Okanagan Woman Spring 2017 by Okanagan Woman Magazine

SPRING 2017

C L E V E R

C L A S S Y

C O N F I D E N T

THE

BIG

REVEAL! Spring

$5.95

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER: 41188516 PRINT ISSN: 2291-8353 ONLINE ISSN: 2291-8361

makeover contest

Home DÃ©cor

Okanagan

Moms ROCK! O

Special edition

YOUR OHM-MAZING MOMENTS START HERE Experience the Predator Ridge state of mind. Treat yourself and indulge in a luxurious and unique getaway featuring fine dining, spacious accommodation, extraordinary views, fine wine, world-class golf and the only outdoor yoga platform in the Okanagan Valley.

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SPRING | 2017 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2

CONTENTS PUBLISHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

The Cover Story 6

CONTENT EDITOR

Super Spring makeover 8

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

She Runs for Life 14

SUZY VAN BAKEL PUBLISHER@OKANAGANWOMAN.COM

MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@OKANAGANWOMAN.COM LINDA HACKING

COVER PHOTO

PHOTOGRAPHER – JENNY KAMO WWW.JENNYKAMO.COM MODEL – ALYSHA BELANGER HAIR – CHARLOTTE ROBERTS, UNTOUCHABLE IN HAIR, KELOWNA MAKE UP ARTIST – RAMONA SATAR JEWELLERY – BAYOT HEER, B HEER JEWELLERY ORIGINALS, KELOWNA STUDIO – WHITE WAVE STUDIOS, KELOWNA

WRITERS

DEANNA RAINEY LAURA GOSSET PATTI SHALES LEFKOS SHANNON LINDEN

CONTRIBUTORS

GISELA SCHOLZE HEATHER ZAIS LISA FRIEDRICH AMANDA RENTIERS JESSICA LEVY COLLEEN MILNE JENNY KAMO

For the Love of Mom 18 Delicious Desserts 20 Fashion Photos 22 7 Steps to Fitness 24 Take a Hike 26 Born to Ride 30 Healthy Spring Recipes 32

PHONE: 1.236.420.4205 EMAIL: INFO@OKANAGANWOMAN.COM ONLINE: OKANAGANWOMAN.COM

Ladies on Literature 34

ABOUT US

Get a Grip 36

OKANAGAN WOMAN IS AN INDEPENDENT QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, LOCALLY OWNED, PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY SIDE SADDLE MEDIA LTD.

DISCLAIMER

THE OPINIONS AND VIEWS CONTAINED IN SUBMITTED ARTICLES TO OKANAGAN WOMAN MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHER. THE PUBLISHER RETAINS THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL SUBMISSIONS, INCLUDING ARTICLES FOR BREVITY AND CLARITY. COPYRIGHT IS RETAINED ON ALL MATERIAL, TEXT AND GRAPHICS IN THIS PUBLICATION. NO REPRODUCTION IS ALLOWED OF ANY MATERIAL IN ANY FORM, PRINT OR ELECTRONIC, FOR ANY PURPOSE, EXCEPT WITH THE EXPRESSED PERMISSION OF OKANAGAN WOMAN MAGAZINE.

4 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

10 Sexy Foods 38 Heather’s Horoscope 40 Grow Your Own Way 42 Hot Trends for Interiors 44

MEET OUR WRITERS

CONTENT EDITOR

Grow Your Own Way

Deanna Rainey Born to Ride Get a Grip

March, April and May in the Okanagan brings blooming flowers and the smell of fresh cut grass. So, to quote the English poet, Robert Herrick, “gather ye rose buds while ye may”, but it’s also time to refresh our closets and to start those home renovation projects that were left on the back burner. Never fear, OKW to the rescue with our Spring home décor section starting on page 41. Here you’ll find the help you need to make your house, a rejuvenated new home. Speaking of transformations and refreshing our closets - take a look at our fabulous Spring makeover. Lee, our lucky winner, was pampered for the whole day. What an amazing day that was! Styled head-to-toe, coiffed hair and shimmering makeup, all helping to reveal her inner confidence and outer beauty. See pages 8-11 for the whole story. Thank you to a great team for creating a day that our lucky Lee will never forget.

Patti Shales Lefkos Take a Hike Time to Let Go

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t miss our special gift guide section on pages 16 & 17….. because she’s worth it! We are also sharing with you some of our readers’ insights of why their Mom is Okanagan’s greatest. To read more about the nominations and their affectionate stories - visit pages 18 & 19.

Shannon Linden Ladies on Literature

She Runs for Life

he freezing temperatures of Winter are finally behind us and that means it’s time to enjoy the splendours of spring. Kick off the boots and slip into those strappy sandals or sexy stilettos as we confidently stride into Spring!

Molly Gibson Kirby

Laura Gosset

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE | SUZY VB

And lastly, I’ll share a little behind the scenes excitement we enjoyed during pre-production. OKW ran a search to find the next face of Okanagan Woman magazine, I must say we were inundated with submissions! Once the difficult decision had been made – we had a whole lot of fun as the team went to work on creating the next Okanagan Woman cover for Spring 2017. You can read more about this on page 6.

‘Happy spring’ to all our readers, advertisers, sponsors and contributors. Okanagan Woman wishes everyone a spring full of home decluttering, renovations and getting a little dirty in the garden. Cheers

Suzy xx OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 5

THE COVER STORY

FOR THE FIRST TIME, OKW DECIDED TO HOLD A CONTEST IN SEARCH OF THE NEXT FACE OF OKANAGAN WOMAN MAGAZINE.

WE FOUND HER! Alysha Belanger, surprisingly, is not a professional model. She is, however, a wonderful wife and a loving mom to two boys. Currently Alysha is working fulltime as a stay-at-home mom in Vernon, but plans to jump back into the corporate world as a learning assistant.

Okanagan Woman chose Alysha because of her conﬁdence, welcoming eyes and bright smile. She is a true Okanagan Woman!

Bayot Heer, a Kelowna jewellery designer, hand crafted a stunning custom necklace and earrings set for Alysha to wear to compliment her glamorous cover look. Charlotte Roberts, master stylist at Untouchable in Hair, Kelowna, styled our model’s luscious locks by creating a bohemian inspired upstyle, featuring soft texture and waves.

Jenny Kamo, the eyes behind the lens, perfectly showcased Alysha’s grace and beauty, capturing our vision for spring 2017. Ramona Satar, a professional makeup artist in the Okanagan, created an elegant springtime look with a bronzed eye and shimmering coral lips.

6 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AND SO HAVE OUR FRONT COVERS! WELL DONE TEAM! OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING COVERGIRL 2017

There’s no mistaking a b heer jewellery original The clean lines, unexpected shapes, textures and colors. The ﬁnest gemstones and precious metals. The artistry in every detail. Each piece is individually designed and hand crafted to be one of a kind

Luxurious unique jewellery hand crafted locally Bayot Heer was born in the Swiss Alps near the 1,300-yearold city of Lucerne. After studying furniture-making and architectural design in Switzerland, Bayot came to Calgary, Alberta over 30 years ago to create a custom furniture business and, ultimately, to become a renowned jewellery creator. His new home and studio in Kelowna, B.C., overlooks the rolling hills and beautiful Okanagan Lake, the inspiration for many of his designs and a dazzling personal reminder of his Swiss roots.

“Since opening b heer jewellery originals in 1996, I have developed a recognizable style blending clean architectural lines with soft textures,” Heer explains. “The identity of my work is in originality of design, excellence in craftsmanship and wearability.” B heer Jewellery Originals offer beautiful, contemporary designs handcrafted from the ﬁnest gemstones and precious metals for that special someone in your life. Exuberant or elegant, masculine or feminine, b heer jewellery originals dazzle with a style all their own.

“The magic starts with an initial meeting and conversation that transforms your story into an idea for a wearable piece of jewellery that is yours for a lifetime,” Heer says. The moment you receive your original creation you feel the weight of the precious metal, notice the perfect ﬁt and admire the hand crafted ﬁnish of every detail.

If you are looking for a distinctive piece, interested in a customized version of a portfolio piece, or have questions Visit www.bheer.com or call for an appointment Contact: info@bheer.com 1.250.861.1090 or 1.877.792.0440 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 7

OKANAGAN WOMAN

SPRING MAKEOVER WINNER! BY: PATTI LEFKOS

Lee Marcotte leans back in the comfy reclining chair, feet up, head over the shampoo sink, hands gently folded in her lap.

Time to

LET GO

A hairdresser’s cape almost covers her head to toe. Oliver Elliott, cutting technician at Kelowna’s Untouchable In Hair salon, gently massages Aveda Beautifying Composition Oil into her long brown hair. She sits up for a moment when I offer her some Honey Lullaby Tea, a heavenly mix of chamomile and rose petals infused with the aroma of honey, provided by David’s Tea. “My manager and friends at work said I deserve this, to take the day off and let the Okanagan Woman team do their thing,” she says with a relaxed smile, then sinks back into the chair while Oliver applies Damage Remedy shampoo. The past year has been a difficult one for Lee, her husband Greg and their two daughters. “A good night is one without nightmares,” she says. It is now almost a year since the death of their oldest daughter, a young mom with two young children. “She was our daughter, but she was also my friend and I miss her so much.” “But this is my day to let it go,” she says, as Oliver escorts her back to his station to begin the consultation about her choice of haircut. “Communication is key,” says the talented and gracious veteran of 21 years at Untouchable. Together they decide on a Lob, a long bob, which Oliver explains is the 2017 cut of the year, shorter in the back than in the front. Born in Manchester, England and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Lee, now 44, met her husband Greg at Georgian College in Owen Sound. They first visited the Okanagan in the summer of 2005. “We fell in love with this unbelievable place,” she says, “no humidity and no mosquitoes.”

8 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

Their Christmas ski holiday at Big White the same year sealed the deal. Two years later they moved west with their three daughters. Then, 10 months ago, tragedy struck with the unexpected death of the couple’s oldest daughter. She shares strategies that are helping her through this difficult time.

“I have no time for superficial relationships in my life. And no more clutter. I just want to concentrate on being there for my husband, two remaining daughters and grandchildren.”

