This is the first time I’ve opened my laptop in almost 4 days now, which feels like f-o-r-e-v-e-r. As much as I miss blogging, it also feels really good to disconnect once and a while! I finally found a spare moment this afternoon to go through some pictures, so here is a recap of what I’ve been up to.
Thursday morning, we were up at the lovely hour of 4am to get to our early morning flight. I think I clocked in at about 3.5 hours sleep. We’re off to a great start!
Also, never underestimate how much room Super Soaker water guns will take up in suitcases…
On the bright side, we arrived in Calgary around 9am with the entire day ahead of us.
Also never underestimate the power of a latte.
I always love traveling east to west; those extra hours are greatly appreciated. My body, however, is still on Toronto time. I’ve been getting up between 5-6am since I arrived despite staying up quite late each night. I’m sure I will crash and burn any day now.
My grandpa and Diane also flew out from Ontario! Grandpa is feeling so well these days and he gained some much needed weight (he said about 35 pounds) since the winter. It’s SO good to see him doing so well despite his Leukemia diagnosis in 2010. He’s such a fighter! My mom is also thrilled as you can imagine. I feel so blessed to be able to spend this time with him.
Shortly after arriving at my mom and John’s, we headed out to get some coffee. My sister and nephews also met up with us and we’ve been attached at the hip ever since. They agreed to let me stuff them in my suitcase on the way back…
Insert soy latte #2.
Anglia? You can call me whatever you want as long as you bring me sleep in a cup.
The boys loved their Super Soakers, Battleship, and Glo bars!! Auntie and Uncle for the win. We had an epic water gun battle for hours on Thursday. I want to be a kid again!
On Friday, we took a road trip to Lake Louise.
From the turquoise water to the snow capped mountains, it took our breath away. What a beautiful place!
A stitched photo courtesy of Eric:
We hiked around the lake for a couple hours before heading in for lunch.
We also checked out Moraine Lake on our way out, which was also stunning (below)! Some of the snow caps were melting and you could see waterfalls trickling down the mountainside. Absolutely beautiful. We’d like to come back here another time and stay for a couple nights so we can do some major hiking. There is never enough time to pack it all in!
On Friday night, Kristi had us over for dinner and a sleep over! Lots of cuddling with my nephews ensued.
She made us the most amazing Mexican quinoa casserole and also my weekend glow kale salad. Awesome meal after a long day in the mountains.
We also treated each other to manis and pedis as late birthday gifts to each other. My feet haven’t had a pedi in over a year…it wasn’t pretty. They are currently soft as a baby’s bottom. :)
Let’s see what else?
My sis took me to Westside Rec centre for her good friend Cindy’s booty-kicking (ok, total body kicking!) “Urban Strong” weight and cardio class. Think, body pump class, only with intense (intense!) cardio intervals between each set. Westside is rumoured to be one of the best fitness facilities in all of North America. You should see their spin room….it has 50 spin bikes complete with a huge projector screen that guides you through a motivating bike tour.
Let me tell you, Cindy’s class did NOT disappoint! Hands down the best class I’ve ever taken. She’s super motivating and encouraging with awesome high energy (and current) music pumping loud. If any of you in the area ever get a chance to take Cindy’s classes, I highly recommend you do! She teaches spin and a few other classes too.
On Sunday, we met up with Cindy for a run at Westside. They have a huge indoor track which was great because the weather has been super rainy. The time flew by…wish I could run with these gals all the time!
We also had some family photos taken since we were all together in one spot, which does not happen often.
Click below for the rest of the photos or this post may self destruct in 10 seconds…
Eric wasn’t the actual photographer, but he did snap some lovely behind the scenes shots!
The boys played Battleship with grandpa in between photos. :)
After the photos, we headed out for dinner.
We had a fabulous meal at Madrina’s in Bragg Creek; a quaint town with a population of just 600 people.
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We’ve been here a few times now and it’s always excellent. I ended up having a delicious gazpacho, fresh bread with oil and vinegar, and portobello steak with roasted potatoes and veggies. They had no problem adapting their menu to be vegan which was greatly appreciated. It was a lovely & relaxing evening! (My brother-in-law Pete was also there, but took this photo)
Well, this is one monster of a post so I better end it here before this post explodes. I’m going to try my best to get another post up before we head home. I have a yummy blueberry recipe coming up and a guest post from Eric.
