Boulevard Magazine, Okanagan - Jan/Feb 2019

OK ANAGAN

JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2019

LIFE AT ITS FINEST

MAIN TITLE

ELECTRIC NIGHTS

Add some sizzle to the season IDEAS FOR SPRING

SUPER BOWLS WHISKY WARM-UP

Heat up winter with Trendy, tasty, tempting whisky-inspired cocktails zzzz xxxxxx

REBOOT

A winter refresh for body and soul

THE INFLUENCERS TOMMIE AWARDS

xxxxxxxxxxx A selection of building xxxxxxxxxxx excellence in the Okanagan xxxxxxx

© Forevermark 2018. Forevermark®,

109 - 2900 Pandosy Street | 250-860-6657 | www.europeangoldsmith.com

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are Trade Marks used under license from De Beers Group.

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In our constant pursuit of absolute beauty, every Forevermark diamond undergoes a journey of rigorous selection.

This is why less than 1% of the world’s diamonds are worthy of the Forevermark inscription – our promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing.

CONTENTS 14

79 FEATURES

On the Cover Photo by Darren Hull.

Model Paije Swanton, photographed on location at Bertram Creek Park with a beautiful I-Pace electric Jaguar from Jaguar Kelowna.

FASHION

42

36 AHEAD OF THE CURVE

42 ELECTRIC NIGHTS

Unique, “showstopper” of a home stands out with soft, rounded lines

Electrify your look, cosy up and keep out the cold

By Jenny McKinney

By Darcy Nybo

48 REBOOT

A winter refresh for the body and soul

By Lauren Kramer

64 CREAMY, SWEET, NUTTY

AND COMPLEX

The surprising flavours and immense versatility of cooking with tahini

By Chef Heidi Fink

56 SPECIAL FEATURE

6

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Tommies Awards

12

48

64

42

DEPARTMENTS 8

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

10 EDITOR’S LETTER

Home is Where the Heart is

By Susan Lundy

16

inspiredHEALTH

74 FRONT ROW

How to Live a Long, Charmed Life

What’s on this month

By Brenda Giesbrecht

By Pamela Durkin

20 inspiredINTERIORS

79 TALKING WITH TOBY

Medieval Magnificence

His True Calling: Vaughn Wyant

By Justin O’Connor

By Toby Tannas

12

inspiredSTYLE

Manny Brar

By Lia Crowe

14

24 inspiredPEOPLE inspiredDRINKS

82 BEHIND THE STORY

Artist Jolene Mackie

Whisky Warm-up

By David Wylie

By Lauren Kramer

By Darren Hull

70 TRAVEL FAR

Glamour and Glitz: a Cunard Cruise

By Suzanne Morphet

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OURCONTRIBUTORS

OKANAGAN

LIA CROWE BOULEVARD STAFF ELECTRIC NIGHTS

PAGE 42

“There are always highlights to creating the visuals for Boulevard Okanagan, like sampling the Wildflower Old Fashioned at Krafty Kitchen or meeting inspiring people, but for this issue I have to say the standout was spending the day driving gorgeous windy Okanagan country roads in the brand new, completely electric Jaguar, thanks to Jaguar Kelowna.” Lia is a stylist, creative director, photographer and writer with a long history of working in the fashion industry.

L I F E AT I T S F I N E S T JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019

GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto

PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke

250.891.5627

DON DENTON PHOTOGRAPHER: CREAMY, RICH, NUTTY AND COMPLEX

PAGE 64

HEIDI FINK WRITER: CREAMY, RICH, NUTTY AND COMPLEX

PAGE 64

“Simple baked treats and food with neutral colours can be a challenge for the food photographer. Luckily the sesame seeds that are the source for tahini created a textured and tasty counterpart to the surface of the baked goods created in this month’s food feature with Chef Heidi Fink.” Don has photographed numerous high-profile events, including the Olympics, World Hockey Championships and a Royal wedding.

“I shouldn’t have been surprised by how delicious it was to bake with tahini, but I was. So many unexpectedly wonderful turns of texture and flavour came about when I was testing recipes. If you love sesame, or halvah, or sweet treats in general, you will love tahini brownies and tahini cookies and tahini cake!” Heidi is a chef, food writer and culinary instructor, specializing in local foods and ethnic cuisines.

EDITOR Susan Lundy ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

DESIGN Lorianne Koch

Michelle Gjerde ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Vicki Clark

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe, Pamela Durkin,

WRITERS

Heidi Fink, Brenda Giesbrecht, Lauren Kramer, Darcy Nybo, Jenny McKinney, Suzanne Morphet, Justin O’Connor, David Wylie

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe, Don Denton

PHOTOGRAPHERS Darren Hull, Colin Jewall,

Matt Lucas Photography

CIRCULATION & Kate Sarac

DISTRIBUTION 250.763.7575

OK ANAGAN

JANUARY I FEBRUARY 2019

LIFE AT ITS FINEST

MAINELECTRIC TITLENIGHTS Add some sizzle to the season IDEAS FOR SPRING

BRENDA GIESBRECHT WRITER: FRONT ROW

PAGE 74

“There is no reason to be stuck inside this winter when there are so many interesting, inspiring and entertaining events happening throughout the Okanagan Valley. There is a strong international theme running through this issue’s Front Row offerings, along with a showcase of regional arts and musical talent.

Get out of your chair and into a concert hall, a gallery or even a hot air balloon.” Brenda has been writing for many years, in addition to doing graphic design, book production and fibre arts.

SUPER BOWLS WHISKY WARM-UP

Heat up winter with Trendy, tasty, tempting whisky-inspired cocktails zzzz xxxxxx

REBOOT

A winter refresh for body and soul

THE INFLUENCERS TOMMIE AWARDS

xxxxxxxxxxx A selection of building xxxxxxxxxxx excellence in the Okanagan xxxxxxx

ADVERTISE Boulevard Magazine is British Columbia’s leading lifestyle magazine, celebrating 26 years of publishing. To advertise or to learn more about advertising opportunities please send us an email at info@blvdmag.ca Mailing Address: 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E4 Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624

DARREN HULL PHOTOGRAPHER: ELECTRIC NIGHTS

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“Shooting this issue’s fashion story was a challenge. The terrain was tough and the weather was crisp. Cheers to the team for making it well after sunset to complete this one.” Darren is an editorial and commercial photographer, who has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s top image makers with work informed by a strong sense of storyline.

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info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com

Victoria Boulevard® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication.

Printed in Canada.

Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

LAUREN KRAMER

JENNY MCKINNEY

WRITER: REBOOT

STYLIST: ELECTRIC NIGHTS

PAGE 48

PAGE 42

“I’ve been an avid forest walker since childhood, so learning about the regenerative benefits of Shinrin-yoku came as no surprise — I always feel refreshed, clear-headed and replenished after a peaceful forest walk.” Focussing on food and travel, Lauren is an award-winning Richmond-based writer and a mother to four children who inspire her daily.

“Kelowna offers some delightful, abundant and local shopping.

It was so fun for me to work with these stores to style this edition’s fashion story. The goal I set was to create a local, unique and luxurious feeling. I hope you find your way into one of these charming stores for your next outfit creation! As always, working alongside masters in their craft, Darren Hull and Lia Crowe, helped create the magic of our fashion shoot.

It’s a true joy watching them in action behind the scenes.”

Jenny has been voted best makeup artist in Kelowna by the community for three consecutive years, and she’s been in the beauty industry for over two decades.

DARCY NYBO

JUSTIN O’CONNOR

WRITER: AHEAD OF THE CURVE

WRITER: MEDIEVAL MAGNIFICENCE

PAGE 36

PAGE 20

“Curved walls of glass combined with other unique design elements make this Okanagan home very easy on the eyes, and easy to live in.” Darcy is a freelance writer, writing instructor, writing coach, author, selfprofessed word nerd and a foodie who loves to discover new things.

“Every once in while I come across a property that makes a bold statement. One that is genuinely customized from a vision of something a little different. In this edition, I feature a unique home that is truly a oneof-a-kind creation.” Justin is the Senior Vice President, Sales in Kelowna for Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and President of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association, Central Okanagan.

TOBY TANNAS

DAVID WYLIE

WRITER: HIS TRUE CALLING

WRITER: ALCHEMY OF ART & SCIENCE

PAGE 79

PAGE 24

“Vaughn Wyant walked into our interview with the enthusiasm of a man who’s new to his craft. He actually has more than 40 years experience in the automobile business.

Vaughn’s views on the importance of strong roots and healthy work culture reveal why he’s at the top of his game as president & CEO of Wyant Group.” Toby co-hosts Beach Mornings with Ara & Toby on Kelowna’s New 103.1 Beach Radio. She’s a mother to two teenage girls and a couple of four-legged babies.

“Existential questioning can often be found at the root of art. Seeing what other people create helps us to meditate on the deeper meanings of life and peer into the hearts and minds of others.” David has done just about every job there is to do in a newsroom. He works in the Okanagan as a writer, speaker and publisher.

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EDITOR’SLETTER

Home is where the heart is

BY SUSAN LUNDY

B

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

mice families, the spider Fred in the ACK in the mid ’80s, bathroom, the occasional bat and a I was 21 and still hornets’ nest in the attic. I didn’t find the at university when mice too troublesome — as long as they I moved with my stayed in the walls. The spider Fred was as boyfriend — later good as a magazine in the bathroom as he to be husband, later wove his silky webs and kept the area free to be ex-husband — into the first house of bugs. It was the hornets that we refused I could sort of call my own. The rental to accept as roommates. house, named The Cranberry, had recently But it wasn’t the creatures that finally been vacated by the boyfriend’s ex-wife. prompted us to move. During our years at It came with furniture, a pair of step-kids the log cabin, many winter nights forced and a gerbil called Quasimodo. drastic keep-warm measures. We’d drape Built in the early 1900s and supposedly blankets over windows and entranceways haunted by the ghost of gin-drinking Mary and basically live by the wood stove. But Brown, The Cranberry sat on 75 acres one winter, some serious temperature of rolling Salt Spring Island grassland trouble occurred, and we awoke to find and had its own private lake. Bright and our bedside drinking water frozen. cosy on the inside with a sun-soaked Downstairs, we had no running water deck out the back and a spectacular view because the pipes had burst. And in the that changed colour with the season, The bathroom the water in the toilet bowl had Cranberry was a slice of heaven most days. frozen solid as a skating rink. Within a But it definitely came with challenges.

Insulation (grass) between the logs had long since disappeared and year we’d bought a house that didn’t have the word “rustic” in its description, and moved into a warmer, less-critter-filled abode. the building sagged in the corners. The floors peaked at the seam Today, it’s hard to reconcile life in The Cranberry as I peruse between living room and kitchen and then sloped away in opposite the beautiful homes featured in this edition of Boulevard. directions.

In our special section The Tommies, we celebrate some of the And the very ex-wifeness of this house was a bit daunting, very best in Okanagan living. Our feature hot property is an especially in the kitchen, where tall, baby-blue cupboards housed absolutely stunning piece of architecture built with creativity and shelves of homemade preserves and jars of beans and spices and vision in West Kelowna. other dried goods. The decade that On the epicurean side of the good separated the ex-wife and me in age Within a year we’d bought life, enjoy Chef Heidi Fink’s take on the thrust us into different eras. When a house that didn’t have versatile and trendy tahini, and check I was eating Campbell’s soup in my out the mouthwatering and bodymother’s 1970s kitchen, she was living the word “rustic” in its warming recipes for whisky cocktails off the land, digging up rutabagas description, and moved into served up by Krafty Kitchen + Bar. from the garden, soaking pinto beans This edition also features some ideas overnight and bubbling up dinner in a warmer, less-critter-filled for a mind, body and soul winter a slow-cooking pot. While she was abode. refresh. Sharpen your mind for extended doing Lamaze, cloth-diapering babies, longevity, experience forest bathing and sewing, baking, canning and scrubbing a body reboot in our health and feature stories. Meet Manny Brar, the corners of her kitchen with bristle brushes, I was studying Jolene Mackie and Vaughn Wyant. Enjoy cosy winter fashion, take creative writing at university. I found those jars of preserves more a cruise and discover the latest and greatest in upcoming arts and intimidating than an essay on Freud. entertainment.

