Partying with the Goose

6 / 15 / 15

What do you do with a mansion on the market in Rocky View? Throw a party, of course! Grey Goose rolled out the blue carpet to Calgary’s bash best.

A carefully curated list of VIPs heeded the call to action. With a view like this, who could resist?

In case scenery wasn’t enough, there was also mini golf.

But the real hole in one (or three) was scored by the refreshments. Grey Goose La Poire, Cherry Noire or L’Orange, mixed with citrus and fresh grown herbs. Very healthy. Communications expert Joshua Smith appreciated the extra nutritional value in the garnishes, since hors d’oeuvres trays were a rare sighting…… so is a horse with a fascinator. And yet.Between drinks I bumped into Lee Pettigrew of Metropolitan Grill fame and Brad McMeekin, CEO & President, Skyline Construction.Hashtagging and helium were encouraged.Apologies for not taking photos of the indoor pool (complete with synchronized swimmers) or the 8-car garage… I was too dazzled by the sunset. And the fresh rosemary in my cocktail. Thanks Grey Goose!

Pantones, Plumper and XXL Extension Review

5 / 15 / 155 / 15 / 15

For someone who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, I’ve been test-driving beaucoup de maquillage this spring. To incorporate something into my minimal daily routine, or use it to amp up for a night on the town, it has to be easy, high-quality and the impact has to be worth the time spent applying it. Which new products made the cut?LashFusion XXL gives big lash bang for your mascara buck, even though it retails for a not-cheap $28 in Canada. The pinecone-shaped wand works surprisingly well, covering your lashes with one swipe (I give it two or three for uber-length) without clumping — at all. There’s even a feel-good aspect — Fusion Beauty says the nutrient rich formula will encourage lash growth.I hadn’t tried Ceramic Glaze nail lacquer before, but now the polish ($10.99 at Shoppers) will be a go-to. Besides Papaya Sunrise nailing my current fave color, a hybrid of orange-red, it goes on super-smooth and dries shiny. Most impressive: I can get away with one coat if I’m really slammed for time. Shown here from left to right, new colors for Spring/Summer 2015 include Freshly Laundered, Papaya Sunrise and Honolulu Hibiscus.Southern Alberta is having an unusually early spring. These photos were taken a few weeks ago, when the ponies still had their winter coats. During the shoot I discovered this hairy crocus-like bloom, growing wild.One makeup item I can’t live without — moisturizing lipstick or gloss. Since I usually apply it while driving, and almost always without a mirror, neutral shades work best for me! Lip Fusion Lip Plump Color Shine in Sugar fits the bill. Its wand magically has the right amount of gloss, preventing overgooping. Unlike some plumpers, it doesn’t turn my lips numb. I do feel a little warming after I apply, so it seems like the “revolutionary micro-injected collagen plumping technology” is trying, however I can’t say I’ve noticed a visual. So I’m not sure if it’s worth the $41 suggested retail price.

All photos taken at the Calgary Polo Club, with no accidental ingestion of makeup-confused-for-carrots to report.

Artesia Kitchen Party

5 / 12 / 155 / 12 / 15

Have you ever walked into a show home kitchen and fantasized about using the fantastic new appliances? Perhaps at this Albi Home, in Artesia at Heritage Point? Recently, Artesia invited Chef Paul Rogalski to do just that. But being co-owner of the world-renowned Rouge Restaurant, he took it up a notch…… turning a cooking demo into a kitchen party.I’ve seen a few ginormous island kitchen islands recently, and it always makes me wonder how you wipe the crumbs off (with a Swiffer?) but Chef Paul knew exactly what to do with the space.

In between showcasing cooking techniques for Roasted Cauliflower and Parsnip Soup, Duck A L’Orange and Tangled Beef Flank in Sherry Vinaigrette…Chef Paul dished on how to slice and dice an onion to achieve the perfect Big Mac garnish. Surprisingly it involved tossing almost half away. And yes, this award-winning chef and master of modern French cooking referenced McDonalds. Someone give this guy a reality show — quick!

