Vancouver Boulevard/English April-May 2020

APRIL / MAY 2020

VANCOUVER LIFE AT ITS FINEST

SACRED SUPPER

LUXURIOUS EXPRESSIONS

HOME, BUT NOT ALONE

The importance of how you eat

Morgan Creek lottery house offers a little more of everything

Opportunities for connection, compassion

info@se arock .ca

The Art OF Fine Custom Home Building SEA ROCK DEVELOPMENTS

is a master custom home

builder of luxury homes establishing a tradition of excellence.

From concept to completion we are different in the quality, artistry, and innovation we bring to every home. With top quality craftsmanship of our in-house team, access to latest technologies and materials from around the world, and creative solutions we build not just homes but lifestyles.

Our commitment to the principles of quality, efficiency and integrity ensures that each home we build is a reflection of the high standard of excellence associated with Sea Rock Developments.

info@searock.ca

THE ART OF FINE LIVING

5520 Minoru Blvd Richmond BC 604.273.0155 paramounthome.ca

Your happily ever after starts here.

Photo: Denise Lin

Photo: Matt Kennedy

FOODBURNABY | FOODBURNABY.CA @BURNABYMOUNTAINCLUBHOUSE @RIVERWAYCLUBHOUSE

NOW BOOKING 2021

2020 DATES STILL AVAILABLE

Join us for a tour of our beautiful clubhouses.

Visit foodburnaby.ca/weddings for Wedding Open House dates or to RSVP, email food@burnaby.ca or phone us between 10am-3pm Monday-Friday at 604-297-4888.

Open house events are complimentary, though reservations are required.

Riverway Clubhouse 9001 Bill Fox Way

VOTED #1 FAVOURITE WEDDING VENUE BURNABY 2019

Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse

7600 Halifax Street

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illa Bella Vita 夢寐以求

A

Luxurious Estate Home in a lush, green paradise that perfectly combines world-class luxury and natural harmony. Built in Highpoint Equestrian Estates, this home Embodies all that one would expect from an Exclusive Estate Neighbourhood. Elevated Building Standards and a Discerning Clientele. This Gated, 2 Acre, 13,289 square foot Mansion, is the perfect backdrop for a Relaxed Equestrian Lifestyle.

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A European inspired Portico leads you into a Private Grand Courtyard.

Pressed Brick and Roman Pavers adorn the roadway and courtyard.

A Tiered Italian Fountain adds an exciting water feature. Ample indoor

garage parking is an added plus for Car collectors.

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A Boutique Tidball designed barn for the Equine Enthusiast includes indoor heated tack room and bathroom, pivot feeders, electric waterers, hayloft, 3 stalls, large holding paddock, and a foaling stall with a connecting fenced pasture for turnout.

8 Bedrooms and 11 Bathrooms provide generous accommodation for family and visiting guests.

An Architectural Masterpiece. Groin vaulted ceilings welcome your guests through the exquisite double doors into a cathedral entrance. The Kitchen with the Design Direction of the High-End Stainless Appliances, Custom Cabinetry,

and the Central work Island serves as a wonderful gathering space for family.

This area, combined with Dining area and Sitting room, is the quintessential Luxury Great Room.

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Entertain family & friends in this remarkable dining room with 20 ft coffered ceilings that has a Modern suspended Glass lighting feature that suspends 80 glass balls over the dining table. Richly Stained panelled walls offer plenty of storage space for the avid entertainer to store linens & décor. A Refrigerated Wine Cellar flanks the dining room.

The Main floor Powder Room envelops you with a Dark Mystique. Glistening Silver bowl sinks, Dark walls, and

$6,500,000 seductive lighting give this room an air of mystery and glamour as though you stepped into a boutique hotel. A Main floor Guest room with ensuite, is a wonderful place for visiting friends and family.

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The Main Floor Library is a combination of intellect and design.

A generous amount of built in shelving for special collectables and books. A Central Oversized fireplace makes this a cozy retreat or office workspace overlooking the green pastures with beautiful French doors.

The Upstairs vaulted Master Suite is a dream. The king size Bed sits against a custom floor to ceiling headboard that divides the room and creates an inventive design solution to offer privacy and storage. The Master ensuite is a decadent combination of Chromatherapy soaker tub, rain shower, & wet bar. A huge drum chandelier on the ceiling above offers a style element that completes the space. The master closet resembles a highend Boutique

Rachel Diesing 604.789.3156

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Upstairs is also graced with a Media Room/Bar combination space. The full-service bar has industrial sized refrigeration, a serving and prep area, and a space large enough to entertain a large group. This space can comfortably host 30-40 people.

On the upper level, you will also find the “Children’s” Wing of the house. This area has a playroom / common area and is surrounded by bedrooms with ensuites.

In the Basement: A Nanny Suite with Wet Bar Kitchen. 2nd 2 bed guest suite with kitchen, living room and spacious Bathroom.

A Home Business would thrive here also! Multiple offices and storage rooms are also found in the lower level. Basement Utility room with Geothermal heating and cooling and whole home generator with transfer switch make this home efficient and self-sustainable. Close to all amenities.

This Estate is a combination of Sophistication, Tradition and Well-planned sustainable design. A Unique offering that is a once in a lifetime find.

In collaboration with Realtor, Carolyn Glazier

www.diesinggroup.com， rdiesing@sothebysrealty.ca

103 - 12761 16th Avenue, Surrey, V4A 1N2

SAN CEDAR DIRECT 604.515.4999 | SANCEDARDIRECT.COM

NEW CO L L E C T I O N

1348-C UNITED BLVD. COQUITLAM | 604.529.6868 1275 W 6 AVE. VANCOUVER | 604.730.1275 INSPIRATIONFURNITURE.CA

Concert in support of

WUHAN

Four-year-old prodigy creates virtual miracle performing 20 musical pieces, and raising $5,000 in support of Wuhan epidemic

O

n February 22 at a concert hall in Vancouver, fouryear-old Justin held a unique solo piano concert — broadcast live via YouTube — for charity. He is the son of Dr. Jiang Caoyang, chairperson of the Chinese Canadian Medical Society in BC and Executive Director of the World Association of Chinese Doctors. With the giving of so much love at such a young age, this unique concert encouraged ethnic Chinese from all corners of society to take notice and respond enthusiastically. Those present at the concert generously donated over $5,000 that evening, making the concert an astonishing success!

As he emerged on stage like a breath of fresh air, Justin showed no stage fright whatsoever, calmly introducing each piece to be performed: “Spring has Arrived,” “All Nature Awakes,” “Bright Sunshine Spills upon the Land” and “The Birds Begin to Sing.” Young Justin’s every move made all those watching and listening starstruck with admiration.

If in the pre-performance, Justin was bright and cute. But the moment he sat down and his fingers touched the piano keys, he became another person.

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With eyes focused and fingers flying across the keyboard, his entire being became one with the piano. No one could tell he was just a four-year-old child who had practiced the piano fo a mere four months!

Within 30 minutes, Justin had performed over 20 Chinese folk piano pieces, ranging from levels one to four. Throughout the performance, he was calm, consistent and extremely engaging, performing each Chinese piece with flare.

You might think of Justin as a musical genius, but his mom, Susanna, says his proficiency is due to his obsession with the piano. “Every day the first thing he wants to do is play the piano.

Even when I go to work, he calls me on the phone to play for me. He will only go to school happily if he gets to play the piano for awhile prior to leaving the house. The piano is his very best friend.”

Amazing praise! Throughout the live broadcast, online viewers commented that “this child has unlimited prospects!”

The performance was broadcast live via YouTube and a lot of online viewers who witnessed Justin’s amazing abilities were deeply impressed by his magnificent musical display.

Golf Burnaby EnjoYYable Golf for EverYYone

Golf Burnaby, with its facilities nestled within the heart and spectacular natural beauty of the Lower Mainland, offers many of the luxuries experienced within a private club setting.

Burnaby Mountain Golf Course & Driving Range in North Burnaby This popular golf course boasts natural tree lined and gentle rolling terrain offers blend of charm, character and serenity.

Riverway Golf Course & Driving Range in South Burnaby

One of the premier golf courses in the area. With imaginatively designed links-style fairways, lined by sweeping mounds of wild fescue, this course has an array of white tan bunkers and water hazards that are strategically placed to make every shot exciting.

golfburnaby.ca

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R I C H M O N D • VA N C O U V E R

CONTENTS 52

24 FEATURES

On the Cover Photo by Lia Crowe

32 LUXURIOUS EXPRESSIONS

A Morgan Creek stunner

VIBRANT Model Alakiir Deng, photographed on located at Jan Kath Vancouver.

Story by Jessica Clark

Vibrant colour, rich colour and colour on colour

By Jessica Clark

FASHION

46

18

B O U L E VA R D

By Dawn Sondergaard

46 LIFE IN COLOUR

54 HOME, BUT

NOT ALONE

New opportunities for connection, compassion

By Jane Zatylny

58 SACRED SUPPER

How you eat is as important as what you eat

By Ellie Shortt

32

39

46

DEPARTMENTS

20

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

52

BUSINESS CLASS

22

EDITOR

The jewel in the crown: Jason Bosa

Push pause, not panic

By Joe Leary

24

LIFE. STYLE. ETC.

64

TRAVEL

Bianca Solterbeck

Dresden is a delight

By Lia Crowe

By Toby Tannas

27

WELL AND GOOD

SECRETS AND LIVES

West Coast wellness: self-care in beautiful BC

68

Nisha Grewal

39

HAVAN AWARDS

By Angela Cowan

Housing excellence

By Kaisha Scofield

70

NARRATIVE

Lights. Action. Glamour?

By Angela Cowan

74

PARTING SHOT

By Leeta Liepins

SPECIAL FEATURE

B O U L E VA R D

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contributors “When I was first offered the chance to write the Narrative piece for Boulevard, it took me a full day to come up with an idea. My life for the last year has centred

ANGELA COWAN WRITER LIGHTS. ACTION. GLAMOUR?

almost exclusively around my new babe and keeping my toddler occupied! But when I realized I could use it to revisit my trip to the Victoria set of Murdoch Mysteries, I had no trouble writing the draft. It was such a fun assignment!” Angela Cowan is a freelance writer and editor who contributes regularly to Boulevard magazine. Find her on Twitter @ angela_m_cowan.

