Saturday, November 1, 2008

Calgary... a few finds.

This has to be my favorite kinds of posts.
We always love to stay downtown. doesn't really matter which city, but downtown in Canada means little coffee shops that locals love and good quaint places to eat and amazing art shops. (I would NOT suggest that you stay downtown when you visit Johannesburg or Pretoria in South Africa!)

So this time around in Calgary, we are staying in a downtown hotel with a suite which makes it quite comfortable for our family. And this morning when I opened the curtains, I saw this coffee shop opposite the road and as soon as it opened, we went in to get coffee. What a beautiful place. Called Kawa. (love that name) They have cerulean blue paper cups and I am really thinking I can make something from it!! The coffee is fantastic and while Jaku is busy studying now, we are already planning a coffee break in an hour or so.

sigh. It takes so little to make me really happy!

I also got a few of these Ikea Christmas cards. (We went to Ikea as soon as we drove into Calgary- it was our pit stop for this leg) I love the festive patterns and the unusual color combinations. Imagine Black, brown, orange and red. But I LOVED it. (I am planning on doing a 2 week Valentine class again in February and all the festivity sparked some ideas for that class).

If anyone want to win a little RAK of one a pack of these cards, leave me a comment. I will be so happy to mail it out to you.

I just had to buy a bunch of little battery operated lights too. Those taking the Christmas class, will know it's the ones I used for the Scrapbook tree. I think I am going to give a couple away as RAKS in my next lesson so be sure to check it out. The good news about the class is that every lesson's notes are posted with the lesson. So, if you decide in a week to join the class, you can just go back and download all the notes. There is no cut off date and no limit to the amount of students. I guess because we are 6 teachers, we can handle lots!

Tomorrow we are planning to go to the beautiful Banff. we will probably have lunch HERE as it's one of our favorite places. If the day is clear going up the mountain with the gondola is definitely on our list.

It's amazing to me even after 3.5 years that a few hours drive from home can provide such amazing beauty and experiences. Canada is so vast, we still feel like tourists. Even though we are permanent residents.

You must all have a wonderful weekend. And remember the little RAK!
A thought for today: Psalm144:1-2 Blessed be God, my mountain, who trains me to fight fair and well. He's the bedrock on which I stand, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight, The high crag where I run for dear life, while he lays my enemies low.

Love & kisses
Photobucket

23 comments :

almadr said...

Oh, I love the patterns on the cards!

and just wonder if the owners of the coffee bar are Polish because Kawa in Polish means coffee ;-)so enjoy your stay and some more cups of kawa Wilna ;-)
xoxo
Anna

Paula Clare said...

Hi WIlna...
I am taking the SistV class and I am SO GLAD I did! However, I was bummed when I saw the little lights came from IKEA...we literally haven't a store within 100 miles (closer to 200 actually)! Anyway, I'd love that little RAK, or this one! Yours are always the best!

Glad you're enjoying your time away...can't wait to see the new coffee cup creations!

Hugs,
Paula Clare

Diva Loca said...

cool cards!
question for you - did they have their christmas decor out or not???

i love buying their ornaments and such!

Unknown said...

Cute cards. I've never been to IKEA before. Hope you have a fun weekend!

Unknown said...

Ohhhh, I just love your blog! I found you through Jenni Bowlin's and I just can't wait to see more. :) Oh yeah, I love RAKs, too! ;) Have a blessed day!

caro said...

Banff is on my dream wish-list ... Lake Louise, too. We drove the "sea-to-sky" hiway route once, and I'll remember the colours of the lakes, forever.

Those Ikea cards remind me of all the ethnic summer fashions, I've just seen. Yum, my palette!

Hava-cappucino-for-me, in that cerulean blue ceramic & ENJOY!

alisa logue said...

Oh, I would love those cards. Christmas is right around the corner! Looks like you had a great time in the city. Love the heart in the coffee. -Alisa

Juel said...

Oh I wish I would have been able to take the class!! What a beautiful place you live!!!!

Just Call Me Grammy said...

It sounds like you are having a lovely time. I would really likee to visit Canada one day. The IKEA cards are great. Unfortunately we are far from any stores, I have been a couple of times and they are certainly a fun place to visit.

Linda said...

WOW!!!!!! now I want a good cup of coffee...... I don't have an Ikea near me, but I love all of their goodies. enjoy your trip and that wonderful cup of coffee.
xxxxxxxx
linda

melita said...

that coffee looks awesome and I've always wanted to go to Banff...maybe one of these days!

Amber said...

Speaking of the Christmas tree, I LOVED it! I hope to make it this weekend! Yay! =) Have a wonderful week!

Anonymous said...

We just got an IKEA near us in March and I have been there only one time, but it was so much fun. You are making me want to go back, but that can be dangerous for the pocketbook!

Jacqui Bourne said...

Sounds like you're having an awesome time. Love the cards. Hope the weather is clear for your gondola ride...... Enjoy!!!

Unknown said...

love the cards, not much on coffee,but that coffee looks good

Anonymous said...

Oh I adore those cards- we don't have an Ikea around here(maybe 2=3 hours away??)-I just found your Blog through Donna Downey's Campaign for Creativity list-I think I'll go have a look around...I am already eyeing up that little Studio photo on the side bar.....
mary

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photo! Would love to hear more about your weekend away. And how did it go with the Doctor & his exams? We are saving to go to Disneyworld, but with such lovely scenery, we might change our plans.....
love - ingrid

Lisa G. said...

I LOVE ikea! Those cards are way too cute! Have fun in Banff :)

Anonymous said...

I'm loving the SisTv class. Can't wait to se what your next project is. The tree was great and super easy! Thanks!

Maryna said...

hallo my hunny bun, shnucum, schnoek, whoopdiwhoop, lovealot, apple of my eye..
3.5 years.. how insane is that.. and you're still the best thing Canada ever got! if only they realized how very lucky they are..
miss you so much. sorting out the Dr's old stuff today, getting rid of the 2000 and 2001 stuff. starting to need the space.
talk to your sooner than you think.. sleep well, my friend.

Ellen G said...

I'm really enjoying the class! Thanks for taking the time and effort to put together cool projects! What a beautiful place! Hope you are enjoying it!

DeeDee said...

Oh how sweet of you to share your FUN find!!! THANKS for the chance to WIN....I love your blog!!!

Mary said...

Hi, just found your blog. Quite interesting posts. Inspiring. Luv the Bible verses at the end of each too. May God Bless you and keep you.