December 2016 t8nmagazine.com
Amp Up Your
Holiday Style Tips for Playing Your
We’re Baking Spirits Bright
Gift Cards
at Over the Top Cakes
Right
Meet Marc Kennedy Champion On & Off the Ice
Get Festive
With Fromage This Season
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December 2016
Contents CONVERSATIONS 8 Power to the People
Energy bills and a complex industry have consumers feeling left out in the cold
CITY 12 DRESSED TO THRILL
A behind-the-glass look at window art
Over the Top Cakes Baking spirits bright
16
MEET YOU THERE
18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR LIVING 21 FOOD & GATHERINGS
Tea Time Say cheers to the holiday season
26 TRULY DEEPLY MADLY
May We Suggest… How to Plan a Cheese Board Get festive with fromage
ABOUT THE COVER Special thanks to our terrific cover model! IMAGE BY BRENDA LAKEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
ARTS & CULTURE 28 Meet Marc Kennedy:
Champion On &Off the Ice A T8N interview
The St. Albert Singers’ Guild
34 THEN & NOW 36 THE 8s
The Perfect Finish Add some wow to your holiday style
TRENDING 38 Play You Gift Cards Right Tips for your one-stop shop 40 Matcha (n.)
Not your regular cup of tea
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From the Publisher T8N MAGAZINE
JUST OVER TWO years ago, my team and I sent T8N
out into the community with hopes that the content would resonate with you. To prepare, we pondered ideas, visuals and methods for getting this magazine into your hands. We discussed what subjects to cover and how to cover them so that they’d be informative, provoking and engaging. We felt a strong mix of beautiful images and well-written words were essential to T8N’s success and are thrilled with the response we’ve received from you, our readers.
ROB LIGHTFOOT PUBLISHER
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 December 2016 PUBLISHER
Carmen D. Hrynchuk
ART DIRECTION
Carmen D. Hrynchuk, Brenda Lakeman PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT & DESIGN
Correna Saunders DESIGN
Megan Hoskin, Shelby Johnson
Without your readership, we would not have an audience. And without an audience, we would not have a publication. You have been such an important part of our success within St. Albert, the community we call home.
PHOTOGRAPHY
I would also like to thank the amazing team at T8N. I am blessed to be surrounded by talented people who have invested their hearts into this publication and continue to amaze me with their ideas. I wish to thank them all, but most specifically Carmen, Brenda, Carol, Bruce and Correna. Among others, you have brought the spirit to this publication.
PROOFREADING
On a personal note, I wish to thank my family for their support. My wife Janice, children Ben and Emily, sister Amy, and parents Jim and Susan continue to offer their advice, ideas and emotional vigour to keep me moving on slow days! Starting a new business is always hard, but with a great family, it seems so much less difficult.
OFFICE MANAGER
But, it all comes back to you, our readership. You are the reason we do this, and you are the reason our business partners work with us. We hope we can continue to deliver content that you find appealing and informative.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Rob Lightfoot
Brenda Lakeman FOOD STYLING
Little Fire Creative Amy Lightfoot CONTRIBUTORS
Shawna Dirksen, Jennie Drent, Lucy Haines, Robert Michon, Vanessa Roset Janice Lightfoot CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Image page 4 and 38 ©kiboka/Adobe Stock Image page 8 and 9 ©kowition/Adobe Stock Image page 26 and 27 ©karandaev/Adobe Stock Image page 39 ©aerynrei/Adobe Stock Image page 40 ©eriyalim/Adobe Stock
ISSN 2368-707X (PRINT) ISSN 2368-7088 (ONLINE)
For editorial inquiries or information, contact T8N magazine at info@t8nmagazine.com. Have something to say? Letters, suggestions or ideas can be sent to letters@t8nmagazine.com.
Thank you to all of you.
Feature Writers
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
LUCY HAINES
Lucy has been a freelance writer for about 25 years and a St. Albert resident for over 10. She regularly writes news, general features, business, style, health and entertainment articles for magazines and newspapers in the region and is a steady contributor—reporter/ photographer for Metro News Edmonton. VANESSA ROSET
Vanessa is a freelance writer from Edmonton who loves perfectly formed sentences and is hopelessly addicted to Scrabble. When she’s not at her desk she can be found working on and adventuring in her vintage Airstream with her husband. Together they hope to travel across all of North America and beyond and enjoy blogging about their experiences. Visit T8Nmagazine.com to meet the rest of our team and regular contributors.
Rob Lightfoot rob@t8nmagazine.com 780 940 6212 or visit t8nmagazine.com T8N magazine is published 12 times a year by T8N Publishing Inc. Copyright ©2016 T8N Publishing Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
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Conversations
POWER TO THE PEOPLE Energy bills and a complex industry can have consumers feeling left out in the cold BY LUCY HAINES
FOR MANY ALBERTANS, the only
time any attention is paid to the gas or electricity bill is when there’s a dramatic change to the amount owing. Otherwise, most plod along, unsure of what the many charges really mean, as they weigh terms such as regulated, de-regulated, green energy and rate riders. Adding to the confusion is talk of the larger issues facing the industry—an impending carbon tax, greenhouse gases, rebates and reduced consumption. It’s no wonder consumers feel left out in the cold. But how exactly does one start to make sense of the zenergy puzzle? One piece at a time.
WHERE WE CAME FROM & WHERE WE’RE AT In the late 90s, the Klein government de-regulated Alberta’s energy industry, allowing competitive players onto the market to sell gas and electricity to residential customers and businesses. Today, dozens of companies sell energy to Albertans, two of the large players being Epcor and Atco. 10 T8Nmagazine.com
Many of the companies are regionally owned and offer consumers either the regulated— yet fluctuating—rate option (RRO) for gas or electricity, or the de-regulated locked-in rate for a set term. “What’s right is different for each person. Alberta’s system asks consumers to do their homework to determine what’s the best way to go. Those who like knowing what the bill will be each month (usually for budgetary reasons), may prefer a two-to-five-year contract at a fixed rate per gigajoule (GJ) or kilowatt hour (kWh) for the gas or electricity itself. The transmission and delivery charges are fixed no matter which option is chosen,” says Epcor External Communications Specialist Tim LeRiche. “Electricity rates are at a historic low right now, so some consumers want to be able to take advantage of that— it’s riskier to ride the market fluctuations, but it’s the right choice for some consumers.” Conversely, LeRiche points to the winter of 2012/13 when the RRO for energy was at an all-time high. Those in a contract were able to watch heating bills skyrocket from the safety of their locked-in rates.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE The cycle of the energy industry begins with generation—the wind farms and fossil fuel (coal) plants (TransAlta’s former coal-fired Wabamun Generating Station, for example) that create power. Next comes transmission (through larger wires to substations) and distribution (through smaller wires within a community), which bring the power to the people. A myriad of companies (retailers) finish the cycle by taking the gas and electricity and selling it for home use. While the government’s de-regulation tackled the front end and back end of the chain, the middle piece—transmission —remains constant. Today, companies are able to produce or invest in generating energy (and many do), but it’s the back end that consumers are most familiar with. In St. Albert, most RRO gas users get a bill from Direct Energy Regulated Services (Atco/ Fortis) with itemized charges for the energy itself—the cost per GJ and the amount used. Then come the fixed amounts: a monthly administration fee (a retailer charge for the billing and customer service) and the distributor charges, which include a fixed and
variable monthly delivery charge (operating costs and any temporary adjustments approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)). Consumers may also see a rate rider and municipal franchise fee. “People do have a lot of questions about delivery charges—it’s a fixed cost for having gas connected to a house. As a retailer, we’re a small part in the whole chain,” explains Wendy Tynan, Director of External Relations with Direct Energy Regulated Services. “Usage costs fluctuate based on consumption and are affected by the weather, storms, time of year and demand—but the delivery charges are regulated by the AUC.”