Our little family expanded at The Cranberry as we took in a Our move from The Cranberry in August, 1990 precipitated stray cat, who immediately produced kittens, and a big, dozy dog. many more firsts in my life: first mortgage, the birth of my first But there were other creatures too. Here, March didn’t come in daughter (just three weeks later) … first bathroom door that like a lamb or a lion. It came in like a frog. One night the moon would appear as usual in the silent, still air. The next night, there’d locked! But The Cranberry, which sadly burned down a few years ago, will always have a place in my heart as the first house I could be one or two tentative croaks. But by the end of the week, the sort of call my own. newly awakened amphibians roared like an assembly of space Susan Lundy has been writing stories since she was six years old. ships, revving their engines and preparing for flight. The sound She has a degree in creative writing from the University of Victoria, overpowered everything. The frogs fired up at dusk and bellowed and after working for many years as an award-winning journalist, is like bagpipes throughout most of the night. now a magazine editor, author and freelance writer.

Other wildlife found its way into our house, like the extended 10

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MANNY BRAR REALTOR WITH ENGEL & VÖLKERS OKANAGAN

WORDS + PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

CLOTHES/ GROOMING

UNIFORM: Joseph Abboud suit, slim fit. FAVOURITE DENIM, BRAND AND CUT: Silver Jeans, “Konrad” Slim Fit. CURRENT GO-TO CLOTHING ITEM: Adidas Hoodie. BEST NEW PURCHASE: Alpinestars Brera Jacket.

CURRENTLY COVETING: Adidas flip flops.

ACCESSORY YOU SPEND THE MOST MONEY ON: Boots. FAVOURITE WORK TOOL: Cell phone, the Huawei P20 Pro. SUNGLASSES: Prada sunglasses from the Linea Rossa Collection. SCENT: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren.

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MEET Manny at MotoVida Handcrafter Motorcycles in Kelowna to drool over beautiful bikes and chat with him about life and style, starting with his love for the Okanagan, which, I quickly learn, runs deep.

“It’s the perfect sweet spot — a summer and winter destination. It’s a year-round playground. Kelowna is the ‘Goldilocks story’ town, it’s not too big, it’s not too small. It’s just right.”

Manny grew up in Keremeos, the son of fruit farmers.

He credits his parents with instilling in him a strong work ethic and respectful manner.

“My mom’s a real go-getter and my dad is your typical farmer; he just enjoys farming. Even when he doesn’t have a lot to do, he’ll find something. We were brought up to be very respectful. It’s so deeply instilled in me that it’s just part of who I am — I don’t have to try to be polite, I just generally am that way.”

Asked what he loves about working in real estate, he says: “I genuinely enjoy the feeling I get when I know I’ve done a good job — when I know my clients are extremely happy.”

Discussing style and fashion, Manny says he really enjoys fashion and, although he loves his casual wear, when it comes to work, he’s always suited up (à la Harvey Specter of the television show Suits).

“I think good style is about having a sense of what you’re all about and then wearing that with confidence.”

The 30-year-old admits that his life outside of work is pretty much consumed with raising his new son, now a oneyear-old. But when can, he still manages to get out on his bike.

“With a busy work and life schedule, I’ve found that it is the best way to clear my head. Most of the time I don’t even know where I’m going; it’s my mediation, it helps quiet and focus my mind.”

STYLE INSPIRATION / LIFE

STYLE ICON: Tom Ford and Keanu Reeves. FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNER OR BRAND: Tom Ford. ERA OF TIME THAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE: “‘80s style for sure!” FILM OR TV SHOW THAT INSPIRES YOUR STYLE OR THAT YOU JUST LOVE THE STYLE OF: Mad Men and Ocean’s 12. FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Block One at 50th Parallel Estate Winery. FAVOURITE COCKTAIL/WINE: Johnnie Walker Black Label on the rocks and Quails’ Gate, Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir. ALBUM ON CURRENT ROTATION: Forest Hills Drive. FAVOURITE HOTEL: West Coast Wilderness Lodge.

FAVOURITE APP: Instagram.

READING MATERIAL FAVE PRINT MAGAZINE:

Engel & Volkers — GG Magazine.

FAVE STYLE BLOG: Instagram: @Menwithclass. COFFEE TABLE BOOK/ PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK: Vineyard Dogs of the Okanagan by Aliki Salmas and Christian Hannigan. LAST GREAT READ: The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. FAVOURITE BOOK OF ALL TIME: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton.

inspired DRINKS

Whisky warm-up

What better way to warm up winter than with a whisky-inspired cocktail?

BY LAUREN KRAMER | P H OTO S BY DA R R E N H U L L

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ESTERN Canada’s oldest craft distillery is leading the renaissance of craft whisky, which — according to Tyler Dyck at Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery — “is so popular, we can’t keep up with production.”

And what better way to warm up winter than with a whisky-inspired cocktail?

The Okanagan distillery, a family-owned enterprise with locations in Kelowna and Vernon, was founded in 2004. It celebrates the flavours of this unique landscape in its fruit liqueur, vodka, gin, brandy, whisky, aquavit and absinthe.

Located a tractor-ride from the orchards and fields where its ingredients are grown, it specializes in farm-to-flask spirits and features a portfolio of 30 unique products.

“All our alcohols express something about the Okanagan and its flavours,” says Tyler, who is the distillery’s chief executive officer.

Whisky connoisseurs can sign up for a tasting by the dram in the distillery’s lounge or head to the tasting room bars, where they can sample Canada’s first bourbon-style whiskey, single malt whisky, BC rye whisky and beer-inspired hopped whisky lines.

Chef Chris Shaften, of Krafty Kitchen + Bar in Kelowna, has been incorporating Okanagan Spirits into his cocktail recipes since the restaurant opened in 2014.

“Because we focus on local ingredients in our food, we do the same in our wine and beverage program,” he says. “For a cocktail bar like ours, having unique local spirits to use is a big bonus.”

Krafty Kitchen’s Wildflower Old Fashioned cocktail features Canadian rye whisky, for example, and the locality of the ingredients is a compelling draw, particularly for visitors to the Okanagan.

Here are some Krafty cocktail recipes to add a little warmth to the season: WILDFLOWER OLD FASHIONED Ingredients: 2 oz BC Rye Whisky – Okanagan Spirits 0.5 oz Rich Honey Syrup 4 dash Angostura Bitters Equipment: 1 dash saline tumbler glass orange zest mixing beaker julep strainer bar spoon matches Method: Chill glass by adding ice and soda. Add all ingredients except for orange zest into mixing beaker.

(This cocktail can also be built in the glass.) Add one scoop of ice. Stir for 50 revolutions. Dump ice and

Krafty bartender Chris Daigle creates a Wildflower Old Fashioned.

soda out of glass. Strain cocktail into glass. Express orange oils over cocktail. Using a match, scorch the skin side of the orange zest until it is lightly charred. Trim zest and curl it into a spiral using the back of a spoon. Place zest in the cocktail, resting on top of the ice.

KARATE CHOP Ingredients: 1 oz Master Distilled Hopped Whisky – Okanagan Spirits 1 oz sake 0.5 oz lemon juice Equipment: 0.75 oz Kombucha Collins glass 0.75 oz Green Tea Simple Syrup shaker cup & top pinch salt Hawthorne strainer ginger beer mesh strainer 1 sprig mint

Method: Chill Collins glass with ice and soda. Combine all ingredients except for ginger beer in shaker. Shake hard and fast for 15 seconds. Dump ice and soda out of Collins glass, and refill halfway with fresh ice. Double strain cocktail into Collins glass and then top up with ginger beer. Slap the mint sprig in the palm of your hand, then garnish the drink with it. Serve this drink with a straw. boulevardmagazines.com |

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inspired HEALTH

How to live a

long,

charmed

life

BY PAMELA DURKIN

Optimism, lifelong learning and social connections aid longevity

A

CCORDING to Business Insider 80 per cent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February, so this year I decided to focus on things I could do to put as many more meaningful years ahead of me as possible — rather than making resolutions for the upcoming year.

While many of us may want to live to 100, few achieve this monumental feat. However, there are places around the world — dubbed “The Blue Zones” — where people live extraordinarily long lives, and social scientists have discovered they share a host of practices that promote longevity.

Surprisingly, these are not all related to diet and exercise. Here are some of the surprising habits that have helped these people live long lives.

Being Optimistic “Blue Zoners” and other centenarians around the world are an optimistic bunch. The recently released New England Centenarian study, conducted by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 16

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Another practice the “super-agers” all engage in is lifelong learning.

examined the psychological profiles of 200 healthy centenarians and found a common trait — all were positive thinkers with positive views on aging.

Another study, conducted by Harvard’s School of Public Health and published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, showed that, after 10 years of follow up, people who were optimistic had a 55 per cent lower risk of death from all causes and a 23 per cent lower risk of death from heart disease, compared to people who reported a higher level of pessimism.

According to the science, optimism even beats genetics in determining the quality and quantity of life. That doesn’t surprise life and career coach Julia James.

“Optimism allows us to relax more deeply, sleep better, be happier and more present — it positively impacts our physical, mental and emotional health,” she notes.

So what does optimism actually do within our bodies that renders it such a powerful influence on longevity? Several studies show that optimism is associated with a healthier lipid profile, lower levels of inflammatory markers, higher levels of serum antioxidants and better immune responsiveness.

Does all this mean that people who are innately pessimistic are doomed to short lives? Not necessarily — it has been demonstrated in randomized trials that optimism can be “learned.”

“One of the ways to grow more optimistic is to flex your gratitude muscle,” James explains. “Make it a daily practice to write down three things you are grateful for and feel the gratitude in your heart. And also tell the people in your life what you appreciate about them on a daily basis.”

Other ways to enhance optimism include laughing daily, surrounding yourself with positive people, avoiding negative selftalk and practicing self compassion.

Learning Another practice the “super-agers” all engage in is lifelong learning. And while the exact causation remains inconclusive, a plethora of studies suggests that remaining engaged in the learning process throughout life can improve longevity and provide other health and social benefits.

Joanie Anderson, an executive assistant at mining giant Teck boulevardmagazines.com |

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concurs, saying, “I have always believed in lifelong learning and at 62 I plan to continue it indefinitely — I call it Botox for the mind. It keeps you vibrant, fresh, interested and interesting.”

It’s been proven that the more new things your brain tries to understand, the better it functions. As a report on the benefits of lifelong learning noted in Scientific American, “If the brain is not challenged with new learning, its capabilities can gradually erode over time, leading to decreased memory and cognitive dysfunction.”

So does it matter what you learn? No. Choose something that matches your passion and do not worry about your age — your brain loves learning no matter how old you are. If you’re really stumped about what to learn or what new skill to acquire, you can simply commit to reading more. Reading is a great way to stimulate the mind, and a new study published in Social Science and Medicine found that individuals who read books for up to three and a half hours per week were 17 per cent less likely to die over a 12-year period than non-readers. People who read even more than that were 23 per cent less likely to die.

Clearly, continuing education may just be the fountain of youth. So go ahead and learn a new language or culinary skill, or join a book club — you’ll be enhancing your longevity and the quality of your years.

Building Social Ties Taking a course or joining a choir or book club can also help you form new social connections. Why is that important?

Researchers have discovered that strong social ties are more critical to physical health than exercising or maintaining a healthy weight.

A recent meta study, covering more than 300,000

participants across all ages, revealed that adults get a 50 per cent boost in longevity if they have a solid social network. The researchers, from Brigham Young University, analyzed results from 148 studies going back as far as the early 20th century.

