3-Day Juice Cleanse Diary

If you are new around here, I'm getting married in 22 days. Since January, I've cut simple carbs out of my diet - had about 15 pounds of weight loss - and since May 1st, I've been stuck. I tried giving up wine, working out everyday, saying no to my chocolate chip dessert....and nothing was moving the scale. It has been 8 weeks, and nothing has gotten me to a "new low".

Last week, after another frustrating weigh in, I decided to do a juice cleanse. I thought that it would maybe get me past this plateau that I've been stuck at for 8 weeks, and help catapult successful results over the next 3 weeks.

Juicing is really trendy here in Los Angeles so I was able to have the pick of the liter when it came to finding a juicing store that worked best for me. Pressed Juicery is the most popular - and the most celeb heavy - but it's about $50 more than all of the my other options, so I quickly put it to the bottom of the list.

I ended up choosing Juice Crafters in Brentwood. Their 3-Day Master Cleanse is $145 dollars, contains 7 juices a day, plus they include 1 free Aloe Vera water as well.

Day 1: Looking back, this was the hardest day. The first juice of the day "Greenset" is not my favorite. It's very ginger-y, and thick, and I had to take a sip of water after every gulp. The first day, it was hard to come up with my schedule of "juicing", but I found that I was drinking about every 2/2.5 hours, which did, admittedly, keep true starvation at bay. I tried to stay close to home and not do a whole heck of a lot. I didn't have enough energy to workout, and even a short walk with Roscoe made me feel a little tired.

The last drink of the day - the Almond Nut Milk, tastes very good. It's almost like a chai tea latte. I'm really sensitive to milk, and apparently almond milk is no different, but I was hungry and desperate. True to form, I was up the entire night with the worst stomach ever.

Day 2: I stepped on the scale and didn't even lose an OUNCE that first day. That really pissed me off, I'm not going to lie. I had a work breakfast that I had to attend, and while everyone was eating eggs and bacon around me, I stuck with tea. Shockingly it wasn't that hard. The juices started to become a little bit easier to get down, but I still took a nap at my lunch hour. I was really, really hungry at dinner time on this day, so I made chicken broth. Since I wasn't able to drink the Almond Nut Milk - which is the most filling juice - I figured it was ok.

Best damn chicken broth I ever did taste

Day 3: Down 1.5 pounds, but, nothing I've never seen before. I was pretty used to the juicing at this point, and I was just ready for this damn thing to be done with. I did have the chicken broth for "dinner" again.

Pros: 

• The biggest pro for me of this whole experience was that I did it. I set a goal, and I accomplished it. It was a great practice in self-control and self-discipline, and I need a little practice in both areas. I am really proud of myself for doing this - it was an easy feat. 
• It's a good break on your body. I wasn't drinking alcohol or coffee for 3 days, no junk food, chemicals, or processed food entered my body for 3 days. My entire digestive system got a break, hopefully cleaned itself out, and will be working extra hard these next few days 
• It made me crave really, really healthy foods. The entire time, the only thing I wanted was a large salad and some salmon. I'm hoping the cleanse helps me make really smart decisions for the next few weeks.
• It made me redefine hunger.

Cons:

• You don't get to eat. 
• It's expensive. It was $145 for three days ($48/day). Here is the way I justified it. Soul Cycle is $30/day, and I didn't do it this week, so really, it was only $85 for me ;)
• I thought for not eating for 3 days I would lose 6 pounds...but, when I got on the scale this morning, I'm still only 1.5lbs down. Which, honestly, blows my mind.
• It's really hard. I think it was easier to do because I work from home, and so I was able to manage my pace, stay close to the bathroom (I literally peed like 3-4 times an hour), and not have to commute.

Overall: I am really, really glad that I did it once. Like I said, I'm mainly just proud that I set out the goal to do it, and I did it. I didn't cheat, I didn't cry, I just did it.

