Flab to Fab: The Aftermath

I promise I'll start my official wedding recaps soon, I'm just waiting for the pictures to come in. Until then, I'm cooking up some great wedding fodder for you all. Including.....

Back by popular demand..... Flab to Fab! That's right kids. After losing 20lbs leading up to the wedding, I am determined to not fall back into my lazy, food-addicted, compulsive and guilt-ridden ways. I achieved my dream of being a buff bride, but I still want to be a hawt newlywed, yo! Who says marriage is the time to let go?

I admit, I fell off the wagon with a loud *clunk* for the month after the wedding. Lots of excuses abound, mainly my sprained ankle and post-wedding blues. But enough is enough. I've gained back 6lbs and I'm saying the Flab stops here!

How am I getting back on track, you ask? Welp chillins, let's have some show and tell, why don't we?

1. Friend-spiration. There are so many great weight-loss and fitness blogs around the internets, but my favorite new one is Bikini by 30. Sure, maybe I'm biased because this gal is my friend, but she's also a real, funny and interesting woman working to overcome bad habits and replace with with new goodness. Check it. Got one to recommend?

2. Some new food goodies to shake things up. Variety is the "do" of diets. If I don't try new things, I burn out. Fast. Meet my new lunchy lust.
source

These babies would satisfy even the most cantankerous carnivore, I tell ya! Oozing with cheddar and sizzling with spice, these sausages are tasty, delicious, easy and so healthy! 50% less fat than beef franks, all protein-y goodness? Hellz yeah!

3. Punch it out. Our wedding gift from our trainer Tiger was 2 pairs of boxing gloves, a punching pad, and resistance bands. This is perfect for me right now because my ankle is compromised still and I can't do traditional cardio (oh, Jillian, do you miss me like I miss you?). But a gal can punch her way into quite a cardio tizzy, and the release is pretty unreal. Think you're depressed? Start punching something and you'll soon realize its really just anger under there that has lost its flame. The endorphin rush from this exercise is two-fold, since you get the physical rush of cardio, and the emotional release of..... oh well, anything!

4. Knocking Boots. Sorry Mom and Dad, but getting freaky with your husband is a great way to work off that jiggle. I'mjustsayin'.

5. Ask for help. I was really feeling overwhelmed by getting back on the horse, and didn't know how to stop spiraling back down into all my bad habits. Then, I realized the obvious. My husband! I had been hiding my anxiety about my fitness from him because I was ashamed of myself for letting it go after working so hard pre-wedding. But we're partners, and I'm blessed with an extremely supportive and loving teammate, so what was I waiting for? I confessed to him that I was scared, and needed support. He came to my rescue like the super-husband he is, and has gently helped me rope in my indulgences and encourage my exercise. He cheers me on every day for my healthy choices, and in that way, he is truly my secret weight-control weapon.

How is your Flab to Fab challenge coming along? Got a recipe or tip to share?

*PS - Hey newbs, search around - there's tons of past posts to inspire those of you new to the series!

Broke-Ass Social Scene!

If you're not a buddy yet - whatcha waiting for? All the cool kids are doing it!





Yeaaaaaaah, boooooooy! Get it while the getting is good.

Broke-Ass Ad: Recession Bride's Workshop (LA)

Liz Coopersmith from Silver Charm Events contacted me recently to announce "The Recession Bride's Workshop", taking place in Downtown LA on July 19th from 1-3pm.

Liz says “The first step is finding out where the money goes, the next step is figuring out how to save it....We’re not talking about sewing your dress from scratch, or asking your Aunt Susan to make her famous fried chicken for 200 of your closest friends and family. We all know you’re not going to do that. What I am going to do is offer attractive, reasonable alternatives and strategies that will save you thousands of dollars. And you will have the wedding of your dreams.”

Tickets are $20/each or $30/couple, lunch and cake provided. The event will be held in the Gallery at Market Lofts - 645 W. 9th Street, Downtown Los Angeles. Register at www.silvercharmevents.com

My Blog = Hot Like Wow

Like WOW, y'all. That's what's buck!

Thanks, Blogger. Thanks, Google!

And a big shout out to all my new readers - welcome! Take a peek around! Make yourself cozy. There's cold ones in the fridge and I'm baking up something real fresh.