PAGE 70

“When I sat down with editors Susan Lundy and Lia Crowe at our initial brainstorming meeting, my mind was bursting with ideas. However, at the heart of

ELLIE SHORTT WRITER SACRED SUPPER

PAGE 58

all these discussions, and the foundation of my food philosophies, is a respectful recognition of my roots. The subject for the article felt like a purposeful introduction — a window into corners of my life, how I pay homage to my heritage and interweave these values and practices throughout my week. I found writing this piece to be a meaningful exercise in mindful reflection. I hope it stirs some similarly sentimental or introspective observations in your minds and hearts as well.” Ellie is a certified nutritional therapy practitioner, restaurateur, cooking class instructor, and new contributor to Boulevard.

“When I was asked to write about my honeymoon in Germany I was initially hesitant. When I realized I’d be writing

TOBY TANNAS WRITER HISTORY. CULTURE. CUISINE.

PAGE 64

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about Kempinski Hotels, however, it was the easiest ‘yes’ I ever said. (Well, let’s say the second easiest, in case my new husband is reading this.) When we walked into the palatial Adlon Kempinski Hotel, I knew we were in for something very special. The Kempinski Taschenbergpalais was just as impressive and the staff just as attentive.

Each hotel is unique in its own right and a perfect match to its surroundings.” Toby is a regular contributor to Boulevard Okanagan. You can also catch Toby weekday mornings on Kelowna’s New 103.1 Beach Radio.

APRIL / MAY 2020

BOULEVARD GROUP PUBLISHER Mario Gedicke PUBLISHER Harry van Hemmen harryvh@blackpress.ca 604-649-1707 MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alfonso Arnold, Jessica Clark, Angela Cowan, Lia Crowe, Sarah D’Arcey, Gail Johnson, Lauren Kramer, Joe Leary, Leeta Liepins, Kaisha Scofield, Emily Shortt, Dawn Sondergaard, Toby Tannas, Jane Zatylny EDITORIAL DESIGNER Lorianne Koch DESIGNERS Lily Chan, Michelle Gjerde, Angela Robak, Tammy Robinson ADVERTISING SALES

Kimberley Lim kim.lim@vancouverboulevard.com Vicki Clark vicki.clark@blackpress.ca PHOTOGRAPHERS Alfonso Arnold, Lia Crowe, Don Denton, Charles Zuckermann ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy DISTRIBUTION Marilou Pasion Marilou@blackpress.ca 604-542-7411

VANCOUVERBOULEVARD.COM Boulevard Magazine is published 6 times per year by Black Press Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

GRAND OPENING EVENT

ORIENTAL CASA Breathtaking Chinese Traditional Furniture with Western Style & Comfort

Thursday May 7th 5pm-9pm 2699 S. Granville OrientalCasa.com

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

pushing pause instead of panic

It was Sunday morning, mid March. Boulevard’s press date was fast approaching and as I looked at the beautifully laid-out pages, I realized it was all wrong. The world was a different place two months ago when we started working on this issue.

The lifestyle spread featured tips for a digital detox — a story that was perfect for the time, but made no sense now. Our health story promoted self-care in a busy world: it also lacked conviction once our world went on pause. And a beautiful “headliners” spread detailed upcoming events in Victoria, many of which had already been cancelled.

Luckily, Boulevard has an amazing set of freelancers. A Sunday-morning email to health writer Kaisha Scofield and feature writer Jane Zatylny resulted in the last-minute, makemore-sense stories that you’ll now see in this issue.

How quickly our world changes. And it’s certain that by the time Boulevard lands in your mailbox three weeks from now, it will have changed again. Decisions my husband Bruce and I agonized over 10 days ago — do we cancel a New York trip? — aren’t even debatable now. Decisions I’m trying to make today may not even be an option two weeks from now.

At this point, Bruce and I have been in self-imposed isolation for over a week. Bruce has a heart condition; I am immunecompromised. COVID-19 may not be kind to us, so here we are. Luckily, we like each other! Normally this time of year (and most times of year), we are engrossed in hockey. Loss of sports-watching took some adjustment, but we’ve replaced those couch-sitting, beer-sipping hours with daily 10-kilometre walks.

Good for body and mind!

And make no mistake — it’s the mind games that can hurt.

Quelling panic is paramount. We have two children living in New York City, and watching the nightmare unfold there makes it hard to not push the internal panic button. I also worry about my widowed mother. Aside from her age, which puts her in physical jeopardy, she’s a social butterfly; how will isolation affect her mental health? What if she gets the virus? What if anyone in our family falls ill? Between being compromised ourselves and living in a different country than two of our four kids and a ferry ride away from the other two — we can’t rush in to help. This contradicts every maternal and paternal instinct we have.

Work. I already work from home, so the situation doesn’t impact me in that sense, but like everyone else, I have to wonder what the next few months hold in terms of work. The fact is, a spiralling economy affects everyone. Hence the advice to keep it going as best we can in our own communities: support small food outlets; go online to buy local merchandise; buy gift cards from local restaurants now to use later; buy music; buy art. Book a trip now for a few months down the road. And above all, stay calm and care for your health and that of others.

I saw this on social media: “If it’s out of your control it should be out of your mind.” Stay safe, Vancouver. And let’s push the pause button instead of the panic button.

Susan Lundy Editor 22

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®

life.style.etc.

BIANCA SOLTERBECK, PRODUCER & PERSONALITY, OWNER, SOLTERBECK MEDIA

“I have learned that in business you must keep going; I might adjust but I never stop.”

WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

With over 10 years experience working in local media, producing and hosting the LEO Award-nominated real estate series Dream Homes and creating a new home and design show called Luxury Hunters, Bianca runs a boutique video marketing agency that creates and captures content for local businesses and corporations.

“I love the creativity of video — the music, location, style and script — and I get tremendous satisfaction working with business owners who start out as ‘camera shy’ and end up confidently starring in their own content.”

Asked what innate qualities have aided her most in becoming successful, she says, “Stickability, tenacity and attention to detail. I have wonderful mentors who have helped me, but at the end of the day it’s really about the work. I do whatever it takes to make sure the end product is something I’m proud of. I have learned that in business you must keep going; I might adjust but I never stop.”

When it comes to style, Bianca says her personal style is a kind of “Kate Middleton meets Jennifer Aniston” and it’s all about structure, colour and having a couple of key pieces that you love and feel good in.

“I learned a lot from my stylish mother, who used to change to go to the grocery store! She taught me the value of having key pieces that last for years, and showing respect for an event or person by dressing for the occasion.”

HAIR BY ASHLEY HOOD AT SUKI’S DOWNTOWN SALON

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STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE Favourite fashion designer or brand: Canadian company Judith and Charles. Their clothes are a combination of softness and strength.

Eighty per cent of their collections are designed and manufactured in Canada.

Favourite musician: My dad is a musician so he’s my favourite. He introduced me to CCR and the Rolling Stones, and I never get tired of listening to their music!

Era of time that inspires your style: I love the structure of the 1950s and the colour and feminity of the 1980s!

Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: I’m not the first person to say this, but every single outfit Cameron Diaz wears in The Holiday is always welcome in my closet. Even though the movie is 14 years old, the clothes are classics.

Favourite local restaurant: La Quercia is my absolute favourite. The dishes are carefully created and full of flavour.

I love the eggplant lasagna and recommend asking the staff for wine recommendations.

Favourite wine: The Prisoner from Napa Valley. It also makes a great gift because the art on the bottle is beautiful!

Favourite city to visit: Edinburgh. I visited in my 20s and 30s and both times it was equally charming, inviting and vibrant. I recommend climbing Arthur’s Seat for the panoramic views.

Favourite hotel: Sun Valley Lodge in Idaho. It’s over 80 years old with an outdoor skating rink, sleigh rides and most importantly a friendly, relaxed skicabin atmosphere.

Favourite app: FiLMic Pro. It allows you to use your iPhone camera to create cinematic video!

Favourite place in the whole world: Heidelberg, Germany.

I studied there for a year in university and it has the most beautiful “Altstadt” or old town and castle. The university was founded in 1386!

READING MATERIAL What you read online for style: I have to admit, I cruise Instagram for style inspiration! I’ll see something I love and track it down. I’m old school and need to try things on so I go to the store to buy it.

Fave print magazine: Vanity Fair .

Coffee table book/photography book: The Earth from the Air by Yann ArthusBertrand. The cover is beautiful, the Heart of Voh in New Caledonia.

Book currently reading: Educated by Tara Westover. I can’t put it down!

Favourite book of all time: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I’ve read it numerous times.

FASHION & BEAUTY Uniform: A pea coat, black boots, a cosy sweater, jeans and always a scarf to tie it all together!

Currently coveting: The B3 leather jacket by German designer Stefan Eckert.

Favourite day-bag: The Everywhere Bag by Away. It fits my laptop, a hard drive, makeup, snacks and a water bottle, so it’s perfect for a day on set.

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: Greta Constantine. The dresses have structure and colour and they feel good on. The best place to find them is Wardrobe Apparel in Vancouver — ask for Alexandra!

Fashion obsession: Jackets. From a Patagonia puffer to a Soia and Kyo pea coat, I have a small coat collection.

Every Christmas my two good friends do a coat drive so I’m always happy to donate!

Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: My indulgence is eyelash extensions! It means I never wear eye makeup unless it’s a smoky eye kind of night! I’ve been seeing Polina at Beauty Corner for years; we talk about life and running our businesses, so it’s a quick 45 minutes in the chair.

Moisturizer: Neostrata Overnight Anti Pollution Treatment: it’s like getting a facial while you sleep.

Must-have hair product: Kerastase Blond Absolu shampoo. This is a must for colour junkies!

Beauty secret: I wear no makeup as much as possible so my skin gets a break. When I’m going out or I have a shoot, that’s when I go for it! I love the new Eye Colour Magic palette from Charlotte Tilbury. The colours are bright and sparkly, which, coincidentally, is how I want my eyes to look!