Lee interrupts her story when stylist and advanced colour expert Charlotte Roberts joins us. She and Oliver consult further with Lee over colour, style and the length of her bangs. Considering Lee’s warm skin tone and brown eyes Charlotte colours Lee’s base a chestnut brown, highlighted with intense gold flakes and pieces of chocolate brown. About a half hour later, Charlotte treats Lee’s newly coloured tresses to four Davines Hair Products. From leave in conditioner and anti-humidity spray to volume boosting mousse and invisible no gas spray, for a shape forming brushable new look. Charlotte’s expert blow dry and curling technique leaves Lee with great looking hair and a huge smile. “So far what’s been really wonderful is that this has been an amazing day, but more than that I have made new connections, received good advice, and really connected with Oliver and Charlotte.” And with that we are off to the high-end Aldila Boutique in Mission Park Shopping Centre to find a new fabulous outfit, where store manager Karen Cooper greets us with a big friendly smile. As we walk through the store, Lee’s eyes lit up as we approach a beautifully laid table displaying freshly hand crafted chocolates by Annegret’s and a welcome bottle of bubbly.

What follows is a flurry in and out of the change room as Karen and assistant store manager Elsie Russell provide an array of outfits by Canadian designer Joseph Ribkoff. Several champagne sips and chocolates later, Lee decides on sleek black, perfectly fitting dress pants, a slinky black tunic top and a poppy red, draped swing coat with a stylish portrait collar. What beautiful clothing said Lee, Joseph Ribkoff knows how to make a woman feel like royalty. A leather magnetic black and gold cuff is placed on Lee’s wrist, giving the outfit a little sparkle.

“Classic, elegant choices,” says Elsie as we raise our glasses to Lee.

“I feel so happy right now. My smile is real.” When it comes to picking the perfect shoe, Bonnie Schadeck, owner of Sassy Shoes, has every type of footwear to complete any outfit for any occasion. Bonnie offers a few different styles and Lee was a little spoilt for choice, but as she slips on a pair of classic black leather platform Dorking pumps by Fluchos, she knew instantly that these were her shoes to compliment her Aldila outfit.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 9

When Dad Becomes

Supermom

With Lee’s outfit carefully folded in a large shopping bag, it’s off to the studio to meet up with mobile makeup artist, Tammy Peterson.

BILL DICK MURPHY BATTISTA LLP

When Bill Dick’s wife passed away from breast cancer, he knew things would change. The full-time lawyer with Murphy Battista LLP would not only have to continue to work, but he would also take on the primary role of caregiver for his children. Years ago, Bill first heard about the supermom. He read about supermom mothers working long hours, then coming home to assume the traditional role of cooking, cleaning and looking after the family. That concept remains fresh in Bill’s mind as he’s the only one taking care of his children, who are in grade 9 and grade 10. He has become their supermom. "I never was a teenage girl and I'm having to deal with teenage girl issues in terms of periods and makeup," Bill explains, remembering the year he hired a makeup artist for his daughter’s birthday party. It’s been easier with his son, he says, because they can relate more. But, that hasn’t stopped Bill from expanding himself through reading and asking for help. “One of the things I had to learn, which was quite challenging for me, was how to accept help. For me, I have issues with this. Over time I had to realize I had to rely on people otherwise I couldn't do it." People often tell Bill “wow I don’t know how you do it”, which makes him remember the supermom concept. “I don't think if I was a woman, I would get that same level of accolades. People assume that women are more natural at doing that sort of thing, but I don't think that's fair. I think everyone should be complimented quite honestly because it's hard work." In between getting his kids to school, swimming lessons, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and spending quality time with his kids, Bill is a personal injury lawyer. He believes his own personal story has made him a better lawyer. "My job is to tell my clients' story to a judge or a jury. You can tell someone’s story way better if you've lived it or understand it intimately. It has made me more passionate in understanding what people have to do daily.” 10 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

Tammy and Lee sit down together under the bright spot lights to decide on a look that will make Lee feel confident. Lee loves placing focus on her eyes, so Tammy decides on a beautiful and vibrant bronze eye look, with a lot of volumizing mascara and a lip colour to match her new red coat.

“Thank you to our most generous sponsors for the beautiful clothes, shoes, accessories, refreshments and body care”

“

STEPPING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AT FIRST I WAS VERY “I still often experience UNCOMFORTABLE triggers: seasonal music, smells, sounds, certain LETTING MY WALL words. Life has become DOWN." a process of allowing

Once the makeup is finished and Charlotte from Untouchable In Hair puts the finishing touches to Lee’s new hair style, it’s time to have fun dressing up again for the photo shoot. Lee steps in front of the camera and her confidence explodes under the expert guidance of professional photographer Jenny Kamo. As Jenny gently guides Lee into poses that suit her and her outfit best, she smiles and struts her stuff with ease.

me to experience every emotion, in every form, as it arrives. But I wanted to share with others my story of surviving and living with child loss in order to help others who also have struggles."

"I had a fantastic day connecting with a special team of wonderful, professional and caring people, who I now consider to be part of my life.”

The long, but incredibly amazing day ends fittingly with a gift basket full of goodies from the Body Shop, presented by store manager, Tammy Peterson.

“A very big thank you to the talented professionals who gave their all in creating this fabulous OKW makeover day for one special lady in the Okanagan”

Oliver & Charlotte - Untouchable In Hair Karen & Elsie – Aldila Boutique Tammy Peterson - Makeup artist Jenny Kamo – Jenny Kamo Photography

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 11

12 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

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“THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT DAYS IN YOUR LIFE ARE THE DAY YOU ARE BORN AND THE DAY YOU FIND OUT WHY.” - Mark Twain

It wasn’t the crushing weight of a pack carrying sufficient food, water and gear to sustain this Okanagan woman for seven days. It wasn’t navigating the barren, inhospitable terrain of the high desert through Arizona and Utah. It wasn’t even the debilitating exhaustion and sleep deprivation, the incessant rain or the three inches of mud accumulated under each shoe. It was the blisters. Raw, swollen, blackened and bloody, she looked down at the things she used to call her toes and wondered, why?

SHE RUNS FOR LIFE Why am I doing this?

It is a question 46-year-old Crystal Flaman, a professional speaker and social entrepreneur, has asked herself plenty of times during the course of finishing a host of extreme endurance races: 11 Ironman triathlons and two Grand-to-Grand Ultras (273-kilometres in seven brutal days, from the rim of the Grand Canyon to the summit of Utah’s Grand Staircase). Her answer is simply, “I run for life!” Then she adds, “And hopefully to make the world a bit better, brighter place.”

WHEN THE WHY BECOME BIG ENOUGH…

Flaman believes that when the why becomes big enough, the how becomes easy! “So if it gets really ugly out there and I lose my motivation to go on...” She flashes an effervescent grin. “First I swear – really loudly - then I ask myself, ‘Why is finishing this crazy event important to me?’” The why’s that have pushed this petite powerhouse have been such worthy causes as: Room to Read, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Diabetes Association. To date, Flaman has raised in excess of 1.4 million dollars “running for life” and that amount is still growing.

“I am just choosing my next race. I think it will be another multi-day endurance event...perhaps in Cambodia,” she says. “But I want my focus for funding to be more local. I’d like to help those in need in our own community in 2017.”

IT STARTED AS TWINS ON A TANDEM

From a close family of 10 children, Flaman’s path in philanthropy started with her twin, Carla, when they were 23-yearsold. Their beloved mom had successfully survived life-saving, open-heart surgery, so the sisters decided to ride across

14 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

BY LAURA GOSSET

Canada on a tandem bike – their way of giving thanks. They were followed by a boyfriend-driven RV which carried their gear and provided a bed each night. With all the media stops, school talks and promotional meetings with sponsors, it took them 93 cycling days, but the “Twins on a Tandem” raised half a million dollars for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “It was a trip of a lifetime...the first tandem to cross the country.” Flaman smiles at the memory. “We even got into the Guinness Book of World Records.” When asked how she chooses a cause, she explains, “I pick charities that are close to my heart...ones that have either benefitted family or somehow have spoken to me. I also look carefully at fiscal responsibility. I will only support those that steward their donations well.” Once committed to an event and a charity, Flaman trains – or, at least she thinks about training. She says, “These types of races are more mental than physical.” Laughing, she adds, “That being said, I know from painful experience when I don’t train it can be a suﬀer-fest. It is, even when I train properly. It’s weird, something takes over inside, pulling me forward. Whatever it is, it doesn’t allow me to surrender to my demons. I think we all have an inner creature that is

much stronger than we know. The key is to harness that.” As she’s training, Flaman raises money for her charity of choice. She says, “By begging, pleading, bartering (trading speeches for donations) and organizing events of every description the funds trickle in... social media is a huge help.”

GREAT BIG OKANAGAN RUN FOR AFRICA

In 2005, Flaman and her friend, Stephanie Moore, ran 100 kilometres, from Enderby to West Kelowna, to raise funds for Partners in the Horn of Africa, a charity that provides microfinancing to African women to enable them to start their own businesses and thereby feed their families. It was just the two of them - not a sanctioned or organized race. When the going got tough, instead of giving up, the gals took turns imagining the exciting businesses they were making possible for less privileged African women: money for making crafts to sell at local market stalls; funds for materials to weave baskets and to buy laying hens; equipment for a new haircutting business. Their why’s worked wonders and they arrived in West Kelowna having raised $7,000. A bit shy of their $10,000 goal, they were undaunted. It was just the start. For the next 10 years, these Okanagan women organized and participated in the same run as an annual relay event, “Great Big Run for Africa”, and raised a total of approximately $160,000 for the cause.

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Whole Body Vibration INCREASE Flexibility, Swing speed, Core strength In recognition of her contributions at a national level, in 2014 Flaman was presented with the “Peter Legge Philanthropist of the Year Award” at the Global Speakers Summit. “I heard Peter Legge speak about 20 years ago,” she recalls. “The values he talked about have shaped my life. The award was a compliment and huge honour, one I never imagined.” It is Flaman’s sincere belief that we are all here to share our own unique gifts and talents, whatever they may be. She says, “I think one of mine is to move physically...I’m not fast, but I’m steady. I finish at the back half of any race and that’s okay with me.” To her, it’s ‘crystal’ clear! She was born to move with purpose. And she’s doing just that - one foot in front of the other towards her goal of making a difference in this world! For more information about this inspiring Okanagan Woman, visit her website: www.inspiringsuccess.ca.

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Why I love MY MOM, CONTEST WINNER

WE RECEIVED SO MANY ESSAYS OF WONDERFUL WOMEN. HERE ARE OUR TOP FIVE PICKS!

