.
No. Upon death, the benefit goes directly to your lender to pay off the mortgage.
Is the coverage guaranteed?
Yes. Your premiums and benefits are guaranteed for the life of the policy. Only you can cancel or make changes to your policy.
No. Your premiums and benefits are not guaranteed. The lender can change or cancel the policy at any time.
I look after my health, and I don’t smoke. Will that make a difference in the amount I pay for coverage?
Yes. The amount you pay for your coverage is based on your age, health and smoking status.
No. Since mortgage insurance is usually provided through a group plan, you pay the same rate for your coverage as everyone else.
As you can see, term insurance provides greater value and flexibility at, in most cases, a substantially lower cost. If you have mortgage insurance through your lender, we should talk. I’ve helped hundreds of families save money and ensure they’re protecting their loved ones and not the bank. Contact me today and let’s make sure you and your family are taken care of. Kristi Ames, CFP Investment Funds Advisor, Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc. Insurance Advisor, Capri Wealth Management Inc.
Kristi Ames
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Explore
A J AW D R O P P I N G E X P E R I E N C E PHOTOS AND EXPERIENCE BY JUSTIN GINGRAS
Sometimes the very best things in life are not things. They are moments, memories. They are times when you look back and recall times spent with charmed people, gathered around a great meal. And others, are times when you look forward and see nothing but the tree line, the horizon, natural beauty. Green, rocky, secluded awe. These are the moments void of commotion, chaos and obligation. If you seek silence, want to wander into solitude, get lost in awe or simply want to be inspired by an outdoor palette, then you’ve come to the right place: Christie Falls, a hiker’s paradise and our choice trail this issue.
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE/DIFFICULT Christie Falls can be found by driving one hour outside of West Kelowna, off Westside Road. A word of caution, although nothing about the journey is easy, the experience is well worth the effort.
GETTING THERE: The drive to the falls is down a meandering backwoods, logging road, which can be challenging for low riding vehicles. Take your time and, if possible, travel in a truck or SUV is best but be sure to watch for road signs. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the trail is distinctive. It begins traversing back and forth over a small creek through the remnants of a once forest, lost to fire. The trail itself is well marked and increases in both difficult and natural beauty as you go. Don’t rush. 74
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Once you arrive at the peak, you’ll be greeted by a set of ropes. “To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself,” Soren Kierkegaard, Danish philosopher. The ropes are there as a reminder to da re not lose yourself. The steep descent down to the base of the falls is worth the potentially momentary risk. That being said, you can also see the falls from the top of the trail. With the right gear and a little precaution, the trail however is very manageable. Once down, the only thing you’ll lose is your breath. The falls seemingly plunging endlessly into the earth’s core is a reminder of the wonder of nature. The falls have a large rock wall and a few small caves for rock climbers to enjoy. The 100 ft. stream of water into the cannon is the perfect place to pause. Rinse away the angst, forget any apprehensions you may have had; swing through the falls on a nearby rope. Climb the rocks, get lost in the sounds or just listen to overhead birds. It is the perfect place to lose yourself, not your footing. SUGGESTIONS: The hike is 2.2 km round trip. Be sure to wear proper footwear and stay hydrated. The falls are lighter in the spring when there is less run off and of course, frozen in the winter, but all seasons are equally breathtaking. Whenever we dare get out of our comfort zones, we forget about what’s not important and reconnect with what is. Take an afternoon, your best pals or your family out to Christie Falls; you’ll be glad you did.
FEATURED TRAIL Christie Falls
LENGTH 2.2 km Round Trip
DIFFICULTY Moderate/Difficult
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Life & Local Finds
REVOLUTIONIZING ROCK BY BRANDI PARNELL
Playing to sellout crowds all over the interior of B.C., composer, arranger and producer Ken HartďŹ eld, along with his 23-piece Kelownabased symphonic rock band are changing the way people hear, and more importantly, feel about rock.