Announcing Bride$hare: Where Sharing and Saving Make a Perfect Marriage

I'm thrilled to finally announce the launch of my newest endeavor, Bride$hare! Some of you old foagie readers might remember that last year, I was approached by a bride who loved our color scheme and design ideas so much that she offered to split the costs of and share many decor items for our weddings. That spawned the great idea of Bride$hare - a social networking community where brides can find each other and save more green while being green!



After actually living the process, and reaping the benefits, I am so excited to share this with the bridal world. I'm really proud of how far it has come, considering the lack of technical prowess that I possess! My amazing brother Michael helped me put it together, and was endlessly patient as I changed and rechanged my mind about every little detail. But together, we were able to develop a site that allows brides to team up and have more for less, while being environmentally-friendly through the use of recycling and sharing!

Are you dying for Chivari chairs? Craving manzanita centerpieces? Looking for your dream shoes? Vying for a DIY photobooth? Loving lanterns? These are just a few items that you can share the cost of with fellow brides, with a few simple clicks of the mouse!

With options to search by color scheme, theme, city and venue, you can search for brides with similar taste and style to yours - making finding your perfect Bride$hare buddy a cinch! You can also buy/sell/share on the classifieds, join groups, chat on the boards, customize your profile and more. The possibilites to save are limitless.

I really hope you enjoy the site - if I can help other brides save as much as I did, using simple teamwork and creativity, then my mission is accomplished!

Psssst - tell your friends!

So, what do you think?

Fascinators, Photos, Friends and Fun!

A few months ago, fellow blogger and friend DIY Wedding Girl asked me to model some hairpieces and earrings for a photoshoot. I jumped at the chance, figuring I needed all the modeling practice I could get leading up to our wedding, since I have quite a history of "frozenface".... you know, that "I'm uncomfortable in front of the lens" look? Yeah, I'm a repeat offender. So, I thought some warm ups might be helpful, and they were super fun to boot! Of course, it was pretty easy, given the great company of Siena and her fabulous photog friend Alexandra Breckenridge... Oh, and the red wine helped too - ain't no shame in my game!

The accessories are by Marla J Designs on etsy - how cute are they?

Ah, the many faces of me:


Ivory open rose fascinator with white peacock earrings


Silk red rose fascinator with guinea feathers

Sexy peacock earrings

Satin chocolate fascinator with black onyx and feathers

Marla J's work is perfect for a wedding day, or any day! I had a lot of trouble giving the pieces back, especially those dope peacock feather earrings - rawr!

I highly endorse just playing around with some wine, friends and a camera if you're photo-shy before your big day. Its great for loosening a bride up, and it helps you see what angles work best for your beautiful face!

What do you think? Cute, no? Which is your favorite piece?

Manifesting Destiny

We're of the belief that we create much of our own destiny. I think you get back what you put out. Maybe its quantum physics. Maybe its simply the power of "having a goal". Who knows how it works, but I do believe that there is something to the "law of attraction" and I try to practice it - if for nothing else than to keep me focused, proactive, and growing. Because, sister, if you're not growing, you're dying. I believe in the power of positive thought and infinite possibility. That's just my outlook. It keeps me going.

Yes, I'm talking about..... (Cue Oprah yell) "THE SECRET!!!!!!" - or something like it.

With that in mind, meet our new destiny:

This house just came on the market, across the street from us. It will be ours. No, we don't have the money for it. YET. But we will.

We'll have dinners here, enjoying the view....

We currently enjoy a view just like this, and would hate to give it up when we move.

If its chilly out, or we're feeling fancy, we could dine right here.

After cooking dinner in this AMAZING kitchen! (that's my dream oven, yes it is.)

Granite countertops? C'mon, that's just overkill, right?!?!

The master bedroom will suit us just fine.

And so will the claw foot tub. But I think my favorite part is.....

The outdoor shower! Wait, let me get a little closer for you....

Its actually OUTSIDE! That's hot like wow.

This patio is just off the master bedroom. Hunter and I have dreamt of having palm frond fans since Amsterdam 6 years ago.

And the nice big yard beyond is just perfect for Paco to romp on.

On the reals, it's got a little bit of everything we've always wanted in a home, in the perfect location. So, the plan now is to make it ours. My first step is putting it on here - announcing my intention to the Universe. You hear me out there, Universe? This is the one! Now, we just have to come up with the money. Any suggestions?

This is just the motivation I need to pull me out of the PWD. I feel so much clearer now. I have love. I have a goal. I have faith. And I have unlimited potential. What could be better?

Have you used positive visualization to keep you focused on a goal?

