Oh, Hi! 60 Days of NO CHEAT DAYS!
Yesterday officially started the 60 day wedding countdown!
I've been cheating (a lot) on my diet plan since starting the prep process for this wedding...the whole time telling myself, "Sure! You can have those 5 cookies now...because at the 60 day point you won't have ANY more cheat days...and you'll drop the last 10 lbs and be perfect in that dress!"....
So it's time to get real and stick with it.
I went to the grocery yesterday, and although I did spend about $50 more than our usual weekly shopping trip, I will be saving the $10-15 per day that I spend buying random snack food and protein bars and salads that probably have more calories than the pack of Oreos that I resisted.
I bought grape tomatoes, strawberries, oranges, lemons and limes, baby carrots, celery, romaine lettuce, spinach, a few Quest Oreo bars to help when the extreme cravings hit....and some grilled chicken strips. I NEVER buy frozen meat....but for ease and to know that I would actually use them...I went this route this week. Also brought home 6 0% fat Chobani yogurts and some 0% cottage cheese for protein.
I chopped all the fruits and veggies up and put them in little baggies and proceeded to FILL the fridge with them. This way...when I want a snack, I can just go grab a bag...
The thing is, with proper prep, I can stick to a super healthy diet. Without it? I'm hopeless and sneaking cookies.
SO. Today is day one with all my new yummies. So far today I've had a Quest bar (ok, you can giggle), a bag of baby carrots, and a bag of strawberries....oh and a bag of orange slices.
Also, a medium DARK ROAST coffee, black, from Dunkin Donuts.
I've gulped down 24 oz of lemon infused water and am working on the next 24!
The rest of the day will consist of chicken, some spinach, celery, tomatoes, and a cottage cheese serving. Plus LOTS and LOTS of water!
This will be the diet all week, and on days that I go to the trainer I will be adding in a superfood smoothie with no sugar added Almond Milk and a banana.
10 lbs to go kiddos!
Whew!
xoxo-
A
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Oh, Hi! L.O.Y.L. Hunger Drive 2015!
Oh, Hi! L.O.Y.L. Hunger Drive 2015!
We love this time of year....prepping for Passover and all the family time and delicious food that comes with it. With this in mind, and being so thankful for our friends, family, and circumstances...we can't help but recognize that nothing is guaranteed in this life, and not everyone is even fortunate enough to know where their next meal is coming from.
We believe that charity begins at home, and we can make the greatest impact by starting in our immediate area. With that in mind, our focus this year is to help support the amazing work of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
It's a super reflective time, and we want to make sure to do our part to give back ... so we would like to announce the first annual L.O.Y.L. Hunger Drive!
Every purchase of the L.O.Y.L. Hunger Drive Flowy Tank will bring us closer to our $1,000 goal! We will be donating 50% of all proceeds to the Atlanta Community Food Bank!
Each $1 they receive provides over $9 worth of groceries for someone in need!
Check out some basic info about what the Atlanta Community Food Bank does:
Learn more about ACFB’s seven community projects.
For more information on the Atlanta Community Food Bank and our projects, contact us at info@acfb.org or 404.892.9822.
Check out the tank below, and order at https://represent.com/l-o-y-l-hunger-drive-tank Snap a pic in your tank and share with #iDonated #ACFB to help raise awareness!!!
We love this time of year....prepping for Passover and all the family time and delicious food that comes with it. With this in mind, and being so thankful for our friends, family, and circumstances...we can't help but recognize that nothing is guaranteed in this life, and not everyone is even fortunate enough to know where their next meal is coming from.
We believe that charity begins at home, and we can make the greatest impact by starting in our immediate area. With that in mind, our focus this year is to help support the amazing work of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
It's a super reflective time, and we want to make sure to do our part to give back ... so we would like to announce the first annual L.O.Y.L. Hunger Drive!
Every purchase of the L.O.Y.L. Hunger Drive Flowy Tank will bring us closer to our $1,000 goal! We will be donating 50% of all proceeds to the Atlanta Community Food Bank!
Each $1 they receive provides over $9 worth of groceries for someone in need!
Check out some basic info about what the Atlanta Community Food Bank does:
What We Do
Founded in 1979, ACFB procures over 45 million pounds of food and groceries each year and distributes it to more than 600 nonprofit partner agencies serving families and individuals in 29 metro Atlanta and north Georgia counties.
Who We Serve
Food pantries, community kitchens, childcare centers, night shelters, and senior centers are among the agencies that receive product from ACFB. In turn, these partner agencies provide food and other critical resources for low-income Georgians who suffer from hunger and food insecurity.
