Ally and Callie: The Other 128 Hours

Secrets of the Minimal Packer: One Backpack Challenge

2013-07-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

One week. One backpack (a carry-on!). That's all I had with me on my Europe vacation.

I had a long layover in Boston, so my parents and sister paid me a little visit as I made my way back to Atlanta. My mom was shocked that the only piece of luggage I had was a backpack. Over the years, I've perfected the art of not over packing. While you're heading out out town for the long holiday weekend, keep my minimal packing method in mind:

DRESSES: To help save room in your bag, dresses are a no brainer. As opposed to packing a top and bottom, dresses are one piece. I always start raiding my closet with dresses first! They are easy to dress up (for a nice dinner) or down (for a casual day).

TOPS: For a one week trip, you only need five tops. I repeat.. you only need five tops. This is including the, "Well, I'll pack an extra one just in case," mentality. Make sure one of them is a light 3/4" length to stay cozy and comfty. I like to pair my 3/4" shirts with shorts for summer nights.

PANTS: Two pairs (3 MAX!). My favorite dark denim jeans (1..) and white skinnies (2..) are my go-to bottoms. Since you'll shower, just re-wear. Add a casual pair of shorts (..3!) if you want to show off those legs you've been working out at the gym!

OUTERWEAR: During the summer, pack 1 light hoodie or sweater for the night time breeze. If weather is in the forecast, do pack a rain jacket. It isn't a bulky piece, so you won't be sacrificing valuable space, and you'll be thankful in the long run!

SHOES: No heels (be realistic!). I used to always bring a pair of nice heels with me "just-in-case" and it always proves to be wasted space. When I'm on vacation, I always manage to stay active, and sassy heels just never make it into my itinerary. Pack your favorite sandals that go with everything, walking shoes, and wedges only if you must.

PJ's: You only need two bottoms and three tees to sleep tight throughout the week.

ACCESSORIES: Be selective. I always stuff a scarf in my backpack, and some key jewelry pieces. My jewelry rule: 1 statement necklace, 1 simple necklace, tri-metal dangles (go w/ everything!), and a pair of studs. Don't forget to take your shades out of your car before you jet set!

Lastly, try every outfit works, take the time to try every outfit on to make sure it's a keeper.

Motivate Your Workout

2013-07-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

If you are struggling to stick with a workout routine or want to add something new your current one, nothing drives motivation more than a group workout. Every wednesday a handful of my coworkers meet at our local park for an hour of sweaty ~~torture~~ fun.

The best part of this motivational workout is it's free! I bring with me a handful of exercise equipment, like jump ropes, but if you don't have any on hand, you can make up routines using your own body weight. Start with a warm up, then create a workout station for each person. Using a timer, each person works their station for 45 seconds, with a 15 second break to move to the next station. Repeat 2-4x! Follow it up with some cardio and a cool down.

The workouts can be completely customizable. Choose to focus on one body part like shoulders and back or do a full body routine.

I love my TRX - it really is a portable gym. Here I am using it to work my back!

Get creative with the outdoors. We used the park bench to create an intense version of a push up.

Combine movements to get an even better workout - jump squats with an 8lb ball for oblique twist.

or add intensity by only using one leg for balance.

Either way, everyone can make it their own. I know I push myself harder when I see these guys giving it their all. And don't even think about bailing on workouts once you have a core workout group - it really isn't worth the guilt :)

and always keep it fun! This may be my favorite photo, not sure Gavin is always this happy during the workout!

All Smiles in Savannah! An Ideal Girl's Weekend Getaway

2013-06-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

Some lovely ladies took me on a bachelorette getaway to Savannah. My sister even flew in from Massachusetts to join us, which made the weekend extra special. It's an easy escape from Atlanta, with a ton of charm, food, views and fun. Here's how to spend the perfect weekend in historic Savannah:

Day 1:

Shopping on Broughton Street
Break for ice-cream at the infamous, Leopold's
Rooftop drinks at the Bohemian Hotel
Jazz'd for a tapas dinner.. great drinks too!
Walk downtown to explore the bars
Be adventurous and end the night on a mechanical bull

Amazing view at Bohemian

Welcoming sissy to the south w/ rooftop drinks!

