Weight Loss Tips, Part 2 ("Abs are made in the Kitchen"...)

As I began my journey on this lifestyle change; and I call it "Lifestyle Change" because thats exactly what it is; I began to learn that there were MANY aspects to losing weight correctly.  In Part One of this blog I believe I mentioned I would work out for hours, often twice a day, and never see any results.  The reason is because abs are truly made in the kitchen.  To be honest, at this point I work out very lightly throughout the week and maintain my weight due to my diet.  Diet gets a bit tricky; especially when you have a full time job.  And also many focus on that "cheat meal" so to speak, and that should not even be on your mind if you are fully going into this lifestyle change.  This is your new life!  And that means a NEW YOU! :)

As mentioned before I began to cut out "little things" that make a huge impact regarding calories and weight loss.  I started slowly because you cant just cut yourself off and go into shock ha.  First: The small things that started to go were the Vanilla creamer (even though it said "low fat"), regular cokes, alcohol, those tempting starter dinner breads at restaurants, chips, and desserts.  The desserts was not a big deal for me because Im not a big sweets person to begin with but the pasta was a killer!! (We'll get to that later)  And Im Hispanic, so no tortillas...RIP.  Those "small things" alone in combination with my supplements mentioned in Part One started to shape the body that I wanted.  Toned and healthy.
Next began the full transition into a completely new way of eating.  I wouldn't even use the word "diet"; this was the way I was going to eat, period.  I felt excited about this new change!  I actually looked forward to going to the store because I didn't want things to get boring and wanted to see what I could put together.  You would be surprised on how far spices can change a boring meal!   The Paleo (ish) route seemed to be the easiest most feasible method.  Other wise known as "the Cavemen Diet," however I tailored this to my needs.

    (Steelhead Trout w/ Pepper Lemon Zest)

Second: The next items to go were processed foods.  These are just really bad for your body in general. Sandwich meat, bacon, pepperoni, sausage, hot dogs and burgers....goodbye.  Those items also happen to be accompanied by buns and a pizza crust, so those went as well.  This was really easy actually.  Watch a few of those processing food movies on Netflix and you'll have no problem with this, ha.

So whats left on the menu?  A LOT.  Mornings were very simple.  Egg white omelets with vegetables, greek yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit, 6 hard boiled eggs, and even maybe a sirloin with eggs.  *Load up on the fresh salsa and jalapenos; those are also secret metabolism jump starters*.  Personally, I am not much of a breakfast person; I wake up late and fill that time with coffee :)  *A few cups of Black coffee in the morning is another secret metabolism booster*.  For me, Lunch and Dinner were really the areas of focus here.  First trip to the store that beginning week consisted of salmon, chicken, sirloins, and more salmon.  Then of course items to make salads and fresh veggies as the sides.  Forget your old friend Ranch dressing because you have broken up ha!  The new salad dressing would be extra virgin Olive Oil and Salad Vinegar; which ever type you like.  I began to play around with spices like adding crushed red pepper to veggies before baking them (*another metabolism booster*) and making ground turkey breast meatballs with italian spices.  The salmon and chicken started to get a little repetitive at times so I began to grill shrimp and bake trout as well.  

(Seasoned Rainbow trout w/ Red Leaf lettuce salad)

And soon, after about six months of eating this way, it was time to begin to start going out to restaurants again.  I thought this was going to be very challenging because I no control of what was being used behind the kitchen door, so to speak AND I also didn't think there would be anything for me there to accommodate my new eating lifestyle.  I WAS VERY WRONG.  There is something to eat at every single restaurant you go to and if it is not on the menu, do not be afraid to ask!  The Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, Outback, and Yard House are just a few places that come to mind that have very accommodating menus for your new lifestyle.   

-Unknown 

Slowly over the course of 4-6 months I really hadn't taken a good look at myself, but I noticed my family started to look damn good haha.  It was then that people started to point out how thin I looked, I honestly hadn't paid attention I guess.  But after a doctor weigh in, the scale showed I had lost 40 pounds!  I was in shock.  Did i even have 40 pounds to lose haha!  I had lost my butt for sure ha, but specifically I was able to see all of the definition and muscle that had been hiding under the fat for so long.  My wrists, arms and face showed it all.  YOU CAN DO THIS friends if you really want to make it happen.  Whether you're in it to lose weight or become more healthy in general; I promise you can make it happen.  Even if you only want to make "small adjustments" like the ones above, in conjunction with the tips from Part One; you WILL see results.... :) 

*My butt is still at large, last seen Summer of 2014 tubing down the Comal.  Please contact with any information*  

-Black Zip Bodysuit, Black Milk Clothing

-Fall of Pheaton Skirt, Black Milk Clothing, (No longer available) 

-Ballet Bae Lace Up Heels, YRU, Dollskill.com

-Shadys Rainbow Sunglasses, UNIF, (no longer available, though I have seen them on eBay and Poshmark) 

          

The Periodic Tables...Breaking Bad (ish)

