Living in Canada: Top Restaurants to Try This Spring
Cross border moving to Canada may leave you pining for the restaurants of your old neighborhood, but rest assured, there are wonderful restaurants waiting for you up north. Whether in Ontario, Victoria, Edmonton, or Montreal, you will be able to find a lovely place to sit and have highly recommended faire.
The Black Cat Cafe in Ottawa, Ontario
This is a small place with seats for only 30. The owner is the sommelier and can pair your meal with the perfect wine. Expect jazz music, and fresh, surprising ingredients. When was the last time you had lobster pudding served with chorizo sausage? Take a date and enjoy the hip atmosphere.
Sotto Sotto in Toronto, Ontario
Meaning “Hush, Hush” in Italian, you can guess the mood of this restaurant: romance. The Italian cuisine is accompanied by the choice of over 5,000 bottles of wine. This menu is comforting and classic, and comes with a feeling of friendship.
Corso 32 in Edmonton
Corso 32 was the address of the chef and owner’s Campania childhood home. As the restaurant’s name harkens to the past, the food forges ahead to the future of Italian. The chef has been said to be a show-off, but who cares when the food is this good.
Ulla in Victoria
Named after the mother of the chef, Ulla is a young, urban hot-spot located in Chinatown. The menu is mostly organic, and ushers in the new generation of connoisseurs. The atmosphere is bright, with quirky decor, and a place for anyone. Try their version of the chickpea snack; pickled, deep fried and salted.
Van Horne in Montreal
Van Horne isn’t shy with its totem pole (nicknamed Bill) in the dining room and Lichtenstein silkscreened paper plates on the walls. The food tends to come by color, with the sense of style similar to the decor. With only four main courses, your decision will be easy, and your trip will have been worth it.
Cross border moving may bring you in close proximity to one of these gems. If so, take time to stop in and see what all the buzz is about.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @stuart_spivack via the creative common license)
Spring in Edmonton: 5 Ways to Stay Fit
Cross border moving can be stressful, and often exercise is the first thing to go out the window. When you arrive in Edmonton, you will find that there are many options for getting out and getting fit. Here are five great ways to start your fitness goals.
The North Saskatchewan River is a recreation spot for all the locals. In the spring, you can canoe and kayak, and while you are there get in a little fishing. Make a day of it with the family. Pack a picnic. Don’t forget to keep belongings in waterproof containers!
The river valley in Edmonton is lovely, and perfect for biking, walking, and jogging. Edmonton has over 100 miles of maintained multi-use trails. The parks department keeps them clean and debris-free, so that you can get along with ease.
If you are more of an indoor person, try the Kinsmen Sports Centre. Located in the river valley, minutes away from downtown, it’s Edmonton’s best multi-purpose sports facility. There are indoor and outdoor pools, two indoor tracks, two fitness centers, courts for squash, racquetball and walleyball, and a field house for badminton, tennis, volleyball, and more.
If you are more of the graceful type, sign up for dance classes at Foot Notes Dance Studio. They teach courses in American style ballroom, Latin dance for beginners, country and swing, and the argentine tango. If you want more cardio, they have a fitness dance program that includes belly dancing!
The best way to keep fit is to join a group. Try the Edmonton Hikers Meetup Group. They are dedicated to keeping active by hiking together. Go with them into the Rockies for a big adventure, or stay in Edmonton and experience the recreational areas around the city. Just sign up to participate.
After cross border moving, you will have plenty of options for keeping fit, and they will help you get out into your new city and meet your fellow Edmonton residents.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @C.G.P. Grey via the creative common license)
5 Steps Towards Easy Spring Cleaning
Moving to the U.S. is a large undertaking, and organizing a new home is an equally large task. If you have been settled for several seasons, it may be time to think about spring cleaning. Here are five easy steps to get you started:
1. Start off with a thorough de-cluttering. Look at all the surfaces and make tough decisions about what really needs to be there. Go through the linen closet, the hall closet, and other places where junk hides. Think about donating items you no longer use.
