RSS

Home Projects to do in the Fall!

As the weather grows colder, it’s that time of year to fix-up and replace things in your home to prepare for winter! Use the fall season to finish up these home improvement projects so you’re all set for this winter! 

Replace Your Furnace Filter - a dirty furnace filter can make your furnace work harder to heat your home, which will drive up your utility bill! It can also compromise your air quality so be sure to switch your filter out! 

Inspect the Weatherstripping - this is the perfect time to inspect the weatherstripping around your doors and windows, especially your garage door! If the seals are compromised, cold air can seep in and drive up your heat bill! 

Clean Your Gutters - make sure you clean out your gutters before the snow starts to fall to avoid overflow and damage to your roof! 

Replace Missing Shingles - if your roof has missing or damaged shingles, make sure to replace these to prevent them becoming troublesome leaks in the future! 

Winterize Irrigation Systems - make sure to have your irrigation system blown out to remove any water and prevent freezing that may ruin your sprinklers! It’s also the perfect time to put away your garden hose and shut off your exterior water faucets. 

Read

Fall Recipes to Bring in the New Season

One of the best parts about the seasons changing is bringing new recipes into your weekly rotation! Here are some of our favorites: 

Turkey Pot Pie - this is one of the ultimate comfort foods, and is a great use of leftover turkey (or chicken) from a roast! Click here for our favorite take on this classic staple! 

Pumpkin Soup - with the fall season, it’s all about everything pumpkin. Enjoy this creamy pumpkin soup as the weather gets colder! Click here for the recipe! 

Pumpkin Bread - it wouldn’t be fall without pumpkin flavored baked goods, and our favorite is this moist and delicious pumpkin bread! Click here for the recipe!

Chili - this time of year is the best for hearty comfort meals, and chili is perfect for those cold evenings. Click here for our favorite recipe! 

Mexican Tortilla Soup - this soup is full of flavor and a personal favorite for this time of year! Click here for the recipe!

Read

5 Events to Check Out this September in Calgary

Don’t let the summer fun end with the back to school season. There are still plenty of events happening throughout Calgary, perfect for going out with friends or the whole family! We’ve listed some below for you! 

Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ - Sept 6 to 10

One of the world's most prestigious show jumping tournaments. Top riders and horses from around the globe compete at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in Calgary. All seating is general admission and can be purchased in advance.

Alberta Culture Days - Sept 1 to 30

It’s 30 days of discovery, experiences, and celebration with Alberta Culture Days, an opportunity to connect with new cultures in a variety of local events and activities. Experience Alberta Culture Days with virtual, in-person, indoor, and outdoor activities.

Railway Days - Sept 9 to 10

Heritage Park’s extraordinary rail collection takes centre stage during Railway Days, including hands-on activities, exhibits, and a rare glimpse of the turntable in action and the double-headed steam engine.

Block Party 2023 at Deerfoot City - Open until Sept 10

Deerfoot City brings vibrant local art and free events back for the summer with Block Party, including a retro twist with the introduction of the Roller Rink on The Boulevard. Bring your old-school roller skates or rent a pair of rollerblades!

Summer on 17th - Until Sept 23

Visit 17th Ave. this season for Summer on 17th. There will be live music, fitness classes, DJ and drag shows, outdoor movies, and more in Tomkins Park throughout the summer. Best part is that all of the events are free.

 

For more events and information, you can always visit TourismCalgary or visitcalgary.com to see what other events might be happening! 


Read

5 Things to do in Calgary This Summer!

The weather is hot and the sun is out, it’s the perfect time to enjoy activities with the family! Keep reading to see 5 fun activities you can do this summer! 

  1. Calgary Zoo has a limited-time exhibition of animal topiaries called WildScapes! This one-of-a-kind summer garden experience is only here until September 17th and features 10 larger-than-life animal topiaries, from a 21 ft tall giraffe to a 24 ft long snake! 

  2. Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA is available from August 25th to October 8th at Under the Big Top, Stampede Park! The show is all ages and features a combination of two circus traditions: acrobatic performance and the art of clowning! 

  3. Calgary Night Markets at Heritage Park is open every Saturday night until September 2nd! Explore vendors, entertainment and local food while you shop! 

  4. Shakespeare on the Go - A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be at various locations throughout Calgary from July 14th to August 6th! With no admission fee, you can enjoy a 75 minute version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the family!

  5. Pet-A-Palooza at Eau Claire Market is a free family event with entertainment including a huge dog pool party, corgi races, the puppy stampede, pet-related exhibitors, food trucks and more! Check it out on July 29th and 30th!

Read

2023 Stampede Lineup!

Stampede is almost here!! Starting July 7th and until July 16th, you can enjoy live music, park rides, fun rodeo events and more! Keep reading to find out more about some of the big events happening this year at Stampede.

