Packing Seminars
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| Our informative packing seminars are free of charge. Learn how to keep your suitcase as highly organized as a filing cabinet! Click here for details. |
Locations
South
#480 WillowPark Village
10816 Macleod Trail South
Calgary, AB T2J 5N8
(403) 777-1767
North
#165 Dalhousie Station
5005 Dalhousie Drive N.W.
Calgary, AB T3A 5R8
(403) 239-7084
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Because it's Thanks-giving, and because kids say the darndest things, I thought you might want to see what some kids are thankful for at this time of year.
"I'm thankful that my brother isn't a monster because if he was, he would eat me."
- age 4
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"'Shoes. Getting new shoes. People who make shoes."
- age 3
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"I'm grateful for mommy wiping my poop."
- age 4
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"I'm thankful for snowmen, daddy, and quesadillas."
- age unknown
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"Dinosaurs and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches."
- age 3
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"'I am thankful for everything... except tigers and lions and sharks, because they bite."
- age 4
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"
We visited a farm and for three days all my daughter could say was how thankful she was to have seen a cow pooping!"
- age unknown
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"I'm thankful for food be-cause I'm always hungry."
- age 5
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"My mom's pumpkin pie. She makes it the best."
- age 8
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"Corn. Because you can see it in your poop."
- age 3
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Travel Tips
As so many people are going on a cruise in the next little while, I thought you might like some tips on handy items to pack for your cruise.
Once again, paraphrased from that old standby, The Reader's Digest.
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Pack clothing that can be layered.
As weather can change from port to port, you'll want to pack layers - instead of multiple outfits.
After all, wouldn't you rather save that room in your suitcase for souvenirs?
Packing in layers is especially important in places where the weather often changes - like Alaska, or on your "Around the World" cruise!
Stash your pool stuff in your carry-on bag.
What's one of the first things you want to do after checking in on your cruise?
Why, hitting the pool deck, of course!
Now, it can take quite a while for your checked luggage to make it to your cabin, so make sure you have your swimsuit, sunglasses, flip-flops, lotion, hat and a book packed in a bag you carry with you.
That way, you're good to go soak up some sun as soon as you board!
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Don't forget sunscreen and aloe vera lotion.
If your cruise takes you to super warm spots like the Caribbean or Bermuda, it's very possible you're going to get more sun than you're used to.
Especially if you leave home in the middle of winter!
A good sunscreen will help to keep you from getting burned, and aloe vera will offer some much needed relief, just in case you do.
Plus, bringing these items from home is going to be a whole lot less expensive than buying them on the ship.
Bring a travel power bar.
If you're someone who doesn't like to unplug during a vacation, this one is a biggie - especially if you have more than one device that needs charging.
You wont necessarily be able to find outlets around the ship, and there may be a limited number of outlets in your cabin.
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Toss your travel mug in your bag.
Cruise ships often have complimentary coffee, but not in your room!
If you like to grab a cup of coffee in the morning and take it back to your cabin, don't risk spilling it and burning yourself.
Not to mention, a travel mug with a lid will make it possible for you to treat your travel partner to a nice, hot coffee in bed - and win big points!
Also, if you are travelling with children, don't forget to take a sippy cup for their milk and juice.
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Throw some kitchen magnets in your luggage.
A little-known fact for those who haven't cruised before: Cruise cabin walls are often made of steel.
Packing magnets - or magnetic hooks - can help keep track of daily programs and other loose papers, or make it easy to hang items that need to dry.
You can also used heavy duty magnetic hooks for stashing away cameras, lanyards, and even binoculars.
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Do: Bring along a small marker board
If you're travelling with a group of friends or family, magnetic marker boards are extremely handy.
Hang one outside your cabin door so you can leave notes for your travel companions, and you don't have to wait around for that one person who is always late!
Now, you'll never again miss out on meeting spots or reservation details.
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Travel with your own hot sauce.
Cruise lines do a lot of things right on ships, and the food is generally fabulous.
But, if you're looking for condiments, unless it's ketchup, you might be out of luck.
You might find the occasional bottle of Tabasco on the buffet line, but if you want something with a little more punch - bring it with you.
Of course, if you're on a Carnival Cruise Line ship with a deck-top burrito bar, you'll likely find more than a dozen hot sauces!
