A whirlwind trip for a whirlwind wedding

I ventured out of my home state on Sunday, to the lovely city of Adelaide.  I  got to witness one of my very good friends marry the man of her dreams in one of Adelaide's finest churches.  They are known for their beautiful churches after all.

It was such a lovely wedding and even though  I attended it on my own, not knowing a single person there, but  I had a fantastic time!

I was having so much fun that I didn't really take many photos instead  I kicked up my heels and danced  the night away. I may even be guilty of doing the Gangham Style. Shame on me, shame! 

My friend met her now husband just over a year ago, they flirted with a long distance for awhile, but things got serious, and as they say, when you know you know. She got engaged in September and now 6 months later is a married woman! I am so happy for her.

In 2011 we both found ourselves single at the same time, We bonded over this  and  spent many a night out in Melbourne's bars, lamenting  the fact that there were no eligible men out there for us.

She has now found her match, so her wedding has given me the hope, that maybe one day, maybe not so soon, but some time in the future, I will have a special day like hers too.

Until next time

Oh and isn't this the most divine wedding dress you ever did see? It was stunning! 

Family ties

Yesterday I was so  lucky to be celebrating Darby's dads, sisters wedding - phew that's a mouthful!

It was such a beautiful day, organised on a whim with so very little time, but on the day it all came together wonderfully! I was responsible for hair and makeup and then looked after my baby niece,  their daughter throughout the ceremony. 

She had other plans of watching her mum and dad tie the knot,  instead she screamed and screamed in my arms for the entire ceremony and we missed the lot! Luckily it was short and sweet and she was back in her mums nurturing arms soon enough. 

The Melbourne day was steamy, everyone was a little tired after battling through a very hot evening, but there was a sense of joy and emotion that fills the air when a wedding is involved. 

Now this is not my own family, but a family that opened up there arms and welcomed me into their lives 8 years ago. I know I am in it for life!   I realise how special it is to be included.  Even since our  separation I have never ever ever  been treated any differently by Dave's family. 

At the Lunch that followed on from the ceremony, I sat on the family table next to Dave, it was fine, he can still be lovely and caring and and he also rib me quite well, I forget that he doesn't have much tact! 

It felt like a blast from the past, although as so much time has passed since we were together, I can roll my eyes at his jibes and enjoy myself catching up with the rest of his family! 

Darby had so much fun and revelled in the celebrations, clapping when clapping was needed and cheering where required.  He was beaming and did so well as it was such a big day for him. 

He loves his Aunty Corrie and Uncle Ray, they have been amazing role models to him, and it is so nice that he has the opportunity of forming a close bond with his cousin. 

He has spent so  much time with them and we are both so lucky that they now live in the same suburb as us.   It warms my heart that I still have two families that love Darby and I so much.

I am really so grateful I could be part of such a special day, I am so thankful that I live in such a modern and mature world, that despite a separation, I still feel as though I play a part in the family so dear to my heart. 

Linking up today with Bron from Maxabella Loves for 52 Weeks of Grateful 

Wordless Wednesday..... The Hens Party edition..

On the weekend I helped to host a Hens Party... having never done this before it was all unknown territory to me... 

With the help of another friend... who had superb organising skills, we managed to pull together a great event... An afternoon High Tea and then we kicked up our heels and kicked it up a notch for the evening!  The Bride was very happy... (the most important thing!) and it went off without a hitch! 

After a pretty crappy week with being sick, alone and working way too hard... this night allowed me to let down my hair and have a bit of fun.. 

Here are some shots, including some of our topless waiter Rob, who was such a great sport!

I am Linking up today with Trish for Wordless Wednesday at  My Little Drummer Boys

Until next time, Life is too short for crappy coffee

Some of the High Tea Fare - Those Brownies were delish but so sweet!
Thanks Nigella!

Our Pretty High Tea Table - I had a blast baking!!

My sister Laura and I - getting stuck into daiquiris

Getting out our costumes.... an accessories party!!

No hens party is complete without a Penis straw!

Having a dance in a traditional Mauritius dress..
I will be doing this for real in a few months!

Signing the brides top... Those abs were rock hard!!! No Im not leaving
my phone number!!

Later in the night!

Mmm daiquiris....

Informing the bride of what we had planned!!!

