An in season recipe for your next dinner party
To me, the best way to put together a memorable meal is to build a menu that draws on creativity and uniqueness, combined with the perfect touch of familiar, classic ingredients. When you take the extra time and effort to prepare a home-cooked meal, you’re reflecting how important the time is that you’re spending with the people around you.
Written + Images by Alia Cordeiro
Let me start this by saying that I’m a big advocate for dinner parties, big or small, your mom’s famous recipe or something new; I love the idea of gathering over a home-cooked meal.
So, when my birthday came around this year, I knew that I wanted to celebrate another year of life with close friends and good food.
At first glance, hosting a dinner party can be a stressful, or even exhausting endeavor. So what is it that makes the extra effort so worthwhile?
I’ve learned that there are few things as important as spending time with those closest to you. But unfortunately, like most people, I’ve found that every year it becomes a little harder to match schedules, or even be in the same city as my friends. Getting everyone together on the same evening can be so rare that when it happens, I want us all to experience it in a way that we won’t forget.
To me, the best way to put together a memorable meal is to build a menu that draws on creativity and uniqueness, combined with the perfect touch of familiar, classic ingredients. When you take the extra time and effort to prepare a home-cooked meal, you’re reflecting how important the time is that you’re spending with the people around you. One of my favourite ways to do that is through the inclusion of seasonal ingredients. Locally sourced ingredients are not only fresher, and ultimately better tasting than alternatives that are out of season, but they also help you to be more environmentally conscious with your cooking. Additionally, cooking with seasonal ingredients reflects the present time and creates flavors that are unique because they only come around at certain times of the year.
So, choose a few items and get creative. Have fun preparing for your friends or family and do it in a more sustainable way that elevates the flavor in your meals. For my birthday dinner, I chose to focus on ingredients coming into fruition for the early summer. I added garlic to everything and topped my cake with freshly picked strawberries.
Regardless of what’s in season at the time, some of the most memorable times with my close friends have come through the care and preparation of a home cooked meal.
In season produce (July and August)
Potatoes
Tomatoes
Garlic
Cucumber
Cucumber & Radish Salad
Recipe
Half of a cucumber, washed and cut roughly into 1-2cm chunks
6-8 radishes, washed and halved or quartered
A few thin slices of red onion
2bsp Greek yogurt
1 clove of garlic
Pinch of dried parsley, dried mint & toasted chili flakes
A few fresh mint leaves
1tbsp of olive oil
1tsp of white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix the yogurt, garlic, dried mint, dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste. Spoon onto the bottom of a plate or bowl
Mix the cucumber, red onion, and radishes with the olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper
Spoon the cucumber mix over the yogurt, including the excess olive oil and vinegar
Sprinkle over the chili flakes & fresh mint
Another perfect little side dish
Recipe
Baby potatoes
Lots of olive oil
Half of a lemon juiced
A handful of chopped Kale
2 cloves of garlic
Tsp of capers
Parsley chopped
Boil the potatoes in salted water
Once potatoes are tender, drain the water and leave the pot on warm
Muddle them around with olive oil, lemon, kale, garlic, capers, and parsley
Serve warm
Creating with Olivia Tortolo
Come Olivia Tortolo, a self-taught illustrator who coincidentally found the need for change only two months before the beginning of the pandemic.
Like many businesses, this past year and a half has created space for passions and hobbies to take full form. It eradicated the fear of what ifs, and left artists feeling more vulnerable and brave more than they have in a long time.
Come Olivia Tortolo, a self-taught illustrator who coincidentally found the need for change only two months before the beginning of the pandemic.
Photo captured by Sztella Muzslai
“My mental health improved almost instantaneously but most importantly, years of clouded judgment that I struggled with started to dissipate. I could think clearly and make decisions without feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.” - Olivia.
We were lucky enough to work with Olivia on a special product, and to ask her a few questions about her craft.
How did you narrow down your artistic direction?
A ‘less is more’ approach to my work, often simplifying my concepts as I move through the creative have an unintentional process. Since I work primarily with graphite pencils, I like the range of values to be the focal point of the piece and I’m very keen on thoroughly blending for a smooth finish. This approach has taught me a lot about choosing great reference photos and the one we went with for our collaboration was exactly that! You’ll see in this piece that there is an extensive range in value without anything being too light or dark. It was wildly satisfying to draw!
Describe your space where you get creative. Is there anything specific about it you think aids in the productivity of your work?
I’m pretty particular about where I work. Pre-pandemic, I planned to take a long trip and draw while travelling but I’m very much a creature of habit and like to have a dedicated space for my art. Right now I work at my kitchen table where I have the most daylight, which is essential to my productivity. If I’m drawing for a long stretch, upwards of 8-9 hours, I need a good audiobook to keep me focused. That said, I’m moving into a new space in a few weeks that will accommodate my very own studio, a exciting step for me in expanding my practice!
Lark, re-created by Olivia
Do you have any favourite pieces, if so, what makes them so special?
The two pieces that stand out to me are of Gabi and Bianca. The original photo of Gabi was shot by her sister and my close friend, Sztella Muzslai, who is an incredible photographer. This piece lingers in my mind because it was the first time I felt emotion behind one of my own pieces. The second piece is of my own sister, who I’m super close with. I love the abstract shadows on her face and shooting the reference photo was a fun experiment with lots of laughter, of course.
What do you feel are the pros in being a self-taught artist?
There are so many! For me, the biggest pro is that I feel invincible when I start to make progress. There is a lot of trial and error involved but eventually finding that sweet spot is so gratifying, even if the process is a little painful. The experience has also taught me a lot about myself, how to trust my intuition and have patience… which is absolutely something I needed to work on anyways!
A Chat with Nichole Holmes and Sarah Miller from Netflix’s Marriage or Mortgage
Wedding flowers or kitchen flowers? We talk all things finances and planning when it comes to the wedding day or a couples first home, and why some may have a hard time choosing between the two.
Wedding flowers or kitchen flowers? We were thoroughly intrigued about what couples actually value in the early stages of their engagements, so we jumped at the chance to speak to both Nichole and Sarah about their thoughts on where newlyweds should spend their dollars when entering this new phase of their lives.
While the hit Netflix show highlights couples making these hard decisions, to some, they are just no brainers. We ask Nichole and Sarah details about their fields, why they believe some couples choose a wedding over an investment, and where the future of weddings and real estate is going.
Nichole and Sarah, what led you both to your respective careers?
Nichole: I come from a construction and land development background. My family owned a construction company for 3 generations, spanning over 100 years. I grew up listening right outside the conference room door to deals happening on the other side. My parent owned and ran several apartment complexes in my hometown. I grew up showing, renting and helping manage those apartments since I was 16! My college degree is from the school of Mass Communications at Southern Illinois University. I majored in Radio/Television and minored in Psychology. I’ve worked in front of the camera in some capacity since I graduated college. Marriage and Mortgage was a dream come true, combining my love for real estate and my love for being in front of the camera.
Sarah: I grew up in Atlanta, GA where my mother had brought me up in her creative career of Interior Design. I love shadowing her as a young girl, while she was shopping, designing, and pulling together all the pretty details. You can say it just stuck when I was older and moving into high school all I wanted to do was Art Classes. Studying interior design in college to then go to designing my own wedding in Florida made me realize I love the actual design and feel of weddings. That Drive brought me to Nashville TN and into the wedding planning industry. I worked for another company for years when I realized after my growing family that I needed to be out on my own designing and enjoying my job!! That is where Southern Vine & Co. was born. My love for interior design and design/planning of weddings goes hand and hand!