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LUXURIOUS RESIDENCES IN NORTH VANCOUVER’S WATERFRONT COMMUNITY

Experience modern waterfront living at its finest. Inside, enjoy spectacular water, city and mountain views, gourmet kitchens, quality workmanship and European finishes. Outside, the luxury of being mere steps to the hub of Lower Lonsdale, with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, shops, The Quay market and the convenience of the SeaBus. Walk, hike or bike the newly extended Spirit Trail. Plus the privilege of membership to the amenities, indoor pool and gym at the Pinnacle Pier Hotel. Isn’t it time you made The Pier your home?

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well and good

i

west coast

wellness Self-care in beautiful British Columbia

WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

t’s safe to say that navigating a pandemic is a new experience for all of us. COVID-19 has quite literally taken over our lives. As we adjust to our new normal by learning how to navigate self-isolation and social distancing, we are also trying to monitor our own health and the health of those around us. This requires considerable attention and as a result,

X

could lead us to be hyper-aware of our surroundings, even a little paranoid. Did someone just sneeze?

Adjusting to social isolation, monitoring health, keeping up to date with infection tallies — all of this can create the perfect storm for anxiety, fear and overwhelm. Typically, we would process challenging times by turning to coping mechaB O U L E VA R D

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Spending time in nature has been shown to not only reduce stress but also improve immune, cardiovascular and respiratory function, all while providing emotional healing, decreased blood pressure, and improved sleep-wake cycles.

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nisms, like visiting with friends, going to the gym or even focusing on work. But these options are generally no longer available. Removing these coping mechanisms, especially while navigating fear, can cause an increase in stress and anxiety that can have negative effects on our overall health.

Following social-distancing protocols is, of course, crucially important, but how do we restrict our lives without feeling like we’re living in stasis? Luckily, there is a way to engage in activities that will not only increase our mental and physical health but also respect social-distancing protocols. The answer is just outside the door. That’s right, it’s time to get into nature and beautiful British Columbia has enough natural space for everyone.

Spending time in nature has been shown to not only reduce stress but also improve immune, cardiovascular and respiratory function, all while providing emotional healing, decreased blood pressure, and improved sleep-wake cycles.

Our forests, mountains and coastlines offer a seemingly endless variety of outdoor activities. Choose from walking, hiking, gardening, beach-combing — the list goes on and any of these activities allows for effective social distancing while also providing space for movement while absorbing valuable vitamin D, enjoying fresh air and giving the mind a chance to recharge.

Being active in nature also challenges the brain. Navigating new surroundings in a way that we aren’t fully adapted to is beneficial because it exercises parts of the brain that may be less active during typical, routine activities. For example, we use our prefrontal cortex for problem solving, and the cerebellum for movement. During outdoor activity, while on a hike for example, these parts of the brain are working hard to navigate terrain, adjust to inclines, balance over tree roots, etc. The brain is distracted by our surroundings and thus less likely to engage in anxious thoughts.

If being on a beach or in a forest feels too ambitious, simply being around nature can boost immune function and accelerate recovery from illness. Studies in Japan have shown that moving in nature in a style referred to as forest bathing actually increases the body’s natural killer (NK) cells, the ones that primarily fight illness. There is also evidence that simply smelling the aroma of a tree can increase the number of these cells in the body. NK cells work to contain viral infections while the body’s immune response creates cells that then work to clear the infection. These are good cells to have in abundance if you’re fighting off a virus.

Let’s not forget about sustenance. Our beautiful British Columbia coastline not only provides an abundance of outdoor activities but also an incredible variety of nutrient-rich foods. Salmon, halibut and albacore are all caught right here in the Pacific Northwest and they provide essential nutrients in the form of protein, iodine and various other vitamins and minerals. Most importantly, they are the perfect source of omega fatty acids and vitamin D. We also have a large variety of shellfish, that are packed with excellent nutrients. The simple mussel, for example, contains vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin C and iron. In fact, most shellfish contain large amounts of cobalamin, also known as vitamin B12, which helps the body to metabolize the fatty acids found the fish mentioned above. Seafood chowder, anyone?

Seafood isn’t the only thing on offer in BC — our hard-working farm communities boast a wide variety of produce that is available almost year-round.

Eating foods grown in BC ensures that they can be purchased freshly picked, which allows produce to maintain more flavour, nutrients and vitamins than foods being shipped in. In the spring you can find an abundance of in-season local produce such as apples, carrots, kale, beets, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes and radishes, to name a few.

We are not expected to know how to navigate a pandemic but we are able to choose how we react to it.

In British Columbia we are especially fortunate to be surrounded by outstanding natural resources, the very thing that can help us to move our bodies and clear our minds. By getting outside and into nature, enjoying our beautiful surroundings, we promote both physical and mental wellness, which leads to an improvement in overall health. Combine this with the opportunity to eat fresh and nutrient-dense foods, found right here in BC, and we have the tools to carry us through these challenging times.

Fine Home Quality Handmade Furniture Unit 103, 1311 United Boulevard, Coquitlam, BC | 604-240-8425 | www.oussi.ca | Open 7 days a week

design notes

Clean.

Simple.

Refined.

New Monogram collections reflect the minimalist philosophy This year marks the start of a new decade, and as we look back on the last 10 years, it becomes clear just how much the luxury design space has changed. Gone is the eclectic aesthetic, making way for clean, simple lines and a refined design that embraces a minimalist philosophy.

A less-is-more approach is truly having its moment—affecting all rooms of the home, and the kitchen is no exception. This shift has had a rippling effect, inspiring appliance brands like Monogram to revamp entire product offerings. The goal is to meet a desire for a more modern, polished and versatile kitchen, with major appliances at the forefront of both form and function.

To this end, for example, Monogram has unveiled two distinct new collections, Minimalist and Statement. Both will be available at Midland Appliances.

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THE MINIMALIST COLLECTION is Monogram’s most significant design transformation, representing the brand’s movement towards a sleeker and more contemporary — yet functional — look.

THESE APPLIANCES BLEND seamlessly into the kitchen with beautifully machined metals and precisely crafted metal framing that sits flush with cabinetry. Handles and hardware are designed to disappear, and in many cases are only visible when you look at the appliances from certain angles. And on some appliances in the collection there is no handle at all, with a push-to-open functionality.

MONOGRAM’S REIMAGINED COLLECTIONS also feature the very latest in kitchen technology. Every appliance is outfitted with features that are preferred by professionals, from controlled simmers to precision-cooking technology.

BOTH COLLECTIONS HAVE INTEGRATED and interactive LCD screens and the five-in-one cooking technology found in the Advantim wall ovens in both collections really shines (it’s a convection oven, toaster oven, warming/proofing oven, precision cooking oven and microwave—all in one appliance). And, one of the most exciting new features available in both collections is the steamassist function available on all Monogram wall ovens.

Steam is a healthier method of cooking that helps food retain flavour, colour and nutritional value.

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hot properties

LUXURIOUS EXPRESSIONS Morgan Creek lottery home offers a little more of everything

CO-PRODUCER & DIGITECH: ZENNA WONG STYLIST: SARAH D’ARCEY HAIR & MAKEUP: LEAH ROBERTS

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WORDS DAWN SONDERGAARD PHOTOS CHARLES ZUCKERMAN

What’s inside a $2.9-million BC Children’s Hospital Choices Lottery home? According to Vic Sanghera of Red Tree Creative Homes, a whole lotta home!

The Morgan Creek Grand Prize home is Red Tree Creative Homes’ third in support of the BC Children’s Hospital lotteries, built to generate funding for ground-breaking research into the prevention, treatment and cure of childhood illnesses. More than 93,000 kids count on the care of BC Children’s Hospital every year. Discoveries made here impact the lives of children in British Columbia and around the world.

Working with residential designer Raymond Bonter and Alexandra Hristova of A2H Design Studio, Red Tree Creative Homes took on the challenge of building the spectacular 6,225-square-foot, five-bedroom, nine-bathroom, three-level west-coast-style home in Morgan Creek, South Surrey for the 2020 lottery.

Built with dreams in mind, every detail is a level above what one would expect in a luxury home. Vic says that when suppliers discover this home will support the wellness and health of children, everyone on the team goes the extra mile to make something special.

“So, although there was a budget, what we were able to bring to the project became so much more. We pushed out every corner, wherever possible.”

The entire home has an elevated feeling of grandeur.

The open-plan main floor features a sweeping 10-foot ceiling with three-level recessed lighting, capable of emulating the mood of a luxurious hotel throughout the day and into the evening.

Erin Cebula, who has been the BC Children’s Hospi-

tal Choices Lottery’s spokesperson for 10-plus years, says, “The Morgan Creek luxury home is packed with wow factors on every level. This home is more design-forward than in past years.”

She points to the masculine appeal with use of wood and natural stone. “It’s a home with an edge. There are statements throughout this home. It is really exciting.”

The grand foyer’s floor-to-ceiling window extends outwards, drawing light into the great room that includes dining and living areas.

High-end Wolf appliances and Riobel plumbing fixtures are featured in the kitchen along with striking built-in walnut cabinetry extending seamlessly through to the living room’s concrete fireplace surrounds, and into the dining room’s flex-serving station/ bar.

The main floor’s living space naturally flows outdoors onto an expansive deck supported by the home’s extended foundation, complete with outdoor kitchen, sunken hot tub and live-flame twirling gas tiki torches to keep the party going!

Interior designer Debbie Heal of Sunrae Design says the home’s décor leans towards the modern with a sophisticated edge, noting the walnut wood veneer gives warmth to the space. Debbie understands how to create a sense of luxury while keeping a family in mind.

Her signature style touches every room. Working on this dream project, everything from the plants to the pillows and the furniture in between was sourced from LaZ-Boy. One-stop shopping. (Now that’s a dream come true!)

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Filled with passion for the BC Children’s Hospital cause, Debbie focused on accenting the architectural features of the home. Floor-to-ceiling drapes showcase the foyer’s window height. The oversized sofa and double chaise lounge in the family room complement the concrete fireplace and add to a relaxed atmosphere. A round marble table is selected to accentuate the dining room’s architecture.

Staging from the outside in, and noting the interior should reflect the exterior, Debbie nods to the home’s Mendocino Brick and London Fog Stone exterior being on trend, emulating a feeling of comfort with a presence. Accents in golden ochre and velvet fabrics are incorporated throughout the home, pairing beautifully with the interior’s walnut features.