“We’re not the same as Ontario— wind and solar power are expensive and not as reliable as coal. Losing these power plants means job losses, and an ambitious policy like this one needs a healthy economic foundation. The government is steamrolling ideology over consumers—the rebates are simply a silver lining on a bad idea, one that is all pain with no gain.” –Paige MacPherson, Alberta Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Energy retailers vie for customers with attractively priced fixed terms and hybrid plans—bundling electricity and gas at a cost savings, or offering contracts with flexible prices and even wintertime caps (to avoid nasty spikes in heating costs). Edmonton-owned Epcor distributes about 13.5 percent of Alberta’s energy consumption to some 369,000 residential and commercial customers in the capital region, and some 600,000 across Alberta. LeRiche says most customers take the RRO, but contracts are a growing part of business, as consumers look for a better deal. Epcor’s Chirp and several other companies are likewise responding to the consumer demand for green living, sourcing power from ‘clean’ generators at a premium price.
Calculate Your Options with Online Tools Albertans have the option of choosing from over 40 energy retailers to find the company and service billing option that best suits their needs. Rates vary depending on provider, location, type of energy and whether it’s a competitive or regulated rate. The UCA has a cost comparison tool on its website—ucahelps.alberta.ca—that consumers can use to help make the best choice for their particular needs. THE ROLE OF THE UCA Energy users have an ally in the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA), a provincial government agency mandated to educate, mediate and advocate for Alberta’s residential, small business and farm electricity and natural gas consumers. Whether by phone or through the information-filled website (ucahelps.alberta.ca), consumers can learn about the industry: who the service providers are, contract options, the ABCs of understanding a bill statement and how to read a meter. When there are disputes between consumers and utility companies, consumers can turn to UCA mediation officers to advise about terms, conditions and regulations. The UCA will also mediate with utility companies on a consumer’s behalf. “UCA advocates for consumers by representing their interests in front of the Alberta Utilities Commission. It also ensures that people without utility service have electricity and natural gas reconnected for the winter— working with people in need and energy providers to make sure Albertans are warm over the cold months,” says John Archer, Media Officer for the Office of the Premier.
THE MOVE TOWARD ENERGY CONSERVATION Part of the work of energy companies actually involves encouraging less consumption. Bill inserts and websites offer tips on how to use less energy as a means of reducing bills and in response to the greater societal awareness of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and increasing responsible stewardship of the environment. But it’s not an easy sell. Statistics show that energy consumption rates have stayed relatively level over the years. Though there
is a turn toward tiny houses, multi-family dwellings and reducing carbon footprints, etc., single family homes are still in demand. And whether people are living in sprawling houses of several thousand square feet or more compactly, electricity consumption isn’t abating—air conditioners, video game consoles and the 24/7 technology of laptop computers, tablets and smart phones mean we’re plugged in around the clock more than ever before. Most agree, however, that lower GHG emissions by way of reduced energy consumption is a valid end goal: in the housing sector, builders across the country are moving forward (and being encouraged by government) to build more net-zero homes. While more expensive than traditionally built homes, consumer demand and political will are forging ahead to see houses that are self-sufficient—producing all the energy they use via solar panels.
CARBON TAX Government wants to reduce energy consumption, too, and Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are doing it in a big way with the newly announced country-wide carbon tax. Provinces have until 2018 to adopt a carbon-pricing scheme, taxing carbon dioxide pollution at a minimum of $10 a tonne in 2018 and reaching $50 a tonne by 2022. Alberta is one of four provinces with a plan already in place—a carbon tax of $20 per tonne set to come into effect January 1, 2017 and rising to $30 a tonne in 2018. The tax will cost Alberta families about $600 a year, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), which recently blitzed the province with billboards and a Scrap the Tax Campaign. The lobby group says the carbon tax “essentially taxes the necessities of life. Albertans still need to drive the kids to T8N December 2016 11
school and themselves to work—to heat their homes in winter,” says CTF Alberta Director, Paige MacPherson. In response to public concern, the Alberta government has promised to turn carbon tax cash into rebates and energy savings for consumers. In October, Alberta Environment Minister Shannon Phillips unveiled plans to create a new Energy Efficiency Agency to distribute three carbon tax programs to Albertans using the estimated $645 million that will be raised from the carbon tax over the next five years. On tap is a new ‘direct install’ residential program that will offer homeowners free or low-cost energy upgrades, such as LED light bulbs and low-flow showerheads. As well, the residential consumer products program will feature point-of-sale rebates on energy efficient lighting, insulation and appliances. Though program details are still to come, Phillips says energy efficiency is the best way to save power and money while reducing emissions. The planned carbon tax and related rebates amount to too much change too soon,
12 T8Nmagazine.com
according to CTF’s MacPherson, who says that forcing a switch from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources will have a negative effect in the province, pushing businesses that can’t afford to switch to greener alternatives to shut down or leave the province. “We’re not the same as Ontario—wind and solar power are expensive and not as reliable as coal. Losing these power plants means job losses, and an ambitious policy like this one needs a healthy economic foundation. The government is steamrolling ideology over consumers—the rebates are simply a silver lining on a bad idea, one that is all pain with no gain,” says MacPherson.
ST. ALBERT’S ENERGY-SAVING EFFORTS St. Albert is doing its part, too, with an Environmental Master Plan (approved in 2013), which outlines short, medium and long-term energy conservation action plans for reducing GHG emissions in the corporate sector. Recent energy and water audits of Fountain Park Pool, St. Albert Transit and City Hall showed room for improvement and helped establish the goal of reaching 20 percent
below 2008 levels of GHG emissions by 2020. And with the same time frame and parameters, the City aims to reduce GHG emissions community-wide by 6 percent. On the residential front, a 2017 pilot project will see a new Home Energy Assessment (HEAT) kit on loan to residents from the library. The kit will contain caulking and infrared guns, air flow testers and more. “We know conserving energy will reduce the power bill for the City, businesses and residents, and that will limit all our vulnerability to unexpected jumps in energy prices,” says Christian Benson, Environment Manager for the City of St. Albert, who also points to the City’s commitment to implement the action plan on GHG emission reduction targets through its membership with Partners for Climate Protect (PCP), a Federation of Canadian Municipalities program. St. Albert is also working with Fortis Alberta to convert over 5,800 street lights to LED technology—a move that will save the City 2.3 million kWh/year, which is the energy equivalent of taking 317 cars off the road, or operating 298 homes.
Why Net-zero Homes? Canada’s homes produce 17 percent of the country’s carbon pollution, so a handful of home builders are teaming with the federal government to create affordable net-zero homes—a.k.a. homes that produce as much electricity as they use. Some of the features include solar panels, triple pane windows and extra insulation. Growth of this market is expected to be slow, however, because net-zero homes add approximately 15 percent to a home’s cost.
