Arbonne30: Update
January 17, 2020 • brands, health and beauty
I started the Arbonne 30 Days to Healthy Living Challenge in 2019 when I finally decided enough was enough. I was disgusted with my body and it was affecting more than just my vanity. During those 30 days, I posted weekly updates but not a "final" results post.
My reasoning was simple: I finished 30 days, but I'm wasn't finished. I continued 2019 in "maintenance mode" losing a few more pounds and becoming in better shape overall.
I'm in the midst of my second "true" 30 day program, and now seems as good a time as any to share the scale and non-scale victories from the program throughout 2019.
I have no shame in saying I only did the program initially to lose weight. I wasn't looking for or expecting any of these extra benefits, but I'm so grateful for all these other victories that came as a result!
January is the easiest time for me personally to comply to the program 100%, but programs run constantly throughout the year. I love the supportive community - I can always turn to someone else for recipe inspiration or any type of questions!
Last year, my eating was on the boring side just to keep things easy. I wasn't unhappy by any means, but I knew I'd want more variety this time around, and having both the experience and the community made it so much easier to find some new yummy meals. I was able to confidently scour Pinterest this time around and make modifications to recipes that caught my eye.
I get that not everyone wants to see skin, so I won't post my full-body initial before and after pictures here, but if you're curious about those or have any questions at all, contact me! It's embarrassing for me to see where I was when I started, but the results are so worth it, and if it helps anyone else feel healthier or more comfortable in their own skin, I'm so happy to share!
My reasoning was simple: I finished 30 days, but I'm wasn't finished. I continued 2019 in "maintenance mode" losing a few more pounds and becoming in better shape overall.
I'm in the midst of my second "true" 30 day program, and now seems as good a time as any to share the scale and non-scale victories from the program throughout 2019.
Non-scale victories
- Fewer naps needed
- Fewer headaches
- Resting heart rate decreased
- No "afternoon slump" at work
- Fewer side effects during "that time" including no weight gained (I'd often gained 3+ lbs during my cycle and blamed the hormones)
- Easier to exercise
I have no shame in saying I only did the program initially to lose weight. I wasn't looking for or expecting any of these extra benefits, but I'm so grateful for all these other victories that came as a result!
Scale victories
- 25 pounds lost (and kept off all year!)
- 15 overall inches lost
- Down one clothing size
Observations
Progress was and is gradual. Month 1 was a complete nutritional overhaul. Month 2 was learning about how to modify the plan to make it sustainable for me. Month 3 introduced increased exercise. Even though the bulk of my weight was lost in month 1, I really started noticing a healthier looking body after month 2. I'm glad I built habits step by step as it has been so much easier for me to keep up instead of feeling overwhelmed by trying to do too much in the beginning.January is the easiest time for me personally to comply to the program 100%, but programs run constantly throughout the year. I love the supportive community - I can always turn to someone else for recipe inspiration or any type of questions!
Last year, my eating was on the boring side just to keep things easy. I wasn't unhappy by any means, but I knew I'd want more variety this time around, and having both the experience and the community made it so much easier to find some new yummy meals. I was able to confidently scour Pinterest this time around and make modifications to recipes that caught my eye.
I get that not everyone wants to see skin, so I won't post my full-body initial before and after pictures here, but if you're curious about those or have any questions at all, contact me! It's embarrassing for me to see where I was when I started, but the results are so worth it, and if it helps anyone else feel healthier or more comfortable in their own skin, I'm so happy to share!
Baltimore, MD, USA
4 Broadway Shows I'm Dying to See in 2020
January 6, 2020 • theatre
Going into 2019, I sarcastically wrote "see all the shows" as my resolution...and promptly forgot about it. It was only when We got back together for NYE 2020 that I saw the things I'd written in jest the year before and realized...hey! I did it!
In 2019, I saw 30 shows.
I'm not loaded, I promise. Some shows were from a season subscription while others were free press tickets, a Broadway trip I won, or discounted Goldstar tickets.
It was a great year for theatre and while I don't know that I can top that count in 2020, I do expect it will be another great year.
