Living on The Brighter Side

Photo taken Calgary AB, May 17 2012

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Calgary West Country Market

There's a new market in town (well... close to town)!  Right across from Calaway Park, the Calgary West Country Market is NOW open.  It's certainly worth the drive!  There's nothing better than seeing local crafts, artists, talent and food!  But it's more than just a Market!  It's a step back in time with a Wild West experience.  You'll be welcomed with riders on horseback!  And select weeks will have gun fights, carriage rides and other entertainment with a wild west flavour.  Plus on select weekends they will provide musical entertainment on the stage as you come in.  Not only that, but you'll see movie props and have a chance to explore sets from movies that have been filmed in and around Calgary!  You can even purchase a piece of cinematic history!

The day we went out, it was a BLAST!  We had a cupcake from Smarty Cakes and only to learn that she even makes Gluten Free Cupcakes!  I know a lot of people will be thrilled with that.  You can see her full collection here.

Even the Tooth Fairy showed up to see what the market had to offer.  Outside we "horsed around", and eventually went back inside to shop for the worlds best pretzle from The Black Forest Bakery.  The Black Forest Bakery is in Olds and you can find out more from their Facebook page here.



From there I needed something sparkly... and I found it from Crystal Creations by Christine!

Crystal Creations by Christine also has beautiful bracelets that give back.  In the Spring of 2011, Christine wanted to give back to the community and began making a difference in Cancer patients lives one bracelet at a time by creating the Colors of Cancer bracelets. The awareness bracelets are made with 20 Swarovski Crystals and each represents a different type of cancer. She sells the bracelets for $40.00 and donates $25.00 directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation from the sale of each bracelet. Since May 2, 2011 Christine has sold 124 bracelets and donated over $3,000.00 to Cancer research and treatment in our local hospitals. All of Crystal Creation designs can be found at Calgary West Country Market on Saturday's.  You can also see the collection on her Facebook page here.

Next time I go back, I'm picking up a Wristlet from On The Go Creativity.  What's that you ask?  Something every busy mom NEEDS!  If you're like me and just can't seem to find your keys in your purse, or you just need an extra hand, a Wristlet is a cool wrist band that you attach your keys to.  What I usually do is clip my keys to my pant loop. Well, that proved to be the wrong thing to do... I lost my car key in the process and couldn't get home.  So On The Go Creativity, I'll be back to the Calgary West Country Market for my Wristlet!!  You can also visit On The Go Creativity on Facebook here.  They also offer belts, dog door bells, soother straps and dog accessories.

And last, but not least, we made a stop for some fresh LOCAL veggies!  Thank you!  It made our salsa the best it's been yet!  I LOVE local produce!


And these are just a few of the AMAZING vendors at Calgary West Country Market.  Find out for yourself!  Every Saturday from 8:30am to 1pm.  Take Hwy 1 West.  They're right across from Calaway Park.  Here's a map.  The Calgary West Country Market is full of Great Ideas and Amazing People!

Calgary West Country Market Online

Calgary West Country Market Vendors

Calgary West Country Market Map

Calgary West Country Market on Facebook

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Cancer Chic

Cancer.  It’s a word that just won’t go away.  And there is more than just one type of cancer.  Cancer affects everyone.  In today’s world, it’s almost impossible to not find someone who knows someone who has cancer.  As health care professionals and medical scientists work tirelessly to find a cure, and to understand this beast, all we can do is wait.  Some will beat it, and some will succumb to it.  And those who live it will SURVIVE it.  It’s a journey that will change your life forever. 

Just ask Heather Alvas and Karla Laing.  Two gorgeous women who survive this on a daily basis.  By looking at them, you would NEVER know the suffering they’ve both been through.  In 1999 Heather was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the appendix stage 4.  At first, the diagnosis was not positive and they didn’t think she’d see her next birthday.  But through medical and natural treatments, and the amazing support of her family and friends she survived.  Four years later, after the birth of her son, the cancer reappeared in her left lung, and she had her lung removed in May 2004.  Karla was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2009, one year after the birth of her second daughter.  While working to get into the best physical shape she’d been in 20 years, she knew her body well enough to know that something just wasn’t right.  And after a series of tests, she was given the diagnosis.  Both women are currently cancer free, but continue to SURVIVE cancer on a daily basis. 

Both Heather and Karla have always been there for each other.  They met in University in Saskatchewan in 1992, and then both made Calgary home shortly after, to follow their dreams and start their careers.  And today, together, they created Cancer Chic in December 2011.

Heather is married with one child and works part-time as an IT Project Manager.  A self-described “girly girl” who loves make-up and beauty and who is passionate about being chemical-free, Heather enjoys bringing her knowledge and ideas to women living with cancer through Cancer Chic.

