Product: Jilli Bean Soup's Mushroom Medley

I have been making a very big effort to get out, go exploring and find adventures in our own backyard. There is so much to do and see in the city. My goal this summer is to do just that... get out and discover. 

Goal: Explore

Where: Anywhere

Why: Because summer (and life) is too short to sit around and be bored, there is so much to see. It also makes me so much happier and leaves lasting memories for all three of us.

Maybe you'll discover something here that you didn't know about. Maybe you'll be inspired to go discover and explore yourself. Here's to new adventures!

Where: Kinsmen Park

Date: May 6

Cost: nothing

What we brought: picnic dinner (and runners next time as the sand makes all other surfaces slippery)

At the beginning of May Anna & I had a picnic / park date with our good friends Lisa & Lucas. We both packed up meals for our families and met at the Kinsmen Park where we spent the evening eating olives, Cheetos and maybe perhaps sneaking a G&T in a to-go mug. We climbed on equipment, refused to go down the spiral contraption (me) and watched two kids get to know each other better. 

Before:

"Is Lucas a boy mom?"

"Yes Anna, Lucas is a boy."

So... Auntie Lisa doesn't have a girl?"

"Nope, just Lucas but he loves to have fun just like you and I am sure he loves the park."

"Hmmm.... Ok."

After:

"You're right, Lucas was fun. They also had cheesies"

On our way home the two of us pulled over and went for a little walk across the river on the LRT bridge. I asked her if she wanted to go home to bed or to go see the sunset. She had no trouble choosing that one.  It was beautiful and I love these little moments of exploring. We talked about how beautiful the sunset was, we watched a beaver and she told me about the boy in class that doesn't listen.  They are some of my best and favorite times with her. 

Anna: "Mom, can I tell you something?'

Me: "Always."

Anna: "R doesn't listen to the teacher very good. But you think he's bad. S is even worse! He never listens, for real."

Me: "He can't be worse than R?"

Anna: "He is."

YEG Volunteers Needed

Hello Local Crafty Friends!

A friend of mine is looking for volunteers to help create, create, create! Here are the details that she sent me...

Edmonton's First Lady, Sarah Chan & Cory Christopher

Calling all Crafty Volunteers:

If you can wield a pair of scissors and love to craft we are looking for you! We pay in wine and great conversation! Apricity is looking for volunteers to help with their upcoming fundraiser supporting the Edmonton Public Library's Welcome Baby Program which buys books for all of Edmonton's brand new babies.

Work alongside designer Cory Christopher making paper flowers, letters, floral pots, styrofoam trees and other projects. If you can even spare an hour we'd be happy to have you.

We have workbees set up beginning today (Saturday March 14 1-5pm) just pop by unannounced at the Cory Christopher studios at 10914 105 Ave. (Back Alley entrance).

As well as
-Thursday March 19 9am-1pm and 6pm - 9pm. 

- Friday March 20 12pm-4pm.

- Saturday March 21 (set-up and installation) 6pm - 12am at the Jasper Place Library

To sign up to volunteer at these sessions just email vigeant@shaw.ca

More info at www.apri.city

Let's Chat Donuts!

Update: August 11, 2014: For now you will no longer be able to have donut delivery. Mandy has been incredibly successful and has outgrown her kitchen. However, as of August 12, 2014 you will be able to buy her donuts at Whimsical Cake Studio in Edmonton, AB on 8716 109st. HOW EXCITING!

If you know me well, you know that I love donuts! LOVE them. They are my sweet weakness (salty=potato chips)! So when I was introduced to Fricken' Delights Donuts by my good friend Lisa I knew I needed to find me some. If you are local to the Edmonton area you are in for a treat because Mandy from Fricken' Delights is based out of Devon. She and her husband Cory sell her tasty treats at the Old Strathcona Farmers Market every second Saturday- this coming Saturday is her day! (I will be there.) These donuts are vegan & organic and those two words are not hippy dippy bologna, they make the donuts even more awesome! But perhaps the best thing about these donuts other than their "make me drool" taste is that Mandy DELIVERS donuts! Yes, you heard me right. Fricken' Delights delivers donuts to your home or place of work. I die! For $25 I had a dozen assorted donuts delivered to my house! I ate all of them that same day, I confess I only shared a few. 

It is so great to find a local company to support and to fall in love with. Mandy herself is an absolute delight and I admire her dedication and love for what she does. Local and handmade! Two of my favorite things. 

To learn more about these amazing donuts check out their site- Fricken' Delights. To order your own donuts for delivery pop on over to here- Donut Delivery

Let's talk out of town- if you are in Calgary, driving through Calgary you must go to Jelly Modern Doughnuts. If you are driving past Calgary I suggest you drive right downtown instead to try out these donuts! I can hardly handle how much I love their nenshi's salted caramel one.

If a traditional glazed donut is your thing then look no further than the bakery department at Safeway! Hands down the best glazed donut that I have ever eaten... and I have tried many. The sprinkles are for Anna... because according to her the only donut worth eating is one covered in sprinkles. 

Hungry yet friends? Escape the heat, grab a margarita and a donut. You can thank me later.

100% Rad Weekend

This past Saturday I participated in the Edmonton Color Me RAD 5K and it was such a blast! I ran with my friends Lisa & Russell and Cory & Anna came with me to cheered us on. Anna made a sign that said My Mom Is Rad- it was the best!  The running part had it's moments but I felt pretty proud that I actually ran the majority. The color bombing tents were awesome, who would have thought that getting colored cornstarch thrown at you would be so rad! I picked up Anna just before the finish line, took her through a color bombing and then piggy backed her across the finish! Awesome! 

The energy down at the Expo Centre was amazing and the number of people participating was crazy- it had to be thousands! I am excited to sign up for next year and Cory & Anna will be running along side me in the next one. The diversity and abilities of  the participants was extra rad! Kids, strollers, wheelchairs, canes, full costumes, unicorn heads, athletic, not athletic, skinny, big, old, young- seriously I could go on! What a great event to bring everyone together for an amazing morning. I seriously had the best time!

Exploring in the city.

A couple weekends ago we decided to find some new walking paths, we found one that was far too steep for our liking but had a fantastic view. On this stop our paths crossed the loveliest couple who told us about the Fort Edmonton Footbridge.  Off we went and it was so worth it! Neither of us even know this place existed but the views are beautiful. This impressive bridge crosses the North Saskatchewan river and leads to a great trail. We however headed off the trail and down to the river. There was so much sand to walk through, rocks to throw and warm water to wash off your feet. The sun was shining and we completely forgot we were even in the city. It was PERFECT! Here are some of my favourite photos from the day.

(the too steep trail)