Allison James

Now that the holiday season is behind us, it is time to settle in for the long winter – Calgary style – and that means heading outdoors for winter fun.  While the winter wonderlands in Banff and Canmore are just over an hour away, there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to enjoy right here in Calgary.

Calgary’s Walking Trails and Pathways

Calgary is home to the largest network of pathways and walking trails in North America.  Nearly 350 km of the 800 km system of trails and pathways are cleared of snow by the City every year, making it easy to enjoy the natural landscape from easily accessible walking paths. The Bow River pathway system includes several Priority 1 pathways that are cleared of snow within 24 hours.  If the cold is too much for you, take advantage of the City’s renowned +15 System, the elaborate network of 63 enclosed sky bridges connecting over 100 buildings in downtown Calgary. Named for the fact that the bridges were constructed 15 feet off the ground at second story building height, a stroll through a portion of the 20 km system permits you to enjoy the sunshine with protection from harsh weather elements.

Canada Olympic Park

Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park (COP), located off the TransCanada Parkway, is the convenient solution to the quandary of how to squeeze fun and exercise into a busy schedule.  Open seven days a week, COP offers hills and half pipes for beginners to experts in skiing, snowboarding and snow skating, which is roughly akin to skateboarding or snowboarding without bindings.  Come on out and enjoy a few downhill runs or a bobsled run at this world-class facility.

Fish Creek Provincial Park

Fish Creek Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, is a great spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  The scenery is magnificent and use of the ungroomed natural trails is free of charge.  Snowshoeing is a suitable activity for the entire family and a great way to commune with nature, clear your head and educate children on the wonders of wildlife and the natural world.

Whether you are into action-oriented sports like snowboarding and downhill skiing or the slower pace of a stroll through a grove of fir trees in the park, there is fun to be had all winter long in Calgary.  Grab your skis, snowshoes, skates, sled or hiking boots and head outdoors.  Warm clothes, a cup of hot chocolate or sunshine and a warm chinook wind will help you weather the cold. Welcome to winter in Calgary!

Do you need to move to celebrate the changes that are happening in your life? Let me serve you in helping you make the move to the place or home that reflects where you are in life’s journey! I will listen to your needs and use my knowledge and expertise to make this a smooth transition to the right place for you to call home in Calgary. Contact me at 403-708-5873, ajames16@gmail.com, or www.allisonjames.com and let’s get on with your journey!

About Allison James

Allison James has been a realtor® since 1999 with Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. in the changing Calgary real estate market. A Century 21 Centurion Award 2007 recipient and a member of CREA and AREA, she specializes in residential real estate and has her designations as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and a Certified Condominium Specialist. These designations testify that she has the expertise and resources to help her clients make a smooth transition to the next step in their life journey. She enjoys helping her clients as they move through many of the same stages of life that she, too, has experienced. The fact that the majority of her business comes from past clients and/or referrals from satisfied clients speaks volumes about her dedication to the high quality of service that she offers her clients to meet their Calgary and surrounding area real estate needs. She is a mother of four who are all on their own now, and a grandmother of eight. Besides helping people buy or sell real estate, she loves spending time with her family, being active outdoors, traveling and meeting new people, photography, playing the drums, reading, scuba diving, listening to music, learning new things, and nurturing her spiritual growth.

We all love Thanksgiving, spending time with family and loved ones, eating till our bellies are full and simply creating great new memories. But as much as we love the holiday, it can be stressful especially if it’s your turn to host. From making a list to preparing for picky-eaters to making sure you leave enough time to defrost the turkey…here are some stress-free holiday tips that will allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy the day.

Plan Ahead

A few days before the big day, make sure you have everything you need from ingredients to utensils and all the other often missed necessities like paper goods, beverages and ice so you don’t have to make a mad dash to the grocery store.

Start Defrosting That Bird- NOW!

Don’t stress about that turkey. If it’s frozen, you may need to let it defrost for a couple of days so it’s ready to go. The earlier you leave that bird out the better, so even consider leaving it in the fridge to slowly defrost the week prior.

Have Guests Help Themselves

Serving buffet style is a great way to not have to deal with picky eaters or those with allergies. Setting up a buffet and drink station will free you up to mingle with guests and allow you to enjoy yourself too, at least until it’s time to clear.

Deal With Picky Eaters

These days, everyone seems to have some sort of dietary restriction, but don’t stress out about leaving anyone out. Ask your invited guests well in advance if they have any requests so you can make sure there is something for everyone on the menu.

Prepare For Little Ones

It’s great to have the whole family together, but having little ones at the “adult” table can sometimes be stressful. Be prepared with kid-friendly activities like a paper placemat and crayons to keep them entertained and have toys and games available throughout the evening to entertain them.

