NFDI Style Magazine | Spring 2022

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NFDI

S P R I N G

Spring has

sprung!

ALL ABOUT BEDDING, & A T RIP TO T HE WEST COAST

WE’RE TAKING A SPA DAY WITH THIS ISSUES STAFF PICKS!

Volume .04 I S S U E . 0 2

TA B L E - of -

CONTENTS

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08. NFDI Staff Picks

47. NFDI Recipe

15. Home Tour

51. Educational Feature

39. Editorial Feature

57. Travel Feature

43. Learning Feature

69. Lately Loving

We’re talking wellness & relaxation this issue.

We’ve got welsh cakes on the menu.

Take a tour of a central Alberta country home.

A guide to selecting bedding.

Treat your mom to a Mother’s Day tea!

Take a trip to Victoria, BC!

We’re talking tea 101 with Ollia Macaron & Tea.

Spring 2022

Pearls, pearls & more pearls.

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Spring 2022

P H OTO G RA P H Y BY M I C H E L L E J O H N S O N

NOT E F ROM T HE EDITOR

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I’ve never played a sport. I love watching sports, but other than shockingly making the junior girls basketball team in Grade 10 (to which I probably spent the majority of my time on the bench cheering on my teammates), I haven’t experienced a sport first hand.

Two years ago, when Covid became a household name, we referenced a marathon ahead of us in dealing with this virus we were all trying to navigate and understand. Looking back, I would now say it’s been a track and field event of hurdles. Sometimes the hurdles have been so close together, I could hardly get my feet back on the ground before jumping over the next, exhausted and overwhelmed. Other times, I’ve been able to cruise between hurdles, and effortlessly jump each barrier.

The season of spring is all about being revived and reinvigorated. I think we’re all ready for this feeling, not only after the winter months, but as things start to return to some sense of normalcy. I’m ready to shed some layers, physically and mentally as we move into a time of fresh beginnings. Our spring issue celebrates time together with the special women in our lives (Mother’s Day Tea pages 39-42), whether a mother, grandmother, or a woman who is either of these by definition, not necessarily by blood.

You may recognize the front entry of our home tour, as this image is one of our most liked, pinned, saved and loved for several years now. While our Country House project (pages 1538) is not new, it’s one of our most beloved projects, and one we’re delighted to share with you here.

Our staff picks dives into the ultimate spa retreat, in the comfort of our own homes. Each is different in design aesthetic, and experience created, based on our own style and perspective.

There’s always much discussion in my house about which one is the favourite, and often leaves me wondering, as a reader, which one you would choose?

As you shed layers, relish in longer days, and watch as nature comes back to life, I hope your hurdles are few and far between.

Wishing you a wonderful spring season.

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Spring 2022

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Lines Written in Early Spring T H R O U G H P R I M R O S E T U F TS , I N T H AT G R E E N B OW E R , T H E P E R I W I N K L E T R A I L E D I TS W R E AT H S ; A N D ‘ T I S M Y FA I T H T H AT E V E RY F LOW E R E N J OYS T H E A I R I T B R E AT H S .

THE BIRDS AROUND ME H O P P E D A N D P L AY E D , T H E I R T H O U G H TS I C A N N OT M E A S U R E : --B U T T H E L E A ST M OT I O N W H I C H T H E Y M A D E IT SEEMED A THRILL OF PLEASURE. B y W i l l i a m Wo r d s w o r t h

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NEW PRODUCT COMING SOON

We have new items arriving weekly, and we’ve been stockpiling for a big shop launch. We can’t wait to share our new wares with you!

This season we’ve focused on marble boards, organic wood spoons, concrete vessels, hints of modernity with acrylic trays, to name a few!

We’ll be launching our new stock in a few weeks time.

NF DI

Shop

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If NFDI were a

Home Spa /spä/ noun

An in home space dedicated to health and personal wellness through such means as steam baths, exercise equipment, and massage.

Get to know team NFDI by way of our personal design aesthetics. This issue, we’re honing in on personal wellness and have designed our own personal HOME SPA’s - a space where you can go to relax your body and your mind.

Each is so uniquely different, and tailored to suit our individual needs for physical, mental and spiritual healing crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promoting longevity.