Monday was an awesome day for me as I ran to the mail to grab my shiny black package from Black Milk Clothing!  Ahhh my Periodic Table vs Mathamatacool Inside Out Dress was finally here!! It fit absolutely perfect!  I have to say it right away that this dress is still in stock on blackmilkclothing.com for $136!  The inside out dresses are very flattering to your body and curves, much more so than the general skater dresses that they sell.  I had to wear it out asap!
I took my dad to a newer restaurant he had never been to called Whiskey Cake, and since it was "Happy Hour" I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to have a Moscow Mule :) They're my favorite old "cocktail."  If you're not familiar, it was a very popular drink in the 1950s that is known for coming in a chilled copper mug.  Vodka, ginger beer and lime are the ingredients; then garnished with a lime and yesterday they added a ginger garnish.  We can never seem to make these taste good at home so him and I have just given up trying and go out to have them now haha!  I personally love this place, if you have one in your area you have to check it out.  On the way in you pass their vegetable garden where they actually grow all the items you eat indoors.  Inside you could call the interior a "blast from the past" with vintage sofas, lightbulb vases on each table, and McCall's magazines and books everywhere that remind me Grandma's house when I was little.

I received many compliments on the dress during dinner and afterwards around the mall.  These dresses are not only flattering to your curves but I like that you can spin it inside out at anytime to appear to be wearing something completely different in an instant.  The other side of this dress has whats called the "Mathamatacool" print which just stresses me out all together ha.  I hate math.  Its bright blue with equations and math problems everywhere.  I probably wont be wearing that side ever because Im not one to wear a lot of color and I'm not exactly "Good Will Hunting" over here haha!  The black periodic table side is enough for me because it reminds me of school and of course....Breaking Bad.

To get this look or (OOTD):  My hair is done professionally; this particular color is a permanent dye by Pravana called "Magenta."  I have written another blog regarding how to slowly get your hair all one bright color called "How Do You Get Your Hair Like That"; if you have any of questions on that :)

The dress is again by Black Milk Clothing and called the Periodic Tables IOD (IOD=inside out dress).  For shoes it was safe to go with something colorful since the dress is black, so these are the "Daydream" by YRU.  Sunglasses are the "Shadys" by UNIF.  The blue rosary was my mother's and the silver cross necklace is by James Avery Jewelers.  If there is not one in your area, they do have a website.  I have worn the cross necklace, which was given to me by my father, to represent how many years I have been sober (11 years now).  On my right wrist I wear an orange National Multiple Sclerosis Society bracelet everyday for two years now to show my support for the disease and because I work closely with the society to raise money for a cure.

-Periodic Tables IOD, $136 in all sizes on the USA site, www.us.blackmilkclothing.com
-UNIF Shadys Sunglasses, (no longer available), although I have spotted them on Poshmark.com and eBay
-Daydream in Multi, By YRU, $115, www.solestruck.com
-Serenity Cross, James Avery, $69-$155 (depending on chain), www.jamesavery.com



    

Low Priced, Magical Wedding or Vow Renewal? (Yup, In Las Vegas)

When I thought about my upcoming wedding I immediately felt STRESS.  All that came to mind was this is going to cost $20,000 if not more, I have to find food for 200 people, I need bridesmaids, I have to find a venue, and my head was probably going to explode before that.  Seriously.  I am a control freak.  I was already thinking about flower colors and lighting and music, and AHHHH!  The only thing I knew FOR SURE was that I wanted my Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas and I wanted my Honeymoon in Las Vegas.  Because after all, that is my favorite place in the entire world....specifically the Bellagio fountains.  You can park me in front of those fountains and it is probably the only time you'll hear silence from me for HOURS ha!

It became clear overnight that we were moving this wedding to Vegas.  No doubt about it.  But how could I allow someone I don't even know plan my wedding for me with me not there being able to see every single detail?  My girlfriend said it best, "its a blessing in disguise."  And it was.
I called the Bellagio the next morning and we got started.  I personally couldn't imagine it being in any other place in Las Vegas than in front of those stunning fountains.  I told her everything I imagined for that evening, and she said she could make it happen.....for $2000.  Now, for us, that was an excellent price for a 5 Star hotel and a property like the Bellagio.  They were going to take care of all the details for us.....it did start to sound better and better.  But everyone's budget, needs, and wants are different.  There are a lot of factors that go into your Vegas wedding or even Vow Renewal, and those factors also effect the price.  Also, think of the fact that you will be trusting someone to do this for you and if you're going to be ok with that.  If you have a $150 budget or an endless budget; there is something unique in Las Vegas for you, if that is where you want to have your Wedding or Vow Renewal. However, the point here is to make it memorable with a reasonable price.  And its possible!!  The day of the week, inside or outside, the amount of guests attending, the time of day/year, photography, and if you want a full reception afterwards at a hotel all effect the price of your wedding.

One great deal is at The Little White Wedding Chapel (off strip), which may sound familiar because this is where Brittany Spears got married (that one time, ha).  This venue offers the Drive-Thru option, an inside or outside ceremony and a Michael Jackson or Elvis option to serenade you afterwards. :)  This place is really cute!  Their packages start at around $200 and include photography and free limo service from wherever you're staying at to the marriage license bureau and to the ceremony.  They also rent wedding dresses there for your ceremony, which isn't a bad idea if you think about it.  Wedding dresses cost ALOT of money and are hard to sell afterwards.  