Nashville North Headliners

July 6 - Jess Moskaluke

July 7 - Mackenzie Porter

July 8 - Jojo Mason

July 9 - Billy Currington

July 10 - Dallas Smith

July 11 - Elle King

July 12 - High Valley

July 13 - Jade Eagleson

July 14 - Eli Young Band

July 15 - James Barker Band

July 16 - Tenille Arts

 

Coca-Cola Stage Headliners 

July 6 - Russ

July 7 - Vance Joy

July 8 - Cordae

July 9 - Jessie Reyez

July 10 - Charley Crockett / Margo Price

July 11 - Tegan and Sara

July 12 - Broken Social Scene / Manchester Orchestra / Jimmy Eat World

July 13 - Stephen Sanchez

July 14 - Mt. Joy

July 15 - Zeds Dead

July 16 - Mother Mother 

 

You can also check out the Rodeo daily at 1:30pm for the duration of Stampede, as well as the stunning Evening Show nightly at 7:45pm. 

 

2023 New Midway Food! 

This year, there are some interesting menu items to try out! 

  • Chicky Chicken’s Kool-Aid Chicken Burger
  • Cin City Donuts’ Deep Fried Dad’s Cookies

  • So Cute Ice Cream’s Ketchup and Mustard Ice Cream
  • Lil Pocket Dogs’ Neon Dog 

  • Veggie Junk Food’s Mexican Corn Ribs 
  • Drink From a Fruit Street Corn Lemonade
  • Big Coco’s Peanut Butter Pickle Dog

 

For more details, check out the Stampede here: https://www.calgarystampede.com/


Read

5 Ways to Save Money in Your Home

The cost of living keeps increasing, and we’re here to help you find new ways to lower your bills and save money in your home!

Switch Your Lightbulbs to LEDs - LEDs use less electricity over incandescent bulbs and will last 15 to 20 times longer on average! 

Close Your Closet Doors - even though your closet has limited square footage, you are still heating or cooling it. By keeping the doors closed, you’re reducing the work your furnace has to do! 

Caulk or Weatherstrip - sealing air leaks on your windows can save you 10% to 20% on your energy bills! 

Change Your Furnace Filter - a clogged filter can make your furnace motor work harder and use more power, costing you more money! 

Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water - switching from hot or warm water to cold will cut the energy your washer uses in half!

Read

Our Favourite Soups for Cold Weather

BRRR! With the cold winter weather in full swing this week, we’re looking to our favorite soups to keep us warm! We thought you might like to try them to stave off that winter chill, so we’ve listed them below! 


Loaded Potato Soup

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, chopped
2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 large leek, cleaned and chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 c. chicken stock
1 tsp. kosher salt
6 sprigs of fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
3/4 c. sour cream, plus more for garnish
Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, sour cream, and reserved bacon, for serving

Directions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 2 pieces for garnish.  Crumble the remaining 4 pieces. 

  2.  Place the crumbled bacon, potatoes, celery, leek, garlic, stock, salt, thyme sprigs, and pepper in the base of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Put the lid on the slow cooker, and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 6 to 8 hours) until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.  Remove the thyme sprigs and discard.

  3.  Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a semi-smooth consistency, leaving small chunks of potato and vegetables for texture. Stir in the sour cream. (Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water, to thin the soup out to your desired consistency). Serve in bowls, garnished with cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and the reserved bacon slices crumbled over top. 

 

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 large yellow onion
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 1/2 cup)
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 c. all-purpose flour 
6 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tsp. chopped thyme
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp. black pepper, plus more to taste
1 lb. dried gnocchi
1 c. 5-oz. container baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 c. half and half

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes, adding the garlic during the last minute.

  2. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until evenly combined and vegetables are well coated, about 1 minute. Gradually stir in the chicken broth. Add the chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes. 

  3. Stir in the gnocchi and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, under tender and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and half and half. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well combined and spinach is tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

 

Italian Wedding Soup 

Ingredients

FOR THE MEATBALLS:
1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/4 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp. kosher salt 
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray

FOR THE SOUP:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 c. chopped carrots 
1 c. chopped yellow onion
1 c. chopped celery
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more for serving
6 c. chicken broth
14 oz. can beef broth
1 c. pearl couscous or small pasta
5 oz. baby spinach
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 450º with the oven rack in the upper third of oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil.

  2.  Mix together the beef, sausage, parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, panko, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined. Form the mixture into about 40 (1/2-inch wide) meatballs. Lightly spray the baking sheet with nonstick spray and arrange the meatballs in a single layer.

  3.  Bake the meatballs for 6 to 8 minutes or until they are firm to the touch. Increase the heat to broil. Broil the meatballs for 2 to 4 minutes or until browned. Set aside.

  4.  For the soup: Heat the oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and celery, and cook for 4 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 

  5.  Gradually stir in the salt, pepper, chicken broth, and beef broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and add the couscous. Cover and cook 8 minutes or until the couscous is just tender.

  6. Add the spinach and cook for 1 minute, until just wilted. Stir in the meatballs and cook 2 minutes or until the meatballs are warmed throughout. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. 

