wedding 101

Having recently experienced the entire wedding planning process and the exciting day-of festivities - I've found that I have a refreshing new perspective when reading wedding articles... Worries that caused me sleepless nights and things that I endlessly scrutinized over sorted themselves out and the day came together more perfectly then I thought possible. I can now sit back and laugh at myself for over-thinking almost every little detail.

With wedding season having already begun, here are a few links that are sure to be helpful for brides-to-be and wedding guests alike ::

Don't be the worst.

- the phones/ipads/cameras urks me to the core! (We actually added a little note to the ceremony program, asking people to not take photos, rather engage and be present throughout the ceremony.. (almost) everyone respected our wishes)

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Polite ways to ask rude questions.

- I took D's last name, and let me tell you, I have heard my share of other peoples opinions... (I get that not everyone is on the same page, but be respectful of others decisions) 

- I've been forth coming about certain costs with particular friends, but having to dodge the "how much did your ring cost" or "how much was the florist bill" questions is really awkward

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Rules to break on your wedding day. 

- #3 : we did a first look and it was one of my most favorite moments of the day - it's private and so so special - doooo it! 

- #4 : we had four long harvest tables and sat smack dab in the middle of everyone - it was perfect being surrounded by our bridal party, their partners and having our parents right behind us 

happy weekend

{ the sweetest vase with cottage grown flowers }

I'm welcoming the weekend with a full embrace. Looking forward to catching up on sleep, getting out on my bike and making some healthy, delicious food. 

Whatever you're up to, enjoy your weekend! xx

{ a sea-themed print in the bathroom }

{ new favourite drink spot @ cocktail bar }

{ views of park dale }

{ delicious dinner at black hoof }

{ beautiful blooms from hunt & gather, our local florist }

whole 30: work week update

We've made it through the first work week of Whole 30! Thankfully, it wasn't as tough as I was expecting. I didn't suffer much from withdrawals and I had overall good energy levels throughout the week. 

We started our days with a big breakfast feast - a variety of eggs, a fruit salad. and a cup of coffee. 

For lunch we packed big salads with lots of veggies, avocado, prosciutto and a hardboiled egg. 

My favourite snack this week was apple with almond butter. We also found dried fruit (without sulphates!) at a local health food store.

Our schedules pulled us in different directions this week, but we managed to cook some delicious dinners too. We had guests over on Tuesday and served marinated flank steak with cilantro sauce and ginger lime grilled shrimp, which was a big hit. And we made turkey bolognese with spaghetti squash that will definitely be a new go-to comfort food recipe. 

It's Friday night and I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'd love a glass of wine. But five days in, I'm invested in seeing this through!

One of the goals of the program is to break bad habits - a few of mine would be frequent consumption of alcohol and sweets! I'm missing dessert but know the cravings will get easier as I go. I did make a Whole 30 compliant treat tonight for the sunny June days ahead - mango and coconut milk popsicles will be sure to cool us down and will be consciously consumed and enjoyed.