Dinner at Jazz'd

Scoping out the shopping scene

Day 2

Treat yourself to crab eggs benedict from B.Matthew's - you won't regret it!
Pack for a day at the beach and head off to Tybee Island!
You'll spend 15 minutes trying to pick out your cocktail from Jen's and Friends
Sing along to your favorite classics at Savannah Smiles

Crab eggs benedict for 3!

Staying entertained at Savannah Smiles

Beautiful day to catch some sun

Lucky Charm cocktail from Jen's & Friends

Day 3

End the weekend with bfast from Papillote - an a-mazing french treat!
Stop at the shopping outlets on the way home for some new shades

Last meal in Savannah

Callie trying to avoid being in the picture.. such a pro!

Winner! Winner! Stella & Dot Giveaway

2013-06-24T06:07:00.002-07:00

My party was a huge success thanks to my amazing guests. My only problem is that I can't decide on what to order, since all of the ladies made each piece look so gorgeous. Thank you all for an amazing event!

And the moment we have all been waiting for, the winner of the Stella & Dot travel bag is...

It's not too late to get your own travel bag or any other Stella & Dot items you love. As a bonus, for every $50 you spend, you will receive $25 towards a purchase in July if you shop my trunk show below. Find the perfect piece for your 4th of July party or great gifts for summer weddings and birthdays!

click here to shop my trunk show!

Antique Til We Drop, Scott's Antique Market

2013-06-21T07:29:00.002-07:00

If you're looking for a fun afternoon activity, you need to venture to Scott's Antique Market. Every second weekend of the month, it's hosted at the Atlanta Expo Center.

Since we recently moved into our first home, we've been looking for unique pieces. If you've been on the hunt for something nobody else has, this is definitely the place to go. There are two large building full of booths, plus vendors outside.

Tips for Scott's Antique Market Trip:

Pack a cooler of drinks/food to refuel (you can purchase food there too)
Sellers accept checks, so you don't have to max out the ATM
Tax is added to all purchases
Entrance fee is $5, BUT is good for the whole weekend
If you don't want to drive from building to building, a shuttle can take you
NEGOTIATE!
Sunday's are a great because vendors don't want to pack up their trucks!

I love these leaf drop tables!

Furniture made with all reclaimed wood from Bali.

We came home with a new (old) dresser that we are thrilled about! The seller told us it's from the 1800's, and has immaculate detail that we fell in love with.

How Does She Do It

2013-06-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my middle sis visited atlanta from sunny south florida. I LOVE when she visits, because she always brings with her the latest fashion. She is my go-to stylist in times of need.

This trip, she brought her goodies from Stella & Dot, which I was thrilled to see, since my party is this weekend. I now have a handful of other items added to my wishlist, including this dreamy ikat bag...


How Does She Do It Ikat Bag

The best part is, YOU can win the travel version of this bag with the same print, which is equally as awesome and also on my wish list.

Step 1: Log into Facebook
Step 2: In the top right, under the cover photo "Like" Stella & Dot by Blair Critch
Step 3: In the top right, under the cover photo "Like" The Other 128 Hours
Step 4: Dream of the places you will take your adorable new bag

DIY: Seat Upgrade, Refinishing Dining Chairs

2013-06-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Craigslist shopping has been a part-time job lately. I was on the hunt for queen anne dining chairs to pair with our new rustic farm table, which was hand crafted by You're Unique. Finally found four chairs that fit the bill and my vision. I was able to easily unscrew the cushions from the chairs, and reupholster them to turn these classic chairs country.