See you soon!
The scenery photos are fabulous! (I was born in Banff, but no longer live there) It was so nice to see how much snow cover is still on those beautiful rocks. Thanks for the tip about eating at Madrina’s. Bragg Creek has been an old haunt of mine. You and your family clearly know how to have fun!! You can rest when you get back to TO. Oh, I also spent many years living in south western area. Enjoy pics from there too.
sounds like a fabulous trip! i’m glad your gpa is doing better:) you all look so gorgeous for your photos! and that scenery is breath taking!
Thanks Caralyn, we are happy too. :)
Those pictures in front of the lake are gorgeous! The area looks so picturesque and beautiful! Like you two are photoshopped in LOL! Thats awesome that you got to spend some good, quality family time!
hah it does look like we were pasted onto the background…I said the same thing!
Awww… I can’t wait for Eric’s post!
what fabulous scenery! by the way, your momma is such a pretty lady!
Aw Angela what a lovely post! I really enjoy your posts that are a little more personal, it’s nice to see an insight into your life beyond your kitchen :) and I am so pleased that your Grandad is doing well. He looks very well, indeed. May he continue to have many healthy years.
You look fantastic and happy yourself!
Much love, from your longtime follower in England.
Hannah Alehandra
Hey Hannah, I’m glad you are enjoying this type of post. They are fun to do once and a while! Thanks for your well wishes for my grandpa, I will pass that along to him. :)
Angela,
It was great meeting you yesterday at Westside. It is also great to see that you still are talking to your sister after she took you to Cindy’s class :)
Enjoy the rest of your time in Calgary!
Laura
Hey Laura, It was so nice meeting you too! Hopefully we’ll get to do another class together next time we’re down. I should be recovered by then…hah ;)
So fun! I love Lake Louise area (I currently live in St Albert, but also lived in Calgary for a few years). I love the pics of you and your family – your mom looks like she could be a sister – so gorgeous!
I loved reading about your travels! Those photos are breath taking!
I would love to go to that fitness center, that sounds amazing and so motivating.
I’m glad you had a great time xx
A first-time post for me, but an avid reader and recipe taster for over a year! I love your recipes. As someone who is working at becoming healthy, thank you for your blog. I just had to drop you a note to tell you how beautiful your family is, and how stunning Calgary is.
Hey Susan, Thank you for your comment! I’m so honoured that you enjoy the blog & recipes. I appreciate your feedback so much.
Great photos!!! is there a recipe for the Mexican quinoa casserole ?
Hey Audrey, My sis adapted the quinoa casserole from the Quinoa 365 cookbook. Have you seen it before? She loves it. She just left out the chicken and had cheese/sour cream on the side. Easily made vegan.
Looks like a wonderful trip so far! The scenic photos are breathtaking – that was nice of Eric to share the stitched photo. The water, mountains, and blue sky all look incredible. You have a beautiful family! Enjoy the rest of your time there :)
It looks beautiful there! You find the best hiking places!
Hi Angela,
I am currently living in Edmonton (just moved here from Toronto) and am spending Canada-Day weekend in Calgary. I was wondering if you had a chance to get to any Vegan-friendly restaurants while you were there and if you had any suggestions! (If you ever come to Edmonton and i’ll point you in the direction of some AMAZING vegan treats! haha)
Thanks!
Hey Michelle, I suggest The Coup in Calgary….I love the food there!
AMAZING photos! If I may ask, where is the red/blue striped sweater from? Super cute!
Thank you Carly, it’s from Old Navy. I have it in green and blue too…lol. They have all kinds of colours and patterns!
Thank you so much for capturing the beauty of my home! It’s amazing to see it through someone else’s eyes… I try to get out to the mountains as much as I can but it’s all too easy to get wrapped up in city life.
