Welcome Friday, I welcome you with open arms. ALSO apologies for missing last week’s weekend favorites. My good friend was in town and we shot engagement photos and some cool stuff for Under Armour Women.
This week has been insane, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Abra and I have been busy in the kitchen every single day cranking out recipes, and it looks like it will be the same for the next few weeks as we prepare for the Healthy Glow Co‘s second meal plan release and an exciting new 30 day April challenge. Look for more details on that SOON!
In the meantime, I’m a little disappointed in myself. Why? Because I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to sit down and write a wellness post in quite some time. While they are some of my most favorite to write, they also happen to be the most time consuming. But, I’m putting it on my do to do list for April because I know how much they mean to all of you (and me too!).
Part of my frustration comes from having too many ideas I want to share with you. Delicious things dance around in my dreams and want to make it on the internet to share with all of you. A good problem to have but slowing down a little wouldn’t do me any harm. How do you slow down?
This past week Like I mentioned we took our engagement photos (I’ll post them soon!). Last night I held my class at Crosstown Fitness here in Chicago. I also went to dinner with a few girlfriends at Fulton Market Kitchen and did a Facebook Live on Under Armour Women’s Facebook page.
This weekend my hope is to pick out a caterer for our wedding. Right now we’re checking out Fig Catering and Big Delicious Planet, as our venue only allows certain caterers in. Nom nom nom.
By the way, wedding planning is very stressful; recently I read this article and I was like OMG WHAT ARE WE DOING GETTING MARRIED IN CHICAGO. LOL.
Next week my former co-worker is coming to do a few videos for me in an upcoming wellness series where I talk about who I am, what inspires me, my wellness journey and how I got to where I am today. My request from you: Let me know what you want me to talk about. What questions do you have for me?
Now onto weekend favs!
Making these crispy potatoes and pairing it with turkey burgers this weekend!
Can’t wait to make this sheet pan chicken dinner. OMG!
This poppyseed fruit salad has me craving summer time.
Another scrumptious chicken dinner to make next week! Gina is the best.
Strawberry salsa. I’ll be there with the chips. And margs.
This salad looks like something Abra would make. #abrassalad
Everyone knows I’m a sucker for carrot cake and this recipe looks insanely goooodddd.
How to remove labels from jars so you can keep them forever.
Train your brain to crave the gym. I crave the gym for both my mental sanity and because it makes me feel confident and strong both inside and out — what about you?
This top though. Because I’m a hippie dippie at heart. AND THIS ONE because who doesn’t love being a lady in red?
Okay wait, also this dress. I want to live in it.
Finally, I’ve updated my favorite carrot cake muffins. So I hope you get a chance to pin and make them soon!
I hope you have the best healthy, happy weekend. xo!
So excited to see your engagement photos! 🙂 I can’t even imagine the stress of planning a wedding…the one thing I’m not looking forward to when it’s my turn. The video series sounds great! I would for you to talk about tips for feeling confident and amazing in your own skin everyday, and how you were able to get to that place. 🙂
Wow, it sounds like you’ve got quite a bit on your plate girl, don’t feel bad for needing a little down time. Also, these links are great and I especially love that dress!
Hi Monique, before you book your wedding venue- go into the kitchen and talk to the help. Ask if they are getting paid, ask if the vendors are being paid. Three years ago my son and DIL booked a place Dumbo, Brooklyn and they lost $11,000. Many couples lost their money too. The guy running the show just closed his doors. Employees not paid, etc. terrible and you don’t want this to happen to you.
When you are a creative soul the ideas come faster than the fingers can type….even if you do find the time in your already packed schedule. ADD a wedding to plan and it’s hard to focus at all. My design partner is also planning her wedding and “needs” me to help her stay on track a bit right now. You are right…we’d want it no other way!-Laurel Bledsoe
Those dresses would be killer bridesmaids dresses. Just throwing it out there. They are gorggggg.
Wow, it sounds like you’ve got quite a bit on your plate girl, don’t feel bad for needing a little down time. Also, these links are great and I especially love that dress!
wedding planning is nothing short of stressful, but you can totally have an intimate/meaningful ceremony wherever you get married! it’s all about deciding what things, big or small, are going to make you & your hub feel like yourselves on the big day & not compromising on them! for us it was a small guest list, an italian feast, & a banana chocolate chip cake. =) can’t wait to see your engagement shots!!
Hey Monique, great post. I also love to slow down and just clear my mind on the weekends. I use the “Me Time” to check out blogs like yours and contribute to a think tank that I’m passionate about. You are doing a great job here at AK. Keep it up!
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any helpful hints for newbie blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
This looks amazing! I will definately give it a try!
I hope I will manage as I am not a great cook!
This looks so refreshing!
I enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new recipes. I will try the way you suggested. It’s not like I do. thank you for sharing. It will be better than what I do.
Wow, it sounds like you’ve got quite a bit on your plate girl, don’t feel bad for needing a little down time. Thanks for sharing