What perks do you find in intimate weddings as opposed to big ones?
Sarah: No matter what kind of wedding you have in mind, small or big, intimate, or large, you will want to enjoy your wedding day as much as possible without any regrets. I love planning both and no matter what size it is all about being creative for my clients. I will say the perks on planning a smaller wedding is I get to know the families and guest much more than the larger ones which I love because it is all about the relationships we bond. The other is that my client love that they get to dance and mingle all night long instead of having to try and great and or speak with so many guests. Third thing is that it opens many more options for venues, destinations, and budget. Now for my large wedding clients, I honestly have never heard any regrets, they have loved the moment for everyone in their lives to come together to celebrate their love. Which would never happen in any other setting. It is a time you get to see so much, love, joy and laughter of people that just met. The Con on the large size wedding is that it does limit the destination and venues to choose from.
What can we expect from the suburban housing market over the next five years, and how can couples looking to buy within that timeframe prepare for the changes?
Nichole: I wish I could predict that! Real Estate can be cyclical. I feel the Nashville market will plateau at some point but I’m not sure it will ever drop significantly from where we are today.
What are a few ways a couple can save on their wedding while keeping their desires for a full day intact?
Sarah: I love to talk about smart money and dumb money! I hate to say it like that but its true. I honestly live by this as a planner. Put your money towards things you love a want and scale back on the rest. That does not mean you have to compromise each area it just means maximize your budget where its needed most. There are plenty of ways to scale back in areas and still have a stunning wedding. Plus, I think hiring a wedding planner to lead you in the right direction for each area is key. Planners can help you in the long run maximize designs, vendors and all the details depending upon what you are looking for.
Although it is specific from couple to couple and their circumstances, what are some general rules of thumb on what to compromise on when looking for the right home?
Nichole: It’s important to know what your deal breakers are and what your top must haves are. If schools are super important, obviously you’ll sacrifice something in the home to afford being in the right school district. If proximity to work in the city is important, maybe you’ll give up yard size so your commute isn’t as far. It’s all very individualized. It’s my job to figure those important pieces to the puzzle out when house hunting.
Do you see a shift in the way weddings are being approached after the pandemic?
Sarah: Honestly, NO. Since the pandemic, the event world has gone 0 – 100 in a few months. Where we went from unnoticed as planners to overbooked. Most families and or Brides and Grooms took the Pandemic as an awful experience where they lost or where not able to see their loved ones. Everyone now that things are safer want to celebrate and make sure they don’t miss out on these celebrations with the ones they love. Now on the vendor side, yes. Vendors have put so many new protocols into play for safety/cleanliness to still ensure that we are still able to carry on with these events while taking care of guest and staff. But overall, there has never been a right or wrong way to plan a wedding, so do what feels right and safe still in these unusual times.
We recommend Marriage or Mortgage for your next Netflix binge.
Keep up with Sarah and Nichole on their socials: Nichole Holmes, Sarah Miller
Our Favourite Gee Beauty Product Right Now
Gee Beauty, found in te coveted Rosedale neighbourhood boasts unparalleled beauty services and a diverse range of brands, fashion, lifestyle and beauty.
visit the 2PEONIES x GEE Beauty pop up from July 7th - 9th at 2 Roxborough St W, Toronto, ON.
By: Olivia McIntosh
The Gee Women have taken monumental leaps in the beauty industry by offering not just their own line of treatment products, but also a curated selection of products in dreamy brick and mortar shops, and a thriving e-commerce destination with a vibrant, diverse community.
Not to mention, 6 By Gee Beauty, home to coveted fashion and lifestyle labels to up your closets and personal surroundings. The ladies behind the Gee Beauty brand effortlessly appeal to all women, as their voice of opinion is diverse in age as mother, daughter duos driven to creating impact through a multi-faceted brand.
While expanding their in-person services and treatments that originated in Miami all the way to Toronto, Gee Beauty provides some of the finest treatments for all your essential beauty needs.
Gee’s high-end product favourites are hard to place, so here are our top five favourites featured:
GEE BEAUTY – Mineral Sheer Tint
The perfect product for a minimal makeup look, while still evening out your skin tone. Less is always more especially in the summer heat.
GEE BEAUTY – Hi Brow
Offering a variety of shades to match your natural colour or to meet your desire for bolder brows. It’s soft-focus nylon fibers, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate components hydrates and conditions your brows and makes brushing through them a breeze with some added colour!
GOOP – G.Tox 5 Salt Detox Body Scrub
While exfoliating your face is important, so is exfoliating the rest of your body! This formula is fused with cold-pressed moringa, pre unfiltered rose hip, and organic extra virgin olive oils leaving the skin both exfoliated and moisturized after use in the shower making it the perfect 2- in- 1.
SHANI DARDEN – Retinol Reform
A skincare routine essential packed with low ph stabilized retinoid, lactic acid, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to prevent aging and acne breakouts.
GEE BEAUTY – Waterproof Gel Lip Liner
Gee’s seamless water and smudge proof lip liner formula is a match made in heaven for any summer activity. Adding a little colour to brighten up a simple everyday makeup look without worrying about reapplying after a few cocktail sips!
The thoughtful result-driven brand curation is set to offer a product for all! Not sure which product will suit your needs best? Visit their online platform for a complimentary consulting chat to learn more about each product and receive Gee’s guidance.
Changing Habits With Changing Seasons
The long hours of sunshine increases Vitamin D in the body, boosts serotonin levels and mediates biological rhythms allowing the body to feel rejuvenated after a long winter lacking the sun.
By: Olivia McIntosh
Understanding the affects that each season has on our bodies and minds provides information that can be used in preparing for what to expect during each transition. As humans, there are different biological functions that are needed and provided by each season.
It's no coincidence that every stranger's smile that you pass by is a little bit bigger in the summertime. The long hours of sunshine increases Vitamin D in the body, boosts serotonin levels and mediates biological rhythms, allowing the body to feel rejuvenated after a long winter lacking the sun.
Transitioning from winter into spring and summer calls for lots of personal refreshing, outside time, and adding more sunscreen into your skincare regimen. Starting the sunny months with a clean slate by clearing out your space and deep cleaning can be highly beneficial to your seasonal renewing.
Eating Habits
Sunlight and high temperatures change our eating habits to a lighter intake of food. Eating heavier meals in the summer is not as enjoyable because of the heat and sweat that our bodies are producing, it makes the body feel lethargic rather than recharged. During the winter, our bodies increase our insulin production and store fat in our livers to keep our bodies warm in the cold. This results in our metabolisms slowing down as discussed by Premier Medical Group. Establishing an exercise routine can make a huge difference when it comes to healthy weight maintenance during all months, but especially in the winter.
Additionally, being aware of which fruits and vegetables are in harvest during each season will enable your body to take in a wide variety of nutrients from the earth that are rich at that time of year. Each season’s harvest varies and is dependent on your geographical location.
Your Mood
The sunlight deficiency that begins in autumn affects the immunity system, creating prolonged feelings of fatigue and illness into the winter. This fatigue makes it difficult for our mind and body to be motivated to keep our healthy habits. Finding a form of exercise that does not feel like a chore will help with keeping the body and mind in check during the colder months, along with taking advantage of any amount of sunlight that presents itself to you. When the environment around us changes, so do we. Our instincts as a living species are wired to do so naturally.
Although seasonal transitions can be discouraging to your preferred routine they are necessary changes for our bodies to endure. Listening to your body during these times and taking note of what it needs is important in order to grow and envelope each season's offerings.