Another reasonable option is Planet Hollywood if you're wanting a more "traditional" ceremony in their indoor chapel.  When this property was the Aladdin, this is where Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married.  One can find a very reasonable deal there from $400-$1,600 that includes flowers, photography, a personal coordinator, and even your two night stay at the hotel!
Caesar's Palace is also very affordable, though you wouldn't think so.  I attended an indoor chapel wedding there that included the chapel, photography, and a dressing area for the brides and bridesmaids.  Again, depending on whether indoor or outdoor, time of day, and amount of guests; these start at $1500.  This particular wedding was a smart decision, because the reception was at the Cheesecake Factory afterwards and I believe everyone paid for themselves.  Regardless of the price, this wedding was very beautiful and the indoor chapel was stunning!

If you want to scare the crap out of all your guests you can have your wedding at the top of the Stratosphere inside on the 108th or 109th floor OR you can take your guests outside on the observation deck on the 112th floor. EEK!  I can't even put into words how memorable a ceremony there must be for you and your guests.  Or even if its just the two of you.  The "Just The Two Of Us" Package starts at $299 and around $500 for an outdoor ceremony with 15 guests.  That is hands down, an amazing deal!  

Now ANY of these packages at all Las Vegas chapels and hotels do offer "upgrades" if the package does not include something you really desire.  Additional chapel time, bringing more guests, decorating the chapel with rose petals/flowers, specific music, and requesting to have a photographer longer are all examples of options you can request to make YOUR day more special.  These add ons are all for an extra price though, of course.
Regarding a reception: the venue can make a full blown reception happen for you on property which WILL cost ALOT, you can pay for all your guests and take them out to dinner, or you can make an reservation at a restaurant and have everyone pay for themselves.  Or you don't have to have a reception at all.  Its your preference and budget.

   (Eiffel Tower Restaurant in the evening)

When it came to my wedding, we didn't really have too many requests, needs, and extras.  Everything need was already included in the package; even a few extras I didn't expect.  Specifically I wanted to make sure my father could walk me down the isle, I wanted all our best friends to be there, I wanted a red rose laid out for my mother who passed away, I wanted to be in front of the fountains at sunset and really I just wanted it all to go smoothly.  She told me to trust her.  I probably called her about twice a day until the wedding ha!  To be honest my biggest concern was probably the song they would play on the fountains after we said "I DO."  What if it was "Luck be a Lady" or "Viva Las Vegas?"  No Bueno!  But I did start to fell the stress of it all melt off my back.  The only things I had to do on my end was find my dress to take on the plane with me, invite all of our best friends who could go, book the plane and hotel, make the invitations and find a place to have a semi-small reception.  I probably did all of this in two days, no joke!  I already knew our favorite restaurant in Las Vegas is the Eiffel Tower at the Paris so the dinner reception would have to be there.  We had too few of guests to have a huge reception, and it really wasn't necessary.  The Eiffel Tower Restaurant is an experience in itself as its on the 11th floor and has some of the most breathtaking views of the strip.  Again, booking this was too easy.  The events coordinator from the Paris hotel called me asap and sent us several 4 course menu for our guests via email.  We decided on the best meals, and boom paid for it online that day.

And very soon, I was dragging my 50 pound dress onto the plane headed to Las Vegas for my dream wedding at the Bellagio.  I was scared, (control freak) that something was going to go wrong, but nothing did.  That evening I walked down and there was my father waiting for me holding the red rose.  We walked out together and everything was perfect, although I saw nothing but my husband.  I don't think I heard a word the minister said, it was unbelievable....I cant even describe it.  Everything seemed so silent, like we were the only two people there.  We said "I do" and the fountains lit up.  And God (Fountain Control) played "Billie Jean!!" I could not stop laughing and dancing.  Everyone was silent and in shock because anyone who knows me, knows how much I loveeeee Michael Jackson! Haha!  It was such an awesome moment!  My son ran up and started dancing with me :)

All the guests headed over to the Eiffel Tower Restaurant for cocktails while we took wedding photos around the Bellagio.

It didn't cost an arm and a leg.  Everyone we loved was there.  For $2,000 I feel we had an unforgettable wedding and it WAS a blessing in disguise to let them make this happen for us.  I look at those photos and feel so grateful that I was able to experience something so magical and memorable.  It wasn't some crazy expensive wedding that was over the top, but to me it was perfect.  Thats what your wedding should be all about.  Don't worry about impressing anyone, because at the end of the day when you're standing there; the only person you see is the one you're about to marry.

-Dress and Veil: Alfred Angelo, Disney Collection (Dress now Discontinued)

-3 ring Tanzonite set: Zales 

-Wedding Band: Tiffany and Co. 

*All wedding package information is available on all hotel or chapel websites*

Goodnight Loves, xoxo
Instagram and Twitter: @van_rogue83