Between courses, guests spilled out of the kitchen, into the super-wide entrance hallway. Tanya Puka of Anstice Communications flashes her pearly whites at the camera. On her right, Carolina Oxtoby, President and CEO of Heritage Pointe Properties and Heritage Point Golf Club. And in the glasses, Brad McMeekin, President of Skyline Construction. All well-versed in the art of being an Alberta houseguest: shoes off!A belle who busted her way through the doors of the developer boys’ club, Carolina is the woman who helped to make this luxurious neighborhood happen. Years before Calgary’s bedroom communities had sprawled anywhere near southern city limits, Carolina was trudging through fields and knocking on farmer’s doors. By 1989 she’d helped to amass 1000 acres for the Heritage Pointe community and matching golf course in De Winton — south of the “deep south,” as they like to say round these here parts. Artesia at Heritage Pointe followed.

While Chef Paul continued to slave over a hot, never-touched-before stove, Carolina told me how sustainability was a priority for her, especially water management. Heritage Pointe Properties uses grey water to maintain the landscaping.Sustainability continued indoors, with party guests thriving on champagne and Chef Paul’s delicious eats. What a great night!

Opening Day at Century Downs Racetrack

4 / 26 / 154 / 27 / 15

After years without racing in the Calgary area, horses are back on the track. Century Downs Casino is so fresh the slots aren’t even sticky yet. And this weekend, it was opening day for the reason behind their existence (aka the help in securing their liquor license): the racetrack. Conveniently located beside Cross Iron Mills outlet mall. I fully supported the opening parade’s emphasis on horse style. In this case, it was zebra-striped everything — even girth straps.The fashion sense continued with the drivers. Standardbred silks just seem to have a certain Evel Knievel super-coolness.No scissors here. This is how ribbon-cutting rolls at the racetrack.I found most of the high-fashion hats inside at a private reception, where the peeps were not only VIP, they were smart, since it was ridiculously cold outside. Hazel Bennett of Borders Racing Stable wore a lovely feathered hat originally worn by her mother in the 1940s. Dr. David Chalack stuck with his ten-gallon, but what would you expect from the man who is not only the Chair of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, but a board member of the Canadian Dairy Network and past president of the Calgary Stampede?Sandra Rexilius paired her beautiful brown velvet chapeau with her actual riding jacket. Bien sur!While Premier Jim Prentice stuck to his lawyerly go-to duds, albeit weekend casual with the button down shirt sans tie, it looks like he might have picked up a little fashion advice — and a big belt buckle — from Max Gibb, vice-chairman of the United Horsemen of Alberta and Century Downs.Although he seemed to charm the harness drivers without cowboying up.Finally, the wait was over and the first official race at Century Downs began. The photo finish ended up being a few short feet between new guard and wise guard: 22-year-old Travis Cullen (ladies, he lives in Airdrie) and 60-year old Rod Hennessy.My fave outfit of the day could be winner Rod Hennessy’s lucky orange and blue silks, but my favorite expression is definitely that manure-eating grin on Waitin Ona River’s face. Congratulations, you two! For more on Opening Day, please check my article in the Calgary Herald.

Princess For a Day, Nordstrom-Style

4 / 24 / 15

It’s Beauty Trend Event weekend at Nordstrom. Shopper faithfuls in the US have long enjoyed this princess-for-a-day pampering while being introduced to the latest and greatest in makeup and skin care. Now, with our first-in-Canada Nordstrom at Chinook Centre, Calgarians can too.My first stop was the Armani area. Nordstrom carries a bevy of high-end beauty brands that you can’t get at most other retails spots. The lovely owner of these hands gave me a facial massage with Giorgio’s luxurious moisturizers. Then another person joined Team Pamper, giving me a hand and arm massage with Joe Malone’s decadent scented body cream. Heavenly!Camille Cunningham, who moved from the States to manage the Cosmetics Department, showed me this Hidden Gem, as the realtors all love to say. A full-sized treatment room, where Nordstrom offers complimentary 30 minute facials.Then it was on to the brow department, where Britney did brilliant work with Anastasia products. She only used pencil and gel to whip my caterpillars into shape, but she also has a way with wax, on women and men too.