How it Works
ACFB utilizes more than 1,000 volunteers a month, over 100 staff members, a large fleet of trucks and a 129,000 square-foot facility to procure and distribute food and grocery items received from hundreds of donors. Our donors include manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, brokers, restaurants, food drives, gardens and individuals. The product is easily accessed by our partner agencies. They place their orders online and arrange for pick up or delivery. Once the food arrives at the agency, it is provided to families and individuals in need. See our product flow infographic.
It Starts With Food, but it Doesn’t Stop There.
The mission of the Atlanta Community Food Bank is to fight hunger by engaging, educating and empowering our community. While our core work is food distribution, our efforts extend far beyond that. Our mission is lived out every day through seven projects that help engage, educate and empower both people in need and those who want to help. From supporting community gardens to assisting people in finding economic security, ACFB covers a wide range of opportunities for people to learn and get involved. Our seven projects are Atlanta Prosperity Campaign, Atlanta’s Table, Community Gardens, Hunger 101, Hunger Walk/Run, Kids In Need and Product Rescue Center.Learn more about ACFB’s seven community projects.
For more information on the Atlanta Community Food Bank and our projects, contact us at info@acfb.org or 404.892.9822.
Check out the tank below, and order at https://represent.com/l-o-y-l-hunger-drive-tank Snap a pic in your tank and share with #iDonated #ACFB to help raise awareness!!!
Oh, Hi! Kardashley Makeup Tutorials !
Oh, Hi! Kardashley Makeup Tutorials!
So...we kind of have a MAH-JOR girl crush on Ashley Iaconetti, and you should too. Ashley was our favorite part of watching The Bachelor this season just to see what she would wear...what she would do with her makeup...and to cheer on a fellow brunette, Kardashian beauty obsessed, Forever 21 dabbling fabulous 20 something girl that OWNED her melodrama.
She has this super fun blog, Duchess Kimberly, and has started posting makeup tutorials....which we, are of course, LOVING. SO WE HAD to share them with you!!! We are even so on board with the fact that she is not rocking a preset, perfectly lit, professionally video'd set-up.... #keepingitrealandstillsoOhHiMaintenance
She's gotten us totally hooked on using the Maybelline Dream Mousse foundation as a concealer and now even as a great contour assistant...and we LOVE that she's a real girl just doing her thing.
Thanks Ashley I. ... a.k.a. Kardashley, for being YOU and never apologizing for it. We just love you over here at Oh, Hi Maintenance!
The first two videos are tutorials...and the last three are super fun because she's showing the blogger from Possessionista trying to follow along. #LOVE
xoxo-
A
So...we kind of have a MAH-JOR girl crush on Ashley Iaconetti, and you should too. Ashley was our favorite part of watching The Bachelor this season just to see what she would wear...what she would do with her makeup...and to cheer on a fellow brunette, Kardashian beauty obsessed, Forever 21 dabbling fabulous 20 something girl that OWNED her melodrama.
She has this super fun blog, Duchess Kimberly, and has started posting makeup tutorials....which we, are of course, LOVING. SO WE HAD to share them with you!!! We are even so on board with the fact that she is not rocking a preset, perfectly lit, professionally video'd set-up.... #keepingitrealandstillsoOhHiMaintenance
She's gotten us totally hooked on using the Maybelline Dream Mousse foundation as a concealer and now even as a great contour assistant...and we LOVE that she's a real girl just doing her thing.
Thanks Ashley I. ... a.k.a. Kardashley, for being YOU and never apologizing for it. We just love you over here at Oh, Hi Maintenance!
The first two videos are tutorials...and the last three are super fun because she's showing the blogger from Possessionista trying to follow along. #LOVE
xoxo-
A
Oh, Hi! FAVORITE NEW Shampoo!!!
Oh, Hi! - Favorite New Shampoo!
A.K.A - Product Review for "Living Proof" Product Line
A few weeks ago, we were at Lenox Square and I decided to run in to Sephora to grab some makeup remover wipes (hellooooo essential items!!!)....I just did not feel like stopping by CVS on the way home.
So, we go in....well...I go in...while the fiancé waits patiently outside for me. Knowing that he was waiting, I was so so serious about sticking to my mission, grabbing my wipies, and going.
BUT then....fate took over. This super fab Sephora employee noticed me stopping in front of the Bumble and Bumble shelves (duh! I realized I was out of my Thickening Shampoo) and asked if I needed help. And you know what...I did.