Project Time: 3.5 hours
Project Cost (4 Chairs): $145.79

Materials:

$100 - Chairs (craigslist)
FREE (on hand) - 120-grit sand paper
$20 - 1 2/3 yards linen fabric (Joann's 50% off)
FREE (on hand) - Staple gun
$5 - Small roller
$10 - Quart of paint (Martha's Stewart in Heavy Cream)
$.79 - Sponge brush
$10 - Finishing wax
FREE - 2 old rags

Step 1: SAND - I used leftover 120-grit sandpaper from my end table project to give the chairs a rough sand. I didn't completely strip them, I just wanted to kill the high gloss shine. Take a damp rag to get rid of any dust and debris.
Step 2: PAINT - Make your own chalk paint (TUTORIAL), and use a roller to cover the chairs. I also took a sponge bruch to get into the nooks that weren't reachable by the roller. I did two coats.
Step 3: WAX - Use a rag to apply a thin coat of finishing wax to your chairs. Then, take a dry rag to wipe off, giving it a matte finish.
Step 4: REUPHOLSTER - Reupholster your seat cushions with new fabric (TUTORIAL)
Step 5: ASSEMBLE - Screw cushions back to chairs, and test them out!

GIVEAWAY! Stella & Dot Ikat Travel Bag

2013-06-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have seen a lot of adorableness coming from the luggage industry. Us jet setting ladies are no longer stuck with the boring monotone black bags of days gone by. Stella & Dot is one fabulous company leading the way.

Want to add to your lovely luggage collection? Win this ikat travel bag from Stella & Dot and you are well on your way to becoming a traveling trendsetter.

Entering the contest could not be easier! On Facebook, "Like" Stella & Dot by Blair Critch and The Other 128 Hours pages by June 23rd. The winner will be announced during my Stella & Dot party on June 23rd and posted here at The Other 128 Hours.

To Like Stella & Dot by Blair Critch click HERE
To Like The Other 128 Hours click HERE

Check out the entire Stella & Dot collection HERE!

Best of luck to you all!

DIY: Upholstering Perfect Corners

2013-06-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

I recently made over some dining room chairs, which I plan to share with you next week. In the meantime, I want to show you an easy way to handle those tricky corners when reupholstering. The best way I found to handle corners is tri-fold. Before we get to the corners, I'll start from the beginning...

Project Time: 45 minutes
Project Cost: $20

Materials:

FREE (came w/ chairs obviously!)- Old seat cushions
$20 - 1 2/3 yds. fabric (for 4 chairs.. plenty of leftover)
FREE (on hand) - Fabric scissors
FREE (on hand) - Staple gun

My winning fabric lived at Joann's. I picked out a beautiful beige linen, and did everything I could to find a coupon. Luckily, it was a holiday weekend, and I was able to get 40% off!

Step 1: MEASURE - Place seat cushion face side down to determine the length to cut your fabric. Leave 4 inches extra on each side.
Step 2: STAPLE CENTERS - Once fabric is cut, center your cushion (still face side down). Fold over about 1/4-1/2" to create a nice even line, and staple the center of each side. PULL TIGHTLY.

Step 3: STAPLE SIDES - Continue to staple (and pulling tightly) leaving a little bit of room before reaching the corners.

Step 4: TRIM ACCESS - You will end up with access fabric once you reach your corners. Trim them down with fabric scissors, leaving roughly 3" left for you to work with. (Yes, I am in my PJ's.. it was a late night project!)

Step 5: CORNERS (TRI-FOLD) -

Smooth out fabric and staple horizontally
Smooth out fabric and staple at an upward angle
Smooth out fabric and staple vertically

Step 6: FILLERS - Fill in the extra spaces with your staple gun.

You're Invited!

2013-06-10T10:08:00.002-07:00

I am hosting my first Stella & Dot party in a few weekends. My emotions are ranging from panic attack to sheer excitement, in the hopes that everything comes together perfectly. I purchased the Fiona Bib Necklace at my sister's party and wear it with everything. Here I wore it to dress up my cotton maxi for a family photo day:

I am also excited to check out the new line of bags. My favorite fashion blogger, Damsel in Dior has me swooning over this Navy Stripe Tote she uses when traveling.

Photo Credit

And to add to the fun, I am putting together a sunday brunch spread that is sure to draw a crowd.