Our Digital Editor Talks Wedding Personalizations
During the planning process, I decided I wanted to find little ways to make the celebration extra special and personal.
The way we do the wedding day has changed a lot over the years, especially during this pandemic. I for one never imagined getting married during such an odd time in history, yet here we are. During the planning process, I decided I wanted to find little ways to make the celebration extra special and personal.
For all the someday and current brides-to-be, here are my top four wedding personalizations that are getting me so excited for the big day.
Digital Editor, Ashley Alagurajah
Mint Room Studios
A lot of people choose to do their engagement shoot on a sandy beach, in a sunny field, or an enchantingly beautiful forest. While these are all lovely spots, one way I elevated and personalized my engagement photos was by taking them in a studio space. Mint Room Studios in Toronto offers a multi-room photography studio pre-furnished for all your shoot needs.
We chose “The Ballroom,” I was obsessed with the huge windows, pastel-coloured furniture, and bright white walls; they made the perfect backdrop for some classy engagement shots.
Silver Rain Silver
The next thing I started to sort out was my wedding-day getup. I knew I wanted to go minimal with the jewellery, but I also wanted something unique. Silver Rain Silver on Etsy had exactly what I was looking for. I ended up getting a pair of silver studs, letter-shaped with my fiancé’s initials. They took a few weeks to arrive from Glasgow, Scotland but when they did, they were perfect. This was such an easy and affordable way to customize my wedding-day jewellery in an extra special way.
Jess Made This
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JessMadeThis?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=286505799
When it came to planning the reception I knew I wanted a photo booth of sorts. We settled on a homemade version where we could customize the backdrop. Again, wanting to make it something special and personalized I started my hunt for the perfect text banner. Jess Made This, also on Etsy, made me the most perfect two-tiered text banner in our wedding colour (black.) The first line says “Holy Matrimony,” and the line below says “A+G,” my fiancé and I’s initials. This may be the part I’m most excited about, I can already imagine the iconic polaroid shots we’ll be taking under that banner.
Wedding Day Scents
Lastly, one of my favourite vloggers gave two pieces of advice for longterm ways to remember your special day. The first was to use real (not synthetic) flowers in your bridal bouquet so you could dry them out and keep them forever styled somewhere in your home. I will definitely be doing that. The second thing she mentioned was choosing a wedding day scent for each person. Our olfactory senses have a deep connection with memory, so by wearing a particular scent on your wedding day, wearing that scent again sometime in the future should jog memories of that day.
Right now my fiancé and I are leaning towards Armani’s In Love with You Freeze (for her), which includes elegant peony and cherry notes, and Stronger with You Freeze (for him), a more citrus, woody fragrance.
Regardless of whether or not you are wedding planning, these personalizations add a special touch to a range of special occasions.
Exercising Your Creative Muscle
Creative thoughts are subjective to the curator and are up for interpretation by the viewer. That being said, the pressure and constraints felt as a creative can be exhausting for the mind.
By: Olivia McIntosh
Aligning the idea of exercising a creative thought process is just as important as physical exercise to stay healthy. A strong creative mind takes practice and attention, if you are in hopes of being strong in all areas that is.
Creative thoughts are subjective to the curator and are up for interpretation by the viewer. That being said, the pressure and constraints felt as a creative can be exhausting for the mind. Some might call it burn out, but by actively exercising your creative thinking powers you can unleash uncovered potential and spark new ideas – it just takes practice.
The typical day-to-day practices can be easy to succumb to and blame for your lack of creative drive. Implementing a couple of hours into your daily or weekly schedule can make all the difference for the flow of your ideas and to stimulate creative production. As seen in the article on creative thinking from Adobe Spark, giving yourself certain limitations and broadening your perspective on normal everyday interaction and scenery will allow your creative mind to create in a different light.
Because a creative mind is necessary for all areas of life, here are three easy exercises to own your creativity and exercise that muscle.
Practice thoughts with certain limitations.
Imagine yourself going on the date of your dreams: What outfit would you wear? Where would it take place? What would the love interest look like? What would they say? Would you pick a specific meal, activity? Creating a space where your mind can think of a specific event or situation allows your thoughts to wander and think about certain things that you don’t usually explore mentally on a daily basis. Look past the normal.
Passive People Watching
In this instance, an essential part of imagination is given to you: the subject. Practice things like narrowing in on typical people and object interactions while allowing a deeper train of thought occur. Paying attention to fleeting details allow you to capture what busy humans typically miss, and perhaps learning to enjoy the small things along the way.
Educate Yourself on Unfamiliar Topics
Exploring subjects that you are curious about and that are unfamiliar can also elevate your creative thinking. When you are aware of different ways of thinking whether socially, culturally, ethically, or religiously, you are better equipped to tackle creative problem solving or curate designs that will appeal to a wider variety of eyes.
rociomontoya.com
Exercising your creative mind by using some of these methods while also designating a special place in a notebook or on your phone of random thoughts and ideas that come to you is important.
Timeless Reads by Female Authors You Must Read
Through our many words and stories, women around the world have been able to shape narratives and tell tales that have often gone unheard
By: Ashley Alagurajah
Late American author Carolyn See once said, “Every word a woman writes changes the story of the world, revises the official version.”
Through our many words and stories, women around the world have been able to shape narratives and tell tales that have often gone unheard. Each woman with a unique story to tell, each different and multi-dimensional, ranging in prose and pace.
Barbara Laages in her New York apartment.
Here is a list of timeless stories by women that we highly reccommend.
Prospero’s Daughter by Elizabeth Nunez
A retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this time placed in the Caribbean during the height of British-colonial and native tensions. Through the various lenses of characters, Nunez depicts a clear image of societal injustice and the effects of race, power, and wealth through this mysterious and classic star crossed love story. If you’re someone who loves mystery, drama, and romance, this is something you’ll want to pick up.
Educated by Tara Westover
This memoir of Westover’s life, detailing her at times unbelievable days in the Idaho mountains with her family. Being devout Mormons in middle-America barely scratches the surface. As the tale unfolds, we follow her journey of pursuing a post-secondary education, with no former schooling experience. This is a story of perseverance and rigor, Westover leaves no stone unturned in her quest for truth, through the means of an education she never had.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
This read is perhaps the most thrilling “whodunit?” tale of all time. Ten strangers, one island, and no one seems to know why they’re there? That is until one by one, they start to perish. The queen of mystery has cooked up the most complex of stories, with every character running in circles trying to beat the clock, this story will leave you wondering until the very last page, who did it?
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
The telling of a fictional story of a world where women are segregated into a class system, revealing the dangers of a domineering patriarchal state. Skipping from past to present, Atwood reveals to us the slow transition to this dystopian future of full dictatorship and how women are the first to bear the brunt of this inhumane new world-order. Arguably her most known book, The Handmaid’s Tale is an eerie tale of a society that diminishes and silences the autonomy of women in a way that isn’t all that far from our past reality.
They Said This Would Be Fun by Eternity Martis
A memoir of Martis’s post-secondary experience at a nearly all-white campus as a young black woman. The Toronto-born journalist and writer accepted her admission to The University of Western Ontario in the 2010s and experienced racism on a level unknown to her until she was there. This powerful retelling of her story not only sheds light on the issues surrounding race in Canada but also provides readers a real encounter with the experiences of those who call this reality.
Toronto-based Interior Design Studios for Intimate Settings
The use of our senses - touch, sound, smell, look, and feel are those that physically connect us with space, and through that connection, open our ability to form meaning from these experiences.
