Troublemakers!

My 2 little trouble makers... They really do keep me busy.

It's been a while!

It's been a while since the last update, but just wanted to say that we are still doing date nights! We try to do it every week, but we are so busy. Usually when it's Josh's day off, we do errands. We are a one car family, so I don't get to do it myself. Once we have saved up enough money to buy another car, then we will. For now, we are happy with this arrangement.

Just wanted to say that I had a great time on our day on Friday! We went to B Street Bar. My honeybun sang "Truly, Madly, Deeply" and he dedicated it to me. He was so sweet. Just wanted to mention that that was definitely the highlight of our night! Love you hubby! 

We were also walking down Whyte Ave since it was a beautiful day that day. I can't wait until it's summer so we can enjoy Whyte Ave again like this. We had some coffee at Block 1912. I didn't have cake, I was able to resist myself!

This Edmonton Blizzard

My cousin got stuck while on her way to work today.

Here is a picture of my husband helping her out.

I'm just thankful that I don't work outside the home because I'm afraid to get stuck too. I've only been stuck twice before and it isn't very fun.

Some tips to survive Winter in Edmonton:

• Bring extra winter jacket in your trunk
• Bring an extra shovel. You can purchase a portable type in Canadian Tire.
• Always carry your cell phone with you.

If you have any more tips to share, please feel free to let us know.

This is what our deck looks like right now

 

 

After Christmas Date Night - Movie and Dinner at Montana's

One of the Christmas presents Josh and I had received was a pair of movie passes and a gift card to our choice of restaurant (Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, Milestones, and Montana). Because we have not been to Montana's before, we have decided to have our dinner date there.

So after enjoying the third installment of The Chronicles of Narnia, we headed over to Montana's. We were told that the wait would be 40-60 minutes. But surprisingly, they had managed to seat us within 10 minutes. I was very pleased with that as I don't like to wait. lol

The server was very polite and friendly. She didn't have to ask us if we wanted refills on our drinks. She'd just automatically give us refills. Isn't that nice?

I ordered the steak. Hubby ordered the ribs. You know me and my steaks. lol. I have to say that the steaks were delicious! I had it with mashed potatoes and gravy and beans on the side. I also had it with Montana's steak sauce.

Montana's Signature Steak Sauce

Dinner was very filling and I wish we didn't go to Taco Bell before the movie.

Josh's Ribs

 

My delicious Steak

Our overall experience was really good. I would give this place a 4 out of 5 stars.

Delux Burger Bar - Bourbon Street, West Edmonton Mall

Hey everyone, Kristine here... My hubby and I finally got to try Delux Burger Bar at West Edmonton Mall. We went there with about 10-15 people for my husband's co-worker's farewell party.

One of the things that I would never forget is the picture on the wall - COWS. I just thought it was a little bit out of place with the rest of the decor, and we were left wondering why they would have a picture of an animal that we were about to eat.  

I kept my meal simple and just ordered the Grilled Cheese Sandwich... Hey it had tomatoes, so why not? I love tomatoes. We also decided to share one order of fries.  The fries came in this cute little shopping cart. A little different on the presentation.

The mini shopping cart

My Grilled Cheese Sandwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My husband's Delux Burger

Really good Singaporean beer - Tiger beer

 

 

Rating - 3/5

The server who goes by the name of John was very nice and very friendly. He really looks like he enjoys his job here and that really shows with the quality of service that we received that night, considering there's about 15 people in our party.  

Things to do during the Holidays in Edmonton

Ah the holidays! It's definitely my favorite time of the year. There are so much to see and do. I love it all. The snow, the festivals, the concerts, the beautiful Christmas lights. I love Christmas!

So I'm going to be listing some things to do during the Holidays in Edmonton. Feel free to comment if  you want to share what other things there are to do in our city.

The Festival of Trees 
I know it has already passed this year, but I love going to this. There are tons of things to see and do. Watch performances, check out Gingerbread houses, beautifully decorated trees everywhere, and go shopping! There are also some crafts, so if you have kids, this is definitely would also make a great family outing.

Festival of Trees 2008

Christmas Bureau Carol Sing-along

The Christmas Bureau is hosting its annual Carol Sing-along at the Winspear Centre.

There will be a choir performance from noon to 1 p.m. and families can join in the carolling and make a donation to the non-profit organization. Admission is free. Arrive early as seats fill fast.

WHEN: Dec.17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Winspear Centre.

Candlelight Christmas at the John Walter Museum 

 This wonderful evening offers Christmas enchantment with Celtic music performed by the McDade Family.

Dates: December 10 - 26, 2010
Time: 2 – 4pm matinee, 7:30 – 9:30pm evenings
Location: John Walter Museum, 10661 91A Avenue
Cost: $23.00/general; $14.00/child (age 2 – 14)

Experience two 45 minute musical performances in a pioneer home. During intermission, enjoy hot apple cider or hot chocolate and try some fresh home baking. A mug of apple cider, creaking boardwalks and lights reflecting off the snow create a magical atmosphere for the evening!

