This is the abundant edition since I am going to recommend three categories with three things in each category. Buckle up – there are a lot of great things here! The first two categories are fairly local to me in southern Alberta, Canada but I encourage you to think local no matter where you are.
But first, a word about this tough time we are all going through. No one can see the future, but I believe we will get a vaccine for this virus and our world will be different next year.
But I’m also sure we will never really be the same.
Many things have changed, some things for the better, some for the worse.
We have changed. If you think about it, our capacity for change was tested, and most of us passed or at least survived it. 🙂
Some of us have more resources and are able to stay home, work from home and stay safe.
Many other people do not have enough money for the basics.
For the gift giving season, I like to give to organizations and people that need some help.
This year I’m giving to these three close-to-home places I love who are doing good work.
The Alex is a great organization that is close to my heart. Both my daughter and I have used their services in the past. The Alex provides health care services and more to so many people – from youth to seniors.
The Bear Clan Patrol is a group founded in Winnipeg but has an Alberta chapter as well. They work as community members helping vulnerable people stay safe. There are opportunities to volunteer as well as donate.
Home Space is working to provide safe housing for people here in Calgary. Again, opportunities to volunteer as well as donate. Check out their website for more information.
Speaking of gifts, this is the year to shop local!
I am loving these local items.
These beautiful masks are made by my pal Jill. They fit well, won’t fog your glasses and even accommodate a beard if you have one!
These tacos from Con mi Taco are made with fresh blue corn tortillas and are delicious! My kids and I got take out and had taco night recently and we really enjoyed these.
Maybe you have been doing lots of baking or cooking? These are the spatulas and rolling pins of my dreams made by a local artist.
Lastly, if you know me, you know I love a good margarita. I hesitate to recommend booze 🙂 because well – we know it is not good for us!
But I am loving these party beverages this season.
Casa Amigos Tequila. This is an expensive but amazing tequila made by George Clooney. Haha, well he doesn’t make it himself but it was chosen by him as the best he tasted. It is made from agave grown in Jalisco and is produced in Oaxaca Mexico.
Ahhhh Mexico…… Sorry I’m back, just got lost in some warm memories!
Anyway, it is really good (it has a touch of vanilla in the aftertaste) and smooth (even on the rocks as a sipping tequila) and goes well with taco night! (see above)
This white wine is called The People’s Sessions and is a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It is pretty good and is lower in alcohol than most wines which i like. I get it at Superstore.
Finally, this sparkling wine called Loxton Sparkling Brut which you can find at Safeway has no alcohol at all and I like it when I want to feel festive but not groggy the next day. It also makes a lovely “mimosa” when paired with orange juice.
Well that is it! I hope you found some inspiration and fun stuff here – let me know any recommendations you have for local charities, businesses, or festive spirits in the comments below.