VOL 45 FEBRUARY 2024
www.modernluxuria.com
CONTRIBUTORS
PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD.
Brandy Belitsky Twyla Campbell
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Marcia J. Hamm
Elsa Amorim
Francesca Roznicki Tom Sedens
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Matthew Stepanic
Twyla Campbell
Emily Welz Erin Walker
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brandy Belitsky COPY EDITOR Lucie Oosterveld Modern Luxuria is a digital magazine and is published monthly. For subscription inquiries email: hello@modernluxuria.com No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Modern Luxuria Magazine is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any unsolicited material. By accepting and publishing advertisements, Modern Luxuria Magazine is in no way endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or product with those advertisements.
Thank you
VOL 45 FEBRUARY 2024
COVER Photography by Erin Walker
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February 2024
Beauty is radiant joyful confident kind timeless
780-482-1414 nakatsuiderm.com Suite 200, 9670 142 Street Crestwood Centre, Edmonton COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY LASER REJUVENATION
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PASSION FOR FOOD We are a full service catering company with a passion for providing memorable food experiences using high quality, fresh ingredients. From a corporate gathering, to lavish soiree or milestone celebration, we can elevate your event! Chef Kayla and the team are here to provide unpretentious, delicious and affordable options in and around Edmonton.
Chef Kayla Dhaliwall Chef Kayla Dhaliwall
Cheryl Chung Client Relations
THE PARTY PEOPLE CATERING CO. 128 -10305 David Road, Acheson 825.734.3663 info@partypeoplecaters.ca -6-
Cheryl Chung Client Relations
February 2024
Twyla Campbell Executive Editor
Twyla Campbell is a freelance writer, author, and the former food columnist for CBC radio (Edmonton). She is a seasoned traveller who seeks unique destinations both local and abroad. A proud supporter of Canadian wine and sustainable food producers, Twyla is a regularly sought food panelist and judge for culinary competitions in Canada.
Contributors Erin Walker is a professional food
Marcia J. Hamm is a lover of all things
photographer, recipe developer and
wine, but is especially passionate
food stylist, with clients in Edmonton
about Italy's native grape varieties.
and across North America. When she’s
She is a WSET diploma holder, an
not spending time behind the lens or
Italian Wine Scholar and one of only
in the kitchen, you can find her reading,
15 Italian Wine Experts In the world
gardening and enjoying everyday life
through the Vinitaly international
with her husband and her two busy boys.
Academy (VIA). Marcia also loves to sing, ride her bicycle, have dinner parties and relax on the patio.
Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and busy mom of two
Emily Welz is an internationally
boys. Always passionate about interior
published photographer and stylist.
design, she has worked exclusively within
Before running her photography
the interior design and home building
studio full-time, she worked in media
industry in Edmonton. When she isn't
communications and literacy
busy shuffling kids to sports practice
advocacy. Her passion for storytelling
and writing for her clients, she's scouring
inevitably led her to pursuing
the local real estate listings and diving
photography, creative direction,
into decor magazines with a piping hot
modelling, styling, and set design.
Americano. Matthew Stepanic is a writer who
Brandy Belitsky is a mom, wife,
lives and works on Treaty 6 territory
graphic designer, photographer,
in Edmonton. He hosts VERS/E, a
writer, and singer. Her passion for art
monthly queer poetry open mic. He
and design has kept her busy in both
is a co-author of Project Compass
the working world and in play. If she's
(Monto Books, 2017) and the author of
not working, she's probably spending
Relying on that Body (Glass Buffalo,
time with her family, creating
2018), a poetry chapbook about
something, singing, or cooking
RuPaul's Drag Race. His work has
something up in the kitchen.
appeared in Queer Little Nightmares (Arsenal Pulp, 2022), CV2, an d others.
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Go beyond ordinary with our exceptional new Wine Club!
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February 2024
Highlights Note Love, leap, and local wonders – Publisher's Note Profile Jolene Ali's gummy revolution
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Fashion Gravitypope's spring symphony: A meticulously curated collection of timeless elegance
Auto 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE: The ultimate luxury SUV experience
36
Cuisine Bar Bricco: A mouthwatering blend of tradition and innovation 42 Drinks Romantic cocktails to heat up your February nights
50
Arts & Culture Cathy Bible's journey from educator to intuitive abstract artist 54
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Publisher's Note Our fashion spotlight lands on gravitypope's meticulously curated men's spring collection of beautifully crafted clothing and accessories. On the culinary front, we take you into a revamped Bar Bricco, where the fusion of Corso 32 and Bar Bricco has given birth to a vibrant, delicious experience. In arts and culture, we bring you the captivating story of Cathy Bible, an artist who turned challenges into gifts. Her abstract paintings, inspired by nature, are a testament to the beauty found in overcoming obstacles. Lastly, step into the enchanting world of Simone and Ivy, a St. Albert boutique filled with gorgeous home decor and lifestyle treasures.
