New Goal

I'm going to take a class and make a quilt. This one that NICOMADE is sooo beautiful, it has inspired me.

Johnson Sewing Center here in the city offers classes, I think I shall look into it. Anyone care to join me?

Photos also via NICOMADE

Sad news

I'm totally shocked and sad. See here.

Dining in Edmonton: Urban Diner

If I could go anywhere for breakfast in this city and not have to wait to get in, I would choose Urban Diner.  And I would order the French Toast (cranberry mascarpone, maple fried bananas) and a coffee. Yumm.

Though I'm also a very lucky gal because J is a fantastic cook so my own house is pretty much the best place to be on a Sunday morning.

Photo via Urban Diner website. 

Dining in Edmonton: mrkt

I thought it could be fun to compile a list of great places to dine in this city I call home (there are tons). But for now I will name one that J and I recently visited for lunch. It's called mrkt and it's a sort of cafeteria style meets fine dining. It's located on Jasper Ave (10542 Jasper to be exact). Right above Red Star for those who know the city by it's landmarks (which I do).

It was the perfect, quick & fresh kind of lunch that you just got to love. The seating situation is about 5 long tables with 6-10 chairs so you have the opportunity to sit next to stranger, the way you might in Europe, which is kind of a new concept in edmonton and turns out it's super cozy.

Another awesome thing about mrkt is that they tweet (mrktcafeteria) their features daily, so every morning I can get excited for the special, which today was 'Chipotle roasted bell pepper cream tossed w/penne, w/pesto and caramelized onions'. Or the daily salad or one of the three soup specials (Veg, Meat or Fish).

Although I've only been once, I plan to return, and hope you will stop in for a visit if you haven't already - mrkt is a gem.

Photos via foodosophy

Making me very happy

Edmonton Vestiary – yes! Finally someone has started to feature and collect the amazing fashion of this city. For years I thought 'I should do it'  but well, never got around to it. I think the idea of approaching complete strangers and asking for their photo sort of intimidated me. But now – Now it exists!

I'm thrilled that someone is out there with a camera sharing with the whole world, and the folks of Edmonton, that Edmonton is a vibrant, beautiful and creative city. 

Thank you, Friendly Neighbourhood Style Maven

All photos via Edmonton Vestiary 

Social Experiments

The new thing I have been experimenting with is... public transportation!

This is something very foreign to me but I must say, aside from the 'bad bus days' as I call them, the bus has been working out pretty well. But don't tell J. He will smile inside to know I've admitted that 'yes' the bus is sometimes convenient.

Bad bus day: when the big guy won't move over so you move to the open seat and then the crazy lady who is chewing the air sits behind you and smells just awful. Then the bus seems to never be moving, just slamming on the brakes or hammering the gas. It's a weak-stomached-girl's worst nightmare.

Good bus day: closing my tired eyes and listening to a newly refreshed ipod. A little Coffee Break French podcast, then some History of Rome podcast and finally some tunes. Then the final payoff is arriving at work without the overwhelming stress of driving and searching and paying way too much for parking.

What are your thoughts on the bus? Love it or hate it?

Photo credit:  jasonhill 

Winner! New Pornographers, here I come...

I just won free tickets to see The New Pornographers in Edmonton next week. Whoohoo! I never ever win. I got the tickets through CBC Radio 3. All I had to do was email the answer to a question about the relation between Carl Newman and  Kathryn Calder. The answer: he's her long lost uncle.

Friday May 14... what to do?

Dance Party

Vegas or Bust, New City, 10081 Jasper Ave, Edmonton 

A good old fashioned fundraiser event to send some local gals to Vegas for a Hall of Fame Weekend.  

The night will include burlesque show, dance party, auction and prizes.

... or someone could relax and enjoy the sun (includes grilling dinner  -  portobello mushroom burgers and a long walk). Really whichever you prefer. 

Zombie Car Wash, yes please

This Saturday in the Capital City, at the TransAlta Art Barns, you can have your car washed by Zombies!!! O man, so cool. It costs $10 with food bank donation and proceeds go to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Edmonton Food Bank. Here's more info.

That's the reason I've been holding off taking the ol' Rabbit for a wash...