By: Michelle Strand
We spend the majority of our lives in the built world- the places and spaces made for us and designed for our use. We sit nestled between walls finding sunshine cascading across the floor, we stroll under soaring city skyscrapers that shape the streets with expansive shadows. This world where we reside, one of architecture and interior architecture, while concrete in form, is one that is deeply personal and perceptual.
The use of our senses - touch, sound, smell, look, and feel are those that physically connect us with space, and through that connection, open our ability to form meaning from these experiences.
Studio Munge - Park Hyatt Toronto
This is how we frame the essence of design, and in turn, architects, interior architects, designers, and installation artists are able to dictate our experience of space. Transforming spaces - ones of inanimate objects, into places - ones of personal reflection and meaning.
Mason Studio
In 2014, Mason Studio, an internationally recognized, Toronto-based interior design studio curated an art installation called “Cloudscape” for the Toronto Design Offsite Festival. This installation urged viewers to engage in an “ephemeral moment of quiet” - using a calming space. As visitors would approach the large textured cloudlike object, each cloud would start to glow and slowly fade as participants walked away. Cloudscape, through the use of light, sound, and texture transformed inactive elements into a profound human experience.
Yabu Pushelberg
On March 13th of 2018, in an interview with Dolce Magazine, George Yabu and Glenn Pushlberg, owners of Interior Design Studio, Yabu Pushelberg, and notably Ryerson Bachelor of Interior Design Graduates, discussed the meaning of design. “There are two parts to it,” Pushlberg says, “There are two sides of a brain creating rational things that make sense. But there are also things that fascinate us, things that have an inner beauty to them - a real beauty, not a facade of beauty.” Pushlberg is referencing the humanness of truly beautiful design. The type of design that forms lasting relationships with space - the ones that hit us so hard, that it touches the deepest, most intimate piece of our being. The spaces that we return to again and again, the places we miss, crave, and long to be in.
Choices of finishes, textures, or fabrics play an important role in design narrative. The impact of a sleek, cold marble interior, versus the warmth and smell of a light cedar filled room with a warm fireplace becomes increasingly prevalent in shaping the essence of space.
Studio Munge
At Studio Munge, a leader in evoking designs spanning from residential to globally-renowned commercial interiors, Principle, Alessandro Munge discusses his commitment to communicative design. He explains that in his design for the William Vale project, a luxury hotel in Brooklyn his careful choice of medium allowed him to represent the essence of what Williamsburg is. “Lattice fire escapes giving way to the more colonial tones and painted row houses that characterize regenerated Williamsburg.” Munge says he starts all of his projects with “why?” and only after finding the narrative of space, does he begin to design.
Glenhill Hotel and Residences
Architecture and interior architecture continue to be incredibly intimate reflections of ourselves. They are our homes, our workplaces, and our cities. They are places to visit but also places to be. They are our past experiences in the present moment - intrinsically beautiful and inherently nostalgic, but much more than beautiful design, they are beautiful with human function.
A Chat on Stepping Into Your Potential with Author Antonio Neves
“In my experience, people have the answers to their most pressing challenges or problems – they just haven’t been challenged in the right way or been asked the right question. The right question can change your life if you’re open to it.”
Conducted by Michelle Strand
With a growing and promising audience - podcast host, keynote speaker, award-winning journalist, and author of, Stop Living on Autopilot, Antonio Neves discusses with me the launch of his new book and his upcoming goals for 2021.
For over 10 years, Neves worked as a correspondent and host with top television networks including NBC, PBS, and BET in New York City. After leaving the television industry, Neves’ natural desire for leadership and development led him to become a ‘professional question-asker’ and success coach as he re-invented his career in the realm of personal wellness.
On The Best Thing podcast, regularly ranked in Apple’s self-improvement category, Neves talks to people about the “best thing to happen to them that wouldn’t show up on their resume,” offering listeners an inside glimpse into hearing life experiences that they wouldn’t normally be privy to. Among such guests are former Teen-Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Elaine Welteroth, American photographer, director, artist, and entrepreneur, Chase Jarvis, and top business author Marcus Buckingham. Neves challenges us to change the ways we think about our struggles, the ones that rebirth into our biggest accomplishments.
Let’s start by talking about your new book, and what it’s about. Who it’s for, what made you want to write and launch this book, and are the themes similar to your podcast?
Neves: Simply put, so many people’s lives are not where they want them to be because they have resisted making choices. They think that by not making a decision, taking accountability, or responsibility they’re able to divert from life. But let’s be crystal clear – not making a decision is making a decision. Today, start by making a decision, “not 10 decisions, 5 decisions or 3 decisions – just 1 decision” to improve your life. It can involve your career, relationship, fitness, health, or personal finances. A powerful question I ask in the book is: If your life was a movie, what would the lead character start doing to turn things around? I love the analogy, looking at your life more or less like a book really makes it apparent the life we intend to live.
Neves goes on to explain the much-needed wake-up call in response to the pandemic. That being said, he warns us that Stop Living on Autopilot isn’t so much a pat on the back, but rather a soft punch in the esophagus, saying, “wake up!” It’s a raw and direct reminder for people to know that they have a say in their lives. With the tragic loss of life and a global shutdown underway, this really revealed how many people have been going through the motions and living on cruise control. “The pandemic in many ways has revealed unseen and unexpected things about our lives,” he says. All of the trips we didn’t take, the conversations that we avoided with loved ones -all of the things we should have done, while we had the chance.”
Right, so you launched your podcast in January of 2020, and ask people the most unexpected thing that has positively impacted their lives. What themes have you seen emerge in the people you’ve talked to?
Neves: “What’s wild,” he responds, “is that with over 60 episodes, the consistent theme the ‘best thing’ to happen to people rarely was ‘the best,’ or most fun while it was actually happening.” Neves references character-building moments in life where pain or hardship actually forces us to grow. He explains,
“it has been things that have challenged people to build grit, resilience, and character that ended up shaping and influencing them the most. Guests have shared with me what it was like to lose everything in the Madoff Ponzi scheme, getting sentenced to 65 years in a Texas state penitentiary, or getting diagnosed with a brain tumor.”
“I was a shy kid, and my defense mechanism for being shy was to directly engage people in conversation rather than hiding in a corner. I would do everything I could to get them to talk about themselves and share their story. What I found was that people love to talk about themselves, so this was easy, and over the years, as I grew more confident, this skill translated well to my work as a broadcast journalist in the television industry, and even more now as a professional leadership speaker.”
You frequently reference “it’s hard to get on the plane if you never make it to the airport.” What really does this mean?
This goes back to people being unwilling to make decisions in their lives, staying still where they are, and saying things like, ‘I guess it’s not meant to be.’ But really, was it not meant to be, or in reality, have you just given up and accepted not doing anything about it? Instead of making decisions, people love to make excuses. They say they’re going to pray, be patient, or reflect for a bit - those are all just excuses. Life is asking you to shift into the “driver’s seat of life” and put your foot on the pedal. As St. Augustine once said, ‘Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.’” I think you’re absolutely right, I respond. People are afraid to admit that life itself is entirely up to them. We’re 100 percent responsible for our failures, our hardships, but also our success.
Cliche but, it matters. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“You can do anything you want, but you can’t do everything.” “That hit me like a brick to my face,” he says, “because at the time, and like most people, I was unfocused and trying to do everything. When you try to do everything, you accomplish nothing. It’s like having a computer running with a lot of applications open. Eventually, your processor speed will slow down, or worse, it can crash.”