PLEASE let me know if you are in the Atlanta area and would like to attend. Email theother128hours at gmail for more info. If you can not attend, good news - you can order online HERE.

Wine Box Organizer

2013-06-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Moving gives you a clean slate, so as we are settling into our new house, I'm trying to find the perfect home for everything.. including those extra ugly wires that I have a tendency to toss into a bag and bury in the closet.

To organize those odds and ends, my go-to is a wine bottle box, which already has compartments (amen!). It's a great solution to organizing my extra cords, paint rollers.. really anything! Next time you go to the liquor store for some Skinny Girl wine, kill two birds with one stone and grab some wine packing boxes too!

Contruction Zone: DIY Ahead

2013-06-05T06:32:00.001-07:00

I have a handful of new DIY projects in the works, but not one is ready for a photo shoot, so here are a few sneak peaks into what is to come...

We gathered wood from an abandoned 1920's home.

All of the walls are made from solid wood. I grabbed a few pieces for a new coat rack. I loaded my truck bed with a handful of other goodies, including cabinet doors and trim. I am really excited about the future of this abandoned wood.

I found this treasure on craigslist, a set of old school lockers, perfect for a home with no storage. Some spray paint and baskets will transform this trash to storage treasure.

And last, hubs and I have been busy planting our garden, in our new DIY modern garden planter. A full tutorial to come.

June is a month of travel and parties, so I am working to complete these as time allows. I look forward to sharing my completed projects with you all soon.

What's on your to-do list this month? Share with us below.

DIY: Refinishing End Table

2013-06-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

Furnishing a home is not-so-easy. After spending thousands of dollars on a down payment, you're now spending thousands of dollars to making it feel like a home. I'm sharing with you all of my budget-friendly projects and bargains for our new brick ranch. First up, an end table for the living room.

Materials:

$20 - End table (craigslist find)
$4 - 120-grit sandpaper
FREE (on hand) - Cloth
FREE (coupon) - Chalk paint color of choice (mix Plaster of Paris with any paint color: TUTORIAL)
$5 - Stain of choice
$10 - Sealer (polyurethane or finishing wax
$2.50 - 3 sponge brushes

TOTAL COST: $41.50

Step 1: SAND - I sanded the top since I was restaining, and it was really beat up. Take a damp cloth and wipe down all dust and debris.
Step 2: PAINT - I made my own chalk paint (TUTORIAL), and painted the bottom of my table with my sponge brush. I did two coats for full coverage. Trust me, your first coat WILL NOT look pretty!
Step 3: STAIN - I used a dark stain in Kona to cover the top of my table with another sponge brush. Two coats does the trick!
Step 4: DISTRESS - I went around some of the edges with 120-grit sand paper to just barely distress the piece.
Step 5: SEAL - Using my last sponge brush, I sealed the whole table with a water-based poly.

Can't wait to reveal the whole living room makeover!

Changed My World

2013-05-31T04:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you Zach for showing us how to live and thank you Carlos for sharing. Now go make someone smile today!

Bled Gorge(ous)

2013-05-29T05:46:00.001-07:00

Slovenia is a little hidden gem, and a beautiful haven for an outdoorsy personality. A day trip to Bled is a must, and while you're there, you should also stop by Bled Gorge, or Vintgar Gorge. The roads to get there made no sense to me whatsoever, but there are plenty of marked signs to lead the way. To be honest, if I didn't have my local tour guide friends, I can't be 100% sure I would have gotten there, but never be afraid to get a little lost on vacation!

The wooden bridged trail runs along side the gorge, and ends at the Šum waterfall, the highest in Slovenia. My favorite part: The incredible view of the Alps!

We carried on and made our way to Bled for the remainder of the afternoon, and once again, it's an unbelievable piece of nature. Bled castle is the oldest in Slovenia and you can climb to the top for 8 euro (kids 3,50 euro). DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE CREME CAKE! It's the symbol of Bled, and it's offered at the cafe to the Hotel Park. They were flying out of the kitchen, and when we asked our server how many they sell a day, she told us that on a weekend they can sell up to 3,500 pieces!

