Get ready for #12DaysOfYeah

For the longest time, I've been wanting to give back to the marvelous people of Calgary. And now, I finally have the opportunity to give away 12 of my favorite gifts of 2016!

How can you win? It's easy! All you have to do is help spread the word and share the goodwill. From December 1st to December 12th, at 9:00am MST, I'm going to share the giveaway for that day on my facebook page. If that giveaway is a perfect gift for you, like the picture and you're in the draw for that day! If you know someone that would love to get that prize, tag them on the comments of that prize! Then, at 9:00pm MST, I'm going to be announcing the winner of that prize. Simple, right?*

What kid of prizes will I be giving away during my #12DaysOfYeah?! Here's a hint... As you know, I Love Food... But not just any food... I love great tasting food. But something you might not know is that I'm a geek, I love tech stuff and nifty things. There's a ridiculous amount of great food, cool stores and talented people in Calgary, and I want you to see them all.

Good Luck!

*The Contest is open to residents of the City of Calgary, Alberta and it's surrounding area who are 18 years of age or older.

McDonald's announces 2 new locations in Calgary!

If you live in Sage Hill, or in Walden, your cravings for McDonald's French Fries, or the early morning walk for an orange cranberry muffin and a coffee will get easier to accomplish!

 
I got the scoop straight from the source... This weekend, starting on Friday, November 4th at 12:01am, McDonald's in Sage Hill Crossings shopping centre, 35 Sage Hill Plaza NW, will officially open to the public, and the start of some great food and beverage deals.

From 7:00am to 7:00pm every 10th order in the Drive Thru receives a free Extra Value Meal coupon. Go in and enter to win free coffee for a year!

The Grand Opening celebrations happen on Saturday, November 5th at 1:00 pm. They will have an official ribbon and cake cutting. Stop by and check out the new restaurant and make sure you grab a piece of cake!

 
Oh, and for the little ones, Ronald McDonald will be there on Sunday, November 6th at 1:00 pm to hold his Fun Makes Great Things Happen Show!

Now, to make sure you don't get lost trying to get to the Sage Hill McDonald's, make sure you use this map as a guide. 

Now... If you live in Walden, You'll have to wait a bit longer... But not that much. McDonald's Walden, 155 Walden Gate SE, officially opens to the public on Saturday, November 12th at 12:01 am, and this will also be the start of some great food and beverage deals.

From 7:00am to 7:00pm every 10th order in the Drive-Thru receives a free Extra Value Meal coupon. You also can come in and enter to win free coffee for a year!

Their Grand Opening celebrations will happen on Saturday, November 12th at 1:00pm. They will also be holding their official ribbon and cake cutting, stop by and check out the new restaurant and make sure you grab a piece of that fabulous cake! 

Oh, and for the little ones, Ronald McDonald will be there on Sunday, November 20th at 1:00 pm to hold his Fun Makes Great Things Happen Show!

Grab your family, and join the McDonald's festivities this weekend at Sage Hill Crossings!

Board Game Drive

Board Games are a very healthy tool for social interaction. But they also increase relaxation as well as happiness and laughter. All very important for children, adults and seniors.

From October 24th to December 23rd you can drop off your gently used or new board games at any one of our locations:

Metal Galaxy Social Games and Bistro - 4624 Macleod Trail SW

Pips Board Game Cafe - 2015 33 Ave SW

Hexagon Board Game Cafe - 1140 Kensington Rd NW

Boxcar Cafe - 1215 1 St SW

The games will be donated to 3 different organizations across Calgary:

•             The Discover House – Shelter for Women and Children

•             Dream Center- Women’s and Men’s shelter

•             Bethany Seniors Group- Senior’s living

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In return for your donation selected stores want to provide you with a discount on new board games:

• With every 2 games donated, each store is offering 10% off new board games (Metal Galaxy, Pips, Boxcar, Hexagon)
• With 3 or more board games donated, each store is offering 20% off new board games (Metal Galaxy, Pips, Boxcar) 

This is a great opportunity to donate those games which others can greatly  benefit from, while getting discounts on new games. This is awesome is you're looking to take off some named of your Christmas list or if you're looking for some personal pampering or just a new game to entertain your friends or family over the weekend.

Please donate gently used games… What do they mean by Gently Used Games? They mean, that it has all the pieces, is in good condition, and have instructions.

Pssst, Calgary... We're getting new car2go Cars!

 

Beginning today, you’ll be among the first to hop in and drive a next-gen smart – a completely new car2go experience in the Calgary area. That's not all – in celebration of our new cars and Thanksgiving, from Oct. 8 – Oct. 10, we’re lowering our day rate to only $50* (24 hours)!

What are some of the NEW benefits you’ll enjoy with the next-gen smart?

No more member cards! Start and end a trip directly from the official car2go app on your smartphone – get in and out even faster!

Stay warm with heated seats on chilly days.

A bigger trunk that’s even easier to open – “look, Ma, one hand!”

Rock out to your own music with Bluetooth access.