In Dior, the beautiful Arina did my makeup. And introduced me to primers. I vaguely knew that they have been around a while, but didn’t realize that they can help coverup and makeup stick more, which is a big issue with my nose scar. Makeup just seems to slide off that skin graft. I will do some test-drives on the samples I discovered in my goody bag and let you know how it goes.Two hours and two horses later, it occurred to me that perhaps I should check on my makeup. So I selfied in the dusk for this grainy shot. But look at those brows — the staying power is impressive considering I’d been wearing my polo helmet for an hour.

The Beauty Trend Event runs today and Saturday at Nordstrom. Give them a call — they may still be able to fit you in for complimentary makeup, skincare and fragrance consultations. Even if they can’t, there are about a zillion gift-with-purchase deals on at the store. Have fun!

A Spring in Earls Step

4 / 15 / 154 / 15 / 15

It might have felt like winter last night in Calgary, with a snowstorm reminding us just exactly how far north we live, but inside Earls Tin Palace, it felt like spring. The restaurant is spiffing up their menu for the green season, starting with craft cocktails. The Paloma, which involved tequila, grapefruit and a whole lot of deliciousness, was my favorite. If you happen to be a quiet talker, you won’t be after one of these.The room was crammed with paparazzi, including Reid Fiest, Global National’s Alberta Correspondent and Buzz Bishop, midday host on XL103. In the background I managed to catch Tim Tamashiro with his eyes closed (sorry about that Tim!) but it made me wonder what brilliance is taking place in the blink of an eye. A new riff for his upcoming jazz album to be recorded in Vancouver? Another dazzling story for Tonic, his show on CBC Radio 2? I will tune in to find out.

The Tin Palace on 4th Street SW is the hippest Earls in Calgary, the beautiful outcome of a horrible experience: the Floods of 2013. It makes some of the other locations seem shabby in comparison. Earls, I understand you’re busy with your 7000 employees and 63 restaurants — with two more opening up in the US this fall — but when can you start a similar ambience upgrade in the burbs of Cowtown? I was going to vote for Westhills to be first, but I have now learned that they are a privately owned franchise. So I will just offer this direct missive to them: hint, hint.

Back to the matter at hand — the tasting of the spring menu. Head Chef Keith Kozlowski, who likes to keep his thermometer ready for instant action, had his kitchen crew so fine-tuned that he was available for a photo op. Do you tell a chef to say cheese?

We started with the Fattoush Salad, which tasted like spring on a plate. Chef Keith told me he ate it every day for a week when they first started making it — and he still isn’t tired of it. The Fattoush will now be my salad go-to. The accompanying Famille Perrin La Vielle Firme Rose wasn’t bad either.

We were told these were half portions, but they were plenty satisfying. Pictured with the most amazing Pinot ever (Belle Glos Meiomi) are plates of Moroccan Salmon. Delicious, fresh, with an unexpected tang.

The waiters at Earls normally offer the stir service, but foodie Lisa Nguyen of the Lemon Lime Lisa blog knew how to muscle her mix of Bibimbap, especially under the encouraging eye of journalist David Gray, who always has his eye out for a good story. After all, he’s the host of The Eyeopener on CBC.

Such a wonderful time was had by all that everyone even put their phones away — except for Goodwill Carlos of Kool 101.5. But he’s a proud new baby daddy, so we understand. Great to see you everyone! And thank you Earls for the spring fling, it was delicious!

