• Why We Have Chosen to Live on Tight Budget.

    It’s September already! The blur of summer has already passed, which may be a relief if you live in Calgary, AB, like I do, where summer was just a string of thunderstorms. The leaves are starting to change colours which always makes me want to begin change in my own life. The transformation of the natural landscape spurs me to transform too….and not just physically. I find myself reflecting on all of the ways my life could be different and I start to prioritize. This year my kids are both in full-time school. My daughter began Grade 3 and my…

  • How to Accidentally Grow Potatoes and a Recipe for Honeyed Cabbage

    A large part of being healthy is eating healthy, as I have slowly learned over the years. So, this year, I decided I would try and grow some of my own vegetables. I live in a four-floor townhouse in the city. I don’t have a yard, but I do have 2 balconies and a small cement pad.  I decided to use that to my full advantage and start some potted veggies on those. I have planted carrots, tomatoes and herbs, with the hope to add beans very soon. I have a few pots on each balcony, but the one that…

  • A Road Trip Where You Can Hug An Alligator.

    My friend Randey and I have been friends for a long time. We have always liked the same quirky movies and music. It made sense that we would also both love day trips and local exploration. We are very proud of the varied and gorgeous landscape Alberta has to offer and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Randey is a wealth of information about the landscapes we visit. He should work as a tour guide for foreign visitors that want to go off the beaten path or the tourist areas. After our first road trip together I took an online quiz…

  • A Saskatchewan Vacation to Visit Friends

    So I grew up in Saskatchewan and during University I ended up needing a place to stay and found a townhouse with a friend. Well, really, if I’m to be honest, a frenemy.  BUT she was living with this fantastic girl that was destined to become one of my bestest friends ever. And this summer we had the privilege of staying with them on their farm for part of August… which I adored. The minutes and hours and days were too quickly eaten up with laughter and fire pits and eating and talking (non-stop between Melly and I for days.…

  • “Maude” and “Lloyd” go on an Adventure

    My friend Randey and I go on outings. Silly things. Like the stuffed gopher museum and other things even seniors would enjoy. Nerdy outings. Visiting ghost towns or checking out diners. I have a soft spot in my heart for diners and 50’s fashion….but this time we went to a thrift shop type store. On our trips we go by our “senior” names, “Lloyd” and “Maude”. Lloyd/Randey wrote: “Owned and operated by Marilyn ‘Dice Lady’ Serson, Dicelady’s Deals is located just an hour away from Calgary. It’s an eclectic, yet charming mix of collectible/thrift store and cafe/diner all in one…