The theme continues into the basement with a sophisticated twist on a playful 1970s mood. Including a lounge area with two bars and a wellness area with home gym, sauna and yoga studio, B O U L E VA R D

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“The Morgan Creek luxury home is packed with wow factors on every level. This home is more designforward than in past years.”

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the lower level is packed with entertainment opportunities for the whole family. Access to the back garden and natural light is gained through an over-extended lower patio area.

Known for creating signature lofts, Red Tree Creative Homes designed and custombuilt a library, on its own mezzanine level. Tribeca-inspired, the library showcases builtin bookcases, wall sconces, a black leather tufted couch and a rolling ladder, with a brick wall paying homage to the home’s exterior.

“We added in a chest and glass table to showcase possibilities in the room’s function,” says Debbie, “noting design flexibility allows a home to adapt to a family’s changing dynamic.”

Following the stairs to the third-level bedrooms, the landing area is reminiscent of a boutique hotel, with an intimate seating area overlooking the entry foyer’s window views.

A self-confessed design junkie, Erin is always excited for the opportunity to check out the lottery homes. Entering the master bedroom through double doors, she is swept away by the feature wall, the custom-built, walk-through wardrobe imported from Brazil and the private spa-like bathroom — a master suite to rival any home with celebrity status.

A Canadian television personality and former reporter for Entertainment Tonight Canada, Erin is grateful for the opportunity to work with the BC Children’s Hospital lotteries.

“I am truly honoured,” she says. “For me it’s not a job, it’s personal. I get to use the skills I am trained in for philanthropic work. It brings balance to my life, and that is a gift. The team behind the lottery is a family. Everyone works hard and I respect them.

They are a part of my family.”

Erin also loves to connect with the families who have used the services of BC Children’s Hospital. Most recently, her nephew has regularly visited the hospital in the first two years of his life. Seeing first-hand the resources and people who work so hard every day to help the children brings sharing their good work closer to home for Erin.

She is excited for the lucky family who wins this luxurious dream home.

Tickets are, of course, selling fast and as the Choices Lottery typically sells out early, don’t delay in making your purchase. Visit bcchildren.com for tickets and details about all eight Grand Prize choices, including one for $2.2 million cash.

Kona Sofa & Loveseat

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Power Recliner

Feather Soft

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Leather Sectional

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Many Colours Available

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Free Sectional

Barclay Small Sectional

$1898

$2298

Power Recliner

Adjustable Backrest

COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3444

Accepted in all stores

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.8248

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HAVAN Awards

for housing excellence elevate homebuilders

With the goal of helping consumers connect to the best in the building industry, the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) has renamed the HAVAN Ovation Awards to the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence.

The bold new look, aligned with the newly rebranded corporate logo, was revealed on March 4 at the Finalist Soiree, which took place at the Permanent, 330 West Pender Street. These are the same awards that consumers have grown to trust, but now elevated to a more easily recognizable brand.

Ron Rapp, HAVAN CEO, said, ‘“Metro Vancouver is on the world’s real estate stage. Our members continue to build beyond code, finding solutions to meet the homeowner demands and housing challenges that we face in our region. It’s only natural that we elevated the brand to keep pace with our builders, and to better connect consumers to the industry’s best.”

Rapp continued, “Highlights this year include: an infill project with an outdated bungalow in a highly sought-after neighbourhood that was transformed into four Built Green gold- and platinumcertified homes; a multi-family development rezoned and designed to almost triple the density of a previously planned condo, which is now a 14-storey rental building approved under Vancouver’s Rental

100 program; a custom-built home with ‘intelligent windows’ that maximize comfort and energy efficiencies of the home; and bespoke renovations, including a show-stopping copper-clad fireplace to warm the hearts and realize the dreams of a homeowner. 2020 is an outstanding year!”

The HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence, presented by FortisBC, put a spotlight on the accomplishments of the homebuilding industry each year. Capturing the best new-home construction, renovation and design projects in Metro Vancouver, the awards showcase breathtaking custom-built homes, kitchen and bathroom renovations, single and multi-family developments, as well as the latest in high-performance building technology and innovative housing choices.

Now in its 11th year, this established, premier industry awards program selects finalists through a rigorous judging process, by a peer-reviewed panel of award-winning builders, renovator and designers from outside of the region. A full list of finalists and photos of the projects are available at: havan.ca/awards.

Winners of the 2020 HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence will be announced on Saturday, May 9 at the Gala, taking place at the luxurious JW Marriott Parq, 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver.

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BUILDER: Novak Contracting & Construction Ltd. PROJECT: Outside In LOCATION: Surrey PROJECT FINALIST: Custom Home: $2 million to Under $3 million; Best Space: New Construction; Best Special Feature, New or Renovated (2); Best New Kitchen: $50,000-$99,999; and Best Master Suite: New or Renovated

Open to the stars above, this fully enclosed, twostorey interior courtyard, with automated louvered roof, keeps rain and bugs out, and heat from heaters in. A single touch transforms the feature wall into an outdoor theatre with a 4K projector, and 130-inch movie screen, complete with 5.2 surround sound.

But wait, there is more! A single touch and the floor retracts to reveal a six-seat sunken hot tub. Bring on the popcorn and bubbly!

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PHOTO: MARTIN KNOWLES PHOTO/MEDIA

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PHOTO: UPPER LEFT PHOTOGRAPHY

BUILDER: Kindred Construction Ltd. MAJOR ASSOCIATE: VictorEric Premium Homes PROJECT: Curved Contemporary LOCATION: Southlands, Vancouver PROJECT FINALIST: Best Landscaping: Custom or Renovated

Curved Contemporary is a bespoke, three-storey residence with a striking profile that emulates nature and complements the curvature of its surrounding landscape. The distinctive architectural design elements were created using exacting construction techniques by Kindred Construction in association with VictorEric Premium Homes. The residence utilizes View Dynamic Glass for the exterior glazing. This automated, intelligent-glass system uses electrochromic technology and predictive controls based on real-time environmental inputs to modulate the tinting and reduce glare and heat gain, while maximizing occupant comfort and improving energy efficiency.

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BUILDER: Best Builders MAJOR ASSOCIATE: Beyond Beige Interior Design MAJOR ASSOCIATE: Architrix Architects PROJECT: New House on Old Town Road LOCATION: Langley PROJECT FINALIST: Best New Kitchen: $100,000 and Over; and Best Master Suite: New or Renovated PHOTO CREDIT: AMANDA OSTER

Challenged by an over-expansive great room lacking “that something special,” Beyond Beige Interior Design and Architrix Architects designed a copper-clad fireplace. Soaring from floor to ceiling, the fireplace becomes a striking focal point, while defining the kitchen and living areas of the grand room in this open-plan Langley home. Adding both visual and physical warmth, the flame is left completely open, creating the illusion of a copper chimney floating above the flames. The ethanol fireplace with custom-sized trough was built for maximum flame- and heat-transfer control. The natural copper element will change colour over time, making this fireplace a piece of art in itself.

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BUILDER: Edgar Development ASSOCIATE: Acton Ostry Architects PROJECT: The Duke LOCATION: Mount Pleasant, Vancouver PROJECT FINALIST: Best Multi-Family Highrise Development; Best Outdoor Living Space: Single-Family Production or Multi-Family (New); Best Interior Design Display Suite: Multi-Family Home; and BC Housing Award for Excellence in Innovative Housing

IMAGE COURTESY OF ACTON OSTRY ARCHITECTS. PHOTO: MICHAEL ELKAN PHOTOGRAPHY

LEED Gold-certified, 99 Walk-Score/96 Bike-Score with secure parking for 250-plus bicycles, Edgar Development, in association with Acton Ostry Architects, looked outside the box for future-forward solutions when designing The Duke. Appealing to locals in this artistic, eclectic Vancouver neighbourhood, the innovative design pushes setbacks to the inside, creating a central circulation space/atrium and open-air hallways, promoting socialization and creating a community vibe. The 14-storey, multi-family building adds 201 rental units and features an exterior mural and a one-of-a-kind rooftop deck with 360-degree city and mountain views. A floating canopy — a first for residential towers — protects the atrium from weather without inhibiting the airflow.

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BUILDER: Adisa Homes PROJECT: Harmony Hideaway LOCATION: Alta Lake, Whistler PROJECT FINALIST: Best Townhouse/Condominium Renovation: Under $250,000

PHOTO: UPPER LEFT PHOTOGRAPHY

Nestled in a 1980s apartment complex, this fully renovated lakeside Whistler condo brings the outside in, while impressively maximizing the small space. With a love for contemporary design and the great outdoors, the owner envisioned a minimalist cabin that reflected her modern sense of style and the natural beauty of the surroundings.

> BUILDER: Vesta Properties Ltd. ASSOCIATE: Concept to Design Inc. PROJECT: Coastal Elegance LOCATION: Langley PROJECT FINALIST: Best Custom Home $3 MillionPlus; Best New Kitchen $100K-Plus; Best Space New Construction; Best Outdoor Renovated Space: Custom or Renovated; Best Interior Design Custom Residence: New or Renovated PHOTO: ANDREW DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Inspired by a classic Hampton style for a blend of luxury and west coast casual, layers of creamy whites, a neutral colour palette and rich hardwood floors are consistent throughout. Built by Vesta Properties Ltd. in association with Concept to Design Inc., Coastal Elegance is an entertainer’s dream. The impressive two-storey great room with coffered ceilings and the U-shaped upper hall, lit by large clerestory windows, offer expansive views of the pool and property. The NanaWalls in the great room and adjacent lounge open in an L-shape to the covered, outdoor kitchen, dining and living area, connecting all main areas of the home for the ultimate indoor-outdoor entertaining space. The stately multi-level brass pendants complete the great room and connect the two floors.

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BUILDER: Naikoon Contracting PROJECT: The Ridge (640) ASSOCIATES: Architectural Concepts: Duane Siegrist Architect; Architecture: Tina Hubert Architect; Energy Advisor: E3 Eco Group; Building Envelope: Richard Kadulski Architect LOCATION: North Vancouver PROJECT FINALIST: Best Infill Development: Six Units or Less

PHOTO: BRITNEY GILL PHOTOGRAPHY

Naikoon Contracting brought together a team of experts including Duane Siegrist Architect, Tina Hubert Architect, E3 Eco Group and Richard Kadulski Architect to construct this innovative, urban infill project that replaced an existing singlefamily bungalow with four unique, ultra-energy-efficient, detached modern homes. Exteriors included low-maintenance metal-clad fascia, brick and composite panel, with clear cedar siding and soffits for added warmth and natural character.