Cirque Sneak Peek

4 / 9 / 154 / 9 / 15

The dress rehearsal last night for Cirque du Soleil’s 35th production, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities, was disguised as opening night. Crowds of kids, and the occasional woman wearing her best circus high heels, trekked through the Stampede grounds to get to Parking Lot 6, now home to a 62-foot Big Top that seats 2700 people.Inside, the media had the best seats in the Top. This official media preview was the only opportunity to film the entire performance during its run in Calgary. I don’t have a big boy lens like these photogs, but my little Canon EOS Rebel SL1 managed to make it through.And thank goodness, because I was right there, front and center. Close enough to touch the stage. And get bumped by people using that fold-down stairway to the left. However, since Cirque performers are -ahem- highly skilled professionals, that never happened.From my vantage point, I could almost tell the thread-count in the juggler’s pants. Costume Designer Philippe Guillotel’s genius influenced all the couture, including the shoes. Meanwhile, every performer does their own makeup before the show. Sounds like my old Action News days in Cleveland. Except I didn’t have to paint on these brilliant masks concocted by Makeup Designer Eleni Uranis.The contortionists had another look entirely. The frilly edges along their sinewy limbs, reminded me of the koi I have been obsessing about lately.From the social media files: I hashtagged “Circus” on my Instagram account last night. It lead to a whole new world of “likes” from contortionists, a group of people I haven’t had much interaction with. Turns out that they are far from freakish — just an ultra-sexy breed of humans. Writer/Director Michel Laprise worked with Madonna on her Super Bowl performance and her MDNA tour, so the Cirque concoction of outlandish-sensual-dance-gymnast-artist-feast-for-the-eyes-and-ears all makes sense.

But it was a lady of minimal movement who entranced me the most.Antanina Satsura plays Mini Lili. In classic trippy Cirque style, she represents another character’s unconscious mind and intuitive self. In real life, the 60-year-old Belorussian refers to herself as a proportionate dwarf. One of the 10 smallest people in the world, she may be only 3.2 feet tall and 39 pounds, but she is a powerhouse on stage.Speaking of the stage, this balancing artist flew high above it –and me– just to take his jacket off.I love how Cirque du Soleil characters always have time to appreciate an outstanding performance. If I’d had time for a narcissistic moment, my selfie would have had the same expression…… while watching these aerial acrobatics! The strongman is a human trapeze.The musicians are also up in the rafters — if a Big Top has rafters. That’s Michael Levin, linking daredevil with the word cello. Most cellists I’ve seen tend to play the instrument much closer to the ground, while seated.Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS runs until May 24 in Calgary, with a special VIP opening tonight. I’m thrilled to say I’ll be there. See you tonight, KURIOS!

Spring Makeup Preview

4 / 7 / 154 / 8 / 15

Canadian products powerhouse ACI Brands came to Calgary recently to introduce the spring/summer lines of their top makeup brands. While our booming city could use a few more luxury boutique hotels, luckily we have Le Germain, located in Cowtown central.

Upstairs, between the fabulous florals and fantastic food offerings, the traveling road show included Stila, Cargo and new-to-Canada PAUL & JOE Beaute, whose beauty was not just on the inside.

They’re big in Japan! Is it any wonder that PAUL & JOE Beaute is flying off shelves in Tokyo when kittens abound on the packaging? Designer Sophie Mechaly, who named the company after her sons, doesn’t let her cat allergy get in the way of turning feline viral video popularity into makeup cult collectible status.

Her main motif, however, is a chrysanthemum, embodying the retro-modern style that Mechaly loves. The products, which range from skin primer to moisturizer to lipsticks, eyeshadows and more, are exclusively available at just four Shoppers Drug Marts in Canada: Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, ON, Robson and Burrard in Vancouver, Richmond Centre in Richmond, BC and Chinook Centre here in Calgary. Take that, Toronto! In the corner window, views of the Rocky Mountains and the Palliser clamored for attention, but new products from Stila and Cargo prevailed.

Stila packaging is all grown up now, leaving their usual cardboard containers behind. I was really digging this eyebrow gel during the preview. I expect to get my hands on some this week, so I’ll let you know how my personal at home trial goes.

Meanwhile, Cargo is taking cardboard casing to a new level. Sophisticated New York cityscapes tempt the turn to find the lipstick within.

While ACI Beauty and National Spokesperson Lyndsay Craig gives the lowdown on Paul & Joe, the founder of OverCat Communications is not partying with a lampshade on her head. Don’t let the wacky perspective distract you from Audrey Hyams Romoff’s amazing dress, which had to be included in a story about ravishing packaging.

Newport Report

4 / 6 / 154 / 8 / 15

I don’t care what the haters say. I love LA…… and the entire Cali coastline. Newport was my home base during my latest sojourn to SoCal. Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite things in the area to check out.

For starters, see if you can find a friend who lives on the water and doesn’t have Visiting Friend Fatigue yet. On the ocean side, the California archetype of surfers ride the open waves, while the boardwalk is constant cruiser bike rush hour. You can almost hear the Beach Boys singing.

