While I genuinely adore my work and don’t solely count down the days to the weekend, there’s an undeniable magic to those two precious days. This past weekend, in particular, was truly exceptional, filled with joy, healthy habits, and moments that brought me closer to my loved ones and my upcoming big day.
Before diving into this specific weekend’s highlights, I must briefly rewind to an equally unforgettable one – my recent bridal shower! It was an occasion brimming with love and laughter, marking a significant milestone in my journey towards officially celebrating my marriage.
For this special event, I chose an incredibly comfortable, stylish, and affordably priced rental dress from Rent the Runway. It was the perfect choice for a day spent celebrating. The left side of the photo captures my incredible support system: my dear mom, who meticulously planned every detail of the amazing shower; my stunning sister-in-law, Madi; and my wonderful mother-in-law, Betsey. On the right, you’ll see two of my cherished friends, Brittnee and Cherie. Their presence, along with everyone else’s, made the day even more special.
It had been quite some time, perhaps since my 10th birthday party, that I had experienced such a gathering where I felt so genuinely celebrated and appreciated. There were no graduation parties or similar events in between, so this bridal shower felt incredibly momentous. It was an absolute blast, and I was profoundly grateful to have my family and friends there to share in the joy and excitement. The warmth and affection in the room were truly overwhelming, creating memories I will treasure forever.
Many people express confusion when I mention already being married, so let me clarify the details of my unique wedding journey. Yes, my husband, Daniel, and I are indeed already married! We had a private, civil ceremony back in January, attended only by our immediate families. We simply couldn’t wait to officially begin our lives together! However, we’re now eagerly anticipating the much grander celebration, the “whole big shebang,” on October 11th. It’s coming up so quickly, which brings a mix of nervous excitement and sheer anticipation. And just a few days later, on October 16th, we’ll embark on our dream honeymoon to Italy – a prospect that fills me with absolute delight! So, that’s a brief snapshot of our unconventional, yet incredibly special, marital timeline. Now, let’s fast forward to this recent weekend and all its wonderful happenings.
Saturday: A Blend of Wellness, Local Finds, and Community Spirit
My Saturday began with a focus on nourishing my body, aligning with my Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) for Hashimoto’s and my various food allergies, while generally adhering to a paleo lifestyle. However, I do enjoy a few carefully reintroduced foods, and this morning was a perfect opportunity to savor them.
I treated myself to a delightful breakfast that included some of my favorite reintroductions: local goat milk and cheese, fresh local eggs, and a refreshing chameleon cold brew coffee, all complemented by a generous serving of vibrant kale. This mindful approach to eating ensures that I support my health while still enjoying a diverse and delicious diet.
After breakfast, my next stop was a cherished weekly ritual: my local farmers market. This Saturday morning tradition has quickly become one of my favorite ways to connect with my community and source the freshest, most wholesome ingredients.
My freezer is currently well-stocked with grass-fed ground beef, pastured pork, and local eggs, so this week’s haul from the market focused on seasonal produce and dairy. I picked up four beautiful acorn squashes, a bounty of fresh kale, and some crisp bok choy from JBG Organic. I also replenished my supply of delicious goat milk from Hidden Valley Creamery and creamy goat cheese from Latte Da Dairy. To add a touch of beauty to my home, I couldn’t resist buying some fresh flowers, which my mischievous cat, as always, promptly attempted to eat the moment my back was turned! The farmers market is not just about groceries; it’s an experience that grounds me and reinforces my commitment to supporting local agriculture.
Following my productive trip to the farmers market, it was time for my Saturday morning yoga session. It’s an essential part of my fitness routine and overall well-being.
The weather was a bit gloomy, creating a perfect atmosphere for a cozy and restorative yoga practice. I layered up in my favorite Wildfox jumper and my comfortable Athleta yoga crops. While I am a member of a CrossFit gym and enjoy the intensity it offers, I make it a point to drop into yoga studios whenever I can. This weekend, my body was signaling a need for something less intense, more focused on flexibility and mindfulness, so yoga was the perfect choice. I discovered an amazing deal through Groupon for BalancingEnergy, and I must say, the session was truly invigorating and deeply satisfying. I’m already looking forward to my next visit and know exactly what’s going on my Christmas list!
