Last weekend in Van City... :(

What a bittersweet weekend.

It was a good one though. Jam-packed with lots of fun.

I'd like to sit here and type out a detailed account of the weekend but I just flew home a few hours ago, caught up with my fam, and now am having a few moments to myself to update my blog. And I am POOPED.

So you'll have to forgive me for my lack of eloquence this time around.

Pictures speak so much louder than words anyhow. :)


THURSDAY NIGHT:

Request for a Korean style lettuce wrap dinner -- Success!!!

Brian likes everything. Except the kimchi.

My attempt to contribute. M&M Brownies!!!

Partial success. The M&Ms got burnt but the rest of it was DEEEEElicious!

FRIDAY NIGHT:

BBQ at Paulette and Craig's! Shannon and Doug joined us for a nice evening of food and fellowship!

Paulette shares one of her secret recipes. Not so secret anymore! :)

SATURDAY:

We visit Granville Island to see some Wooden yachts! It was kinda boring...

Then onto girls' night out with Melissa!

We obviously needed a photoshoot.

Natural pose.

Dinner at Earl's! Yummmyyy pastaaaaa.

At Caprice night club!

Was a packed house! Had a blast and too many hilarious moments to list!

SUNDAY:

Started off with a lovely service and communion at the Christ Church Cathedral downtown.




Such a pretty interior. We are to be wed here in a year!



Exhausted after a two hour paddleboard sesh. But happy!

Perfect day at the beach.

Our tired but happy feet. Right before our 5 mile trek home.

I was so sad to have to leave such a pretty city and a loving man but I'm ready to finish this program and get on with my life!

I have a decently hectic week ahead of me: First day of work at the hospital tomorrow, working at CIGNA on Wednesday, clinical orientations on Thursday and Friday. Hospital work on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday! Whew!

I'm going to savor tonight and tomorrow morning for sure!

Why my wedding diet is going to sh*t

Evil. Apple and Blueberry Pie

It's because I have friends that can COOK! This is a pie baked by my good friend Anneliese. It seriously is a little orgasm in a bite. Uh. Mayzing.


Not only is Anneliese constantly feeding me and stuffing me up like a turkey, I have Mamma Lena makin' her DIVINE desserts every other week! Observe (Lena's an AMAZING self-taught cupcake baker):

My first encounter with Leelee's baked goods. It pretty much sparked our relationship.

How stinkin' cute?

For our coworker's surprise baby shower.

Some of Leelee's infamous cake pops!

Hello Kitty Cake Pops

How do I end up gravitating towards such culinary savants? It's a wonder I'm not morbidly obese. Good thing David's Bridal offers plus sizes! :D

Groom's Cake

I've been doing some research and it turns out that sometimes the groom gets his own cake. It's usually based on his personal interests and hobbies, etc.

I think it would be a nice gesture for Brian to have a cake that reflects him personally (Since the entire wedding is basically going to be a reflection of myself!) and so I found a few good ones.

Typical American Groom's Cake

Cute! But quite ambitious...

Creative.

Oh so true.

This one is so Brian. Greenery and city skylines. Perfect Urban Planner Cake!

Anyways I thought that these were a good way to show that the groom is just as important to the wedding as the bride. :)  As for the actual cake itself, I'll have to brainstorm and come up with something that'll completely knock Brian's socks off!

Saying Thanks via Baked Goodies!

My friend Lena gave me the wonderful idea of providing wedding favors in the form of baked goodies and I think that that would be marvelous!

Here's a great and simple recipe from the Project Wedding blog:

YURM.

Other ideas include macarons, marshmallows, and pink popcorn balls. Recipes here.

I just googled pink and edible favors. Voila!



Yummy.  A candy bar is a must.