One the east side of the Balboa Peninsula, small residential islands that you can drive onto by bridge create a canal system that doubles the water frontage in the hood. The extra waterfront doesn’t make for any real estate bargains, but the wave-free aqueducts allow for smooth paddle boarding.

But should you be forced onto the open seas in something slightly larger, don’t walk the plank. The captain’s got the wheel! Sit back and have a drink.There were closer cultural options, but a mile shy of Malibu, the Getty Villa called my name. Even if antiquities aren’t your thing, the architecture and the gardens here will tug at your heartstrings. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Pacific Palisades, the Getty Family built this museum just below their own ranch house in the 1970’s.Modeled after a first-century Roman country house to house their collection of 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, the 64 acre complex seems a world away from busy PCH at the end of the driveway. Due to the extreme drought, this was the only pool that had water in it, luckily for the koi. And Bacchus riding that wineskin waterfall.

For some reason, it was the art on P3 that spoke to me most. Dude, where’s my car?Back to Newport and one of my favorite malls ever. And I don’t even like malls. But Fashion Island is an orchestration of outdoor retail beauty. With the ocean misty in the background, those beautiful palm trees are just the beginning — since they border the parking lot. Within the shopping space, dozens of high-end boutiques and restaurants will put your plastic through its paces. Jonathan Adler was my fave. But don’t even think of pulling a fast one here — the mall cop rides a mean Segway.Fashion Island also has the most extravagant koi pond I’ve ever seen. At least fifty fish swishing at high speeds. Must be the penny-free pool.But you can’t wander a mall forever. Further down the coastline, you’ll find Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. Many of them were built for movie sets in the 1920s. Part of the state park’s 3.5 miles of pristine beaches, the seaside colony is run by a non-profit, which rents them out at rates way cheaper than any house rental on the Cali coast would normally cost. From my perch above at Ruby’s Shake Shack (definitely stop in for a milkshake) it looked like Super Family Fun Time, so keep that in mind if you’re hunting for a muy romantico situation.After much geeking out online, I discovered parking fees were in the double digits for Crystal Cove State Park. I chose to hike in Laguna instead, where you can park downtown all day for $3. As a Calgarian who enjoys some of the most expensive city core parking in Canada, I had to get some of that.After entering the trail beside Irvine Bowl, a steep climb awaited.So did flowering prickly pear cactus. Bonita!
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is 7,000 acres of prime real estate, criss-crossed with trails and ocean views.Afterwards, reward yourself with a jaunt through downtown Laguna. The vibe is similar to Carmel, except it doesn’t seem to exclusively attract the Honeymoon And Seniors Set. Amble the blocks across from the beach and you’ll discover oodles of independent boutiques and art galleries.Take that reward up a notch with an al fresco lunch at Zinc Cafe. In sunny California it seems like every salad is spectacular. And every Chardonnay is buttery. Then you’re ready for ice cream and the American dream, at the Laguna beach of MTV fame.

Leave it to Cleaver

3 / 9 / 153 / 10 / 15

Cleaver is cutting its way into my heart. I’ve been here a few times now. Both times the service has been excellent. So has the food, btw, but if you follow my Savor reviews, you know I’m all about The Entire Package, which means ambience and attitude have equal weight with what’s on the plate.

No words required
Bearded hijinks behind the bar
Pay the bill or else?
The room at Cleaver
Dangerous beer taps
The cow before the cut

The evening starts with the bubbly hostess from New Brunswick, who offers bubbly if you have to wait for your table, which is likely with the crowds here. More restos should do this — such a simple, alcohol-infused way to keep patrons positive. Once I was seated, I enjoyed my Yorkshire pud and seared tuna so much that I was inclined to forgive the dark decor going a teeny bit too hard on the cleaver theme. Knives everywhere. Except your heart, which only feels warm and fuzzy after an evening here.

Looking for a libation? Try the Monk and Mexican. Tequila, cucumber, ginger and bitters. Served in a copper cup, it keeps deliciously cool. Although you can’t tell when you’re getting low. Better play it safe and order your second after a few sips.