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Nyla

01. Throw Blanket Parachute Home 02. Slides Havaianas 03. Hair Clips Anthropologie

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O O O S PA AKA: OUT OF OFFICE A beautiful view, water, warmth and an indoor/ outdoor connection would be at the helm of my home spa. I imagine this space to be raw and natural, filled with filtered sunlight, resulting in a peaceful and mindful retreat. Whether a refreshing swim, a warm bath or curling up to take in the views, all while watching the palm trees sway, this space would be a welcome solace at the end of the day.

My design however, is not located in Calgary, so some method of transporting me there would also need to exist. Minor detail :) 2

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Staff Picks

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Kerstin

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SUNKEN OAS I S

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I wanted my dream home spa to be light and feminine. There are floor to ceiling windows with a view of trees outside.

Fluted brass pendants offer soft illumination on cloudy days or in the evening.

Spa stone lines the floor and walls. A large sunken tub/ersatz pool features a bottom with an oversized pink flower composed of mosaic tile. I am all about relaxing, so I’ve included a chaise and a wall-mounted mirror TV for catching up on movie viewing.

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01. Faux Flowers Crate & Barrel 02. Towel Hook RH 03. Towels H&M Home

Staff Picks

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Bri MARRAKESH MARVEL With a nod to MiddleEastern design and warmer climates, my spa embodies the relaxing comforts of pool side luxury. Layering handmade mosaic tile with warm metals and textiles, my spa is a space designed to embrace casual lounging & relaxation. When the pool is not in use, I can see myself curling up on the built-in sectional immersing myself in a good book. Surrounded by tropical plant life, the calming sounds of running water and warm textiles, I’d gladly call this my happy place!

01. Towels Parachute Home 02. Robe Parachute Home 03. Candle PF Candle Co.

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Staff Picks

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Jessie

01. Soap My Adele 02. Towels Parachute Home 03. Candle Anthropologie

T H E N OT S O S E C R E T S PA

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My spa would be down a secret wooden boardwalk leading through the forest to a cave-like structure covered in moss and built into the side of a hill. Opening the door you enter a calming moody interior with a sense of elegance and serenity.

The dark textured wood gives the space a sense of warmth, while the concrete is gloriously dramatic. A wall of windows opens to a stunning view, and lets just the right amount of natural light filter in. The pool has a waterfall that connects you to the outside and transforms the space into a tranquil oasis, while the sauna is cozy and inviting with a modern suspended fireplace. Upon entering the space you will feel the tension immediately escape, and it will become a place where you would often escape after the hectic woes of life. The only problem is, I would want to share it with all of you, making it not so secret.

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Ana SALT & S O L AC E I was inspired by my sisters, family and friends to create a space for relaxation, healing and pampering for our home spa. I love Swedish style massages, hot stones and head massages, so a separate area just for that is essential. There is a comfortable massage table, cosy linens, oils, candles and music for the massage therapist to use. Both my sisters are therapists, and having everything on hand would make their job less hectic. Glowing salt walls composed of sea salt bricks will provide self-healing in drawing toxins naturally, reducing inflammation, and improving mood and energy. The swimming pool/hot tub and TV would be musts. My girls and husband would probably use them frequently, especially after soccer training/games.

Staff Picks

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01. Body Oil Etsy 02. Towels Danielle Moss 03. Robe Danielle Moss

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Jackie

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CHILL PILL 2

01. Towels Moda Operandi 02. Slippers Fieldstudy 03. Robe OAS Company

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Intermixing different styles and materials to inject personality and interest may not be the first thing you think of when you think of a Spa, but I say why not! My home spa is a healing space with a little edge and interest.

Wood tones paired with glazed handmade tiles, and soft layered unique lighting set the scene.

I’ve introduced fun and interest through graphic and cozy textiles. And loungey and comforting pieces of attire are de rigueur!

N F D I Style

After several projects together, the journey of designing this home was rooted in friendship. It stemmed from a napkin sketch and transformed into a family home.

I vividly recall our client saying “I would love for our home to feel great, even without furniture”. The interior finishes and details became a large part of the design development in order to achieve this. We used many textures, three different woods throughout the house, mixed in painted finishes for millwork, and put a clear focus on decorative lighting. It takes guts to do this. Many approach the finishes and materials as neutral as possible so the furniture and accessories are the items to set the stage.

In this case, they’re the cherry on top.

The minute you walk in the door, you’re drawn into the home, curious as to what’s around every corner.