2. Start at the top. Take a broom and stick a sock on the handle. Go room to room dusting corners and taking down cobwebs. Use the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner to suck up dust on heating vents, draperies, and windowsills. Work your way down the walls, over the furniture, and to the floors and baseboards.
3. Now is the time to actually move the sofa, beds, and other heavy furniture. Pull items from their place and vacuum the floor. Wipe the baseboards behind beds and sofas.
4. You have two options, doing one room at a time, or doing the same task in all the rooms, task after task. The benefit to the latter is that you will have the tools out that you need. Also, you will be focused on washing rugs, dusting plants, etc., and things might go more quickly.
5. Engage the whole family. Assign someone to the garage, shed, and yard. Have them also start with de-cluttering and donating unused items. This person might also be willing to wash the outside of the windows.
After moving to the U.S., spring cleaning will seem like small potatoes. Make a plan and attack your dust bunnies with gusto.
(Photo attribute to Flickr member @nimbupan via the creative common license)
Living in Vancouver: Tips for Staying Active This Winter
A month of planning your cross border moving can leave you worn out. But they say that along with a little rest, you should add a little exercise. Vancouver offers infinite options for physical activity. Try these three tips for staying active this season.
1. Try the Kitsilano Adventuring Moms Meet-up group. Meetup.com is a site where you can find other people who enjoy the things you enjoy. People meet about pets, politics, religion, cooking, crafts, and so much more. This adventuring group of moms will keep you active in the winter months. There are often activities for both you and the kids to participate in.
2. Sign up for classes at Inner Space Yoga in Gastown. This all-inclusive stop for physical health won’t disappoint. It is a beautiful space, meant to slow you down and relax you. It is a “boutique” studio with smaller classes and a more intimate, authentic experience. They offer Hatha, Anvsara, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga, but they have more than yoga. Experience meditation, Pilates, massage, infrared saunas and more.
3. Try Cypress Mountain for cross-country skiing. You can rent your skis here and try this cardio workout. Their Nordic Trails are groomed and track-set. They are good for both the Classic and Skate technique. Take a friend and enjoy the snowy views.
4. Head to Grouse Mountain for some outdoor ice-skating on an old-fashioned, 8,000 square ft. pond. The ticket includes a gondola ride, access to many peak activities such as sleigh rides. You can get a nice warm cup of hot cocoa at the nearby Peak Chalet.
After cross border moving to Vancouver, you may need to get out of the house and get some exercise. Maybe a meet-up group, a yoga class, or a day of cross country skiing will do the trick.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @ronsombilongallery via the creative common license)
Living in Vancouver: 3 Tips for Ice Skating This Winter
Living in Vancouver has many benefits, one of which is easy access to ice skating. After cross border moving to Canada, you may want to take up the activity like a local. Here are three great places to start.
GE Ice Plaza at Robeson Square
This is a unique, sunken outdoor and open-air ice rink, which was reopened in 2009. After ten years of being closed, it is now refreshed and reopened with a slightly larger ice area. Admission is free through Games-time, and skate rental is $3. Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.
Grouse Mountain’s Ice Skating Pond
This is an 8,000 square-foot outdoor rink at the peak of Grouse Mountain, a popular skiing resort. It’s the only old-fashioned skating pond in the city. A ticket includes a gondola ride, access to many peak activities such as sleigh rides. It’s near the Peak Chalet where you can warm up with a hot chocolate. Be sure to check the mountain weather report before you head up. Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.
Trout Lake Rink
This rink at the Trout Lake Community Centre was renovated for the Olympics, and is now state-of-the-art. Its aerodynamic design is conservation friendly, and serves as an example to other rinks on conserving water and energy. There is a beautiful arched wood ceiling that was made from salvaged Stanley Park windfall.
The City of Vancouver also runs seven other rinks located throughout the city. Confirm holiday hours before you go.
Cross border moving is all work, so get out a play a little on one of these world-class skating rinks.
Photo provided by Flickr user @dnigh under the creative common license.
Living in Vancouver: 3 Tips for Skiing This Winter
Cross border moving to a new country and city can bring welcome changes. Now that you are a Vancouver local, you have easy access to snow skiing. Whether you are a beginner or pro, you will enjoy the views and the experience of being on the mountain. Here are three great locations for skiing in the Vancouver area.