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Band Members Ken Hartfield Musical Director/Arranger, Sax, Vocals Teena Gowdy | Vocals Monica Tracey | Vocals/Keyboards Julie Dorsey | Vocals Mike Marcyniuk | Traps & Percussion Tony Heppner | Traps & Percussion Dietz Nicolay | Percussion Mike Fraser | Vocals & Guitar Ed Gillette | Electric Guitar & Vocals Dustin Gyrmov | Electric Guitar Bob Watson | Bass Guitar Additional Brass & String Section Contracted
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he result is a harmonious sound that reverberates off every cell in your body, along your ear canals, off the vessels of your heart and transports you back in time, to a moment when you were listening to your favourite bands and dreaming of freedom, love and rebellion. “I’ve been playing music pretty well all my life,” says Hartfield. “I can remember listening to songs in the 60s and thinking of ways I could rearrange them. I score and write out all the parts, including lead vocals and harmonies, to create these new arrangements. In fact, I even composed a new ending for Pink Floyd’s Brick in the Wall that’s never been heard before.” Concertgoers have said that the experience of being at a Symphonic Rock Evolution (formerly Bandidos Cerveza) concert is unlike anything they’ve ever heard before. In fact, it’s been said they sound more like a 50-piece band than their actual 23 members. They’ve recently released their first CD of international hits featuring rock classic songs that have withstood time, and generations. Symphonic Rock Evolution features six vocalists, percussion, traps, bass guitar, electric guitars, and a brass and string section. The musical arrangements take rock classics to a new level and produce an incredibly powerful sound, which is distinctive to this group. “It’s amazing how well it’s been received,” says Hartfield. Except for the core group, he hires local symphony musicians to fill the orchestra. “I never take away the hook of the song, I just enhance it with counter melodies and it seems to work.” Actually, more than just working for people, Symphonic Rock Evolution seems to be blowing concertgoers away. “We use a Motu sound system, the same one Roger Water’s production of The Wall uses which increases
our unique sound. It makes the group sound more like a massive symphonic rock band; a band that takes people on a melodic trip down memory lane and gives them goosebumps.” Their fans say this band is right up with there with some of the greats. In fact, they’ve hit a chord with people by enhancing some of the most recognizable songs of all time and soon plan to do the same with new, original material that Hartfield wrote over the course of many years, starting in the 60’s. “I guess you could say, it gives me energy,” he says. “It makes me feel young.” Randy Zahara, manager of the Kelowna Community Theatre said, “I have never witnessed a standing ovation midway through the second half like I did at this amazing concert. This band is well on its way to becoming one of the top symphonic rock touring bands in Canada.” Since its inception, Symphonic Rock Evolution, Canada’s ultimate symphonic rock band, has focused on creating new arrangements of classic rock songs, while maintaining the iconic components of the original song, including one notable, its haunting yet powerful rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s Sound of Silence. Symphonic Rock Evolution will be performing at the Kelowna Community Theatre on Saturday September 23rd. At that performance, they’ll feature a new song entitled, The Light, which is comparable to the music of Pink Floyd and other groups from that era. Tickets are on sale now! To purchase concert tickets and to purchase their CD featuring exceptional production quality, visit www.sreband.com. The CD is made from real vinyl and resembles the old 45 records complete with grooves. MINT Kelowna
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2017’S
Dream Come True Rally BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUGUST LUXURY MOTORCARS
With the second annual Okanagan Dream Rally in the books, many kids’ hearts are racing a little faster. On Sunday August 6th, over 150 special children took part in the event.
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uxury cars, sports cars, super cars and dream cars in various models and colours toured local children who are coping with disabilities, illness or the emotional distress that comes with loss of a loved one, from Kelowna to Penticton, satisfying dreams, one bend at a time. "Look at this street now. Why is this so full? It's because of all of you," said Matt August, cofounder of August Family Foundation. "Drivers and volunteers, you are going to make a special kid's day today and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart." In 2016, the August Family Foundation raised $134,000 for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association (COHA) in support of their Bereavement Centre; this year the rally has raised $194,000 with
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funds going to support Autism Okanagan, KidSport Kelowna and COHA. Many public figures attended the event, including professional snowboarder Mark McMorris, who drove one of the vehicles in the rally. Carson Irvine, 11, was his co-pilot. “He’s really into skiing and was stoked to be driving with me," said McMorris. This was Carson’s second year in a row as a co-pilot in the event and plans to buy his own ‘luxury car’ in the future. "Last year was way less busy, there was a lot more cars and kids here (this year)," he said. "It feels nice to raise money for charity, it's just awesome.” Other special mentions that attended include NHL player Shea Weber and Kelowna’s own mayor Colin Basran that lead the rally from the start line.