I really admire your statements of truth, the ones that resonate with me the most are: a great story never began with, “I played it safe..”, and not making a decision is making a decision. Do you have examples of the best stories you’ve heard that reflect these statements?
Neves: A good friend of mine’s grandfather once told him, ‘Live an interesting life. No one wants to talk to an old person who doesn’t have interesting stories to tell.’ Most people who have accomplished great things, when they embarked on them people told them they were crazy or taking a risk. What some people call taking a ‘risk,’ others simply call living. I still can think back to moving to New York City with less than $1,000 in my bank account with dreams of breaking into the television industry. It all worked out. Still, even if it didn’t work out and I ended up back in my home state of Michigan, it would be easier to fall asleep at night knowing that I tried. Far too many people can’t sleep at night because they know they really haven’t put it out there.
“At the end of the day I’m a professional question asker, and one of the first questions I ask people to help get them unstuck is: “How are you getting in your own way in life?” I typically follow this up with, “What’s the biggest lie you tell yourself.” These questions can lead to massive breakthroughs.”
- Neves.
You can find ‘Stop Living Your Life on Autopilot’ here, and listen to Antonio Neves chat with an array of guests with new episodes published at 5 am est on Wednesdays.
Fragrance and Fair Trade: The Story of The 7 Virtues
Since launching in 2010, the collection of scents has expanded offering a variety of hypoallergenic fragrances that speak to an array of cultures.
By Olivia Mcintosh
Barb Stegman was a journalist with no intentions of entering the world of beauty and perfume. The writer and explorer found light in her best friend’s mission that was cut short due to injuries sustained while working on the ground in the Middle East with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Determined to continue her best friends’ efforts in bringing peace to communities in Afghanistan post-war, Barb Stegman created Canada-based clean fragrance line The 7 Virtues. The brand is a fusion of perfume and fair trade, using natural and organic essential oil ingredients from farmers overseas.
7 Virtues started out as a philosophical “how-to” book for women, The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, “living and leading in an illogical world.” This book empowers women to take that leap of faith and pursue their dreams, while encouraging action against corruption and war that tears our world apart. Soon after the book was released, Stegman was the first Atlantic-Canadian woman to secure a deal on ‘Dragons Den’ through which she was able to fund her mission to enlarge her vision of 7 Virtues into a perfume line.
Stegman began sourcing orange blossom and rose essential oil crops from Afghan farmers, which in turn freed many of their young daughters from the disheartening life of becoming “opium brides,” as stated on the company website.
The 7 Virtues in Rwanda
This philosophy has expanded to many other countries around the world, sourcing fair trade, natural, and organic floral oils in order to make a difference in the lives and liberty of even more people globally.
“it’s time to get loud with our love”
Purchasing their floral essential oils from countries overseas has created opportunities for development and new hope for the locals’ futures. 7 Virtues is living proof that human beings all over the world can add value and contribute to one another's ideas.
“My real job is to make rebuilding more exciting than destruction,” says Stegman, "I do this through perfume.”
The 7 Virtues in Afghan
Since launching in 2010, the collection of scents has expanded offering a variety of hypoallergenic fragrances that speak to various individual cultures. The Original Perfumes collection includes the country from where the oils were sourced to give a personal touch and recognition to the farmers. Over the years, 7 Virtues has curated new scent collections such as the Peace Blend Collection, made up of fresh florals, herbs, citrus, and warm tones that stimulate feelings of love, energy, tranquility, and uplifted spirits all through aromatherapy.
The important takeaway from The 7 Virtues, building others up and supporting communities after and during times of strife through aromatherapy everyday-wear fragrances, brings our world together and proves that we all have something unique and inspiring to bring to the table.
Though there is a long way to go in bringing unity between nations, there are small steps and things we can all do to bring about this future hope. Shop The 7 Virtues here.
The Psychology of Routine, Explained
Routine, as Brianna Weist defines it, is the ability to silence our cravings and prioritize our long-term desires, writing, “most things that bring genuine happiness are not just temporary, immediate gratifications, and those things also come with resistance and require sacrifice.”
By: Michelle Strand
Routine is a journey - to be precise, a marathon. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of reading the work of Brianna Wiest, you’d visit many excerpts surrounding the topics of psychology and emotional intelligence.
Routine, as she defines it, is the ability to silence our cravings and prioritize our long-term desires, writing, “most things that bring genuine happiness are not just temporary, immediate gratifications, and those things also come with resistance and require sacrifice.”
She explains that,
“the point is not what the routine consists of, but how steady and safe your subconscious mind is made through repetitive motions expected outcomes.”
Think of the years of education, eight hours a day, every day, you knew exactly what to expect. Physics Tuesdays, homework after dinner, which was always at 6:00 p.m., dance, basketball, or piano at the same time every week. These routines are the very ones that allowed us to cultivate our love of science, and realize that we’re actually really good at shooting three-pointers. They fueled our passions and launched our careers. They shaped our identity. But beyond obligations, do you have a routine that’s fully autonomous? One with the same structure that built you into the scientist, lawyer, or dancer you are today? Steven Pressfield, the author of “The War of Art,” states that
most of us have two lives - “the life we live, and the unlived life within us.”
This is the same theory that can be found in Jen Sincero’s bestselling book “You Are a Badass,”- the separation of the conscious and subconscious mind. “Our conscious mind thinks it’s in control, but it isn’t. Meanwhile, our subconscious mind doesn’t think about anything, but is in control.” So, here’s the advice: prioritize your routine, pick something - add it to your day, or week. Making your bed in the morning, journal for 30 minutes at the end of the day, or better yet, embark on your dream creative pursuit, that business you wanted to start, the diet, health, or exercise regiment you’ve always told yourself you’d start “tomorrow.”
Forward, The Journey
The departure, mostly uphill, by far the hardest - a mentally and physically exhausting pursuit. You may need to set an alarm, or a reminder, you may even need to have continued pep talks with yourself. Change is not easy, and your body will do anything subconsciously to resist it. Anyone who’s tried anything new has experienced this phase, we all start as beginners after all. Your new task clouds your mind, you’re anxious about its arrival and you reflect on your exerted energy after it’s done, but it’s worth it, all part of the journey.
Next, the curve, a genuinely thrilling phase. Improvements flourish, we begin to realize that we can become the person we’ve always known to exist within us. The closest to our whole selves that we’ve ever known, because we’ve never fully experienced what we’re capable of, until now. You’re hooked - elated. Only this time, for the first time, you are fully satisfied. You sit and write for three hours. Typos? Doesn’t matter. Quality? Doesn’t matter.
Finally, the ‘flow’ phase.
You might have heard of the 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outliers.” If it’s true that it takes 10,000 hours to become a master at anything, think of how achievable and quantifiable your goal has just become. The way to do this of course - you’ve got it, your routine. Finally, your body and brain are able to work at ease with one another, entering a state of pure mental silence - meditative if you will. Musicians losing themselves in their music, playing endlessly for hours. “Did I make my bed this morning? - I must have. I do it every morning.” It becomes so natural that we forget that we’re even doing it. The stage at which you don’t think, you just know.
So, pick something - and stick to it. Show up every day. Show up on easy days and on hard ones. Remember, be patient with yourself, after all, routine, much like life is a journey, so take it day-by-day.
Our Favourite Local Small Businesses for Curated Vintage Finds
To continue the support of our local shops, we’ve compiled a list of a few local e-store favourites to make sure you’re getting all the goods, even mid-pandemic.