Outdoor living space is maximized with roof decks on all homes and even on the garage, including wet bar, gas fire pits and barbecues for relaxing with views to the water, city and mountains. Strategically positioned roof-top planters and landscape mesh screens create organic privacy and green beauty. Energy Star-certified and Build Green gold- and platinum-certified.

> BUILDER: PSL Construction ASSOCIATE: Sarah Gallop Design Inc. PROJECT: Bath Bomb LOCATION: Burnaby PROJECT FINALIST: Best Bathroom Renovation: $35,000 and Over

PHOTO: PAUL GRDINA PHOTOGRAPHY

White walls, walnut cabinetry and contemporary black plumbing fixtures create a chic, modern-day his-andhers master en suite spa in this renovation by PSL Construction in partnership with Sarah Gallop Design Inc. The luxurious, oversized glass shower enclosure and raised tub, positioned by existing windows, allow for unobstructed sight lines to the forest, creating an atmosphere with a lofty “in-the-clouds” spa-like feeling. Flawless vertical grain application of walnut cabinets lifts the eye upwards to the sky. A floating vanity and wall-mounted toilet and shelving retain the airy feeling. A deep-seated shower bench keeps necessities at hand. Perfection!

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Fine Home Quality Handmade Furniture

604-240-8425 | www.oussi.ca | Open 7 days a week

Unit 103, 1311 United Boulevard, Coquitlam, BC V3K 6V3

Join us at our new location

fashion

LIFE IN COLOUR STYLING JESSICA CLARK

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Spring 2020 has arrived with an uplifting display of vibrant colour, rich colour and beautiful colour on colour — found in boxy silhouettes, voluminous shapes and nods to 60s Mod. Boulevard visits the gorgeous Jan Kath showroom, which overlooks the Port of Vancouver, to present spring fashion set against beautiful hand-knotted carpets that combine classic elements and contemporary, minimalist design.

Floral dress ($2,315) and gloves ($425)

by Dries Van Noten, both from Nordstrom.

Pink blazer ($1,410) by Jacquemus from Nordstrom; blue leather short ($2,045) by Maison Ullens from Holt Renfrew; yellow earring ($280) by Modern Weaving from Gravity Pope Tailored Goods; yellow sandal ($165)

by Vince Camuto from Nordstrom; yellow slip sock ($48) by Darner Los Angeles from Nouvelle Nouvelle.

Orange blouse ($1,590) by Valentino and floral skirt ($1,150) by Marni, both from Holt Renfrew; cross-strap platform ($360)

by Chi Mihara from Gravity Pope Shoes; earrings ($98) by Wasted Effort from Nouvelle Nouvelle.

Floral jacket ($2,240)

by Stella McCartney, blue dress ($1,530)

by Cecilie Bahnsen, and blue collar shirt ($920)

by Runway Mac Jacobs, all from Nordstrom.

Pink dress ($3,350) by Valentino from Holt Renfrew; flower sandal ($290) by Marni from Turnabout Luxury Resale; petal earring ($112) by Wasted Effort from Nouvelle Nouvelle; green cuff ($30) from Turnabout Luxury Resale.

Blue dress ($1,245) by Kalita from H Project Holt Renfrew; opera coat ($2,500) by Satya Stelting from Satya Stelting.

Makeup: Talysia Ayala Model: Alakiir Deng, represented by Wild Management Photographed on location at Jan Kath Vancouver. A huge thank you to the team at Jan Kath for hosting us for the day and inspiring our shoot with your beautiful space and gorgeous carpets.

business class

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Jason Bosa finds success on an unexpected path WORDS JOE LEARY

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PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

I

n a city where the Bosa name is so richly ingrained, one might expect a steady stream of Bosas dutifully following in the family footsteps, whether in food, property management or real estate development — all of which are thriving entities under the Bosa moniker.

Jason Bosa chose a different path. It was a departure from the family business, to be sure — and it was only ever intended to be a brief foray.

Enter Palladio Jewellers.

In 1996, Jason’s mother purchased an existing jewelry store called Swedish Jewellers.

“In 1997, she got involved daily with it because the partnership she had wasn’t working, so she asked me to assist her with running the business,” says Jason. “She had not been a handson business owner before and wanted somebody she could trust. I got involved at that point — but it was only going to be a three-month gig.”

Coincidentally, a number of Jason’s friends were starting to get engaged at that time, and turned to him out of trust.

“Even though I didn’t know much about jewelry, I was obviously now connected and started getting involved in designing engagement rings —very personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces for my friends’ girlfriends. That’s really how I got my feet wet in the jewelry business and I’ve been in it ever since.”

Swedish Jewellers rebranded in 1998. Moving from shopping malls to street-level retail provided the impetus to ensure the brand reflected the people behind it.

“We wanted it to represent us,” Jason explains. “We’re not Swedish, we’re Italian — so we took an Italian name.”

Andrea Palladio, the brand’s namesake, was an Italian Renaissance architect who designed legendary villas. His style can be seen in structures like the White House and the US Capitol Building.

“He is probably the most influential and most-copied architect in history. The point of his architecture is simple — it’s useful, timeless and classic, and never goes out of style.”

That mantra clearly resonated with the Bosas when it came time to rebrand. On top of that, it further connected Palladio Jewellers with the home-building side of the family business.

While Jason’s initial introduction to Palladio Jewellers was intended to be temporary, it eventually became his calling, even though he had already spent years involved with other facets of the family business.

“It tied in very nicely. Plus, Andrea Palladio was from the same area of Italy as my family.”

While Jason’s initial introduction to Palladio Jewellers was intended to be temporary, it eventually became his calling, even though he had already spent years involved with other facets of the family business.

“The jewellery idea was on-and-off for a while because from the time I was young I spent my summer vacations on our job sites. In high school I worked in the offices and did property management, and later I did land development.

Then the mid-’90s came along, our government changed and everything ground to a halt.”

In the back of his mind, Jason was always thinking that when the economy improved, he would jump back into land development.

“It probably took me a good five to 10 years before I figured out that I didn’t want to go back. I now know jewellery much better than I know land development, and that business has changed so much that going back into it would be like learning to tie my shoes again.”

Today, Jason presides over the richly-appointed downtown Vancouver location of Palladio Jewellers at 900 West Hastings.

It offers refined luxury and limited-edition timepiece brands to the discerning consumer.

In addition to his clerical duties as president, the father of two continues to showcase his artistry on the creative side.

“I design jewellery all the time: rings, pendants and earrings,” he says. “As long as I learn enough about the people and their backstory to know what they’re trying to achieve, I’m very good at pulling out of their heads exactly what they have in mind and transforming it into a piece of jewelry.”

Now, with nearly a quarter-century of Palladio Jewellers under his belt, what pearls of wisdom would 2020’s Jason Bosa impart on his younger self ?

“I don’t think I would give 1996 Jason any advice other than ‘follow your heart,’” he says. “I only know what I know now because I went through what I did. If I didn’t go through the ups and downs, the trial and error and the mistakes, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today.

“For me to give my younger self advice would kind of put me at a disadvantage where I wouldn’t have that trial and error. Relish the mistakes, learn from them, grow from it all and become stronger for it — that’s the way I live my life.”

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lifestyle

HOME,

BUT NOT ALONE New opportunities for connection, cooperation and compassion.

WORDS JANE ZATYLNY

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“This global threat is an opportunity for us to learn to live from a more open-hearted, compassionate, connected space with each other and really care for our natural world. It is also an opportunity to rethink our lives.”

Two months ago, I was in the middle of a selfimposed digital detox. Too much time spent on social media was starting to affect my sleep and overall sense of well-being.

I decided to reduce my screen time and spend more in-person time with family and friends. But in early March, the global pandemic known as COVID-19 radically changed our work, family and social lives. Events were cancelled, restaurants and bars were shuttered and we were told to stay at home and practice social distancing.

Now I find myself turning back to social media to hear the latest health news and to connect with family and friends.

There, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, I’ve been buoyed up by universal expressions of comfort, hope and solidarity. Isolated Italians singing from their balconies. Musicians offering free concerts. Late-night talk show hosts broadcasting from their backyards. Friends setting up virtual happy hours. Social media is being used as a megaphone for spontaneous expressions of our humanity.

“Social media has really evolved over the last few days,” says Tami Tate, the Victoria-based owner of Social Media Camp.

“People are turning to it as a communications tool. They’re also trying to help one another cope with stress and provide entertainment.”

When social media celebrates and supports the human spirit, it rises to its original promise of positive social connection. But for our emotional health, it’s important to balance screen time with other activities. Otherwise, given the daily updates from our provincial and federal governments, the 24-hour news cycle and all the chatter and speculation in between, our minds can easily race to worst-case scenarios.

“If you are feeling fear, it’s not that you’re weak, it’s that your survival mechanism is doing its job,” explains Liz Stone, life coach and owner of Liz Stone Coaching in Victoria. “Fear is a natural response; however, it doesn’t have to run the show. This global threat is an opportunity for us to learn to live from a more open-hearted, compassionate, connected space with each other and really care for our natural world. It is also an opportunity to rethink our lives.”

Here are some strategies to help you care for yourself, those you love and your community.

PUT YOUR OXYGEN MASK ON FIRST

Now is the time to care for your mental and emotional well-being by giving yourself more self-care than usual, Liz says: “It’s a time for more time and spaciousness, more grace, more meditation, more sleep, more fun time and relaxation, more nature time, breathing room, more love and more connection with people who matter.”

Practicing self-care in normal times is a difficult enough task for most of us. But especially in uncertain times, we really need to tend to it, she stresses. “Taking care of yourself will help calm your survival mechanism and your nervous system, so that you can bring yourself to balance and clarity,” she says. “You’ll be able to respond from a more powerful place, rather than react from fear.”

TAKE A CLASS, FIND A NEW HOBBY OR REDISCOVER AN OLD ONE

Given the hours you’re saving from commuting to work, now might be the right time to stop binge-watching Netflix and take some online language lessons, brush up on your photography skills, start the novel you’ve been wanting to write or learn how to bake. (It all sounds better than cleaning or decluttering, though you could do those things, too.)

