Some may consider this early, while others will wonder why so late, but I finally managed to put up our family Christmas tree this weekend. We’ve been thinking about buying a pre-lit or fiber optic tree in the last few years, but every December, when our reliable fir is up and decorated, I can’t complain. [...]

My family and I had supper at Swiss Chalet in South Edmonton Common (2203-99 Street) this evening. Not glamorous but comfortable, Swiss Chalet is among my favorite casual dining spots – affordable, with a good menu, consistent quality, and friendly service. We snagged seats in the lounge, as the dining room was buzzing with a [...]

As any restaurateur is well aware, lunch is the best way to more inexpensively sample an eatery’s fare. So although I am not a fan of Japanese food, I thought I’d give the southside Mikado (1903-98 Street) a shot this afternoon with my Mum. I have to admit to being impressed by their decor. Designed [...]

Not the Grouch, but our chinchilla! We inherited Oscar a few years ago from a friend who felt that she couldn’t provide him with the attention he deserved. Chinchillas, native to South America, are nocturnal by nature. Sleeping until 7 in the evening, he wakes up cranky, like any human might. This is in part [...]

My name is Sharon and I am a text messaging addict. On my last cell phone bill, the incoming and outgoing message count was well over four hundred. Thankfully, I had already switched to an unlimited text messaging flat fee a few months prior, which yes, I acknowledge does nothing to reduce my dependence on [...]

While I feel skeevy citing OK Magazine as a source, rumors have been circulating since early November about the re-opening of talks to bring a Sex and the City movie to life. As a huge fan of the show, I would love to see Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha back on screen again. There was [...]

My Mum recently bought a box of Jimmy Dean Croissant Sandwiches, and I tried one the other day in the hopes of recapturing some of the magic from my Tim Hortons’ experience. Sadly, I was disappointed. Microwaved, the croissant became overdone and chewy, not “flaky” as described on the website. Moreover, the cheese vaporized at [...]

On Friday, I returned to my alma mater, the University of Alberta, for a film screening by California-based Wong Fu Productions. Started by three Chinese Americans from San Diego, Wong Fu is famous for their internet-broadcasted music videos and short films, particularly the hilarious Yellow Fever. Their newest project, A Moment With You, is more [...]

I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to “repeat post” about restaurants I’ve already reviewed, but in this case, I do have some new pictures, so it is worth blogging about. Following the Festival, a few friends and I went to Doan’s Restaurant, which I first wrote about in October. I’m quite uninspired about what [...]

A friend and I headed to the Shaw Conference Centre for Edmonton’s annual Festival of Trees event tonight. In support of the University of Alberta Hospital, the Festival showcases hundreds of decorated trees and offers live entertainment, shopping, and activities for children. I am ashamed to admit that although I’ve lived in the city all [...]