More than 100 years worth of research came to the same conclusion — having a healthy social life is paramount for staying physically healthy.

Like optimism, social support has some clear benefits for the human body. It’s been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, better wound healing and good immune function.

In contrast, science has revealed that social isolation increases the risk for inflammation by the same magnitude as physical inactivity, and its effect on hypertension exceeds that of other clinical risk factors such as diabetes. In animal studies, social isolation has been linked to an increased risk for mammary tumours and metabolic syndrome.

Sadly, despite living in the “hyper-connected era” of Facebook and Instagram, social isolation is on the rise. In fact, according to statistics, three times as many people report feeling lonely than they did 20 years ago.

“Friends give us a sense of belonging,” says Susanne Dannenberg RSW, an outreach worker with Capital City Volunteers. “While online connections might be better than nothing, they can’t replace a warm phone call or face-to-face conversation with a friend.”

So to increase longevity, peel yourself away from the screen, volunteer, invite a guest to dinner or make a play date with a close friend. The experts advise it isn’t the number of social connections that matters, but what those connections provide us in terms of real support and human warmth.

The Blueprint For Doing More With Less.

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“WE LOVE IT HERE.” Enjoy lakeside living minutes from downtown.

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West Harbour is an intimate community of elegant designer homes perched on the Okanagan’s west shore.

With an outdoor pool, 500 feet of sandy beach, Harbour Club (coming soon), available boat moorage and a welcoming group of residents who love the Okanagan lifestyle.

PHASE 3 IS NOW SELLING, with 6 new home designs to choose from, including bungalows and semi-detached villas. Visit us to see everything there is to love about living here.

Sale Centre OPEN SAT-WED, 12 PM – 4 PM Take Hwy 97 to Westside Rd., turn onto Old Ferry Wharf Rd.

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inspired INTERIORS

Medieval Magnificence

Game of Thrones-inspired mansion rises on Kalamalka Lake

BY JUSTIN O’CONNOR | P H OTO S BY MATT LUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY

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E

VER wonder what it would be like to live in a home with a completely different design and feel than what you are used to? In this issue, we feature a lakefront getaway that is exactly this for one family. The owners of this fantastic abode wanted their home-awayfrom-home to be distinct — and in complete contrast to their principle residence. They wanted to feel as though they had left the city behind and were nestled inside a rustic, mountain home surrounded by nature.

The job fell to award-winning Gibson Contracting to bring together a plan that would take all of today’s new home technology and camouflage it with concrete, stone and natural wood products to create a unique Medieval-style mountain home. The goal was not only to impress the clients, but surpass their mystical vision.

Every aspect of this house, both inside and out, is unique; it incorporates numerous natural elements in the design, creating a Game of Thrones-inspired fortress. From the hand-hewn timber posts with tongue and groove ceilings to the natural stone

walls, every room offers unusual materials and extraordinary craftsmanship that commands attention. The only thing missing is the drawbridge and moat — although the outdoor living space with its in-ground swimming pool fits the bill nicely.

In looking for something entirely separate from their everyday lives, the homeowners went outside their comfort zone, ultimately adding a bold, new look on the Okanagan lakefront.

Coming from a ranching background, I thoroughly embraced the rustic elements that were incorporated into the construction of this one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Thank you to the homeowners for allowing me to showcase their dream and to show you — our readers — something a little different.

LOCATION OF HOUSE: Kalamalka Lake BUILDER: Gibson Contracting INTERIOR DESIGNER: Kelly Sigsworth HOMEOWNERS’ INTENT: A unique home that takes natural elements and incorporates them into the construction, finishings and style. boulevardmagazines.com |

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DESIGNER’S CONCEPT: Rustic Medieval Mountain Home (reminiscent of Game of Thrones).

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS INTERIOR? Our clients were looking for a rustic, mountain-chalet-style home — a complete “180” on their principle residence in Alberta. They wanted to have the feel of being in the mountains surrounded by nature, and so we incorporated this concept into the exterior and interior finishings.

COLOUR SCHEME: Dark natural wood and stone complemented by light, natural concrete tones WHAT ARE THE STAND-OUT FEATURES? Every aspect of the home inside and outside is so unique, it’s something you don’t see here in

Only 21 Luxury Hillside Lakeview Homes Remain Act now for best selection on the remaining homes The word is out that The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake is the best new home community in the Okanagan Valley.

The Cottages includes a community centre with a gym, two pools and hot tubs as well as our private sandy beach and boat slips, there’s something for everyone. With over 220 homes sold, the remaining opportunities won’t last long.

With eight different home plans to choose from ranging is size from our modest 1,300 sf meadow homes to the exclusive 3,000 sf Meritage plan, there really is the perfect home for you.

We have several unique homes under construction and all homes can be customized to suit your needs. Please contact our sales team at 1.855.742.5555 or visit our website for a full tour.

Th Cottag e exem es is BC’s Vpt from ac Home ation Tax

Visit our Display Homes » 2450 Radio Tower Road, Oliver, BC See website for open hours.

1.855.742.5555 osoyooscottages.com

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the Okanagan. From the things you don’t see — like the three levels of infloor radiant heat and Control 4 fully automated Smart Home technology to the real natural stone walls and handhewn timber — it’s truly one of a kind.

Also, every room you walk through has something to look at, whether it is natural stone walls, timber posts with tongue and groove ceilings, or the natural concrete floors. Incorporating the outdoor living area really brought the natural elements feeling to fruition.

With a main floor pool out the patio door and the lake just a short walk down the path, it really is something bold and unique.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD ABOUT IT? It was an absolute pleasure to build such a unique and amazing home for an incredible client. We look forward to having them call this place home and enjoy all the incredible finishes for many years to come.

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e create a home. Compelling backdrops for every aspect of peoples’ lives inspires us for a creative project from start to finish. We create your personal architecture… a home that reflects how you live. The name ‘All Elements’ is exactly that. The four elements that surround us in our environment on a daily basis; earth, air, fire and water. A home site will always be affected by these elements. We love to take something that people look at in a common way and make it unique; we want to present it to you in a different light. As we are designing and building a dream home for our clients, we want it to reflect you, your needs and your desires to make it stand out. We understand clients that desire to build private, luxury residences and the need to ensure a unique product, while handling affairs with the utmost discretion.

WWW.ALLELEMENTS.CA Gold Tommie Winner of Home of the Year 2 time Provincial Georgie Award Winner HOME OF THETommie YEAR 12 time Silver Award Winner

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inspired PEOPLE

Alchemy of art and science Artist Jolene Mackie

BY DAVID WYLIE | P H OTO S BY DA R R E N H U L L

P

ERHAPS art and science are more closely linked than we think. Both help us peer into the mysteries of existence and wrestle with the deeper questions and meanings of life.

Artist Jolene Mackie found herself at the crux of the two. Born and raised in Kelowna, Jolene had earned a full scholarship to the University of British Columbia to study the sciences — but she was also drawn to art.

“Do I have a career that is more linear, and maybe makes more sense, or do I go to art school?” she wondered at the time.

Mackie applied to Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, where some 300 students would be accepted out of 3,000 applications.

“I had a one in 10 chance,” she said. “I was just hoping more 24

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than anything to get some feedback.”

When she found out she’d been accepted to art school, Mackie felt the decision had been made for her. Yet that love of science has remained part of her art.

“I’ve always loved anatomy and biology — how all these parts come together and make things work,” she said. “A lot of my earlier work was bridging biology, anatomy and fine arts.”

Jolene is in good company. History is filled with the alchemy of art and anatomy, like Leonardo da Vinci’s ground-breaking sketches of the human body.

Jolene, 31, graduated from Emily Carr in 2009. She hit the ground running, quickly building up an impressive and diverse portfolio, including high-profile murals, one-of-a-kind painted instruments and myriad oil paintings.

“I love working on canvas. My fascination with working on a

“I love that painting is a language I can use to talk about dreams and the subconscious and other worlds and other places that you can’t do with any other medium.”

flat surface has to do with depth – transforming a flat surface and pigments into something that evokes a sense of place or depth,” she said.

Jolene describes her style as illustrative and whimsical, filled with dreamscapes; although her art pulls from the very literal world around her, like the shape of a leaf or a colour palette in the sky.

“I love that painting is a language I can use to talk about dreams and the subconscious and other worlds and other places that you can’t do with any other medium,” she said.

Jolene has been a catalyst in bringing the local art community together. For the past five years, she’s been on the board of directors for Art Walk in Lake Country, the biggest art event in the Valley. She wanted to bring a similar event to Kelowna and organized the first ever Discover Art in the Valley at the Kelowna

Curling Club.

About 45 artists participated in the first year, including graffiti artists and fire spinners.

It’s an exciting time in Kelowna with a thriving cultural community, encouraged, in part by the creative tech community.

Jolene sees art as uplifting, something she thinks is in dire need these days.

“Art-making encourages me to be present because there’s a lot of bigger things, and more complex things in the world, and art should be something that brings me back to the present moment.

There’s a lot of serious things in the world. It’s nice for art to be light,” she said.

“Painting is my meditation. It’s a time I’m not thinking about anything but what’s right in front of me.”

While Jolene’s work has often been inspired by nature, ships boulevardmagazines.com |

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and whimsical skies, she has ventured in a new direction. She’s been delving into science-fiction-inspired art — a genre that hadn’t interested her until recently. She was captured by some of the masters of sci-fi, including Ray Bradbury.

“Making art is very much an evolution. I’ll still be influenced by those thoughts and ideas and inspirations, but I’ve built a different level on top of it,” she said. “My work has taken a hard right into something completely different.”

The seeds of sci-fi have been there in the form of a tiny robot she has drawn or painted hundreds of times.

The robot first appeared in her work in her university days.

She was replicating very traditional works, and found humour in injecting a little robot into them. The robot continued to spring up over the years in her sketch book.

Embracing a new direction has been teaching her to be open to inspiration and to be true to what speaks to her the loudest.

She said she sees the robot as a self-portrait in a lot of ways — it’s “a curious little investigator.”

“I thought this little guy has somewhere to take me, he’s got something to show me,” she said. “If you’re vulnerable enough to put it out there, people connect with that vulnerability, with the honesty and that little weird part of yourself.”

Existential questioning is at the root of a lot of her art, as she tries to make sense of what existence means for her.

Asked what she’s learned so far, she said, “Strive for happiness and joy more than anything. It’s a strange and confusing and interesting time to be alive. We grapple with why we are here.”

Mackie’s work can be found at jolenemackie.com.

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$ The Lakestone Masterplan is unparalleled in the Okanagan and is truly the hidden gem of Lake Country. No other community combines such a stunning landscape with a wealth of desirable amenities. You will love the privacy and breathtaking scenery Lakestone’s location offers, with the convenience of being just minutes away from downtown Kelowna and the Kelowna International Airport. A variety of homesites have been incorporated into the approved masterplan including lakefront and lake view homesites with a wide selection of building options such as walk-up and walk-out homes. Enjoy 25 kilometers of trails leading from the lakefront to the summit, weaving through approximately 250 acres of preserved natural open space and connecting to the Lake Country trail system.

All homeowners at Lakestone have access to the Lake Club, a $3.5 million worldclass amenity centre with swimming pool, hot tubs, fitness facility, kayak & paddleboard storage, BBQ area, rooftop terrace, lake access and more. A second Lakestone amenity centre, the Centre Club, will also boast a swimming pool and fitness centre.

INFORMATION CENTRE & SHOW HOMES

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$488,888 GST Applicable

6937 Terazona Drive, West Kelowna BC

3754 Cantlon Road, Merritt BC

605A 3626 Mission Springs Drive, Kelowna BC

BCUnobstructed View Lot in La Casa Resort. Quiet, Top End Location. Activity Park Loaded With Amenities Including Tennis, Volleyball, Mini-golf, Hot tubs, In-ground Pool, Lakefront Community With Marina, Boat Launch & Beach!