Whether a sense of home, or a comfort and joy in simply ”being”, our homes have become front and center. We want our homes to provide a place of solace and rest. Situated within the prairie landscape in which I’ve had the privilege of spending a lot of time, this home has a feeling like no other. Upon entering this house, my shoulders drop, my breathing slows down and I immediately feel at home. Welcome to our Country House project.

P H OTO G RA P H Y BY P H I L C R OZ I E R

Home Tour

country

house home tour

Q& A

WHAT WAS T H E OVERALL FE E LI N G YO U WANT E D TO CR EATE I N YOU R HOME? Gracefulness. A quality of living that is beautiful, comfortable and welcoming.

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DO YO U H AVE A FAVO UR I T E R OOM I N TH E HOUS E? One of our favourite rooms is the living room. Again, the textures and tones in this room are so grounding and comforting, along with the light that brings the rise and fall of the day. The stone wall and warm woods add such depth And the sectional is light and luxe and a favourite hang out. And what’s not to love about a coffee table that doesn’t show any dust??

Home Tour

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WH AT S UR P R I S E D YO U TH E M OST AB OU T TH E B UI LDI N G P R O C E SS? We were surprised with how much communication is needed in order to articulate and execute what you want.

Like anything, the more you put in, the more you get out!

Home Tour

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Home Tour

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Home Tour

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W IT H A PASSIO N F O R C U L INA RY A R TS, W H AT T IPS W O U L D YO U G IV E SO ME O NE LO O K ING TO U PDATE T H E IR K ITC HEN? Cooking is as much an art as a science, and in that, each person works in a kitchen very uniquely. Understand how you like to work, what you need and where you like to have things. A “must have” for one cook may not even be a consideration for another. Design a kitchen that suits your personal cooking and entertaining style.

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Home Tour

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A R E TH E R E SPE C IF IC D E SIG N D E C ISIO NS/D E TA IL S T H AT HAV E C HA NG E D YO U R DA ILY R O U TINE S, O R HO W YO U L IV E IN YO U R HO ME ?

Having one key eating area has encouraged us to get into our gorgeous dining room morning, noon and night. It is a sunny room that is comfortable and beautiful…and very close to our kitchen, so it feels easy.

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Home Tour

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C O NT INUED : D O YO U HAV E A FAV O URITE R O O M IN TH E HO US E? Our master bedroom is one of our favourites. The warmth and simplicity of the room is so relaxing. Watching the changing light as it casts across the room. The beautiful materials…the vintage linen, the worn silk on the headboard, the smooth texture of the imperfect stone on the fireplace and the subtle shimmer on the drapes. We love the warmth of the fire in the early winter mornings and it lures us to bed on long summer days. Love.

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Par-tea tea time

Gatherings of any sort are lovely, however when combined with delicate, pretty details, an event can go from expected to elevated quickly. Vintage, mismatched tea cups set the stage for high tea and conversation around a beautiful table. Raid your mother, or grandmother’s cupboards, or venture to an antique store for a grouping of cups and saucers, you simply can’t have one without the other. Add in petit fours, macarons and any small bites to serve your guests, and watch their eyes light up with delight while enjoying this unexpected treat. A polished, formal tea party is fit for a queen, so why not gather together the special women in your life, put on your Sunday best and let your pinkies do the rest.

Editorial Feature

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Create the perfect tea party with tea tips from Ollia. Also, I’m sharing a beloved Welsh Cake recipe my grandmother used to make.

I hope you’ll try it!

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Tea Time WITH OLLIA MACARONS & TEA

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water, with almost 4 billion cups drank daily! From the development of ancient trade routes to the bringing down of empires; elaborate ceremonies to afternoon tea and biscuits; teas served to forge business deals to tea rituals to celebrate marriage; herbal infusions to heal illness to high energy teas to boost stamina; the history of humanity is steeped in tea.

All ‘tea’ actually comes from the same evergreen plant Camellia sinensis, originating from China and India.

Similar to wine, there are regions of tea production around the world that vary in terroir, or the environment in which it is grown.

Oxidation of the tea leaf after it is picked determines the type of tea that ends up in your cup: green (no oxidation), oolong ( a range of low to high oxidation), or black tea (fully oxidized). Similar to oxidation of a banana or an avocado, oxidation of a tea leaf changes the chemical properties, affecting flavour, and colour. Tea masters also control oxidation with how the leaf is treated and dried: rolling, crushing, cutting, steaming, or firing are all examples of how different teas are created.