PHOTO BY TATYANA SEMENOVA
This edition celebrates love for our city, our craft, and This February, we celebrate love, spring on the horizon,
the incredible people who shape our community.
and, with 2024 being a leap year, an extra day.
Embrace the stories, savour the flavours, and cherish the artistry that makes Edmonton exceptional.
Within this 45th edition of Modern Luxuria are stories to inspire you and warm your heart.
– Elsa
We profile Jolene Ali, the force behind Gummy Nutrition Lab. Her journey from a fascination with nutritional therapy to creating Edmonton-made gummies is remarkable.
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Functional Food with Fun Flavours How one Edmontonian is changing the nutritional gummy game WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY WELZ
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February 2024
From a young age, Jolene Ali was fascinated with the idea of nutritional therapy. By ingesting certain minerals and vitamins, she discovered she could make her body feel and function better. After having her daughter, and struggling to lose weight, she embarked on a mission to create a better-tasting nutritional supplement that could assist with weight loss. In December 2023, after lengthy development and government approvals, Ali opened the doors to Gummy Nutrition Lab and introduced her Edmonton-made gummies to market.
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Ali’s goal was to create a great-tasting gummy product with the nutritional benefits found in products in the health food vitamin aisle. The food scientists at her lab worked with Ali to design juicy creations like a cotton candy collagen protein gummy, a dragon fruit and lime creatine gummy, and a passion fruit gummy that contains 15mg of caffeine—a small amount, in comparison to a cup of coffee which contains about 40mg. While we toured the facility, Ali shared with us the challenges of starting a food manufacturing plant in Canada and expanded on why more people should invest in manufacturing on Canadian soil.
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February 2024
Tell us about your background and why you
an upward trend for years. We believe that we are
decided to start this business.
creating a new category—we want to know what people expect of a gummy vitamin and merge that
I went into food science (at university) because
with the taste of candy gummies that are on the
I believed it was a growing industry; people are
market. We haven't seen that in the marketplace
always going to need to eat. I graduated and worked
yet but we can do it.
in some food processing companies and then went back to get my master’s in business and agriculture.
Describe the process of getting from the idea
Afterwards, I opened a pregnancy-focused health
stage to opening the manufacturing facility.
spa, and along with that, I also started a supplement line. I knew that by manipulating a multivitamin,
We first needed to find a great manufacturer, but I
I could help people who were having morning
couldn't find the right one anywhere. Throughout
sickness by increasing the amount of vitamin B6
Canada, the manufacturers were either at capacity
and making it healthier for pregnant women by
or the product they made wasn't to my liking. I
adding omega-3 fatty acids. I created the product
started looking in the United States but I couldn’t
and sold it at the spa and through 200 retailers
export to Canada due to Health Canada regulations.
across Canada. The way most gummies are made outside of I ended up selling that business. I had three kids in
Canada is by mixing cornstarch and oil to create
two and a half years. I knew I didn’t want to return to
a firm texture, then stamping the shapes (like
the spa business, but I enjoyed the supplement side
gummy bears) and pouring the gummy mixture
of what I was doing. I had trouble getting the baby
into a cornstarch mould to solidify. It’s then put
weight off after having my daughter and I knew
into a drying room overnight and the next day, the
that Health Canada had approved ingredients that
gummies are dropped out and the starch is re-used.
could help with weight management. I thought
If we were making something with caffeine one day
that a lot of people would appreciate it if I made
and melatonin the next, there is a 100% chance of
something that helped solve this problem.
cross-contamination because you can’t sanitize cornstarch. Health Canada regulates that we use
I like taking gummy medicine, and the market
metal moulds which are washed and sanitized
trends show that I'm not the only one; it's been
between each batch.