Voght Creek running through 29.7 Acre property located in pristine, Kane Valley. Well treed with Crown land on two sides. Approx. 5 acres fenced pasture with artesian spring. Drilled well, horse shelter with hay storage. Nature lover’s paradise.

Lower Mission Location With Top Floor Views! Contemporary 2 Bed 2 Bath, 2 Parking Stalls, Modern, Open Layout, Island Kitchen, Quartz Counters, Wide-Plank Flooring, High Ceilings, Only 2 Blocks to the Beach!

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Your best l i fe b eg i n s w i t h a h o m e t h a t i n s p i res yoYou .ur best l i fe beg i ns w i t h a ho me t ha t i n s p i res yo u .

Priced from $488,888 GST Applicable

$499,000

$599,900

Celano Crescent, Kelowna BC

6934 Terazona Drive, Kelowna BC

#111 1321 Ridgeway Drive, Kelowna BC

Introducing Drysdale Row. New 3 Bedroom Townhomes, First Phase to Complete in September. This popular location sold out, but we have assignments available for sale. Close to shopping, transportation & great schools. Call for details.

Spectacular cottage boasting never-to-be-blocked views of Okanagan Lake! 3 bed 2 bath, open concept, large front deck plus private back deck. Large double garage. Backs onto Provincial Park. Pet friendly resort loaded with amenities.

Rare find in Kelowna! 2500 SF 3 bed 2.5 bath rancher with full, walkout basement. In quiet, gated community centrally located to all desired amenities. Perfect for retirees or downsizing. Walk to shopping, recreation and golf.

Priced from $675,000 GST Applicable

$729,900

JUSTIN O’CONNOR 169 Summerhill Place, Kelowna BC

$998,000

JUSTIN O’CONNOR THE TEAM

The Commonage at Predator Ridge

Introducing the newest neighbourhood at Predator Personal Real Estate Corporation Ridge. Offering a mix of single family and duplex homes, The Commonage features a modern ranch architecture with classic, open floor plans, gracious outdoor living spaces and spectacular golf course/valley views.

d. 250.826.9961 tf. 1.877.530.3933

Lovely 4 bedroom 4 bath family home nestled on a quiet, cul-de-sac street close to great schools and all the desired amenities. This home shines with upgrades including newer roof, upgraded windows, new carpets, composite decking & more!

joconnor@sothebysrealty.ca justinoconnor.com

108-289 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X6

#401 1289 Ellis Street, Kelowna BC

Never Before Available! The Ultimate In Kelowna Loft Living.

Personal Real Estate Corporation Two Storey Corner Unit With $2,000,000 Renovation. Just One Block off The Beach! 18 Ft Ceilings, Floor to Ceiling Glass, Private Rooftop Patio, Hot Tub.

d. 250.826.9961 tf. 1.877.530.3933

Canadian Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. PREC is Personal Real Estate Corporation.

joconnor@sotheb justinoconnor.c

JUSTIN O’CONNO

108-289 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X6

Canadian Owned and O prospective Purchasers

Real Estate Associate

$1,099,000

$1,100,000

$1,139,000 GST Applicable

1370 Mine Hill Lane, Kelowna BC

8245 Merritt Princeton Hwy, Aspen Grove BC

1 175 Predator Ridge, Vernon BC

Executive Two Storey With Legal 1 Bedroom Suite.

4100 SF., 6 bdrm, 5 Bath, Open Great Room Plan, Island Kitchen, Orchard/Valley Views. Triple Car Garage, RV Parking, Large, Professionally Landscaped Lot.

Semi-Lakefront, French-Country Chateau Overlooking Kid Lake, 20 Minutes South of Merritt BC, 7.86 Acres, Custom Built 2,800 Sq. Ft Home, 4 Bedrooms 4 Baths, Island Kitchen, Wood-Burning Fireplace, Outbuildings include 1600 SQ. Ft Heated Shop

Located adjacent to the first hole of the Ridge Course, Affinity homes offer exceptional fairway living at Predator Ridge just steps from the resort center. Enjoy resortstyled living and unparalleled amenities in a thriving, year-round community.

JUSTIN O’CONNOR

JUSTIN O’CONNOR THE TEAM

d. 250.826.9961 tf. 1.877.530.3933

d. 250.826.9961 tf. 1.877.530.3933

Personal Real Estate Corporation

joconnor@sothebysrealty.ca justinoconnor.com

108-1289 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X6

be ve r i fi e d on.

Personal Real Estate Corporation

108-1289 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9X6

Canadian Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. PREC is Personal Real Estate Corporation.

by

joconnor@sothebysrealty.ca justinoconnor.com

J

Canadian Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from prospective Purchasers and may be subject to change or withdra

res you .

SOTH EBYSR EA LT Y.CA

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$1,295,000

$1,399,500

$1,400,000

867 Mount Royal Drive, Kelowna BC

74 Acres Farmers Drive, Kelowna BC

Lot A DL 904 McPhail Road, Merritt BC

Classy, 3 Bdrm/3 Bath/2 Dens Nesbitt Designed Home.

Unobstructed Lake/City Views. Gorgeous Park-like Yard With In-ground Pool. Gazebo Covered Terrace.

Prestigious Neighborhood Only Minutes To Downtown.

74 Acres with subdivision potential. Currently zoned RU1 with proposed zoning to RU2. Official Community plan could allow for 9.88 Acre Lots. Property is fully fenced and offers views to the lake and Okanagan Valley

158 Acres of Rolling Grasslands & Treed Hills. 3 HR Drive From Vancouver via Hwy 5A. Otter Creek runs through the property. Quiet, Peaceful with plenty of Wildlife to View, 20 Mins To Merritt, 30 Mins to Princeton & 1 HR to Kelowna.

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$1,499,900

$1,500,000

$1,625,000 GST Applicable

19433 95th Avenue, Osoyoos BC

760 Curtis Road, Kelowna BC

1486 Rocky Point Drive, Kelowna BC

Designed with Distinction. 3,800 sq.ft. of lakefront luxury in one of Canada’s most desirable summer destinations. Award-winning architecture. 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms, Private dock. Sandy beach.

Private, 14.92 Acres, Charming 2 bed, 2 bath + den rancher.

No thru road overlooking lake, valley, mountain views. Fully fenced, gated, 3 paddocks plus active hay field producing 3 cuts per yr. Quiet setting only minutes to Kelowna shopping, airport & university.

Elegant 4 bdrm, 5 bath home offering 4254 SF of luxurious living and enviable Okanagan Lake views.

Extensive use of hardwood, tile & quartz in this soaring, great room plan. 9ft center island, 5 piece master ensuite and oversized triple garage.

$2,100,000

$2,700,000

THE TEAM983 Westpoint Drive, Kelowna BC

4941 Buckhaven Court, Kelowna BC

Modern 5 Bdrm 7 Bath residence designed for family living.

Huge Cul-De-Sac Lot, Gorgeous Lake/Sunset Views, Huge Island Kitchen, Butler’s Pantry, In-Ground Pool, Heated Triple Garage, Backs onto Hiking, Biking, Walking Trails.

bysrealty.ca com

Custom Lakeview Home, 4 Bedrooms, 6 Baths, 5,490 SF of Luxurious Living, Infinity Edge Pool, Outdoor BBQ Kitchen, Exquisite Finishings, Theatre Room, Billiards Room, Elevator, Professionally Landscaped with Water Features

$3,475,000

1557 Reservoir Road, Penticton BC Rare, one of a kind estate property. Perched on 3.1 Acres.

8100 SF, 4 bed 6 bath, 2200 SF 6 car garage, Self-contained 1800 SF guest house, Stunning 180 Degree Mountain/Lake views. Custom built, concrete construction, only 5 minutes from town.

OR

FRED BROWN

SUSAN PROPP

JEANNINE DIONNE

JUSTIN O’CONNOR

FRED BROWN

SUSAN PROPP

JEANNINE DIONNE

e

Real Estate Associate

Executive Administrator

Marketing Coordinator

Real Estate Associate

Real Estate Associate

Executive Administrator

Marketing Coordinator

Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by s and may be subject to change or withdrawal. PREC is Personal Real Estate Corporation.

$6,500,000

$6,750,000

$7,200,000

1179 Westside Road S. West Kelowna BC

840 Curtis Road, Kelowna BC

1305 Westside Road S., West Kelowna BC

Coveted piece of Kelowna’s waterfront. Just over 57 acres, sweeping 180 degree views over the lake and downtown Kelowna, 525 feet of lakefront, private bay.

1305 Westside Road also available @ $7,200,000

Premier Equestrian Estate, 18.48 Acres, Majestic 8100 SF 7 bed 7 bath residence, 26 stall horse barn, heated indoor arena, heated in-ground pool, pool house, secondary living quarters, paddocks, shelters, Private, yet minutes to Kelowna shopping, airport & university.

11.1 Acres Waterfront Estate Property.

Approximately 1200 FT of Lakeshore. Gently, Sloping Land in the ALR. Sweeping 180 Degree Views Across Lake Okanagan to City Of Kelowna.

Only 7 Minutes to Downtown.

THE TEAM

JUSTIN O’CONNOR

FRED BROWN

SUSAN PROPP

JEANNINE DIONNE JUSTIN O’CONNOR

FRED BROWN

SUSAN PROPP

JEANNINE DIONNE

Real Estate Associate

Real Estate Associate

Executive Administrator

Marketing Coordinator Real Estate Associate

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m sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by awal. PREC is Personal Real Estate Corporation.

DECLARING A HIGHER STANDARD, WORLDWIDE.

Recognized worldwide.

Engel & Völkers is a 39-year old global luxury real estate brand with a network of highend brokerages in over 30 countries across six continents. We are currently expanding in markets throughout the world, introducing our high-quality approach to real estate and unprecedented international support.

For those who select Engel & Völkers to assist in their real estate goals, this means expert services and access to a worldwide network of potential buyers and sellers. Call us to find out how we can help you reach more qualified buyers.

Engel & Völkers Sample Shop Sample address · Suite/Floor · City · State Zip · Phone +1 212-234-3100 shopname@engelvoelkers.com · evusa.com

Our sign is a trusted symbol of quality and professionalism.

The unique design is used consistently around the world by our advisors in over 30 countries and six continents. Wherever it may be, our sign declares a higher standard in real estate and the assurance of world-class real estate services.

What can our sign do for you?

Call us to discuss any questions or concerns you have regarding the sale or purchase of a home.

Suzie Doratti, Managing Broker, Licensed Partner ENGEL & VÖLKERS, Okanagan 1429 Ellis Street, Kelowna • 250-868-7197 suzie.doratti@evcanada.com • okanagan.evcanada.com

Engel &independently Völkers. All rights reserved.

Each brokerage operated.

Engel & Völkers andsupport its independent Partners Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. 2017 Each brokerage owned and operated.

Engel & Völkers and its independently independent Licenseowned Partners and are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully the principles ofLicense the Fair Housing Act.are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act. ©

re Foal S

re Foal S

re Foal S

1650 Lakestone Dr, Lake Country MLS 10162877 | $1,950,000 Sq Ft: 4073 - 5 Bedroom - 4 Bathroom

11632 Seymour Rd, Lake Country MLS 10163206 | $1,896,000 Sq Ft: 3153 - 5 Bedroom - 3 Bathroom

13640 Forest Hills Dr, Lake Country MLS 10169983 | $1,449,000 Sq Ft: 4494 - 6 Bedroom - 5 Bathroom

This luxurious modern contemporary home offers some of the best views in Lakestone and truly must be viewed to get the full experience of what it has to offer!

Enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle from this amazing lake front home, with a built in sauna & spa area with lake access and a fantastic open concept living space, this lake house is truly an entertainers dream.

