Dinner Before A Flames Game

 Friday night my hubby and I had a quick bite to eat before heading off to watch the Calgary Flames.

Olives is located just north of the stampede grounds, great location.  Parking is convenient and free if you are eating at the restaurant.  Our reservation was at 5:30 and you NEED one if it's a game night!  Olives was full to capacity and the service was good, considering.

We both ate a light pasta dish, i had a ravioli with asparagus and mushrooms, yummy.  White wine, which was wonderful  Dessert and coffee.

Packing For London?!?!?????

 Suitcase and carry-on, much more space than I am use to!

 Goodies for my carry-on

 Plane outfit, comfortable but not jeans.  Underpinning, t-shirt, loose sweater/jacket and leggings plus grey ballet flats.  My jacket and purse are below.

 Accessories: 2-3 scarves/1 pair of comfortable dressier shoes/umbrella and belt.... notice the British Bulldog?

Black pants  2 pair.... 1 funkier with tie ankle and the other wide leg

1 pair of dark narrower leg jeans not too skinny on my legs!

 Man style blazer, this is great over everything (super deal from H&M) and of course my black leather jacket.

 This is my jacket to wear while travelling instead of a raincoat and comfy flats.  I am buying rain boots

 2 dresses, one fun colorful and the other classic

 Oh no 2 more dresses, the black is for evening and the flowered one is long and fun!

 2 layering light sweaters, I love the one with lace on the bottom

 2 t-shirts 1 underpinning, I am travelling with the red t.  Finishing off with a hat, glasses and passport cover.

Packing For London.........
In a few weeks my husband and I shall be visiting London for 8 days.  It's been 24 years since I have been there and I am very excited.  No, we are not attending the "Royal Wedding"!
For those who know me, I love to travel but I have to be organized.  I am talking about packing, I do not want to take too much or heaven forbid not enough.  Although that is always an excuse to shop.
So, my way of thinking is 3 colours only.  This trip is black-grey-red as an accent.  It is still somewhat cold there so no bright colors.
I have a new suitcase with 4 roller wheels, this baby is quite a bit larger than I am used to and I do not want it to be full!  I have to bring back goodies for my kids and gal pals!  I also plan on purchasing a pair of "wellies and a something from Allsaintsspitalfields"
I am taking my carry-on with me......head pillow/I-pad & headphones/socks/small toiletries bag/camera/jewel case/eye glasses etc.Here are the photo's of my plan of attack, please let me know what you think??? Do I need to take away or add?

Family Day Dinner



Beautiful Flowers




Very Good Wine




Great Meal



A couple of months ago my husband and I thought it would be a wonderful idea to have Sunday night dinners together.  When our children were younger this was no problem but as they grew and their schedules changed so did dinner plans.

Our goal now is to plan a very good meal, often trying new recipe's.  Decanting a nice bottle of wine, setting the table with candles and enjoying our time together.  Our daughter no longer lives with us and most Sunday evenings our son is busy working so I suppose it's "our time" now.

My husband planned our Sunday dinner on Family Day and he did ALL the cooking.  Yes, I am a very lucky woman!

Roasted duck breasts with port wine cherry sauce, steamed carrots and asparagus with wild rice.  Delicious!  He also decanted a bottle of wine that had been put away for a special occasion, well worth it.

It is wonderful to take the time to sit/enjoy a great meal and conversation.

Looking forward to next Sunday dinner.

Winter Wonderland??????

It is the FEAR of breaking my leg every time I go out for a walk!

BOXWOOD CAFE

This past Saturday evening a girlfriend and i decided to try out Boxwood, after numerous kudos from friends.   This cozy "cafe" opened in the fall of 2010 to rave reviews and is part of the River Cafe family.
Location:  Central Memorial Park (yes, in the southwest corner) #340-13th Ave S.W.
Serving: Lunch-Snacks-Supper ......local/seasonal/sustainable food
Reservations:  No way, first come first served but there is a small waiting area
Dress:  Casual-dressy
Service:  Being treated like family

We arrived just before 6p.m. Saturday evening and were very lucky to snatch the last 2 seats!  We sat at a larger table with two other gals who did not seem to mind that my gal pal and i never stopped talking.  Hey, she just came back from an African safari and hiking Kilimanjaro.
We ordered a bottle of California red, small but good wine list with very affordable prices.
Our server Sarah (I do believe that was her name??), was good at explaining the menu, which is basically assorted apps/salads/small entrees to SHARE and enjoy.
We began with a red pepper hummus, roasted garlic and homemade crackers, delicious (Lot's to eat).
Then we munched on Sunworks organic roasted chicken with a side of yellow/red beets; special salad of grains, cheese and kale (my favourite); duck empanadas.  Dessert, we shared a Saskatoon berry ice cream sandwich & coffee.
There was more than enough food for the two of us but we did not want to waste anything so we took our time. 

To review:  The service was very good, food delicious and perfect for sharing.  We took our time dining and never felt rushed to leave.  Great spot for couples, a first date or with friends.  Get there early to get a table since it is a small cafe.  we will definitely return.

Cheap & Cheerful

Sponsored by The Lakeview Community Association.  A fun/informative/casual event.  This was my first time attending as a guest of a very good girlfriend but certainly will not be my last!

The theme for the evening was "Cheap & Cheerful".  We each brought 6 wine glasses and were eager to begin.

We started off with a Spanish Cava, sparkling wine which seemed to put everyone in a happy mood. Food was also paired with each variety of wine.

Our Guest Speaker for the evening was James Kent  who was eager to share his knowledge. 

 Our selection for the evening included two whites (Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay) a Rose and three reds (Seleccion; Syrah-Grenache;Shiraz).  We were encouraged to take our time, enjoy and discuss what we thought about each wine.  We were not told any prices.
 
Everyone certainly had different opinions and it was fun to see and hear what others thought and why/why not they liked certain wines.
At the end of the evening all wines were rated and prices given. 
There was an opportunity to order or all wines are available at "ZYN" 17 ave SE.
A very nice evening, great food and wine with the opportunity to share with other wine lovers.
Thank you Lakeview Community Association and looking forward to the next wine event.