Your local library may be closed, but you can still use your card to watch thousands of free video tutorials courses from Lynda.com, an online learning platform. You can also go down the YouTube rabbit hole to learn about a topic of your choosing or, budget permitting, sign up for Masterclass, an online educational platform ($20/month), and learn from more than 80 instructors, including Gordon Ramsay, Margaret Atwood, Steve Martin, Dr. Jane Goodall and Annie Leibovitz.

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CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Caring for your community can take many forms. You can help local businesses by purchasing gift cards for future restaurant visits, ordering books online and prepaying for hair appointments and other services. If you can, continue paying for services like housecleaning, dog walking, gardening or house-sitting, even though you’re not using them now. Consider joining a “Caremonger” Facebook group in your area and help a vulnerable member of your community with some of their chores.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Write down one to three things each day that you are grateful for, Liz suggests.

“Practicing gratitude allows our hearts to be connected to our heads, literally, by accessing a different part of the brain.

Fear creates chemicals that close us off, whereas gratitude creates chemicals that connect us. From gratitude, we can see new ways to contribute, new vistas and new opportunities,” she says. “This is why gratitude is such a powerful practice — especially during times of threat and fear. From there, we can see the potential of a new way of living.”

Use a paper journal, Post-It notes spread around the house or an online journaling app like Day One (basic app is free), which allows users to record and store memories, photos and everyday details and annotates each entry with automatic date, location and weather information.

FIND NEW WAYS TO CONNECT

“Practicing gratitude allows our hearts to be connected to our heads, literally, by accessing a different part of the brain.”

Work integration and social connection of course present many challenges during self-isolation. “Here technology is playing a huge role,” says Tami, who plans to present Social Media Camp as a digital conference this year due to COVID19 (May 5-7). Try Zoom for workplace teleconferencing or Slack for quick encrypted messages, file sharing and chatting, she suggests. “We’re going to be seeing a lot more Facebook Groups as well,” Tate predicts. “They’re really easy to set up, and you can make them private, closed groups. You can talk live there as well.” FaceTime is another great way to connect.

A word of caution: read privacy policies carefully before signing up for new apps.

GO OLD SCHOOL

Remember Bell’s old slogan, “Reach out, reach out and touch someone”? If you do, chances are you still use a phone from time to time. It remains one of the best ways to connect, so make it a habit to go through your address book (remember those?) and call friends and family, near and far away.

“A real conversation with one person can have a lasting effect because we have an innate need to be understood and ‘gotten,’” says Liz. Tami agrees: “Even though social media informs and entertains, we still need face-to-face human contact, whether that’s by phone or FaceTime.”

FINALLY, BE PRESENT

This global crisis provides us with an opportunity to practice being very present every day, says Liz. “We normally live with our minds in the past or the future, not the present. As Eckhart Tolle has taught, in the present moment, all is well.

You are here, alive. We often fear the future, we don’t fear the present moment; so go there.”

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food and feast

sacred supper

How you eat is as important as what you eat

WORDS ELLIE SHORTT 58

B O U L E VA R D

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PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

T

he warm dim of candlelight, the joyful timbre of laughter, the rich aroma of hearty fare wafting from the oven, the mirthful taste of sweet bread and lush wine, the calming comfort of familiarity, family, tradition and timelessness. For over 30 years this has been my unwavering Friday night constant.

Growing up in a Jewish household, mealtimes were more than just a necessity to pacify hunger. They were abundant, beautiful and hallowed. Many were framed by a joyous occasion or holiday. Food, and the pure pleasure of nourishment in all capacities, is a pillar in Jewish tradition, and many annual happenings, while structured by a specific purpose or celebration, culminate in some meal enjoyed with family, friends or the greater community.

But no festive feast is more consistent and more treasured than the Friday night dinner that occurs at the beginning of “Shabbat” — the Jewish sabbath. Not every Jewish household observes the sabbath, and certainly not every Jewish household practises it in the same way. But for my family the Shabbat meal is all about plentiful merriment.

Food is my mother’s love language. She worships flavour, venerates ingredients and pours a multitude of nurturing emotions into every dish she creates. Her sabbath meals, or any other dinners she shares with family and friends, are never sparse. A fish course of a few different offerings, an assortment of salads to sample, soups to sip, a couple of meaty mains, a collection of colourful sides, and an exquisite cake or two, accompanied by a selection of seasonal fruit, are ceremoniously spread out on a crisp tablecloth one after the other throughout the night, framed by lively conversation and plentiful libations.

You may be thinking that this is all for a table of 20. While she often hosts large gatherings, the above-mentioned spread was (and still is) a regular occurrence for just our immediate family, or a few close guests. Naturally there are leftovers for days and from a young age I developed an immense appreciation for the brilliant maturing of flavour that only comes from the passing of time.

If Friday night was the pinnacle of the week, the rest of the meals were only slightly less significant. Growing up we were expected to be present — in all senses of the word — at the dinner table. Even if there weren’t half a dozen courses to work our way through over the span of a few filling hours, there always seemed to be a similar weightiness and integral importance to a simpler weeknight meal that was still prepared with so much feeling and intention. Above all, it was

generously offered to us in a spirit of abundance, and we were never made to feel ashamed of healthy appetites or diminished in any way due to the sheer bliss of enjoying good food in good company.

These foundations have left a profound impression on me. As a nutritionist, cooking class instructor and co-owner of a local bistro, sharing food, and the love of food, is at the forefront of my practice and businesses. I teach people how to truly love food, and show them the ways food can love them back. I help them discover that food (and cooking) isn’t intimidating or alien. In fact, it’s integrated into the fibre of our beings, woven throughout generations and centuries. It’s the thread that ties together so many cultures and communities and is truly one of our common denominators. Food fills more than hunger in our stomachs. It fills our hearts and the deep-rooted requirement for connectivity and community. It intertwines us with nature, the seasons and organic systems.

Specific ingredients have an immense and undeniable power to provide us with essential nutrients, fuelling cognitive capacity, vitality, productivity and mental health, but mealtimes have an immense and undeniable power to provide us with essential nourishment, fuelling our souls, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

I have been in nutritional practice for nearly five years and have worked with hundreds of clients. Many of them are looking for that “superfood” or that “macro-nutrient ratio” or that “healing protocol” that’s going to somehow solve their lifelong struggles with food and eating. While I still honour and respect those requests, I simultaneously emphasize that “how you eat is more important that what you eat.” Yes, of course, if someone is choosing a highly processed, nutrientdevoid, problematic diet of “Franken-foods” and factorymade junk, it’s going to be very hard for their body to thrive and for them to achieve their wellness goals. But beyond that, when focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods from nature, the main takeaway is to eat with joy, mindfulness and appreciation, to savour the flavours, to be grateful for the ingredients, to be aware of where the ingredients come from, how they make it into our kitchens, how they’re transformed into dishes and how those dishes become our meals.

To be present with the food in front of us, and the people around us, is inextricably human, and many of us in North America feel a deepening disconnect. We feel disconnected from others, disconnected from our food system, disconnected from base experiences and from our essential selves. Technology has shrunk the world but broadened the gaps between B O U L E VA R D

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humanity at its most primal core.

Mealtime used to be a shared experience with family, friends and community. From cultivation to cooking to consumption, it wasn’t usually done in distracted isolation as so often occurs with modern practices of pre-packaged meals and mindless ingestion, eyes glued to TV or cellphone screens. Food was made, shared and eaten with love and appreciation.

So I say let’s take back dinnertime! Let’s slowly and steadfastly begin to rebuild our relationships with others, our relationships with our own bodies, and our relationships with eating. Let’s learn the love language of food. Let’s worship flavour, venerate ingredients and pour a multitude of positive emotions into every dish we create or consume, just as my mom always did and still does today.

This practice doesn’t have to devour you. You don’t have to quit your job and tether yourself to the kitchen to build more nourishing rituals and mealtime routines. My mom was a former nurse turned interior decorator with her own business. Her days were always overflowing, and spare time was hard to find. But somehow, she magically and marvellously made time, and my father, a retina specialist with a remarkably full and demanding practice, would also miraculously create space to contribute to meals with his sweetly scientific appreciation for the culinary arts. Suffice it to say, schedules were tight but mealtimes were a priority, and they figured it out. It is possible. I know this, because I live it.

As a dual business owner with a husband who owns and operates a couple of different companies himself, abounding free time is a luxury we simply don’t have at this stage in our lives, but one thing I’ve learned in these dynamic days is that time is more fluid than we often let it be, and we make space for that which is important to us. I don’t watch a lot of TV. I switch my cellphone off in the evenings. Some nights my husband gets home at 8 or 9 pm after a long and gruelling day. But even still, he often arrives to find our table dressed in a simple tablecloth, candles lit, places set, a salad to sample, a soup to sip, a meaty main, a collection of colourful sides and a cake cooling on the counter. We sit, we laugh, we talk about our days and savour the flavours of the meal we’re enjoying together. We do this because I was taught to do this. We do this because I was taught why. This is mealtime, this is our time, and it is sacred.

Spatchcock Chicken with Lemon + Capers

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 30-40 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS: 1 whole free-range chicken ¼ - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp. sea salt ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp. Spanish paprika 1 lemon, sliced ½ cup capers, drained and rinsed 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced

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DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 425ºF. Heat a medium-large cast iron pan to medium heat, coat with olive oil (about 2 Tbsp.) and sauté onions for about 5 minutes, turning throughout, until translucent and slightly golden brown (you may need to add 2 or more Tbsp. of olive oil throughout this process to avoid drying out or charring). To spatchcock the chicken, place the chicken breast-side down, with the legs towards you. Using sturdy scissors or poultry shears, cut along each side of the parson’s nose and backbone to remove it, cutting through the rib bones as you go. Open the chicken out and turn over. Flatten the breastbone with the heel of your hand so that the meat is all one thickness. Rub the skin on both sides with some olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika, and place the chicken so that it’s breastside up on top of the cooked onions. Evenly disperse the lemon slices and capers on and around the bird. Feel free to sprinkle these toppings with some extra salt, pepper, paprika and even a little bit more olive oil. Place in the oven, and roast for about 30-40 minutes until the bird is cooked through, but still juicy and tender. *Note: For maximum flavour, and to expedite the process at dinnertime, you can prep all of this in advance, allowing the chicken to sit seasoned and dressed in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. The spatchcock method lends itself well to an overnight marinade, and of course also provides faster roast time, making it a great quick and easy weeknight option.