However, I will not do it again. I do think, though, that I will do another cleanse closer to the wedding, it just won't be juices. I now know, that I could easily do a 3 day fruit and veggie cleanse, so maybe I'll give that a whirl.

In the meantime, I'm really, really looking forward to eating today.

Wedding Wednesday: To-Do List check up

Set a date

Book venue

Book photographer

Book videographer

Book DJ for reception

Ask bridal party to be in wedding

Book caterer & bar

Create wedding website

       Register     

Book florist

Buy wedding dress 

Book ceremony & cocktail hour musicians

Book rentals

Take engagement pictures 

Select bridesmaid dresses

Have bridesmaids order dresses
Select and order groom & groomsmen attire

Have groomsmen order suits
Purchase veil and accessories for dress

Book cake baker
Hire coordinator 

Buy cake knife & server

Order save the dates   
Finalize guest list    

Send save the dates

Book officiant  

Pre-marital counseling

Order guest book 

Hotel room blocks
Hire a calligrapher

MOB dress shopping 

Find wedding shoes

Find wedding jewelry

                Find garter   Not wearing one

Book makeup artist & hair stylist 

Menu tasting 

Take bridal portraits / hair & make up trial Not doing it. I know, I know, but I'm not

1st dress fitting
2^nd dress fitting Tuesday before the wedding

Order ceremony programs  Working on it

Order place cards Working on it

Order invitations 

Mail invitations

Book rehearsal dinner venue 

  Rehearsal Dinner music/activities

Buy Rehearsal Dinner dress

Transportation for Rehearsal Dinner

Buy bridal party gifts

Bachelorette party 

Bachelor party

Bridal showers

Purchase wedding bands

Put together picture list for photographer

Get marriage license Will do this the day before the wedding.

Order wedding favors Working on it

Order welcome goodie-bags Working on it

Book transportation from reception to hotel

Book honeymoon 

Honeymoon shopping Constantly working on it

Gift for Groom

Rehearsal Dinner  invitations 

Gifts to parents 

Seating chart Dreading!

Create itinerary for the day

Organize bridal luncheon

Music selections to band and ceremony artist Working on it

Book wedding night hotel room

Order thank you notes

 Walk down the aisle & say I do!

Wow! Looking at this list actually relieves me because we have a lot of everything is done.

But, a quick glance at my real to do list brings me quickly back to reality. 

Now, it's just the little stuff - Eyebrow appointments, juice cleanses, tracking down the non-RSVPers, paying vendors, teeth whitening, wrapping presents - you know, all the stuff that doesn't get put on the list but takes a lot of time.

I will say, I'm thankfully getting to a relaxing place and starting to get really excited for the entire weekend to take place! It's going to be one for the books!

Weekend Report

I had one of the more relaxing weekends that I've had in a while. I cheated on my diet (big time), put away most of the wedding to-do lists, and just tried to stay in the moment.

The one wedding activity we did work on was dancing. Joel and I don't know how to dance, and with 250 people watching us, we figured it wouldn't hurt to consult an expert. We had a 6pm private lesson, and we were told to wear our wedding shoes and dress clothes - which made it feel like an official date.

 

The first 30 minutes of the lesson, we discussed our entrance, how big the dance floor is, and some of the dancing basics. Then, we were learned "lead and follow" and a few fun twirls that will work in our song.

 

We are only doing 3 total classes, so we will still look like beginner dancers, but it will be better than nothing. The dance class was a really fun date night, and afterwards we rewarded ourselves with beer and tacos :)

Sunday morning we got up early  to head into Santa Barbara for the day. It's only a 90 minute drive - so it's the perfect day trip from LA. Our first activity of the day was a long walk along the beach - and introducing Roscoe to the ocean!

 

He actually liked the water - so we are going to take him to the dog beach net weekend so that he can have some real fun. 

 

My mom used to live in a house boat, when she was my age, in Santa Barbara, so I always have to go say hi to her old stomping grounds when I'm in town.

