How long has it been since you’ve handwritten something? No, to-do lists don’t count. To kick off the year, write a letter to your families, friends or even the future you with the Edmonton Calligraphic Society.
It’s a new year and Ed wants to listen to songs with Edmonton connections. Ed’s playlist on Spotify is pretty awesome, featuring the classics North of the Yellowhead by Captain Tractor and West Edmonton Mall by Ponoka. Dance it out to the rest and let Ed know what you think.
Being stuck at home is a great time to binge-watch Edmonton celebrities’ shows! Edify‘s Winter cover girl, Olivia Cheng, has an impressive portfolio. You can also find her in Netflix’s infamous show Marco Polo. And of course, we all know about Nathan Fillion but when was the last time you watched Firefly or Castle? There is Edmonton football star Alphonso Davies currently playing for Bayern Munich (Los team) and Weekend at Bernie’s star Catherine Mary Stewart.
One of the best parts of long Edmonton walks is the animals we see. Start your year right with a walk through the Whitemud Creek Ravine, and take a bag of bird food with you to hand feed the chickadees — or the squirrels!
Learn the art of printmaking from SNAP Gallery this new year. The four-week online classes will teach you how to create monoprints with direct inking techniques. The best part is you use a variety of tools you probably already have at home.
Ed tried to make bread once, and it didn’t go well. So this time, Ed’s going to follow the online classes by Dutch Delicious Bakery to mix the perfect dough to bake the next day. Imagine a breakfast with tangy jam and freshly baked bread, or make your version of The Sandwich.
Caregivers Alberta are coming together to learn how to use breathing techniques to handle stress. Start your new year feeling rejuvenated with this online workshop.
There is an abundance of writing talent in Edmonton. Ed loves reading books that were written by an Edmontonian or are based in Edmonton, in which writers capture the essence of Edmonton and the surrounding area. The city has so many stories, and acclaimed local writer Wayne Arthurson says the city is a great location for a story.
Exercising at home is a different feeling altogether. Sometimes Ed feels so energetic and ready to work out; other times … not so much. So this month, Ed has signed up to do yoga with their dog. The online, six-week course will help you stretch and strengthen your bond with your dog. How long will you be able to hold your pose with a dog nearby?
Join chef Levi Biddlecombe (of ?! Why Not ¡¿ Cafe & Bar) and cook a three-course meal. Your chef kit includes pre-cut and pre-portioned ingredients. Learn how to make your favourite local dish for the perfect post-pandemic party.
Soap is a hot commodity right now, and you can make 12 bars of soap in your choice of colour, fragrance and pattern with Wixy Soap Classes and Natural Supplies. The hands-on classes (following safe COVID guidelines) will give detailed instructions so that you can continue to make natural soap on your own.
The Winspear returns in a new digital format. You can watch your favourite past performances on YouTube or sign up to watch new shows. Enjoy the soft classics or discover your inner passion for Latin music.
Test your inner Canadian with a camping trip this winter with NIKO Wilderness Education. Learn how to use tools and equipment correctly for an enjoyable winter camping experience.
There is a board game boom in Edmonton. It’s everyone’s favourite pastime. Ed loves it too, even though they lost at Pictionary that one time and broke the hourglass. But really, who needs an hourglass these days? We all have timers on our phones.
Outdoor ice rinks in the city are slowly opening up. Make sure to check ahead in advance for space and ice conditions. There are so many options, it’s easy to stay active this winter with skating.
Rapid Fire Theatre takes improv online. Watch seasoned chefs as they mix improv and cooking. It’s a show filled with surprise ingredients and outcomes. You can also learn how to write a sketch with Paul Bilnov.
Miss performing arts? So does Ed. Here’s something you don’t normally see – Edmonton Opera and Ballet Edmonton collaborated for a unique Edmonton creation.
Edify contributor, Top 40 alumnus, and all-around superstar Omar Mouallem is here for all your writing needs with Pandemic University. The online university offers courses in script-writing, novel writing and even cookbook writing. Treat yourself and unleash your inner author.
The past year saw patio season extend into winter with outdoor fires and heaters. Over the holidays, Ed realized that the winter season doesn’t mean staying inside. You can spruce up your deck or balcony for the city’s warmer winter days (you know, -10 and above).
Dress warmly for a snowshoeing session at Elk Island National Park. On a guided tour, hike around the shore of Astotin Lake with only nature around you. Learn to navigate the starry skies guided on your tour only by the Big Dipper (and a park ranger).
Ed limits grocery store visits to once a month now, so there have been times when cleaners and disinfectants run low. Luckily, Ed can concoct homemade cleaners, following the Alberta Health Services guide, of course.
Head over to the Alliance française d’Edmonton for movie nights this month. Discover the variety of French cinema and immerse yourself in the culture.
The most common New Year’s resolutions focus on staying fit. For some, fitness at home can be hard, but the important thing is to keep moving. If crunches and planks aren’t for you, take some beginner Salsa dancing lessons. And if you’re not a beginner, get your feet moving with Etown Salsa Dance Company.
Lose yourself in the music and atmosphere at the Oasis Centre’s Candlelight: Holiday Special concert. The string quartet will feature music by Tchaïkovsky, Vivaldi and more. With limited capacity, the tickets are selling out fast.
Ed likes to start off the new year by learning a new skill. This year, that means learning the art of origami. Ed was inspired by Benjamin Perry and Kelli Anderson. Perry used kirigami techniques (the art of folding and cutting) for his creations, while Anderson used origami and incorporated it into interior design.