Understanding your energy bill is one thing, but deciding whether to take a floating or fixed rate, or how to cut back on energy consumption at all, makes the issue a more complicated one. But planned government carbon-tax rebates and retailer-supplied energy-conservation tips may help nudge consumers toward greener living no matter what options they choose. And a smaller energy bill is something we can all agree on. t8n
T8N December 2016 13
DRESSED TO
THRILL A behind-the-glass look at window art PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA LAKEMAN
“By staying small and independent, I’m really able to focus on what I love (painting) and protect the quality and integrity of my work.” –Laurel Hawkswell
14 T8Nmagazine.com 14 T8Nmagazine.com
AS A FORM of advertising,
window painting has been around for a very long time. So long in fact, that when most of us see those holiday snowmen scenes painted onto glass, we never really stop to think about the effort and skill that went into creating them . But w i ndows don’t paint themselves. That’s the job of talented people like Laurel Hawkswell. Laurel is a freelance artist who’s been bringing seasonal cheer to store windows for over 25 years—a job that’s more complex than you m ig h t g ue s s . N ow, a master of her c ra ft, L au rel
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AUTO • HOME • LIFE • COMMERCIAL
pa ints backwa rds onto a n oversized glassy canvas, which is often darkened by the night sky beyond. But despite her years of practice and natural ta lent , L au rel never stops pushing herself to improve her a r t . Clea rly, it shows . Take a look. T8N December 2016 15
“I love the freedom and creativity that comes with window painting. Yes, some clients just want the same snowman year after year, but these restrictions force me to grow and find new ways to express the same idea.” –Laurel Hawkswell
Laurel has been painting for just about as long as she can remember, so it only seemed natural for her to enrol in Grant MacEwan College’s Fine Arts program after she graduated from high school. After that, it was time to enter the professional world. “My first job as a graphic designer was working for a company that owned a few bars around the city,” she recalls. “That job really taught me a lot. They had me doing all sorts of projects that I really had no experience in, like window painting. But you can’t really say no to your client, so I just had to figure it out myself along the way, and it all seemed to work out.” From these first jobs, Laurel got a taste for freelancing, and she’s been doing it ever since.
When Laurel gets hired by new clients, they tend to want to work closely with her on the sketches to make sure their ideas are being represented properly. But this kind of supervisory relationship is short-lived. “After that first job, clients really begin to get comfortable with my work, and they start to give me a lot of free reign with the designs. I build a lot of trust with my work, and that gives me a lot more creative freedom in my art.” That creative freedom comes paired with a lot of technical skill, especially when it comes to painting backwards so that her designs appear normal on the other side of the glass. “When I started out, I would sketch everything out on paper, turn the paper over and hold it up to the light. I’d use that backwards image as a guide. Now though, I can even do lettering backwards without having to think too hard about it.” That’s a skill that they don’t teach you in art school.
16 T8Nmagazine.com
Being positioned on busy streets, Laurel’s art probably reaches a lot wider of an audience than many gallery exhibitions do. But she isn’t interested in becoming famous or recognizable. “Sometimes people tell me that they can immediately recognize window paintings as one of mine. They mean it as a compliment, but I always take it as a sign that I need to change things up. If I’m not pushing myself as an artist, I’m not really doing my job.” But whether they recognize her style or not, Laurel is always humbled when passersby show appreciation for her creations. So if you happen to see her spreading a little holiday cheer in the window of your favourite shop, don’t be afraid to send some of that cheer back her way. t8n
Meet You There
OVER THE TOP CAKES Baking spirits bright NESTLED IN A small strip mall in
the Gra ndin neighbou rhood is a friendly little bakeshop that is doing big things. Over the Top Cakes goes above and beyond to design custom cakes and create delectable desserts for lo c a l c u stomer s , br ides a nd grooms, corporate clients—and even celebrities.
OVER THE TOP CAKES AT A GLANCE Owner: Jennifer Gray Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Ave Specialty: Custom cakes Interesting Fact: Over the Top Cakes will offer cake-decorating classes in the New Year! 18 T8Nmagazine.com
Jennifer Gray opened Over the Top Cakes in July 2012. A medical transcriptionist by trade, Gray had no formal training in baking, however, cake decorating was always one of her passions. That passion, paired with hard work and positive thinking, set everything in motion. “Everything just fell into place,” says Gray. “There was no business plan, no five-year plan. I just opened the doors and hoped people would come in.” Four years later, Gray’s doors are still wide open; she has grown her business from a staff
of one pastry chef to five full-time and three part-time employees. “The staff here are super fun. They are invested and care about customers, and they enjoy the work they do here—which makes the product even better.” With the staff constantly coming up with new ideas, creativity is a main ingredient in this bakeshop—especially when it comes to custom orders. According to Gray, a custom cake takes anywhere from hours to days to create, depending on the design. “Clients tell us about the person it’s for and their interests. It’s about personalizing each cake.” One of the team’s most memorable cakes was for Shell Canada. The 2,000-serving cake, which was actually four, seven-tiered cakes designed as dump trucks and a crane, was for a corporate event in Fort McMurray. “We finished at 11 p.m., loaded the cake into cargo vans and drove all night to get there,” laughs Gray. “It took five or six of us to set it up. There were so many people coming
FUN FACTS In a typical week, Over the Top Cakes bakes between 40 and 50 cakes and uses at least 25 pounds of butter and 80 kilograms of sugar. Retail cakes start at $40 and serve six to eight people. Gluten-free cupcakes are available, but you must order in advance. Macarons are also gluten-free, as they are made with almond flour.
over [to peek] that they had to put pup tents around everything. People were still putting their phones into the tent to take pictures! We felt like celebrities!” And Gray is no stranger to the world of celebrity. Over the Top Cakes has become a go-to bakeshop for the stars when they are in town. Gray says they get a celebrity order at least once a month. “We usually don’t know until that day and really have to work on the fly,” she says. “The first one we did was for Tim McGraw. It was his keyboard player’s birthday. The cake we designed was a
keyboard with a cowboy hat, edible music sheets and a bandana. After that, the celebrities kept calling.” Over the Top Cakes’ celebrity status and custom cakes aren’t the only reasons customers love them. According to Gray, cupcakes are their top seller, and French macarons (not to be confused with macaroons) are also very popular. “We do lots of cookies, we do tarts, and we are starting to do loaves. We will be doing more pastries coming up in the New Year—cheesecakes and grab-and-go desserts as well.”
As Gray continues to grow and evolve her business, one thing will remain the same. “I always want people to feel comfortable to walk in and chat with us. It’s great when people from the neighbourhood walk over… we are really blessed to have support from the local community.” So, whether you need an elaborate, large-scale cake for a big event, a beautifully simple slab cake or a quick dessert, Over the Top Cakes is your sweetest choice. t8n
T8N December 2016 19
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR Things to do, watch, hear and see this December.
EVENT
Snowflake Festival This annual event presented by the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce helps the city get in the holiday mood a month early. Watch the Perron District light up, marvel at the ice sculptures, ride on the horse-drawn carriage, see live reindeer, and possibly spot the special guest dressed in red and white. There’ll be hot chocolate and coffee to keep everyone warm as they enjoy the festivities.
EVENT
Fill-A-Bus St. Albert Transit, St. Albert Kinettes and the St. Albert Food Bank will be holding their 12th annual Fill-A-Bus event. So bring your non-perishable food items, toys and monetary donations, and all your donations will help fill a St. Albert Transit bus from the driver’s seat to the back of the bus. The event starts at 9 am and goes to 3 pm. Date: December 10 Locations: Safeways, Sobeys, Costco, Canadian Tire and Real Canadian Superstore in St. Albert For more information: visit stalbertfb.com/fill-a-bus-event-2016/ EVENT
St. Albert Singers’ Guild
Date: November 25
Start the Christmas season with a concert/party themed “Gettin’ in the Mood.” This annual concert will be slightly different, as you’ll be sitting at tables, enjoying light refreshments and homemade cookies as you’re entertained with the carols of the season. There are three concerts available, including one matinee.
Location: Perron District, St. Albert
Date: December 2 & 3
For more information: visit www.stalbertchamber.com/pages/snowflake-festival
Location: St. Albert United Church, 20 Green Grove Drive For more information: visit www.stalbertsingers.org/performances/
EVENT
Indoor Christmas Market Presented by the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce, this annual event is your chance to get that special item for that difficult-to-buy-for person on your list. Over 70 vendors offer a huge variety of wares, and there will be weekly activities for all. Dates: Every Saturday from November 26 to December 17 Location: St Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street The More I Gather, by Paddy Lamb s s
Threshold, by Paddy Lamb
For more information: visit www.stalbertchamber.com/pages/ indoor-christmas-market
EXHIBIT
The More I Gather Local artist Paddy Lamb will share his artwork with St. Albert for two months. Focusing on a small section of land east of Edmonton, Lamb presents his view of people using the landscape around them through sketches, visual articles, articles of homesteading and farming. The opening reception will be December 1 at 6 pm, and there will be a free, public walk-through on December 15.
EVENT
Wolcum! A Cantilon Christmas The Cantilon Choirs, young and old, will get you in the yule mood with Benjamin Britton’s Christmas carols: A Ceremony of Carols for Harp and Treble Voices with Nora Bumanis, harp. Concert starts at 2:30 pm and goes to 5:30 pm. Tickets are $18 to $22 each.
Date: December 1 to January 28
Date: December 4
Location: Art Gallery of St. Albert, 19 Perron Street
Location: Francis Winspear Centre for Music, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
For more information: visit artgalleryofstalbert.ca/exhibitions-events/paddy-lamb/
For more information: visit www.cantilonchoirs.ca t8n
T8N December 2016  21
Food & Gatherings
ea TTime Say cheers to the holiday season
TEA HAS A way of bringing people together.
But it might be the buttery scones that keep them there. And it’s in that spirit of food, family and tasty traditions that we welcome you to this—our holiday tea party! Formality, you’ll find here, not. Just loads of lemony pound cake and reasons to go back for seconds. Also on our holiday menu—coconut cherry scones, a warm fig and blue-cheese dip, lemon daisy tartlets and some dill and cucumber tea sandwiches that just might make you sit up taller. Sound like your cup of tea? Then cheers it is! Here’s to a holiday rich with family and friends, and the recipes that bring us together.
T8N December December 2016 2016 23 23 T8N
Lemon Pound Cake This cake is as big as it is lemony and delicious. Be sure to use a 12-cup Bundt pan! 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 3 cups granulated sugar 6 large eggs 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Zest of 2 lemons Zest of 1 lime
1 cup lemon yogourt (full-fat) 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice For the lemon syrup 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup water Zest of 1 lemon
Preheat your oven to 325˚F, and grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a second bowl beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, and then add the vanilla and citrus zest. With the mixer set to low, add the flour mixture alternating with the yogourt until just combined. Beat in the lemon juice until smooth, and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 75 minutes. While the cake is baking, make the lemon syrup by combining the lemon and lime juice, sugar, water and zest in a small pot. Bring the mixture a boil, and then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, and let cool. Use a wooden skewer to poke holes in the cake while it’s still warm. Brush the lemon syrup all over the cake (repeatedly), soaking it with lemony goodness. 24 T8Nmagazine.com
Cranberry Ginger Mimosas You’ll find lots of variations on this popular holiday sparkler, but we stuck to the delicious basics. Prosecco Cranberry juice Ginger ale
Fresh cranberries, to garnish Fresh sprigs of thyme, to garnish
Fill a Champagne flute with 2 parts Prosecco and 1 part cranberry juice, leaving just enough room for a splash of ginger ale. To garnish, add a sprig of fresh thyme to the glass and a skewer of fresh cranberries atop it. Delicious.
Cranberry & Feta Pinwheels These flavour-packed bites are perfect appetizers for any holiday get-together. 4 spinach tortillas (or whatever flavour you like) 3/4 cup crumbled feta 1 cup cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp sour cream
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped 3 scallions, chopped Zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp black pepper
In a medium bowl, combine the feta, cream cheese, sour cream, cranberries, scallions, zest and black pepper. Spread the mixture evenly over the tortillas, and roll them up tightly into logs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 hours, and then slice each log into 10 pinwheels.
Vanilla Raspberry Mini Tarts
Coconut Cherry Scones
These jewel-like tarts pack a secret punch of raspberry jam. Tart, luscious and sure to disappear.
Coconut and cherries make a winning combination, but it’s the cinnamon sugar that takes these scones over the top.
3 large egg yolks 3 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1 cup 2% milk 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (not vanilla extract)
2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup shredded coconut Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 orange 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1tsp ground cardamom 1/4 tsp salt
1 box of premade, frozen mini tart shells (about 15 shells) 1/4 cup raspberry jam (or any tart jam that you like) 1 tbsp lemon juice Raspberries, to garnish
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch. To a second bowl, add the butter cubes, and place a strainer atop it (for sieving the pastry cream later). To prepare the pastry cream filling, place the milk and vanilla bean paste in a small pot, and over medium heat, bring it to just below a simmer. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, and then return it all to the pot. Whisking constantly, return the pot the heat (medium-low), and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until thick and glossy. Pour the mixture into the prepared strainer, and press it through to remove any lumps. Mix to incorporate the butter, and stir in the lemon juice. Cover immediately with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled. Bake the mini tart shells according to the package, and cool them on a rack. Place a teaspoon of jam at the bottom of each shell, and cover with the chilled pastry cream. Garnish with fresh raspberries, and serve.
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces 1 cup coconut yogourt (full-fat) 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups frozen cherries, quartered For the cinnamon sugar topping 1 tbsp coconut yogourt (for brushing the scones) 2 tsp sugar mixed with 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on the scones)
Preheat your oven to 375ËšF, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, shredded coconut, lemon zest, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom and salt. Add the cubed butter, and use your fingertips to gently work the mixture into course crumbs. Next, add the yougurt, vanilla and cherries, and stir the mixture with a fork until just moist. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and with floured hands (or a rolling pin), gently pat the dough into a 11/4-inch-thick disc. Use a cookie cutter to cut out 3-inch rounds. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, lightly brush their tops with coconut yogurt and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. Place the scones in the preheated oven, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the scones to a cooling rack, and serve while warm.
T8N December 2016  25
Warm Fig & Blue Cheese Dip Figs and blue cheese pair perfectly on a cheese board and are even better when melted and warm. 1 cup cream cheese, softened 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese 1 cup dried figs, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped walnuts 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling) 1 tbsp chopped chives 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Preheat your oven to 375ËšF, and lightly butter an oven-safe ramekin or small bowl. Next, place all the ingredients in a bowl, and mix until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared ramekin, and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with your favourite crackers or bread.