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February 2024
You’re passionate about increasing manufacturing
this industry can be a difficult one to get into. If I
in Canada. Tell us what that means to you.
can help someone get their business started, it helps everybody and creates more diversity in the
We have to manufacture more things in this
marketplace.
country. We have to have people like us who are willing to take the risk. This is an opportunity for us
We're redefining a category of functional foods.
to keep manufacturing here and hire people who
I think people are going to purchase this because
want to live in Canada and make products like ours.
they want functional ingredients in something
We can give them meaningful jobs where they can
tasty that also gives them a good bang for their
use their creativity, their brains, and their education
buck. If I can provide something extra, like weight
to make innovative products.
management supplements, or a product with a little extra caffeine, that's great. I think many of us
What is on the horizon for Gummy Nutrition Lab
don't want to put junk in our bodies anymore. There
as the company grows?
are many options for food scientists to use to make things taste good. Everything should taste delicious.
We hope to keep manufacturing products for others and further expand our line of supplements. A lot
Gummy Lab Nutrition gummies can be purchased
of people have ideas and we can help guide them
through the Gummy Lab website or on Amazon.
through the process. I feel good about it because it brings more variety into the Canadian marketplace;
WWW.GUMMYNUTRITIONLAB.COM
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February's Finest Make a statement with the coolest and trendiest menswear collection at Gravitypope PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Discover Gravitypope's meticulously curated spring collection, presenting a fusion of carefully chosen, handcrafted menswear and accessories that epitomize contemporary style and timeless allure, setting the pace for the season's trendsetting fashion. Experience a captivating array of unique, beautifully crafted pieces that define modern menswear, promising an unparalleled expression of individuality and sartorial distinction. WWW.GRAVITYPOPE.COM
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February 2024
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Beams Plus Corduroy 6 Panel Hat Beams Plus Knit Striped Polo Etudes District Denim Gravitypope Collection Brunel Chelsea Boot
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February 2024
Veja V10 Sneaker
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Gravitypope Collection Michelle Loafer & Milo Derby
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February 2024
Adnym Atelier Loke Blazer Marni Tropical Wool Trousers Sunspel Oxford Shirt Gravitypope Collection Mark Oxford
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Acne Studios Single Breasted Coat MM6 Print Shirt Universal Works Military Chino Officine Creative Uniform 003
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February 2024
Reproduction of Found 1700L Sneaker
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Astorflex Dukeflex Suede Boot
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February 2024
Acne Studios CrewneckWool Jumper Etudes District Denim
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Eregrine Waffle Crewneck Jumper Universal Works Fleece Zip Gilet Studio Nicholson Bill Narrow Leg Denim Shoe The Bear Kip Apron Boot
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February 2024
Ami Paris ADC Boxy T-Shirt
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February 2024
Turning Grief Into Gold The inspirational journey of Evelyn & Esme WORDS BY BRANDY BELITSKY PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
2020 was a strange year for many, but for some it
got to work. The result was a bracelet that she still
was bittersweet. Sara Palamarek was mourning the
wears to this day and one that serves as a reminder
loss of her paternal grandmother, Evelyn, a woman
of her grandmother. It was the piece that inspired
known for her fashion sense, who wore high heels
something she never knew she had—a passion that
well into her nineties. When she passed, a heap of
unfolded into her jewelry business, Evelyn & Esme.
clothing and jewelry was left behind. Evelyn & Esme is named for both of Palamarek’s While sorting through some of her grandmother’s
grandmothers.
belongings, Palamerek happened upon a piece of
Esme, was known for her adventurous spirit. She
costume jewelry. It was a broken necklace adorned
emigrated to Canada from England in 1955 with
with beautiful crystals. Damaged or not, it was
three of her close friends. She loved the sea and the
pretty, but not something she or anyone else in
outdoors, made amazing cookies and gave great
her family would ever wear. This got Palamarek’s
hugs. Palamarek curated her jewelry collections
wheels spinning. She took the necklace home,
to
disassembled it, found some gold-filled beads, and
personalities.
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encapsulate
Her
each
maternal
of
her
grandmother,
grandmothers’
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February 2024
The
collection
bracelets,
and
contains
necklaces,
anklets.