White tea is made from harvesting new leaves as they are emerging from their growth cycle and before they’ve unraveled. These downy, delicate leaves make for a subtle, slightly floral infusion, and are often used as a base for flavouring due to the lack of overpowering tannins that are found in other teas.

W O R D S B Y L I N D SAY R O U S S E AU F O U N D E R / D I R E C TO R O F O L L I A

Editorial Feature

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Brewing the perfect cup of tea: Water: start with pure filtered water for the best flavour.

Weight: the ratio of tea to water is very important. If you want to be exact with your tea the best way is to use a small scale to measure your tea. The average is about 2.5g of tea per 12 oz (or a small cup). When you purchase loose leaf tea there should be a guide for how much tea to use. If you don’t have a scale then roughly 1 tsp of tea per cup will suffice.

Vessel: The most important thing to remember is that tea is dried and therefore when you add water it will expand! Whatever you choose to make your tea in you need to ensure that the tea has enough space to expand and that the water can flow over the entire surface area of the leaves, thus extracting the best flavour possible.

Temperature & Time: the temperature of the water is of utmost importance. Too hot and you’ll burn the leaves, leaving a bitter taste; too low and you won’t extract the flavours of the tea. If you are serious about your tea there are temperature controlled kettles for the perfect cup, or use a thermometer. How long you steep your tea will determine the outcome of your cup. Same as with temperature, too long and you’ll end up with a bitter tea, too little and you will be missing the best flavour.

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Types of tea: BLACK TEA One of the most popular types of tea, black teas often maintain a bold flavour profile. Hailing from the Camellia sinensis plant, black tea leaves are fully oxidized, resulting in their darkish colour.

Black teas are often enjoyed both hot and cold.

GREEN TEA Originating from Asia, green tea is created through the harvesting of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are quickly heated so as not to over oxidize the leaves - this is what lends their greenish colour.

The flavour profile of a green tea can range from a grass-like taste to a vegetal and sweet one. Green tea is also what makes the popular drink, matcha. The whole leaves are ground to a fine powder and are mixed with water or milk.

ROOIBOS Rooibos is a popular ‘herbal tea’ that comes from southern Africa.

The needle-like leaves of this bush are oxidized and dried similar to tea leaves, and an unoxidized version is called ‘Green Rooibos’. It has a fresh, grassy flavour that is similar to green teas, making it a good substitute without the caffeine.

OOLONG Oolong leaves are traditionally curled, rolled or twisted, though the shape is largely dependent on the tea master making it. Leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are partially oxidized and depending on the level of oxidation can take on a flavour profile closer to a green or black tea.

What makes a herbal tea?

What we call ‘herbal tea’ isn’t technically a tea as it doesn’t come from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis! Rather, herbal teas are infusions of botanicals and herbs like chamomile, lemongrass, rose hips, lavender, or any ingredient that isn’t tea; this is why ‘herbal teas’ don’t contain any caffeine.

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It’s simple and rewarding to make your own flavoured tea blends at home and they make a lovely gift when packaged in a glass jar.

How to make custom blends at home:

Start simple by adding an ingredient or two to a tea you already have: a pinch of lavender to Earl Grey, or crush some cardamom pods to steep with a black tea.

If you want to get a little more experimental, start with 1/4 cup of tea ‘base’ like a green or black, and add 1-2 tsp of other ingredients that would work well together. Mix well and steep a cup to see how your flavours balance. Remember, you can always add more of something but you can’t take it away.

Tea blending at home is a bit of an art and a science, but anyone can do it. I love browsing my pantry for inspiration, and using the bulk bins at health food stores to buy small quantities of ingredients to start with. If you’re a gardener, try growing ingredients like lemon verbena, rosemary, or chocolate mint to take your blends to the next level!

A few ideas to get you started: • • • •

Green tea + rose petals Black tea + toasted coconut + dried pineapple Chamomile + dried mint + lavender + rosemary Oolong tea + chopped dark chocolate + cinnamon bark

Interested in learning more?