By Digital Editor: Ashley Alagurajah
Shopping vintage oftentimes leads us to the statement pieces that tie our homes together. Their uniqueness is unmatched with quirky and special features that are irreplaceable. Combining these design benefits with the sustainable advantages of shopping pre-loved, there are little to no reasons about why one wouldn’t want to shop vintage.
To continue the support of our local shops, we’ve compiled a list of a few local e-store favourites to make sure you’re getting all the goods, even mid-pandemic.
365 Vintage
This may be your one stop shop to make the progress of your interiors aesthetic a breeze. Products range from vintage dishware to couches, all perfectly intact for your new space. The majority of their pieces are smaller decorative items, so this is the place you want to check out for the ever-important finishing touches.
Alvar Home
Based in the GTA, Alvar Home carries rare vintage stone furniture pieces ranging for art stands to center tables. If you have passion for travertine, marble, and granite, checking alvar homes out is a must. Nearly all their pieces are vintage, giving multiple lives to the stone.
Teak Toronto
This vintage haven specializes in a curated selection of mid-century finds, and as the name would suggest, lots of beautiful woods. This finely curated destination mostly consists of larger-scale furniture items. Anyone looking to replace their old look with some timeless options will find some truly unique options here.
Smol Treasures
In case you haven’t been on Pinterest for a moment, Smol Treasures will make your pastel dreams come to life. Vintage glass and ceramics pieces are filling up our feeds, and there is no shortage of dreamy colour palettes here. If you love to have a little pop of fun in your home, this is where you should start.
leftfordavie
A beautiful mod collection of finds to give that nostalgic feeling your space longs for. Some of our favourite pieces at leftfordavie are to be found amongst their unique selection of cocktail vessels, their array of crystal glass candle holders, and vintage french presses.
THE NINES
And if you’re looking for an array of vintage goods, THE NINES is your trusted source for curated fashion and home pieces. You will without a doubt find pre-loved apparel, and a small but distinctive selection of glassware.
Supporting small businesses and shopping vintage not only benefits the environment, but also helps to ensure your money is going towards individuals and families who need work hard to run an authentic brand that is also profitable.
Share this article to inspire others to shop small, and vintage.
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The Flowers and Wine Combo Is More Than an Aesthetic
It’s the simple things that make all the difference when enjoying wine and florals together. The shape of the glass, colour, and aroma of the wine drastically impact the overall experience.
By Olivia Mcintosh
Pairing wine with florals is nothing new, but what you may not know is this lush duo is in many ways responsible for strong long-term mental and physical health.
Don’t stress about treating yourself to that extra glass of wine. Curating a multi-sensory experience for this inevitable evening indulgence ties to a tasteful and beneficial cognitive psychology practice - and yes - it involves flowers. Red wine on its own delivers antioxidants to the body, lowers inflammation, and has been proven to strengthen one's cognitive performance.
When paired with wine, florals enhance the sensory experience with sight and smell. The organic and aesthetic beauty of the florals ignites the endorphins, creating feelings of euphoria and intensifying the desire to connect with those around you, or to connect back with yourself.
Alas, while making white wine, the skin of the grape is removed during the fermentation period, which is where nutrients are found in wine. The skin of the grapes is what holds all the antioxidants that provide long term health benefits, so for this to work, you’ll want to stick with reds.
It’s the simple things that make all the difference when enjoying wine and florals together. The shape of the glass, colour, and aroma of the wine drastically impact the overall experience – similar to choosing your floral vase. Studies have shown that flowers are a “natural and healthful moderator of moods,” and have positive long-term effects on moods, producing extended feelings of joy.
Starting with opening the bottle, cork or screw, makes all the difference. This puts into perspective what kind of wine you are working with regarding the quality- having a cork contains the aroma much better which in turn enhances the tasting experience. Paying attention to your choice of wine and which glass you use is a huge component of your emotional, visual, and tasting experience.
For example, go for a long and thin stemmed glass for your Cabernet, the round shape will bring out the fruity notes as you sip. Cabernet is famously paired with red roses due to their shared colour palette and intoxicating fragrances. A large pour of Cabernet paired with romantic scarlet roses for the eyes to gaze at during each sip is what the evening was designed for.
Wine and florals when paired together create feelings of reward and display elegance in the space. This couple will end your work day with content, and continue to give your mind and body the love that it deserves.
Why MERIT Beauty’s Focus on Essential, Minimal Makeup Is Important in 2021
Perhaps the last year paved the way for MERIT, a minimal beauty brand's success. The pre-existing need for five minute makeup no doubt expanded in 2021 for those of us who only reach for our makeup bags when we have a Zoom meeting.
By Ashley Alagurajah
Katherine Power has answered our minimal makeup prayers by launching the year’s newest clean cosmetics line, MERIT Beauty, where less is more.
Perhaps the last year paved the way for MERIT, a minimal beauty brand's success. The pre-existing need for five minute makeup no doubt expanded in 2021 for those of us who only reach for our makeup bags when we have a Zoom meeting, or the weekly essential errand.
“In many ways, beauty and self-care has reached a fever pitch,”
Power writes on the company’s website. In an oversaturated market where we’re often bombarded by the rhinestones and sparkles of the beauty industry begging for our attention when anything new hits the shelves, MERIT promises something different.
The names of the products speak for themselves - a multi-use perfecting complexion stick called, “The Minimalist,” and a lengthening mascara called, “Clean Lash,” among the rest all depict effortless beauty. Obviously heightened by the pandemic, the barely there makeup look is coveted by women everywhere. Pinterest boards are full of gorgeous faces with freckles and beauty marks shining through a light dusting of blush - this is what everyone wants, a soft, easy, classic look.
“MERIT was built around the idea that ‘less is more’ because we really want to just look like ourselves but better,” says Power in her product tutorial. Simplicity is what the brand claims to bring, with half a dozen no-makeup makeup products for the everyday working woman who doesn’t have an hour to apply false lashes and lip liner.
With everything looking good on paper the only thing that could work against this up-and-coming brand would be a meaningless product - but that’s not the case here. In such stunning packaging that you almost want to leave on your countertop, MERIT has done what many have tried to do, successfully create products that adhere to the clear shift from “caking” the face, to “editing” it.
The six product line (seven including their Brush No.1 blending brush,) is everything you need to acquire a masterfully elevated everyday look with easy-to-use, stay all day products. These really are the, “Well-edited essentials that have earned a place on your vanity,” just like Power claims.
The new beauty line aims to serve the user well, but also has a mission to serve the environment well too. MERIT has dedicated themselves to taking a “holistic approach to clean,” ensuring their formulas and production maintain the highest levels of safety and ethics for your body and the planet, which you can read about on their about page.
All packaging is recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable, and their products are vegan and cruelty-free. They’ve also partnered with Baby2Baby, a non-profit that provides children across the United States with diapers, clothing and other basic necessities - no doubt something closer to Power’s heart as a mother herself.
Shop Merit Beauty here.
The Gift of Guerlain: Spa Luxury at Home
A definite way to end the year with a one-of-a-kind skincare experience.
co-written by Olivia Mcintosh
Inside of Hotel X Toronto, one of Toronto’s newest spaces infusing luxury into a wellness and entertainment-focused venue, you will find the Guerlain Spa. The space is known for its “artistic approach to beauty” and their all encompassing beauty treatments that bring a variety of self-care practices into one calming environment. Each treatment is customized by the guest, enabling you to fine-tune what will best suit your entire sensory system - away from the rush of the city and within the quiet walls of the spa.
