#LATEPOST September 14th 2014 - Calgary Bridal Expo Fall 2014

Calgary Bridal Expo Fall 2014 at the BMO Centre

Rocking R Guest Ranch
http://rockingrguestranch.com/
Strathmore, AB T1P 1J6
(403) 934-6974 — at Calgary Bridal Expo.

Universal Decor Calgary
http://www.universaldecorevents.com/
(403) 399-4753 — at Calgary Bridal Expo.

Monplaisir Delicacies Ltd.
http://www.monplaisir.ca/
751 3 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4K8
(587) 538-0690 — at Calgary Bridal Expo.

Buttercream Bake Shoppe
www.buttercreambakeshoppe.com/
1013 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A7
(403) 228-9900 — at Calgary Bridal Expo.

Mountain Bride
http://www.mountainbride.com/
(403) 585-7649 — at Calgary Bridal Expo.

Lynn Fletcher Weddings
http://www.lynnfletcherweddings.com/
#423 399 Forge Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0S9
(403) 457-1324 — at Calgary Bridal Expo.

Lynn Fletcher Weddings
http://www.lynnfletcherweddings.com/
#423 399 Forge Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0S9
(403) 457-1324 — at Calgary Bridal Expo.

View from Sky 360 - The Calgary Tower (January 4, 2014)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014 for Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)

2014: pisces overview
Pisces
2014 is the year of major transformation and rebirth, Pisces. You're about to undertake such a massive personal renovation project that your inner world will never quite look or feel the same. Of course, this will in turn revolutionize your outer world in the most fantastic ways imaginable. The first half of the year continues to celebrate romance and pleasure in a big and fabulous fashion. The overwhelming abundance of love that started crashing into your dreamy world last summer will continue to flourish straight through July. It's not a question of falling madly in love -- it's a question of why it seems to be a daily occurrence. The spell won't be broken until summer, so enjoy this incredible fantasy. Once summer comes you may have to choose and commit.
This lovely Jupiter influence has also been spectacular for your creative life, and will continue to be for the first half of the year. Consider this your second (or third or fourth) childhood as you're being reminded how much fun it is to play!
Perhaps the best news is that your work is about to totally take off this summer, Pisces. If you've been in a bit of an uninspired slump, mope no more! Lucky and generous Jupiter will be moving into your work zone to bring you more work opportunities than you can possibly handle. You'll have to choose carefully, or you may not sleep until 2015. This is also the year to strive for more balance in all life arenas -- especially with money. You're over owing anyone anything, and this is the year to start putting your creative talents into wiping out as much debt as possible. You know how to manifest like nobody's business but often forget to put such magic into practice. Once you get a vision about something, it's only a matter of time before it becomes reality, Pisces.

2014: pisces love
Pisces
The outrageously delicious romantic influence that began last summer continues for the first half of the year. Be sure to take advantage of this amorous time to celebrate your current love or to attract a new flame. Either way, the love energy is still peaking until July. Jupiter is a very generous planet and will be gracing your romance and pleasure sector, kissing your stars right up until summer. Nesting and romance could easily feel intertwined under this influence. Your instincts to nurture and be nurtured are exceptionally strong until Jupiter switches out of your sister Water sign in July.
Saturn continues his tour through sexy Scorpio this year, making another sweet and supportive aspect to your very own watery stars. You're learning deep lessons about commitment, passion and facing your deepest fears when it comes to intimate relationships. You may have never even realized until now that you have some commitment issues. When responsibility starts drifting toward you, you have a tendency to swim the other way. As romantic as you are, you have a deep-seated terror of life becoming too predictable and mundane. You live for fantasy and glamour, Pisces. But alas, reality has a way of catching up to you and asking you if you're ready to step up to the plate. This is your big decision in 2014: How far are you willing to go for love, and what would you be willing to sacrifice?
The North Node of Fate will move into the sign of relationships (Libra) close to your birthday for the remainder of the year, putting the emphasis on partnering. Considering how influenced you are by your environment, the coupling theme surrounding you is sure to feel contagious. You may find yourself longing for companionship despite your usual solitary bent. You can always make room for both in your life. Find a partner willing to give you that necessary downtime -- or rework the parameters with your current mate. 2014 is the year for you to merge your dreams with your reality, Pisces.