This is a photo of me and my mom from a few years ago. I have a lot of photos that I have of me and my mom but this ones one of my favourites. I love my mom so much I honestly don't even know how to put it into words. She is my rock and she is the reason i am who i am today. My mom has always put me and my brother and sister first she gives us so much love and support. Her main goal is for us to feel happy and loved. She definitely makes us feel LOVED My moms done nothing but support us and stick by our sides through everything. My mom is such an inspiration to me for so many reasons for example she decided she wanted to become a nurse in her mid 40's and guess what she's the now a nurse loving her job and sharing her love and passion with her patients. She teaches us if you want something GET IT don't let anything in life stop you, and she is exactly like that herself, if my mom has a goal she WILL reach it because she is determined and stays focused. My mom is someone who is always looking on the bright side of things. When I am down my mom is right there constantly lifting me up! She is the kindest sweetest more caring person I have ever met and in the photo Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve attached it really shows how much she loves her kids just by the look on her face. My mom has really set the bar high for me and my sister because she is the BEST mom out there and If I become half as good of a mom as she is I will be happy. No body compares to my momma. She is my world. I could honestly talk about her forever. I love her with all my heart. I would REALLY love to win this contest for mother's day. Thank you thank you for letting us all share why we love our mommas! Brooke Toop

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER SO YOU WILL ALWAYS KNOW ABOUT UPCOMING CONTESTS AND DRAWS! 18 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

Congratulations Nadine Laraway-Toop Our lucky winner will receive a beautiful bouquette of flowers and a wonderful Mothers Day gift package including scented candles, a $50 gift certificate, body & skin care gift basket and more.... All gifts generously donated by the following local companies:

RUNNER UP

My mom deserves to be celebrated. She is the most important role model in my life. She goes to the ends of the earth to show her love and support for me and my brothers. I love to spend time with her and am amazed at her boundless enthusiasm. She is always there for me, whether it be to laugh until we grip our sides in pain or be a shoulder to cry on. Her incredible instincts seem to always lead her down the path of knowing what I need. My mother taught me some of life’s most important lessons, including to believe in myself and to reach for my dreams. From her I learned about the significance of hard work, perseverance, self worth, kindness and humility……. Lisa Scott

RUNNER UP

Amy Rauscher is a single mom and the founder of MOGA Moms and Not A Boss Babe…… She is an incredible person and cares not only for her son Landon, but also for the other mothers and children who have found community and a sense of place and family at MOGA. She is by far the hardest working woman I know and she does it all for the betterment of Landon and the community. Her maternal instincts and desire to help others have had such a huge impact on others, myself included, and remind me that the word 'mother' is so much more than the medical definition. Valaura Vedan

My name is Mat Langlois and I would like to nominate my mother Yvonne Langlois. She has been a foster parent for 15 years and has had my sister with her since she was two-yearsold now being 17. My sister ended up getting pregnant at 16 and my mom and her are now taking care of the baby. My mother does so much for so many people I feel like nothing ever comes back her way so I'd like to change that with this contest. Hopefully 2 Thank you Mat Langlois

Throughout my life, I’ve had the good fortune to be surrounded by strong, smart, kind and loving women, my mother is one of these wonderful women. As many readers of this magazine will know, being the mother of three boys is not without its, let’s say, occasional challenge, but mum has always brought love, compassion, humour and kindness to her role as Jones family matriarch. She has taught all three of us boys so many invaluable life lessons, which will live with all of us for the rest of our lives.……… This Mother’s Day I want to wish my lovely mum the happiest of days, she truly deserves it. I love you, mum! Vincent Jones, Kelowna OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 19

Delicious

S T A E R T for MOM! Chocolate Raspberry Tart INGREDIENTS 32 chocolate wafer cookies (about 8 ounces) 2 tablespoons sugar Coarse salt 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 1 1/4 cups heavy cream 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (6 ounces)

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. combine cookies, sugar, 1/2 tspn salt in a processer until fine crumbs. Add butter and mix until mixture comes together. Press crumbs firmly into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Place on a baking sheet, bake until crust is dry and set, 20 minutes. Let cool. 2. In a large bowl, combine chocolate and pinch of salt. In a small pan, bring cream to a bare simmer over medium-high. Immediately pour cream over chocolate and let stand 1 minute. Stir gently until chocolate melts and mixture is completely smooth. Pour chocolate into cooled tart shell and refrigerate until set, 30 minutes. 3. To serve, remove tart from pan and scatter raspberries on top.

Mini Eclairs with Strawberries and Cream INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup whole milk 1/4 cup water 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs Vanilla Cream Macerated Berries Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

RECIPES AND IMAGES MARTHA STEWART

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets. 2. Bring milk, water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove pan from heat, and stir in flour. Return to heat, stirring constantly, until mixture pulls away from sides of pan, about 4 minutes. 3. Transfer to a mixer bowl fitted with a paddle. Mix on medium speed to cool slightly, about 1 minute. With machine running, add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Transfer dough to a pastry bag with a 1/2-inch round tip. 4. Pipe twenty 2 1/2-inch-long eclairs onto each sheet. Bake until eclairs rise and are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool. 5. Split eclairs in half lengthwise. Pipe vanilla cream onto eclair bottoms. Spoon macerated berries on top of cream, and sandwich with eclair tops. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve immediately.

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Spring into fashion 2017 The talent of our photographers in the Okanagan is truly amazing! The submissions we receive from our local photographers each season, illustrate passion, creativity and excellent collaboration of talented professionals.... which makes the job of selection extremely difficult! A big thank you to everyone who submitted their work for Spring 2017 We are proud to announce

Amanda Rentiers

Feature Fashion Photographer Spring 2017 Amanda Rentiers is an Okanagan, BC based photographer, specializing in family and child photography. She works closely with small local businesses to create eye-catching photographs for their own marketing materials.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always bring my passion for photography and love of family to every photoshoot. I create a fun and comfortable atmosphere for everyone, whether it's making funny noises to make kids smile, or a promise of only a few more shots for dad,â&#x20AC;? Amanda says. Amanda collaborated with Courtney Ungaro, a local design and fashion blogger for Dinner to Design, for these photos. Courtney styled her outfit, hair and makeup and Amanda worked to capture these beautiful photos. The pair are both Kelowna residents and have been good friends for 20 years.

CONGRATULATIONS Thank you Amanda for sharing your photography talent with our readers. Your images emulate spring and the warmth it brings to the Okanagan. See Amanda's photos on pages 22 & 23. Keep your eye on our Facebook page for inspiration for our Summer issue and submission details.

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OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 23

LOOKING GOOD

FEELING GREAT!

BY JESSICA LEVY

7 STEPS to get that Summer Body Spring is here and summer is just around the corner and the thought of getting into our swimsuits may feel slightly intimidating for many of us.

So how do we reach our fitness goals in such a short amount of time? Well the answer is - it’s easy - if you follow these 7 steps towards achieving your desired Summer body! So, stand up, stretch, move, shake it all about! Every morning my four-year-old and I dance in the living room to just get moving. Getting in the mindset to workout is number one. This workout can be done anywhere, anytime. At home, at work or on vacation. All you need is less than 15 minutes every day to start feeling better in just a few weeks.

Here is your format:

Two-minute warm up, one-minute per exercise with no breaks. We want you working hard since it’s only a short workout. This is how you will burn calories and start to tone your muscles. The exercises have two moves so you are working many muscles groups at once to gain the most benefit out of such a short and effective workout. You’ll need to repeat it twice, ending with a one minute stretch.

24 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

WARM UP- If you have stairs start to walk up and down them for one minute followed by 30 seconds of pushups on the wall or on the stairs, ending with 30 seconds of mountain climbers. A mountain climber is in a pushup position and held in this position as you draw one knee up towards the chest squeezing your core then switching legs. If you don’t have stairs, start with one minute of jogging on the spot.

SQUAT LUNGE COMBO- One squat

followed by one reverse lunge. Alternating legs for the reverse lunge. When you squat keep the weight in the heels so the knees stay behind the toes.

PUSHUP TO SIDE PLANK- one pushup followed by rotating the body to the side into a side plank. Body stays straight with one hand placed below the shoulder for support. Come back to one pushup and repeat on the other side. You can modify by doing the pushup from your knees.

4 5

JUMPING JACKS

SUPERMAN ROLLS- Laying on your belly with your palms face down extended in front of you or by your side, lift the chest off the floor and squeeze between the shoulder blades. From here, lower back down and roll over onto your back, then roll back and repeat. Option to lift legs when you lift your chest to work the glutes.

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GET UPS- Lay on your back and do a full sit up, from there

proceed to stand. Then sit, roll back and repeat. If these are too challenging, you can do just a crunch or a full sit up.

STRETCH! So, so important. This helps with muscle recovery, injury prevention and is skipped after many workouts.

Reach Jessica for more information on how to execute the exercises or home programs at info@bodyconnectionfitness.ca or www.bodyconnectionfitness.ca

We would love to see your workout photos! Hashtag #WhatMovesYou #bodyconnectionfitness #OKWFitness on all your social media postings.

Jessica Levy is a BCRPA group fitness instructor, personal trainer, pre & postnatal fitness specialist, Thai yoga stretch trainer, spin Instructor, barre instructor, 2015 bronze Best of Kelowna fitness trainer, 2016 gold personal coach & silver fitness trainer, CPR & AED certified.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 25

Take a

HIKE BY PATTI SHALES LEFKOS

WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A STROLL THROUGH MOUNTAIN FLOWERS, A BRISK WALK ON A ROLLING TRAIL, OR A CHALLENGING VERTICAL HIKE, THE OKANAGAN HAS JUST THE OUTING FOR YOU. HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITES.

