Weekly Recap: Lougheed House Gardens + Farmers Market
There’s something about a long weekend that makes me want to slow down and soak in all the little things. This past holiday Monday, instead of my usual to-do list shuffle, I decided to spend the day exploring a place in Calgary that, somehow, I’d never been to in over 25 years of living here. Spoiler alert: it was absolutely worth the wait. From colorful gardens to delicious brunch, farmers’ market finds, and a cozy evening with a good book, it ended up being one of those weeks filled with the small moments that make life feel extra sweet.
Since last weekend was a long weekend, I decided to head downtown on the holiday Monday and check out the gardens at Lougheed House – a historic house and museum here in Calgary. Somehow, in all my years living here, I had never been.
The gardens are maintained by a team of volunteers, and I can only imagine the hard work it takes to keep them looking so beautiful. Wandering through, it was hard to believe I was still in the middle of a city with over a million people. It’s such a peaceful little oasis. If you haven’t been in the summer, add it to your list!
When lunchtime rolled around, my boyfriend and I walked over to First Street Market, another first for me. It’s a food court–style spot with everything from pizza and Indian street food to Korean fried chicken, and even a bar tucked away in the back. We went with food from Friends with Benedicts, and I’m so glad we did. I ordered the “Bump and Grind,” which came topped with pickled onion – unique, tangy, and so good.
Tuesday was back to my usual routine. I started the morning with my go-to protein shake – Pure Protein Vanilla Milkshake. It’s the perfect balance of taste and budget, and I’ve been loving it for years. I also finally upgraded my shaker bottles. Gone are the days of mismatched lids and bottles (or worse, discovering a cracked lid mid-shake—yes, that happened). Now I have two matching bottles in a smaller size, perfect for my daily shakes.
While I was at it, I made a dozen hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot for the week – easy protein for salads, snacks, or quick breakfasts.
By Wednesday afternoon, I needed a break from my computer, so I headed to the Calgary Farmers’ Market West. It’s only a 15-minute drive, and it’s such a fun little mid-week outing. While browsing the produce, I bumped into someone I knew years ago from volunteering with her kids – who are now all grown up with kids of their own!
Of course, I couldn’t leave without grabbing half a dozen Wayne’s Bagels – Montreal-style, slightly sweet, and dense. They were sold out of a few flavors by the time I got there, but I snagged everything and poppy seed.
I also stocked up on my favorites from Hearts Choices, a vegan Thai food spot. Their mild curry and vegan ginger “chicken” are incredible, and perfect to keep in the freezer for quick meals.
Thursday’s lunch was the vegan ginger “chicken” with rice and veggies, and later that evening, I sat out on the deck and finished The Great Gatsby. I hadn’t read it in at least a decade, so it felt like a completely different story this time around. Isn’t it funny how a book can change as you do?
Saturday was date night at my boyfriend’s place. He made souvlaki pork skewers in the air fryer, and I sautéed some veggies. We built Greek pitas with the pork, veggies, and artichoke dip – so simple, but so good.
We also tried the new Orange Cream Coke Zero, and I was surprised at how much I liked it.
And just like that, another week is in the books – filled with good food, pretty places, and little surprises. It’s always the small moments that stick with me the most. What’s been the highlight of your week? Was it something delicious you ate, a place you visited for the first time, or maybe just a cozy evening at home Share your highlight in the comments below – I’d love to hear about it!
