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10 Holiday Helpers in Calgary That Will Make Life Easier
The greatest gift we could receive this year would be time. Since the season is carrying on regardless, we thought we'd gift you some super suggestions on how to save it. These holiday helpers will get you through the holidays with ease and grace.
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Christmas Light Installation
Scratch this off your honey-do list. Exterior Christmas lights is one argument you can avoid when you let the pros stand precariously on those ladders instead of you-know-who. Assiniboine Lights & Landscaping has been lighting up the city for over a decade. They're especially adept at making large trees look snazzy and wouldn't you know it, they also specialize in snow removal.
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Babysitting
'Tis the season for sitters being notoriously unavailable. Instead of scrapping your plans, book in with Nannies on Call for peace of mind with an extensively screened caregiver. You can bet your bottom dollar they'll show up on time, and with their experience are able to soothe and tame even the toughest little critic.
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Gourmet Food
No warning given by guests about to descend on your home? No problem! Simply stock up with a few odds and bobs from CRMR Kitchen. Made in small batches by CRMR Chefs, the line features all natural and locally made sauces, pre-made meals, pizzas, sausages and glazes allowing home cooks to put a dazzling dinner together within minutes. The marmalades and pickles also elevate any cheese board to Martha-esque levels and make great hostess gifts. Available at any Second to None Meats location in Calgary.
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Cleaning
Splurging on a housecleaner is totally acceptable in our books—especially when your mother-in-law is coming to visit. We look to AspenClean for a robust, green clean using 100% eco-friendly products. Besides the usual wiping and washing, they'll even clean your carpets, making every aspect of your home tip-top.
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Grocery Delivery
Not only do they have one of the city's best meat and pre-made entree counters—Sunterra Market also offers grocery delivery. Order fresh food, packaged ingredients or ready-made meals from the comfort of home. We're fans of their Friday Night Feasts, which by the way, make for an affordable date night in.
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Baby Equipment Rental
No need to board up the living room when out of town guests arrive with their baby. Simply rent a baby gate, crib or whatever's needed from One Tiny Suitcase. Cruise their wide selection online, place your order by phone or email and then either pick up from the Northwest location or have it delivered to your door. Psst…renting is also an affordable way to test drive products before purchasing for your own brood.
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Concierge Service
There are a million little micro jobs that need tending to at this time of year. You could spend your precious time in traffic or you could hand these jobs off and focus on activities that bring you joy. Custom Concierge will take care of all those annoying errands and last-minute tasks that pop up with alarming frequency at this time of year. From doing your grocery shopping to taking the car to get serviced to picking up perfect presents for everyone on your list, they've got your back.
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Holiday Baking
Whipping up decadent holiday desserts seems like fun, until you realize you'll have dash back and forth to the store for specialty ingredients. We say leave it to the pros like Bliss & Co. This nut-free bakery whips up holiday cupcakes and five different kinds of Christmas cookies packaged oh-so prettily in a festive box tied with a satin ribbon. Entertaining? Stock up on their sticky toffee pudding. And yes, they deliver.
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Kitchenware Rentals
When a large crowd is descending upon your home, you're better off renting extra flatware and glasses than buying new. Good Time Party Rentals offers everything you need to throw an epic party, including delightful punch urns and bar equipment, plus items like carving boards and oversize trays. Bonus: no washing up for you!
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Get Glam
The very best part about having Nordstrom in our city are the free services they provide. Swing by the makeup counter or schedule an appointment for a complimentary makeover the night of your Christmas party. Better yet, get on their email list, so you're kept abreast of events such as holiday hair tutorials.