Silver Star Mountain Alpine Flowers

There’s nothing like a peaceful stroll through Silver Star’s high mountain meadows to brighten your spirits. Mid to late summer a breathtaking array of alpine wildflowers, including purple Lupin, crimson Paintbrush and daintily swaying Daisies, lines the trails. There are several ways to access the meadows. Friday to Sunday the summit chair leaves from the end of the village. Monday to Thursday a 20-minute downhill hike takes you to the Comet Chair for the ascent to flower heaven. Keen hikers, up for a challenge of trekking to the summit from the village, have the choice of five different trails, varying in length and steepness. How ever you choose to get there, the colours, scents and serenity will soothe your soul. Hungry from all that walking? Back on Main Street in Silver Star village have a seat and loosen your boot laces at one of the picnic tables on the deck at Bugaboos Bakery and Café. Order one of Frank Berkers’ hearty specialties, soup in a bun, or try his famous cinnamon buns with a latte. After all, you used up a ton of calories! www.skisilverstar.com

Amazing Viewpoint at Enderby Cliffs

If you are looking for a great cardio workout to challenge your glutes and quads, the iconic Tplaqin Enderby Cliffs Trail is for you. Rated moderate to strenuous, the 670 vertical metre trail starts with a family friendly section through birch and old 26 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

growth forest. The middle portion rises with a consistent steep elevation gain, then the upper section wanders through subalpine mountain meadows to a dramatic cliff edge with views of the Shuswap and the Okanagan Valley and the Shuswap River snaking through a patchwork of farmer’s fields. Upgraded in 2010 through a collaborative effort of the Splatsin Indian Band, the Shuswap Trail Alliance and BC Parks, the trail takes two and a half to three hours each way. Take a lunch, snacks and lots of water. The cliff-side perch drops off steeply so keep a close eye on the kids. Dogs must be on a leash. Just steps away from sage brush and rabbit brush, settle down on a smooth rock, the perfect place for a picnic... and a rest. If you’re lucky you’ll be treated to a glimpse of eagles or turkey vultures soaring on the thermal updrafts. Hike quietly and you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a moose, cougar, bobcat, white-tailed deer or martin or even a grizzly. www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/ explore/parkpgs/enderby_cliffs/

Okanagan Rail Trail Legacy for Future Generations

Can’t decide on a form of exercise for the day? Soon you’ll have a choice of walking, running or biking, all on one trail, thanks to the collaborative effort of the municipalities of Kelowna, Lake Country, the Regional District of North Okanagan and the Province of B.C. Construction of the 4.6-metre trail could begin as early as Spring 2017 along the discontinued CN railway running from Coldstream to Kelowna. The completed trail will provide the perfect location for anything from a leisurely lakeside intergenerational stroll or easy jog along any section of the relatively flat route to an energetic cycle 48.5 km ride from start to end. Whatever your mode of transportation, there’s lots to enjoy along the way. Learn more about the Syilx along the 2.3 km that goes through Okanagan Indian Band territory. Enjoy

extensive trail system, one accessible to pets, offers the choice of several routes leading to beaches at Cosens, the Twin Bays Jade and Juniper. Even with three parking lots the area can get busy in summer so it’s best to start out early. The Red Gate and Twin Bay lots offer closer access to Jade and Juniper Bays. Juniper is a favourite of local distance swimmers preparing for the Okanagan’s annual Across the Lake Swim. If you want to stretch your legs a bit before settling down to a picnic, park your car at the Cosens Bay lot. There are several high rim trails to choose from. Try one before lunch and another after! Safety issues include the presence of poison ivy and rattlesnakes. Keep the kids close and the dog on a leash. www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/kalamalka_lk/

Local clubs

New to the Okangan? Check out one of these local clubs to find some hiking buddies who will help you discover all the Okanagan has to offer for walkers, runners and hikers. Central Okanagan Outdoors Club www.hikingkelowna.org Vernon Outdoors Club www.vernonoutdoorsclub.org Penticton Outdoors Club www.pentictonoutdoorsclub.ca The Oﬃcial Hiking Group of Kelowna For those in their 20s, 30s, and 40. www.hikingaddiction.ca lake views, creeks and unique natural habitats along 24 km of the trail. Most of all, relax and savour the serenity of walking, running and biking far from road congestion, noise and danger. Kudos to those who continue to make this dream a reality. Just one more outstanding feature of life in the Okanagan, for both locals and visitors to use and appreciate for now and generations to come. https://okanaganrailtrail.ca

Cool Evening Mist at Crawford Falls in Canyon Falls Park

Not for the faint of heart, unfit, or poorly equipped adventurer, this after work getaway hike offers many rewards. After a sweaty hike on a sultry Okanagan summer evening, arrival at two falls spraying cool mist makes the 2 km route well worth the effort. The first 20 minutes along the Kelowna City Parks trail is quite difficult but ends at a 6-metre-high waterfall. Continue about 10 more minutes to the larger 12 metre waterfall. Warning! Ropes that formerly offered assistance on steep ascents and descents have been removed. Work is underway to make the trail to the bottom safer. Wear sturdy hiking boots with non-skid soles, carry water and hike with a partner. Parking is limited at Canyon Falls Court and cars parked less than 3 metres from driveways will be ticketed or towed. For access details visit https://www.tourismkelowna.com/do/outdoor-recreation/ hiking/ Check out this short video of the route at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zw3nIk94bM.

Family Time at Kalamalka Lake Park

Once part of Lord Aberdeen’s Coldstream Ranch the area was used for grazing cattle, then later during World War II (WWII) saw service as a Commando Training Area. Established as a park in 1975 the 3,700-hectare park protects several endangered species in its grassland, unique wetland and cliff habitats. The

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Would You Help Us SAVE LIVES? The H.O.P.E. Outreach organization established a safe house in 2010 called The House of H.O.P.E . To date, 250 vulnerable and exploited women have stayed and healed at the house. H.O.P.E. offers 10 beds for short or long term stays and serves homeless teens and women who reflect a diversity of ethnicity, language and age. Sadly, many of these teens and women are addicted to drugs and work in the sex trade in downtown Kelowna. The house connects clients to necessary community services to address all aspects of homelessness, recovery including mental health, addiction, and trauma. Many women who came to the House of H.O.P.E. for support after detox stayed for 2 to 3 months while connecting with doctors, counsellors, mental health providers, or probation officers and a 12 Step support group. Many went into treatment, and then came back to the supportive transitional environment provided at the House of H.O.P.E to start employment or seek education opportunities. House of H.O.P.E has relied on key volunteers to manage the safe house between 2010 and 2015 while also running its growing nightly outreach

program where trained volunteers assist disenfranchised women with basic necessities including toiletries, water condoms, warm clothing and hygiene products. In 2016, Founder and H.O.P.E. leader, Angie Lohr was increasingly spending time on training and managing the volunteers as the outreach program had grown from its humble beginnings in 2008 from having 2 volunteers to an organization with 70 trained and dedicated volunteers. Angie was also volunteering her time managing the safe house. With client and volunteer safety in mind, the organization made the decision to restructure the House of H.O.P.E. from being totally run by volunteers to a house with trained staﬀ. They did not do any intakes that year and began raising funds to hire staﬀ for spring 2017.

The H.O.P.E team is actively fundraising to raise the funds. $100,000.00 required to run the house each year with one full-time program manager to oversee the House of H.O.P.E and projects and two-part time social workers to manage the house and provide counselling to the residents.

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL BY SPRING 2017

TO LEARN MORE CONTACT hope.okanagan@gmail.com OR DONATE AT www.hope-outreach.com

28 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

Are you tired of the yellow stains in the armpit area of your favourite white shirt or frustrated over the chalky deodorant marks on the sides of your little black dress? Would you be happy to know that in as little as one easy treatment, miraDry can leave you feeling confident and sweat free forever?

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Whether you sweat a lot or just a little, with miraDry, everyone can embrace life to the fullest - without fear or embarrassment of underarm issues getting in the way. Imagine living without the daily use of deodorants forever! "I never considered myself to have a problem with sweating, but being as active as I am, I knew that I could benefit from sweating less,” explained a miraDry patient. “The procedure itself had little pain and discomfort. So far, I have not required the use of deodorant and the odor is completely gone. I am able to exercise and continue to live my active lifestyle sweat free. I highly recommend having the treatment done.”

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WOMEN ARE TAKING TO THE ROAD IN RECORD NUMBERS AND THEY’RE NOT BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A LITTLE RED SPORTS CAR.

Whether they’re twenty five or sixty five, it’s the lure of the open road experienced from atop their own motorcycle, and those who do it love it. While not all motorcycle enthusiasts ride Harley Davidsons, many women in the Okanagan do. Harley Ashdown, General Manager of Gasoline Alley Harley Davidson in Kelowna, says women are the fastest growing segment of the Harley Davidson market. Janinne Cleary, who has been riding for about 17 years, is one whose passion keeps her on the open road across North America and as far off as Australia.

Born to Ride! DEANNA RAINEY

“I started riding in 2000. I bought a 500 cc Kawasaki and took some lessons, and I’d never been on a bike before. One year later I was the owner of a 1200 cc custom sportster Harley and I’ve never looked back. I knew I was going to love it but I had no idea it was to become my greatest passion,” she says. Janinne’s first trip was to Nevada with a couple of friends and during that ride she became hooked on Harleys. Since then, she’s been involved in rides around Canada and the United States, as well as a ten-day excursion through Australia, where she rented a bike and took to the road alone! “I’ve ridden on my own and I’ve ridden with up to 17 other bikes. To me, it’s about the wide open spaces. My senses really open up when I’m on the road. The scenery is a feast for the eyes and the smells and wind in your face are fantastic. You truly are as free as a bird and you’re in the moment at all times. I don’t wait for somebody to invite me for a ride; I make my plans and go!” And indeed, she does. While she usually rides with a mixed group of ten to sixteen people, she says she often decides on the spur of the moment to zip over to Nakusp or down to Osoyoos on her own. “I don’t believe in waiting around for opportunities. I love riding with my friends but I’m very comfortable on my own, too”. In 2008, her ten day, solo trip in Australia took her to some of that country’s most beautiful spots. “I rented a Harley Ultra Classic and flew to Sydney, where I picked it up. I travelled to some amazing places like Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles, The Grampians and the Blue Mountains,” she recalls. And riders are a friendly bunch who meet up with strangers that quickly morph into new friends. “You’re not really alone that much. I met people within a few hours of starting my trip and kept meeting more the entire time. It’s all part of the experience. I made some lifelong friends on that ride.” Another twelve day trip with friends took them through seven U.S. states and she said a group trip to Alaska brings back some pretty spectacular memories as well. 30 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

members. She says LOH is a great group for social activities and planned rides. “We have women who ride their own bikes and those that are backriders. Men can attend our events but the rides are planned by the women. We ride together all summer and in the winter we try to organize a monthly event to socialize and have some fun. We do an annual garage sale with used equipment and riding clothes, to name a few things,” she explains. Sue started out riding on the back of her partner’s bike and a mere four months later, she had her first bike and a license. She loves the social aspect of riding and is usually with a group anywhere from six to 75 people. She and some other members of the group are involved in Ride for Dad, a fundraiser for prostate cancer.