The hotel itself overlooks the west end of Toronto’s distinct waterfront.
Also equipped with amenities including a members exclusive tennis court, spanning indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour gym, and exquisite rooms to hide away and relax in after a long day exploring the city, or for a well needed staycation.
Who would have thought we could still enjoy the best of self-care in Toronto at home. Coming out of a cold winter and planning our self-care splurges ahead of time is all part of our plan to end this year strong. Guerlain Spa has transformed some of their selected spa services into kits that will bring a piece of the luxurious spa into your home.
The Super Aqua Serum Kit
A derision of the Super Aqua sparkling glow treatment, a rejuvenating body polish driving exfoliation and full relaxation.
The Honey Holidays Kit
Honey being one of our favourite skin hydrating agents, is the theme of the luxe at home package using Guerlain’s own award-winning skincare line Abeille Royale.
The Discovery Ritual Kit
Infused with the benefits that orchids provide for our skin, as it boosts skin’s immunity and significantly reduces fine lines due to its magnesium, calcium and zinc properties.
A definite way to end the year with a one-of-a-kind skincare experience. Shop more of Guerlain Spa’s at-home offerings including more at-home kits, and gift cards to get ready for your next stay, here.
Crystal, Owner of jELN Discusses Operating a Natural Skincare Brand Rooted in Self-care.
Making the transition to running her company full-time, Crystal discusses her approach to infusing self-care into her natural skincare line.
We are always on a quest to discover companies, people, and products that have prioritized self-care as a driver in one’s personal wellness journey. Operating with the belief that self-care is an important step in our overall health, comes with the need to pay special attention to information shared, products released, and the way we lead our personal lives.
That’s why it was a pleasure to ask Crystal, owner of jELN, Toronto-based natural skincare line, all about her journey to running a brand that has not only improved her skin, but has been integrated into the way she approaches day to day self-care rituals. Furthermore, how she is getting this message across to her audience.
jELN Recharge Me Face Mask
What would you say the most rewarding part of owning an all-natural skincare brand is?
The most rewarding part of owning an all natural skin care brand is knowing exactly what is being applied to the skin. After countless hours of research and tests, the ingredients are no secret. jELN started as an idea and was brought to fruition. I’m proud to be able to say that I am a consumer of my own products to this day. It is rewarding to be able to say I overcame my skin issues with my own products. jELN has given me the ability to help others on their skincare journey and emphasize the importance of self care; the self care they deserve.
It's an amazing feeling to be able to tell my story. If I’ve helped even just one person thus far, it’s all worth it for me. Building a relationship with my customers is very important to me, therefore I try my best to be approachable and available for any questions and feedback.
Being a fairly new entrepreneur, what has been the biggest lifestyle change for you thus far?
The biggest lifestyle change for me thus far has been time management. Juggling a 9-5 full time office job while working on my business has definitely been the most challenging. There have been many sleepless nights and frustration to find balance. The business has become my main priority. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The day to day challenges of an entrepreneur has taught me to be resilient, productive and to keep consistent. At the moment, all jELN products are made from home which can be very time consuming. Prioritization is crucial in order to run efficiently and effectively. The more time I put in, the more the brand grows. I’ve also learned to find the power in rejections and being told no. Above everything, I feel in charge and more responsible for my future than I ever have. I am my own boss growing my business from the ground up. The process really puts into perspective how much back end work there is that the consumers don't see. Organization is key. The ball is in my court and it is a rewarding feeling to know that for all the work that I am putting in, thousands of individuals out there will be able to enjoy my products.
“Many times we get so busy that we forget to take care of our mind, body and soul. At jELN we want to stress that self care is just as important as the other life responsibilities”
How has being a creative director affected the development of your brand?
Being a creative director has really helped my visions come to life. I keep the five senses in mind when creating content for my customers. It’s important for consumers to see visuals that tell a story. We like to use real life scenarios and stories that consumers can relate to in their everyday lives. Through images and video, we are able to take our viewers on a journey as the brand develops and demonstrates how seamlessly jELN fits into the everyday self care routine.
We noticed a strong notion of self-care in your brand. Can you explain the importance of this motif in your brand and your life, and in what ways it shows up?
The importance of self-care is the force behind jELN because it encourages individuals to put themselves first. Many times we get so busy that we forget to take care of our mind, body and soul. At jELN we want to stress that self care is just as important as the other life responsibilities. It’s a care that everyone deserves. Loving yourself is learning to love and embrace every inch of you, flaws and all. Personal time is time well deserved and it is as simple as that. We support the notion that everyone should detach from their busy schedule at some point and indulge in some self care. Even if it's only for twenty minutes, jELN will help you do just that. Every moment counts.
What product would you recommend for a new JELN customer?
The Love body butter would be a great addition to any self care routine. It conveniently comes in a 2oz travel sized glass jar and full 8oz glass jar for at home use after a long day. Our body butter is meant for the areas of your body that you love. Love provides the ultimate moisture without the greasy feeling. Using raw butter and natural oils, Love is handcrafted to perfection to ensure a smooth and buttery application.
Each product at jELN is named after a calming force. Finding a soothing product is easy, from the Balance Toner infused with dried hibiscus and rose water, or the Rich facial moisturizer incorporating combinations of turmeric essential oil and dried lavender that offers a youthful glow.
Stay up to date with Crystal on her Instagram.
Shop jELN here.
A Discussion on Creative Workspaces and Fashion Illustration with Artist Siobhan Olivia
Now more than ever, the majority of us are working from home, and finding ways to do it effectively. Being an artist poses different constraints.
Working from home presents different realities for an artist. Whether you require optimal natural light, a painter's work area, or a practical room to account for messes (like when a woodworker cuts, or when a florist is pruning), a multi-functional space with systems in place will allow for a good work/life balance.
Fashion illustrator, Siobhan Olivia does a few exciting things in her west end Toronto loft. Being a watercolour artist and working for fine jewelry line Mejuri, we were curious to have a discussion on how she has navigated a work-from-home space. One that would lend itself to the various roles she switches to and from throughout the course of a day — including personal time. This, and some insight into Siobhan’s approach to fashion illustration and how florals find their way into her work.
Siobhan at home.
What qualities were you looking for in a home in Toronto?
I have always had my eyes on loft-style living ever since I can remember. My partner and I finally found the perfect space that has a multi-level floor plan and the openness we were looking for. The biggest plus side to our space is the tall floor to ceiling windows that pour in natural light! It really livens the space up.
As a visual artist how do you keep a fluid WFH space?
It is currently a work in progress. My art space is integrated into my work-from-home space for my job, which allows me to switch easily between both without having to move locations and to get things set up. This makes a huge difference when there is minimal effort involved!
Having home and work under one roof, the effortless flow and momentum while working especially for a creative task, can sometimes turn into a convoluted atmosphere. Kinfolk chatted with architects Delcy Morelos and Gabriel Sierra about what works for them in their home:
Accepting the inescapability of an artist’s never-ending work cycle, they also chose to integrate a workspace into their home: Gabriel has a room inside the apartment for smaller projects like drawing and model-making, and Delcy has a larger studio on the ground floor of the building for her projects. When they need a break, the artists journey out from the facade of their unassuming dark brick building for a walk in the vibrant city center. But they also enjoy spending a lot of time simply pondering and relaxing at home.
- Kinfolk
What bits of fashion inspire you the most when deciding on what to create next?