Most
items
earrings, feature
ethically sourced gold-filled beads paired with sparkling gemstones which cement Evelyn & Esme’s signature look. Some of the pieces are available in gold or sterling silver, and every creation is accompanied by a small poem written by Palamarek. “My poetry is inspired by feelings, experiences and events in my life,” she says, with further inspiration coming from loved ones and their journeys. “I’ve always loved reading poetry. Adding it to my jewelry line felt like a good fit.” Evelyn & Esme jewelry is available online, through local markets and at the Hideout Distro on 124 Street,
but
Palamerek,
currently
a
full-time
registered nurse who teaches at the U of A, has hopes for a brick-and-mortar store in the future. WWW.EVELYNANDESME.CA
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February 2024
Mercedes GLE: Elevating Luxury, Performance, and Utility Advancing the legacy with new looks, power and technology WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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Since its 1997 introduction into the M-Class, the GLE (originally named the ML) was MercedesBenz’s first foray into luxury mid-size SUVs. It was a smashing success. Generations of updates later, the GLE’s exterior combines sculpted lines and bold proportions with style and sophistication. It is elegant and confident, with a slightly athletic, muscular stance. LED headlights flank the signature Mercedes-Benz grille, while out back, the shape of the rear window carries on the model’s styling tradition that has not changed over the years. The GLE’s cabin is a haven of luxury. Premium materials,
including
available
exquisite
finishes like hand-stitched leathers, real woods and genuine metal trims are crafted into a meticulously finished, spacious interior. Comfort and ample room for all the passengers is par for the course; the GLE excels as a commuter as well as it does a road-tripper. State-of-the-art
technology
is
everywhere,
from a full digital dash that allows the driver to customize what they want to see, to the huge centrally mounted touchscreen that provides an immersive and advanced experience while remaining
quite
user-friendly.
Connectivity
features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are seamlessly integrated, and the standard Burmester sound system will please even the most demanding audiophile.
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February 2024
It’s not all about comfort though. Performance-wise, the GLE offers a broad range of powertrains including a 255 horsepower, 4-cylinder, a 375 hp inline-6 cylinder, and even a plug-in hybrid. . If that is not enough for you, two fire-breathing AMG trims are available, ranging from 429 hp to a staggering 603 hp. The range of power and efficiency is impressive with something to suit every driver. The driving experience is smooth, poised and composed. Shifts are imperceptible, acceleration is effortless, and the adaptive suspension ensures every bump and road imperfection is soaked up to provide a comfortable ride while remaining dynamic, sporty and responsive. Mercedes-Benz incorporates its cutting-edge technologies throughout the vehicle from passive safety to active and advanced driver-assistance features, all working in concert to contribute to safety and performance. Any SUV needs to provide utility and versatility, and both are strong suits of the GLE line. Ample cargo space and adaptability make this an easy vehicle to live with. The rear seats fold in various ways; the combinations providing further flexibility for passengers and cargo. The GLE will transition with ease from urban commutes to [long distance] travelling and even off-road adventures, thanks to various terrain driving modes and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. In the highly competitive luxury SUV class, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE stands tall, combining style and substance. Its aesthetic appeal is balanced with luxurious cabin space for every passenger, and with plenty of utility on tap, it ensures that this luxury SUV is not just a statement of style, but also a practical choice for families and adventurer seekers. WWW.MERCEDES.CA
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Bar Bricco 2.0 Change is good, and details are everything WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN WALKER
In September 2023, Daniel Costa opened the doors
to the longest span of consecutive employment
to a revamped, larger Bar Bricco.
years; other members of the team, like Geurin and general manager, Kaitlyn McWilliams, maintain
The increased square footage comes from the
the company employment average of 10 years. This
physical absorption of Corso 32, Costa’s flagship
speaks well of a business in an industry known for
restaurant next door, and the one (of three) on
high turnover and lacklustre dedication.
Jasper Avenue that didn’t survive the damaging economic
impact
of
the
pandemic.
Many
Costa says that keeping creative people excited
Edmontonians revered Corso 32 as one of the best
in this profession and treating them with respect
Italian restaurants in the city and hoped for its
empowers them. “It’s nice working for someone
resurrection, but Costa had other ideas.
who’s invested in you,” Joffe says of Costa. “Your hard work matters. There’s no complacency here. Everyone pushes to get better.”
“It was time,” he says, matter-of-factly. “We made it to 10 years, and I’m happy with that.”
The evidence is in the stellar food and service, and All is not lost. The change bodes well for customers
the amalgamation of the two restaurants means
and Bar Bricco staff, too, many of whom became
you get both. A bigger space offers more tables for
part-owners
Matt
sit-down dinners and a menu that hearkens back to
Guerin, both in the kitchen the day we arrived.