“IT’S REALLY EXCITING AND FUN TO RIDE IN A PARADE WITH UP TO 400 BIKES! TRAFFIC IS STOPPED, PEOPLE ARE WAVING AND IT SHOWS THAT BIKERS ARE A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP.” “The group I often ride with are great to be with. I’m not much of a pre-planner…I believe that a ride should be an adventure. I took another trip where I shipped my bike to Nova Scotia and spent three weeks travelling around Cape Breton, the whole of Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick. I met two people from Moncton on a ferry to PEI and they suggested I visit Gaspe, so off I went!” Janinne is on her fourth Harley, a Street Glide, which is the largest she’s ever owned. “I find the Harley easier for women to handle. With the weight distribution, I just feel safer. The design suits a woman’s structure.” While there is always potential danger lurking around the corner, Janinne says her own experience proved to her that taking riding lessons was the best way to go. “I was involved in a pretty scary accident on the Port Mann Bridge, when the road was oily after heavy rain. I rolled into incoming traffic, and my (riding) course really saved me. Right away I was looking for the safest place to go and I understood emergency braking. I was all alone that day. I was rescued by two off-duty paramedics and two off-duty firemen. It’s a great way to meet people,” she chuckled. “I ended up with three cracked ribs and a bruised ego.” Gasoline Alley’s Ashdown agrees that preparation is key for any new rider. “We host Garage Parties for women only, where they can talk to our people

“I’LL BE IN MY 80S’ ON A HARLEY DAVIDSON TRIKE BEFORE I STOP RIDING” and learn specifically about financing options, sales, riding gear, safety gear, the service department, parts…everything they’ll need to know to get started,” he said. “Harley Davidson trains us extensively on getting the right bike for the client the first time. Sometimes it’s better to start on a smaller bike, and sometimes it starts when a woman is a passenger on her partner’s bike and realize they want their own motorcycle.” Gasoline Alley offers Harley rentals for people with a full motorcycle license, and they have demo bikes riders can try. With spring fast approaching, bike sales are expected to skyrocket. Both new and used bikes are available, and the selection is immense with over 100 bikes on site. Ashdown says their local dealership is very involved in community charities and events. They host Poker Runs, a Mother’s Day ride complete with a free lunch, and in 2018, they’ll be hosting a Hog Rally in Kelowna. They also sponsor HOG, the Harley Owners Group. Its’ affiliate is LOH, Ladies of Harley and Sue Plover is their Membership Officer. Sue rides a Kawasaki Vulcan but she’s been adopted by her fellow LOH

“It’s really exciting and fun to ride in a parade with up to 400 bikes! Traffic is stopped, people are waving and it shows that bikers are a great group of people who want to help.” Sue says riding her bike is a pure adrenaline rush. “Riding is freedom, empowerment, knowing that you’re in charge, exciting and exhilarating. I don’t ride with music on my bike because I don’t want to. It’s the sheer joy of being out in the fresh air and sunshine,” she says. “I’ve been riding for three years and I’ve seen far more of the Okanagan during that time than in the previous 17 years I lived here. We take a lot of back roads and see things you’d never experience otherwise.” For more information on LOH, contact Sue at www.suelp@shaw.ca and she’ll be glad to help. As Janinne Cleary says, riding is a lifelong event for her and many of the women who ride. “I’ll be in my 80s’ on a Harley Davidson trike before I stop riding,” she states emphatically.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 31

SWEET POTATO QUINOA CHICK PEA

super salad

INGREDIENTS SALAD 1 medium sweet potato 1 14 ounce can chickpeas, drained 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds 1/2 cup quinoa + 3/4 cup water 1 large carrot, peeled and grated 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced 1 cup spinach leaves, torn into bite sized pieces 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

DRESSING 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp honey 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400Â° Poke sweet potato all over with a fork, and bake on rack in centre of oven about 25 minutes or until you can pierce with a knife. 2. Remove skin from sweet potato and cut into 1/2 inch cubes 3. Add quinoa and water to a pot, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to cool. 4. Toss all salad ingredients together in a large bowl. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Add dressing to salad and toss everything together.

spiced BAKED

SALMON pomegranate raita

INGREDIENTS 1 tsp fennel seed 1 tsp cardamom seed tsp coriander seed 2 whole cloves 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp peppercorns 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. 1 1 lb salmon fillet, skin on

POMEGRANATE RAITA 1/2 cup plain Greek or Balkan style yogurt 2 tbsp chopped mint 2 tbsp chopped cilantro 1 tsp salt 1 tsp lemon juice 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

DIRECTIONS 1. Using a mortar & pestle, or a spice grinder, combine all spices and grind to a powder. Rub spice mixture over salmon fillet. Cover fillet in plastic wrap and refrigerate 5-6 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 400Â°. Put salmon fillet on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in centre of oven for 15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and the spice rub forms a crust. 3. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mint, cilantro, salt, lemon juice and pomegranate seeds. 4. Serve salmon hot, with raita. 32 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

mango & avocado

salsa

THIS YUMMY MANGO & AVOCADO SALSA IS SUPER EASY TO PUT TOGETHER AND DELICIOUS ON GRILLED FISH OR CHICKEN. INGREDIENTS 2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and diced 2 ripe mangos, peeled and diced juice of one lime 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 red or green jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp honey sea salt DIRECTIONS Put all ingredients in a bowl and combine. Add salt to taste, cover, and refrigerate until well chilled.

CREDITS RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY – COLLEEN MILNE WWW.THEFOODBLOG.NET

new

potato salad

CHIVE BLOSSOMS & SPRING RADISHES

INGREDIENTS 1.5 - 2 lbs new potatoes or fingerling potatoes, quartered 6 - 7 radishes, thinly sliced 12 chive blossoms, washed, plucked from stems, and dried with paper towel 1/4 cup chive stalks, chopped 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp Dijon mustard Kosher salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Put olive oil and Dijon mustard into a jar with a lid and shake hard until combined. 2. Put potatoes in a large pot in very well salted water and boil until just fork tender, don’t overcook. Drain potatoes, then return to the pot and put on the still warm burner, shaking them around to remove the moisture. Remove from heat and allow potatoes to cool a little. 3. Toss potatoes with radishes, chives, and chive blossoms and olive oil/ Dijon dressing. 4. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let all those simple flavours meld together. OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 33

LOL | LADIES ON LITERATURE WINTER 2016

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The non-fiction book the LOL recently read resulted in some serious discussions while sipping Shiraz; the epic novel gave us reason to laugh-outloud…while sipping Shiraz. Join us here in Okanagan Woman and visit my newly launched blog, Books, Blood, and Baking at shannonlinden.ca for recipes and reviews. As always, our hostess selected the book and charity of the month. The Kelowna CMHA and Room to Read received donations.

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The songs of spring are a distant, faint sound as I pen this piece in frigid January, but for you, dear reader, spring has sprung. How marvelous!

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34 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

THE SURRENDER EXPERIMENT BY MICHAEL A. SINGER

Michael (Mickey) Singer says if we silence the relentless chatter of our monkey minds—just cut those pervasive primates at their everswinging arms—we’d free ourselves from judgment, better equipping us to accept our current circumstances and simply surrender to what life has in store. In other words: tell that roommate in our head to shut the bleep up and just go with the flow. Something many of us are working on; something I yearn to embrace and thus I so wanted to like this book. Sadly, I didn’t.

The story starts out strong as Singer abandons a promising academic career to seek solace in the woods, rejecting the company of others in search of solitude and silence. While that is unrealistic (never mind unappealing) for most of us, I was still with him as he encouraged me to live in the moment and surrender to what life presented, trusting in the great compass of God (or whatever you might choose to call the omniscient; the book is nondenominational) to guide me to good. “Every day we give precedence to our mind’s thoughts over the reality unfolding before us,” he explains. “We regularly say things like, ‘It better not

his path was fascinating.” The word ‘surrender’ resonated with her. “It felt like a release to accept things and give into the flow of life.” Cindy G., who listened to it on audiobook, said Singer’s voice soothed her (and seemed to lead her to the perfect parking spots). A sizeable number of Goodreads participants loved the book, so others might get more from it, but I’ll be donating mine to the thrift store.

“

The quest for the perfect mate has always been a complicated one and we love a complicated, emotionally true story. -Kathy

PHOTO CREDIT: GOODREADS

rain today because I’m going camping’ or ‘I better get that raise because I really need the money’…it’s as though we actually believe the world around us is supposed to manifest according to our likes and dislikes. If it doesn’t, surely something is very wrong…it is the reason we feel that we are always struggling with life.” So far so good. When Singer discovers Zen Buddhism he finally feels understood and begins studying meditation in earnest. When he goes on a camping trip with his wife and friends and disappears to meditate for hours at a time, he learns to “go beyond” and thus begins his spiritual birthing—and the death of his marriage. I rode with him in his VW Van as he journeyed the backroads of California and the unexplored paths of his soul; I did yoga with him (hail the power of the mat); I clapped when life presented unsolicited opportunities and he heeded the call, despite initial misgivings. Yet he ultimately lost me when he admitted to teaching university without lesson plans, writing (and acing) economics exams without studying, and starting a construction company followed by a medical software empire, all by seemingly surrendering to the will of the world. I wholeheartedly believe in channeling positive energy in the direction of our dreams to attract favourable outcomes, but Singer made it all seem so simple, the book came across as trite and selfindulgent—wrapped up in mediocre writing. He makes momentary mention of his second wife (they lived in separate houses) and the birth of his beautiful daughter, but much time is spent bowing at the knees of spiritual masters and name-dropping prestigious business associates. I applaud the monetary contributions he’s made to charity and his quest to enlighten minds with his Temple of the Universe, a commune where people of any belief come together to practice yoga and inner peace. But when his software company was investigated by the FBI for fraud, I couldn’t help but wonder if this guy was a shyster. The book brought about a great discussion at Cara’s home, with Cindy W. remarking she “found it conflicting that such a meditative, back to the woods, spiritual guy would embark on a career in the corporate world…however,

2.5/5 Cheers!

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BY JANE AUSTEN At the other end of the spectrum, our resident physician, Gail, decided it was time we read an epic novel. When asked why she selected Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, she said, "I thought any book still considered to be a top 100 read—200 years later—must be worthwhile.” Then she added, “I think occasionally turning it up and reading a classic is good for us, a bit like cod liver oil.” The other writer in our group, Laura (lauragosset.com), did some research and found that Austen’s book was originally titled First Impressions. Submitted to a publisher in 1797 by her father, it was rejected, probably because it was written by a woman. It wasn’t until 1813 the book hit the shelves—with an anonymous byline. Sadly, Austen never lived to see fame from her novels but one hopes she’s never stopped beaming down from the Heavens, all these years since. “The story, an entertaining study of manners and misconceptions set against the back-drop of a class-conscious 18th century England, is about the pride of a man and the prejudice of a woman,” Laura said. “Based upon the classic girl meets boy; girl loses boy; girl gets boy back; it has become one of the most famous love stories of all times.” It’s never been out of print and has sold more than 20 million copies. Gail said, “Although there were no explicit sex scenes (sorry, Laura), “there was the story of romantic love… As I got into it, it occurred to me that we, as women, have such different roles in life now. Imagine being born 200 years ago! Most of us would have much narrower

roles with sharp boundaries of acceptable behaviour. I would have hated that life.” Gail noted the opening line: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be want of a wife. “Yikes!” she said. “What pressure for both parties and so much for the LGBTQ community!” “Love is always complex,” Gail said, “but in this setting, the parameters of correct behaviour and the influence of family and friends, make the development of a relationship and expression of love even more challenging.” Kathy concurred. “The quest for the perfect mate has always been a complicated one and we love a complicated, emotionally true story.” Bonnie, who is the Education Coordinator at Project Literacy Kelowna, found the language “that doubled back on itself” a tough slog at first, but “after about 70 pages it stopped feeling like homework. Language changes, gender roles change (thank God) and yet a good story with good-hearted people (Elizabeth) and colossal asses (Collins) …all getting their just desserts…well, that was satisfying!”

