First Date Heaven

Avenue Magazine just posted a cute little article on the 8 Perfect Places for a First Date which I think is a pretty solid selection. I have been on many first dates and one of my favorite things to look for is something other than dinner. Trust me, I love to go out and eat but if you are meeting someone for the first time, sometimes you don't want to sit through a 6 course meal together.

 

I also like to dress down. I wear less make-up and maybe stay out of heels. It's silly, but I think if a man likes me as a normal person then he'll really like what he sees when I get dressed up.

 

Going to a place like National on 10th (341-10th Ave SW Calgary AB, 403 474 2739, info@ntnl.ca)

is wicked because they have so many other things (Ping pong, Fuzz ball and soon Bowling!) to do including an exclusive whisky room if you want to get a little closer.

 

Punk Rock Bingo is a solid choice too or even The Oak Tree Tavern for their Sunday Stu's Big Surf Bing and sometimes they have movie nights on Monday where you can eat candy and watch corny films and get drunk.

 

I once had an afternoon date on a Saturday on the patio of the Palomino. It was beautiful and casual and you can eat bacon wrapped corn on the cob and listen to awesome music as you learn about your handsome partner across the table.

 

Nothing takes the pressure off like doing something a little laid back.

 

Another wicked thing to do is head up to Bowness Park (which, right  now is under major construction) and canoodle in a canoe or paddle boat. If it's winter, you can skate around the lagoon and feel majestic. Once you've worked up an appetite being active, head to Cadence Coffee or for something a little more special NOtaBLE (that's only if you really like each other).

 

These are just some of my basic suggestions to get you past the awkward times. Finding places with games and a casual atmosphere is ideal I think. But I guess that's if you want to date someone like me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch The Perseids Meteor Shower This Weekend

Every year around this time, the Earth is pelted with fiery stones from the frigid depths of outer space. Instead of as being as terrifying as that concept has every right to be, it is beautiful and awe-inspiring. For skywatchers, this year’s Perseid meteor shower should be a particular treat, with Jupiter and Venus getting in on the action as well.

ProTips on how to view the coolest light show of the year and a video from the smart folks at NASA, who when they are not sending robots to perfect 10 landings on another planet, are apparently getting other people to do their more menial tasks — like counting meteors — for them. Nice work if you can get it, right?

Get Out of Dodge: If you can afford to take a little late-night trip and, yes, lose a little sleep, getting away from city lights is going to make the Perseids a much more enjoyable show. Escaping light pollution will make for a lot more visible meteors. I didn't see anything particular set up at the observatory SW of the city but it might be worth while checking it out anyway.

Sunday Funday: This Sunday, August 12th will mark the height of the show, which goes on every year when the Earth passes near the comet Swift-Tuttle.

Coffee. Also, More Coffee: Though you can catch a glimpse of the meteors pretty much anytime after 10 or 11 pm, the best viewing is going to be in the early morning hours, just before dawn. So be prepared to either get up real early, or stay up real late. Hot coco is also nice or some kind of tea. Just something warm to put in your tummy and don't forget some comfy blankets to lay out on. This is one thing that is best enjoyed on your back.

Look to the East. Also, A Little North: The majority of the evening’s shooting stars will seem to radiate from the constellation Perseus. For those of you who (like me)  have no idea where to begin looking for that cluster of stars, it is to the northeast. For those of you who (again, like me) have no idea what direction northeast is, your phone probably has a compass that will come in handy.

For more tips, we turn you over to the capable hands and dulcet tones of the professionals at NASA. While you’re watching, the space agency would appreciate if you could count meteors for them to help determine the trajectory of Swift-Tuttle. They’ve even cooked up a smartphone app to make it easy for you — at that point, it’s kind of rude not to lend a hand, right? Right.

and for a special treat, watch this video!

and then check out this month's Star Chart from the TELUS Spark Science Centre.

(via Space.com, pic via Logan Brumm)

Open Air August: New Movie Every Thursday!

Every Thursday evening in August join the East Village for a movie which will be projected on the back of Simmons along with a different theme every week and community partnership.

Programming takes place from 9:00 -10:00 PM on the RiverWalk Plaza, with the movie starting at 10:30 PM.

Bring your lawn chair, grab some friends and come down to the historic Simmons building located in East Village:

618 Confluence Way, SE.

Open Air August promises to transform your typical Thursday evening into a magical movie experience under the stars.


Movies:
Aug 2 - The Happy Movie.
Aug 9 - Real Steel
Aug 16 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Aug 23 - Flashdance (1983)
Aug 30 - Best in Show

*Exact time of the movie is subject to change based on the light and sunset. Weather permitting.

Captain's Cruises at Heritage Park

Captain's Cruises

Thursday Evenings: July 19 - August 30
7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Set sail on Calgary's only paddlewheeler and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Glenmore Reservoir and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a selection of fine Canadian wine and beer, all while grooving to the smooth sounds of a live jazz band ( One Nite Band).