Corso days, but one that also offers Bricco spuntini
At an impressive 13-year tenure, Joffe lays claim
(small plates).
including
Micah
Joffe
and
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February 2024
Aesthetically, the brawniness of Bar Bricco prevailed. The palette is still predominantly charcoal-hued, but with new surfaces and accent pieces that combine the old world with the new: French cabinets from the 1890s; American steel-and-glass wall panels from the 1920s; pendant lighting from mid-century Denmark; sconces from Art Deco Saskatchewan; vintage plates from Hungary alongside modern dishes from Japan. Collectively, they create a curious display that works in harmony from one custom-created wallpapered wall to the next, with an assortment of quirky art placed here and there for patrons to discover. Acid-washed zinc replaced thick wood that topped the long bar. This was the preferred place to sit and enjoy drinks and comfort food like the (near legendary) fonduta agnolotti and the “cacio e pepe” soft scrambled eggs—both of which survived the takeover—but where newer creations like the chili- and citrus-accented tuna crudo dish are on offer to awaken the palate of the weary wanderer and residential gourmand, alike. Food is still meant to be shared, whether it’s spuntini like the nduja and charred tomato crostino or heftier offerings like the tagliolini, a mound of long, thin, ribbon pasta bathed in reduced chicken jus and served with beech mushrooms; a heady and satisfying umami bomb that begs for a glass of Barolo.
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The wagyu belly is a cut seldom seen on menus but in the hands of Bricco staff, a thing to behold. That it’s Brandt Lake Wagyu has a great deal to do with its noticeable beefiness and luscious attributes, but how it’s crispy on the outside yet not over-cooked inside, is a testament to the chefs’ skills. The finished piece is crowned with a crumbly mix of anchovies, parsley, oregano, garlic and chilies and then sliced into thick pieces, making it easy to share. Add the butterleaf lettuce salad, and you’ve got a meal that offers a balanced composition of texture and acidity. Bricco 2.0 is the sum of many parts. The vibe is lively, interactive and convivial in a refreshed venue that is intriguing yet familiar. A place where delicious food and drink have come to be expected, where neither disappoints and where change, even when rooted in the tradition of Italian food, can be remarkably rewarding. WWW.CORSO32GROUP.COM/BAR-BRICCO
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Valentine’s Day Cocktails Gifts of love served in a glass WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
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February 2024
February might be cold in Alberta, but Valentine’s Day inspires lovebirds to think of creative ways to keep those home fires burning. If your love language is acts of service or gift-giving, then you’ve come to the right place. Pink bubbles, whether they are Prosecco, Champagne or any other rosy-coloured sparkling wine, are perfect for this occasion. Presented with a set of special crystal glasses, even better. However, if you’re looking to step up your cocktail game, try one of the recipes below because Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without chocolate and roses.
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Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned Yields 1 Poli Ciok, a unique cocoa liqueur, made by famous Italian grappa distiller, Jacopo Poli, takes the classic Old Fashioned to delicious new heights. This creamy chocolate spirit is a treat on its own, too, or served over ice cream, cakes, or fresh strawberries. It is thick and rich and (almost) needs to be spooned out of the glass. No cocoa (or chocolate) liqueur will taste the same after the Poli Ciok has made it past discerning taste buds. Find it at select stores for around $50. 2 oz Old Forester Kentucky straight bourbon 0.5 oz Poli Ciok cocoa liqueur 5 dashes Angostura bitters Garnish: 3 x 1-inch piece of orange peel Dark chocolate shavings Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass and pour over one or two large ice cubes in a rocks glass. Garnish with the orange peel and shaved dark chocolate.
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February 2024
La Vie en Rose Yields 1 Instead of roses or any mixed florals, why not surprise your sweetie with a cocktail that is a bouquet in a glass? The beautiful pink colour and heady aroma of rose and elderflower in this drink are sure to delight the senses. 1.5 oz Hendrick’s gin 0.5 oz St-Germain elderflower liqueur 0.5 oz rose syrup (see note) 0.5 oz lemon juice Garnish: 1 mint leaf or rose petal Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until well combined, then strain into a stemmed wine glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a mint leaf or rose petal, floating it on the surface. Note: Many gourmet syrup flavours are available at grocery stores. Check the Italian Centre Shops for a 5-pack floral mix of rose, lavender, violet, hibiscus, and elderflower syrups in 50 ml bottles; ideal for creating cocktails that serve one or two people.