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For more information or full event listings visit www.kelownanow.com
AUGUST
20-24
Interior Savings Moonlight Movies Various Locations
24-26
Okanagan Comedy Festival Various Locations
26
Mudd, Sweat & Tears Big White Ski Resort
SEPTEMBER
3 9 17 15-17 23 29-30 30
Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon 1200 Water Street Tim Okamura - Artist Lecture and Exhibit Unveiling at Liquidity Wines Liquidity Wines Terry Fox 37th Run Kelowna Mission Recreation Park Behind H20 Aquatic Centre Interior Savings Sunrise Rotary RibFest City Park The Wedding Party @ Vibrant Vines Winery Tickets at www.theweddingpartykelowna.com Fall Westjet Wine Tastings Rotary Centre for the Arts Miranda Lambert Prospera Place
OCTOBER
5
The Young Chefs Okanagan College - Kelowna Campus
9
An Evening with the Rat Pack Kelowna Community Theatre
12
Maxine DeHart Presents the Annual Ramada Hotel United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre
13
Oktoberfest presented by GenNext Kelowna Kelowna Forum
17
Burton Cummings Kelowna Community Theatre
25
Theresa Caputo Prospera Place
NOVEMBER
3
Shane Koyczan Kelowna Community Theatre MINT Kelowna
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OPTION B Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy BY SHERYL SANDBERG AND ADAM GRANT REVIEWED BY BRANDI PARNELL PHOTO BY FORTUNE.COM
Sheryl Sandberg had it all. She was a published author of Lean In, a book about women and leadership; she was COO of Facebook and married with two beautiful children. Her husband, Dave Goldberg, was her confident and best friend. They lived a favoured life marked with social events and accomplishments to envy. While on a vacation in Mexico for a friend’s birthday, everything she knew to be true, her Option A, vanished. “I have terrible news,” she told her children, after flying home from Mexico. “Daddy died.” Option B is a tale about Dave’s unexpected death and Sheryl’s survival. It’s real, raw and beautifully written. Sandberg along with coauthor and psychologist Adam Grant, a friend and an expert in the field of human resilience, recants 82
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how Sandberg followed the oldest data set in the world to get herself out of the fog; the one that states: The children are young, and you must keep going. Grant advises, “Option A is not available. So let’s just kick the shit out of Option B.” He “walked me through the data,” she writes, and what she learned about overcoming grief is at the heart of this story. Option B is riveting and tender. “This is the second worst moment of our lives,” she tells her sobbing children at the cemetery. “We lived through the first and we will live through this. It can only get better from here.” This book is about living with purpose. It is a universal tale about when the life we envisioned is no longer available, we must find ways to accept the one that is. It isn’t ‘outof-reach advice.’ Instead, it’s ‘count-your-blessings,’ ‘keep going,’ wisdom. It is a reminder of what is important and that you can only know what you do, looking back.
for the ultimate End of Summer garden party with a twist!
Sept 23, 2017
3pm-8pm at the Vibrant Vine Winery
Pull that wedding dress out of the closet. Why spend all that money on a dress and only wear it once?
Tickets: $89 each, available at
www.theweddingpartykelowna.com
Mandatory Dress Code: Wedding Dress Ladies Only
YOU ARE A REAL BEAUTY
Subtle Techniques in Medical Aesthetics for Natural Looking Results Featuring European techniques not offered elsewhere in the Okanagan. BOTOX • FILLERS • COLLAGEN STIMULATION • CARBOSSI • MESOTHERAPY • CO2 • IPL
106-1353 Ellis Street Kelowna • 250.448.7408 • www.thedepiericlinic.com