City Cruising in the 2018 Ford Mustang Convertible
As iconic as the mountains and plains of this great province, the Mustang embodies the epitome of open-road driving. Symbolized by a galloping horse, the freedom and excitement associated with the Mustang mirrors that of our western spirit. Nothing quite screams summer like cruising around in a convertible. When opportunity knocked this summer to test […]
Weekend Road Trip in the 2018 Ford EcoSport
We essentially are a Ford family and may be becoming a Ford neighbourhood. Both my husband and I drive older Ford Explorers (2002 and 1992) and my brother just bought a 2004 Ford Explorer to go with his Ford Edge. My cousin here in Calgary works for Ford so of course drives Ford vehicles. Our […]
Enjoy Modern Comfort at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Edmonton
Edmonton is the northernmost North American city with a population of just over one million people. It is also home to North America’s largest mall, the West Edmonton Mall, spanning 48 city blocks. There is plenty to see and do in Edmonton besides the West Edmonton Mall including Fort Edmonton Park, Aga Khan Garden, Telus […]
7 Tips to Prepare for Travel
The travel bug hit when I moved to Vancouver. Through various positions I held, personal time and hanging out with girl friends I was able to see some of the world. Like the time Air Canada came out with a seat sale from Vancouver to San Fransisco for $99 return! You bet we jumped on […]
Let It Snow Chef Exchange with Canadian Beef
This past month the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence hosted the Let It Snow Chef Exchange Event in coordination with Chateau Lake Louise. Two similar events occurred throughout Canada this year showcasing Canadian beef and community for Canada’s 150th Birthday. We were invited to participate in the third and final leg starting at the Canadian […]
Hitting the road with Ford’s C-Max Electric Hybrid
Ford C-Max Electric Hybrid – Forward thinking As we planned our trip to Southern Montana and South Dakota, we learned we would be driving a Ford C-Max Hybrid Electric Car, courtesy of Ford Canada. With both of us currently driving older and very spacious Ford Explorers, the first thing that came to mind was – […]
Canada Day 150 Celebrations in Calgary
2017 marks a milestone for Canada as Canadians celebrate our 150 Anniversary or the 150 Anniversary of Confederation. Our diverse Canadian culture allows for a variety of Canadian celebrations all across the country. We’ve assembled 10 Canada Day 150 celebrations in Calgary or slightly beyond you will want to check out. City of Calgary Celebrations […]
Date Night Getaway at the Marriott Calgary Airport Hotel
This year my husband Rob and I are celebrating 13 years of marriage. We’ve zoomed past the seven year itch without a hitch (see what I did there), and kept things interesting with two adorable children aged 9 and 11, sister cats, a dog resembling a small pony, and an International student who lives with […]
10 Days of Coffee
For as long as I lived in Vancouver there were dueling Starbucks coffee shops kitty-corner to each other at Robson and Thurlow. Seemed like a clever strategy as they were both equally lined up out the door. At the time I had a part time job working on Robson Street, along with a full time […]
Get your Holiday Spirit on at Christmas in November
For 27 years the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has been romancing guests with the magic of Christmas in November. This annual culinary event features Canadian Celebrity Chefs as well as known local Chefs who love to share their passion for cooking with attendees. With three packages to choose from, you pick the one that works […]
12 Free things to do in Calgary this Summer
Planning on a Calgary stay-cation this Summer, or looking to find more frugal ways to enjoy the Summer? With the economy in a slump, it’s good to have some options for places to take the family, friends or visiting relatives without burning a hole in your pocket book. Here are 12 Free things to do […]
Christmas in November
Christmas in November in Jasper is an event held every year at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and a glorious celebration of food, drink and decor. It’s a place you can go to get back to nature (literally you will see wildlife everywhere), breathe in the fresh mountain air and allow yourself to get caught […]
McDonald’s Mighty Angus Burger
I grew up in a town in Northern British Columbia and remember fondly when McDonald’s made its appearance in our community. I was in high school and everyone was so excited to have the golden arches arrive. Outings to McDonald’s became a regular routine with friends for a burger & fries. To this day those […]
Road Trippin: 10 Day Trips from Calgary
When you think of Alberta, what comes to mind? West Edmonton Mall, prairies, beef, cowboys….the Calgary Stampede? You might be surprised to know Alberta has dinosaur fossils, quick sand, glaciers, and some of the most beautiful scenery East of the Rocky Mountains. Albertans love to travel and stay-cations are right up there with the best […]
Canmore Uncorked
Last week I attended the Canmore Business & Tourism Canmore Uncorked Media Launch here in Calgary at The Cookbook Co. Cooks store. This is the second year of an event that appears to have become a very popular and an anticipated food & drink festival that begins on April 7, 2015. This 13 day long […]