Karla is a married, stay-at-home Mom with 2 young daughters and she finished cancer treatments just under 2 years ago.  Karla adores fashion and is fanatical about fitness.  She is often busy trying new activities and encouraging her family and friends to get active and live in the moment.  Bringing Cancer Chic to life has been a labour of love for Karla and she looks forward to growing the scope of the organization.

With their huge hearts and understanding of living with cancer, Cancer Chic offers a workshop every 2 months held at the Wellspring Calgary.  The workshops are targeted to women living with cancer who are between the ages of 18 and 45 years old, and are interested in any or all of the following three areas:  chemical free make-up and skincare, hair loss strategies, and fitness.  Their overall goal is to inspire and support women who are living with cancer to feel stronger and more confident for life.  

Visit their website and be inspired and moved.  They share their story through pictures that will take your breath away and give you goosebumps.  And through Cancer Chic, they can give back the strength that was given to them while they went through their own life changing moments.  Two beautiful women who define Courage, Hope, Health and LOVE.  Thank you Heather and Karla for touching our lives.  

Be sure to check back for the launch of their big fundraiser November 2012.

Cancer Chic 

To empower and support young women living with cancer through beauty, fashion and fitness.  

Cancer Chic Online

Cancer Chic Facebook

Cancer Chic Twitter

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Empty Bowl Benefit for the Calgary Food Bank

We've all heard the Stats on the benefits of eating dinner together as a family.  It's a ritual that can keep the family in touch with each other.  It's a place where you come together to talk about your days events.  It's about just being a family and bonding with one another.

But what if... you didn't have a meal to put on your table.  It can and DOES happen.  And it's not just for the homeless.  It happens to people who have "life events" that can put you in a position where you just can't afford the groceries.  The cost of groceries has skyrocketed, and I often wonder how people can afford to eat.  Let alone the enormous cost of eating healthy!  Here's a GREAT website that will tell you the average cost of groceries in Canada click Living In Canada.  I know for our family of 3 adults, Mom, Dad, Childcare provider, and 2 small children ages 2 and 4, I usually budget for $250 a week x 4 = $1000 a MONTH!  However, if I play my cards right, and do meal planning, I can usually get away with $150 a week x 4 = $600 a month.  $600 is certainly better than $1000, but that doesn't always happen.

Now, imaging not having a house with double income.  AND you have children to feed too.  It happens.  And it happens all the time.  According to The Calgary Food Bank 146,947 Calgarian received food from their Emergency Food Hamper Program.  Client visits have increased by 70% since the start of the recession (2006/2007).  33% of households requesting a food hamper had at least one employed person. 42% of clients were children.  No one should go hungry, especially children.  But thankfully we have The Calgary Food Bank in our city.  It's neither a government or United Way agency.  They rely solely on the generous support of donors like you!

Growing up, I know my family could have benefited by having such an amazing organization.  I asked my mom if we ever used the food bank, she replied saying "there was nothing like that when you were growing up, but it sure would of helped", a single mother of 2.

Which is why The Brighter Side supports The Calgary Food Bank.  And one of the things The Brighter Side does every year is participate in The Empty Bowl Benefit.  6 hours later (thanks to the Colour Me Mine Studio), The Brighter Side artist Christina Rowsell came up with this, The Brighter Side plate.  Plus, a beautiful Candy Bouquet from http://www.sugarbuzzyyc.ca/ filled with an assortment of candies.  We are hoping that The Brighter Side plate would raise $1000 for this worthy cause.  With all the proceeds going to a food bank that supports so many.

Bid on Christina's Empty Bowl Benefit plate here!  Together we can help the Calgary Food Bank help other's enjoy The Brighter Side of life!

Working together to create a hunger-free community


Calgary Food Bank Empty Bowl Benefit Auction 
Calgary Food Bank Empty Bowl by The Brighter Side
Calgary Food Bank Online
Calgary Food Bank Twitter
Calgary Food Bank Facebook
Calgary Food Bank Linked In


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Mike's Bloggity Blog

Last week I was introduced to a fellow blogger.  Mike's Bloggity Blog.  I instantly fell in love with him (so to speak...).  Believe it or not we met painting bowls for the Empty Bowl Benefit for the Calgary Food Bank (watch for information on that this Friday April 27th).

Look no further than Mike's Bloggity Blog for your fill of Canadian Content!  FINALLY!  This adorable, bald blogger has what I've been looking for on Canadian Entertainment.  Our country is full of artistic life, and Mike will showcase it all!  He'll give you a dose of television, albums, concerts, live theatre, books and anything Canadian Entertainment (even Canadian politics... which can be entertaining!)  Plus don't miss out on his contests.