Take a smoother ride with a more powerful motor and enhanced transmission.

Want to be a next-gen smart expert?

New key location: The key is now located in a holder on the left hand side of the steering wheel. To start the new car2gos, look for the ignition on the steering wheel column.

To end your rental, return the key – keychain first – to the left of the steering wheel, and if everything looks good (like the windows are up, lights are off, etc.) you can exit the car. A 15 second countdown will begin and when it’s complete the rental will end, or simply tap “End Rental” in the app to end the rental immediately. When the rental has ended successfully, you’ll receive a pop–up letting you know that you’re good to go!

More seat adjustment options: There are now two levers on the side of the seat – to adjust the backrest turn the handwheel on the top lever, and to adjust the seat’s height pull up or push down on the bottom lever. To move back or forth, simply lift the handle below the seat.

- Source: Car2Go

Midnight Magic Event!!! - Welcome Back Potter!

 

YES!!! I can't be the only one that is excited to know that Harry Potter is back! - I was recently at CF Market Mall to discuss a Magical Event happening on Saturday, July 30th!

I want you to join me at Coles in CF Market Mall for an evening filled with prizes, laughter, magic and Harry Potter!

 

This is the eight official installment in the Harry Potter book series. In case you didn’t know, the story is set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (where the final confrontation between the wizards, Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort happen, as well as the revealing of the back stories of several characters) and it follows Harry Potter, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his younger son, Albus Severus Potter. – This is a Special Edition Script of the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It only seems fitting that, since Saturday, July 30th is only 10 days away, that we do 10 days of giveaways thanks from our friends at Coles in CF Market Mall. I have 10 different Harry Potter memorabilia that I'll be giving away at random selection, every day, thru my blog, up until July 30th. Then, on Saturday, July 10th, I'll be at Coles in CF Market Mall with 4 additional prizes to give away! What are those 4 additional prizes? 4 $25 gift cards to help you get closer to your own Special Edition Script of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!


 

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WINNER'S CIRCLE

 

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Wednesday, July 20th – DAY 1 – Harry Potter Poster Coloring Book – From the heraldry of the four Hogwarts houses to the extravagant wares of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, the world of Harry Potter overflows with radiant color. Featuring artwork from the hugely successful Harry Potter Coloring Book and Harry Potter Creatures Coloring Book, this special poster collection features twenty stunning, one-sided prints. – Congrats Brittany Iverson for winning the 1st of 10 giveaways!

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Thursday, July 21st – DAY 2 – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Illustrated Edition – Prepare to be spellbound by Jim Kay”s dazzling depiction of the wizarding world and much loved characters in this full-colour illustrated hardback edition of the nation”s favourite children”s book — Harry Potter and the Philosopher”s Stone. Brimming with rich detail and humour that perfectly complements J.K. Rowling”s timeless classic, Jim Kay”s glorious illustrations will captivate fans and new readers alike. - Congrats Erica Castillo for winning the 2nd of 10 giveaways!

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Friday, July 22nd – DAY 3 – Celebrate the world of Harry Potter with this Time-Turner Sticker Kit, featuring rotating inner rings and a functional hourglass. Inspired by the Time-Turner used by Hermione Granger in the popular movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Congratulations Logan Krupa on winning the 3rd of 10 giveaways!

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Saturday, July 23rd - DAY 4 - This Harry Potter Coloring Kit is sure to cast a spell over muggles and wizards alike. The kit includes 30 illustrated cards with detailed designs of your favourite characters to complete, 10 coloured pencils, and 3 distinct magnetic frames to display your art. - Congrats Joelene Mills for winning the 4th of 10 giveaways!

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Sunday, July 24th - DAY 5 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - These new editions of the classic and internationally bestselling, multi-award-winning series feature instantly pick-up-able new jackets by Jonny Duddle, with huge child appeal, to bring Harry Potter to the next generation of readers. - Congrats Luella Lee for winning the 5th of 10 giveaways!

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Monday, July 25th – DAY 6 – Harry Potter Wizard’s Wand with sticker book: Lights Up! – includes a mini replica of Harry Potter’s wand with a light feature, and a unique stand, along with a 16-page book containing 8 full-color stickers. – Congrats Adeem Kassam for winning the 6th of 10 giveaways!

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Tuesday, July 26th - DAY 7 - Pop! Movies: Harry Potter - Albus Dumbledore - The wise Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a stylized vinyl figure! Enjoy the magic of Hogwarts and stand up to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named with this Harry Potter Albus Dumbledore Pop! Vinyl Figure! Congrats Angela Austin for winning the 7th of 10 giveaways!

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Wednesday, July 27th – DAY 8 – Trivial Pursuit: World of Harry Potter Edition – Pause your game of Quidditch! Harry Potter fans test their knowledge of the beloved Harry Potter movies with this Trivial Pursuit: World of Harry Potter. This quick-play Trivial Pursuit game can be played on-the-go with its portable wedge holder. Congrats Kelsey Izat for winning the 8th of 10 giveaways!