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Chocolate-Dipped Oranges Sometimes, simple is best. And these are little bits of perfection. 3 Mandarin oranges, peeled and separated into segments 1 1/2 tbsp Cointreau
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Sea salt, for sprinkling
Line a large plate with waxed paper. Next, use the microwave or a double boiler to gently melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Stir in the Cointreau, and mix until smooth. Dip each orange segment into the melted chocolate, and place them on the prepared plate. Sprinkle with sea salt, and let set.
Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Lemon Daisy Tartlets These adorable tarts are as easy to make as they are to eat—one right after the other. 1 package frozen, premade pie crust, thawed 2 cups of your favourite store-bought lemon curd
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice Zest of 1 lemon Powdered sugar, to garnish
Preheat your oven to 425˚F, and take out 2 mini muffin pans. Next, on a floured surface, gently roll out your premade pie crust, and with a floured 4-inch, daisy-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 12 daisies. Nestle the daisies into every second muffin cup, draping the petals up the sides and over the edges. Prick the bottoms with a fork, and bake the pie crusts in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. Cool them in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon curd, lemon juice and lemon zest. Next, dust the petals with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar, fill the centres with big dollops of the lemon curd, and serve.
These little beauties take a bit of assembling, but are so worth the effort. Make extras. 10 slices of sandwich bread, crusts removed Salted butter, softened (for spreading) 3 cups poached chicken breast, diced 2 stalks celery, finely diced 3 scallions, thinly sliced 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper 1/2 tsp salt 1 thin English cucumber, sliced into thin circles
Butter all 10 slices of bread, and arrange them into pairs (5 tops and 5 bottoms). Next, in a large bowl, combine all the ingredients—except for the cumbers—and mix well. Divide the chicken salad evenly atop 5 of the bread slices. Add a layer of cucumbers, and top with the second piece of bread (buttered side down). Cut each sandwich into 3 tea sandwiches, and garnish each with cucumbers. t8n GROCERIES SUPPLIED BY
ST. ALBERT
T8N December 2016 27
Truly, Deeply, Madly
How to Plan a
Cheese Board Get festive with fromage N O H O L I D AY P A R T Y m e n u i s
complete without a cheese plate. In fact, rich, gourmet cheeses pair so well with so many things—wine, cured meats, fruit and nuts, jam and compote, crusty breads and crackers— no wonder it’s the shining star of the appetizer table. Want to make your own? Choose a cheese from each of these four categories to create a cheese board your guests will melt over.
BLUE CHEESE
WINE PAIRINGS FOR YOUR CHEESE PLATTER Not every wine-and-cheese pairing is created equal. Generally speaking, soft cheeses go best with fruity white wines, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling. Full-bodied reds, like a Bordeaux, Chianti or Rioja, work better with hard cheeses.
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Flavour and texture profile: Blue cheese, also called blue-veined cheese, is known for its particularly pungent smell and distinctive flavour. Blue cheese contains cultures of the mould Penicillium, which gives it its characteristic smell. Its texture is usually creamy, but it’s also available as a firm cheese (Stilton, for example). Blue cheeses range in flavour from mild to strong, but they all tend to have a notable sharp, tangy, salty (and sometimes peppery) taste. Names to watch for: Gorgonzola, Stilton, St. Agur Blue, Roquefort, Danish Blue and Cambozola.
in moisture, giving it a very creamy—or even runny—texture. Soft cheeses tend to have a mild, earthy taste and contain flavours of milk and nuts. Names to watch for: Brie, Camembert, Brilliat-Savarin, Chevre, Teleme and Beaujolais. Quick tip: Soft cheese spoils more quickly than firmer cheese, so be sure to use it within a few days. Because of its soft rind, soft cheese absorbs smells from the refrigerator and plastic wrap, so store it loosely in waxed paper in a humid drawer in your fridge. Fun fact: For the fullest flavour, take your soft cheese out of the refrigerator at least an hour before serving so it can warm to room temperature.
SEMI-SOFT CHEESE Flavour and texture profile: Like soft cheese, semi-soft cheese has a creamy, pliable texture and a milky flavour. However, semi-soft cheese tends to have a more pronounced flavour than soft cheese—many varieties have a rich, sharp, salty taste to them. Names to watch for: Gouda, Havarti, Friulana, Goat Cheddar, Bucherondin and Le Brin.
Quick tip: Honey is delicious drizzled over blue cheese; the honey’s subtle sweetness complements the sharpness of the cheese.
Quick tip: Bucherondin is an entertainer’s delight! This delectably tangy goat cheese comes in a log shape, so it’s easy to cut into perfect portions for your cheese platter.
Fun fact: Cambozola is a brie-style blue cheese made from cow’s milk. Perfect for winning over blue-cheese haters.
Fun fact: The rinds on semi-soft cheeses are delicious—enjoy them as part of the cheese.
SOFT CHEESE Flavour and texture profile: Soft cheese is an uncooked, unpressed cheese that hasn’t ripened for long. This young cheese is high
HARD CHEESE Flavour and texture profile: Hard cheese (also called aged cheese) has usually aged for at least two years. During the aging process, moisture evaporates from the cheese, giving
it a solid, heavy (and sometimes crumbly) texture. Hard cheese has a strong, salty and even intense flavour. Over time, some hard cheeses even develop a sweetness to them (like an aged Gouda). Names to watch for: Aged Provolone, Spillembergo, Manchego, Piave, Aged Cheddar and Parmigiano Reggiano. Quick tip: Don’t slice your extra-aged cheese ahead of time. Serve it as a wedge; this way your guests can cut through it on their own and will enjoy the cheese at its fullest flavour. Fun fact: Lactose intolerant? Listen up! Lactose is expelled (or converted to lactic acid) as cheese ages. As a result, many hard cheeses contain very little to no lactose. t8n
Ballots Open January 1st, 2017 Vote for your favourites!
CHEESE PLATTER SERVING TIPS Provide a different knife for each type of cheese on your platter. Label each type of cheese for your guests. Serve a selection of sweet and salty snacks with your platter. Serve about four ounces of cheese per guest.
Comi n this Sp g ring!
T8Nmagazine.com
T8N December 2016  29
t8n: How do you think that growing up in St. Albert has influenced your career? MK: I was born and raised here, and I still love it. It’s always had a really great sports community, and I was into everything, not just curling. Soccer, football, karate—just about everything really. I grew up playing sports and loving the community, and I had some great coaches along the way. Being around all of those sports and all of those people really helped me become who I am. And that’s one of the main reasons that I’m still in St. Albert raising my own family. It’s just a great community for young people to grow up in. t8n: Have you noticed any changes in the community since you were growing up here?
MEET MARC KENNEDY Champion On & Off the Ice
A T8N interview WHEN IT COMES to curling, there
aren’t many awards that Marc Kennedy hasn’t won. But despite winning countless international competitions, world championships and even an Olympic gold medal, Marc hasn’t lost sight of the importance of his own community, or how it’s helped him achieve greatness in his sport. Even now, at the height of his career,
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he’s finding ways to give back to St. Albert, in appreciation for all of the opportunities that this city gave him while he was just a young boy, sliding stones across the local rink. We sat down with Marc to ask him about his life as a curler both in St. Albert and around the world. Here’s what he had to say.