Thanks for the heads up Mike, for the info on Ben Mulroney!  Mr. Ben, will be back on the air with Kelly Ripa!  His first co-hosting duties was when Live With Kelly came to Banff and it was a rating success.  It was the best numbers of the week!  So now they want to bring him back, but this time he'll be live in studio with Kelly in New York city!  Watch for Ben in New York May 4th.  And you have to watch Mike's interview with Kelly Ripa here!  I LOVE that he got her Moosehead Beer!  Nice touch.

Mike has also expressed his opinion of the Garth Brooks mayhem.  And no, I didn't get tickets either, but looking at the Brighter Side, Mike has started a facebook group trying to convince Garth and his band to add a second show.  Join the conversation here.

Stay in the loop with Canadian Entertainment with Mike's Bloggity Blog!  I love it!  Bookmark it today!

Mike's Bloggity Blog
Mike's Bloggity Blog on Twitter

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Katipult

The Brighter Side has had the opportunity to not only share GREAT ideas, but introduce you to some AMAZING people.  Individuals or organizations who put their heart and soul into what they do.  Whether it's a small business or a non-profit charity group.  Amazing just doesn't describe the ambition and energy these people bring.  And now, another organization that knows the meaning of giving back!  Meet Katipult!

Katipult's online platform helps charities and non profits raise funds, execute projects, and build a following using their Full Cycle Fundraising framework.  They created this to help organizations demonstrate impact and engage their donors, while making the fundraising process fun and easy.  And if you've ever put something together for a fundraiser, and tried to raise money, you know that it's a lot of work.  But Katipult can help you get this going!!

Katipults start was born through the digital agency JOI Media.  The team at JOI Media felt a strong responsibility to give back, so they started JOI to the World, an initiative to provide boxes of essentials to needy people through local organizations.  They quickly went from 350 boxes in their first year to over 4,000 boxes last Christmas.  And a large part of the success was due to sharing the vision with their friends who used their social networks to spread the message and drive donations.  From there the idea for Katipult was established.

Keep in mind, there is no fee for non-profit organizations that want to post their campaigns on Katipult's community.  So if you know of a non-profit that's looking to increase their donations and better engage with their donors, send them to Katipult.com.  It's nice to know that there are other's out there helping us to see The Brighter Side!

Katipult Online
Katipult Twitter




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Elizabeth Critchley - Life Coach

We all need someone who is going to give us that extra push in the right direction.  And Elizabeth Critchley is the one to do it.  After sitting down to talk to Elizabeth, I felt rejuvenated and energized.  She has what I like to call an "infectious personality".  That is someone who I just know I want to spend more time with.

Elizabeth Critchley is a Life Coach.  So what exactly does a Life Coach do?  Coaching is described as partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.  Or what I like to call a positive motivator.  We've all been in that place where life seems to "snowball" in the wrong direction.  Wouldn't it be nice to have someone who can lead you back into the right and positive way.  Sure we all have family and friends, but I know for me, I don't always like to burden them with everything.  This way, with a Life Coach, you can walk away feeling refreshed and less weight on your shoulders.

Coaching is an ongoing relationship, which focuses on clients taking action toward the realization of their vision, goals and dreams.  The coaching process helps clients both define and achieve professional and personal goals faster and with more ease than would be possible otherwise.

So where did Elizabeth start out?  Her background and passion started as a teacher spanning over three decades.  She was awarded the Pan Canadian Student Choice Award for Excellence in Teaching.  And now her career has moved from impacting students in a school setting to helping individuals to have impact in their own lives.  After my conversation with Elizabeth I felt confident in my own new goals and taking them outside of my comfort zone.  She has helped me feel good about heading into a new direction.  Which is NEVER an easy task for anyone who takes on new projects.  Elizabeth coaches individuals in both their professional and personal lives, as well as facilitating workshops.  I hope to see Elizabeth again soon at a workshop!

What also impressed me about Elizabeth was her own "Big Dreams".  Elizabeth is the founder and president of the RDL Building Hope Society; a charitable organization that is presently building schools in Kenya.  This dream is to allow every child in the world the opportunity to have an education.  Please visit http://www.buildinghopesociety.com for more information.

If you are looking for someone who is willing to listen to you, understand you, and guide you, Elizabeth is not only a great teacher, she's also an amazing Life Coach.

For more on Elizabeth Critchley, visit her website at  http://www.elizabethcritchley.com.
Elizabeth on Facebook
Elizabeth on Linked In

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Chicken nuggets even your kids will love!

