Insta-Calgary to Vancouver

Once again, I've let a ton of time pass since my last Instagram update (some of these photos are from Calgary and I've already been home for 2 months if you can believe it). Nonetheless, here are some snapshots of what I've been up to:

Winter snowstorms in Calgary made bearable with my trusty Sorel boots

White Chocolate Mousse Cake from Brûlée for my last day at the Calgary office

This did not taste like banana bread and I am still not a beer drinker

Snowshoeing at Cypress Mountain

Eggel and latka for breakfast at Solly's

Previewing the new Gorilla perfumes at LUSH Cosmetics (Sun is my favourite!)

Follow-up on my workout wishlist: I ended up with these grey/pink Nike Free Run v4 shoes

White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake at Trees

Karaoke = one of my favourite activities because I like pretending I'm a popstar

Brunch at Forage, a local & sustainable restaurant

For more snippets from my everyday life and updates in real time, find me on Instagram at @alison_elle.

Goodbye, Calgary!

As I previously mentioned, my time in Calgary is coming to an end... this weekend, in fact. That's right, in only a few short days I will be moving back to Vancouver!

This last outfit post from Calgary features one of my favourite buildings here, The Bow. Vancouver is often referred to as the "city of glass" so I suppose The Bow has kind of acted as a reminder of home for me these past 5 months. On that note, can you believe I've actually been away for 5 months? Craziness.

Tank: TNA (Aritzia) / Wrap: Winter Kate (in white) / Pants: Gap (here)

Flats: Sam Edelman (here) / Necklace: Charles & Grace (c/o)

Insta-Food: Calgary Eats & Treats

Since it's my last month in Calgary, I thought I'd share a few more places that I've been frequenting as a follow up to my Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner in Calgary post. You know... in case any of you ever happen to be in town (the likelihood of which, I realize, is probably quite slim). But I like food posts, so here we go!


Craft Beer Market

I'm not a huge fan of beer but Craft apparently has the largest selection of draft beer in Canada so I was actually able to find one that I like (in case you were wondering, it's Fruli, which tastes exactly like strawberries). They also offer a wide variety of food, including some amazing nachos which come served in the sawed-off bottom of a keg.

And some good news for Vancouverites: Craft is set to open up in the False Creek/Olympic Village area soon. I know it's been met with some controversy from area residents but  the city could really use a bar like this - if not there then somewhere else.

Address: 345 10th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta
Website: http://www.craftbeermarket.ca


Cruffs

Who doesn't like cream puffs? Especially ones that you can customize! At Cruffs, you choose the shells and they will fill up your cream puffs with whatever filling you want, from the typical Chantilly cream to mango or Baileys (plus more). As a coconut lover, I especially love the coconut shell filled with coconut cream. Yum!

I wish we had a place like this in Vancouver (Beard Papa's is good but not the same) because they make the perfect treats to share with friends or for parties. Hint hint, Cruffs...

Address: 2312A 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
Website: http://www.cruffs.com


Clive Burger

Clive Burger is a hip burger joint on 17th Avenue with some great minimalist decor and a cool ambiance. Using locally sourced products, they make simple but delicious burgers with your choice of fixings. I'm told their fries are to-die-for as well, but unfortunately can't eat them since they're cooked in peanut oil and I'm deathly allergic. So sad!

Instead of classic milkshakes, Clive is also known for their custard shakes which come in 4 flavours: chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and cherry. They are as decadent as they sound and so so good.

Address: 736 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta
Website: http://www.cliveburger.com


Jelly Modern Doughnuts

You may remember that I went on a bit of a gourmet doughnut bender last summer, so I was excited to find Jelly Modern Doughnuts here in Calgary. They are considered Canada's original gourmet doughnut bakery, and I've even seen them on the Food Network before.

Unlike the heavier/cakey doughnuts that I'm used to, Jelly Modern's classic doughnuts are light and fluffy with a range of different fillings. I've tried quite a few now and I'd say my favourites are the Coconut and the Carrot Cake (which you saw in this post).

Jelly Modern also makes sandwiches out of their doughnuts, which you can buy if you're looking for something more savoury.

Address: 1414 8th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
Website: http://jellymoderndoughnuts.com

CHARCUT Roast House

Alberta is known for its beef and I was determined to find some good steak somewhere in the city. Well, I'd say CHARCUT has it. In fact, I think CHARCUT may actually be my favourite steak restaurant. Ever.

This place is on the more expensive side since the menu is à la Carte but it is so worth it. The Spring Creek Butcher Steak I had was cooked to perfection and the Smashed Poplar Bluff potatoes with sour cream, rosemary, and house-smoked bacon were divine.

And don't even get me started on the dessert... cheesecake in a jar. I am drooling just thinking about it. I could seriously eat at least 2 of these (or more but then I'd probably be accused of gluttony).

If you are ever in Calgary and you like steak, you have to go here!

Address: 899 Centre Street SW, Calgary, Alberta
Website: http://www.charcut.com

Insta-Lately

By now I'm sure most of you have seen the new Instagram web profiles. Personally, I think it was about time they were introduced. Plus, I love the layouts with that fun changing header! Be sure to check mine out HERE (my username is alison_elle).

And here's a little update on what I've been up to lately...

Bright pink lips with Lise Watier's Rouge Plumpissimo Lipstick in Glamour Rose

Pumpkin Cheesecake Doughnut from Jelly Modern Doughnuts

Apparently one of the most expensive beers in the world ($75 for 6 bottles), made by Trappist Monks in Belgium and typically only sold at the monastery

Loved this Club Monaco crown sweater... unfortunately the angora was itchy and shed all over me

New Sam Edelman flats with spikes and studs (here)

Such a great idea; located on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary

Sober words of warning

Attending a Stampeders game in the snow... possible reason why there should not be an outdoor football stadium in wintry Alberta

Glad that holiday treats, like this peppermint cake pop, have made it back to Starbucks

5-Pin Bowling & a strike in my first round!