MK: It’s definitely changed and has gotten a lot bigger, but one of the reasons I still love it is because it’s kept that small-town feel. It’s a tight-knit community, and you see a lot of the same faces everywhere you go. When I go to the grocery store, I see a lot of curling fans, and they’re not afraid to come right up and talk to me. A lot of them even remember me from when I was a kid. That small-town feel is hard to come across these days. t8n: Your current team, Team Koe, is based out of Calgary. Does that make it difficult to practice as a team? MK: We’ve got two team members in Calgary and one in Barrie, Ontario, but we still manage to meet up to practice probably about five times a year. Otherwise, I practice on my own here in St. Albert. For the last five years or so, I used to train at the Saville Centre at the University of Alberta, which is one of our national training centres for curling here in Canada. The Saville Centre is great, but last year I turned my focus to training here in St. Albert. The staff at the St. Albert Curling Club have been really good to me, and it’s
where I first started out in the sport, so there is a lot of nostalgia here as well. Lots of great memories. t8n: You’ve been mentoring young curlers in our community and even host the Marc Kennedy Junior Classic. What drew you to that mentorship role? MK: We’ve always done a lot of junior clinics, and I’ve always enjoyed coaching and teaching. Kevin Martin used to run a curling junior spiel for about 17 years, but last year he decided to stop. So there was an opportunity
for us to take over for him. My wife Nicole and I really wanted to do it closer to home, and ideally here in St. Albert. We knew the community would get behind it, and it was a good opportunity to showcase our city, as well as the curling club. And sure enough, people seemed to love it. It was great to give back to a game and to a city that has been so good to me. And it gives the kids something that they can enjoy. I used to love junior bonspiels when I was young, and the fact that I was able to bring that home to St. Albert means a lot to me. I really can’t say
enough about how good the community was in stepping up and raising money to fund the program. We were able to buy really great quality equipment for the kids to use for practice. t8n: You’ve won a lot of medals over the years, including a gold in Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic Games. Do you consider that your greatest achievement? MK: It’s definitely up there. The Olympics are pretty much the pinnacle of our sport, and that’s the main reason we’re still
T8N December 2016 31
Sweeping during semifinal, Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
Receiving gold medals after defeating Norway at 2010 Olympics.
Team Canada captures gold at 2016 World Championship.
training is to try to get back there. But that certainly doesn’t take away from the other championships we’ve been in. We’ve done a couple of briers and the world championships, and they’re all big for us. I’ve been so fortunate that the sport has been good to me. I’ve had tremendous teammates over the years, and I’ve been lucky to play with some of the greatest curlers who have ever played.
national games and improving in these little areas over the next year, we’ll be on our way to South Korea.
The world championships last year really gave us some international experience, and we got to know what those international teams play like. If we do get to represent Canada at the Olympics, we’re already familiar with the teams and the types of ice that we might have. Those things are all important. There isn’t an event we play now where there isn’t something we’re using as training.
Our next goal is to get back to the Olympics in 2018. We’ve got our spot in the trials next December, so all we have to do is keep up with the training. We’ve got to get comfortable in that kind of pressure and come together as a team. If we keep playing our best in these
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t8n: Do you consider all of these national games, and the world championships in Switzerland last year, to be part of that Olympic training? MK: I do. They’re all important when it comes to getting better. When we play events here in Canada, we’re really playing against the best curling teams in the world because all of the best teams are from this country. We play those national teams week in and week out, and that goes a long way toward improving our skills.
No matter where Marc’s career takes him, from Switzerland to South Korea, he always manages to keep St. Albert close to his heart. After giving so much of his time and energy back to our city, the appreciation is mutual. t8n
Festive Centrepiece $69.99
Tommy Gun’s
Charmed Floral
Nothing makes Christmas more festive than a beautiful centrepiece. This centrepiece brings the fresh sent of pine, cinnamon and florals to your home. Its beauty will bring you joy!
Soothe your skin and begin your day with a comforting feeling. Choose from an amazing selection of aftershaves, colognes and balms to freshen your day.
Aftershaves, Colognes and Balms $30.00–$75.00
140 St.Albert Trail, St. Albert tommyguns.com
23 Akins Drive, St. Albert charmedfloraldesigninc.ca
Holiday Gift Guide
o s a n e S Jolly Tis the
Bookstore on Perron
Our variety of gifts include everything from baby gifts to home décor. Choose from an assortment of toys, puzzles, books, candles and much more. Our trusted brands include Rocky Mountain Soap Company, Universal Stone, Jude’s Miracle Cloth, Umbra, and Cobble Hill just to name a few. Grab a greeting card from our wide selection and you’re done! Shop locally and independent this holiday season for unique gifts for everyone on your list. 7 Perron Street, St. Albert bookstoreonperron.com
Metal Bowl $90.00
to be
31 C Perron Street, St. Albert shabby2chicweddingrentals.com
Protege by Cordoba, Concert Ukulele $119.99
Innovations Music
Men’s Conrad Havana Sunglasses Under $400.00
MDO Opticians
Women’s Italian Navigator Sunglasses Under $500.00
Women’s Tom Ford, Signature Crossover Bridge with impeccable refinement to Italian navigator sunglasses. Men’s Tom Ford, Conrad Havana Sunglasses, Retro 50’s design. 255-140 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert mdoopticians.com This content is produced in partnership between supplying businesses and T8N Magazine.
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Shabby 2 Chic
This metal bowl is both elegant and bold with the elk head figurine on each side. Measurement 12.25”x 9”x 6”. Great addition to hold your Christmas greenery and decor or the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast.
The U1 is a concert size ukulele with mahogany top, back, and sides, a matte finish, and an abalone-style rosette. It’s the perfect candidate for beginners who are just starting to learn the ukulele! 580 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert innovationsmusic.com
Gift Box of 9 Macarons $16.00
Over the Top Cakes has you covered this holiday season with cookies, caramel corn, brownies, tarts, cupcakes and these hand-crafted French Macarons. Using the highest quality ingredients and no artificial flavors, the bakeshop features 10 -12 macaron flavors every week!! Fake your Christmas baking with Over the Top Cakes. 2 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, St. Albert overthetopcakes.ca
Clara’s Dream by Shumka
Clara’s Dream is a celebration of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic–The Nutcracker. The production blends the grace of ballet with the power of Ukrainian dance, leaving audiences exhilarated. Celebrate the season at this luxurious production featuring Shumka and guests from Citie Ballet, Viter Choir and Ukraine’s Virsky and Kyiv Ballet companies. December 29 (7:30pm), December 30 (2pm & 7:30pm). Tickets at ticketmaster.ca or 1 855 985 5000 11455-87 Avenue, Edmonton shumka.com Tickets from $20.00
Pacesetter Ski & Snowboard
Over the Top Cakes
Oakley Airbrake $210.00–$330.00
Optimize your vision for any condition with the pull of a switch. Featuring interchangeable lenses, Dual Vented lenses with Anti–Fog coating. 10054–167 Street, Edmonton pacesettersb.com
Sweet Momma Spa
Sweet Momma gift cards are the perfect addition to any gift. Gift cards can be made to include any package, any value, and used at any location. String For Pearls Teething Elephant or necklaces are a safe local treat for moms and babes for sore teething mouths. Another local treat House of Koopslie Headbands and Bumwarmers (not shown) are fantastic to dress up and dress down for any kind of day in or day out. 585 St.Albert Trail sweetmomma.com
This content is produced in partnership between supplying businesses and T8N Magazine.