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Baked Asparagus with Lemon + Olives PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES COOK TIME: 15-20 MINUTES INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch of asparagus Extra virgin olive oil (2 Tbsp. to ¼ cup) 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ¼ tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. freshly cracked black pepper ½ cup olives, pitted and sliced in half (you can either do one kind like Kalamata or a combo of two or three) DIRECTIONS: Preheat your oven to 425ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim, wash and dry the asparagus, and then toss in olive oil and lemon juice until all spears are fully coated. Arrange evenly on the baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt, pepper and lemon zest. Evenly disperse the sliced olives and cook for about 15-20 minutes until roasted and tender. *Note: As with the chicken recipe, you can prep all of this ahead of time allowing the flavours to infuse further, and simply pop it in the oven along with your chicken when you’re ready for dinner.

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Olive Oil Cake with Lemon + Honey PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES COOK TIME: 40 MINUTES INGREDIENTS: 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing ½ cup cane sugar, plus extra for coating 1 cup light buckwheat flour 1 cup almond flour 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. sea salt 3 large free-range eggs, yolks and whites divided Zest and juice of one lemon 3 tsp. vanilla ¼ cup honey DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Brush a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. One option is to sprinkle the edges of the pan with some extra cane sugar (it adds a nice sweet crunch to the crust of the cake).

Whisk both flours, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt in a medium bowl and set aside. Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla and honey in a small bowl and set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and olive oil for 1 minute. Beat in yolks, then honey, lemon and vanilla mixture until peaks form. Slowly stir in the flour mixture and, once combined, set aside. Using clean, dry beaters, beat egg whites in another medium bowl (or the same one, but washed and dried) until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into batter just to blend in 2 additions. Transfer to prepared pan, smooth top, and bake for 35-45 minutes (you can check by inserting a clean knife into the centre and checking if it comes out clean).

Remove from oven, set aside to cool for about 15 minutes before running a dull knife along the edges and removing from the springform pan. Enjoy slightly warm, or allow to fully cool, adding toppings of choice. *Gluten-free and refined-sugar free, this cake is shown with Greek yogurt whipped with honey and fresh blueberries, but leave off the yogurt for a fully dairy-free dessert as well. *Note: this cake keeps for about four days if sealed in either an airtight container or wrapped thoroughly. The cake also freezes well, but allow to cool fully, and store in an airtight Ziploc bag before placing in freezer.

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Restoration began in the 1990s.

Skilled tradesmen were tasked with recreating intricate details of the 800-year-old city’s baroque and rococo architecture.

History. Culture. Cuisine.

Dresden is a delight WORDS TOBY TANNAS 64

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The Augustus Bridge spans the River Elbe, connecting Dresden’s historic town to the newer parts.

i

t’s not often a honeymoon can eclipse a wedding, but in the case of our recent nuptials in Germany, our honeymoon with Kempinski Hotels was one of the best decisions we made.

European hotels, the best ones, are known for their charm and attention to detail. Kempinski has all of the finer points mastered. Their hotels exude luxury and exceptional service from the moment you arrive.

A day after we said our vows in the German countryside, we arrived on the red carpet of Berlin’s Adlon Hotel.

At the doorstep of the historic Brandenburg Gate, this iconic hotel is the epitome of luxury. From the caped bellmen to the luxurious lobby lounge, the Adlon evokes the feeling that you’ve arrived. It’s both grand and gracious at the same time.

The original Adlon Hotel opened in 1907 and became one of the most famous hotels in all of Europe. It was mostly destroyed at the end of WWII. Today, it is a new building inspired by the original design and no detail has been overlooked. It offers beautiful suites and extremely comfortable beds and linens, the spa is divine and the location in the heart of Berlin can’t be beat.

After two unforgettable days, we sadly checked out of the Adlon. It is the kind of place you never want to leave,

but another adventure was calling. We were heading east for a continuation of our Kempinski experience in Dresden Elbland.

You may know Dresden as the city destroyed by Allied bombs near the end of WWII. More specifically, it was the Dresden city centre that was flattened. It is just a small area but it is packed with centuries of history and architecture. All of it was destroyed in the bombing raids and it would remain in that state for nearly half a century.

Restoration began in the 1990s. Skilled tradesmen were tasked with recreating intricate details of the 800-year-old city’s baroque and rococo architecture. Dresden today is an attractive destination for anyone who loves history, culture and cuisine.

Known as the “Florence on the Elbe” (river), Dresden is like a postcard at every turn. The first glimpse of our hotel, the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski, took my breath away. Built in the 18th century by order of the Saxon monarch Augustus the Strong for his favourite mistress Anna Constantia, Countess von Cosel, it exudes opulence. The building was among those destroyed in 1945.

It was restored in 1995 and today is both beautifully historic and comfortably contemporary at the same time.

Boasting 213 elegant rooms and luxurious suites, the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski does not fall short on service or charm. The rooms are spacious and contemporary with impressive views right outside the large windows. Staff are warm, helpful and knowledgeable. It’s a first-class experience that feels special.

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Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski in Dresden.

With so many tempting restaurant options in the immediate vicinity, we took advantage of the hotel concierge service.

They enthusiastically provided several recommendations, and we opted for modern German cuisine just a short walk away.

As we headed off into the night we were sidetracked by the stunning architecture. Under the lights of the city, the buildings seemed to come to life. The famous Semper Opera House and Dresden Cathedral called to our cameras. (We did eventually make it to dinner and it was delicious.)

We booked a private walking tour of Dresden for the following morning, and this is something we highly recommend.

Dr. Alexander Klein met us in the Taschenbergpalais lobby.

Just a few steps from the hotel we were already immersed in the Saxon capital’s history. Dr. Klein’s knowledge and obvious passion for the stories and people who once walked these cobbled streets brought Dresden to life for us. I could almost hear the clacking of royal equine hooves and trumpets as we explored the residential palace of Augustus, bearing witness to his lust for opulence in the 18th century. The most obvious example is the series of rooms he had constructed to display his priceless possessions. Visitors would be led through each chamber that existed only to represent his wealth and power.

The Royal Palace has been reconstructed as a palace of the arts and sciences. You can buy tickets to explore the rooms and examine artistic objects and costumes of the renaissance and baroque eras. You’ll be impressed by the unique collection of weapons in the Turkish chamber and the renaissance arms in the Hall of the Giants. Don’t miss touring the Royal State Apartments that have been restored to their full 1719 splendour.

While most of Dresden’s historic buildings were destroyed

by Allied bombs, many art pieces and artifacts are original.

The nearby city of Leipzig was bombed first in 1945. Dresden leaders knew they were likely the next target. They quickly and carefully had precious pieces of history removed from the museums and stored where they could not be destroyed.

Today Dresden is home to Germany’s oldest Christmas market, located right next to a large and modern shopping 66

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mall. Dresden is a city of contrasts: old and new architectural styles beautifully co-exist. It’s a magical example of a modern city that transports you to a different time.

When it comes to transportation you don’t need a car to see the best of the Dresden Elbland region. There are two historic cable cars that run on the banks of the Elbe River.

The best way to take in the cityscape is on foot, by bike or even in a kayak.

Allow yourself at least four or five days to explore the many historic buildings and more than 50 museums of Dresden. Zwinger Palace is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Be sure to check out the interactive museum that features the horse ballet of the royal wedding of 1719 between Augustus’ son Prince Friedrich August and Austrian Princess and Archduchess Maria Josepha. Dubbed “the Wedding of the Century,” Augustus the Strong used it to demonstrate his wealth to visiting royals. With a 270-degree, panoramic projection, you feel like you are in the centre of the spectacle. Watch for a new virtual-reality experience coming this summer.

One cannot talk about Dresden without mentioning its rich musical heritage. The city has two symphony orchestras and more than 30 concert venues, as well as the Dresdner Kreuzchor, a choir with an 800-year history. Music lovers from all over the world gather year after year for the Dresden Music Festival and the International Dixieland Festival.

Leave yourself time to experience a traditional German pub and what Dresden proudly calls the best chocolate ice cream in all of Germany. (I think they’re right!)

The tourist season is typically from May to October, but a winter experience brings its own magic. Taschenbergpalais Kempinski transforms its historic inner courtyard into a sparkling ice rink and welcomes skaters young and old.

If Germany is in your travel plans, consider a stop in Dresden Elbland. Pack comfortable walking shoes for those charming cobble streets and remember your camera. You won’t be disappointed.

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secrets and lives —

AND THE 7 SINS with NISHA GREWAL

N

isha Grewal is president, CEO and co-founder of California-based skincare line Ambari Beauty, and she’s got big plans for the future, including having the company valued at a minimum $800 million in the next eight years, and to be one of the youngest entrepreneurs to reach that level of success in Canada.

WORDS ANGELA COWAN 68

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The luxury skincare line is set to launch in July, and Nisha is expertly navigating the few hurdles left before it’s released. The secret ingredients in Ambari’s skincare line is set to disrupt the beauty industry as we know it, she says, adding that she’s currently raised $3 million for Ambari which involved major institutions investing in the company.

She now has plans to raise an additional $15 million, which will allow Ambari Beauty to distribute its products throughout the United States.

Ambari is a performance-driven skincare line, formulated from Nisha and her partner Ana’s passion for skincare.

“I’ve always been a skincare junkie,” she says, laughing. “I love going to the medi spa. I love getting a peel. I love getting medical grade treatments on my skin.”

She adds: “One of my passions has always been in developing a brand and seeing it come to life, and I’ve been able to do that in a number of industries. Beauty and skincare is one of my favourite industries, and our goal was to develop a skincare line where we were able to get those medical spa results, naturally. Our night serum, for

“One of my passions has always been in developing a brand and seeing it come to life, and I’ve been able to do that in a number of industries.” example, uses a natural form of retinol, so you get the benefits without the side effects.”

Another product, a weekly mask, provides the results of a professional-grade peel, within the comforts of home.

