As we transition into sun-drenched days, blue skies and vacation time, for many this summer is going to be one where at-home activities will continue to be popular. Tourism Winnipeg’s team is keeping busy nurturing their passions close to home. Here’s a personal look at some leisure time favourites that we hope will provide some inspiration and connection for the next time we meet in person!
Annie Henry: Top three beginner gardening tips to ensure success
Annie’s a recent new homeowner and looks forward to nurturing her green thumb by building a garden. Here are her top tips to bring those blooms out in full force this summer:
1. Research before you plant
Be sure to choose your plants according to your growing zone or Canadian Plant Hardiness. Following the planting and care tips on packaging are key to unlocking your garden’s potential. Consider using native plants to your area, such as prairie naturals for Manitoba. This increases your plants’ resistance to weather, plus birds and pollinators will visit your yard often. Check the last frost date in your city and hold off on planting before that date.
Lastly, if you’re going to container gardening route, be sure to select complementary plants (also known as companion planting) that grow well together.
2. Consider using mulch on top of your garden beds
Straw or woodchips act as a barrier to keep moisture in the soil, reducing how often you have to water. Plus, it prevents weeds from settling into your garden bed, saving you precious time from weeding.
3. Play with colour and texture
Choose a variety of flowering and green plants to create fun, engaging flower beds or containers. Look for perennials that bloom at various times throughout the season so you always have something to look forward to as the summer months pass. Plus, you can look forward to their return next year.
Beat those weeds! Choose some non-flowering, ground cover plants to help fill out your beds, leaving little space for unwanted weeds to make an appearance.
Grace Hicks: Cooking with love and a sweet summer sip
After a long day of working at home and helping her kids learn remotely, Grace’s family is ready for a simple, nutritious dinner paired with a summertime sangria (for the parents) to beat the heat! Here is a fan favourite in Grace’s kitchen and a recipe from our friends at Manitoba Liquor Marts—Grace's go-to mix for a pitcher of Sangria.
Penne a la Grace with Italian Sausage with Peppers
This dish is one the whole family will devour. It is easy, quick and is packed full of flavors. And the best part? It’s all made in 30 minutes and in one pan. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta such as penne
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausages mild or hot, sliced into bite size pieces and casing removed
- 3 medium bell peppers (red, orange and yellow)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, cut in small pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp pepper or to taste
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Pasta – Cook the pasta as directed on the box and set it aside. Any shaped pasta will work for this dish.
- Add 1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet or frying pan and heat over medium heat. Add the sausage (with no casing) and season to taste. Cook sausage until browned on all sides. 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add 1 tbsp of olive oil, bell peppers and garlic to the same pan used above. Sauté for a few minutes until the peppers are soft but still firm, 4 to 6 minutes. In the last few minutes add the Kalamata olives. Season to taste.
- In a large bowl, toss all cooked ingredients and mix well. Garnish with Italian seasoning, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour yourself a glass of sangria and enjoy!
Fun Fact: Manitoba exports pork to 33 countries and live pigs to 17 countries, contributing almost $1.2 billion to the province’s economy.
Natalie Thiesen: Trail prep and pack 101
Natalie enjoys taking solo hikes or runs to get outside and refocus. She was introduced to trail running a few years ago and it’s one of her favourite ways to take a break from remote working and learning. In Winnipeg, she looks to the detailed maps on the Winnipeg Trails website for new paths to explore. The city is full of scenic options for all levels. If you are running or hiking solo, here are a few of Natalie’s tips to optimize your trail experience.
1. Start with a dynamic warmup
Start your adventure with a dynamic warmup as trail running is more technical. A great resource for a five-minute trail run warmup can be found here.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Before a run or hike, drink 16 oz of water about 20 minutes prior to your trail excursion. Activities up to 90 minutes should NOT require additional fluids (although everyone is different, so experiment first). For longer activities, drink 16-24 oz per hour from the start of the activities, adjusting for weather conditions and sweat. If you want to make your own sports drink, combine water, coconut water, sour cherry juice, maple syrup and lemon.
3. Pack wisely
A well-stocked trail pack is key to a positive experience. Start with a hydration pack—there are many good brands out there. MEC’s allows for 1 L of water (good for beginner trail excursionists). Bring a whistle or bell to avoid bear encounters, along with band-aids and a piece of personal ID. Include some snacks—Natalie's favourites include dates, honey stingers and almond butter wraps for a 20-mile trail run. Last but not least, create a fun playlist! Try Canadian favourites such as Tom Cochrane, Great Big Sea and Coeur de Pirate or simply listen to the sounds of nature as part of the escape.