What’s a girl to do in a stay-at-home social drought? Meet our top ten females even anti-social butterflies will enjoy. Entertaining and informing us on the daily, these girls pivot between naughty and nice, giving us even more reason to love ‘em!
1. Camp Hoo-Ha – Melanie Woytiuk McKay
Seconds into our first Hoo-Ha event, we knew we’d found our kin. Melanie Woytiuk McKay captains the muff mothership, a women’s camp where cursing, crafts, and cocktails are encouraged. Between Camp Cabo fiestas, winter driving tips, and Dec. 10th’s Dinner With Julie retro holiday camp, badges earned at these fun (and free) at-home events are exactly what your empty schedule ordered.
www.camphooha.com
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2. A Woman A Day YYC – Danaye Maier
Danaye Maier is our new best friend (she just doesn’t know it yet). A Virgin radio morning show host and all around firecracker, Danaye showcases strengths and successes of local women in YYC. Her meaningful side hustle allows us to meet and celebrate nurses, veterans, front line workers, small business owners, and deserving women every single day (the Sisters were featured on Jan. 23, 2020).
3. Wine, Women & Well-being – Lisa Webb
Like Stacey’s Mom, Lisa’s got it goin’ on. This energizer bunny specializes in connecting women and spreading joy. Events pivoted to virtual (obvy), but remain lively and enlightening. Her book club opened my self-help doors with authors like Brene Brown and Glennon Doyle. Entice Santa to slip “An Evening of Empowerment with Jess Tetu” (Jan. 2021) into your stocking. It’s the only package you need!
www.winewomenwellbeing.com
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4. The Lonely Cloud And The Silver Lining Pen – Marcey Heschel
I joined the Wine, Women & Well-being book club as girls do…for the wine. Now, I eagerly await for Marcey Heschel, the facilitator and mental health therapist, to break down heavy shit with cliff note precision. An author in her own right, Marcey’s new Silver Lining book, geared toward children, moved this adult to tears. Packed with warmth about empathy and loss, this sweet book makes a great gift.
www.marceyheschel.com
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5. Up Top With Tayah Podcast – Tayah Almond
This vestal was a virgin, until Tayah popped my podcast cherry. We’ve always been drawn to sweet souls, and her enthusiastic and positive take on life is a welcome breath of fresh air. Tayah pulls in-depth stories out of her ‘goal crusher’ guests, sharing mutual secrets to happiness and success. Tune into UP TOP to get down with your badass self.
www.uptop.ca
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6. Wordfest – Shelley Youngblut
Like Val and Ken, Wordfest celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2020. Shelley Youngblut, whose résumé is one Val’s dreams are made of, is the creative ringleader behind this book lovers bonanza. The lineup of authors we’ve seen live and online is world class (Margaret Atwood, Jody Picoult, Kelly Oxford, Amanda Lindhout, Dr. Jen Gunter, E. Jean Caroll, Ken Dryden). Good for those with no (book) shelf control!
www.wordfest.com
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7. Styled To Sparkle – Carlee Krtolica
We met Carlee in the back of a limo, a week before the world shutdown. Mutual guests at a fundraising gala, our Saskatchewan roots made us immediate friends. A month later, Carlee (a walking Encyclopedia Britannica) showered us with her ivy league social media savvy. Map out your future travel plans, DIY projects, outdoor adventures, food, wine, and spirits via Carlee’s popular blog Styled To Sparkle.
www.styledtosparkle.com
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8. Real Biz Moms – Vivian Rajic
Vivian rebooted our brain this year. From Styled To Sparkle’s ten session webinar to Lauren Billey’s photography class, these old broads got schooled. Real Biz Mom’s utilizes a community chock full of women for sounding boards, business advice, parenting tips, and networking. Female small business alert, these ladies are their own google source!
www.realbizmoms.com
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Facebook
9. Kids These Days – Dr. Jody Carrington
Dr. Jody Carrington is the fucking best. A clinical psychologist, specializing in humour and mental health, Dr. Jody spills the tea with hilarious results. Her best selling book “Kids These Days” upgraded my parenting prowess. Our take-away from both Wine, Women & Well-being book club and Camp Hoo-Ha events were nuggets of self-help insight and mad respect for our rockstar teachers. Follow her Instagram for wise ways to STAY LIT.
www.drjodycarrington.com
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10. Savour Calgary – Camie Leard and Wanda Baker
When covid sucker-punched us back in March, Savour Calgary carpe diemed the day by feeding foodies a comprehensive list of restaurant reopenings. #savehospitality rang across Calgary, with Savour at the wheel. Take the time (cuz baby, we got the time) to compile your own list of Top 5 must eat restaurants with the help of Savour’s print and online chops. When the time comes, your tummy will thank you!