I never ever ever can get my roots to lift. Every product I use seems to just weigh my hair down within an hour of application...and I had just kind of accepted that I would eventually have to break down and order some Bellami hair extensions if I wanted real volume on the wedding day.
Well, after I poured my flat-hair-plagued heart out to this poor guy....he changed my life.
He grabbed some pomade looking stuff in a jar, I rolled my eyes thinking great...sticky and flat hair....perfection....he rubbed this gooey stuff between his hands...flipped my hair over in front of my face, gave my scalp a little scrub...and when I flipped my hair back over (I'd like to think I probably looked like Ariel in the Little Mermaid) HELLO VOLUME.
He handed me like ten samples of their different shampoos and conditioners, and although I really can't complain about any of the systems....the FULL line was what I stuck to.
At just $24 for 8 oz., the shampoo is super concentrated, and I'm going on my third week on the first bottle...which is AMAZING for me. I can run through a full size Herbal Essence bottle in a week and a half.
It's sulfate free, and not only is my hair THICK and full of volume, it feels so much stronger and healthier.
I use it in conjunction with the FULL conditioner, and depending on the style I'm doing, I've been loving the styling products too.
My new daily regimen using the Living Proof "FULL" line is:
SO...YAY! I finally have found a hair system that does what it promises and is totally affordable! Thanks Jen Aniston and team for this fabulous line that really delivers!
xoxo-
A
A.K.A - Product Review for "Living Proof" Product Line
A few weeks ago, we were at Lenox Square and I decided to run in to Sephora to grab some makeup remover wipes (hellooooo essential items!!!)....I just did not feel like stopping by CVS on the way home.
So, we go in....well...I go in...while the fiancé waits patiently outside for me. Knowing that he was waiting, I was so so serious about sticking to my mission, grabbing my wipies, and going.
BUT then....fate took over. This super fab Sephora employee noticed me stopping in front of the Bumble and Bumble shelves (duh! I realized I was out of my Thickening Shampoo) and asked if I needed help. And you know what...I did.
I never ever ever can get my roots to lift. Every product I use seems to just weigh my hair down within an hour of application...and I had just kind of accepted that I would eventually have to break down and order some Bellami hair extensions if I wanted real volume on the wedding day.
Well, after I poured my flat-hair-plagued heart out to this poor guy....he changed my life.
He grabbed some pomade looking stuff in a jar, I rolled my eyes thinking great...sticky and flat hair....perfection....he rubbed this gooey stuff between his hands...flipped my hair over in front of my face, gave my scalp a little scrub...and when I flipped my hair back over (I'd like to think I probably looked like Ariel in the Little Mermaid) HELLO VOLUME.
He handed me like ten samples of their different shampoos and conditioners, and although I really can't complain about any of the systems....the FULL line was what I stuck to.
At just $24 for 8 oz., the shampoo is super concentrated, and I'm going on my third week on the first bottle...which is AMAZING for me. I can run through a full size Herbal Essence bottle in a week and a half.
It's sulfate free, and not only is my hair THICK and full of volume, it feels so much stronger and healthier.
I use it in conjunction with the FULL conditioner, and depending on the style I'm doing, I've been loving the styling products too.
My new daily regimen using the Living Proof "FULL" line is:
- Shampoo with a dime size amount of the Living Proof Full Shampoo
- Condition hair from root (yes, that's right, ,ALL OVER and doesn't weigh it down)to tip with Living Proof Full Conditioner
- Spritz roots of damp, towel dried hair with Living Proof Full Root Lifting Spray
- Spritz damp hair all over with Living Proof No Frizz Weightless Styling Spray
- Blow dry and style with my Ultra Chi Flat Iron or Babyliss 1 3/4 inch Curling Iron
- If I want an extra lift, I will use just a teeny tiny bit (like a 1/4 of a dime sized amount) of the Living Proof AMP Instant Texture Volumizer. I just massage it a little above my roots underneath my hair around the back and top of my scalp, and then play with it until I get the volume I am wanting. This stuff REALLY works and while it does feel a little sticky, it's totally invisible when looking and just gives this extra pump of volume that I love!
- If it's a humid or damp day, I will set my look with the always perfect Elnett hairspray.
SO...YAY! I finally have found a hair system that does what it promises and is totally affordable! Thanks Jen Aniston and team for this fabulous line that really delivers!
xoxo-
A
Friday, March 20, 2015
Oh, Hi! Random Recipe Post!