Join us for an online tea blending workshop where you’ll receive a tea blending kit, a recipe work book, and one hour of instruction and tasting. For more information please visit www.byollia.com/tea-blending

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Reminiscing

I recently brought to life a childhood memory in the comfort of my own kitchen. Everytime I visited my grandparents’ home, there were Welsh cakes at the ready. They were kept in the top drawer, to the left of the sink, inside a ziploc bag, next to the box of Chiclets. I would help myself often, to both. I don’t think I actually ever saw my grandma (Eleanor) make the Welsh cakes, they were just a staple in her kitchen. I loved them. I probably ate hundreds over the years. A significant amount of time has passed since I last tasted one, so now at the age of 48, I decided to make them myself. They did not disappoint, and took me back to that feeling of spending time with my grandma. I’m a nostalgic person so the thought of having this recipe, and making them now for my own kids, and perhaps one day, grandchildren, is such a sweet homage to my grandmother.

I would describe them as a hybrid between a cookie, and a scone. They have a buttery, cakey consistency, however are shaped like a cookie, and they accompany a cup o’ tea perfectly.

I don’t know why my grandmother made them so often, or where her recipe came from, but the most important thing is they remind me of her. I think if she knew I was sharing her recipe with all of you, she’d be “tickled pink”.

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Recipe

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Welsh Cakes FROM THE KITCHEN OF ELEANOR SKELTON

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3 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup white sugar

• 1 tsp. nutmeg • 1 cup lard • 5 tbsp. milk • 1 cup currants • 2 eggs

1. Sift dry ingredients into bowl and cut in lard.(As for pie crust) Add in the currants.

2. Beat eggs and milk together.

3. Add to flour mixture and mix well.

4. Divide into 3-4 parts. On a floured surface, roll out 1/4 inch thick.

5. Cut into rounds about 2 inches in diameter.

6. Bake in an electric frying pan at 325 degrees, for 5-6 minutes per side.

7. Sprinkle with a pinch of sugar and enjoy!

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Educational Feature

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And So

d e To B

A GUIDE TO SELECTING THE RIGHT BEDDING FOR YOU There’s nothing like the feeling of fresh sheets. This holds true even more so in the springtime. Updating our bedding with lighter layers as the temperatures warm is a refreshing chore. We wear wool in the fall/winter, and linen in the spring/summer, so why not bring this into our homes? Crawling into bed with great sheets is always a welcome feeling at the end of a day. We’ve got all the details not only to help bring your bed into a new season, but to shed new light on terminology, what to look for, and the ins and outs of choosing the right bedding for you.

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Threadcount

WHAT IS THREADCOUNT?

Educational Feature

The number of woven threads per square inch of fabric.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? Usually the higher the thread count, the softer the bedding, the higher the quality and the better it will wear over time.

Extra threads can be woven into the thread count. These are called picks. This is usually the explanation for fabrics with very high thread counts - which in this case does not often result in a higher quality product.

Threadcount doesn’t mean that the fabric/sheet content is to be disregarded.

When it comes to thread counts in duvets, generally the higher the thread count the quieter the duvet insert will be when moving within the cover.

PROS: • • • •

Higher thread counts generally mean a higher quality product.

Higher thread counts tend to feel softer when paired with a preferred content.

Better quality sheets have more longevity and will wear better over time.

The higher the thread count generally the denser the weave.

CONS: • •

Sometimes sheets with a higher thread count have been achieved by using picks. (as noted above) Tend to be on the pricier side.

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Staple Length WHAT IS IT?

Cotton Types

Length of cotton fibres included in fabric content. Determines the quality of the cotton used and the softness in the fabric.

SHORT STAPLE FIBRE: 1-1/8” lowest quality LONG STAPLE FIBRE: 1- 1/4” high quality EXTRA LONG STAPLE FIBRE: 1-3/8” - 2” the finest quality

AMERICAN UPLAND A shorter length fibre, is the most common used in bedding. It has a rougher hand but is pretty standard.

PIMA A long staple fibre offering strength and durability to the fabric. Has a soft hand, with a subtle sheen. Generally it is more expensive, hitting the 200$ + price range.

SUPIMA American grown pima cotton - a trademarked name.

EGYP TIAN COT TON Highest quality cotton, and the longest staple length available.

Provides a luxurious softness while also standing as a durable product. Has known to have been knocked off due to the luxurious nature of this bedding, however, real sheets will have a tag stating egyptian cotton, and will also be paired with a higher thread count.