Need room for a few toys or maybe a workshop?

This is the place for you! This beautifully updated home is on a .88 acre lot with beautiful views of Okanagan Lake and 6 covered parking spots including a RV bay!

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303-305 Log Chute Rd, Peachland MLS 10147603 | $34,900,000 Acres: 392 Vineyard & Orchard INVESTORS ALERT! Only 67 acres in the

555 Barra Lane, Kelowna $1,099,000 + GST Sq Ft: 3200 - 4 Bedroom - 4 Bathroom

Stunning brand new build, located in ALR! With the most panoramic views of Okanagan Blue Sky at Black Mountain, offering mountain & valley views and luxurious Lake, over 44 acres of grapes, 40 acres of high finishes throughout the ideal family home! density apples and 23 acres of cherries all in production, this is a one of a kind property!

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Real Estate Advisor

250 870 0991 1429 Ellis St., Kelowna manny.brar@evcanada.com

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CURVE Unique, “showstopper” home stands out with soft, rounded lines and walls of windows

BY DARCY NYBO P H OTO S BY C O L I N J E WA L L

Quick Facts: Design time: 8 months Build time: 2 years Square footage: 2,820 – 1,886 on main and 934 on the lower floor # bedrooms: 3 plus flex room # bathrooms: 3 Amenities: 2-car garage; Hot tub; 18 x 18 patio off kitchen; Exercise room on lower level with Murphy bed; Fibreglass, auto-cover saltwater pool; Elevated wood composite deck; Heated art studio/she shack off garage level

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“People stop all the time to look at it because it has a real curvy sex appeal to it …

The lines of the home are soft and rounded. Nature is not linear. The mountains are curvy; the lake has curves. I love building homes that have a softer look to them.”

T

HE SOFT, rounded lines of builder Craig Mohr’s Vineyard View house immediately stand out in contrast to the right-angles of neighbouring luxury homes in West Kelowna. Craig, who owns, operates and designs homes for Vineyard Developments, prides himself on creating unique and livable homes in the Okanagan.

“The original owners came to me in 2015 and wanted something impossible,” Craig says, as he recalls the story behind this stunning build. “They asked for a rancher-style home with a patio off the kitchen area, combined with a half walk-out on the lower floor. I told them in order to do that we would have to find a side-sloped lot where we could create the rancher on the top floor and a walk out on the lower level.”

After searching the area, Craig found the perfect lot in West Kelowna. With it, he could create the rancher style home with an upper patio and a partial walk-out basement — all with a lake view. And his vision didn’t stop there.

“We created sloping pathways around the house so you don’t have to take stairs if you don’t want to,” he says. “You can park at the front of the house and take the walkway to the lower level and pool area, or continue on and follow the path up to the ground level patio off the kitchen. So when company comes to visit in the summer, they don’t have to walk through the house to get down to the pool and lower patio area. It’s also easy access to the kitchen through the quad sliders.”

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He adds: “There’s great views from up here and we installed infrared heaters and a glass divider to keep the wind off the kitchen patio without obstructing views.”

The house design stops guests and passersby in their tracks.

As you approach the front door, an arched wall of windows on the left draws the eye and contrasts nicely with the angles and stone of the entrance, and the two-car garage to the right.

Craig added an exterior courtyard here to take advantage of the morning sun and mountain views.

Upon entering the house, numerous design elements emerge without competing with one another. The first features of note are the soaring, 14-foot ceilings and that wall of windows. A frosted glass pony wall hides a mini butler’s pantry and allows for an unobstructed view of the custom-made light fixtures as well as the great room and view beyond. The floors and stairs to the lower level gleam in brushed white oak.

To the left of the entrance sits a flex room, with its own wall of curved windows, that overlooks the street. It’s a perfect office/den area, or, slide the etched-glass barn door closed, and a private area for guests is created, complete with its own bathroom and closet.

Turn right from the front door and you’re headed to the master suite, with its walk-in closet, soaker tub, rain-head shower and private toilet area. The walk-in closet conveniently leads into the laundry room and then out into the garage.

“It works well,” says Craig, “because you can get up, get

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ready, get dressed and leave the room without disturbing someone who might be still sleeping.”

Just off the garage is a heated artist studio that leads out to the upper level deck.

Back at the front entrance, it’s a few short steps into the great room with its magnificent views of the lake, mountains and city lights.

“The client wanted a great room, but didn’t want to see the kitchen from the dining area. We created a see-through wine cellar attached to a two-way, stone-front gas fireplace to divide the space, while still giving an open feel into the kitchen.”

A lot of thought went into the custom kitchen. The island allows people to face each other while enjoying beverages or a meal. Attached, and to the left of the island, sits a counter/ storage area. Set slightly lower than the island, it’s the perfect height for baking and preparing dishes. Add to that a six-burner gas stove, double-door fridge, a double wall oven and in-island dishwasher, and you’ve got a kitchen made for home chefs.

At the entrance to the kitchen, behind a pony wall topped with etched glass, is a unique butler’s pantry.

“The owners wanted a butler’s pantry; however, the footprint of the home did not allow for a traditional one. Instead we created a six-by-five-and-a-half-foot area with small appliance storage, a sink with instant hot water for coffee and tea, and a microwave.”

This lowered, etched-glass wall allows natural light to flow throughout the home, and gives a straight line of sight to a stunning, pendant teardrop light fixture above the dining table.

“I spent hours creating that custom canopy and the different lengths for the teardrop pendants,” says Craig. “It’s an eye-drawing focal point from the front door and the great room, but it does not take away from the great views. In fact, all the light fixtures in the house are very strong. There are hand-blown fixtures above 40

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the kitchen island, two large, snowflake lights between the front entrance and the staircase, and the dining room fixture.”

The lower level of the house is cosy and functional. There’s an entertainment room with a wet bar, a 72-inch TV, a round wall of windows (mimicking the upper floor) and an entrance out onto the lower patio, pool, hot tub and raised deck. A suspended trellis above the outdoor living space that leads to the pool area provides shade when needed.

The lower floor is chock full of storage spaces as well as a mechanical room and crawl space. Overnight visitors will find themselves very comfortable in either of the two guest rooms.

There’s also a stacking washer and dryer on the lower floor to use for pool towels.

Inside and out, this home is really a showstopper and stands out in its uniqueness compared to other homes in this subdivision.

“People stop all the time to look at it because it has a real curvy sex appeal to it,” Craig says. “The lines of the home are soft and rounded. Nature is not linear. The mountains are curvy; the lake has curves. I love building homes that have a softer look to them. They draw attention because of that.”

Mohr’s passion for design shines through as he talks about the homes he designs and builds. “People weren’t meant to live inside a box, so I try to mimic nature for the interior living space as much as I can. People are most comfortable in nature and I want them to be comfortable in their home. It can get expensive though, because framers want to build straight — not curved.

My philosophy is to build value for my clients by creating something that is unique but not awkward. It’s a very fine line you draw as a designer — to create a home that is distinctive and appeals to the masses.”

This home is the perfect testament to that philosophy.

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Nights

Break away this winter and take a ride with Boulevard as we wind silently along the Okanagan’s country roads in an I-Pace — Jaguar’s new all-electric performance SUV. Whether it’s with an upscale puffy or a wild animal print, electrify your look and keep out the bitter cold of winter with these five coats that are sure to heat things up!

Grey “Carson” vest coat by Ayrtight Clothing ($300), turtleneck sweater in “Avalanche” by Line ($300), grey straight fit, skinny leg jean by MAC True Denim Love ($240), cream leather belt by Sarah Pacini ($260), all from Jigsaw Clothing Co.; white, short ruched leather booties ($350) and white Italian leather handbag ($225), both from Palazzo Italian Boutique.

Black puffy coat by Riani ($1,490) and black sleeveless dress by Lauren Vidal ($330), both from Three Wishes Clothing Boutique; metallic slip-on sneakers ($250) from Palazzo Italian Boutique.

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Pleated skirt by Le Lis ($90), leopard print coat by Soaked in Luxury ($229), ivory turtleneck sweater

by Bb Dakota ($110), all from Morgane; “Kendall” booties by Taxi ($79) from The Wardrobe. boulevardmagazines.com |

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Leather jacket by Line ($700) and sweater dress by Tea n Rose ($90), both from Jigsaw Clothing Co.; leopard print booties ($350) from Palazzo Italian Boutique.

“Gita” taupe teddy bear coat by Søsken ($360), burgundy long sweater

by Sarah Pacini ($520), black “Mila” pants by The Limited ($270), all from Jigsaw Clothing Co.; “Kendall” booties

by Taxi ($79) from The Wardrobe.

Model: Paije Swanton represented by Deja Vu Model Management Makeup and hair by Jenny McKinney Photographed on location at Bertram Creek Park.

A huge thank you to Jaguar Kelowna for loaning us the beautiful I-Pace electric Jaguar for the day.

SPECIALFEATURE

A winter refresh for body and soul

BY LAUREN KRAMER | P H OTO S BY DA R R E N H U L L

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A

S the start of another year marks a fresh beginning, the time is right for a winter reboot. It’s an opportunity to take charge of our lives — heal, recharge and refresh — body and soul.

The Japanese have long known the recuperative benefits of Shinrin-yoku, roughly translated as forest bathing or forest therapy.

It’s not about hiking in a forest, or even meditating, though both can help accomplish the goal of this unique form of therapy. The goal is to be fully present in a forest, bathing in its pristine atmosphere through sight, sound, taste, smell and touch, and allowing its energy to wash over you, fill your senses, relax your mind and revitalize your spirit.

Kelowna’s Lindsey McLellan is a certified forest therapy guide — but not a “forest therapist,” she insists.

“The forest is the therapist,” she explains. “As a guide, I’m just opening the door.”

Lindsey’s forest therapy walks last around twoand-a-half hours and don’t cover much mileage.

That’s because the point is to move slowly and give participants time to think, focus and connect to nature.

“I offer suggestions of how they can connect, by getting close to the ground, or by touching or gazing at the water,” she says. “I’ll send people to sit for 20 minutes where they can engage with a tree or whatever is around them that they’re called to. These walks can take you into a space of liminality, where you lose all sense of time, become lost in the moment and at one with the elements. Afterwards, people say they feel very relaxed, clear and grounded. They feel they have space inside themselves to be fully present, connected with their senses, peaceful and happy.”

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The goal is to be fully present in a forest, bathing in its pristine atmosphere through sight, sound, taste, smell and touch, and allowing its energy to wash over you, fill your senses, relax your mind and revitalize your spirit.

At Scenic Canyon Regional Park, the sheer size and unique geology of cliffs sculpted by ancient volcanoes is compelling, with moss-covered lava bubbles and rock ovens in age-old formations. Forest therapy participants gaze up at Layer Cake Mountain and enjoy the peacefulness of a bubbling creek that soothes and calms their senses. Another spot Lindsey favours is KLO Creek Park.

“It still has that wild feel,” she reflects. “It’s far enough away from town that you feel like you’re getting out in the wild, with tall cottonwoods and cedar trees. In the spring, the sound of the water flowing through the creek is thunderous.”

The point of forest therapy, in a word, is healing.

“We’re constantly living in a state of stress and pressure, and being in the forest, around trees and near water, lowers those stress levels and re-establishes a relationship with nature that supports us in our everyday life,” Lindsey says. “It also increases our immune systems.”

Whether you head out with a guide or solo, the idea is to leave your mobile phone and camera behind. And if you’re choosing a companion, be sure it’s someone that won’t chatter endlessly or rush you to a finish line. For this form of therapy, you don’t need to get anywhere. Instead, you let your body be your guide, and use the healing energy of the forest to reduce anxiety and stress, clear your thoughts and rejuvenate a tired, oft-malnourished soul.

While forest bathing is a great option for rebooting the soul and relaxing the mind, it’s crucial we don’t ignore our bodies, particularly with the festive season directly behind us. The holiday period is notorious for over-indulgence, and even those of us with the best of intentions find our bodies confused by too much food, too little sleep and a departure from our exercise routines.