After a wonderfully centering yoga practice, my day took an unexpected turn with a quick lunch before I had to rush off to a work meeting. Working on a Saturday is certainly not typical for me, but this was a special circumstance that required my presence. My husband, Daniel, accompanied me, and afterward, we made a stop at Sprouts to pick up the remaining groceries we needed for the week. By then, I was absolutely starving and ready for an early dinner.
My early dinner was a delicious and wholesome meal, featuring two juicy local grass-fed beef burgers, another perfectly baked local egg, and a fresh side of kale topped with the creamy goat cheese I had picked up at the farmers market earlier. It was a perfect blend of protein, healthy fats, and vibrant greens, completely satisfying my hunger after a busy day.
Once dinner was happily consumed, the rest of the evening was dedicated to unwinding and enjoying some much-needed downtime with my wonderful husband and our adorable little fella, who brings so much joy and warmth to our home. These quiet moments of connection are truly the perfect way to conclude a full and productive Saturday.
Sunday: Productive Meal Prep, Community, and Wedding Countdown
Sunday is dedicated to the art of meal preparation.
Embracing my early bird tendencies, even on weekends, I got a head start on preparing wholesome meals for the upcoming week. This proactive approach to eating ensures that I stay on track with my dietary goals, even during busy weekdays, and minimizes the temptation for less healthy options.
My meal prep focused heavily on nutrient-dense vegetables, especially for my mornings. I roasted a colorful array of Brussels sprouts, parsnip fries, and sweet potato hashbrowns. Beyond these, there was also an abundance of various squashes, ready to be incorporated into different meals. In addition to the veggies, I dedicated time to prepping a variety of lean meats to ensure a balanced intake of protein throughout the week.
My meat prep included making several grass-fed beef burgers, cooking up some crispy bacon, preparing ground pastured pork, searing ground bison, and roasting a whole chicken. While these form the bulk of my protein for the week, I also plan to have some fresh salmon later on, as I prefer to cook fish closer to when I eat it for optimal freshness and flavor. It’s worth noting that while I meticulously plan my AIP-compliant meals, I also prepare meals for Daniel. His dietary needs are less restrictive since he’s not on the AIP protocol, making his meal prep perhaps a bit less “interesting” but equally nourishing!
Around 11 AM, Daniel and I had the pleasure of visiting a friend’s church, an experience that always offers a sense of community and reflection. Afterward, we joined them for lunch at a nearby sushi restaurant, a delightful change of pace for our Sunday.
When you’re not yet “team white rice” and also avoid wasabi or ginger due to dietary restrictions, sushi can sometimes appear a bit plain or less filling. However, the fresh tuna I ordered was absolutely delicious and incredibly satisfying! It just goes to show that even with dietary limitations, there are always tasty options to be found. For next time, I’ll definitely remember to ask for a generous side of avocado to complement the flavors and add an extra boost of healthy fats.
The remainder of Sunday evening was a flurry of activity, primarily dedicated to tying up those crucial last-minute details for our upcoming wedding. With the big day so close, every moment spent finalizing plans feels significant. Amidst the planning, we enjoyed a truly comforting and flavorful dinner: stuffed acorn squash. This dish was packed with delicious ingredients, including pastured pork, crispy bacon, sweet apples, and vibrant pomegranate seeds, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
If you’re as big a fan of acorn squash as I am, you’ll be happy to hear that more delicious and creative acorn squash recipes are coming your way soon!
This weekend perfectly encapsulated the balance I strive for in life: nurturing my body with healthy food, staying active, connecting with loved ones, and diligently preparing for the exciting milestones ahead. From the continued glow of my bridal shower to the peaceful yoga session, the bounty of the farmers market, and the productive meal prep, every moment felt purposeful and enriching.
How was your weekend? Did you find time for relaxation, productivity, or perhaps a blend of both? And when it comes to fitness, do you maintain a regular yoga practice, or are you more sporadic in your sessions, much like myself, fitting it in when your body calls for it?