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Grab a hanging organizer
Bathrooms are small on most ships, and bathroom counters are even smaller - sometime non-existant.
A compartmentalized organizer you hang on the back of a door is a great place to put your loose items.
Best of all, it keeps them clean and prevents them from rolling around when the seas get rough.
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Watch Out
For These Scams
The Flat Tire Scam
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, never just pull over if you have a flat tire.
One travel scam that happens in Costa Rica quite often is one in which a group of people punctures the tires of a car that they know to be a rental car.
When the renter of the car pulls over to change it, a group of men appears to help.
But, instead of helping, they often rob the victim.
Many times they even show weapons.
What you can do:
If you find yourself with a flat tire in Costa Rica, NEVER pull over.
Find the nearest gas station or a place that is surrounded by a lot of people before pulling over.
Do not accept help to change your tire, but change the tire yourself.
Make sure you know how to change a tire before heading to Costa Rica.
Also, if you do have a flat tire, make sure that you keep an eye on your belongings at all times while you are changing the tire even if it is in a public area.
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The "What Time is It" Scam
Greece
How it works:
A lot of people in Greece have had their cell phones stolen by scammers asking what time it is.
When you take out your cell phone to look, they snatch it and run away.
What you can do:
Just tell the person asking that you don't know what time it is.
Most people have their own cell phones today and can find the time themselves.
If you are asked this question by a stranger, there is a good chance you are being scammed!
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How it works:
Whatever you do, don't agree to go see the tanneries.
The scammers will tell you how amazing they are and how you must see them.
The streets of the tannery area are very narrow and easy to get lost in.
Once your guide succeeds in getting you completely lost, you will be extorted for huge amounts of money to get out of this smelly and claustrophobic area.
Many people who have visited the tanneries have had terrible stories to tell of feeling unsafe and being harassed in the tanneries.
DON'T GO!
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The Pipestone Patter
October 2018
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Welcome Back Loyal Readers!
Hello everyone - I'm baaaaaack!
You may have noticed I missed sending out a Newsletter in September - and I'm very sorry about that.
(If you didn't even notice the lack of a Newsletter in September; first of all - Thanks?, and second of all - just disregard this heartfelt apology.)
I was visiting my gorgeous Grandson in Texas, and was delayed getting back due to various things, including storms and cancelled flights!
But, I'm back now - and just in time to say Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a day filled with good food, family, friends and great conversation!
Okay, I'll bet you're just rarin' to get started reading this Newsletter, right?
So, what are you waiting for?
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Bylyse?
Yes, please!
Well, Ladies, ther'es just no denying it - fall is here!
And although fall usually conjures up thoughts of the winter to come, this year it should definitely make you think about the beautiful Fall offerings from Bylyse!
Created by
Canadian designer Lyse Spenard, the
 BYLYSE brand aims to make women feel confident at any age and size with its elegant casual chic collections.
BYLYSE offers the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, versatility and timelessness for lounging at home to walking the dog and travelling the globe.
Just take a look at the Bylyse outerwear we now have in the stores for this Fall:
Double Face Reversible Vest
Pretty Polka Dots on one side, and solid black on the other side.
Cute and cuddly all in one!
$195.00
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Boiled Wool Vest
This vest stuns in soft hues of warm, boiled wool.
The length is perfect, and the double zipper makes it so convenient to wear.
Simply a gorgeous, chic addition to your fall wardrobe!
Look at the beautiful geometric design on this long, reversible vest.
With it's double zipper, what a perfectly comfortable piece for a fall road trip!
The black and stone combination with the details on the zipper placket helps to make this jacket look sleek and sophisticated.
It might just become your go-to fall jacket!
Many thanks to Bles, our Salesperson Extraordinaire, for agreeing to be my model!
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If you've been into one of our stores recently, you will notice that we finally have a sales rack happening again!
Our owner negotiated a great deal with Royal Robbins, and, of course, he wants to pass all
 the savings he finagled, on to our customers.
That means we currently have lots and lots of Royal Robbins items - for Men and Women - on sale!
At a whopping 30% off, I might add!
Not only that, but we have added some non-Royal Robbins items to the sales rack too!
Including David Cline!!
Now, here's where it starts getting even better!
I hope you all know how much we love and appreciate our loyal Newsletter Readers - so we have an even better deal for you.