I gain a lot of inspiration from Instagram. I see which Jacquemus bags are trending, and all of the Diptyque candles in the background of images and I go from there. I enjoy the realness of IG content vs a fashion ad or editorial.
Art and Interiors by Siobhan Barrie, The Lorenzo Vase Set
What is your take on the popularity of florals in fashion? How does this seep into your work if at all?
Florals have always been one of my favourite subjects to paint, so incorporating them with fashion-related drawings comes super naturally. I love how they can be so messy in an illustration but still so pretty?
Has painting had any effect on your personal well-being before and especially now during a time of reclusion?
100%, and it has been really positive. Before, I never found the time to paint and to be creative. I would come home from work drained wanting to just relax, but I have found time in the mornings and evenings now that I’m home. I love to create during those in-between moments, and I often find myself sketching during my lunch hour! I finally started posting enough art which received lots of positive feedback, making me comfortable enough to launch my own website.
Lily Kwong Redefines Urban Living and Food Availability
Based in New York, the firm’s designs span America’s East and West Coasts, from the Glossier Seattle pop-up to a site-specific botanical installation in the bustling Grand Central Station.
By Stephanie Gao
Where can green spaces in cities be found? Parks, being the most obvious and common answer, allowing not much else to come to mind.
Enter Lily Kwong, a self-proclaimed urban edenist, landscape artist, and founder of Studio Lily Kwong—a landscape design firm founded with the mission of reconnecting people to nature.
Based in New York, the firm’s designs span America’s East and West Coasts, from the Glossier Seattle pop-up to a site-specific botanical installation in the bustling Grand Central Station.
Using plants as a design medium, Kwong believes it is essential for her as a young Chinese-American woman to “create more compassionate, equitable, and balanced places for us to live in” and bring “a new sense of space into the world.” In her own words, “if we change the way our cities are built, we can change who we are.”
Working in partnership with Maison St-Germain in June 2017, Kwong transformed a portion of the New York City High Line into an immersive, multidimensional experience. Guests were free to roam among green wall mazes arranged in the fashion of a 16th-century French labyrinth and a hanging installation of flowers modelled after rolling hills. Amongst the disorienting combination of blooms and neon lights, a modern dance performance by Mafalda Millies takes on a new life when coupled with St-Germain’s plant-based cocktails. Kwong notes that every design element—from the 13,000 carefully curated flowers to how the plant life would be recycled after the event—is meant to delight and inspire an awe for nature in celebration of the summer solstice. Kwong’s attention to the value of plants and their ecological impact is evident in all of her installations, as she always makes the conscious effort to steer away from plants that don’t support the native fauna in the area.
As a former model and cousin of designer Joseph Altuzarra, Kwong’s unique connection to fashion means she pays special attention to the materials, touch, feel, and energy of the space she is designing for. For her High Line installation, she walked through the High Line multiple times to get a feeling of how a visitor would move through the space, adjusting her design to prioritize the rhythms and paces of real human life.
During the height of the COVID pandemic in April, Kwong’s studio launched the Freedom Garden Initiative to address the issue of food insecurity in America. Kwong looked to history for inspiration, referencing the “Victory Gardens” that appeared during the 1918 influenza pandemic and continued during World War II. Vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens were planted in backyards, empty lots, and rooftops across cities, and from these 20 million gardens, an estimated 40% of the country’s fresh vegetables was produced in the early 1940s.
Kwong’s initiative re-purposed the original movement, doing away with the racist history of “Victory Gardens” and choosing to focusing instead on “freedom from a centralized food system, freedom from illness (both societal and physical), and freedom to reconnect with the land and ourselves.” Using social media as her primary tool of dissemination, the @freedom_gardens Instagram account as amassed nearly 7,000 followers and demonstrates how the community gardening initiative is picking up pace in the lockdown urban sphere. In the future, Kwong hopes to connect with local leaders and policymakers to make community gardens a normalcy in cities, though Kwong stresses the inclusivity of the initiative (a little pot and some soil, or even just water, is all you need!) and how her team is dedicated to “demystify” urban farming.
For those of you out there just starting your own gardens, www.freedom- gardens.com/ offers paid online lessons and consultations to those who need advice. 100% of proceeds are donated to Black-owned farms and organisations fighting for justice in the American food system. To Lily Kwong, humanity’s love for flowers is built into our DNA and having green spaces in our lives is a necessity. From inspiring better health, to enhancing a sense of belonging, and okay, increasing real estate values, the vital nature of greenery in urban centres is something Kwong continues to advocate for in not just her designs and projects, but also in her day to daylife.
You can find Kwong at Lily Kwong on Instagram for more gardening and relaxing green energy.
Buying Plants is Better With Guidance from Hilton Carter
Buying plants is seemingly a breeze, but the more you know, the longer the life of your fresh new greenery. Hilton Carter has learned the ropes and guides with how to style and fit nature seemingly into our personal spaces.
By: Stephanie Gao
A short scroll through any Pinterest interior design board will show you that plants-as-a-design- element is in major vogue right now. And for good reason too—the touch of plant life can brighten up any dull interior space. How to place plants inside your home in an artful manner and to ensure their continued survival can be an entire college course, as it’s not so simple as purchasing one and bringing it home.
If you are just getting started, look no further than plant and interior stylist Hilton Carter. An expert at bringing nature inside and making a space come alive.
The Baltimore born and raised designer, author, entrepreneur (trust us, you have to check out the Instagram of his rentable studio space @junglebythefalls), and plant educator not only offers online plant propagation classes on Airbnb, but also hosts the podcast “Journeys in Greenery with Hilton Carter”. In his podcast, Carter features a different guest for each monthly episode, wherein the creatives reveal the thought process behind how they select which plants to bring into their homes and how they became “plant parents”.
In addition to his own podcast, Carter has been the featured guest of many other podcasts, such as Bloom & Grow Radio, hosted by Maria Failla. In every podcast he is in, his passion for plants and their wellbeing infallibly shines through, and it is easy to see how much he enjoys sharing gardening as a lifestyle with others.
Here are ten tips and tricks we learned about styling plants, and a few things we learned about Carter himself too.
1. See your space as an art gallery—the things you bring into your home should have something to say.
2. Have a statement plant. This plant will set the tone for the rest of the room and should be your starting point. In his words, your guest’s “face has to be blown off” by your statement plant.
3. Decide on the type of vibe you’re setting…
4. … and then mix up your foliage. Look at the shape of the leaves and their colour. For example, a bird of paradise and fan palm together set what Carter refers to as a “jungle tone”, while ferns give more of a “forest vibe”.
5. Have a unified colour scheme. Carter is not into bright colours and prefers to keep things moodier, darker, and earth toned. He’s also really into “cradles”, a term he coined after designing glass and wood propagation vessels, and then covering an entire wall in his home with them #livingart
6. The planter is also a piece of art. As the “shoes” of the plant, it is a key part of how everything comes together. Carter recommends going to flea markets and thrift stores for inexpensive and unconventional options. Go for things that aren’t meant to be pots and planters, like a quiche dish from Ikea, if you want some inspiration from the master himself.
7. Always consider the type of light in your space before bringing a plant home. Don’t move your plants from shady areas to lighter areas too much.
8. Plant care varies a whole lot depending on where you live. It’s not a one-size-fits-all game here, as different climates require different solutions.
9. That being said: the best place to learn is from either Google or people who work in nurseries (good ones, of course). Never be afraid to reach out and ask questions!
10. Being a plant parent is about quality over quantity. Be mindful of your plants. If something happens, it’s always you. Do your homework and really know what plants you are getting.