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Thursday, July 28th – DAY 9 – This is the first officially licensed Harry Potter Collectible Quidditch Set that includes: 1 Quaffle, 2 Bludgers, 1 non-removable Snitch, and 1 16×24″ collectible poster all showcased in a decorative Quidditch trunk. Includes lock and key for trunk. Congrats Stephanie Marie for winning the 9th of 10 giveaways! 

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Friday, July 29th – DAY 10 – The man of the hour. The best was saved for last… Pop! Movies: Harry Potter – The Boy Wizard as a stylized vinyl figure! Enjoy the magic of Hogwarts and stand up to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named with this Harry Potter Pop! This vinyl figure measures approximately 3 3/4-inches tall. Congrats Jeff Jacobs for winning the 10th of 10 giveaways!

The Great Pie Chuck-N- Chomp!

On June 24th my wife (who doesn't know yet) will get a chance to throw a Pie to My Face!!! and I'll be more than happy about it!

Pie Cloud and Calgary Meals on Wheels present the 1st annual Great Pie Chuck and Chomp Event!

• The Chuck!  Those being pied will be dubbed “Pie Chuckees” and will wear goggles and a clothing cover to receive a cream pie gently tossed from a distance of five feet from our designated “Pie Chucker”. Pie Chuckees will choose a fundraising goal and use a public pledge page to collect support for their charitable efforts. Those getting pied must reach their fundraising goal in order to get a face full of whipped goodness! We need YOUR SUPPORT to ensure the Chuckees taste the good stuff!

• The Chomp!  Our “Pie Chompers” will have their hands tied behind their backs and will be timed in eating a full berry pie to completion.  The champion wins bragging rights, alumni distinction, and a congratulatory trophy. Chompers will have fundraising pages for public support of their charitable efforts.  The Chomper with the most funds raised will win a catered lunch for their team to chomp on courtesy of Calgary Meals on Wheels and Pie Cloud!* *Maximum 20 people*

A pledge of over $100.00 grants you access to view the pie spectacle and to cheer the participant you chose to support.

Like I said before, I'm participating in the Pie Chuck part of the event and I want my wife to be the one to throw that pie straight to my face.

Why do I want to participate? The Calgary Meals On Wheels began as a small operation back in 1965, delivering meals to eight clients from a church basement and now has grown into a thriving, innovative production facility that prepares, packages and delivers 1,700 meals each day; more than 420,000 meals a year! Although their principal clients are seniors, they offer five different programs that are open to all Calgarians who are in need of a meal service to maintain independence in their own homes, regardless of age or circumstance. They focus on serving all individuals in need of nutritious meals including the homeless, and vulnerable school children.

 

So please, donate! http://bit.ly/20C0vO8

Café of the Future in Calgary!

On Thursday, May 12th, Second Cup Coffee Co.™ officially unveiled its first-ever café of the future in Calgary at 1919 Southland Drive SW. The new Second Cup Coffee Co.™ design reflects a new independent spirit, a commitment to the world's finest coffee, and the company’s vision to be the coffee brand most passionately committed to quality and innovation. The welcoming café revolves around the company's brand pillars of superior quality, optimism, collaboration, creativity and community, and focuses on the individual customer experience. The new café is the 12th new concept Second Cup Coffee Co.™ to be opened in Canada and represents an important milestone in the company's three-year strategic plan, showcasing the Second Cup obsession with bringing the ultimate coffee experience to Canadians.

 
They're bringing the true meaning of a Coffee Bar to us with their new features that include:

Slow Bar: where Second Cup Coffee Co.™ blends art and science for the ultimate cup of coffee. This is where handcrafted beverages shine with an interactive seating area that allows customers to connect with baristas, hone their coffee tasting skills, and learn about coffee and the process of making a perfect cup. The Slow Bar features an expanded portfolio of the world’s most exceptional, specialty coffees exclusive to Second Cup Coffee Co.™ including estate blends as well as light-roast, limited-edition microlot beans. These coffees will be rotated throughout the year to ensure the peak of freshness and quality. Customers can enjoy these exceptional blends made from one of two revolutionary brewing technologies: - Pour-Over produces a noticeably more delicate and complex brew than conventional drip machines. This handcrafted, customized technique is popular with coffee connoisseurs.
- Steampunk, a ground-breaking coffee and tea brewing system, is true theatre in motion. Artful craftsmanship meets innovative engineering and delivers unprecedented extraction, temperature control and thermal stability for a great coffee that can be precisely tailored to specific tastes.

Milk Bar where dairy options are “on tap” in a fun custom design.

 Multiple seating options to address needs of customers, whether they’re looking for a private area to work, a table for visiting with friends, or a communal experience at the Slow Bar.

At this event I was given a media gift bag that included a $50 gift card that I'm going to pass on to a lucky reader of my blog so they can go out to the Second Cup Braeside and have a fantastic experience like I had the chance to enjoy.

I'm going to be giving away this $50 Gift Card from Second Cup. Winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 25th at 10:00pm - Comment in this post to be entered to win!