The price point of the sheets should also be an indication of the legitimacy of the product.

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Selecting Sheets Educational Feature

SATEEN Sateen has a similar hand to silk and is woven using a method in which there is a ratio of 4 threads to 1. It is a heavier sheet option that is ideal for colder seasons, however, the durability of this fabric should be considered when purchasing bedding as it does not hold up as well as other bedding selections.

PERCALE Also known as plain weave, Percale is a high quality combed cotton that is woven tightly. It has a soft hand and is a pretty standard choice when shopping for bedding. It has a lighter weight to it making it an ideal selection for hot sleepers.

LINEN It is its own material, being made from flax. It is a soft and breathable fabric that also provides durability. It is a great option that can be used at any point in the year.

FLANNEL Flannel is composed of cotton, and is generally a denser and a heavier weight bedding choice. It is great for the colder months of the year, providing a soft and cosy feel. It is made using a plain or twill weave which gives it a softer hand.

JERSEY Cotton, or sometimes combined with synthetic content. Not woven but rather knit, and is similar to flannel as neither uses thread count in considering the quality. Another heavier material that holds heat well, making it a great option for cold nights.

P O LY E S T E R A synthetic fabric, this has a rougher hand and can oftentimes be stiff. However, when combined with cotton, you get a softer hand with often a lower price point.

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DUVET • •

Requires a cover The covers are interchangeable allowing for ease in cleaning and variety.

COMFORTER • • • •

Insert is stitched into the cover Is generally filled with synthetic or down fibres.

Is often sold as a “bed set” including the sheets.

Easily cleanable.

Things to Consider

Duvet vs.

Comforter

WARMTH & WEIGHT

Depending on the type of sleeper you are, you may prefer lighter or heavier weight duvets. The heavier the weight the more warmth is provided. Alternatively, If you run a higher temperature while sleeping, a lighter weight duvet is sure to be your best friend. This is definitely something to keep in mind when finding the right duvet for you.

DOWN Because of its insulation properties, down is a great option for people who want warmth while sleeping, as it takes less material to reach your desired warmth level. Due to the nature of down, it is recommended that you have down duvets professionally cleaned.

This duvet option is the most costly of those available. Keep this in mind when selecting your bedding.

FEATHER Feather Duvets are often less expensive, despite being a heavier weighted product. The feather in the duvet does not provide as much warmth as its competitor, down; therefore more material is required in order to achieve an equivalent level of insulation. It is recommended that you have feather duvets professionally cleaned.

MICROFIBRE Due to the synthetic nature of microfibre, this option is generally less expensive and is also machine washable. There is a lack of insulation properties in microfibre duvets, which results in a heavier product.

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VICTORIA B R I T I S H

C O L U M B I A

W O R D S B Y K E R S T I N D A LY

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Welcome to Victoria, the most British of Canada’s cities! This grand “lady” of colonial heritage perches on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, off the Pacific coast of BC. She is gracious and genteel, filled with gardens, parks, beaches, harbours, and “castles”. The mild year-round climate makes it easy to explore in whichever season you choose to visit. We hope you enjoy our little tour.

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THE MAGNOLIA Location, style, service. All great reasons to stay at the Magnolia Hotel.

Enough said.

Travel Feature

STAY

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THE EMPRESS Built by Canadian Pacific Hotels (a division of the Canadian Pacific Railway), and opened in 1908, this 464 room castle is located in downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Steeped in history, the hotel is famous for its Afternoon Tea service. It is also home to Q Restaurant, a more recent addition.

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EAT

JAM CAFÉ

You know when there’s a line up, it must be good. Jam is an all day breakfast and lunch hot spot, serving local fare and comfort food with a twist. Worth. The. Wait.

FOO Foo was on my list after reading about it prior to our trip. With a concept of Asian street food and an infusion of Indian, Thai and Japanese flavours, it’s a must visit.

Do not forget your appetite. My mouth is watering just typing this.

CAFÉ MEXICO If you go to Café Mexico just for a drink, then it’s worth the trip. They house over 100 bottles of Mezcal and Tequila, making it one of the largest Mezcal bars in Canada. The bartenders are entertaining and their margaritas are delicious. And if you stay longer, the food is great too!

POUR Every morning we walked a block from our hotel to Pour for a coffee. With a charming space, delightful staff and delicious pastries, it’s the perfect combination to start your day.