4/5 Cheers!

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 35

This is the time of year Okanagan golfers are basking in their good luck. While much of the rest of the country is still feeling the effects of late winter, the greens and fairways of the Okanagan Valley are beckoning. BY DEANNA RAINEY

GET A GRIP! OKANAGAN WOMEN SWING INTO SPRING It’s safe to say that women golfers are as passionate – and competitive – as their male counterparts. On any given hole, they can plunge into the depths of despair with a bad putt or transform their game with the perfect approach shot. Women anticipate the start of golf season as eagerly as their male counterparts, and Kelowna golfer Dawn Taplay frequently enjoys up to 100 rounds a year at her home course, The Okanagan Golf Club. Taplay is one of thousands of women golfers in the Okanagan, and the number is growing steadily. When Taplay was ten years old, she used her Dad’s clubs to try the sport. She fashioned a home-made attachment for her bicycle to pull her golf clubs to the course. At age 23 she became a prolific golfer. 36 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

“It is an individual sport so I can go anywhere, anytime and I can play with anyone. As a young single adult that was important and it still is. Golf is a game you play for life. You can never beat its’ challenges. There is a great deal of camaraderie in the game,” she observed. “The Okanagan Club offers two full courses (The Bear and Quail Ridge), so when there is a tournament at one, I always have another course to play. “There are a lot more fun competitions coming on stream and many courses are promoting womens’ events all the time. Even if you aren’t a member somewhere, there is plenty to choose from,” said Taplay. “It’s a game you can play well into your 80s in many cases, and it is great exercise. On Canadian golf courses we promote walking,

not mandatory carting. And it’s very socially interactive.” An acknowledged expert on golf equipment, Greg Murtland says TaylorMade is the number one name in golf. (The company signed a sponsorship agreement with Tiger Woods the day Murtland was interviewed.) Ladies’ golf equipment and apparel makes up about 15 per cent of the company’s product line. TaylorMade has developed a new line designed around women golfers, Kalea, which means to bring joy and happiness. “In some cases, women golfers are playing with clubs that have been handed down to them. Ladies prefer their own design… clubs that are lighter with shorter shafts and more loft on the club which makes it easier to get the ball in the air.” Murtland explains.

“

GOLF CAN TEND TO BE A LITTLE BIT INTIMIDATING FOR WOMEN. WE LAUNCHED THE SWING LIKE A GIRL PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE EVERYTHING ABOUT A GOLF OUTING.

“Ladies who are advanced play a stiffer flex and longer shaft.” Women golfers often prefer to hit drivers, fairway woods and hybrid clubs. Try them at Predator Ridge, The Okanagan Golf Club, The Harvest, Gallagher’s Canyon and Two Eagles. Predator Ridge near Vernon has a reputation as a premium golf destination and they welcome women of all abilities to this spectacular facility by emphasizing a fun, welcoming environment. “We have put a positive spin on the experience of this lifetime sport at Predator Ridge,” says Rod Cochrane, General Manager. “We are totally committed to women golfers, and about 30 per cent of our visitors are ladies. We’ve become very good at it!” Predator Ridge boasts 36 holes of outstanding golf as well as on-site golf cottages and all-suite hotel units. “Golf can tend to be a little bit intimidating for women. We launched the Swing Like A Girl program to celebrate everything about a golf outing. You can come for nine holes in the evening; take lessons or participate in camps where

you learn to golf or work on your game.” Cochrane said. In Kelowna, The Harvest Golf Course is another perfect option for women. “It is just the right length for walking, and women love the surroundings and après dining,” says resort manager Gilles Dufort. “We’ve created a great learning environment and women love to learn! They will also use golf instruction for a terrific social outing.” Just a few minutes past The Harvest you’ll encounter Gallagher’s Canyon, offering the full-sized Canyon Course and the perennially popular Pinnacle nine-hole course. The Pinnacle is home to one of the most popular public ladies day programs, held on Thursday mornings and includes lunch. With views of the Kettle Valley Canyon, mountains and the city, the Pinnacle is the first stop for many new golfers. Tanya Coleman oversees the special events and weddings on site. She notes that more women than ever are getting into golf, and you don’t have to be a member to play ladies day. Lesson packages are also available. Across the bridge on the West Side,

Shannon Lake offers more splendid

Okanagan views and a full 18-hole course. They feature a Tuesday morning Ladies Day program open to members and non-members, as well as Ladies Night on Thursdays offering nine or 18 holes. This challenging course is full of character and offers special pricing for their ladies day programs. Other Okanagan courses known for their Ladies Day programs include the Penticton Golf and Country Club, which hosts their weekly event on Wednesday afternoons including nine holes and an optional meal. This historic course was founded in 1922! Michaelbrook Golf Course in Kelowna has a well-known Tuesday ladies day program, and Kelowna Springs hosts the ladies on Wednesday afternoons. Golf is social, educational, fun, healthy and highly contagious! It is enjoyed by women of all ages and abilities, in groups with their friends or partners. The vast selection of golf facilities and the commitment by so many courses to ladies’ golf have created a golf mecca in the Okanagan that is second to none.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 37

CITRUS FRUITS All citrus fruits contain vitamin C, great to keep the skin tissue strong. Eating an orange a day gives you all the vitamin C your body needs and helps to increase absorption of iron from the vegetables and legumes we consume.

For extra zestâ&#x20AC;Ś feed a few slices to your significant other.

BEANS

Legumes are rich in fiber to help keep your digestive system functioning properly. They contain protein, iron, and zinc. Black beans are also a good source of biotin important for healthy skin and hair.

Nibble on these sexy superfoods. Extra high in nutrients so not only will you feel good, you may also surprise your partner with your new found vitality!

10 SIMPLE

Sprinkle black and red beans into the salad to create an exotic side dish!

to Zest up your

SALMON

Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc which play a big part in protecting your skin cells. The beneficial fats in salmon may also be good for muscle and nerve function.

Salmon sashimi or grilled salmon steak whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love.

BERRIES

The beautiful pigments that give berries their colors also contain phytochemicals that work as antioxidants to protect your skin. Blueberries and cranberry juice may also help prevent bladder infections.

Dip fresh strawberries in dark chocolate then wait for the romance to happen!

38 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

WALNUTS

Walnuts are an excellent source of protein. Some research studies have suggested that the phytochemicals in walnuts help keep prostates healthy in older men.

Stimulate that salad with the unexpected crunch!

DARK CHOCOLATE

WATER

Ladies we know that eating chocolate improves our mood, but dark chocolate may have a little super power all of its own. It’s believed that the phytochemicals in dark chocolate may improve blood flow to all parts, including the brain and the sex organs.

Water - so necessary for your body. It's also essential for smooth healthy skin. Best of all - water has 0 calories. If you like a little more jazz.. add a slice of lemon or lime and switch up to carbonated water.

Very important components of arousal, wouldn’t you say!

FOODS Sex Life

Bubbles are always sexy!

OYSTERS

Last but by no means least – oysters are legendary as aphrodisiacs and may actually be the sexiest foods on the market. Rich in zinc, great for healthy hair, taste and smell senses, also important for male sexual health, testosterone levels and sperm production.

Need we say more!

NON-FAT YOGURT Dairy products are rich in vitamin A and calcium essential for strong bones and healthy hair. Non-fat yogurt has all the benefits of milk plus probiotics, great to help keep your digestive system working normally.

Get fruity for extra nutrition!

TOMATOES

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and a phytochemical called lycopene which may help your skin stay smooth and supple, may also protect from sun damage.

Even the colour is sexy hot!

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 39

HOROSCOPE by Heather Zais

Aries

Taurus

MAR 21 - APRIL 19

APRIL 20 - MAY 20

Jun Turn the heat Mar --Lay outup a clear plan on for matters your future direction and how muchor you really want relating to joint assets funds that to do, orsome feel upsettlement. to. require Apr - -Backtrack papersmatters or documents Jul Home orover property are for areas where you can recover or have highlighted in positive ways. You collect. It is there. opportunities to gain. May Your sideand comes Aug - Youindependent change tactics can out stronger than usual.locations A change or of appear in unexpected direction affects future. venues. You surprise.

Jun--Matters Focus behind on relationships, Mar the scenes can be brought now by choice or not. personalforward or business. Power Use humour on it. who is in charge. struggles decide Apr forward onenvironment, your plans or Jul - -Move Improve your projects. new moon in your home orThe work. Renovations orsign gives you added focus. upgrades add extra value. May time toor deal with lengthy Aug- -Take Entertain have open house. communications meetings that will Look over plans.or Crunch numbers to affect financials now.

Yousurrounding are the star as onyou many Jun Mar --Clear seek change. Thislook relates to associates, family levels. You better and feel better or all your “stuff”. attracting many to you. Apr - -Huddle behind Finances get closed a boostdoors fromtoyour Jul organize make efforts oreveryone’s sharing inschedule benefitsto connected the best use of time. to others. Good. May - -Speak up if itbecome will kick more start plans or Locations Aug projects intotoforward motion. important your end game.Others Selectare listening. from suitable choices.

JULY 23 - AUG 22

AUG 23 - SEPT 22

Cancer

JUNE 21 - JULY 22 Mar --Conversations forth may Jun You becomeback moreand focused feel like negotiations to some degree. on romantic or creative matters. Weigh all options. Contacts bring opportunity. Apr - -Consult withofauthorities or those Jul Step out your comfort zonein official can with help you with even ifpositions you havewho to deal your ambitions. unexpected circumstances. May - Follow your instincts when it comes Aug - Take time to be out and about to jumping at new opportunities. It will in your community. Attend select be a release. events you enjoy.

enhance gains.