Cypress Mountain
This is the home of Canada’s first Olympic Gold Medal on home snow, and they are very proud of this! Their Nordic trails are groomed and track-set for the classic and the skate techniques. A fun tube park tows you up to the top, then down the chute you go! There are plenty of opportunities for lessons if you are a beginner. Check out some of the daily entertainment if you need a break from skiing. You can park and ride the Express Bus to the top of the mountain, only $48 for a yearly pass, and only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. They also provide activities for younger and older children.
Grouse Mountain
This local and tourist destination is 15-minutes from downtown Vancouver. During the summer, there is hiking, zip lining, paragliding, sightseeing, lumberjack shows and other entertainment. In winter, there is skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and helicopter rides. Grouse Mountain is a favorite for weddings. They are proud to host a refuge for endangered wildlife. When it comes to dining, Grouse Mountain has many choices. There is the café style Lupins, casual dining at Altitudes, and fine dining at the Observatory.
Mount Seymour
Located to the north; Mount Seymour is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. This is a local favorite with nice skiing and snowboarding areas. There are special activities for younger and older children both. From the top of Mount Seymour you can see east to the Cascade Mountains, south to Washington State and the San Juan and Gulf Islands, west to Vancouver Island, the Georgia Strait and all of Greater Vancouver below. Get a bargain on first-time lessons compared to the other resorts, and rent equipment from the on-site shop. Have fun in the Enquist Snow Tube Park tobogganing and snow-tubing.
After cross border moving to Vancouver, be sure to try out the skiing this winter. With mountains so close to home, it will be easier than ever!
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @nonanet via the creative common license)
Living in Calgary: Top 5 Resolutions for 2012
Cross border moving takes a lot of planning and time, and once it is completed, is a big accomplishment. What are you hoping to accomplish in the year ahead in your new city? Here are the top five recommended resolutions for you in 2012.
1. Try winter sports for exercise. There is ice skating, hockey, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing. Head over to Canada Olympic Park, where you can rent gear for skiing or snowboarding.
2. Join Calgary’s efforts to go “green.” As the city adds parks and green spaces, supports green businesses, and invests in renewable energy sources, you can contribute too. If you don’t recycle, start. Get the kids involved; they will keep you on track. Choose eco-friendly products from eco-active businesses. Ride your bike and take public transportation.
3. Spend your decorating dollars on independent, local artists. Shop at the Micah Gallery, Loch Gallery, and the Rustic Fine Art Gallery for 2D and 3D art to decorate your new walls.
4. Teach your kids about the history of the new place you are living. Take them to the Heritage Park Historical Village, which depicts life in the West from 1864-1945. Kids can ride the steam train, paddle wheeler, and Ferris wheel. They can explore an old-fashioned candy shop or a blacksmith’s forge.
5. Get out and meet your neighbors. The best time to break the ice is right when you move in. Write down names and phone numbers so you don’t forget. Think about having an open house to create some community in the neighborhood.
Think of cross border moving as a fresh start for the year ahead. Make some resolutions that will help you connect with your new city.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @dr_tr via the creative common license)
Living in Edmonton: Top 5 Resolutions for 2012
When cross border moving to Edmonton, New Year’s resolutions might be far from your mind. But once you are settled, you might realize that 2012 is coming and would make a fresh start for you and your family. Here are the top five resolutions for your new life in Edmonton.
1. Become a hockey fan. Cheer for the Edmonton Oilers, or attend the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, taking place December 26 – January 4. You will be able to watch Team Canada fight for its first gold medal since 2009.
2. Get some exercise in the North Saskatchewan River Valley. These beautiful trails are perfect for running, walking, biking, or even a Segway tour (find out more at http://www.rivervalleyadventure.com).
3. Help the local economy, and your own health by shopping local at one of Edmonton’s farmers’ markets. The City Market Downtown is on 104 Street, a great place to shop. You can find a silversmith, baker, and typical fruits and veggies. The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market is 26 years old, and takes place in a 19th century historic building. It’s Edmonton’s only year-round indoor farmers’ market.