  7. Serve the soup in bowls, and garnish with additional parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and black pepper.

Read

5 New Restaurants in Calgary

Borough Bar & Grill 

Check out this new restaurant with walk-in patisserie specializing in sandwiches and coffee! Located in the University District, Borough is both indoor and outdoor! Be sure to try the fried artichokes and roasted mushroom dip! 

Brix and Barrel 

This new cocktail bar in downtown Calgary features delicious dishes like truffle risotto, and salmon carpaccio! Check out their cocktail menu for fun drinks and even mocktails, cleverly named not a mojito and not a whiskey sour. 

Burnin Bird 

If you like Nashville hot chicken, you’ll love this new restaurant! Located in the Beltline, Burning Bird offers chicken tenders and sandwiches, with a heat scale ranging from “naked” to “burning” if you like your food extra spicy! 


Fine Print 

This unique restaurant off Steven Ave focuses on making customers feel like a VIP, and strives to create an atmosphere of sophistication and simplicity. Check out their book theme menu, where the Preface sections your appetizers and the Main Story holds the entrees! 


Freestyle Social Club 

This restaurant offers a unique experience where not only do you book a table, but also a round of golf! Perfect for small company events or going out with friends! 

Read

Valentine's Events in Calgary

Love is in the air! Valentine's Day is a few weeks away and if you're looking for something new and fun to do with friends or your partner, we've got you covered! Here are some fun and interactive events happening in Calgary this Valentine's Day!

Love is in the air! Valentine's Day is a few weeks away and if you're looking for something new and fun to do with friends or your partner, we've got you covered! Here are some fun and interactive events happening in Calgary this Valentine's Day!


Feb 9th & 14th - Candlelight Jazz: Valentine’s Special 

Enjoy a Candlelight Concert with a multi-sensory musical experience this Valentine’s Day! The program includes music from Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker!

For tickets and more information, click here.


Feb 9th - Paint Nite: Valentine’s Day Wine Glasses

Get your creativity on with a 2 hour guided wine glass painting night. You’ll get to bring home your very own hand painted glasses, and tickets include all supplies so you only need to bring yourself and your partner! 

For tickets and more information, click here.


Feb 10th - Valentine Comedy Extravaganza

Enjoy dinner and a show this Valentine’s Day with FunnyFest Comedy! The event features headliners Joe King and Stu Hughes, a dinner buffet, chocolates and great prizes! 

For tickets and more information, click here.


Feb 14th - Date Night at Workshop

Bring your partner for 3 hours of throwing and hand building clay while enjoying amazing refreshments and music! The evening includes wine, clay, instruction, glazing, firing, music, tools, etc. as well as charcuterie from Peasant Cheese! 

For tickets and more information, click here.

Read

Volunteer Opportunities in Calgary

With the new year we look to all the things we are grateful for, and all the things we want to accomplish. It’s important to also look at the things we can do for others, and how we can give back to our communities! We’ve outlined some organizations in Calgary we believe are doing amazing work that you can get involved with in 2023! 

 With the new year we look to all the things we are grateful for, and all the things we want to accomplish. It’s important to also look at the things we can do for others, and how we can give back to our communities! We’ve outlined some organizations in Calgary we believe are doing amazing work that you can get involved with in 2023!

 

The Calgary Food Bank

Food insecurity is something no one should have to feel. The Calgary Food Bank works to realize their vision of hunger-free communities and is the first line of emergency support for families and individuals facing crisis. 

Volunteer Here: https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/volunteer/

 

Calgary Drop-In Centre 

The Drop-In Centre welcome adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Working collaboratively, they provide access to a spectrum of care that supports each person’s transition to the most independent living possible—including emergency shelter, programs and services, and affordable and supported housing.

Volunteer Here: https://calgarydropin.ca/volunteer/

 

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids

BB4CK believes no child should ever go hungry. They believe kids who have consistent access to nutritious food grow stronger brains and stronger bodies. They’re able to make friends, attend school consistently and to focus on learning instead of on a grumbling stomach. Their mission is to Connect and inspire people to take meaningful action to feed and care for kids

Volunteer Here: https://bb4ck.org/as-a-volunteer/

 

Calgary Women’s Shelter

The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter is focused on ending family violence and abuse in the lives of women, children, youth and men. Taking a Stand Against Family Violence in the community since 1974, the agency has helped over 260,000 Calgarians build safe lives and healthy relationships.

Volunteer Here: https://www.calgarywomensshelter.com/give/volunteer-opportunities

 

Calgary Meals on Wheels


Calgary Meals on Wheels promotes health and independence by providing quality, nutritious and affordable meals. They believe everyone deserves to be well fed regardless of age, ability, or life-circumstances. By delivering meals to Calgarians, they work to end food insecurity in Calgary. 

Volunteer Here: https://www.mealsonwheels.com/volunteer

Read
Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.