Nestled in the northwest corner of Calgary, the communities of Royal Oak and Rocky Ridge with their pathway systems, mountain views and wetlands can make one forget they are even living in a city.

"I fell in love with these communities because of the majestic views of the Rocky Mountains and the unique landscapes including several environmentally sensitive wetland ponds," said Monique Chiasson, community engagement director with the Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Community Association (RRROCA).

While MLS® home sales in Canada decreased by 2.1 per cent between January and February, sales in Calgary increased more than seven per cent.

There were 1,591 sales in Calgary in January 2013 followed by 1,709 in February. Nationally, not seasonally adjusted activity decreased 15.8 per cent compared to February 2012.

Once regarded as the tightest commercial market in the country, things in downtown Calgary are beginning to change for prospective tenants.

According to a report from CBRE Limited, the first quarter of 2013 saw absorption in Calgary drop substantially, with 260,281 sq. ft. of sublet space returning to the office market. As a result, sublet space now accounts for 43.3 per cent of downtown vacant space, up from 8.7 per cent at this time last year.

Pea sprout greens are the coolest thing I have grown so far this year. Yes it's still weeks away from growing outdoors in Calgary but my little pea sprouts have been making a statement in salads for months already.

The sprout snips are sweet and fragrant and taste like – well – peas.