The Church of the Assumption sits on Bled Island in the middle of Lake Bled. Rumor has it that if you get married there, the husband has to carry his new wife up all 99 stone steps of the church.. few men succeed.

Walk around the lake, and grab yourself a beer to relax by the water. Slovenia is home to a few Olympic rowing champions, and they have a nice spot that proudly represents them on the lake, as well as floor plaques that have the location and dates of previous Olympic games.. guess which one I found!

Ride for Sweets

2013-05-22T09:51:00.001-07:00

When I go abroad, I want to live like the locals. Why visit a place to do what you do everyday?

My favorite part of the Slovenia visit was a simple concept: biking around town. Gas in Slovenia is 3x as much as it is in the States, so owning a bike is a no brainer. Plus, Ljubljana (lib-ee-ah-na) is a small town, so it's convenient and practical.

We rode our bikes everywhere, and when you're indulging in food on your vacation, you could always use the extra cardio! Since I was able to incorporate a ton of exercise into my trip, I got to treat myself to some Kremsnita, the cake of Bled. You know it's delicious if the town created it! Don't worry, Callie - I'll be sure to add it to my Sweet Tooth Confessions.

I clearly did not bring a bike with me on the plane, but the town of Ljubljana offers free bike transportation. All over the city, they have areas where you can essentially rent a bike free for one hour (plenty of time), and drop it off at any of their other stations... just swipe your card, stroll away, and return it! If you happen to exceed the hour limit, it's just 1 euro for every hour over.

If you're exploring a new city, I strongly encourage you to check if your destination offers anything like this concept. Little did I know that my home of Beantown does! I'll be taking advantage of the Hubway the next time I'm home, for sure.

More from Europe:

Slovene Food: Traditional Goulash (With a Side of the Ljubljana Castle)

2013-05-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing you should know about me, it's that I LOVE FOOD.

Goulash isn't just a fun word to say (Goo-lawsh), but one of the most traditional dishes you will find in Slovenia and Budapest. It's a soup that is downright delicious. Beef is the most common type of meat in goulash, but I also tried the venison version, so the recipe is versatile. At Sokol, I ordered mine with a side of "cheese rolls" which was ricotta cheese rolled in a dumpling-like dough.

I will stir up a recipe of my own, but for now, I'll leave you with this traditional recipe.

After dinner, it's a short walk to the Ljubljana Castle, a stunning view and plenty of exercise to get to the top. I started counting how many stairs it took to reach the top, but lost count.. I'd say that's a good thing when I'm eating my way through Europe!

The gang from the top.. A-mazing view!

The view from only halfway up!

A Reclaimed Weekend

2013-05-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for a dry weekend for weeks now, to go up to my father's land to gather reclaimed wood from an old barn. I came across a pricey Buckhead art piece for $700 that I want to recreate. While I have a stock of reclaimed wood, I thought I should make a few extra items as well. Here are a few ideas (or places to buy) from some of my favorite etsy shops:

Planters for summer flowers like these from Lilpicker. I love the addition of handles.

Coat rack from So Purdy Creations

Frames from ReBarnCHF

Wine rack from Aspen Bottle Holders

and last I found this on Siler's birthday registry from Reclaimed Things

What items should I add to my list?

NBA Thanksgiving in May

2013-05-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving in May! Why celebrate everything you are thankful for on just one day? Born from the brains of the NBA, we are celebrating another day of thanks midday through the calendar year.

Spread the word and share with us what you are thankful for by using the hashtag, #thanksgivinginmay

and most importantly our readers! Thank you for spending time with us each week and helping The 128 Hours grow!

we're grateful all year round, especially today. just like @turnersportsej #thanksgivinginmay theother128hours.blogspot.com/2013/05/nba-th…
— The Other 128 Hours(@Other128Hours) May 16, 2013

Perfect Birthday Outfit!