Mar end upofcosting you Jun--Travel Takecould command home or more than you planned for. It looks like it base of operation. It is done in ways would be worth it though. that others agree with now. Apr cangain takeathe next step in your Jul - -You You more prominent career job evenorif business it means taking role inor personal areas; on a something unusual. natural sense of command. May - Finalize long term plans, especially Aug - You attract perks or good those regarding locations. Revisit some fortune.places. Others count on your ability familiar

to bring them together.

MAY 21 - JUNE 20

Virgo

Mar --You seek to be more player in a Jun Situations need toof bea handled larger arena. This works out with careful in a more private manner for now as planning now. things get sorted out. Apr - -When deciding locations Jul Assess whereon you want to be consider the security or comfort while looking at other areas of value for the long term. Ease it. opportunity opening up now. May - Look at ways you can gain from the Aug - Spend time in quiet past. Dig a little deeper into things not in contemplation focus or view. or meeting up behind closed doors. Develop plans.

SEPT 23 - OCT 22

OCT 23 - NOV 21

NOV 22 - DEC 21

Mar --ItsCommunications make or break time in to Jun lead relationships. You a nice balance or plans to travel or like have company. security. Assess increase your needs. Opportunities nicely. Apr - -Take your time settling things or Jul Discuss moves for yourself making where others or thosearrangements you care about. Clear the are involved. It works. decks or finalize the details. May - You can make a breakthrough in Aug - Break free of restrictions in relationships with personal or business personal or business areas. Avoid agreements etc.

Mar things in a way Jun--Change Your focus is up strong andthat gives you more control. health energizes actions. YouWork haveor what it areas affected. takesare to get things done. Apr orlike business relationships Jul - -Personal You feel the star that you reach a point where each ofasyou need to are. Relax some intensity you see the plans. glide ahead more easily. May - Adopt a new or different position Aug - Use inside tips from associates that may be a surprise to others. You land that would lead to future gains. on your feet.

Mar --Luck is with you on andall benefits your Jun Relationships levels are position or career. Take a chance enhanced. Mate, marriage or on your creativity. partnerships progress. Apr - -Focus yourof areas ofisstrength Jul Youron sense duty strong to make gains the future. Youon have what and you arefor willing to take more. it takes. Expand contacts. May - You will feel like a winner one way Aug - A focused, steady hand at or the other. Spread your wings out of the helm is appreciated by those the comfort zone.

DEC 22 - JAN 19

JAN 20 - FEB 18

FEB 19 - MAR 20

Mar --BeImportant adaptableor if you have to be in a powerful people Jun different department or location. Results can be counted on to support your will good. endbe game. Engage. Apr - -Relax a bit and go with the flow. Jul There is strength in unity as Others rely on your recordor to help you join forces withtrack powerful them benefit. successful individuals. May - Changes work out in your favour Aug - Moves are unexpected for when dealing with higher ups or yourself or others. Circumstances powerful controllers. or conditions alter.

Mar words influence Take on a have moresome responsible Jun--Your on events or alterations that need to be role or position as your status is on made. ItsGet right. the rise. together. Apr onluck the home Othersthings bringup you in Jul - -Change front or makeways. a move. plans unexpected BeYour willing to are affected. Be free. negotiate special terms etc. May - Access to media works for you in Aug - Connect or join forces with new or unusual ways. Get your message powerful or influential individuals. out there.

knee jerk actions to win.

40 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

Check out the data.

Make a great team.

who count on you.

Mar --Relationships become Jun Choose whether youmore wantintense to under the full moon. Clarify your stay in for the long haul or needneeds to in agreements. switch it up. Check info. Apr - -Reunite others or can holdwork special Social with connections in Jul meetings. on all our favour.Relationships Some of them willlevels be improve nicely. helpful to your goals. May - You get a lucky break with finances Aug - Your magnetic appeal is or assets. Convert what you can or seek enhanced and others are attracted to new income. that. Get together.

HOME EMBRACING SPRING'S METAMORPHOSIS AS WE OPEN WINDOWS SEALED TIGHT BY THE INTROVERSION OF WINTERS CHILL AND TAKE IN OUR FIRST BREATH OF SPRING AIR, CREATIVE VISIONS OF BEAUTIFYING OUR HOME COME TO LIFE. Emerging from our cocoon of a snowy winter, we receive a plethora of media images inspiring us to reboot, refresh and rejuvenate within our private spaces called home. Hundreds of home based projects lay in waiting of the creative mind; with the benefit of all those long winter evenings spent contemplating them. Selection of which project to bring to the foreground is never an easy decision. The best step is to make up a list of your conjured creations. Prioritize each inspiration based on your available time and available finances. This step sets the stage for each of your creative endeavours. Post it notes inside a file folder help

to capture your ideas and speed up the process. Mix, match and move them about as your ideas bubble forward. Keep an eye on your time as it is finite and projects are seemingly endless. Start small .... you will reap the rewards immediately. Try to keep an eye on your time commitment so your project gets finished. If you only have a week to complete a home reno - then approach the project with a time line that helps keep your home, work, life and project in balance. Most of all .... enjoy the journey!

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Whether you’re planning to freshen up the exterior, landscape the garden, create a new living space or spruce up the bedroom, the renovating stage can be downright dirty, messy and a great deal of hard work.

The joy comes when you find yourself toasting those creative eﬀorts with a glass of glorious Okanagan wine and saying

"job well done". RONA HOME & GARDEN 1711 Springfield Rd Kelowna BC, V1Y 5V5 Phone: 250.762.7389

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 41

GROW Your Own Way

Winter is finally over and that means it’s time to stop and smell the roses…. but first we must plant the flowers! Okanagan Woman has compiled the following five tips to help you create a garden that you’ll love, and so will your neighbours! MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY

5 tips for a blooming, beautiful garden 1. CREATE A VISION FOR YOUR DREAM GARDEN

Before heading to the local nursery, have an idea of what you want to create. Find photos of your favourite flowers, shrubs and trees then create a vision board or organize your images in a folder. This will assist the experts in helping you to create your dream garden. Here are some important points to consider before heading out; • •

• •

How much shade or sunlight does your green space get? Choose plants according to their light requirements. Perennials and/or annuals? Annual flowers provide lots of colour but last for only one year. Some perennials can last for many years and provide colour at different times throughout the seasons. Colour: Do you like the hues of blues and pinks or bright yellows and oranges? Or perhaps you prefer to showcase all the colours of the rainbow in your garden. Blooming times: if you’re looking for as much colour in your garden for as long as possible, it`s important to know when your plants will bloom. Don’t forget to ask the experts at the garden centre for the best staging to last through the seasons.

3. SOIL REVITALIZATION

Water filters through sandy soil too easily, therefore most plants cannot thrive. Water sits too long in clay soil, the roots of plants cannot penetrate through this wet, dense earth. The ideal soil for most plants is loose, rich, dark soil, full of organic plant matter. To enrich your soil, add compost or well-rotted manure to your garden beds. You can create your own compost with fruit and vegetable scraps. To start composting, you will need a kitchen green bin and a compost bin in your yard. It’s as easy as that! It`s a good idea to place a layer of brown leaves or soil in the compost bin between compost dumping. This should help keep the smell down and the rodents away. Adding mulch on top of the soil around your plants, helps the garden retain moisture and it also helps keep weed growth to a minimum.

4. HEAD TO YOUR LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE

Okay, now you’re ready to take your beautifully created vision board or photo file to a garden centre expert. This is the step that is probably the most fun. Grab your trolley and begin strolling through the rows of colourful flowers and beautiful shrubs. Don’t forget to ask for help from the experts. They are full of amazing knowledge and they’re there to help you. Remember, no gardening question is a stupid question.

5. CREATING YOUR VERY OWN GREEN THUMB

The time is finally here, so roll up your sleeves, grab your trowel, put on the gloves and start gardening. Okanagan Woman suggests: • • • •

2. OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Spring is the perfect time to clean your garden and get rid of all the winter debris. You may want to prune shrubs and bushes that survived the cold Okanagan winter. As you’re now in spring cleaning mode, it’s also a good time to clean and sharpen your favourite gardening tools.

• • • •

PANSIES – a hardy annual for early spring colour ROSEBUSHES – for beautiful summer colour and fragrance LAVENDER – provides colour, fragrance and pollen for bees and butterflies DAY LILIES – beautiful trumpet shape with long flowing foliage FORGET-ME-NOTS – delicate blue flowers to welcome early spring SHRUBS – for a hardy green structure that provides a place for birds to perch and play HERBS like rosemary, basil, oregano – for use in your own kitchen VEGETABLES – fun to enjoy your very own homegrown produce

Happy planting! Be sure to tag Okanagan Woman in your social media gardening pictures or hashtag #OKWgardens. 42 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

1629 KLO ROAD, KELOWNA, BC

Your local one-stop

Garden Shop

Look no further!

Kelowna’s Better Earth Gardens & Tropicals is a family-run business located on K.L.O Road in Kelowna. Carmen Walisser, the owner, has gone to great lengths to maintain a small town rural feel within her garden centre. “We have our two horses here also, which is nice because it's like having a small farm in the city." Better Earth Gardens & Tropicals are just starting out in this location and are planning to expand into a business that caters to all your gardening and landscaping needs.

You’ll find several different types of mulch, soil, fertilizer and an array of plants and flowers, everything you need to spruce up your garden this spring. They also have multiple colors and sizes of landscape rock available. Landscape rock has become increasingly popular over the years as water restrictions get tougher every year, it is a more permanent solution for weed control and is very low maintenance. Gardening has always been something Carmen dreamed of growing up. She studied

"We're an all-round garden centre, offering a variety of landscaping options, custom plantings and creative baskets," Carmen says.

Landscape Architecture at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and went on to buy a greenhouse in Alberta and operated that business for 15 years. Her mother and grandmother were also involved in gardening, which helped grow her passion. Now, Carmen’s daughter is also involved with operating Better Earth Gardens & Tropicals, so you could say green thumbs run in the Walisser family. To learn more about Better Earth Gardens & Tropicals, visit their website http:// betterearthgardencentre.com/ or stop by their 1629 KLO road, Kelowna location.

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 43

TRENDS COME AND GO.

The trick to a stylish home interior is to let it express who you are; your inner self, your world travel experiences, what intrigues your mind and peaks your interests; let your home be your halo in life's spiritual journey - the good at the end of the day that lets you breath out an "aah". Transport the mundane in your life and let what embellishes your soul, speak to you every day within the walls of your personal sanctuary. Start by writing a love letter to yourself ......... let your inner thoughts speak of what you love to see and feel. Describe your inner "loves" in terms of design language: colour, line, shape, form, texture. Let the creative language you create speak within every item you own. Modern or Old World; Sensuous or Pristine; Cave private or Ultra public?