“It removes the dead skin, revealing this baby-soft new skin, and you’re able to do that at home,” says Nisha. “It’s a very serious skin care line. It’s not for sensitive skin,” she emphasizes. “If you work your skin up to it, you’re able to get to that transformative level.”

A UBC graduate and chartered financial analyst candidate, Nisha has attracted some of the most sought-after people in the beauty industry.

“We’re working with the top-tier manufacturers, chemists, formulators and salespeople,” she says, adding that the Ambari team is going to be conducting clinical studies on the skincare line with the goal of providing real results to consumers.

“We’re just starting to roll with it,” she says. “Ambari has strategically brought on a very strong board of directors and team members to catapult the company into a leader in the skincare industry in North America.”

The 7 Sins envy:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

Victoria Beckham. I respect and admire her. She has successfully launched brands in fashion and skincare. Even though she is a celebrity, her family values are most important to her, and you can see that through her social media. She’s classy and elegant, and in my opinion has it all together.

gluttony:

What is the food you could eat over and over again? I love a great chicken tortellini pasta with a really good kale salad. I’d happily live on my protein shakes as well.

greed:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

Travelling! I’d travel to as many countries as I could, exploring as much of the world as possible. I’d want to visit and experience as many different cultures as I could.

wrath:

Pet peeves?

People who make excuses. I can’t stand being unorganized, and inefficiency in myself and others.

sloth:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

The Maldives or Bora Bora. They’re secluded, serene and peaceful. Amazing places to really relax with no pressure, against a beautiful landscape.

pride:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of?

My OCD. It gives me clarity. I need to work in a superclean environment with everything laid out on my desk in an organized fashion — and that relays into my work. I’m meticulous about everything.

lust:

What makes your heart beat faster?

The man in my life and the adrenaline I get from skiing Whistler mountain.

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narrative

WORDS ANGELA COWAN

X ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY

LIGHTS. ACTION. GLAMOUR? 70

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It’s in this moment, standing, waiting and watching, while a glacier-cold wind knifes through my jacket and burns my ears, I realize that what strikes me the most is just how incredibly hard every single person here is working.

a

t eight years old, I’d swan about my bedroom with my baby blanket tied up tight under my armpits, dreaming of long dresses and red carpets. As a girl, a teenager, and even well into my early 20s, I harboured deep fantasies of becoming a world-famous actress. I daydreamed about what kind of interview answers I’d give, where I’d travel, what (incredibly handsome) leading men I might work with.

I dabbled in theatre and talent searches, but I never took the plunge to try and make a real career out of it — partly because of finances (head shots, acting classes, travel, etc.), and partly because my parents were (understandably) reticent about me entering the industry. But mostly, something was missing. It wasn’t until my first writing class at university that I had a light bulb moment and realized where my heart lived.

Since then, one thing I’ve discovered about writing, and in particular, writing for magazines, is that doors open that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. As a full-time writer, I’ve gone on culinary tours, I’ve visited incredible artists and authors in their creative spaces, I’ve met royalty, and on one memorable occasion, I even held an actual Oscar (Best Director, I’d like to thank the Academy ...).

But as a decade-long fan of Murdoch Mysteries, when I got the opportunity in October 2017 to not only meet the cast and crew but to spend the better part of a day on set while on assignment, it quickly became the pinnacle of my interviewing experiences.

Murdoch travels outside of its regular Toronto shooting schedule probably once a year, and this was the first time

they’d made the trip across to Vancouver Island, shooting in Victoria’s Gowlland Tod Park and Cattle Point over three days for a two-hour Christmas special.

So it’s early Friday morning on day three, and I drive into a mostly deserted parking lot at Cattle Point with a flicker of trepidation. Thankfully, Katherine Wolfgang, head of publicity for CBC, comes over as I stand just outside my car, wondering where I’m supposed to go.

Large, backless set pieces stand off to one side for an upcoming village scene. A square black tent flutters in the frigid sea winds, sheltering the director and assistant directors. And way out on the water floats a massive canoe, waiting to manoeuvre into place for another take.

It’s not even 9 am, but most of the cast have been on set for hours already, says Katherine as she leads me to a spot where I’ll be out of the way. There are several scenes being shot today: walking along the beach, a confrontation in a Songhees village, and the canoe ride, which is where the two leads are right now. A low, lightly striated cloud cover creates the ideal light for today’s shoot: flat and bright, with a spectacular sunrise. I get to watch the monitors through the flaps in the director’s tent, seeing just how they frame the shots.

All those fantasies of being on a real live television set come rushing back, complete with dashing romantic leads and people shouting from every direction as the cameras are set up. Then a heavy blanket of silence falls and I can hear far-off gulls behind the snatches of dialogue, and it’s in this moment, standing, waiting, watching, while a glacier-cold wind knifes through my jacket and burns my ears, I realize that what strikes me the most is just how incredibly hard every single person is working here.

Far from being the glamorous, luxurious existence most B O U L E VA R D

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people associate with TV and movies, what I witness on set is long hours, endless repetition, collaboration and discussion for the smallest of details, and little to no time for anyone to even escape to the port-a-potty, let alone eat or take a break. Between takes, the stars are swiftly wrapped in earmuffs and knee-length parkas. Other people from the media mill around like me, waiting for a minute or two to grab someone for a quote.

The canoe is beached, and lead and Montreal native Yannick Bisson joins Dylan Neal and Megan Follows for a scene hopping from giant log to giant log over the rocks. Director Gary Harvey calls out suggestions for small changes to Bisson’s performance, and they reset again and again and again. Somehow, the actors maintain the same level of authenticity and emotion each time, tweaking their performances an inch this way and that.

One moment that’s stuck with me to this day is the sight of Murdoch himself coming back from the catering tents eating a few hurried bites of coleslaw out of a tiny paper cup, before jumping right back to work.

Despite having been on set since well before sunrise and with many hours yet to go, Bisson is gracious and kind, and takes time to chat to everyone who’s come to see him, no matter how briefly. A fellow from a radio show gets to Bisson before me, and I stand back to let them talk, grabbing a few notes so I don’t have to repeat questions.

At this point I’ve been on set for close to four hours, and I’m ready to jump in for my turn when the director jogs through, shouting for everyone to get back in place for the next round of takes.

Outwardly, I’m professional and pleasant. Inside, I can feel my tiny chance to talk to the leads slipping away. But then a hand grabs my elbow. I turn, and it’s Bisson, smiling so that my heart actually does an extra hard tha-thump, and he promises to find me when they’re done.

I end up getting the interview, and with Hélène Joy as well, who is equally gracious and waits until I’ve asked all my questions before moving on to the next person anxious for her time.

I have to wait to chat to showrunner Peter Mitchell, so while Black Press photographer Don Denton explores with his camera, I end up chatting with Simon McNabb, one of the main writers for the Christmas special. A Vancouver native, he’s about my age, and happy to talk about the writing process for the show.

And it’s here, chatting with Simon, that I realize I’m the most relaxed, and the most at home. Seeing behind the scenes has been fascinating and exciting, and I’ve definitely had a challenge keeping my inner fangirl in check, but for the first time, I can see where I might fit in a situation like this: warm and toasty in the director’s tent, seeing my words brought to life by incredibly talented people.

The little girl inside of me still dreams occasionally of flashing cameras and golden awards, but red carpet dreams aside, I think I’ll stick with my pen for now.

Do you have a good story to tell — and the ability to write it?

Boulevard readers are invited to submit stories for consideration and publication in the Narrative section. Stories should be 800 to 1,200 words long and sent to managing editor Susan Lundy at lundys@ shaw.ca. Please place the word “Narrative” in the subject line.

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Designed by nature. Perfected through innovation.

Find yours at caesarstone.ca

3841 Still Creek Ave, Burnaby, BC V5C 4E2

5555 Trapp Avenue, Unit 109, Burnaby, BC V3N 0B2

604-421-2205

604-638-1485

colonialcountertops.com

caesarstone.ca

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WORDS LEETA LIEPINS

T H E A RT OF T H E BAT H R O OM “The architectural space in which bodies are replenished, inspected and cultivated, and where one is left alone for private reflection — to develop and affirm identity.”

— Venice Biennale, 2014 Bathroom, head, john, latrine, lavatory, loo, potty, toilet, restroom, washroom, water closet…this is not the complete list of naming options list for a room in your home that is no longer just a necessity. It now represents your style.

When did the toilet become such an intricate piece of engineering worthy of a mechanic, all tricked out like some sort of throne?

It appears that homebuilders and renovators alike have designed current washrooms to be much more than just a place to wash and, you know, relax.

Bathing and bathtubs have a long history. There is evidence of baths, and even a tub, dating back to 1700 BCE in the Palace of Crete. Toilets that flushed had been invented by 1596, but — probably due to inhibitive costs for the average person — were not common until the mid-1800s. Although showers also date back to ancient times, William Feetham, a stove and heater manufacturer from England, is attributed with creating the first mechanical shower in 1767.

Let’s fast-forward to the lavish restrooms that we encounter in new homes of today.

Designers put as much artistic effort into choosing the sink and tub as they do the other common spaces of a home. Romanticized tubs for two, showerheads with multi-functioning water speeds and spray patterns, gold faucets shaped like swans, sparkling crystal accents…if you can dream it, you can buy it.

Is it all show and no go for the bathrooms du jour?

LEETA LIEPINS TV Host/Co-Executive Producer: Our City Tonight TV airing Sundays at 1230pm on CityTV Instagram: @ourcitytonight, @culturebitesvancouver, @LifewithLeeta Twitter: @ourcitytonight @LifewithLeeta

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Growing with

Balance in Mind Wilden has mastered the art of growing in population while maintaining its pristine beauty. Every step in this master-planned development is part of a pioneering vision.

The preservation of wetlands and natural space, strong initiatives for energy efficiency and sustainable home building – all are essential parts of Wilden’s sensitive growth.

Buying in Wilden means investing in balance and lasting values.

Now selling: Single family lots and semi-detached townhomes, just a ten-minute drive from downtown Kelowna and the airport.

Parade of Showhomes and Presentation Centre open daily from 1-5pm except Fridays · 1454 Rocky Point Drive · Kelowna Wilden Sales: 250.762.2906 · sales@wilden.ca · #WildenKelowna

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