A complete schedule and information about the children’s program is available at edmonton.ca/johnwalter by clicking on events and programs. To purchase tickets, call 311 (outside of Edmonton 780-442-5311), visit any City of Edmonton Recreation Centre or go online at ereg.edmonton.ca.

 Crystal Sundays

The annual Crystal Christmas Sundays at the Muttart are on again this year. Take in the sights and sounds of Muttart Conservatory and enjoy the Feature Pyramid show Polar Bear Express and the Ice Crystal concerts in the Centre Court. Children can play in the Snowflake Room where a festive wonderland of games, crafts and music has been set up. Regular admission rates apply.

WHEN: Dec. 19, 1p.m. to 4p.m.

WHERE: The Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A Street.

Hayrides

The Marketplace at Callingwood will host free hayrides in a horse drawn carriage with Santa for families and a Northpole Workshop for kids.

WHEN: Dec.18 from 1p.m. to 4p.m.

WHERE: The Marketplace at Callingwood, 6655 178 St.

Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree 

Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is again hosting the renowned Singing Christmas Tree concert.

Enjoy a 35-foot singing Christmas tree with hundreds of entertainers accompanied by a live orchestra. All proceeds go toward a new home for Santas Anonymous.

Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Candy Cane Lane

Candy Cane Lane is once again open for the holidays. Bring along a donation to the Food Bank when you visit.

WHEN: Until Jan. 2

WHERE: Along 148th Street, starting at 100th Avenue.

Butterdome Craft Sale 

DATES & HOURS
December 9 – 12, 2010

Thursday 11 – 10
Friday 11 – 10
Saturday 10 – 6
Sunday 10 – 5

DIRECTIONS
University of Alberta “Butterdome”
87 Avenue & 114 Street, Edmonton, Alberta

Find directions using Google™ Maps

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
There are a number of public parking areas in the vicinity of the Butterdome however, parking may be limited during weekdays.

There are 2 LRT stations within the immediate vicinity of the Butterdome as well as an Edmonton Transit stop directly at the door on 87th Avenue.

 Alberta Legislature - 'Tis the Season at the Legislature

Begins December 2, 2010: Celebrate the Season at the Alberta Legislature! Festivities are free and include:

Celebrate the Season Light up, December 2 at 4 pm

Choirs at noon hours and evenings, December 2 to 23

Free hot chocolate in the evenings, December 2 to 23

Winter wonderland of outdoor light displays, December 2 to January 14

Christmas trees decorated by Edmonton and area schoolchildren in the pedway

Winter scenes for fun photos adjacent to the Gift Shop and Interpretive Centre

Ice-skating on the south grounds (weather permitting)

Alberta Legislature Visitor Services and Interpretive Centre, 10820 98 Avenue Edmonton

Phone: 780.427.7362 (Toll Free 780.310.0000)

A Christmas Carol

Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010 - Thursday, December 23, 2010

An Edmonton Holiday Tradition Continues
For a decade, Edmonton has embraced Tom Wood's brilliant adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, and the tradition continues this year for an eleventh season. With an unforgettable story, rich cast of characters and dazzing special effects, A Christmas Carol, is exceptional family entertainment.

Citadel Theatre, MacLab Theatre, 9828 101 A Avenue

Box Office: 780.425.1820
 

Our Second Year Anniversary Date

Even months before our anniversary, we had already planned to go to the Laronde Revolving Restaurant, located at the top of the Crowne Plaza Hotel building Downtown Edmonton. Sometimes we feel that it is good to splurge on special occasion type of dates, such as anniversaries. If you are on a tight budget, it helps to plan ahead and work it in your budget. Because we have 2 small children, we have other priorities so we can't just indulge whenever we want.

Josh and me at the Muttart Conservatory

Our anniversary date started out with a nice romantic walk in the Muttart Conservatory. Since our wedding anniversary falls during the cold season (November 15, 2008), we wanted to stay indoors. This is also a nice location to take each other's pictures. Hubby took tons of pictures of me, lol.

 

Afterwards, we still had time to explore the City Centre Mall before dinner. Our reservation was for 6, so we had an hour to walk around the mall, where hubby got me some chocolates from Purdy's. He really knows how to please me! I have such a sweet tooth that I will eat anything sweet. But at that time, I didn't eat my chocolates because I was saving some room for our dinner date.

Am I glad I didn't eat those chocolates! We got to the Laronde and we had a positive experience. The server was nice and friendly. The maitre'd was polite. I've always heard that the food was terrible at the Laronde, but in my opinion, it wasn't bad! It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. We decided to order from the Lover's Delight menu, which is $150 per couple.

The overall experience was really romantic. The view was beautiful. We got a window seat, so it was nice.