Colours have an individual language and range from delicious and crisp to mysterious and afterglow. Sensitive interior moods start with the telling use of colour. Think of expressive words like: exotic, dusk and sunset and you are on the right track. Support your favorite time of day with colour and work within the vocabulary of that time. Research your passion through colour leaders: Pantone, Benjamin Moore and the Colour Institute. Pantone's colour for 2017 : Greenery - vibrant, sassy, refreshing, energized growth. Benjamin Moore: Twilight - an evening colour that states: sultry, mysterious silhouettes, shadows depth. Amulet - the early warmth of dawn, straw sun hat, equatorial bliss Sandlot Gray - sunset glow, ocean kissed sand. Gentlemen's Gray: moon shadow, phantom, illusion, evening cusp

Let form speak to you. Curvilinear, rectilinear, amorphic; - define the large objects with in your home with line, shape and form that resonates to you. Define your "favorite" ..... chair. Let that be your leader. The Ripple Chair: Ron Arad's ripple relief reflects patterns and curvilinear lines inspired by the movement of water. The chair is functional, aesthetically intriguing and stacks to save space. Porthole Mirror by Pottery Barn Home.

REFLECTION

Use mirror to create a porthole into another dimension of space. The reflective illusion extends the breathing space. Position the mirror to reflect the greenery of the outdoors - effectively bringing the outside - inside.

INTERIORS transcending trends

44 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

Fumi Lamp Available at Anthropologie online

COLOUR

FORM

by Gisela Scholze - INTEGRO DESIGN

LIGHTING

TEXTURES

Details with asymetrical broom fringe and colored tassles make waves in home fashion with an exotic twist and nod to nomadic fantasies. Bohemian chic and travel saavy; these tactile textures visually cuddle the spirit with in us.

A simple upgrade in lamp bulbs will contribute to the entire ambiance of life. Replace A lamps (cheap old fashioned light bulbs) with LED lamps. LED lamps are life transcending providing high quality lighting along with time savings; for those challenging and hard to reach ceiling fixtures, with the added bonus of deep pocket energy savings. Colour can ONLY be seen with light; so this is a first step in making homestyle changes. LED lighting is also very cost effective.

Haworth Cooperi

GROWING LIFE AFFIRMATIONS

Spiral aloe vera

lithops (aka growing rocks)

Desert plant materials are awe inspiring. Succulents are joyful plants and successfully grow with very little attention. Sympathetic to dehydration for those that may have water routine challenges, succulents love to grow slowly. Here's some beauties to inspire and green-size your homemood.

THE FUTURE OF

FLOORING

A new product called vinyl plank is becoming very popular in the Okanagan, it’s not only cost- effective, user-friendly and versatile, but it’s also extremely elegant and waterproof! Patrice Raven, co-owner of Impression Floors Kelowna, believes that the click vinyl plank products will be found in most homes in the future, replacing the high maintenance of more traditional hardwood floors. "I really wish we had vinyl plank when I raised my household of boys. It is hardwearing, it looks great, it's versatile and you can clean it very easily. Perfect for households raising a young family." What makes these planks so different is the cork base on the back of each plank. This feature gives the floor more cushioning and is cost effective as there is no need to purchase a sound block underlayment if you are in a condo. With the cork backing, it also means these beautiful Adventure and Expedition planks are 100% water proof. Makes it perfect for a busy household with kids and animals running around. Vinyl planks are robust enough for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry areas, but are also elegant enough for the dining area and great room. This beautiful vinyl flooring also comes with a 30 year residential warranty.

"Nothing is 100 per cent animal proof, kid proof or stiletto heel proof, but vinyl planks do wear extremely well," Patrice explains. Adventure and Expedition plank is suitable for a wide range of applications including floating it over radiant heat and this waterproof plank flooring is super easy to maintain, no need for any special commercial products to clean these floors.

Impression Floors have over 30 years flooring experience and since opening its doors in Kelowna, April 2016, these vinyl planks, from Beaulieu Canada, are their best-selling and most in-demand product, says Patrice. “We also have a spring special on currently, so come in and check out the array of grades and colours.” The local flooring crew at Impression Floors has more than 20 years’ experience when

PATRICE RAVEN

it comes to stairs, nosing, great rooms and hallways. Imagine sitting back and watching the magic happen as the installers piece together this elegant flooring in your home. For more information about any of your flooring needs; Impression Floors 1725 Baron Road, Kelowna Phone: 250-979-7419 www.impressionfloors.com

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 45

EXECUTIVE SERVICES at AFFORDABLE RATES

NANCY FULLERTON

Imagine working full-time, raising a family, cleaning the house, going to the supermarket and trying to find a little bit of “you” time. Seems impossible, doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to be. Executive Household Management Services (EHMS) and Nancy Fullerton want to help you enjoy life, while maintaining all the necessary home requirements. Nancy graduated from Balmoral Hall, an all-girls private school in

46 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

Winnipeg, which in part is where she learned discipline and goal setting. She went on to study Fashion Design and Merchandising in Toronto. While living in the eastern part of Canada, Nancy worked for Creeds & Co, the visual display sector for Eatons and the Bay, and as a photo stylist and trained set dresser for film productions. Eventually Nancy set up her own in- home service business called Shine In Home Services.

Nancy relocated to beautiful British Columbia and now calls Kelowna home. This business owner has taken everything she’s learned over the course of 26 years and created EHMS. EHMS is a combination of household management and personal assistance services. But, as Nancy explains, there’s a slight difference between the two main divisions. “A Household Manager focuses more on the running of the home, staffing when necessary, hiring trades, food shopping, organizing meals, family gatherings etcetera. A Personal Assistant takes care a lot of a client's personal needs outside the home, but there definitely is a crossover between the two.” Although different, both require a vast skill set. Trust and reliability are key aspects required between clients and their household manager and personal assistant. Nancy has tailored her business to the Okanagan by creating the addition of “Two Households Services”, which helps people with multiple residences. Nancy has experienced working with all types of homeowners including high profile executives and celebrities. The company tag line sums up the philosophy perfectly…

“Executive services at affordable rates.”

Household Management Services

Personal Assistant Services

Executive & Concierge Services

Culinary Services

Two Households Services

Clean Sweep

FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION OKANAGAN

www.execservices.ca nancy@execservices.ca WOMAN SPRING | 2017 47

JORDANS FINE FURNITURE & DESIGN GALLERY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; KELOWNA ELEGANCE IS DEFINED BY SIMPLICITY Simple, sophisticated and flexible enough to work with a variety of style categories.

RENOVATE; TRANSFORM; UPDATE A sense of style has more to do with good taste, visual balance and refinement.

RUSTIC CHIC Traditional, Transitional and rustic elegance.

DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR LIFE AND BUDGET We can help make your house a home.

1788 BARON ROAD, KELOWNA TEL: 250.861.8656 JORDANS.CA 48 OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

IT’S A DRESSER...... IT’S A BED......

NO!

It’s the

ALL NEW MURPHY CABINET BED!

ONLY

MAKES INTO A QUEEN SIZE BED

$1988

INCLUDING MATTRESS

IN LESS THAN 30 SECONDS

The Clover Murphy Cabinet Bed is a true instant guest bed. Convert it from handsome cabinet to comfy bed in less than 30 seconds. When all closed up it takes up only 10 sq ft of floor space.

EASY TO USE, EASIER TO LOVE! • • • • • • •

Solid Hardwood Construction No particle board or MDF! Tri-Fold Premium Gel 6” Queen Size Mattress included. 10 Year Manufacturer’s Registered Warranty. Built-in Dual Power/USB Module to charge your mobile devices. 5 Colour choices: Cherry, Dark Chocolate, Solid White, Grey and the New Cottage Style in Buttercream. Platform is 2.5” higher than the competition = easier to get on and off. Delivery to most areas of Canada and the U.S. available.

CHERRY

DARK CHOCOLATE

SOLID WHITE

BUTTERCREAM

Sleepy’s – The Mattress Store #3-1725 Baron Rd. - Kelowna 250-868-2337 | sleepys@shaw.ca www.sleepys.ca

OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 49

OUTDOOR LIVING with

PHANTOM SCREENS With warmer weather right around the corner, homeowners across the Okanagan Valley will soon be heading outside to enjoy the outdoor living areas of their homes. Often times, it is the start of the spring season that prompts people to consider improvements to their patios, porches and outdoor spaces. Whether it’s a patio renovation, a deck installation, or a new set of double-French doors, more and more homeowners are including Phantom retractable screens to improve their outdoor living areas. Phantom’s screens are a beautiful and effective solution for the common drawbacks of outdoor lifestyle such as insects, weather and lack of privacy. These screens are only in place when needed, and retract completely out of sight when not needed. Additionally, with fully integrated motorized Phantom Screens you have the choice of insect mesh or clear vinyl screens. So in the heat of the summer you can keep the cool air in and in the winter you can keep the cold air out! Then for the perfect days of spring and fall you can have fresh air with no mosquitoes. As North America’s leading provider of retractable screens for doors, windows and large openings, Phantom Screens offers a wide variety of screens that blend with any architectural style.

As Phantom’s screens are retracted out of sight, they won’t compromise the architectural integrity of your home. You can choose from one of our Signature colours or wood grain options, or even custom colour match to your home’s design. Retractable screens allow you to experience the best of both worlds: enjoy uninterrupted views when the screens are retracted, and let the fresh air in. You can even connect the motorized retractable screens to your home automation system or smart phone app that allows you to program the screens to lower or retract at specific times of day.

For more information about retractable screen options, go to phantomscreensokanagan.com or call 1-888-PHANTOM or 250-762-7592 to talk to Somers Screens - Phantom’s local representative for Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley! OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017

Now the best room in your home

is outdoors

With Phantom Screens, you can create the perfect transitional living space to entertain your guest 365 days a year. They appear at the touch of a button giving you fresh air, shade from the sun, protection from insects and temperature control. Custom made and professionally installed, Phantom Screens provides retractable screens for doors, windows & large openings. Experience screens that disappear. Experience Phantom Screens.

250-762-7592 | phantomscreensokanagan.com OKANAGAN WOMAN SPRING | 2017 51

I N TERIORS 1788 BARON ROAD, KELOWNA VISIT JORDANS.CA JO TEL: 250.861.8656