canadian blogs

Holiday Gift Guide Round-Up

 

All links have been shared with permission from the authors.


UPDATE: Great news! I’ve updated this post with new links for the 2018 Gift Guide Season!

If you’re anything like me, you just realized Christmas is less than a week away. I feel like it really snuck up on me this year. Maybe it is because school goes right until the 22nd, maybe because of the complete lack of snow. Maybe, I’m just not really feeling it this year. Regardless of the reason I, or even you, seemed to let the month of December slip right past you don’t worry; I am here to help. I have compiled a list of some of the best Gift Guide to help you with any last minute gift shopping that you have to do. Find some incredible gift ideas, and show some love to some fellow Canadian Bloggers.

While you’re here looking for gift suggestions, check out my review of the Jord Watch.

FAMILIES

Practical by Default – Gift Guide For Teens

Jessica Foley – Gift Guide For Dancers

Legalee Blonde – GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS TO INSPIRE YOUNG GIRLS

Mayahood Blog – 2018 Holiday Family Gift Guide & Giveaway

FOR HIM/HER

Love Sawyer – ULTIMATE GIRL BOSS GIFT GUIDE

Completely Chelsea – Gift Ideas for the Beauty Guru

There’s A Shoe For That – Gift Ideas for Mom To Be

Raising Royalty – Gift Guide For Moms

Practical by Default – Gift Guide for the Working At Home Homeschool Mom

Between Fox and Hare – HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE LADIES

Between Fox and Hare – HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE GUYS

MORE SPECIFIC

Mom In The Six – Toddler Stocking Stuffers

Cheese Web – 60+ BEST TRAVEL GIFTS & GIFTS FOR FOODIES 2018

Lizzie Lau – Your Travel Lover Gift Guide – Uncommon Christmas Gifts

Delightful Adventures – Gift Ideas for Vegan Foodies

Travel Yourself – ULTIMATE LIST OF TRAVEL GIFTS MADE BY TRAVEL BLOGGERS

A Virtual Vegan – Amazing Gifts for Vegans

EVERYONE ELSE

Powered by Mom – 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Suburban Tourist – She has a bunch of gift guides here

Mommy Gearest – Best 2018 Gift Guide

Maybe This Way – THE ZERO WASTE GIFT GUIDE YOU’LL WANT TO GIFT EVERYONE

Whispered Inspirations – Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide Round-Up

Posted by Jenn in Lifestyle, 9 comments

Why Tunnel Mountain is the Best First Summit

I’ve always wanted to summit a mountain. To get the unapparelled views of the surrounding for the very top. When we planned a trip to Kananaskis last summer I immediately set out to find a good hike for us to do.  When looking at neighbouring Banff, I stumbled on the Tunnel Mountain Hike, and it was a no-brainer. Hike in the beautiful Rockies, and summit my first mountain.

Tunnel Mountain is Banff’s smallest summit, located right in town. After doing some research I was promised a relatively easy hike. 4.3 km (up and down) with a gain of 300m of elevation. My hiking experience at the time was pretty limited, and my summit experience was absolutely zilch, so this sounded like something right up my alley. The promise of 360° views of the townsite, and surrounding peaks sounded like just the motivation I would need to get the top.

There are two parking areas. One offers quite a number of stalls and there is a short walk up to the second. This parking area, where we parked, only has about 6 stalls and in early August they are in high demand. The earlier you go the better off you’ll be. not just for parking, but for heat and business of the trail as well.

The Hike

The trail is wide and well-maintained with switchbacks the lead you up the mountainside, leaving the vertical gain very manageable. You walk easily through the trees and towards the top of the mountain, with plenty of gorgeous area with photo ops of the surrounding landscapes. While there is switchback there are points on the trail where the grade is still substantial, you are still climbing a mountain.

At one point we reached an area and I was sure that we were at the top, also we were not, and a kind lady told me we had just a little further so we ventured on.

When we got to the top there was no doubt, the signage made it clear. there is a wide open area perfect for picnics, although I hear there is a grassy meadow a little further down the trail I didn’t know about at the time. The views of the townsite below and surrounding mountains and river are spectacular. Exactly what I needed after the hike up the mountain. After a quick water and snack break, we headed back down the way we came. Providing the same useful information to people, “you’re almost there!”

The trail is very popular, so if you’re looking to be alone you may want to find another. It is a great first summit and easy hike for both children and dogs. For my first summit, it inspired me to add more to the list, both for us to do solo, as well as family friendly.

Tunnel Mountain Trail Information

  • Elevation Gain: 300 meters (948 feet)
  • Time: 2 to 3 hours round trip
  • Distance: 4.3 km (2.7 miles) round-trip
  • This trail is very popular and can get crowded in the summer and early fall months. Beat the crowds by hiking early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

Tunnel Mountain Trailhead

Lower Trailhead: In downtown Banff, from the southern end of Banff Ave., turn east on Buffalo St. (turns into Wolverine) to St. Julien Rd. Continue until parking lot on your left where a sign marks the trailhead.

Upper Trailhead: Continue past the Banff Centre. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the road from the Tunnel Mountain viewpoint parking area. This parking area is small as mentioned but shortens the hike to 3.6km.

 

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Posted by Jenn in Travel, Travel Alberta, 13 comments

March Goals – Goal Reset

If you read my last post you know that February was kind of a right off for me. I didn’t do a whole lot, and I certainly didn’t get a lot accomplished. Between repeat migraines and a cold that just wouldn’t go away, I spent a lot of the month doing as little as possible. While I didn’t get everything accomplished I had hoped to when I set my February goals,  I won’t let that discourage me for the rest of the year. March brings spring and with spring brings new beginnings. Goals need to be constantly adjusted and reevaluated.  Not accomplishing them in the time frame I set out to do a goal in does not mean failure, it means adjustment. This is why my February Goals have now become my March Goals.

If you’re looking for fitness goals, they can be found here.

Let’s look into last months goals

Read a book
After successfully meeting Januarys goal of reading a book, I hoped to continue it and I stated Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers. I didn’t quite finish it yet but I hope to get to get it done this week.
 
My February goal was to Stop Procrastinating.
 
Clearly, that didn’t work out, but upon reflection, I realize that it wasn’t entirely realistic. I can not make such a drastic complete life change overnight. So For March, I am adjusting this a little. Okay, a lot.

In March I will stop procrastinating my writing. I will get all my posts for the month written and posted on time. Seems easy enough, but you haven’t seen my schedule. So far I am succeeding so here is to hoping that I can keep up my momentum for the rest of the month.

That’s it for my March goals. Have you set yours for the month yet? If so what are they? What do you think of my goals for the month?

 

March Goals

Posted by Jenn in Lifestyle, 0 comments