Overall, Thanksgiving Day is a time to enjoy and spend with family. So don’t stress if the turkey is a bit dry or your pumpkin pie too moist. Live in the moment and enjoy it.

Do you need to move to celebrate the changes that are happening in your life? Let me serve you in helping you make the move to the place or home that reflects where you are in life’s journey! I will listen to your needs and use my knowledge and expertise to make this a smooth transition to the right place for you to call home in Calgary. Contact me at 403-708-5873, ajames16@gmail.com, or www.allisonjames.com and let’s get on with your journey!

About Allison James

Allison James has been a realtor® since 1999 with Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. in the changing Calgary real estate market. A Century 21 Centurion Award 2007 recipient and a member of CREA and AREA, she specializes in residential real estate and has her designations as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and a Certified Condominium Specialist. These designations testify that she has the expertise and resources to help her clients make a smooth transition to the next step in their life journey. She enjoys helping her clients as they move through many of the same stages of life that she, too, has experienced. The fact that the majority of her business comes from past clients and/or referrals from satisfied clients speaks volumes about her dedication to the high quality of service that she offers her clients to meet their Calgary and surrounding area real estate needs. She is a mother of four who are all on their own now, and a grandmother of eight. Besides helping people buy or sell real estate, she loves spending time with her family, being active outdoors, traveling and meeting new people, photography, playing the drums, reading, scuba diving, listening to music, learning new things, and nurturing her spiritual growth.

Do you struggle to think of a good gift for your dad or other dads in your life on Father’s Day?  If you answered “yes”, you are not alone.  The challenge in finding the perfect gift probably stems from the fact that so many of us feel that no gift can every really convey the depth of the love and gratitude we feel for our dads. When we think back on our lives, it’s not the expensive gifts that we remember, but precious time spent with loved ones. So, here’s a tip for Father’s Day this year – stop trying so hard and instead, consider these ideas for meaningful gifts for Dad.

Tickets to a Sporting Event or Concert

Think about buying your dad tickets to a sporting event or concert with a favorite musician.  This does not have to be done on a large scale.  In fact, small is probably better.  Think minor league baseball game instead of the World Series.  The goal is to spend quality time with your dad while also enjoying something he loves.

Plan a Nature Hike

The sights and sounds of nature tend to bring out the best in all of us.  While taking in a healthy dose of fresh air, seize the opportunity to reminisce with your dad and share a few laughs.  It’s also a good way to catch up on current happenings in your busy lives.

Take a Road Trip

Everybody has someplace they’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t managed to find the time.  Make the time this year and plan a road trip to that place on your dad’s bucket list.  If you can’t come up with a suitable destination, just meander and go where the road takes you.  Enjoy the time with your dad along with whatever sights and sounds come your way. The trip might only take a weekend, but the memories will last forever.

Pay it Forward

What better way to honor Dad for all he has done and continues to do than by paying it forward and helping someone else?  Let’s face it – many dads pretty much have everything they need.  If they don’t have it and decide they want it, they go and buy it owing to their status as grown men.  So instead of stressing over some gift your dad doesn’t even want, remind him just how much you appreciate his love, hard work and sacrifice by making a donation in his name to one of his favorite organizations or charities.  It’s a gift that it is guaranteed to make him proud.

So before investing in another loud tie for Dad or the latest gadget that will gather dust in the back of a closet, think about gifting Dad with the one thing he probably wants the most – a little time with you!

Do you need to move to celebrate the changes that are happening in your life? Let me serve you in helping you make the move to the place or home that reflects where you are in life’s journey! I will listen to your needs and use my knowledge and expertise to make this a smooth transition to the right place for you to call home in Calgary. Contact me at 403-708-5873, ajames16@gmail.com, or www.allisonjames.com and let’s get on with your journey!

About Allison James

Allison James has been a realtor® since 1999 with Century 21 Bamber Realty Ltd. in the changing Calgary real estate market. A Century 21 Centurion Award 2007 recipient and a member of CREA and AREA, she specializes in residential real estate and has her designations as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and a Certified Condominium Specialist. These designations testify that she has the expertise and resources to help her clients make a smooth transition to the next step in their life journey. She enjoys helping her clients as they move through many of the same stages of life that she, too, has experienced. The fact that the majority of her business comes from past clients and/or referrals from satisfied clients speaks volumes about her dedication to the high quality of service that she offers her clients to meet their Calgary and surrounding area real estate needs. She is a mother of four who are all on their own now, and a grandmother of eight. Besides helping people buy or sell real estate, she loves spending time with her family, being active outdoors, traveling and meeting new people, photography, playing the drums, reading, scuba diving, listening to music, learning new things, and nurturing her spiritual growth.