10 ACRES This farm-to-plate restaurant, in its truest form, is named after their 10 acre organic farm located not far from the restaurant itself. Committed to sustainable, locally grown food and ingredients, you’re sure to find the freshest of offerings based on seasonal availability at 10 Acres.

RED FISH BLUE FISH Of course when you’re on the coast it’s logical that you’ll find incredible seafood. Red Fish Blue Fish came highly recommended for just that reason. On a nice day, the queue can often extend all the way up the ramp (shown above) to this well known seafood eatery and modern day fish and chips shop. Another spot where the wait is worth it. Take it to go or sit in their outdoor, covered ‘perch’ area.

SEE HARBOUR FRONT Victoria is a great city for walking, with many paths along the harbour.

Bike rentals are another great way to see the city and cross over to Victoria West for more harbourfront pathways and sites.

PA R L I A M E N T Located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings are home to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. A statue of Captain George Vancouver, the British explorer for whom Vancouver Island is named, sits atop the central dome.

The buildings are open to visitors on weekdays.

T H E R O YA L B R I T I S H COLUMIA MUSEUM I love to visit museums while traveling. From a sense of history and culture, to visiting exhibits and curated collections, each museum has so much to offer. The Royal British Columbia Museum was an unexpected adventure back in time to the Ice Age, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the First Peoples of the land.

CHINA TOWN With bragging rights of being the oldest Chinatown in Canada and second oldest in North America (to San Francisco), it has a charm and nostalgia worth visiting. Within walking distance of downtown, Chinatown is full of artistic narrow alleys, great food and of course culture. I wish we’d had more time to spend here.

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ROOK & ROSE If I lived in Victoria I would, without a doubt, frequent Rook & Rose. The eye candy of beautifully potted and packaged greenery, flowers, candles and an array of lifestyle accessories is perfectly displayed all in a tiny space that once was a hotel lobby. I couldn’t get enough of it. I love their style!

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OPEN HOUSE Open House is a stylish studio space with a wonderful assortment of highly-curated home decor and clothing. Sustainable, mindful and beautiful, each item in this store feels special.

LITTLE GOLD There were so many lovely pieces inside Little Gold.

With a focus on independent and emerging designers, the store is filled with a “mix of all things beautiful, funny, magical and bad-ass.”

S M O K I N G L I LY On the outskirts of Chinatown, Smoking Lily is an adorable shop known for its locally handmade clothes and goods. Beautiful articles of clothing, jewelry, accessories and quirky bits, this store oozes passion and creativity with a side of attitude.

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D I D YOU K NOW? The city of Victoria, BC lies at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the largest island off the coast of North America. It can be reached by ferry from Vancouver or Washington State, or by flying into its international airport.

Fort Victoria, named for Queen Victoria, was established as a fur trading post by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1843. The settlement grew during the gold rush, and was incorporated as a city in 1862. It is the capital of BC. The city’s British Colonial past is evident in the Victorian architecture of its mansions, many downtown buildings, and Craigdarroch Castle.

There are hundreds of kilometres of bike trails, and you can bike all the way from the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal to downtown Victoria. Almost half the population walks, bikes, or uses transit to get to work. There are also over 70 parks within the city.

Boasting the mildest climate in Canada, Victoria is known as the “City of Gardens”. Its 8 frost-free moths a year are conducive to flower growing.

Butchart Gardens, just outside the city, has 55 acres of gardens, and receives 1 million visitors annually.

Tourism is a main industry, with 3.5 million people visiting the city each year.

The city’s harbour is home to the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the BC Legislative Assembly Parliament Buildings, the Royal BC Museum, fisherman’s wharf, a seaplane airport, and many restaurants and pubs. Cruise ships deposit tourists here.

The Empress, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and opened in 1908, serves a half a million cups of tea a year. Queen Elizabeth II has stayed there.

At night, the Parliament Buildings are illuminated with over 3000 energy efficient lights.

Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada, and is home to Canada’s narrowest street, Fan Tan Alley.

Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway is located here.

Victoria is actually in an earthquake zone, and sits atop a fault line. There is a very high probability the city will experience a major seismic event.

Famous Victoria natives include artist Emily Carr, musician David Foster, and singer Nelly Furtado.

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SUMMER LOOKBOOK COMING JUNE 2022

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