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YYC Weekly activities & positivity
April 9 - 16
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Happy Easter to those of you who are celebrating this weekend!
Young woman at home sitting on modern chair in front of window relaxing in her living room reading book and drinking coffee or tea
It's Okay To Step Away
by Allison Percival, Assistant Publisher

In the space of five minutes browsing Facebook this morning, I read the following:

  • A long rant from an acquaintance all about how anyone not wearing cloth masks is personally responsible for the pandemic
  • A separate rant about how anyone promoting cloth masks is directly responsible for the pandemic
  • One long post from a blogger about how much personal development and hobby time she's getting in during her "forced sabbatical"
  • Two inaccurate bits of advice about avoiding COVID-19
  • Four extremely bleak international news reports
  • Many, many ill-timed advertisements for discounted fast fashion (no, I don't need to "brighten up spring" with your 60% off clearance section, thanks.)

Ugh.

Let's all agree to step back a little this week!

Here's what I want you to do. The next time you scroll through your Facebook feed or Instagram and see something that throws you off, I want you to snooze, unfollow or unfriend that person, group or page. Go for it. If they miss you, they'll reach out. You don't owe anyone your attention.

Pick a few people or groups you'd really like to check in with. Rather than scrolling along hoping to see an update from them, go directly to their profile. Comment on something they posted to make them smile. Better yet, message them to say hi.

Don't engage in online debates. Don't read the comments. When was the last time you thought "wow, that really brightened my day" or "that hours-long argument sure was worth it"? Be honest.

Remember that just because someone is angry or well-spoken or respected doesn't mean that they're right. Get your information from reputable sources - don't worry about what Linda from your spin class thinks about how often you should go to Costco.

It's okay to not be on top of every development every day. It's okay to not have the latest information from every major international urban centre. Pick a source you trust for relevant local updates and let yourself have an information filter between you and the world.

Focus on what you need to get you and your family through this week in one piece. Do the best you can to follow the guidelines we've been given. Care for others as much as you can and accept help from others when you need it.

Right now it may feel like social media is our only door to the outside world, but sometimes it's okay to close the door and choose who gets to come in.

Sending you lots of love this week and every week. Take care.
Budgeting and Planning for 3 Meals a Day at Home
by Trista Arney, Staff Writer

As Calgarians adjust to the new normal, many are confronted with new obstacles when it comes to planning family meals. Many of us just aren’t used to cooking three meals a day at home every week; for others, self-isolation, changing budgets, and limited access to some groceries are making these challenges larger. 

While there likely isn’t a plan that will work for every family’s diverse needs, here’s some general advice when it come to budgets and planning meals while navigating our new normal:

Only Buy What You'll Use

If your family doesn't normally eat it, don't bother stocking up it. Some traditional budget foods like beans and lentils may be widely available, but if you have picky eaters in the house, now may not be a great time to fight over a new menu addition.

Plan Shopping Ahead

Planning ahead is always a great idea when trying to save money on groceries! Not only does it make it less likely that you'll buy things you don't need, it's socially responsible to take as little time as possible to shop.

Try to make time before grocery shopping (in person or online) to map out as many meals as you can. Plan what you need for those meals carefully and be sure to restock any go-to items that your family has run low on. To save yourself time and money, try to plan meals with leftovers for lunch or dinner the following day and meals that use similar ingredients to cut down on the number of items you’ll need. (Chili and spaghetti sauce both start with onions, ground beef and tomatoes, for example!)

If you are using grocery delivery or pick-up services, planning ahead is key. Your window may be at least a week away from the initial shopping time. Make sure to read carefully on grocery websites, as many will allow you to adjust your order until the day before delivery/pick up.
Stuff to Make You Smile
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Want to be featured here next week or know someone in your neighborhood who should be? Email me at allison.calgaryschild@gmail.com!
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