Our first wine stop of the day was to our favorite spot - Corks'N'Crowns. They have the sweetest staff ever, beer and wine tastings, and tons of comfy area to just sit and relax.

 

We were there early so we were able to snag a spot outside and have a few glasses of wine. Santa Barbara is super dog friendly, so Roscoe was able to go with us everywhere.

 

Both Joel and I are in love with Santa Barbara. The city is small enough that you can walk everywhere, so after our first round of drinks we walked and had lunch on State Street. 

 

Plus, it's just a charming city with things like a public book exchange

 

and a city filled with people who love to drink wine. 

 

After lunch, we found a tasting room that had a live cover band so we  sat outside again and just enjoyed the afternoon.

 

We picked up a few bottles of wine at Corks N' Crowns, had one more on our patio before watching a movie, and then  got to bed early. It was a perfect day.

 

On Sunday, we had friends come over for an early BBQ. I am slowly, but surely, starting to use some of our new wedding gifts - and it makes hosting dinners all the more fun.

 

After a fun - and indulgent weekend - I'm starting my 3-day Juice Cleanse. I'm keeping notes, so I'll give you a full recap when and IF I make it to the other end.

Friday Thoughts

 

I did the hair mayonnaise "treatment" - and it actually worked. I put a heaping tablespoon in my hair, let it sit under a towel for 25 minutes and then, washed it out.

 

Who knows how long it will last but I can totally feel a difference in the way my hair is shining and feeling. Give it a whirl.

Some of the honeymoon goodies that I ordered made their way and I'm in love. The top and skirt are both Loft and will make for a perfect evening honeymoon outfit. Next time I wear these goodies I'll be sipping Mai Tai's at the beach.....
I ordered a medium in the skirt - and it fit perfectly (although I'm 5'7, so I feel like it could be really long on some people).

You can't tell, but the skirt has pockets and really fun slit

The tank is a little tight around the bust but since it's all cotton it should stretch out. I can see myself getting a ton of wear out of this skirt this summer - and it was $35 bucks.

I woke up this morning, after 7 days of working out hard, not drinking wine, no carbs, and no dessert and was anxious to jump on the scale. I was hoping for some major magic - and I got nothing. I didn't even lose an ounce over the week.
 
So naturally, like the insane bride I'm turning into, I burst into tears and couldn't leave my bed for almost two hours. I know, I know, but the pressure is getting to me. I'm taking this weekend off, doing a 3-day Pressed Juicery cleanse next week, and revisiting the scale next Friday. Friggen scales.

Even though the day started off suck, I am SO happy that it's a long weekend. The weekends are the only time I get to really spend with Joel and we are soaking in together time all weekend; Hangover 3 on Friday, dance lessons Saturday, a trip to Santa Barbara on Sunday, and a BBQ Monday.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

Truths

• 29 days until D-Day and I'm officially a nervous wreck! I spend at least a few hours everyday in pure wedding chaos, and then, at some point, I throw my hands up and shut my computer. It's exhausting and stressful - but in 31 days I'll be in Hawaii as Mrs. Joel Shields. Repeat, I will be in Hawaii in 31 days as Mrs. Joel Shields.

• I'm working out everyday until the wedding and not drinking wine (although I'm cheating on Sunday, when we go to Santa Barbara for some wine tasting). The goal at this point is to just be as skinny as I can get.

• I picked up salmon and feta stuffed salmon from Trader Joe's on Monday and it was outrageously good. Oh, and yes, I'm giving up wine - but I'm still drinking tequila.
  
  
• Have you ever done a Mayonnaise hair treatment? I've been reading about them lately and apparently it's a miracle worker, so I think I may have to give it a try. 

• I'm so officially convinced that happy hour with a girlfriend is sometimes the only thing that can fix an annoying day.

You guys, tomorrow is FRIDAY and it's a long weekend! CHEERS to that! 

xo.