“The four most important things to do post-Christmas are to get back

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Incomparable Okanagan Living

IF YOU AREN’T LIVING THE LIFE YOU WANT MAYBE YOU WANT A DIFFERENT LIFE.

There’s no place like the breathtaking Okanagan. And there’s truly no better place to live within the Okanagan than Predator Ridge.

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“A lot of people will find an exercise program on the internet, but it’s not necessarily suitable for what they want to accomplish. By contrast, a personal trainer can help you create realistic goals for your exercise and keep you accountable.”

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to our exercise and diet programs, manage our stress and get our sleep patterns under control,” says Gord Palmer, personal training team leader at Global Fitness & Racquet Centre in Kelowna. “In winter it’s especially hard to get back into an exercise routine when you’ve broken it — so force yourself back as quickly as possible.”

Hiring a personal trainer is a great way to ensure you start your exercise regimen correctly and keep it consistent, Gord says.

“A lot of people will find an exercise program on the internet, but it’s not necessarily suitable for what they want to accomplish. By contrast, a personal trainer can help you create realistic goals for your exercise and keep you accountable.”

A trainer can also help make introductions with like-minded people in the gym, fostering relationships that make the gym a welcoming, social environment that keeps you coming back.

Staying clear of alcohol in the New Year is also a good idea, as those cocktails, wines and craft beer add excessive calories when over-consumed and affect our health. And all those beautifully packaged sugary treats around the house? Gord always cautions his clients to get rid of them, even if that seems wasteful.

“It’s either in the waste, or on your waist,” he says. “No-one in your family needs those sugary treats so commit to return to eating healthy foods and eliminate the temptations.”

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Sleep is another cornerstone to a healthy lifestyle and interrupted sleep patterns during the holiday season can affect mood, productivity, appetite and overall well-being. Palmer emphasizes the importance of a proper bedtime routine that involves powering off electronics at least 20 minutes before you sleep, and keeping your bedroom dark.

“Electronics are disruptive to our rapid eye movement sleep,” he explains. “If you have LED displays in your bedroom, ensure they are red or orange rather than green or blue, as those latter colours can inhibit production of melatonin and keep serotonin in our brains, which leads to wakefulness.”

Finally, get your house back in order as fast as possible once the festivities quieten down.

“Messy houses decorated for Christmas keep us stressed for longer, so the quicker you can get things organized and put away, the better,” Palmer says.

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Keeping it Simple®

PART OF THE TEAM A global leader in the hockey industry, Okanagan Hockey Group is a point of pride among the Penticton community, regarded for developing highly skilled athletes and well-rounded individuals.

At Valley First, from our branch teams to our executives, we share that same pride in serving Okanagan Hockey Group as our member—it’s a relationship that only continues to grow stronger.

At just $30 per month, every month, Valley First’s Unlimited Chequing For Business® account is so predictable it allows growing businesses like Okanagan Hockey Group to continue to do what they do best instead of worrying about their next banking statement.

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Join Boulevard in celebrating the achievements of the building industry’s finest.

Winners will be announced at the 2019 Tommie Awards Gold Gala, January 19.

Photos by TESSE OLJACA and SAM HILL

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Excellence in Single Family Detached Home $1,500,000 - $2,000,000. >> This particular house has many bathrooms with Native Trails Stone sinks that help create a natural looking, contemporary design. The en suite in particular has warm and rich, oil-rubbed bronze finishes in the plumbing fixtures that complement the minimalistic stone trough sink. The project took some time to complete due to the size of the home, but working with NovaRae Interiors and Gibson Contracting made it effortless and organized.

Tara Swaren, Branch Manager

TOMMIE AWARDS FINALISTS

CANDEL CUSTOM HOMES LTD. Excellence in Single Family Detached Home $750,000 - $1,000,000 >> This is a true Okanagan home, complete with xeriscaping. A signature Candel Custom Homes cedar-wrapped barrel ceiling welcomes guests inside. Open spaces, classic architectural details, trendy fixtures and bold tiling mix traditional and modern aesthetics. Each bedroom has an en suite with extensive tile work.

The master bedroom features a tongue-and-groove ceiling, unique pendant chandeliers, and a walk-in closet hidden behind a custom-made, steel-slab barn door. The covered, outdoor deck has a fire table and the pool is flanked with whimsical Bellagio-style water jets.

Photo by LIA CROWE

Randy Therrien, President

Show Home

TOMMIE AWARDS FINALISTS

Excellence in Single Family Detached Home $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 >> Destination Homes worked with its client to put extra care and attention into thinking “green.” This gorgeous, “Moroccan modern” home runs on a zero electricity grid, has full solar panels, triple-glazed windows with interior and exterior solar shield blinds, a heat recovery ventilator, and rain barrels that collect rain for its gardens. With no stone left unturned, the house has reached the max solar capability that it can withstand. Unique to the client, this home is full of life and vibrancy.

Charlotte and Travis Erdely, Owners

DESTINATION HOMES

Lakestone Residence

Timber and Sunshine

ALAIR HOMES KELOWNA Excellence in Kitchen Renovations $80,000 & Under >> This home meant a lot to the owner, as she and her late husband built it together years ago. It was important that as much of the original materials as possible was preserved — for both sentimental reasons and for minimal waste. Alair Homes chose to bring in timeless subway tile, modern appliances, additional storage and a colour selection that complements the existing timber-framed structure.

Dustin Marsh, Owner

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STICKS + STONES DESIGN GROUP

SUNTERRA CUSTOM HOMES

Positive Outlook

Excellence in Single Family Detached Home $750,000 - $1,000,000 >> The kitchen is the heart of this home, as well as its standout feature. It has a large, L-shape island with waterfall quartz edge and a custom “hidden” walk-in pantry that looks like it’s part of the kitchen cabinetry.

This homes takes advantage of the views from all key areas, including the master bedroom, which has a custom upholstered headboard facing the lake. The lower level was designed with three areas in mind: a space for watching family movies; a “ jam” space for Todd and a bar area for entertaining with pool access.

Kara Gibson, Interior Designer

Excellence in Residential Renovations $100,000 - $250,000 >> One immediately feels inspired walking into this house with its vaulted ceiling that — through strategic placement of large dark beams and white painted tongue-and-groove pine boards — went from drab to WOW. With the addition of a fireplace, beautiful hardwood floors and a custom kitchen in alder and painted maple, this home now wraps you in its warmth. The clients even chose a new dining table, made to complement the look and feel of the space.

Barbara Katnich, Owner, Fresh Approach Designs Magnus Scheibel, Owner, Castello Custom

FRESH APPROACH DESIGNS

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Thompson Renovation

FOOD+FEAST

Creamy, rich, nutty and complex Baking with Tahini

BY HEIDI FINK | P H OTO S BY D O N D E N TO N

I

’VE RECENTLY become obsessed with tahini, that delicious raw sesame butter we might know as the magic ingredient in hummus.

It’s mostly familiar to us in the West as a savoury ingredient, but its creamy, rich, nutty and complex flavour makes tahini a perfect partner in variety of baking projects. Tahini has been used in desserts in the Middle East for a long time, and we are only just catching up.

The idea of baking tahini into desserts will come as no surprise to anyone who loves halvah, a delicious fudge-like treat available at any grocery store. Halvah is made from ground sesame or tahini mixed with honey and other flavourings (chocolate is a perennial favourite); it is absolutely delicious, and exemplifies everything that makes sesame great as a “sweet” ingredient. Sesame Chocolate Chip Cookies anyone?

With that in mind, I’ve been exploring the world of tahinibaking and I’m hooked. Not only does tahini provide the natural oils and starches that make all nut and seed butters superstars in the pastry shop, it also has a complex, delicate flavour: a mixture of sweet creaminess and slight bitterness, which makes it a standout in the world of baking.

I’ve found that I can replace it almost one-for-one in recipes requiring peanut butter; if I boost the tahini with toasted sesame oil, the “peanutty” flavour is quite marked — great news for those with peanut allergies who want something approximating a peanut flavour. Otherwise, I like to leave the toasted sesame oil out — I much prefer the delicate halvah-like flavour of cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. made with straight raw tahini.

Tahini has a grainier texture and higher starch content than other nut butters I have worked with, but only a few rounds of (delicious!) testing were necessary to exploit these qualities to their best advantage in baking. My favourite result was the Tahini Banana Cake (below), where both the oils and starches in the tahini helped create a wonderful texture in the cake crumb (not to mention an amazing flavour). Tahini is also a perfect match to the richness of chocolate brownies — I used it below in a decadent, two-tone swirl brownie recipe.

I had a lot of fun exploring flavours and textures while baking my way through four jars of tahini. Some natural sweet pairings with sesame tahini that I discovered: chocolate (of course); cardamom and other warm spices; pistachio and almond; honey; dates; banana; citrus; and, of course, roasted sesame seeds.

Tahini matches beautifully with many baking favourites and has a wonderful effect on the texture and flavour of numerous treats.

I hope you are inspired to try one of the recipes below, or to create or adapt one of your own.

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CHAI-SPICED TAHINI SHORTBREAD Makes 2 dozen shortbread cookies A refined, adult cookie. Crisp, buttery and sandy, like a traditional French sablé cookie, with the beautiful aroma of chai spices. This shortbread is perfect for dipping in a cup of tea. The flavour of these cookies improve after a day or two.

This recipe doubles easily.

140 g (10 Tbsp) soft butter 6.5 ml (1-1/4 tsp) ground cardamom 4 ml (3/4 tsp) ground Ceylon Cinnamon (OR ½ tsp regular cinnamon) 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground ginger 70 g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar 70 g (1/3 cup) packed light brown sugar 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) vanilla extract 65 g (1/4 cup) tahini, stirred before measuring 1.5 ml (1/4 tsp) salt 185 g (1-1/3 cup) all-purpose flour Optional — approx. 60 ml (1/4 cup) sesame seed for garnish In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter with spices on medium speed until well blended.

Add both sugars and mix again on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, tahini and salt; beat again until well mixed and fluffy. On low speed, stir in the flour until combined.

Roll the dough into a round log, about 5 cm (2 inches) in diameter and 30 cm (12 inches) long. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. (If you want the final cookies to be perfectly round, you can make the log a bit narrower and stuff it — after it is wrapped in plastic wrap — into the centre of the cardboard tube from an empty roll of paper towel. The cookies end up being quite a bit smaller, though, and more prone to drying out in the oven.)

Preheat oven to 325 F / 160 C. Lightly butter two cookie sheets.

Remove cookie dough from fridge and unwrap. Cut log into slices 1/2 cm (1/4 inch) thick. Roll cookies in toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Place cookies on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving at least 2 cm (3/4 inch) of space in between each cookie.

Bake cookies, one sheet at a time, for 7 to 10 minutes, until very lightly golden on the edges and cooked through the middle. Set on cookie sheet for one minute before transferring to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, store shortbread in a cookie tin for up to 8 days.

Tahini has been used in desserts in the Middle East for a long time, and we are only just catching up.

Banana-Tahini-Date Cake with Sesame Streusel.

BANANA-TAHINI-DATE SNACKING CAKE WITH SESAME STREUSEL Makes one 25-cm / 10-inch round cake The combination of bananas, sesame and dates is a match made in cake heaven. Both the natural oils and starches in the tahini enhance the texture and taste of this snacking cake. Feel free to add additional flavourings; good options include orange zest or ground cardamom. Do not skip the awesome sesame streusel on top!