Oh. Hi! - Random Recipe Post!
You may or may not know this...but the fiance and I are TOTALLY addicted to True Food Kitchen at Lenox Square Mall here in Atlanta. Between the super cool decor and ambiance, comfy booths, waiters in full on scrubs and funky looks that make for GREAT people watching.....we can't get enough.
Like, when I say ADDICTED...we go prrreetttty much every single Sunday for brunch.
Our love affair is so serious that when we sit down our waiter asks if I'm splurging on the Quinoa Johnny cakes that Sunday or not....yes..... That's right. We're so far in that the waitstaff is aware of my constant internal struggle between delicious food and trying to stay fit ....
So where am I going with this?
One of our FAVE things to eat there is the Sweet Potato Hash...
It's beyond delicious and has the perfect balance between sweet and salty, and totally satisfying and indulgent tasting without being crazy and awful for you!
Being that I am NEVER home before like 6:30 between the trainer and other wedding prep, (and the fact that the main things I can make are salad, pasta, or pancakes) I pretty much never make dinner. My sweet, wonderful fiance usually has it waiting for me the second I walk in the door!!! I mean...come on....how much do we love him for that??
Well, last night, I had an off day where I left work and didn't have anything I HAD to go do, so I decided to surprise him with a copycat True Food Kitchen style dinner.
I whipped up our standard roasted brussel sprouts, which I do make about once a week, some shaved turkey wraps on low-card, chia seed flatbread, and the TRUE FOOD KITCHEN SWEET POTATO HASH....
When I tell you it came out better than at the restaurant...I'm not lying....like he kept talking about it ALL NIGHT!
SO, I want to share this super easy, super yummy recipe with you! Takes about 45 mins - 60 minutes total, depending on how small you cube the sweet potato pieces.
True Food Kitchen COPYCAT Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Large Sweet Potatoes
3/4 cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth
1/4 Large Sweet Onion (or more, depending on taste)
approx 1 tbsp of Minced Garlic in Olive Oil
2 tbsp EVOO (or other oil depending on preference)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
You may or may not know this...but the fiance and I are TOTALLY addicted to True Food Kitchen at Lenox Square Mall here in Atlanta. Between the super cool decor and ambiance, comfy booths, waiters in full on scrubs and funky looks that make for GREAT people watching.....we can't get enough.
Like, when I say ADDICTED...we go prrreetttty much every single Sunday for brunch.
Our love affair is so serious that when we sit down our waiter asks if I'm splurging on the Quinoa Johnny cakes that Sunday or not....yes..... That's right. We're so far in that the waitstaff is aware of my constant internal struggle between delicious food and trying to stay fit ....
So where am I going with this?
One of our FAVE things to eat there is the Sweet Potato Hash...
It's beyond delicious and has the perfect balance between sweet and salty, and totally satisfying and indulgent tasting without being crazy and awful for you!
Being that I am NEVER home before like 6:30 between the trainer and other wedding prep, (and the fact that the main things I can make are salad, pasta, or pancakes) I pretty much never make dinner. My sweet, wonderful fiance usually has it waiting for me the second I walk in the door!!! I mean...come on....how much do we love him for that??
Well, last night, I had an off day where I left work and didn't have anything I HAD to go do, so I decided to surprise him with a copycat True Food Kitchen style dinner.
I whipped up our standard roasted brussel sprouts, which I do make about once a week, some shaved turkey wraps on low-card, chia seed flatbread, and the TRUE FOOD KITCHEN SWEET POTATO HASH....
When I tell you it came out better than at the restaurant...I'm not lying....like he kept talking about it ALL NIGHT!
SO, I want to share this super easy, super yummy recipe with you! Takes about 45 mins - 60 minutes total, depending on how small you cube the sweet potato pieces.
True Food Kitchen COPYCAT Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Large Sweet Potatoes
3/4 cup Vegetable or Chicken Broth
1/4 Large Sweet Onion (or more, depending on taste)
approx 1 tbsp of Minced Garlic in Olive Oil
2 tbsp EVOO (or other oil depending on preference)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Peel sweet potatoes kind of randomly, leaving 1/2 of the skin on. The skin contains a TON of nutrients and makes them brown up better when sauteing.
- Chop onion into small cubes as well...I have no patience in the kitchen so just as small as you want.
- Toss sweet potato, onion, broth, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Let sit about 5 minutes.
- Pour mixture into large glass baking dish. Bake 25-35 minutes, until potato is soft but not mushy.