Wedding Everyday - Honeymoon Wear

Honeymoon Essentials

My recent buys include:

 

But I'm on the hunt for a few more key pieces - mainly day dresses and pool cover-ups. 

We are there for 12 days and I have no idea what else I may need to bring along.

What were your favorite items to wear on your honeymoon? 

I stalked around a little
and found that comfy, flowy, and beautiful seem to be the biggest hits in the Blog world:

Via Style Me Swanky 

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Via Carrie Bradshaw Lied

 

via A.Liz Adventures

Any other must haves while on honeymoon?

Our Wedding Invitations

My invitations made it to their destinations about 3 weeks ago and since I've received more than half of the responses, I think it's safe to post. I wanted to wait until "Wedding Wednesday", but right now, in my life, and therefore my blog, It's "Wedding Everyday", so it may get a little boring around here!

It doesn't seem that long ago, but in September we took engagement pictures, and then in January we sent our Save The Dates:



Keeping with the overall look, vibe, and feel - this was the suite that my stationer Courtney Callahan put together for us.

 

 

 What do you think?

 

 

I'm pretty freakin' smitten!

 

 

If you need paper products of any kind, I would seriously consider getting touch with Courtney. She is darling, easy to work with, and clearly an expert at what she does. She is a Chicago girl, but we've worked across the country seamlessly - keep her in mind ladies!

Weekend Report

I felt like this weekend was the perfect and quintessential California weekend I've had in a while.

After Joel got home from work on Friday - and I had finally indulged in my very needed tequila - we decided to grill out chicken on the deck.

I love that we have this little patio off of our living room, and we are honestly the only people in our building that take advantage of it....which probably means we are the only people in our building who aren't from California.

I have been making this Mexican Corn salad and it is seriously the bomb. I've made it for everyone who claims to like corn - and I'm telling you - people are obsessed, myself included. It is the perfect BBQ side dish.

I work off of this recipe, but you can add and eliminate as you please (I don't use cheese).

Our neighbor stopped over after dinner for a few more drinks and finally at midnight I dipped away and got into bed.

I woke up the next morning a little fuzzy, but I had promised Joel that we would do the "Drake Snake", so I put on my big girl pants, and laced up my tennis shoes. The Drake Snake is the Drake Track stadium at UCLA and it about 2 miles from our house. We jogged there, and then did the 2400 stairs, and then ran back.

My calves still feel like they are bleeding, but it's a really fun workout so I'm going to try and keep at it once a week until D-Day.

My California girlfriends organized a happy hour and dinner to celebrate the upcoming nuptials at Primativo Wine Bistro in Venice. In true bride to be fashion, I had nothing to wear. I ran to the mall and literally scoured every freaking store with NO luck. I had forty five minutes to get home and get ready before I needed to leave, so I went back to Ann Taylor Loft for the 2nd time and told myself I wouldn't leave until I walked out with something.

I finally found this  darling tank- and love it. I think it will work really well for my honeymoon too, and since it was 30% off so I walked out of the mall for under $40 bucks.

These girls are so special in my life and I had so much fun with them on Saturday. They are friends who have become my family in this state and I couldn't be more thankful to have each and every one of them.

They also showered me in the most generous gifts and lots and lots of champagne.

After our 5pm start time - we left the restaurant around 8:30 and the majority of us decided to keep the party going and headed to The Otheroom on Abbott Kinney. We ordered a lot more champagne, had a private room, and played Never Have I Ever for a good four hours!

About fifteen bottles of champagne later, I got home a little after 1 am and fell on the grass as soon as I got out of the car. It was seriously one of those nights.

I managed to get a hike in a sweat it out Sunday morning, and even though it sucks, working out and a few cups of coffee is the best hangover cure I've found to actually work.

I have a seriously long to-do list for this week, but I'm feeling so much happier and refreshed than I was last week so here's hoping I make some major dents into wedding planning!!