Lots of new shows and revivals alike are lined up for their Broadway opening this year, and 4 in particular have caught my eye:
(Pro tip: go in spring just before the Tony's. Most shows will be open and you won't have to worry about ticket prices surging or shows closing after all the publicity)
In 2019, I saw 30 shows.
I'm not loaded, I promise. Some shows were from a season subscription while others were free press tickets, a Broadway trip I won, or discounted Goldstar tickets.
It was a great year for theatre and while I don't know that I can top that count in 2020, I do expect it will be another great year.
Lots of new shows and revivals alike are lined up for their Broadway opening this year, and 4 in particular have caught my eye:
(Pro tip: go in spring just before the Tony's. Most shows will be open and you won't have to worry about ticket prices surging or shows closing after all the publicity)
Jagged Little Pill
Are you a true 90's kid if you aren't obsessed with this album? This is a jukebox musical featuring an original storyline with the music of Alanis Morissette, mostly from the titular album. I've been stalking this show since it's pre-Broadway run in Boston. It opened in December, and I can't wait!
Diana
I was only 10 when Princess Diana lost her life and knew little of her. I'm excited to see her story on stage. Will this be gone in a season or the new Evita?
An added perk for me is the participation of director Christopher Ashley who directed my all-time favorite show, Come From Away!
An added perk for me is the participation of director Christopher Ashley who directed my all-time favorite show, Come From Away!
Six
This show was a smash on the West End and it's making its way stateside in 2020. It's a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII with a pop twist, and exactly the type of creativity I've been yearning for more of on Broadway.
While movie adaptations and jukebox scores have their place and can be amazing, one can only take so many at a time!
While movie adaptations and jukebox scores have their place and can be amazing, one can only take so many at a time!
The Music Man
One of two revivals on my list, how can you possibly say no to a fun, classic show that features Hugh Jackman as the lead?
While I'm bummed that this show is forcing successful fan favorite Beetlejuice out of it's home theatre, I don't think that will be enough to discourage fans of the musical or Jackman from seeing this anticipated revival!
While I'm bummed that this show is forcing successful fan favorite Beetlejuice out of it's home theatre, I don't think that will be enough to discourage fans of the musical or Jackman from seeing this anticipated revival!
New York, NY, USA
Jesus Christ Superstar
January 2, 2020 • theatre
Who: Amy & I
What: Jesus Christ Superstar - the touring revival of Andrew Lloyd Weber's 1970 rock opera
When: December 2019
Where: Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, MD
Why: What's the buzz, tell me what's a-happening...
Thoughts:
My first exposure to Jesus Christ Superstar was the live concert starring John Legend in 2018. While these Broadway telecasts are notoriously bad (and yet, I continue to watch), this one...wasn't.
It was good. Good enough that 4 days after it aired, a new 50th anniversary national touring production was announced. Good enough that 2 weeks after it aired, it was what the audience was discussing all around me as I sat in the Vivian Beaumont theatre waiting for the matinee of My Fair Lady to begin.
The tour launched this past October, making it to Baltimore this past December, and...wow.
Admittedly, I don't have a theatrical production to compare to, but this production was stunning. Full of symbolism, creativity, and insane talent, I am so glad it was my last show of 2019 because it truly ended the year with a bang!
I'm always cautious to not give anything away in my reviews, but I will say this: Jesus got a standing ovation. After a song in the middle of the show. That kind of thing does not happen. Baltimore is generous with standing ovations post-show (not nearly as generous as DC who stands for anyone who sets foot on a stage, but still), but to get on your feet and cheer mid-show? You know it's gotta be good!
Get to a performance near you. Enjoy the 90 minutes, no intermission momentum. Check out the insane bios of the cast in your Playbill. Indie musician? Check. Broadway performers? Check. America's Next Top Model contestant? Yeah, they've got that too. I tend to follow one or two performers after each show if someone catches my eye, but this time? I followed the whole freaking cast.