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner in Calgary (& October Must-Reads)

Question of the month: What did you eat today?

I'm taking a large and liberal interpretation to this question because I've been dying to share some of the yummy places I've discovered here in Calgary. So let's imagine we're being very unhealthy and eating out for every meal "today" as I give you a run-down/snapshot tour of some new faves for breakfast, lunch, and dinner :)


BREAKFAST: Galaxie Diner

The Galaxie Diner is one of those super tiny retro 1940s-throwback diners where you can actually see the cooks grilling up your food right in front of you in their open kitchen.

In addition to delicious home-made milkshakes, they serve breakfast all-day, and you can easily get the classics or opt for a special like the Montreal Smoked Meat Hash (made, of course, with authentic Montreal Smoked Meat). The diner also offers bottomless hashbrowns. But honestly, they give you so much food anyway that it's hard to eat much more. Still nice to have the option though!

There's always a huge line (as is the case with popular brunch joints), but it moves pretty quickly and I'd say is worth the wait.

Address: 1413 11th St. SW, Calgary, AB
Website: http://www.galaxiediner.com/


LUNCH: Boxwood Cafe

The Boxwood Cafe is hands-down one of my absolute favourite restaurants in Calgary. I actually have dreams about the sandwiches here... kind of sad, haha!

Located in the restored gardens of Central Memorial Park, this cute little restaurant offers a range of sandwiches, soups, and stews made with local and sustainable ingredients. It's also got a great rustic decor and communal tables for a more homey vibe.

The Roast Bite Beef Sirloin sandwich is my favourite item on the menu (and the subject of those aforementioned dreams). It's served on fresh house-made ciabatta bread with arugala and other seasonal ingredients. So. freaking. good.

Address: 340 13th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB
Website: http://www.boxwoodcafe.ca/


DINNER: UNA Pizza + Wine

In Vancouver, fancy pizzerias have been popping up all over the place for the past few years (remember my post on Nicli Antica?), but I think I actually like UNA the best. Too bad it's in Calgary!

The restaurant's decor is modern without being overly trendy and it's a great place to come for a date or girls night.

Since I like my pizzas as plain as can be, I always opt for the Margherita. UNA's version is made with san marzana tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, crushed basil, and the most delicious crust I have ever tasted. I don't know how to describe it properly but it's super crunchy and kind of buttery. Basically I could just eat the crust all day but that would probably result in a very sick and carb-overloaded Alison.

Address: 618 17th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB
Website: http://www.unapizzeria.com/


P.S. Don't forget to check out the other girls' answers to this month's question, as well as their October must-reads!

• Alison*Elle - Alison caused a dressing room scene and lived through the embarrassment to share her story.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle used one of her favorite bloggers as inspiration to create a pretty outfit.
• Ella Pretty -  Ella attended her first fashion show - and received free pants!
• Lilly's Style - Lilly is enjoying wearing burgundy this Fall.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay's lovely layers.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen has been Falling into Fashion with these style inspirations.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle mixed black and brown for the first time and was pleasantly surprised.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette's fall wardrobe has consisted of a lot of skinny jeans and flowy tops.
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen's coveting these items ... And recently knocked one off her list!

Day Trips to Banff

One of the benefits of my temporary move to Calgary is that I now have the chance to explore what it's like on this side of the Rockies... Banff National Park, for example, is only a little over an hour drive away! In fact, due to its close proximity, I've already managed to make it up there a couple of times.

My first visit to Banff was when my boyfriend was in town and we decided to do some fun touristy things like exploring the town of Banff and taking the Banff Gondola.

Sweater: Wilfred (Aritzia) / Trench Coat: Talula Babaton (Aritzia)
Faux Fur Vest: H&M (similar) / Bag: Longchamp (here) / Sunglasses: Vogue (here)

The Banff Gondola takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, a staggering elevation of 2,281 m. From the top, you get some really gorgeous views of the land below as well as six different mountain ranges. It's such a spectacular sight!

It was pretty windy up there, as evidenced by my dishevelled hair on the gondola ride back down.

My second visit to Banff was for a 4.5 hour hike from Lake Moraine through Larch Valley/Minnestimma Lakes and up Sentinal Pass. With a 725 m elevation gain, I was totally gasping for air as we scrambled up to the top (where it was both freezing and raining/hailing). 

The group I was with were pretty seasoned hikers, plus my hiking shoes are back in Vancouver so I wasn't even properly equipped. Needless to say, in spite of all my "suffering," I'm pretty proud to check this one off my list of outdoor accomplishments!

Exploring the City

One major difference I've noticed between Calgary and Vancouver is that nobody seems to hang out downtown on the weekends. I'm so used to a downtown that is constantly bustling with people everywhere so the relative quiet here is just so strange to me. The other major difference I've noticed is the weather, which is completely unstable. In one day, it will be freezing in the morning, hailing at lunch time, sunny and hot in the afternoon, then raining at night. Makes it hard to plan outfits!

Top: Talula (Aritzia) / Pants: Gap (here) / Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs (here)
Flats: Bloch (different colour) / Hair Cuff: H&M (similar)
Earrings: Front & Company / Watch: Michael Kors (here)

Since I haven't quite figured out the transit system yet, I've been walking all over the city exploring what I can. Thought I'd share a few shots of downtown: Olympic Plaza with Calgary Tower in the background and me posing with members of the Famous Five installation.