7 Camping Essentials
I’d like to think I’m well seasoned when it comes to camping. A 40+ year veteran of all kinds of camping, I’ve learned a lot over the years about what works, and what doesn’t. The best part, the memories, lots of memories! Like one I recall of myself out camping with the family and I’m […]
Road Trippin: Family Friendly Activities in Kelowna
One of the funnest things you can do as a family is take a road trip. Get out and explore a new Province, State or region in your own backyard. Our family road trips regularly between British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba visiting family, and enjoying hotel stays and attractions along the way. This summer […]
Bannock on a Stick | Brewers Campground at Gull Lake
Our first camping adventure of the year found us trying a new campground, and it’s a mouthful. Brewer’s Campground & Aspen Beach Provincial Park at Gull Lake, right smack dab in the middle of Alberta. Whew, right. It’s not a long drive for us and but a lovely one through the country side. The campground […]
Adventures with S’mores & Camping at Ol’ MacDonalds Resort
If you can believe it, I never had s’mores growing up. I know right…sheltered. But I did get my share of roasted, sticky, gooey, delicious marshmallows. The word S’more appears to be derived from the phrase “some more”. According to Wikipedia, the first recorded version of the recipe can be found in the publication Tramping […]
Pie Iron Pizzas | Bow Valley Campground Camping
Camping season is upon us and as I was making reservations for our summer adventures, I looked back at where we’ve been while considering where we should go this year. We love being able to go camping in Kananaskis, and having the Rocky Mountains so close to where we live. I grew up in BC […]
Sausage Tin Foil Dinner | Waterton Lakes National Parks Camping
Growing up we used to camp a lot. But it was boring for me. I was the youngest by 7 years and most of the time the only kid for miles. We never went somewhere fun to camp, but instead we drove down winding logging roads for hours to special fishing holes so my dad […]
Calgary’s First Hawkers Market
Last weekend Calgary was able to get down and dirty with their first ever Hawkers Market. What is a Hawkers Market you ask? In simple terms a recurring pop-up food market where people can meet local vendors in a smaller, more intimate setting. Created by Chris Jerome in Vancouver, the Hawkers Market philosophy is […]
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Bites
It takes a Village…or at least I could have used one the first two weeks of February. It sho Print Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos Author: Wanda Baker Recipe type: snack, game day, appetizer, beer night, Serves: 30 Ingredients 15 jalapenos 1 x 8 oz brick of cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp smoked gouda cheese, shredded 1 tbsp old […]
Adventures in Eating New Cuisines
Next up for January’s submission of the Canadian Food Project is A Canadian Resolution. Immediately my mind starts spinning with foods and new cooking techniques I want to try, things I should perhaps let go of (the not so healthy stuff) or eat less of. But then everything in moderation, right? So I thought long […]
Loose Moose Theatre: Jack & The Beanstalk | Smoky White Beans
We’ve been patrons of the Loose Moose Theatre at the Crossroads Market for over six years (since my daughter was two). It’s always been an affordable, enjoyable and interactive afternoon outing for the entire family. If you decide to check out a performance, whatever you do, do not expect a quiet relaxing rest. While you […]
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts
Several times a year I gather together a bunch of friends for a Moms Who Need Wine Night. Sometimes we have a theme like California wines, other times we go out on an adventure, or on occasion we’ve even hosted some sort of party. It never really matters what we do or where we go, […]
Prosciutto Wrapped Watermelon with Balsamic Drizzle
Last year I was invited to attend the KitchenAids Cook for the Cure Launch here in Calgary, a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Our speaker for the evening was Celebrity Chef Corbin Tomaszeski, a former Albertan himself who grew up just outside of Edmonton. The event was hosted at a local restaurant called […]
Sun & Salsa Festival | Cucumber Salsa
One of Calgary’s older neighbourhoods, Kensington, has been hosting it’s Annual Sun & Salsa Festival for as long as I can remember. The first time I attended was back in 2002! I love that you can bring the kids along and participate as a family in trying different salsas. Upwards of 20 local restaurants, pubs […]
Dinosaur Bones | Dinosaur Provincial Park Camping
Our new Adventure Series is going to start with one of our favourite camping destinations, Dinosaur Provincial Park. The majestic hoodoos and badlands call us back time and time again as we love to get out and explore this vast land. This is just one of a few of our favourite places to go camping […]
6 Things to Do in New Orleans
In a place famous for its cuisine, living music aka the birthplace of jazz, plus annual celebrations and festivals, you will find New Orleans rich with history, culture and religion. Our first trip to New Orleans happened on our honeymoon as we were looking for more than a tropical beach destination. We wanted a warm […]