Read about my adventures

With the majority of news programs putting a negative lens on the world (i.e., mass shootings in schools and concerts, Donald Trump's actions in the White House, the environmental crisis, etc.) it's easy to adopt a skeptical view on things. At a time where I, myself, was faced with tough choices and feeling uncertain about my future, one company helped me believe in the power of people and human kindness (again) ... lululemon.

Don't let my six foot Canasian appearance fool you ... I'm pretty sure I was Italian in a previous life! I can't live without pasta (and can do without rice), I talk with my hands (A LOT), family is pretty important to me, I will drive across the city for a well-made, handcrafted cappuccino, and I have a secret obsession with fashion (although I spend 80 percent of my time in Lululemons and sweatpants). And, when the weather gets chilly or I seek comfort and solace, I crave authentic Italian food!

I've lived in some pretty crappy places ... in some of the most amazing cities in the world.

One year ago I spent Canada's 148th birthday getting to know my new neighbourhood ... the East Village. With childlike curiosity, I wandered through the annual East Village Street Fair and Show n' Shine, amidst all of the construction, cranes, and fenced off areas, as the East Village was slowly coming to life. Similar to last year the vendors were in fine form, the classic cars and hot rods were polished and pristine, the Simmons Building was bursting at the seams with hungry Calgarians (Sidewalk Citizen Bakery was out of food before 6pm rolled around and the rooftop was open for drinks), and thousands of people strolled down the RiverWalk taking in the sights and the sounds along the Bow River. One year later, St. Patrick's Island Park is open to visitors for family fun and BBQ-ing, the Rooftop Bar @ Simmons is serving up drinks and a delicious menu of its own (different from charbar), and Studio Bell (the home of the National Music Centre) opened its doors to the world!

Happy Hour is (without a shadow of a doubt) the best part of any work day!

When I moved back to Calgary in 2014, after living abroad for several years, I was ready for a fresh start. After living in various cities throughout the United States, I quickly realized the things that mattered most to me were back here in Canada ... my family and that feeling of being "at home". Born and raised in the Yukon, surrounded by rivers and mountains (but a town that was just too small for my BIG personality), Calgary naturally felt like my second "home". When I decided to move back I knew it was going to be the last one I would make.

I've lived all over the world but it wasn't until I lived in Denver, CO (and spent my weekends in Boulder, a town nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains just 45 minutes away) that I learned to appreciate "farmers markets". During the summer months I would go to the outdoor markets and stock my fridge for the week with farm fresh ingredients (i.e., fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, and dairy), deliciously prepared foods, and handmade goods sourced locally (i.e., soaps and lotions, handmade arts and crafts). It wasn't until recently that I ventured to the Calgary Farmers' Market, visiting two businesses featured on SixFootCanasian.com who have a space there, to better understand why it's a regular weekend destination for many Calgarians.

Have you ever been afraid of something ... so afraid that you've become paralyzed or even stopped doing the things that made you truly happy? This fear can change your whole world overnight.

My fondest memories of living in the United States included hot summer days with my best friends (and volleyball teammates), refreshing margaritas and authentic Mexican food. My mouth is watering just thinking about zesty salsa and chips, table side hand-smashed guacamole and fish tacos with freshly made flour tortillas. When I moved back to Calgary last year I was sad to leave that behind ... until I found Añejo!

The motto of my life ... "EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON".