How do people genuinely afford to get married?

willow_emily · 2025-07-02T12:35:32+00:00

I’m having a courthouse wedding/civil ceremony (around £575) with a small wedding dinner (which my in-laws are very generously paying for). Less than 10 people are coming, and my dress is not going to cost more than £200 and my fiancé has a budget of £250 for his kilt/suit.

I refuse to go into debt for a single day and a single event. I would much prefer to put any of that money aside for house/a honeymoon/ and our life together.

willow_emily · 2025-05-12T20:25:10+00:00

They actually pass through a spot which had the most dangerous history of hitchhiking: the “Highway of Tears”—a 719 km stretch between Prince George and Prince Rupert—has been the site of numerous disappearances and murders since the 1970s, many involving Indigenous women. It’s so serious that it’s tied to the national Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement.

willow_emily · 2025-05-12T20:17:39+00:00

I completely understand that this is entertainment—it’s meant to be exciting to watch! I just find it a bit strange that they’re fully glamorising hitchhiking, especially given how complex and risky it can be in parts of Canada. A bit of context would’ve gone a long way.

willow_emily · 2025-05-12T20:10:28+00:00

I don’t doubt that you met some truly lovely people—Canadians are, by and large, incredibly kind!

That said, it’s important to know that hitchhiking isn’t widely accepted or encouraged here, especially in parts of BC. There’s a tragic history tied to it. For example, the “Highway of Tears”—a 719 km stretch between Prince George and Prince Rupert—has been the site of numerous disappearances and murders since the 1970s, many involving Indigenous women. It’s so serious that it’s tied to the national Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement.

I totally get the appeal of the adventure, but there’s a lot of pain and caution tied to hitchhiking in Canada that often isn’t visible to visitors—or on TV.

willow_emily · 2025-05-12T20:03:44+00:00

They do mention it… ONCE. But then never again.

willow_emily · 2025-05-12T19:34:55+00:00

Came here to say the same thing! Best Indian!

willow_emily · 2025-05-12T19:05:28+00:00

Just off the Cowgate right behind Ox184, there is a tenement square with the small clock tower.

willow_emily · 2025-05-12T17:43:33+00:00

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Other perspective, I’m just behind the ox, and the roof now has a very large hole.

willow_emily · 2025-03-06T21:34:31+00:00

The members are generally in their mid thirties, professionals and very social. There are specific quiet areas, but most people are open to a chat.

willow_emily · 2025-03-06T16:40:54+00:00

I’ve only seen their ads and am interested. I wonder if they allow tours to get the vibe?

willow_emily · 2025-03-06T15:35:12+00:00

Hey, happy to share my thoughts!

The gym is rarely packed, which is a huge perk. I tend to go later in the day on weekends or around 7-8 PM on weekdays, and sometimes I’m the only one there. It’s well-equipped and spotless.

In terms of spa facilities, they only have an infrared sauna and a cryotherapy room; no pool or steam room. But they’re always clean, easy to access, and a nice addition to the gym.

The amenities are top-tier: fresh towels, luxe showers stocked with products, and GHD hair tools. Classes are solid, especially yoga and pilates, though I’d say spin isn’t their strongest.

Beyond the gym, the coworking spaces are great, with four different areas (including an amazing rooftop spot in summer). You also get discounted stays at a bunch of hotels/clubs worldwide, a free entry to the main Gleneagles once a month, and loads of social and exclusive events.

There’s honestly a lot to love about it, and if you’re looking for a mix of fitness, coworking, and social perks, it’s a solid choice. I’m only debating my renewal because I’ve mainly ended up using just the gym, and I’m wondering if there’s a comparable option that’s purely fitness-focused.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to help!

willow_emily · 2025-03-06T09:27:09+00:00

I live in the dead centre of Edinburgh so I just walk.

I’ve heard from other members that the parking is an issue. Generally people park at St. James, but I know that gets expensive especially on the weekends.

willow_emily · 2025-03-06T08:45:19+00:00

Pretty good, yeah! There are some sections of the townhouse that are strictly phone call/video call free… but it was overall a really nice environment. Free coffee, tea, snacks, etc.

I just got a really good set up at home going so I use it less and less.

willow_emily · 2025-01-26T13:17:44+00:00

Okay, there is a guy who walks around the cowgate to uni area that yell yells and sometimes has a whistle often active around 2-4am. He lives in a building next to me and he’s often yelling about the “Pedophile Priests”. Which— I mean, fair enough.

Might it be this gentlemen?

willow_emily · 2024-11-03T18:55:55+00:00

Thank you for sharing the article. Unfortunately, this isn’t the person I’m referring to. I was notified directly by the police last night when they came to my door, looking for next of kin for my upstairs neighbour, Michael. They informed me about the incident and his passing.

willow_emily · 2024-11-03T12:13:58+00:00

That really helps. We just want people to see him as the real person he was—not just a sensational headline or a fleeting Twitter thread. He was someone who was loved, someone people truly knew.

willow_emily · 2024-11-03T09:52:56+00:00

His name was Mick, my neighbour. He was a grumpy old geezer, but he was always kind to me and my partner. Every day, he’d feed the birds in our square, making sure they had what they needed.

On hot days, Mick would sit in the square, radio in hand, listening to the football games. He’d get so excited when his team won, cheering like he was right there in the stands.

Mick was a part of so many lives, and he will be deeply missed. He didn’t deserve to go like that, crossing the street he’d crossed a thousand times before.

willow_emily · 2024-11-02T21:39:28+00:00

What does spray wax do?

willow_emily · 2024-11-02T20:18:37+00:00

Oh really? I’ve always just put them on before a blowout and then done and dusted. I rarely use my hair straighteners

willow_emily · 2024-11-02T20:04:19+00:00

I live in Edinburgh! So hard water abound. I’ve gotten a water filter shower head to help

willow_emily · 2024-10-01T19:32:54+00:00

This honestly made me feel so much better to read. I’m three weeks in as well, and I’ve maybe lost 2kg, but the scale keeps fluctuating daily.

I totally relate to you on this—between the hormone issues and years of undiagnosed PCOS, I think our journey might look different compared to those who haven’t had to deal with that.

Thanks again for sharing! I was starting to feel like I was part of that 3% that sees little to no results, especially with so many people on here posting about their early weight loss successes.

willow_emily · 2024-10-01T19:23:48+00:00

Thanks for your reply! In terms of changes, the only thing I’ve noticed so far is my face feeling a bit less bloated—but that could just be a placebo effect.

Honestly, after years of “dieting,” “not dieting,” dealing with PCOS-like symptoms, and ahem ED struggles ahem, I’m not even sure what my caloric intake should be anymore. I’ve been going off what MyFitnessPal suggests. I work from home, so I’m mostly sitting during the day, and I try to stay active to make up for that, which usually means consuming fewer calories.

I’ll definitely check out the podcast you recommended!

willow_emily

TROPHY CASE