So I've been a little MIA since before the wedding. :) I'm sure everyone out there knows and understands the month before a wedding is probably the most stressful time. Now, I wasn't a bridezilla, but I was definitely running around like a mad woman! All our hard work paid off and we had an absolutely perfect wedding day! We just got our pictures back yesterday, and they are amazing!! A special shout out and thank you to April Days Photography! April and her assistant did such an incredible job on our wedding photos. She is not your run of the mill photographer. She has a keen eye for detail, she makes your wedding photos a completely personal experience and she takes her time when editing your photos one by one so they look like absolute perfection. I could not have asked for better! Here's a few of our favorites:
Now, life is finally getting back to normal! Lately we have been working on reorganizing and redecorating the house. It is getting there, slowly but surely.
I have gained a happy 8 pounds since the wedding! Not something I am proud of, but that means it is back to business!!
I have decided to join a challenge group! This
opportunity came about when I saw a post on the Facebook group for my sorority
on May 16th. A sister from another chapter was inviting girls to join her
30 day challenge. My Challenge Coach,
Christiana, is such a ray of sunshine! After talking to her briefly on
Facebook about life, the program, the challenges and the triumphs I was
convinced that this was a step I HAD to take for myself. Now that life isn't
about fitting in a wedding dress anymore, it's really about being strong, happy and
healthy. I do have a goal to fit in a
great swimsuit in October for our honeymoon in Mexico, but this time it is
beyond that.
Eventually we will have
babies and I want to be able to run around with them and be there as they grow
up. I want to feel good about myself and
not be frustrated when things don’t fit or having to change a million times
because my outfit doesn’t look right or feel comfortable. That is why I have joined the 30 day
challenge using the Beach Body - 21 Day Fix Program. I know it sounds like a plug, but really…It’s
21 days! It’s a doable challenge that will also teach me that it’s not about
dieting, it’s about a lifestyle! I can do this!
Oh, and even better, one of my friends Jen (Hi Jen!) also happened to
sign up for a different challenge group, but we are doing it at the same time,
which means even MORE support!
This first week, in my challenge group, it has been all
prep. Mental prep, household prep and
food prep. All I can say is it’s been
amazing to be part of a group where you all have the same struggles but also the
same goals. You guys should really check
Christiana out. Her posts on Instagram have been of great inspiration and
motivation to me. Follow her at
fitnessprincessxtiana! She is truly positive
proof that you can see results and goals can be achieved! Who knows maybe
one of you will join us on the next challenge!
***
Finally, as the last part of my “Comeback” post I am going
to share a new recipe! I posted a
picture of our dinner last night, and lots of people have asked me for the
recipe, so without further ado….
Grilled Eggplant and Asparagus Pita Pizza
Ingredients are ready to go!
I am using on of our wonder fill wedding presents the T-Fal Opti Grill
Eggplant on deck
I love a nice char on my asparagus
Eggplant's turn
Garlic Olive Oil
Polo is hoping I drop some food
Say Cheese!
Not much cheese on this, but you don't need it!
Grilled to percetion
Pita assemble!
Hot and fresh out of the oven
The balsamic drizzle is clutch!
Recipe
Ingredients
Pizza:
2 Large or 4 small Pitas (I used large Lebanese pitas)
2 Garlic cloves, minced
2 medium sized tomatoes sliced into ½ inch rounds
¼ Red Onion sliced thinly
1 Medium sized eggplant sliced into ½ inch rounds
8 asparagus spears
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup EVOO
Bunch of basil leaves
Salt & Pepper
Balsamic Reduction:
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon of honey
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
1.
Lay out your asparagus spears and eggplant
rounds and brush lightly with olive oil, making sure it is coated. Salt and pepper to taste. Grill eggplant until tender and asparagus to
your liking and set aside on a plate to cool.
2.
Add minced garlic to your remaining olive
oil. Place pitas on a sheet pan (I used
2 separate pans so they would fit).
Brush liberally with garlic olive oil.
3.
Sprinkle ½ of the
shredded mozzarella cheese over your pitas.
4.
Evenly place the
tomatoes on your pita, then continue to top with grilled vegetables and red
onion slices.
5.
Sprinkle remaining
cheese on top of veggies and place basil leaves on top evenly.
6.
Bake for approximately
15 minutes, checking to see if your pita has become crispy, or until preferred
doneness.
7.
While pizza is baking,
combine balsamic and honey in a small saucepan.
Heat until boiling, then turn down to a simmer and reduce the liquid by
half. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.
8.
Once pizza is done, cut
into desired slices and drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving
Enjoy!!
Well that’s all I have for you beautiful people today! I
realized that doing a daily blog is just too much for me to handle so I will
try my best to keep up with a weekly blog update. I can’t wait to share my life updates, progress
and more recipes with you guys!!!
As always QotD: Any fun plans this summer??
I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
xoxo Mandie | ohmandieblogs@gmail.com