Also, thanks for the vegan heads up on Madrina’s! My sister in law lives in Redwood Meadows close to Bragg Creek and lives that restaurant. Can’t wait to check it out!
and by lives I mean loves ;)
They were realy easy going about the whole vegan thing. I love that. I’m pretty sure they would have made anything my little heart desired. :)
It’s so beautiful there! And looks like so much fun!
I hope you stopped at the bakery in lake louise!
unfortunately not! We were really tight on time, but next time for sure :)
Your family is gorgeous!! I hope I can look as good as OSGMom someday!!
Oooh wow Ange, everything looks amazing! Your grandpa is looking so great, and you and Eric have definitely been soaking up the sights! I love the turquoise water at Lake Louise. (Not that I’d want to swim in it, I mean just to look at!!) So glad you’ve finally had a chance to unplug for a few days and chill out. Hopefully your body adjusts to Alberta time soon so you feel fully rested by the time you get back here!
You could totally swim in it, Ange! I’ve done it! So darn cold but incredibly worth it. They used to have relay races (for fun) many years ago. Oh the crazy things teenagers do!
Thanks Ange…I’m so happy to see him well too.
I wanted to drink the water ;) It looked so fresh…
Ah! So much awesomesness going on here! Lake Louise sure is beautiful, isn’t it? I think I’ve been at least two dozen times and it still takes my breath away! I sure would miss the mountains if we moved away from this place. Glad you and your family have had a great time, great idea to have your photos taken. We were going to do the same thing today at Fish Creek Park but the rain was just too heavy to attempt it today.
I know, hasn’t the rain been crazy? I’m sure it will get nice just as we take off for Ontario. hah
That’s usually the way of it!
you all look gorgeous! And that turquoise water would have taken my breath away…wow, stunning!
Happy that you had this time away with your fam, beautiful surroundings, the whole post = warm fuzzies :)
Hey if you are still in Calgary – you should head to Sultana’s Tent in Kennsigton! I’m sure they would adapt for you and the food is INCREDIBLE! Plus it’s an experience you won’t soon forget! Moroccan Food is awesome! I found it just as I was leaving Calgary – it is incredible. I go every time I go back for a visit!!
You and your family are so beautiful!! Glad you are enjoying your trip!
Looks like a wonderful time spent with the family! You and your sister are just beautiful ladies, and I am glad that your grandfather is doing better. :)
These are such beautiful pictures! I have always wanted to visit Canada and this just reinforces it! I’ve especially wanted to visit Banff.
Oh, my gosh! Those mountains are beautiful! It looks like you’re having an awesome and relaxing time. Can’t wait for the new recipe! Safe travels home!
Wow! Those mountain shots look breathtaking!
My daughter introduced me to your website and I love it! you are sensible and balanced which is hard to find these days! you have inspired me even at the age of 50 to eat better exercise and be good to my body. I just ran my first half marathon yesterday which was an inspiration from my daughter and from your blog! Anyway…I am wondering if you have the recipe for the Mexican Quinoa casserole you just had on your vacation? looks yummy. Thanks again for sharing your life and inspiring others!
Congrats on your half marathon Barb!! How are you feeling today?
The recipe was adapted from the Quinoa 365 cookbook. She just omitted the chicken and served the cheese on the side.
Nice pics! I am headed out west on a roadtrip in a couple weeks. Love the cute ruffle top you’re wearing in the first pic of you- where is it from?
My sis lives in Alberta…I cannot wait to go. As a Canadian, I am embarassed to admit that I have never been past the borders of BC!
I would love, love, LOVE to know the recipe for the quinoa mexican casserole. It looks absolutely delicious and it is right up our alley!
Oh my, I don’t often comment but that picture with Eric (I think) standing in front of the lake is absolutely breathtaking. The water looks unreal!
Welcome to Alberta! I am a huge fan of your blog and its so great to see familiar pictures on this post (I am a Calgarian and live very close to Westside Rec.- Cindy does kick some serious butt!). Be sure to checkout The Coup on 17th Ave if you haven’t already. Amazing food. Enjoy the rest of your stay.
Calgary looks amazing. I’ve only been there for 2 days for a competition but didn’t get to go to the mountains :( Will need to come back there one day ^^ Glad you enjoyed the time with your family.