T8N December 2016 35
Then & Now
Choir performance, 1985.
THE ST. ALBERT
SINGERS’ GUILD THEN & NOW
EARLIER THIS YEAR, The St. Albert
Singers’ Guild celebrated its 30th anniversary. The guild started with one simple goal: to come together as a community and celebrate music. While there have been many changes within the guild over the years, that goal has remained constant and has allowed the membership to form a lasting bond— singing together in perfect harmony.
1980s The St. Albert Singers’ Guild wasn’t officially formed until 1985, but its origins can be traced back almost a decade earlier. In the mid 70s, a local musician named Lillian Upright took over as the musical director for the choir of the St. Albert United Church. In addition to its regular choral hymns, the group soon began meeting to practice non-religious compositions as well. Word of this choir group spread, and before long, Lillian’s group was attracting members from outside the congregation. The group was such a big hit with the community that, in 1985, the choir approached the St. Albert Community Services Cultural Department and officially got itself chartered as a guild. Not much changed in the day-to-day operations of the choir, but being able to classify itself as a guild showed the city that the choir was more than just a loose collection of friends. The singers had become an organized group of artists.
St. Albert Singers’ Guild 30th anniversary. Image credit: Jay Thygesen 36 T8Nmagazine.com
In 1989, Upright resigned as the musical director of the guild in order to pursue her own passions as a solo pianist, but her work in laying the foundations of the guild were never forgotten. There are talented singers all
over St. Albert, but it takes a special personality to unite them all into an organization that can sustain itself for over 30 years.
1990s The early 90s were a time of change for the choir. After Upright’s departure, a few individuals stepped up to lead the guild, including Tim Hankewich from 1989 to 1990, Jan Dammann from 1990 to 1991, and Eric Mireau from 1991 to 1992. Each director brought a bit of his or her own personality to the role, but each ultimately had to resign in order to pursue other career opportunities. In the absence of an official director, Eric’s daughter, Criselda Mireau, agreed to act as the interim conductor of the group until a suitable replacement could be found. In the end, it turned out that there was no candidate more suitable than Mireau herself, and she’s been directing the guild ever since.
Fun Fact: The Singers’ Guild tours regularly and has performed in venues all across Western Canada.
Today Recent years have seen the Singers’ Guild scale back somewhat. In fact, it capped its mixed choir membership at 70 singers, a number the guild hopes will be more manageable than what it’s been in the past. The children’s choir has been put on hiatus
this year as well. Also part of the guild’s new mandate is the desire to adopt a bit of a slower pace. But what the guild calls “slower” is still a remarkable amount of work. This year alone, the guild visited Germany as part of its first international tour, and held a grand concert and banquet in celebration of the singers’ 30th anniversary. Things might be a little bit slower than they have been in years past, but the guild certainly shows no sign of stopping. t8n
Under Mireau’s guidance, the guild’s membership soared from 24 members to over 50, and the scope of its productions grew and expanded as well. Soon enough, a waiting list even had to be instituted just to manage all of the newcomers.
DID YOU KNOW? The St. Albert Singers’ Guild has performed alongside many celebrity guests over the years, including Edmonton jazz-sensation PJ Perry and St. Albert’s own mayor, Nolan Crouse. 2000s For whatever reason, choral singing always tends to attract more women than men, and because of this, the Singers’ Guild waiting list had a bit of a gender imbalance. Rather than keeping the women of St. Albert waiting for a position that might take years to open, the guild expanded to form an all-female choir, now known as the St. Albert Women’s Vocal Ensemble. With the success of the women’s choir and the mixed choir, the guild found itself expanding yet again. At the request of its members, a children’s choir was also formed. While initially made up of the children of the existing membership, this third choir soon began to attract young singers from all over the city. T8N December 2016 37
The 8s
1
4
THE
FINISH FINISHING TOUCHES. THEY’RE not just
for holiday tables and Christmas trees. They’re for collars and cuffs, for nights out and nights in, for slipping on and slipping off—they’re for you! So are this month’s 8s. Among them are some of our favourite looks for the holiday season. Handsome topcoats, statement jewellery, shimmering eye shadows a nd — qu ite possibly — the coziest of all blanket scarves. Happy head-turning.
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6
2
3
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8
of Old Bond Street Luxury 1. Taylor Sandalwood Cologne, from Tommy
We have you covered this Christmas!
Gun’s Original Barbershop, $60 and Lace Blanket Scarf/Toggle 2. Grace Poncho, from deathontwolegs.ca, $47 Camuto Velvet Boots, from 3. Vince Marshalls, $99.99 Scalloped Breastplate 4. Manuela (Grey Quartz), from BangBang Bijoux, $88 Knot Cufflinks, from 5. Trinity Paragon of Design, $75 Showers Earrings, from 6. Sun BangBang Bijoux, $78 1973 Topcoat, from Marshalls, 7. Easy $79.99
Let Over The Top Cakes do your Christmas baking this year!
with Fringed Men’s Scarf, from Marshalls, $14.99 Formula Extreme Shimmer 8. Physicians Shadow & Liner (Glam Nude), from London Drugs, $15.99 t8n T8N December 2016 39
PLAY YOUR
Gift Cards RIGHT
Tips for your one-stop shop BY VANESSA ROSET
A SUBTLE STIGMA once surrounded
the lowly gift card— some considered it a “lazy” gift, requiring little forethought. This attitude has been shifting consistently over the last decade as the popularity of online shopping continues to grow.Today, gift ca rds a re one of Ca nadia ns’ most requested gifts, with a nincreasing number of tech-savvy consumers even favouring the purely digital forms. Here, we review some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your purchase.
SKIP THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE When it comes to gift cards, the benefits to the giver are obvious—just ask anyone who’s ever scoured through a hectic holiday shopping mall for hours, unable to find the perfect present for a hard-to-buy-for friend. But there are plenty of benefits for recipients, as well. Gift cards allow people to purchase exactly what they want, saving them the hassle of keeping gift receipts and returning duplicate or unwanted presents to the store. Research on shopping trends also indicates that many consumers who use gift cards spend up to double the value of the card at because it provides them an opportunity to splurge on something special that they would likely not have purchased otherwise. With more and more cards available for online use, there’s also the convenience of shopping from home; simply enter the card code at checkout, and wait for the goods to be delivered. 40 T8Nmagazine.com
SIMPLIFIED SHOPPING Go online to get dozens of unique subscription box ideas for the loved ones in your life. http://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/category/ subscription-box-gift-ideas categorizes subscriptions based on interests to simplify the selection process. Find great options for kids, parents, pet lovers, sports nuts, artists, foodies, beauty queens… just try to resist subscribing to them yourself!