Sesame Streusel: 14 g (1 Tbsp) soft butter 9 g (1 Tbsp) flour 25 g (2 Tbsp) sugar 30 g (3 Tbsp) toasted sesame seeds Cake: 100 g (7 Tbsp) soft butter 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar 130 g (1/2 cup) tahini, stirred before measuring 2 eggs 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract 2 ripe bananas, mashed well (approx. 1 cup mashed) 8 Medjool dates, or 10 Deglet Noor dates, pitted and chopped 210 g (1-1/2 cups) all-purpose flour 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) salt 5 ml (1 tsp) baking powder 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) baking soda

For the sesame streusel: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well with your fingers until completely combined and uniformly mixed. Set aside.

For the cake: Preheat oven to 350 F / 175 C. Butter the bottom and sides of a 25 cm (10 inch) round spring form pan. Cut a piece of parchment into a round that will fix exactly on the bottom; place this in the cake pan and butter it as well. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Peel the bananas and break into pieces. Place these pieces in a small bowl and mash with a fork until smooth as possible. Make sure to have your dates already pitted and chopped before starting to mix the cake batter.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the tahini and blend again until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; beat mixture again until creamy and light.

With the mixer on low speed, mix in one third of the flour mixture. Stop the mixer to scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the mixer on low again, add one half the bananas. Stop and scrape down the sides. Do not over-beat. Repeat these steps three more times, until all the flour mixture and the bananas are used up. Add the chopped dates with the last addition of flour.

Scrape cake batter with a rubber spatula into prepared pan.

Spread evenly and smooth the top. Sprinkle the sesame streusel evenly over the top. Place in the centre of the preheated oven and bake 35 to 45 minutes, until tester inserted in centre comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Remove to a cooling rack. Cool at least one hour before removing from the pan and cutting. This cake lasts about five days kept wrapped or in a cake tin. boulevardmagazines.com  |

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Salted Tahini Chocolate Cookies.

SALTED TAHINI CHOCOLATE COOKIES Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Like an upscale peanut butter cookie, but with a refined halvah-like flavour. For a more intense sesame taste, add 5 ml (1 tsp) toasted sesame oil to the batter and sprinkle the tops with toasted sesame seeds. With the sesame flavour intensified, these taste almost exactly like peanut butter cookies.

114 g (1/2 cup) soft butter 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 150 g (3/4 cup) packed brown sugar 15 ml (1 Tbsp) liquid honey 1 egg 195 g (3/4 cup) tahini, stirred before measuring 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract 210 g (1-1/2 cups) all-purpose flour 5 ml (1 tsp) salt 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) baking soda 200 g (1-1/2 cups) good quality milk chocolate, chopped Flaked or Kosher salt, for topping Preheat oven to 350 F / 175 C. Lightly butter three cookie sheets. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add honey, egg, tahini and vanilla, and blend again until light and fluffy. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl, as necessary.

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture and 68

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chopped chocolate. Mix until everything is combined and forms a dough.

Use a 1-ounce scoop (30 ml / 2 Tbsp) to scoop round balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing the dough balls at least 5 cm (2 inches) apart. Press the dough balls lightly with your fingers to flatten them a bit. Sprinkle each top with a tiny bit of flaky sea salt.

Place cookies, one sheet at a time, in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 11 minutes, until light golden around the edges and just cooked through the middle; do not over-bake. Let cookies set on cookie sheet for 2 to 3 minute before using a spatula to transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, store cookies in an airtight container for up to 6 days.

TAHINI SWIRL BROWNIES Makes 16 5-cm / 2-inch squares With the flavour of chocolate-covered halvah and the chewy texture of the perfect brownie, these bars are to-die-for delicious!

Adapted from a recipe by Milk Street Magazine.

57 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan 112 g (4 oz) bittersweet dark chocolate, chopped 15 g (3 Tbsp) natural cocoa powder 2 large eggs 225 g (1 cup plus 2 Tbsp) granulated sugar 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) salt 195 g (3/4 cup) tahini, stirred before measuring 70 g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour 1.5 ml (1/4 tsp) baking powder

Heat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Generously butter an 8-inch square baking pan; line with 2 strips of parchment, cut to fit with overhang (crossed, and with excess hanging over on all sides of the pan). Lightly butter the parchment as well.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Remove from heat and immediately add the chopped bittersweet chocolate and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the baking powder. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Add the tahini and whisk to combine.

Now fold in the flour mixture, stirring until just incorporated (do not over-stir). Scrape half of this mixture into a separate bowl for later (for the swirl). Add the melted chocolate mixture to the remaining tahini mixture in the large bowl; stir until batter is well combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan; spread evenly.

With a spoon, drop the reserved tahini mixture over the top (imagine a grid, and add one dollop of tahini mixture to each square on that grid). With the tip of a skewer or paring knife, swirl the tahini dollops into the brownie batter, making sure to dig and flip chocolate batter up from the bottom to get a more thorough swirl. You can drag the tip of the skewer across the top of the brownies after swirling for a final flourish.

Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 28-32 minutes, until the edges are set. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack. Cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Lift the parchment edges up carefully to transfer the brownies from the pan to the cooling rack. Cool for another 30 minutes (or longer, if you can). Cut into 5-cm (2-inch) squares. Enjoy!Â

Tahini Swirl Brownies.

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TRAVELNEAR

Glamour and glitz Gala nights aboard a Cunard cruise

BY SUZANNE MORPHET

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Wandering through the ship after boarding in Southampton, Alanna and I are dazzled by the elegant public spaces — the sweeping staircase in the Grand Lobby with its shiny black piano and striking floral arrangement; the Queens Room with the largest dance floor at sea; and the Commodore Club overlooking the ship’s bow.

O

N MY recent Cunard cruise I packed with extra care.

Three nights out of the seven would be gala evenings and a chance to wear something a little out of the ordinary. Well, make that a lot out of the ordinary.

Many cruise lines have given up on formal flings, but not Cunard, the company that pioneered the concept of world cruising in 1922 and continues to give guests plenty of opportunities to celebrate in style. For my 24-year-old daughter and me, these evenings would prove to be one of the highlights of our voyage.

For our first Cunard cruise, Alanna and I chose a Transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York on Queen Mary 2, one of three Queens in the Cunard fleet. When commissioned in 2002, she was the largest, longest, widest and most expensive passenger liner ever built. And unlike cruise ships designed for shallow waters, her long, slender lines combined with the power of her engines allows her to slice gracefully through wild Atlantic waves that can — and one day on our cruise did — reach eight and a half metres.

Queen Mary’s two sister ships, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, are smaller but equally regal looking with their jet-black hulls and distinctive redand-black funnels.

Inside, they’re just as glamorous as Queen Mary.

Imagine, for instance, a large theatre with seating for 1,000 people, including private boxes where you can sip champagne and eat chocolates while enjoying a lavish production worthy of London’s

West End. That’s the Royal Court Theatre on Queen Elizabeth, which, by the way, will return to Canada’s West Coast for the first time in 20 years this spring, making four 10-night return trips from Vancouver to Alaska with stops in Victoria.

So how did our cruise go?

I’ve experienced my share of cruises and cruise companies, from sleek Viking river vessels with 100 passengers, to mid-size ships including Holland America’s Rotterdam with 1,400 guests.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, I’ve also enjoyed a couple of super casual cruises with UnCruise Adventures, where all I needed to pack was my bathing suit and a pair of shorts and was soon calling many of the 60 or so other guests by first names.

Queen Mary 2 is a different creature altogether.

Wandering through the ship after boarding in Southampton, Alanna and I are dazzled by the elegant public spaces — the sweeping staircase in the Grand Lobby with its shiny black piano and striking floral arrangement; the Queens Room with the largest dance floor at sea; and the Commodore Club overlooking the ship’s bow, where fabulous cocktails are concocted to celebrate some of Cunard’s most decorated commodores. The Punch Romaine à la Carpathia, for instance, recalls the last libation thought to have been served on the Titanic and celebrates Sir Arthur Rostron, the captain of Cunard’s Carpathia, which rescued all 705 Titanic survivors.

Then there’s the library. Remember when we all read books printed on real paper? This is the largest library at sea with more than 10,000 books and a good selection of current magazines.

I love my iPad, but I could easily spend many quiet hours here immersed in words while ensconced on a leather sofa, surrounded by gleaming glass-panelled shelves filled with books.

Because Cunard has been in business for so long — the company was started by Canadian entrepreneur Samuel Cunard in 1839 — and because it has a stellar reputation to maintain, Cunard can claim a lot of industry firsts, such as having the first ship with hot and cold water in every cabin. Of course, we all take hot water for granted these days, but how about the first planetarium at sea? The first cultural academy operated by the University of Oxford? Or the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea?

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One afternoon, Alanna and I lean back in our chairs in the domed and darkened planetarium to watch National Geographic’s documentary Asteroid: Mission Extreme.

In visually riveting detail, it explains how asteroids are both a threat and an opportunity to humankind.

Another day we learn about the more down-to-earth science of DNA testing that’s revolutionizing genealogy research.

Four experts from Ancestry.com are on this particular cruise, including Jennifer Utley, who oversees research for the television shows Who Do You Think You Are? and Long Lost Family.

There’s a daily “reveal,” where they share what they’ve learned about six crew and six guests, based on DNA analysis from samples of spit.

(These lectures are so popular that Cunard and Ancestry.com plan to team up again on future Queen Mary 2 cruises.)

And, not surprisingly, the spa becomes a much-anticipated part of our daily routine, especially on days when Deck 7 — where you can walk or run laps outdoors — is closed due to the weather. (It’s November, so it’s wet and windy.) Our visits usually begin in the aqua therapy pool where warm water pummels our heads and bodies and we can float on a bed of bubbles. A sweat-inducing session in the Finnish sauna comes next, followed by aromatherapy in the steam room. One day we treat ourselves to a facial and massage and let all the problems of the world slip away.

You might think that putting in time on a cruise with no ports of call would be a bit of a problem in itself, but not on this ship. Before we know it, each day is done and it’s time to dress for dinner and an evening of entertainment. One night it’s the Black and White Ball where the dance floor soon fills with couples dressed in their finest, twirling to tunes from the seven-piece Queens Room Orchestra. Other nights it’s a Masquerade Ball with guests wearing Venetian-style Mardi Gras masks, or a musical show in the Royal Theatre. (Live music isn’t just reserved for evenings; pianists, harpists, string quartets and others play throughout the day.)

With so much fun to be had, it’s midnight before we even think of turning in most nights. As a perpetually early riser, that might be a problem for me until I realize that five nights out of seven we’ll be turning back our clocks one hour as we travel ever westward.

The luxury of a little more time to appreciate the finer things in life has never been more welcome.

If you go: Dates for Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth voyages to Alaska from Vancouver this spring are May 21, 31, June 10 and 20 with port calls in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Victoria. Highlights include scenic cruising through the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier. www.cunard.com

FRONT ROW

BY BRENDA GIESBRECHT

PHOTO BY WAYNE EMDE, COURTESY VERNON WINTER CARNIVAL

A ROUNDUP OF ARTSY HAPPENINGS TAKING PLACE IN THE OKANAGAN THIS JANUARY AND FEBRUARY. ENJOY CARNIVAL FUN, CLASSICAL MUSIC, FINE ART AND CHARITY FUNDRAISERS.

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PHOTO COURTESY OSO

Guest pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko will join the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra for Joie De Vivre!

A PIRATE’S CARNIVAL

VERNON WINTER CARNIVAL, FEBRUARY 1-10 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT VERNON

A

VAST, me hearties! It’s the 59th annual Vernon Winter Carnival and this year’s theme is Pirates, so polish your sabre and let’s go.

New this year are hot air balloon rides for the public during the 28th annual North Okanagan Hot Air Balloon Festival, offered as part of carnival activities. Book early as these should be very popular. And don’t forget the Balloon Glow in Polson Park on February 1, starting at 5 pm.

