You've changed

That's right. Things are shiny, sweet and new at this web space. For those that read it, thanks a bunch! For those that don't, I hope you will. Either way, welcome to shade of whim's face lift, rolling through the days to come as "His Lady, Her Blog"; something a little more relevant to me and where I'm at these days. Oh yeah, plus my fun piece of branding - considering I'm indecisive on these types of things, expect to see a few tweaks, tugs and shoves of a logo toward the right direction.

Whole30 Wednesday / This too shall pass

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 Who knew changing your life wouldn't be all sunshine, roses and ponies? Currently, firmly settled in Day 3 of the Whole30 challenge, I'm experiencing a willingness to eat copious amounts of dairy and sit on my backside doing nothing much more than aggressively drag paint across a canvas. What I will do, however, is get a grip and realise that this too shall pass! Oh how wise we become when sugar is no longer the happiness-generator.

So if you're keen to know why Day 3 is a killer, here are the Whole30 rules - you must agree to these ugly terms and conditions (with a silent nod to yourself) if you want to get to the promised sunshine and rainbows on day 30.

Why it's good for you:

1. Whole30 strips all gut-disrupting, inflammatory, insulin-spiking, calorie-dense foods for a full 30 days.
2. Allows your body to heal and recover from any foods provoking all the ugly stuff like bloating, allergies, inflammation, etc.
3. Pushes the "reset" button on your metabolism

The rules:

1. Do not consume added sugar of any kind, real or artificial
2. Do not eat processed foods
3. Do not drink alcohol
4. Do not eat grains
5. Do not eat legumes
6. Do not eat dairy
7. Do not eat white potatoes
8. No “Paleo-fying” less-than-healthy recipes – no “Paleo” pancakes, “Paleo” pizza, “Paleo” fudge or “Paleo” ice cream      

 It's pretty simple, really. Have fun and let me know if you're giving it a bash! My pinterest board is loaded with meal ideas and blogs of inspiration.

Toot your horn

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Nothing like a positive affirmation to get your ego set to a**hole on a Tuesday.  While I'm at it, I thought I'd hop on the Whole30 wagon...again. You know what this means? Whole30 Wednesdays are on - you can't wait, I know.

ps. Krystal from Village is a WholeBunch of Whole30 (clever, right) inspiration. If you're reading this, Krystal, you're a champ.

Wednesday Wellness / STRIKE A POSE

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Sun salutations to you all!

I've kicked myself into the next gear, ditched the mouse-wheele-esque gym sessions and revamped my exercise routine with Bikram Yoga. Not only does it sit sweetly alongside my ballet training, there's a tonne of health and wellness benefits that I'm already noticing.

1. Flexibility - a biggie in my books. Get your limbs more flexible and they'll appear longer and leaner. Cherry on the cake is my arabesque height inched a few degrees closer to my ear.
2. Metabolism booster - the heat helps break down fatty acids and glucose.
3. You'll sleep better.
4. Core and spinal strengthening - another big one! I literally felt aligned and rock-like stable. My first ballet class after a Bikram session was proof; I triple pirouetted like never before, not to mention the kick of strength from my back and core - I even had to look twice at myself - my body was doing amazing things.
5. Serenity now - Bikram (for me) has amazing healing powers for mind and body. 90 minutes of nothing else but focusing on my body, breath, my discipline and commitment to the pose - bliss.
6. Skin - toxins are flushed from your body leaving your skin glowing.

Here are the 26 poses and why they're gold.

Who's tried it? Did you like it?

Eggs for Two

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If you had to swoon me, seat me in the sunshine where the scent of a fresh coffee weaves itself around our breakfast for two.


Recipe: The Summer Egg

Ingredients 2 eggs
Asparagus, handful
Dandelion greens, handful
Olive oil, drizzle
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Method Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Break off the ends of the asparagus stalks, drizzle with olive, and toss with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes, or until tender, but with a slight crunch. While the asparagus is cooking, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Place eggs in boiling water for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove from the water, cut off the tops, and serve over lightly dressed dandelion greens. Place one stalk of asparagus in each egg and season to taste.

Serves 2
via Kinfolk

Things that make you go...

Just a bunch of frou-frou stuff that made Friday swing by a little smoother. Enjoy! I'm off to the weekend. Make yours a goody. Maria x

all images via

From Cyprus, with love

28th Birthday celebrations with my love.

We're back! Cyprus treated us with open-armed-love and kissed us with the sweetest rays; I spent my 28th Birthday in finger-locks with my love, overlooking the purest crystal waters, amongst the joy and warmth of family...pinching myself for such blessed and simply sweet days, people and love. I'm now finding my feet again on home ground, getting back into the brilliant stuff filling my days - including your blogs.

Here's a snoop into our stunner getaway; from beach parties to mountain views, political disrupt, to a precious insight into generations of family history.

 

 

For anyone that knows the political situation in Cyprus, seeing the Greek flag flying with pride (on every street corner, at every Tavern, on boats, balconies and street side graffiti) filled my senses with the passion and patriotism that lives on - left me speechless.

The essentiasl: Love-lock holds and Aesop.

Thank you to those who left wishes for our engagement - you filled my heart with so much warmth. It's a strange but wonderful place, this blogging world; most of us have never met but have shared our journeys and gotten to know one another in amazing ways over years of story-telling-posts. I have a beautiful group of blogging buddies I couldn't do without. Your wishes tickle me pink xx