Tickets: $74.95 + gst per person

Call 403-268-8500 for tickets

Menu

Classic Chilled Shrimp Cocktail with Tiger Prawns
Cocktail Sauce & Chili Lime Aioli
-
Smoked Duck Breast on Crostini
Chipotle Aioli
-
Maki Rolls, Salmon & Shrimp Sushi
with Wasabi Paste & Soy Sauce
-
Classic Devilled Eggs with Smoked Paprika
-
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Capers & Cream Cheese
-
Mini Vietnamese Salad Rolls
Sweet Chili Ponzu
-
Artichoke & Spinach Dip with Crisp Pita Chips
-
Sliced English Cucumber with French Brie & Orange Marmalade
-
Grapes Rolled in Blue Cheese Scented Cream Cheese & Toasted Almonds
-
Crisp Crudités & Cool Ranch Dip
-
Canadian Cheese Platter with Crackers
-
Seasonal & Tropical Fruit Tray
-
Fancy French Pastries & Assorted Squares
-
Complimentary Soft Drinks, Juices & Gourmet Coffee

Beer & Wine Sales are available on a cash basis

     *Captain’s Cruises are not wheelchair friendly, due to the food and drink being served on the upper deck.

Drive into the village and park by the S.S. Moyie Paddlewheeler.

Free parking.

I Had an Epiphanie

Little Masterpieces. That is what these chocolates are. Epiphanie Chocolates. Candy for the eye,  candy for the mouth. Different flavors come and go with the seasons. Fresh BC Cherries are brought in, chopped loving by hand and encased in mouth water chocolate. The flavor is anything but processed. It's subtle, a little sweet a little sour and just delicious. and once the Cherries are gone so are the chocolates.  Passion fruit, ginger, earl gray, caramel, mint (just to list a few). The flavors are as beautiful as they look.

Family owned, here in Calgary, the chocolates are lovingly made by Debra. Her husband is often in the store, showcasing his wifes master pieces, treating each chocolate like a child.

During Christmas I like to get a mug of the rich, hot, coco they offer. Never too sweet and sometimes even spicy. A simple bow is all that is needed to dress up the box. Nothing to take away from the beauty that greets the eyes when the box is opened.

**

Epiphanie Chocolate
Retail Location:

1049 40 Avenue Northwest
Calgary, AB
(403) 370-4592

Bowness Park

First of all, I have a confession. I haven't been writing over here as often as I should.

A) I've been busy.

B) I've been busy.

C) I've been lazy.

D) I've been writing over here more.

Basically, all that we really missed is I went to Folk Fest and I don't feel like writing all about that. It's too crazy and too much and the food was amazing and everyone should just go. Always. It's a must.

Yesterday I went to Bowness Park. I think it was my first time-- maybe. Anyway, I pretended it was. I've been aching to go there for about a year now and being that I am careless and I tend to date boys who prefer to stay indoors (my goal is to stop that because it's not working out for me)... I just haven't had a chance.

So my friend CW and I headed over there after a tasty brunch (I'll talk about that LATER) and went for a walk. Upon arriving I noticed that there were lagoons filled with family's in canoes and lovers in paddle boats. It was adorable.

Rental rates:

• Canoe: $15/hour
• Pedal boat: $20/half hour, $30/hr
• valid photo i.d. and $20 deposit required on all rentals
• half hour rentals only on busy weekends

When walking along the paths you shouldn't be surprised to cross a set of railroad tracks. Apparently, there is a mini train that chugs it's way around the park. It wasn't running when I was there but I want to go back to see it.

Miniature train:

Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend (closed during winter season):

• 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• 7 days/week
• Train runs every 30 minutes
• Cost: $3/person - 2 years and older, under 2 free

Bowness Park isn't like any other park in the city (that I am aware of), it is very people friendly. Regardless of who you are, as long as you are not allergic to air you'll find something to do. They have two places in which you can obtain things to fill your belly with.

Coffee shop:

Summer Hours: Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• 7 days/week

Winter Hours: December to end of skating season (Closed from Thanksgiving to early December to prepare for the winter skating season) and first weekend in April to Victoria Day:

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• 7 days/week

Ice cream shop:

Easter weekend to Thanksgiving weekend (closed during winter season):

• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• 7 days/week

I had a cookie from the Coffee Shop (classic chocolate chip, it was tasty!) and CW has a coffee. The pie looked amazing and they had a nice selection of posh looking loose tea. Much like what you might find venturing out to one of the tea houses in the city.

From the Ice Cream shop I picked up a Chocolate Milkshake, it was good. Basic little Ice Cream shop with other greasy treats... They have traditional junk food down pat!

In the winter time it sounds like they have a whole other situation on the go. Ice Skating.  You can bring your own or rent them if you like. How exciting is that! Nothing says romantic like an outdoor ice skate with the one you love.

Skate rentals:

Open during skating season only (typically mid December - mid March):

• 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• 7 days/week

Rates:

• $5/pair (size 1 and smaller), no time limit
• $8/pair (size 2 and up), no time limit
• half price rentals from 5 - 6 p.m.
• skate sharpening - $7/pair
• stabilization bars - $8/each, no time limit
• valid photo i.d. is required for all rentals

A side from that, the park offers lots to do. Stoles, picture ops, BBQ areas with those outdoor grills that you can toast your hot dogs on. It's the ideal place for families, children, couples and even by your lonesome. During the summer they have yoga by the water. How wonderful is that?

If you haven't been, you must go. It's a nice way to enjoy the outdoors without driving too far and getting too dirty.

ON EDIT: The park is currently under-going some major changes. Here is what they currently have planned...
Bowness Park Redevelopment



City of Calgary Bowness Park info
Picture borrowed from Google Images