Many popular events are back, including the 2019 BC Snow Sculpture Competition at SilverStar Mountain Resort, February 1-3. Unwined Downtown takes place February 7, starting at 5 pm — it’s a ladies night out full of wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, shopping and giveaways in downtown Vernon. The Predator Ridge Parka Party, new in 2018, takes place on the evening of February 9. Dress warmly for this outdoor wonderland of food and drink that includes a pig roast, local wine and spirits tastings, and a s’more station.

The winter carnival is filled with skating, skiing, dancing, eating, competitions, swimming and family events, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Don’t forget the parade on February 2, starting at noon. Check out the Vernon Winter Carnival website for a full listing: vernonwintercarnival.com

MUSIC TO WARM THE WINTER NIGHTS OKANAGAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WINTER CONCERTS KELOWNA, VERNON AND PENTICTON VENUES

A long winter night can pass more pleasantly if spent listening to one of the wonderful concerts presented by the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra in Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton.

OSO presents Amadeus, January 25 to 27— it’s the third presentation of the Masterworks series. Featuring guest artist Erin Fung of Calgary on clarinet, the program celebrates Mozart’s genius with two pieces — his final symphony and final concerto — as well as Letter From Mozart, a contemporary piece

by Canadian composer Michael Colgrass.

The Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra and guest pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko join the OSO February 15-17 for Joie De Vivre! Salmon Arm’s Izik-Dzurko, who has been studying at boulevardmagazines.com |

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PHOTO BY MARTIN KENNEDY

Violinist Lara St. John will take the stage as part of OSO’s winter concert series.

Juilliard School, will perform two piano concerti including Romantic Concerto by Penticton composer Ernst Schneider.

Violinist Lara St. John takes the stage April 5-7 to perform Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1, op 77, A minor as part of the Festive Fire presentation. This concerto and the Festive Overture show off the Russian master at his most resplendent.

They are paired with Stravinsky’s well-loved Firebird Suite for a musical evening of colour and radiance.

Those who arrive early can experience the informative Maestra chats with Rosemary Thomson.

HOPE IN HER EYES

H.O.P.E. OUTREACH AND HER INTERNATIONAL EVENT LAUREL PACKINGHOUSE, KELOWNA, MARCH 8, 6:30-11:30 PM Come celebrate success stories while providing for future ones by attending the second annual HOPE in Her Eyes. The event supports two local charities that each have a mission

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to empower marginalized women: H.O.P.E. Outreach for homeless and exploited women in Kelowna and Vernon; and Her International, a group based in Kelowna and dedicated to empowering women and girls, locally and globally, through education.

HOPE in Her Eyes includes a wonderful buffet dinner, an exhibit of framed and signed photography, an opportunity for networking and a presentation of truly inspiring stories from women who have been helped by these programs.

“This is a critical year for our outreach,” said HOPE president Angie Lohr. “We will celebrate our successes, but we also need to understand why people are on the street. Putting faces to stories makes it real and personal.”

HOPE volunteers go out seven nights a week at dusk into the downtown cores of Kelowna and Vernon with supply bags that include hygiene items, snacks and warm clothing. They build relationships with the women, providing emotional support through companionship and kindness.

Last year was a sold-out event, so get your tickets early.

EVOLUTION OF AN ARTIST

Evolution of an Artist explores a personal journey of discovery, one that keeps Kato Rempel’s buyers continually guessing what will inspire her next piece.

The globally inspired solo exhibition of works by Kato showcases a decade spent exploring mediums, techniques and a variety of countries.

“All these elements influenced my work in ways that keep bubbling to the surface,” she said.

Her work has taken a circular path from acrylic experimentation through to oil painting and back to paper and mixed media. Her true love lies in oil painting, where she has developed her work in a more Cubism style this year.

Kato was caught by the beauty of Indian women and India’s remarkable culture, and focussed on capturing the passion of women and couples through her figurative explorations in 2015-16. While traveling in India in 2017 and Cuba in 2018, she started using mixed media on paper, employing a new, abstracted technique. Some of her new pieces are painted on location, and some are painted instudio in India and Canada.

Kato has won several awards through the Federation of Canadian Artists juried shows over the years. Her original artwork is enjoyed in private collections worldwide.

PHOTO COURTESY KATO REMPEL

PEACHLAND ART GALLERY JANUARY 13- FEBRUARY 12; OPENING JAN 12, NOON-3 PM

Artist Kato Rempel’s work will be the focus of an exhibit at Peachland Art Gallery.

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Chamber music lovers are in for a special treat when Mark Fewer and Hank Knox come to Kelowna to perform J.S. Bach’s Six Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord. Bach explores an astonishing range of musical mood in these sonatas, as well as a wide range of musical forms, including elaborate fugues and independent melodic lines for each instrument. Both Fewer and Knox have remarked that they would often finish performing a movement and tell each other that it was the most beautiful piece of music they had ever played together — until the next movement.

Juno Award-winning violinist Mark Fewer has performed internationally to critical acclaim in virtually every role asked of a violinist, from early Baroque to avant-garde. Fewer’s varied career includes being concert master of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, arranging works for and conducting I Musici de Montreal, and performing as a soloist with ensembles around the world Harpsichordist Hank Knox is equally lauded internationally for his “colourful, kinetic performances.”

One of the busiest musicians in the field of Early Music, Knox regularly performs, records and tours with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Les Violons du Roy, Studio de musique ancienne de Montreal, among numerous other ensembles.

VALENTINE’S FOR MEXICO

PRESTIGE VERNON LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTRE FEBRUARY 22, DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 PM A great buffet meal, fabulous prizes and dancing the night away to the music of The Legendary Lake Monsters, all in the name of a very worthy charity. What better way to spend a cold February evening?

Cotton’s Chocolates and the Sweet Smiles Society present the 10th annual Valentine’s for Mexico gala, a fundraiser for projects in Mexico that work to relieve poverty by providing the basic necessities of life for abused and needy children. Sweet Smiles aims to provide support to three orphanages in Mexico, plus a project in Huatulco that is focussed on family preservation and orphan prevention.

The gala has amazing community support, as indicated by the wide array of silent auction items and games of chance that offer amazing prizes.

Barrita Durward, owner of Cotton’s Chocolates and founder of Sweet Smiles Society, has been helping build homes in rural Mexico for a decade now, and said that she and the other volunteers who travel there do so at their own expense. The gala’s proceeds are all for the children and their families. The evening’s festivities are a perk for those who believe in the cause and offer a way to celebrate the work that is done.

TALKINGWITHTOBY

His true calling Vaughn Wyant’s dealership dynasty

BY TOBY TANNAS | P H OTO S BY DA R R E N H U L L

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W

HAT inspires an empire? The answer to that question is as varied as the entrepreneurs who build them. For Vaughn Wyant, it was a visit to a onecar showroom with a dirt floor service department in small town Alberta.

“I met a guy at a retreat,” recalls Vaughn. “He owned his own car dealership and I said, ‘I’m going to do that.’”

Within a year of that encounter in the 1970s, Vaughn made good on the promise to himself. He bought his first dealership in Carstairs, Alberta and soon after a second, in Beiseker, a short distance away.

Today, Vaughn is president and CEO of the Wyant Group, which owns and operates close to 20 dealerships — including several in Vernon and Kelowna — and represents 17 vehicle brands in Saskatchewan, BC and soon Calgary, Alberta.

“I worked seven days a week, I pumped gas, I wrote repair orders, did most of the accounting and sold the cars because that was just fun,” he chuckles.

Vaughn, who continues to exude a palpable energy and enthusiasm for the business more than four decades later, first stumbled into selling cars after high school, while visiting relatives in London, England.

At the time, he says, “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.”

Vaughn’s father was a respected physician in Saskatoon, and his brothers were also academics. The self-described “average student” didn’t find his true calling until he stepped onto a showroom floor.

“Selling cars was the easiest thing in the world. Selling anything isn’t about the product it’s about the relationship and when you build that foundation you’re going to get a good result,” he explains.

Vaughn brought his selling skills back to Canada and after working for dealerships in Vancouver as a salesman and eventually sales manager, he knew he was destined for more.

“I always tell people you don’t get what you want, you get what you think about. My goal was always to own my own dealership.”

After three and half years of owning the two Alberta operations, opportunity knocked again. Vaughn sold his Alberta interests to his then sales manager and jumped at the offer to purchase a Ford dealership in his childhood home of Saskatoon.

Jubilee Ford is where the Wyant Group was born in 1983.

“We have a business unit in the Okanagan, which includes Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Audi and Hyundai in Vernon,” he says. “You really transform when it becomes not just about you. We build these dealerships to build lives.”

The Wyant Group’s new facilities on Finns Road in Kelowna reflect the level of sophistication of the products they sell. They invoke a sense of pride in all Wyant Group employees — people who Vaughn sees as an extended family.

“The reality is that the person who washes our cars is just as 80

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important as the guy that owns the business. We get paid different amounts of money, absolutely, but I will tell you that only has to do with responsibility. Take on more responsibility and you earn more money,” he says.

Vaughn points to numerous examples of WG employees who have climbed the ranks from car detailers to general managers over the years. Employee retention and growth is a significant point of pride.

“If I wanted to hire a general manager for this store, I would look within my existing business and I would say that if we haven’t developed that person then shame on us.”

As Vaughn walks through his bright new Kelowna showrooms chatting with employees, it’s clear the respect is mutual.

Those relationships are what drive his whole business.

“I believe so strongly in the people we hire and the culture we’ve created because it’s still a family business.”

Vaughn enjoys the mix of family and business. His two sons are active members of WG. Phillip is CFO, Michael is COO. His partner, Lori Leac runs her own advertising firm and co-manages the Wyant Group marketing team. His daughter operates her own

“If you ask me how my day is going, I say ‘tremendous’.

Is it always tremendous?

Maybe not, but if I can convince myself it’s good it’s probably more likely to be good than bad.”

successful salon and spa business and lives just down the road from the family home in Saskatoon.

“It’s not rocket science. Working in a business and running a business are the same as running a successful family.

You respect each other but you’re still allowed to have disagreements.”

When you’re in charge of multiple dealerships and nearly 500 employees, things don’t run smoothly every day, but it’s the challenges that keep Vaughn engaged and why he likely won’t ever retire.

“I love working,” he chuckles. “People ask ‘what’s your hobby?’ For me, it’s working and part of the reason is because when something goes wrong I don’t mind the challenge of fixing it. It’s never perfect but those tests are the things that make you better.”

Vaughn credits much of his success to his ability to thwart negative self talk. His mind is always striving for the positive in any situation.

“If you ask me how my day is going, I say ‘tremendous’. Is it always tremendous? Maybe not, but if I can convince myself

it’s good it’s probably more likely to be good than bad,” says Vaughn.

When he’s not busy with the day-to-day operations of Wyant Group, Vaughn is heavily involved in charity work. He sits on industry advisory boards, he golfs, cycles and is a major shareholder in the Saskatchewan-based Great Western Brewing Company.

Vaughn is a mentor to many in his industry, but when asked who inspires him, the answer is simple and endearing.

“I would tell you it’s my mother. My mother taught me about respect, about overstaying your welcome, always saying please and thank you. We got tired of hearing it,” he says, shaking his head. “But every single one of my brothers and I understand where the good came from.”

Vaughn works to exude those childhood values every day. He prides himself on being the same guy at work as he is at home.

His appreciation for what he’s built is obvious — it’s a direct result of the humble beginnings that built him.

“I’ll always remember pumping gas to get my business going, would I go back and do it again if I had to? Absolutely.” boulevardmagazines.com |

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BEHINDTHESTORY

S

HOOTING in December certainly has its challenges — the biggest being the short days and the cold weather. So for this issue we decided to embrace the lack of light with a moody, winter visual vibe. But the day was unseasonably cold — reaching about -8 degrees — and that kind of cold is always hard to embrace! But the Boulevard Okanagan fashion team powered through and, despite the biting chill, came up with some electric results.

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Paije Swanton and Jenny McKinney Photo by Darren Hull

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