Not sure when it happened, but I think it was after I had children, I all of a sudden didn't really like chicken anymore.  So I had to find a way to enjoy it as it's such a great source of protein.  Then I came up with this recipe, and added some flax seed... and tada I like chicken again.  You can use this on a whole chicken breast or for nuggets.  Flax seed adds an extra crunchiness to your bite!

Organic Chicken nuggets

1 large organic chicken breast cut into bite sizes
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1 cup Panko bread crumbs (you can get them at most grocery stores)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp dried oregano
1/4 cup flax seed
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 Tbsp cooking oil

Use three separate bowls.  1 for the flour, 1 for the eggs (beat with fork) and one for the dry ingredients.
Cut the chicken breast into bite sizes.  First in the flour, tap off the excess, then in the eggs, then coat with the dry ingredients.  Heat oil in frying pan or wok.  Cook each side until cooked through.  (Watch as the flax seeds like to pop, so make sure you use a grease shield)

Enjoy!

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Fit And Fierce Boot Camp with Cara Fullerton

Is it just me, or do you feel bombarded with stories and news about everything that's bad for us.  From what we eat to what we don't eat.  From how much we do, to not doing enough.  How are we supposed to feel good about ourselves if everything we hear and read and see is contradicting?  Here's how... make your own choices on how you want to live your life.   We're always hearing how we're not getting enough exercise.  People are too busy to spend 30 min to take care of your own body and what it needs.  From exercising to making the right food choices.

Organic Chicken with Flax Seed

Now it's not always easy to make the right food choices, considering how much things cost today.  It's rather ridiculous how much it cost to buy 1 organic chicken breast... just 1, not 2!  It'll run you anywhere from $12 to $16 FOR JUST 1 BREAST.  But if you can buy the whole chicken, you'll save more money.  And always ask if there's a coupon, or a website to sign up on to get discounts.  (You don't know if you don't ask, right).  In my next blog, I'll add a recipe of delicious chicken nuggets that can make your 1 chicken breast go further... and the kids will love them too!

But when it comes to exercise, it doesn't always need to be expensive.  Mostly, you just need to make time for it!  I'm so GUILTY!  But really I don't have the time.  My husbands says to me, why don't you just get up earlier?  Well.... because if I don't get my sleep I'm miserable, and you don't want me to be grumpy do you!!??  So what about after work?  Well, today I have to get groceries, tomorrow I have to take my son to the dentist, and on Wednesday he has hockey, then on Thursday we're going to so and so's birthday, and on Friday I've made some plans with my girlfriends!  Sound familiar.  That's my life.  But honestly I was getting tired of not having time.  I needed to find it somewhere.  If even a walk, or short jog.  That's when I saw Cara Fullerton's Fit and Fierce Boot Camp on Facebook.

Christina & Cara

It was Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.  Okay, I'm going to try to make this work!  But my first attempt wasn't successful.  The Tuesday and Thursdays wouldn't work, as it started at 6pm, and my husband has his own company, so it wasn't possible for him to be home for 5:30 to watch the kids and feed them dinner.  So I emailed Cara and she told me to "hang tight".  She was going to see if she could fit me in for just Saturdays.  On Saturday it's from 10am to 11am.  Perfect for my family, and no one would really miss me!  Done!  Cara came back to me and fit me in for the Saturday only!  Finally, I was getting somewhere.

Working on my form!

Now to calm my nerves of a FIT and FIERCE boot camp.  Sounded pretty scary to me.  I mean I really  haven't done a thing since before my 2 boys were born.  Other than chase them around and have them hanging off of me.  But the first class was okay.  Now, 3 days later I'm starting to get the feeling back in my legs... ow!  But a good pain.  At least I'm getting out and feeling better for doing it.  Cara paid attention to the past injuries I have and helped me do the right exercises that are right for me.  I actually really LOVED it... But don't tell Cara, she'll push me harder so I don't love it!  (Just kidding Cara).  

It just felt good making the time to take care of myself.  After all, if I don't take care of me, who's going to do it.... no one!  I'll keep you posted on how my "exercise trial" goes.  Here's hoping I can find even more time to get in on the participACTION wagon!  

Cara Fullerton Fit and Fierce Boot Camp on Facebook
Cara Fullerton on Twitter

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Easy to Make Easter Treat Baskets

As a parent of 2 small children, you quickly learn that rice cereal is your friend.  Does it not only make for a great breakfast, but you can have all kinds of fun by adding butter and marshmellows!  Expecially at Easter time.  Go to the Rice Krispies website for some easy and fun Easter treat ideas.  These Easter baskets took no time at all.  The only difference with the ones we made is, we skipped on the coconut due to allergies.  Have fun and Happy Easter!

Happy Easter

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