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February 2024
Late Bloomer Retired principal Cathy Bible shifts her energy into an abstract art career WORDS BY MATTHEW STEPANIC PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
When Cathy Bible retired from her career
arthritis more of a gift than a hindrance, as
as a teacher, and later, principal, over a
she says, “Always in life, you have challenges
decade ago, she knew she would never
and you just have to find another way
find comfort spending the rest of her days
of dealing with them. I don't know if I
in a rocking chair. “I have a lot of energy,”
would've discovered abstract painting if I
she says, “so I tried a lot of art classes.” She
didn’t have it.”
began with stained glass, moved on to water colour, but found both to be quite
A self-described free spirit and intuitive
challenging with her rheumatoid arthritis.
artist, Bible fell in love with the freedom
“I couldn’t hold onto the brush,” she shares.
of the abstract medium. “I paint through
“I couldn’t do those neat strokes.” No
my soul and heart, and my head doesn’t
medium felt right until she took a course
do anything with it,” she shares. She knew
at Red Deer College for abstract painting.
she’d found a new calling when in only her second class, the instructor looked at her
The broad strokes and larger brushes she
painting drying on the floor and asked,
used in the class not only influenced her
“How much?” It was Bible’s first sale.
art but made it possible. She considers her
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Her work takes inspiration from textures found in nature, as Bible admires the cracks and layering in rocks and trees. She’s also been inspired by one of her significant mentors, Australian sculptor Jen Mallinson. “I learned from her to go with the flow, to trust what I was doing,” Bible shares. “She introduced me to calcium carbonate, glue, and tar. She never told me what to do—she just guided it.” Like
her
mentor,
Bible
experimented
with
sculpture work, creating several abstract bronze figures in another Red Deer College course. But nothing excites her like a clean canvas, no matter the time of day. “The best time to paint can be two or three in the morning,” she explains. “All of a sudden it’ll just happen, and the strokes are going on easily.” This surge of energy will often lead to three or more new paintings. Bible is adamant that the meaning of her work is found by the viewer, as she doesn’t even prescribe to purchasers as to how they should hang her paintings. “I really feel that every painting has an owner,” she explains. “And once the right one walks in, that’s their painting.” She shares a story once of a woman who asked if she could take one of her paintings home first to see if it matched her living room. Bible told her no. “I want you to buy that painting because you love it,” she says, “so the next time you paint your house, you paint to match my painting.” WWW.CATHYBIBLE.ART
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A Destination to Experience The timeless European beauty inside Simone & Ivy WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED
Every morning, Leanne Mohagen and Heather Jespersen open the doors of Simone & Ivy to invite customers into an experience. Shoppers meet friends and family, coffee in hand, to browse one-of-a-kind items carefully curated and displayed in pleasing ways. The inventory in this St. Albert boutique caters to all the senses with floral soaps, woodsy candles, soft linens, and tasty treats like Jacek Chocolate, Drizzle Honey, and Salt Spring Island Kitchen products. Also available is Canadian-made furniture, customizable in fabrics that consumers can touch and feel. The home decor and lifestyle store, co-owned by Mohagen and Jespersen, opened in 2019 and is named after Mohagen’s mother and grandmother. The inventory leans toward timeless and natural pieces with a European vibe, but the personal priority of Mohagen and Jespersen is to provide excellent customer service both in-store and through online sales.
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February 2024
“It was always important to me that the store felt inviting, that it felt like my mom's house. We lived in this tiny, old farmhouse and everyone was welcome. The door was always open and the coffee was always on. And no matter how busy our life was, the coffee was always flowing and people just rotated in and out of our house,” remarks Mohagen. “That's what I wanted—for everybody to feel welcome.” Since opening the store, Mohagen and Jespersen have honed their offerings to reflect their genuine passion and meet their customers' desires. Last year, they launched a subscription box of their favourite items, with the hope of selling five or ten. They ended up selling 100 boxes in the first month. The team believes it was so popular because deep down, most shoppers want everything done for them. “[Customers] appreciate the easy button. Our whole story is meant to be like that. If you're coming here for a gift, we do the gift wrapping, we do the boxes. We want it so you can just go from here to the party without having to stop, go home, wrap the present and make it look pretty. We want to be the easy button for everything,” says Mohagen.
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www.modernluxuria.com
Last year, the co-owners launched their own Simone & Ivy brand featured on products around the store, such as scrub brushes, soap dishes, and candle care sets. They plan to continue developing their product line, but at a slow, intentional rate of one product at a time. Having their line was both a choice of convenience when they couldn’t find a product they wanted in a certain way, as well as a lifelong dream of creating products with family names on the label. “My mom was here for Christmas and when she came into the store I showed her that her name and her mom’s name were on the candle jar. She thought that was so special,” recalls Mohagen. While the products may change as the boutique grows, what remains is Mohagen and Jespersen’s vision to honour the legacy of strong women, while adding to the beauty of homes across Canada. WWW.SIMONEANDIVY.CA
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February 2024
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www.modernluxuria.com
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