While I am incredibly fortunate to genuinely love my work, which means I don’t solely “live for the weekend,” there’s an undeniable magic to those two precious days. This past weekend, in particular, was a truly special one, brimming with joy, healthy habits, and the delightful buzz of anticipation for upcoming life milestones. But before we dive into the details of the most recent days, let’s take a quick, cherished moment to reflect on another recent highlight that set the stage for all this excitement.
Just last weekend, I was enveloped in the warmth and love of my beautiful bridal shower – an event that left me feeling utterly cherished and celebrated! It was a day filled with laughter, thoughtful gifts, and the priceless company of my dearest family and friends, marking another wonderful step on the journey towards our wedding.
My attire for the shower was an absolute dream: an incredibly comfortable, undeniably cute, and conveniently priced rental from Rent the Runway. It perfectly blended elegance with ease, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the joyous occasion without a single worry. In the left side of the photograph, you’ll see my wonderful mother, who meticulously planned every detail of the amazing shower, standing proudly to my right. Beside her is my beautiful sister-in-law, Madi, whose grace always brightens any gathering, and my supportive mother-in-law, Betsey. On the right, my cherished friends, Brittnee and Cherie, complete this heartwarming group, making the day truly unforgettable.
Having never really had a formal graduation party or a gathering where I was the sole focus of admiration and applause since my tenth birthday, this bridal shower felt incredibly special. It was an overwhelming outpouring of love, and I was profoundly grateful to have all my family and friends present, sharing in such a significant moment of my life. The joy of being surrounded by so many supportive and loving individuals was a feeling I will treasure forever, a true testament to the bonds that connect us.
For those who might be a little confused by my current marital status (and many people are!), let me clarify. Yes, I am indeed married! My husband, Daniel, and I had a beautiful, intimate civil ceremony back in January, attended only by our immediate families. We simply couldn’t wait to officially start our journey together as husband and wife. However, we’re now excitedly preparing for the “big shebang”—our larger wedding celebration—on October 11th, which is approaching incredibly fast (and yes, a little nerve-wrackingly close!). Immediately following that, on October 16th, we embark on our dream honeymoon to Italy. So, while we’re technically married, the joyous celebrations and grand adventures are still very much on the horizon. Now, with that little life update out of the way, let’s dive into the details of this past weekend’s delightful adventures…
SATURDAY: A RHYTHM OF RENEWAL AND NOURISHMENT
My approach to diet is primarily focused on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) to manage my Hashimoto’s and various food allergies, which naturally aligns with a strict paleo framework. However, I’ve carefully navigated a few reintroductions that I genuinely enjoy and find beneficial, allowing for a broader, yet still mindful, culinary experience.
This past Saturday, I indulged in a wonderfully satisfying breakfast that perfectly incorporated some of these reintroductions. My plate was a vibrant tapestry of flavors and nutrients: fresh, local goat milk and its creamy counterpart, artisanal goat cheese; rich, local eggs; and a refreshing glass of Chameleon cold brew coffee, all complemented by a generous serving of nutrient-dense kale. It was a perfect start to the day, energizing and delicious, proving that mindful eating can be incredibly rewarding.
After savoring my breakfast, I embarked on one of my favorite Saturday morning traditions: a visit to my local farmers market. This weekly ritual has become more than just a grocery run; it’s a sensory experience and a connection to my community, a cherished part of my weekend routine that I look forward to with genuine excitement.
Given that my freezer is still generously stocked with high-quality ground beef, pastured pork, and local eggs, my focus at the market this week shifted to seasonal produce and fresh dairy. My delightful haul included four plump acorn squashes, a vibrant bundle of kale, and crisp bok choy, all sourced from the excellent JBG Organic. I also picked up more creamy goat milk from Hidden Valley Creamery and delectable goat cheese from Latte Da Dairy. A spontaneous treat was a bouquet of fresh flowers, though their beauty was short-lived as my curious cat promptly decided they were a new snack the moment my back was turned! It’s all part of the charm of living with a furry friend.
Following my bustling morning at the farmers market, it was time to transition into a different kind of mindful activity: Saturday morning yoga. It’s a wonderful way to ground myself and prepare for the day ahead, offering a moment of calm amidst the weekend’s energy.
The weather was a bit gloomy, hinting at a cozy day indoors, so I opted for comfort, slipping into my reliable Athleta yoga crops and wrapping myself in my favorite Wildfox jumper. While I’m typically a member of a CrossFit gym, I have a deep appreciation for yoga and make an effort to drop into different studios whenever I can. My body wasn’t calling for the intensity of CrossFit this particular weekend, so yoga felt like the perfect choice, offering much-needed flexibility and mental calm.