2014: pisces career
Pisces
The stars are demanding that you find your passion and get practical about it, Pisces. You're a gypsy and a total free spirit by nature, but this year you're being asked to concentrate your energies and really focus on your passion. Yes, this means coming down from dreamland and getting serious about your career goals, but that doesn't mean you can't use those amazing visions you have while sleeping or daydreaming. In fact, the more you use them this year, the more powerful your career. The point is not to keep them separate. Why keep one of your best assets in the closet? You know how to work the powers of visualization better than anyone, and with Neptune and Chiron still cruising through your stars this year, you're the master at turning imagery into profit. Money tends to be the least of your priorities, but you're realizing it certainly doesn't hurt. You prefer glamour and experience, but why not get paid a handsome salary for your talents? Of course you'll just generously shower any wealth you accumulate on your loved ones -- but that should be all the more incentive to excel in your career in 2014.
The planet of wealth and abundance moves into your work sector this summer, so get ready for a pile-up of projects, Pisces. You'll wonder how it was that you ever complained about not having enough work. This phase -- from July until the end of the year -- is guaranteed to keep you so busy, you'll be challenged to keep your head above water. Time management is key to keeping afloat because the demands will be a bit overwhelming -- exhilarating but overwhelming, nonetheless. Be sure to get plenty of rest, and strive toward more balance in your life despite your hectic schedule. Refuse to let your health suffer as a result of working harder than ever. Don't forget you're hypersensitive to the energies around you and thus require copious amounts of downtime to replenish your energy and imagination. Sleep and bubble baths are essential to a Pisces for maintaining a successful career.

- http://shine.yahoo.com/horoscope/pisces/overview-yearly-2014.html

Mexico 2013

I just came back from my week long trip to Mexico... also my first time there. I must say that it was a blast! I had so much fun. The stories that came with this trip were too much. Lots of great laughs with amazing people.

What i did during my week long stay:

Wednesday the 24th: Arrived, checked in, and explored the Grand Bahia Principe Coba resort.

Thursday the 25th: Spend the day at the beach.

Friday the 26th: Went to Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen.

Saturday the 27th: Jessica & Mike’s Wedding

Sunday the 28th: Went to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

Monday the 29th: Went into Playa del Carmen again, and then went the resort gym before dinner at Portofino Restaurant. 

Tuesday the 30th: Went on an excursion to the Tulum Ruins and then went to snorkelling with the turtles which was FRICKIN' AMAZING! Went for dinner at Mikado Restaurant later that night.

Wednesday the 31st: Good-bye Mexico! Welcome home to Calgary!

Now on to the pictures! (TO BE UPDATED)

Calgary Stampede 2013

I didn't think i would of gotten the chance to go to the Calgary Stampede this year because so many last minute plans came up. Originally i was supposed to go on the first Sunday, which was Family Day, but my girlfriend, Ha, suddenly decided to move from the NW to the SE of Calgary so ended helping her with that.

While running some errands on the second last day of Stampede, we decided to stop by the Stampede grounds to check it out. Since i got there around 6pm, i basically just walked around (twice) to see which new wacky foods to try out... which was quite disappointing. I thought there would be more wacky items to eat. 

The Chip Dog

One of my favorite thing to so at the Stampede besides eating is walking through the BMO Centre. I'm a sucker for shiny things. :-) Not much caught my eye this year... which is a good thing i guess, since i have to save for school. 

I also stop by the tarot card reading booth. 5 cards for $15, not bad. My girlfriend had her reading first which was so accurate she asked me how the tarot card lady knew. Gave my girlfriend some pretty good advise too. I decide to request my reading from her as well (because there was 8 other tarot cards ladies doing reading too) and she said my cards are great... lots of new opportunities (i immediately thought of school) and new doors will open for me. That i felt stuck at my current employment (sooo true!). My reading also showed that my family had mixed feelings about my decision to go back to school this fall... they are happy but they also hope that i opt to settle down and pop out a grand-kid for them. Hahahahaha. Guess they want more grand kids.

After the BMO Centre, we when to the dream home and brought the 20 for $20 tickets. The dream home was quite nice but i find that the few Western element didn't quite fit in my tasting for the mostly modern looking home. We stayed around the Grandstand area to watch the 11:15pm fireworks. All in all, i had fun with the short amount of time spent there and only ended up spending $60! Not bad eh.

WALK OFF THE EARTH at the Coca Cola Stage

Got a FREE shirt from Cowboy Casino

Recipe: Superb Mashed Potatoes

Superb Mashed Potatoes via Silvia Pikal, Culinaire Magazine (page 15)

Serves 4-6

- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chucks
- 1/2 tsp (4 g) salt
- 3 tbs (42 g) butter
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy cream
- truffle oil to taste
- pepper to taste

1. Wash, peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces. Please the potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water.

2. Bring water to a boil. Reduce hear and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Poke potatoes with a fork to ensure they are done.

3. Do bit drain the water completely. Leave some salted water at the bottom at the pot. Add the butter and mash until smooth, than add the heavy cream and mix well.

4. Stir in the truffle oil. 

5. Season with pepper.

Gourmet Options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 1 tbs (15 ml) olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- handful of fresh parsley, chopped

1. Saute the garlic in olive oil until it starts to brown, for about 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic to mashed potatoes after you have drained the water. Mash into potatoes with butter until smooth.