MAKE IT PERSONAL A little creativity can add a special personal touch to the standard gift card experience. Most established businesses offer some form of card, so instead of opting for the generalized, all-inclusive Visa, first consider your recipient. How do they spend their time? What might they want to learn? Foodies may love exploring new restaurants or participating in cooking classes. Give your creative friend with a card to a craft supply store or entry to an art museum. There are cards to suit bookworms and techies and sports enthusiasts. They can often be redeemed for classes or activities, like snowboarding lessons or tickets to the movies. Still not sure? Consider where they are in life. Are they a struggling university student? Give them a card to the local supermarket. Did they just buy their first house? Home outfitting stores are where it’s at. Do they have children? Buy them a card to use towards house-cleaning services, meal assembly and delivery programs, or a date night out (bonus points if you offer to babysit!). Then, think about delivery. Handmade envelopes and gift boxes,
candy-filled Mason jars, stuffed animals, decorated picture frames…there are hundreds of unique ways to customize your gift.
DISCOUNTED DEALINGS Once a gift card is purchased, it cannot be returned to the business for cash. For this reason, people sometimes try to sell their unwanted gift cards at a lower price online. A fifty-dollar card might be sold for as low as thirty-five; the discount offers an incentive to buyers who would otherwise purchase the cards at full price from a certified source. This type of transaction can certainly help you save money, but it does require caution. To avoid getting scammed by unscrupulous sellers posing as innocent re-gifters, only buy discounted gift cards from verified sites. Dedicated websites like Cardpool.com and Giftcards.com offer more security than personal sales sites like Craigslist or Kijiji. Always check the companies’ policies—look for websites that guarantee their gift cards after purchase and provide refunds for unused cards. Read through customer feedback, and only use sellers with high approval ratings. Add an extra measure of security by
purchasing all discounted gift cards with a credit card. The insurance will keep you covered in the case of a fraudulent transaction.
BUYER BEWARE When buying gift cards in person, it’s generally better to get them from customer service agents instead of public sales racks that are accessed by many shoppers. Examine cards for signs of tampering, making sure the hidden activation code on the back has not been exposed in any way. When buying cards online, purchase them directly from a store’s official website; it will usually offer increased security measures. Before you buy, read the fine print. Some cards have activation fees that need to be paid upon purchase. In Alberta, gift cards with a specific monetary value are considered to be like cash; they cannot be taxed or given an expiry date. Gift certificates that are redeemed for a service without an established dollar amount (e.g. “good for one manicure”) are not subject to these regulations. Always determine if there is an expiry date or any additional conditions ahead of time. It’s also important to buy only from reputable, long-standing businesses—consumers who
purchase gift cards from small companies that go out of business can do little to recover their losses. Lastly, never use random websites that claim to verify the balance leftover on your card. Call the number printed on the back and speak to an agent in person.
GIVE & GIVE AGAIN For a different take on the all-purpose present, consider a subscription. This latest trend is the gift that keeps on giving, and the possibilities for it go far beyond the standard monthly magazine. One option is the online membership, where recipients can access different types of classes, movie sites, or book and podcast libraries, often on an unlimited basis, for a specified time period. Also popular is the subscription box club, where members receive a unique gift delivered to their door once a month. There are sock clubs, fragrance clubs—even snack clubs. Some are for lovers of coffee, spices, bourbon or tea. There are specialized boxes to suit any interest starting at just a handful of dollars per month. Just make sure to always double-check pricing; some luxury subscription box providers advertise a monthly price instead of a yearly one, and costs can add up quickly if you’re not paying attention. t8n
DID YOU KNOW? An estimated 1 billion dollars in gift cards goes unused every year. You can donate full or partially used gift cards to charitable organizations that match them with individual needs. Even minute amounts add up enough to make a difference, and many charities will provide a tax receipt for the value of the card.
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MAT• CHA (n.)
Not your regular cup of tea FORGET PUMPKIN-SPICE LATTES. This
winter, Canadians are backing a different brew. Credited with being the ultimate superfood, matcha is a versatile plant that pac ks a ser ious pu nc h . Wh ile the tea has been revered in Eastern cultures for centuries, it’s more recently making local headlines as an all-around gateway to health. Whether you steep it or eat it, matcha is good for the body and the brain. Here’s a look at what all the fuss is about.
TEA-TIME TRADITION The origin of matcha is spiritual in nature, rooted in ancient religious customs. A 12th century Japanese priest named Myoan Eisai is believed to have been introduced to the medicinal tea while visiting China. Upon returning home, he began including it in Zen Buddhism practices. Gradually, the tea ceremony grew in popularity, and status-significant tea houses ranging from modest to extravagant popped up across the country. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies serve high-quality matcha tea during social gatherings that place an avid focus on the guest experience. All aesthetics are carefully considered: art pieces, landscaping, flowers and decor, traditional garments—even special utensils and vessels. The tea is often paired with a special meal, and the conversation can be deeply philosophical or light and entertaining. Serving the tea is an art form in itself, and the practice often includes periods of meditation and silent contemplation.
CULTIVATING QUALITY Like all true teas, matcha stems from the Camellia sinensis plant. Its leaves are plucked, and varying levels of fermentation create different forms of tea: green tea is unfermented, oolong tea is partially fermented and black tea is fully fermented. Matcha is a traditional green tea, and the highest quality yields are held to superior standards on colour, flavour and finish. The 42 T8Nmagazine.com
cancer cells, improves brain function, promotes weight loss and has multiple cardiovascular benefits. Drinking matcha regularly is said to boost memory and concentration, increase energy levels, improve cholesterol levels, reduce gastrointestinal issues and strengthen the immune system. The tea can be a rich source of potassium, calcium, iron and vitamins A, B, C, E and K, and it has about as much caffeine in it as a cup of coffee
CONSIDER THE SOURCE To enjoy the most health benefits from matcha, splurge on a superior source. True matcha is significantly more expensive than other teas—be wary of inexpensive imposters that claim matcha’s advantages without its price tag. Consider also the grade of matcha that you need: ceremonial and classic grades are the top choices for drinking the tea straight, and their cost consistently reflects their quality. Café-grade matcha can be added to lattes and smoothies, and kitchen grade can be used in soups, desserts and a ton of
SERVE HOT (AND OFTEN)
To brew the perfect cup of matcha tea, use a small sifter to sift one or two teaspoons of matcha powder into a cup or bowl. Add two to three ounces of hot water—the temperature should be just below boiling point. Whisk until the tea appears frothy. matcha cultivation process is unique in that the tea is shade-grown for weeks prior to harvest, which is said to increase the level of chlorophyll and amino acids in the plant as it searches for light. Only the highest quality leaves are harvested, with younger greener leaves being deemed the most valuable. Leaves are steamed, dried and destemmed before being carefully stone-ground in a time-consuming process that avoids heat damage. They are then stored away from light and oxygen to preserve their quality.
PLANT POWERHOUSE Matcha differs from other types of tea in that the leaves are not merely steeped and then discarded; they are ingested whole in the form of matcha powder. This action, paired with the careful cultivation practices of high-quality sources, is believed to dramatically increase the antioxidant and mineral value of the tea. In fact, matcha has six times the antioxidant value of the celebrated goji berry and seven times the value of dark chocolate. It is also extremely high in EGCG, a compound that reportedly inhibits the growth of
other recipes. Try to avoid powdered mixes that are flavoured to mask matcha’s distinct umami flavour; they are often full of sugar and other random ingredients, such as powdered milk. t8n
QUALITY Q&A Not all matcha products are created equal. The following indicators can help you determine if your matcha tea comes from a quality source: Originates from Japan Vibrant green colour Very finely ground, soft powdery feel Sweet, vegetal smell Clean taste (not bitter) Creamy finish Remains smooth after whisking