I managed to snag an incredible deal through Groupon for BalancingEnergy, and I must say, it was an exceptionally rejuvenating experience. The class was exactly what I needed—a deep stretch, mindful movement, and a serene atmosphere that helped me unwind and reconnect with myself. I’m already eagerly anticipating my next visit and have even decided that a membership to this studio would be a fantastic addition to my Christmas wish list. Finding such a gem is always a delight!
After my invigorating yoga session, the day quickly picked up pace. I had just enough time for a quick, nourishing lunch before needing to jet off to an unexpected work meeting. Working on a Saturday is certainly not my usual routine, but this was a unique circumstance that required my presence. My wonderful husband, Daniel, accompanied me, and afterward, we made a stop at Sprouts to pick up the remaining groceries we needed for the week. By the time we finished, I was absolutely famished, so we decided on an early dinner to satisfy my hunger and wind down after a busy afternoon.
Dinner was a truly satisfying and wholesome affair, perfectly reflecting my commitment to clean eating. I savored two juicy, local grass-fed beef burgers, cooked to perfection, alongside another perfectly baked local egg. To round out the meal, I enjoyed a generous portion of the fresh kale and creamy goat cheese that I had picked up earlier from the farmers market. It was a meal that was not only delicious but also deeply nourishing, providing the perfect fuel after an active and productive day.
As the evening settled in, it was time for some much-needed downtime. I cherished the quiet moments spent with my husband and our beloved little fella (our cat, of course!). We unwound, chatted about our day, and simply enjoyed each other’s company, a perfect conclusion to a full and rewarding Saturday.
SUNDAY: PREPARATION, PLANNING, AND PRECIOUS MOMENTS
Sunday, for me, is synonymous with meal prep day. Perhaps it’s my “70-year-old soul” that prompts me to wake up early on the weekends, but either way, I find great satisfaction in getting an early start on preparing nourishing meals for the week ahead. This dedicated time ensures that I stay on track with my AIP and paleo lifestyle, even during busy workdays, making healthy eating effortless and accessible.
My morning meal prep typically begins with a vibrant array of vegetables, ensuring I have plenty of fresh produce ready to go. This week, I roasted a delightful batch of Brussels sprouts, crafted some savory parsnip fries, and whipped up some delicious sweet potato hash browns. And, of course, there was an abundance of various squashes, reflecting the season’s bounty! These form the foundation of my meals, providing essential vitamins and fiber. In parallel, I meticulously prepared a selection of high-quality meats to complement these veggies throughout the week.
For my protein sources, I cooked up several grass-fed beef burgers, crispy bacon, flavorful ground pastured pork, lean ground bison, and a whole roasted chicken. This variety ensures I have diverse and satisfying options for my meals. While I’ll also be incorporating some fresh salmon later in the week, I prefer to prepare fish closer to the time of consumption to ensure it’s at its freshest and most delicious. This extensive prep is just for my dietary needs; I also take care to prepare meals for my husband, though his non-AIP diet means his meal prep is often a bit less… “interesting” in its specific constraints, but equally wholesome!
Around 11 AM, Daniel and I had the pleasure of visiting a friend’s church, enjoying a meaningful service before heading out for lunch. We joined our friends at a local sushi restaurant nearby, a perfect opportunity to catch up and share a meal together.
Admittedly, sushi can appear a bit understated and less substantial when you’re navigating strict dietary requirements. Being neither on #teamwhiterice nor able to enjoy the spicy kick of wasabi or the zesty bite of ginger, my plate might look a little minimalistic. However, the quality of this tuna sashimi was absolutely exceptional—fresh, rich, and utterly delicious. It was a delightful treat nonetheless, and I made a mental note to ask for a generous side of creamy avocado next time to enhance the experience even further. It’s all about finding joy and satisfaction within your dietary framework!
The remainder of Sunday evening was a whirlwind of last-minute wedding planning, meticulously tying up loose ends and ensuring every detail was perfect before our big day approaches. The excitement is palpable as we get closer! Amidst the planning, we nourished ourselves with a truly comforting and flavorful dinner: stuffed acorn squash. This wholesome dish was packed with savory pastured pork, crispy bacon, sweet apples, and a scattering of jewel-like pomegranate seeds, offering a perfect blend of textures and tastes—a warm and hearty conclusion to a busy but fulfilling weekend.
Stay tuned, as more delicious acorn squash recipes are definitely coming your way soon!
This past weekend was a beautiful blend of personal milestones, healthy habits, and cherished moments with loved ones. It perfectly encapsulated the balance I strive for in life – a mix of self-care, productivity, and joyful anticipation. How was your weekend? Did you find a unique way to unwind or prepare for the week ahead? And when it comes to self-care through movement, do you consistently practice yoga, or are you more sporadic in your approach, much like me, dropping into studios when the mood and body call for it?