2013-05-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

I still have many Europe posts to share with you, but today is my birthday, so this is a special exception. We had an early birthday celebration at one of my favorite restaurants, South City Kitchen, where the food was amazing (as always)... including their complimentary chocolate pecan pie with a plump scoop of vanilla bean ice cream! More importantly, it was great to have a handful of my closest friends sharing the night with me.

The outfit that made the cut was a combo of my favorite Banana Republic denim leggings and two new pieces from H&M - a top with lace detailing and a slimming cream linen blazer. My Jessica Simpson ivory pearl pumps kept my look classy, and I added color with Franchesca's chandelier earrings, and the Coach Ashley orange clutch.

Denim Legging / H&M top / H&M blazer / Jessica Simpson pumps / Earrings / Clutch

Locked in Slovenia

2013-05-08T14:15:00.001-07:00

I just came back from my trip abroad, and can't wait to share with you all of my experiences. I left my mark in Slovenia by jumping into one of their love lock tradition.

Love locks are a common European tradition where couples attach padlocks to public structures and toss the key to symbolize their love. It's origin can be traced back to China, and you can even see the trend in areas around the US.

Even though the hubs wasn't with me, I decided to partake in the tradition and attached a lock on the Butcher's Bridge in Slovenia.

I'm not sure if the lock will remain for years to come, but if we ever visit Slovenia together, it will be neat for us to see our lock together.

Off to Europe I Go!

2013-04-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

My love for adventure has led me me to Europe once again. This time, I'm off to visit a dear friend in Slovenia, and then hopping on a train to Budapest! I can't wait to share some of my favorite photos and memories when I return.

Anxious to get to seat 24A on the plane, this style of outfit is a common theme in my backpack. Fingers crossed for the sunny low 70's the weather people are promising, I'm keeping my wardrobe laid back, with the essential crossover purse (passport & money zipped up in the back pocket), a poppy accessory, and flat shoes.

Floral Scarf / Chambray by LC / Fossil Purse / Camel Sandals

Dessert Please

2013-04-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

I am a little embarrassed to admit this, but I made my first QVC impulse purchase last Sunday. I fell for the sales pitch and bought an amazing vitamix, but I surely do not have buyers remorse. I have already made delicious soups and one of my all-time favorite desserts, primal approved, ice cream-anana.

You can also use any food processor or immersion blender to create this treat. All you need is a frozen banana and coconut cream or milk.

Directions
1. Freeze your naners without the peel, wrapped in tin foil. I always do this when they are starting to brown. It's better than tossing food! One banana equals one serving, so add the number of bananas desired to the blender.

2. Begin blending the frozen banana, adding cream to reach desired consistency.
3. Add flavors of choice like blueberries, cocoa nibs or cinnamon. In the photo above I used fresh basil. The banana takes on any flavor you add, so if banana is not your thing, switch it up.

4. Scoop into bowls and enjoy.

side note: bananas, while natural, do contain between 15 - 20g of sugar, so I still categorize this recipe under special treats.

Going Over the Edge

2013-04-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I was a part of something big, 16-story big.

Back in November, my favorite radio talk show, The Bert Show, spread the word about Over the Edge. This company travels all over the country to help raise money for various non-profits, where they set up events for participants to rappel down a large-scale building (how cool?!). This particular event supported The Special Olympics, and it fills me with a sense of reward and excitement to know that I contributed. The event raised over $180,000!

That little speck is me..

Coming down like a champ!

How It Works:

All participants are assigned a minimum fundraising goal of $1,000
Once goal is reached, choose a rappel time
Go Over the Edge!
Thank all of your friends for coming out to support you and your craziness....

Good Morning Mimosa

2013-04-17T06:10:00.004-07:00

Nothing makes the weekend more relaxing than fresh mimosas, so why not have them at all your weekend get-togethers. Setting up a simple mimosa bar brings color to any party, whether you add fruit or take yours virgin, all are sure to enjoy.

To add class to my simple drink, I made sure I had enough champagne flutes for everyone, no dixie cups here. I also provided a variety of fruits to add a splash of color and flavor, making the mimosa customizable to each guests liking.

Enjoy,