Playing some trivia with Rob

Just had to include Rob doing the dishes.. love it!!

The Happy Bride!!

Bridesmaids Boot Camp

This whole  wedding business started to feel real.. In 9 and a bit weeks  I will be a bridesmaid.. At the age of 32 this is the first time I have had the honour of being one, so to say I am excited is a massive understatement! The fact that the wedding is overseas is the icing on the cake really! 

The bride and I picked up the bridesmaids dresses last week, so I could take it home and make any changes to it that may be needed.

But of course I had to try it on for the bride....

With trepidation I unzipped it.... slipped it over my lumpy backside... and on over my bigger than usual shoulders... It fits, and it looks great... a beautiful classic style and I am so relieved that the dress is all sorted!! I do really love it, which I know is not a regular occurrence for bridesmaids! (flashes of the movie 27 dresses come to mind!) 

There is one thing though that I would like to change a little (or a lot) before the big day... that lumpy backside of mine...

So this week I kicked my bridesmaid boot camp into gear!! Mostly out of sheer panic and mostly because we are heading into winter and if I can stick to an exercise plan now, it will hopefully carry through until  summer (fingers crossed anyway!) 

So I'm starting with exercise first, and then I will work on my diet.. I know in reality I should be doing it the other way around, but somehow the more exercise I do the more I want to eat clean and healthy! 

Back in the days where exercise
was easy!!

In the old days (pre single motherhood) I would do 3-5 classes a week... often this consisted of classes early in the morning before Darby and Dave woke - I am a good morning exerciser, I loved the feeling of having done my exercise for the day before 7am!! I also did  one or two evening classes as well as a Saturday morning class! (Dedicated I know!)

I was able to lose weight, or at least maintain it and I was pretty happy with my body... Fast Forward... two years of single parenthood have taken its toll,  I try and be as active as possible, but it takes a backward step to the other more important and essential priorities! 

Last year I was  spiralling towards a breakdown and I knew that exercise would help to fix this... so I found a personal trainer just around the corner.. and I committed to it. It was only once a week.. that's was the only time and money I could afford! I was dedicated, I have only missed 3 sessions since July last year!  I don't get that pre exercise, should I or shouldn't I go feeling? I always want to as it is time dedicated just for me (and its  always so different and that's what I love... )

So in the last few weeks through my personal trainer I started doing an outdoor group Boxing class in a park near my house... just slowly getting my body used to more intense exercise.. 

Last night I bravely put on my gym clothes and headed to the local leisure centre! Being Anzac day the choice of classes was pretty small . There was RPM - a cycle class or this explosive high energy boxing class. Don't get me wrong I love boxing to death but it sounded a bit too scary for my liking '! So I went with RPM.. I knew what I was in for- I had done this class about 9 years ago..

I got myself set up by the teacher, and off I went on a virtual bike ride through hell... I pushed myself, but didn't go too crazy.. I did want to come back after all.. 

Over the 45 minute class  I managed to clock over 20 km which I was happy with.. And apart from my sore backside from the uncomfortable seat I think I'll be back again next week!

So here is a run down of what I am going to try and do over the next 9 weeks!

- weekly personal training session with Adammy PT

- weekly group outdoor boxing and circuit class with my PT

- weekly spin class

- 15 minute walk during my work day

- 5 minute circuit everyday of squats, push ups ,sit ups, overhead raises biceps curls

- minimum of 12000 steps- every day - I have worn a pedometer every day for the last 4 years!!! Even all dresses to weddings, you name it - I have worn it to!

I needed to consider the money as well. I don't have much to spend, so I have to do it wisely. My personal trainer is the luxury item, but also the necessity, he pushes me like nobody can, so I need that!

Anything else is a bonus! I have pushed myself, but not to the point where it is unachievable.. I needed to consider that I do work 4 days and I am a single mum ... But like any challenge I won't let those things stop me! I know once I get going I get motivation to push myself!

As for my diet... I might write another post to tackle that one!!

It feels good to have it recorded... I'll try not to bore you with too many updates but might do a fortnightly recap!

If you have any tips for time effective exercise.. I'm all ears? Did you implement something similar when you were getting married or in a wedding??

PS I multitasking right now! As I write this I am (carefully) walking a lap of the park in my lunch break - and have done 8000 steps for the day so far!!

Until next time...

Java Jane