4. Teach your family to work as a team at Ropes Quest, the three-level ropes course in West Edmonton Mall. This experience is like no other. It gives opportunity for finding your inner strength, as well as the importance of cooperation and team-work.
5. Get out and meet your neighbors. There is no time like the first days after you have moved in to say hello to neighbors. They will appreciate your efforts to reach out. Remember the names of everyone in the family, and say hello to them when you see them outside. Consider having an open house to further create relationships in your new community.
After cross border moving, you will likely be worn out physically and emotionally. Give yourself some time to recover and then start thinking about the days ahead. Make some resolutions for yourself for your new year in a new city.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @BradJones9 via the creative common license)
First New Years in the U.S.: Top 5 NYE Parties
Once your cross border moving chore is complete, treat yourself to one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the U.S. Here are a few to choose from:
1. Times Square in New York City on New Year’s Eve is the most recognized party in the U.S. If you choose to go, dress warmly, as it is typically freezing there on December 31. Be prepared for large crowds and long lines at the bars. But, you will always be able to say you have seen the ball drop on Times Square.
2. Las Vegas is a party town 24/7, but even more so on New Year’s Eve. There is a massive light display and many performances to attend by well-known entertainers. You’ll find “America’s Party” on the Strip, with free events and fireworks. Pay $20 to get into “Tribute-Palooza,” where you will see eight tribute bands imitating major acts like U2 and Aerosmith. Take the Las Vegas Monorail around to hit all the major highlights.
3. Head to New Orleans to see the giant gumbo pot drop from the Jax Brewery at midnight. Once it is down, there is an all-night pub crawl in the historic French Quarter. Take a ferry from Canal Street to Algiers Point where you can watch the fireworks at a quiet distance. Stay around the next day for the Sugarbowl.
4. Why not treat yourself to fireworks over Waikiki Beach in Honolulu? There are dozens of shows to watch here and in Palolo Valley, Pauoa Valley, and Kalihi Valley. Go to Aloha Towers for a block party with seven stages and 20 DJ’s for only $15. Be one of the last people in the U.S. to celebrate the New Year.
5. Miami throws a good party at New Year’s. Try Bayfront Park for a free fireworks show over the bay, bands and entertainment. Or be at The Hotel Inter-Continental at Chopin Plaza to see the 35-foot orange ball drop.
Don’t let cross border moving deter you from finding a great city to vacation in for your first New Year’s Eve in the U.S.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @Bernt Rostad via the creative common license)
NYE 2012 in Vancouver: Top Hot Spots
After cross border moving into your home during the holidays, you might consider a quiet night at home for New Year’s Eve. That would be a mistake! This is the perfect time to get out on the town and meet some people. Here are some top hot spots for NYE 2012.
Go to the New Year’s Eve Gala at Grouse Mountain. Choose from early seating to later seating, and from a three or six course meal. Enjoy a complementary glass of champagne and a DJ and dancing.
The City of Vancouver will host a Dinner and Dance for those over 30. Located at 2929 East 22nd Ave, there will be party favors, snacks, a full dinner, door prizes, and champagne at midnight. DJ music by “Jun” will keep you dancing until midnight. Cost is $38 per person.
Hit all the hottest clubs at the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza Club Crawl 2012. A party bus will take you to four local clubs, without waiting in line or paying cover charges. You’ll find drinks specials, party favors, contests, and prizes. Cost is $30 per person.
Take a dinner cruise aboard the luxurious Pride of Vancouver. There will be a gourmet buffet, entertainment, and dancing like you would expect on a traditional cruise ship. View the Vancouver skyline and city lights at night, as you enjoy a New Year’s Eve on the sea.
Attend the New Years Le Gala at the Pan Pacific Hotel. This event gives you the chance to dress up in formal attire, and enjoy a delicious dinner while proceeds go to the BC Children’s Hospital. Cost is $120 per person.
After your cross border moving is complete, think about going out for New Year’s Eve to one of these great locations.
(Photo attributed to Flickr member @TinyTall via the creative common license)