Hi Angela
Just love seeing your pics, like some of the others I also grew up till the age of 12 around Banff and Lake Louise just this side of the B.C. /Alberta border and your pictures are so great to see, I have been following your page on FB and your Blog for the past several months, and just in the last couple weeks have been doing Kris Carr’s CSD and thank’s to you and your amazing recipes it has been a breeze so far, My daughter follows you as well and her and her husband live in Calgary so we enjoy your reviews(especially of the Coup) , Thank’s so much for enriching our lives one recipe and Blog at a time, Val
Hey Val, Thank you, I’m so glad to hear that! You live in a great city & area. I just love visiting here.
I bet you have fond memories of Banff area. It’s soooo breathtaking. We want to come back and stay up there for a few nights sometime. The trails are calling our name! Thanks for reading, Angela
Looks like you’re having a wonderful time! My (pregnant) sister and husband live in Calgary too so I’ve booked 10 days at the end of July to (hopefully!) be there for the birth of her baby. We live in Vancouver so I’ve been to see them in Calgary dozens of times and spent one Christmas with them in Banff but we tend to do weekends or long weekends only, so this will be the first time we are there for an extended trip. If the baby doesn’t come right away I really wanted to get out and do more stuff – they lived in downtown before and now in Kensington so I really stuck to that area only. Thanks for the ideas – I don’t know if Bragg’s Creek is close to downtown but I want to check out that restaurant, as Calgary is exceedingly difficult to find non-meat dishes in! If you have any other restaurant recommendations where I can find veggie fare, please do share!
First of all, you have an absolutely beautiful family! Each and every member is gorgeous! That lake is absolutely stunning as well! I can’t help but think about the Group of Seven and their work from this area! Are you familiar with them? If not, check them out and you’ll know what I mean :)
Your grandfather looks amazing! I can’t wait to see the blueberry recipe you have for us!
That lake is absolutely beautiful! I didn’t know it was possible for water to be that blue!
You have such a beautiful family! Can you please tell your mom that in that first photo of her I thought it was some movie star at first? Honestly – she should know :)
Wow, that place is beautiful! I love mountains.
I’m glad you got a chance to disconnect for a few days–I know what you mean. Sometimes you just need a breather away from the computer.
I can’t believe how turquoise those waters are! I’m currently in Washington state, so we’re close enough to Canada to make the trip in a day. Canada (I know it’s a big country!), is on my travel to-do list. The mountains & water are breathtaking.
Your lucky to have such a great family. You’re all so beautiful! I can tell you enjoy being with them & that they love you too. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, what an amazing time with your loved ones..sounds perfect!
What a good looking family!!
Ah, it is so great to see pictures of one of my favorite places on earth!! It’s awesome to see Lake Louise. Haven’t been able to get out there since 2005… :-(
Great post…love the photos and great scenery,,so beautiful around there(I’m closer to Jasper,AB). Love Bragg Creek too. So nice to spend time with family,,,enjoy<3
And I love, love blueberries,,,waiting patiently<3
Save trip home.
It looks like you and Eric have been having such a beautiful time with your family! I love the pictures of the mountains and lake, that water is soo crystal clear! Happy to hear your grandpa is doing better :) Have a great week, Angela!
OMG Angela, Lake Louise is such a beautiful place….I love mountains and everything that has to do with nature…you are very lucky!! Now I know another site I must visit when I go to Canada.
Question, are those photos taken from the same camera that you use to take pictures of your recipes? What type of camera is it?
Thank you! Yes its the same camera/lens (24-70mm 2.8 Canon lens) as on my FAQ page, #10.
Wow those pictures are stunning. I love that turquoise water with the snow capped mountains behind them. They are breathtaking. Sounds like you are having a great time so I’m happy to hear it! it is definitely nice and needed to take computer breaks. :)
Wow, Calgary is beautiful! And the food looks smashing too. is there a recipe for that quinoa casserole?
Looks like you had a wonderful family vacation! Visiting family is always the best. Looks like you are an amazing aunt, I hope your nephews know how lucky they are.