Blog Love for the Fresh Hubby of LA!

Our "Fresh Hubby of LA" love story has been tearing up the internet like hot hot heat! We're so excited to have so much love and support for our li'l video. Seeing everyone's reactions and it's fierce momentum across the internet is almost as much fun as making it was!

Mad props to the following blogs for the sweet, sweet lovin'!
DiyWeddingGirl.com
Rock-N-Roll Bride
The Flash Dance
Globe Trotting Bride
Wishpot
Truly Engaging
The Unbride
One Wed
The Blissful Bride
Not the Marrying Kind
Victoria James Weddings
One Barefoot Bride
A Day in the Life of Gemma and Josh
Gator Bride
Beth Helmstetter Events
Kickin' It Old School Style
Cachet Weddings and Events
Delighted Heart
Funk All Stars
Love to See You Smile
Cute N Boot
Victoria James Weddings
India Wedding
Momentville Blog
Relentless Bride
Gemma and Josh
Gator Bride
Kate Haus & Alpine Moon Photography
Weddingistas
Handful of Treasures
SexyRedFrame
LA Brides
Mollie D
A Better Side Than Most
Mix Mingle Glow

Y'allz is fresh to death! If I missed you, or you add a link, hit me up and let me know so I can love you back!

Missed it the first time around? No worries, yo - I got your back!


Video courtesy of Digital Princess Productions

PWD (or how BAB Got Her Groove Back)

Post Wedding Depression (PWD) is a real thing, people. It creeps up on you, and latches on quietly to your ambition. It hides around the corners of your wedded bliss and pounces in sneak-attack fashion, dragging you down into stagnation. It hides under your covers, a cold bedfellow, suckling the warmth in your heart until you shiver.

Well, that may be a bit dramatic. But still....

I'm sure the Post-Wedding Blues affect everyone differently, but mine has been coming in the form of laziness, stagnation, overindulgence and non-motivation. I'm sure its been made more powerful by the fact that for 3 weeks I've been on crutches, limping ungracefully through life, unable to exercise, unable to even walk without pain. That's definitely a bummer. Hunter has been battling it too (word up to sensitive groomsies), but his is mildly more assuaged by the relief that all the planning is over.

It seems so silly, after just living the happiest day of our lives, to be whiny, complaining babies. But it also makes sense, after all that anticipation, excitement, attention and payoff, real life doesn't glitter quite the same way.

This is so not the way I want to begin my Wife-Life. So, this week, I'm hopping back on the horse, taking the reigns, and trying to reclaim my life. The issues:

1. Lack of fitness for the past month. Ain't no such thing as a healthy mind without a healthy body, and my tore-up body feels anything but healthy. So, we reconnected with Tiger (our friend/trainer) this weekend and she gave me some great exercises I can do that leave my ankle out of the equation. Now I just have to make myself do it. I'm also going to resuscitate the Flab to Fab series, to ensure success. Excited? You bet I am!

2. My overindulgent appetite. The past few weeks I've been the queen of sugar, and my addictions have been winning the daily food battle. This morning however, I got up early enough to stop on the way to work and pick up healthy, affordable goodness to replace the over-priced snack bar items to which I've been addicted. Fiber One, you are my champion! I'm also trying to reign in my diet coke consumption, which has been off the charts. Hydration, here I come!

3. Organization. We live in a small, bungalow-y apartment with virtually no storage space, and its been completely overrun with wedding leftovers, gifts and general too-lazy-to-deal-with clutter. I've started separating things into piles (keep, give away, sell, put away) and I already feel better about things. It will probably take a while to completely prevail, but the wheels are turning, and that's a start, yo!

Just facing my problem and coming up with solutions has made me feel much better. A wife needs some structure to keep it together, son! Married gals, how have you tackled your PWD? Brides-to-be, do you have a plan in place to combat your blues, after the big day?

Our Magic Moment: The Slideshow

If you're like me, and you just can't get enough of Dan's pictures (and let's be real, who can?!), take a gander at the to-die-for slideshow he put together of our teasers and much more!


Or see it here

After the overwhelming response to his photos yesterday, Dan has announced that he will waive his travel fees for any LA brides who found him through these posts and wish to book him as if he were a local photographer. Woot!

Dudes, these photo teasers have turned me into Narcissus.... I just want to stare and stare at them all day long. I may well go blind from staring at the computer screen, but at least the last visions my eyes will see will be that beautiful and special, right...?