You are not going to get
just
a 30% discount - oh, no!
Starting on
October 9th, our loyal readers will receive a
on each and every item on our sales rack!
Of course, as always, our wonderful staff has to have some way of knowing you're a Newsletter reader - and eligible for this special discount - so, we need a code phrase.
When it comes time to pay for your purchase, just look the salesperson right in the eyes, (if you want, you can even hold up your hand for a "high five") and say:
"Gimme 50!"
You may, or may not, get a high five, but you will
definitely get a 50% discount on your items.
Now, what could be easier than that?
Just a warning, though.
Although we currently have lots of stuff available on the sales rack, with a 50% discount, I guarantee it will all go quickly!
So come in right away to get the best selection!!
Sale prices are in effect
until October 27th
or while quantities last
50% discount is off regular price
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Tales from the Road
I have a very large, very close family.
And our very large, very close family loves to do things together.
For years, various members of the family have been attending the Stampede parade. It used to be that my Dad and Uncles would go downtown on Thursday night, with lawn chairs in hand, to secure a spot large enough for everyone - and stay there all night long!
Now, the younger ones have taken over that task. And by younger, I mean anywhere from 25 to 45 years old.
Then, in the morning, whoever can make it shows up for the parade. Often, we have family members come in from , eager to see the show.
There are lots of kids, lots of friends, lots of family, and lots of food! We each take something, and it all gets shared. In fact, if you're lucky enough to be sitting close to us, chances are we'll share our food with you too.
After the parade, we all migrate to a nearby local park for a family picnic.
When we were young children, our whole fam-damily would get together every single Christmas Eve to celebrate. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Sisters, Brothers, family friends - everyone.
Our family got so big, we had to start renting a hall just to accommodate us.
We would get together to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and holidays - and there was always food, music, laughter and love. Sometimes there were arguments and forceful words too, but that was usually when someone started to discuss politics.
At one point it was decided that it would be a good idea for all the female members of the family to go on a road trip to Great Falls. We would rent a bus so there would be room for all of us - and just spend a few days together.
I have no idea who started the ball rolling, I just know I was informed it was happening by my sister, and asked if I was planning to come along.
At the time I was somewhere around twenty-five years old.
Spend four days and three nights in very close quarters with my Mother, my Sisters, my cousins and aunts? Really? I mean, I love them all and everything, but, really?
Of course, in the end, I agreed to go. After all, if I wasn't there, they might spend the whole week-end talking about me!
As it turns out, almost every adult female member on my Mom's side of the family went. There were around twenty of us, ready to take on exotic Great Falls. (Back then, Great Falls was the go-to destination for anyone in the family who just wanted to get away for 3 or 4 days - and it was in the United States - a totally different country! - so it actually did feel exotic.)
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Handy Gadget
Lately I've been noticing a trend in the fashion magazines.
Did you guys know fanny packs are back?
Not your old style, old fashioned fanny packs, though.
These fanny packs are called "Belt Bags", and they are fun, functional, fashionable - and all the rage, on the runway and on the sidewalks!
In fact, the celebrities love them!
 Recently, I was on a trip and I experienced a moment when I thought to myself "You know, I could really use one of those Belt Bags right now!"
Of course, I didn't have one, but it got me to thinking.
So, when I got back home, I took a look at some of the purses we carry from Travelon and PacSafe - and sure enough - they would actually work great as Belt Bags!
Now, t
 hese aren't the expensive designer Belt Bags you see in the magazines - in fact, they're even better!
Because they're made by PacSafe and Travelon, they are all anti-theft bags. That means cut-proof straps, slash-proof fabric, locking zippers and RFID protection for your credit cards.
All this while still being fun, functional and fashionable!
And very affordable!
These "Belt Bags" are perfect for when you need to take just a few things with you, and you don't want to shove everything in your pockets.
Why not visit us and try one on for size?
I'll bet you're going to love them!
Tailored Phone Pouch
Colours: Aqua, Black, Garnet, Sable
and Sapphire
$52.95
Signature Slim Day Bag
Colours: Black, Ruby and Smoke
$52.95
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Cross Body/Hip Purse
Colours: Black and Cranberry
$65.00
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So, was I right, or was I right?
These bags make fabulous Belt Bags, don't you think?
Come on in and see for yourself!
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