JCS was my final show of 2019 and I can definitely say it wrapped up my 30-show year with a bang! While it seems like a show that can be controversial, the theatre was packed and you could hear a pin drop at the end - the production is that good. I hope you have the opportunity to see it in a city near you!
Baltimore, MD, USA
2020
January 1, 2020 • baltimore, holiday, life
Happy New Year, everyone!
I rang in the year a few blocks away with Sean and our amazing neighbors. Between the abundance of sparkle, the nostalgia of last year's silly resolutions (I achieved most of mine, yay!), and the laughs had while playing Jackbox games (how did I not know about these until now!?), I'd say the night was a success!
The girls decided to have some fun with coordinated sequin dresses. They were a $40 Amazon Prime purchase that fit all of us (sizes M-XXL are all being worn here, mostly true to size), in an abundance of colors - we represent 6 of the 12 available (taller girls, take note: it will be short!).
We're already thinking of opportunities to swap colors amongst ourselves and wear them again.
While I'm not sure if I can top my 2019 record of 30 shows seen, I am starting the year off right with a show today at a Baltimore theatre I'm embarrassed to say I haven't yet been to.
Cheers!
Baltimore, MD, USA
2019 in Review
December 30, 2019 • life
As I scrolled through Google photos scouting for potential holiday card photos, I couldn't believe all of the memories made this year. So many times I had to stop and say "wow, that was this year!?" or share with my friends, saying "remember when...?"
January
- I started Arbonne's 30 days to wellness program, losing a total of 25 lbs. I've kept them off all year!
- I saw my first two musicals of the year: The Little Mermaid (yay!) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (nay!)
February
- Sean & I celebrated 14 years together
- I visited Atlanta for the weekend to see one of my Broadway faves, Sierra Boggess, in a regional production of Ever After.
- 5 more shows: Monty Python's Spamalot, Rock of Ages, Once, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, and The King & I.
March
- My friend Katherine tied the knot!
- Two musicals: Gypsy and The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- My neighborhood was out and about enjoying occasions together including Greek Independence Day and St. Patrick's Day
April
- Two of my favorite shows (and Sean joined me for both!): The Book of Mormon and Come From Away
- Attended a live taping of American Ninja Warrior
- After successful avoidance for 30+ years, attended my first 80s party - with the neighbors, of course!
May
- Speaking of decades, went to 90's trivia and won the costume contest - as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
- Celebrated my sister-in-law's college graduation
- No theatre this month. Womp womp.
June
- Celebrated 9 years of marriage to Sean.
- On our anniversary, Trump announced that cruises to Cuba were no longer permitted - we had a booking only 10 days away! Womp womp. We instead cruised to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
- Two shows, and Sean attended both: The Play That Goes Wrong and Hamilton.
July
- Celebrated Sean's birthday and then did nothing in recovery of the first half of the year and anticipation of the second.
August
- SIX shows, including five on Broadway: Cabaret, Moulin Rouge, To Kill a Mockingbird, Mean Girls, Oklahoma!, and Frozen
- 3 of those shows were because of a trip I won to NYC, so I enjoyed playing tourist in the city for a few days.
September
- Labor Day getaway: despite living less than two hours away, I'd never been to Philly. I enjoyed exploring the city for a few days.
- 1 show: Mike Birbiglia's The New One
October
- Joined a new social choir in Baltimore and performed at my first concert in....forever
- Participated in my fifth Miles for Mothers
- Two shows: Escape to Margaritaville and Phantom of the Opera
November
- Another Caribbean cruise: since our ship was no longer sailing to Cuba, prices were slashed for the rest of 2019 and we figured...why not!? We even tried parasailing for the first time!
- Our neighborhood's third annual "stoopsgiving"
- Another quick getaway to Philly, this time with Sean
- Three shows: Rent, Aladdin, and Singin' in the Rain
December
- An extra festive neighborhood: from local lighting ceremonies to giving back in the community, we got together frequently in the holiday spirit!
- Final four shows: Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays, Once On This Island, Jersey Boys, and Jesus Christ Superstar (If you're counting, yes, I saw 30 shows this year!)
Baltimore, MD, USA
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