Parmesan and Truffle Oil Mashed Potatoes:
- 1/2 cup ( 60 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- white or black truffle oil to taste

1. After mashing the butter into the potatoes, fold in Parmesan and mic well.

2. Stir in the truffle oil to taste.

Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tbs (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 large onion, halved, thinly sliced
- 2 tbs (30 ml) balsamic vinegar

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium hear, Add the onion and cool, stirring frequently, until lightly brown, about 15 minutes.

2. Stir in the vinegar and cool 1 minute longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. When your mashed potatoes are ready to serve, top with caramelized onions. 

YYC Burger Week 2013

YYC Burger Week had come to an end this past Friday. This is the first time Calgary has had burger week and i was fortune enough to know about it and went to try 5 feature restaurants out of 16.

I’m no food critic but i know what i like to eat and what i don’t like. Here is my review of these 5 burgers for charity that i was able to have in my tummy.

Friday, May 3^rd: NOtaBLE (4611 Bowness Road NW)
Went to NOtaBLE for their feature burger made just for YYC Burger Week. Instead of the hour wait for a table, I decided to do take-out, which was only a 15 minutes wait. NOtaBLE burger for charity was pretty good. The patty was thick (bang for your buck), juicy and sweet. It was a bit burnt from the grill which made a backyard BBQ feel while eating it. The truffle mushrooms and THICK-cut bacon added a nice touch to the burger.

Saturday, May 4^th: Anju (507 10 Street SW)
Went to Anju Restaurant for another YYC Burger Week feature restaurant this late afternoon, and because it was such a beautiful day out, I decided to do take-out and sit at the park in Eau Claire. Did you know you get a FREE CD for every feature burger (for charity) you order?!?! I didn’t know this. They also pack their take-out orders with everything, forks, loads of napkins, wet napkin, and the right sauces. I think they may have read my mind about eating in the park because the wet napkin came in handy. VERY IMPRESSED ANJU! :-) Now onto the feature burger, BiBim Burger, which was so amazingly yummy. The patty was just the right size and had a Korean kick to it with the loaded mixed gochujang veggies and kimchi butter... and the runny yolk of a fried EGG on top! Yummy burger for a picnic in the park. :-)

Tuesday, May 7^th: Ship & Anchor (534 17 Avenue SW)
initially we went to check out Naina’s Kitchen but it was closed at 3pm. Fine Diner was the closet stop to where we were, which was also closed at 3pm. Since it was during the afternoon rush hour, called Market to see if they were open, unfortunately they only serve their feature burger for charity during the lunch time.
Next on the list (that was close to us) was Ship & Anchor, they were open and they did serve their feature burger for dinner. Their feature burger, Phat Duck Burger, was okay. It was missing some ingredients that were listed, for example, i wasn’t able to taste their fried chicken liver pate, and their pulled hickory duck. I mean it was there, but it was tasteless. The patty itself was flavourful but dry. Another disappointment was that it wasn’t served with the 3 onion rings and a choice of side... just some fries, which were crunchy and good. I’m disappointed to say that this was the first burger of YYC Burger Week i wasn’t able to finish.

Thursday, May 9^th: downtownfood (628 8 Avenue SW)
My 5^th stop of YYC Burger Week was to downtownfood, which is now where Opus Nightclub was. The feature burger, Double Down burger was quite impressive. They served it open-faced with a soft poached DEEP FRIED egg on one burger bun. Deep fried!!! I never thought an egg can be deep fried beautifully and was still runny. So i poked the egg so the yolk can drench the pastrami on the other burger bun. Their bacon and pickled leek added a really nice crunch to the sweet patty. It was served with some fries and a broxburn strawberry shake. So the feature burger was very delicious, but i do wish it was bigger cause i couldn’t get enough of it.

Friday, May 10^th: The Fine Diner (1420 9 Avenue SE)
Last day of YYC Burger Week, i was able to get off early and thought i would give Finer Diner another try. Don’t worry, we called ahead to see if they were open... and yes they were! Their feature burger, Texan Diner Burger was quite delicious with abit of a kick to it because of the jalapeños, which was a nice touch to the burger. Even tho the jalapeños were quite spicy with my nose running abit, i couldn’t stop eating their burger. I loved their house-cured bacon which was thick and sweet, paired with some avocados. If they still have this on their menu when burger week is over, i’ll defiantly be back... but i may have to request that they put the jalapeños on the side.

Yesterday, Tuesday the 14^th, they announced the winner of this year’s YYC Burger Week competition,

Congratulation to Naina’s Kitchen!

One YYC Burger Week feature burger i wasn’t able to try. I did write a tweet to Naina, and YES, they will keep the winning burger on their menu. Guess i know what’s for dinner tonight. J