- Warm pan on stove with about 2 tbsp of olive oil.
- Remove sweet potato mixture from oven and toss into pan on stove.
- Saute for about 20-25 minutes, until browned to the level you like. I recommend letting them get a little crispy on the outside, but careful not to burn them!
And TA-DA!!! EASY EASY pretty healthy side!!
xoxo - A
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Oh, Hi! Engagement Party!
Oh Hi!- Engagement Extravaganza!!!
Wow. Wow. Wow.
What a weekend! My future in-laws hosted a gorgeous, fabulous, over the top engagement party for us this weekend....and I am still totally blown away by it.
The event was held at Le Bam on Miami Circle in Buckhead. It's a killer events facility, and the space we used had two floors, each with a staffed bar and tons of comfy, sexy seating and lounge areas.
We loved the space so much that we even had an engagement photo session done there pre-party!
The food was provided by Annette Marcus Catering, we had Theresa Hightower performing the entire evening, and my mother in law had so many special touches prepared for us!
There was a donut tower from Sublime Donuts, complete with a custom bride and groom made to look like us sitting on top, a cake that was in the shape of a bug "A 2" (for A Squared....both of our names start with A....yes...that's right)..and even candied apples dressed in tuxedos and wedding gowns!
It was an absolutely magical night! AND...
I do have to say....I learned a few things from the party:
1. You have to make an extra big effort to try to spend time with your fiancé when it's a party for you. We barely saw each other all night...which I get because we were hosting...but in retrospect I would really have loved to experience our engagement party together a little more.
2. Make a point to walk around and see what's there! There were so many elements I missed because of the whirlwind of activity...luckily there will be photos!
3. EAT as soon as you can. Don't be shy. Grab a few plates, find a seat (preferably with your fiancé) and chow down. People can wait. I literally had one small plate of food because I was trying to hostess and didn't give myself any time to really enjoy what was there. I'm still hearing about foods that I missed!
4. Make it a point to have at least one special dance with your honey. We missed out on this too...and I am totally bummed about it! One of those memories I wish we would have....but there ARE so many other opportunities coming up for a good dance with him.
5. PREPARE a Thank You speech. We ended up on stage with a mic in our hands...and I had it last. What came out of my mouth? "DITTO....AND THANK YOU". Sure, it got some laughs...but really and hold have been a little more eloquent and meaningful!
Do you have any tips or lessons from your engagement party? What about things you've noticed as a guest that you think could improve an event like this??
82 days till the wedding. Whew!
For details on the vendors that made our party absolutely OUT OF THIS WORLD...see below! Writing a separate post on the glam prep and new products I grabbed to get gorgeous for the night!
Oh, Hi! - Event Space:
The Knot Magazine 10 Most Talked-About Georgia Wedding Venues
Le Bam Studio
If you’re planning a real-life fairy-tale wedding, Le Bam Studio in Miami Circle, Atlanta can literally help you set the scene. From classy and eclectic, handcrafted tree to lounge and sultry seating areas with ambient lighting — they’ll work with you to create a wedding you and your guests won’t soon forget. (404) 512-0329.
Oh, Hi! - Catering:
About
Annette Marcus Catering
Annette Marcus Catering is a full-service special events and catering company. Annette's clients include corporations, small businesses, and hosts of home parties, weddings, holiday parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, christenings, openings and intimate dinner parties.
Annette's food is a delight to the senses. The food looks as wonderful as it tastes. Annette's presentation creatively reflects the theme, event and client preferences.
Annette and her professional catering staff offer a complete range of services, from serving, to bar tending, rentals of china, cutlery, tables and chairs, flowers, linens, invitations and decorations.
Oh, Hi! - Entertainment!
Theresa Hightower has been named Atlanta’s Top Female Vocalist by Top Star Awards. She was honored as Top Jazz Musician in Atlanta by the entertainment magazine, Creative Loafing. The Atlanta NAACP presented Theresa with the Diamond Jubilee Award, naming her Top Female Vocalist. She also received the Angel of Music Award in 2001 from the New Thought Theological Seminary, and The Women in Entertainment Award from AKA Sorority in 2003. In 2012, Theresa was honored with the Legend Award from I AM Cre8tive Live.
Theresa has also appeared in a number of film and television roles. These include the movie, Made in Heaven (starring Timothy Hutton and Kelly McGillis), the recently released movie, Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection (starring Tyler Perry, Eugene Levy, and Denise Richards), and the television series, In the Heat of the Night.
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