6.25.2015

Blowouts, Bloggers & Bling for a Cause

Last Thursday night I threw my first (of many) events, 'Blowouts, Bloggers & Bling for a Cause!' What I adored most about this event was that it incorporated everything I love under one roof.

Shout out to my girls Sacha (hair) + Rajaa (make-up) for making me feel beautiful!
First off, what girl doesn't love a fab blowout?! Paige Perkins, Owner of GlowDry here in Buckhead, was gracious enough to host the event! GlowDry is THE place to go to when it comes to hair and makeup. I have them on speed dial (seriously) for every major event! Their team did my look for the Taste of the Nation event back in May. If you're looking to step it up a notch, GlowDry is the place to go. Not only did Paige and her staff provide their chic salon to us, they also put together amazing swag bags filled with wonderfully scented products, coupons and sweet treats. During the event bloggers had the opportunity to get their hair done while they sipped on Jane St. Vodka Soda and mingled with other guests!

Did I mention bloggers friends?! I had several bloggers and friends come out to support me and my first event! It's been truly humbling to see the community of women (and men) who have rallied around me from the beginning. I call them friends, because they've all welcomed me with open arms into their group. We support each other at various events around town, grab brunch or dinner together (because girls got to eat) and on the (rare) occasion I gather a group to workout with me! It meant so much to me having everyone in attendance!


And what would a party be without a little bling? Alexandra Woolverton, a Stylist with Stella & Dot, was kind enough to reach out to me and collaborate on this fun evening. I am semi obsessed in love with everything S&D. The clutch pictured in my insta was one of the items I went home with that night! #PalmPrint is my chosen pattern of the summer. I picked up these cute shorts a couple weeks ago, and wear them any chance I get! It's always fun to play dress up with your girlfriends, and even better when you're working with a friend! PS - I also snatched up their Renegade Cluster Bracelet, an S&D staple. If you live in the Atlanta area and want to grab your girlfriends together for vino & appetizers, Alex is your girl!



As you've probably noticed, there is one big piece missing from this event...the FOOD. Food is a must at any party, especially ones that I throw. Back when Alex and I began planning this event, she asked me what charity I wanted to partner with. Alex, like me, is big on giving back to the community! I love seeing where my time and money goes, and without hesitation knew Open Hand was the organization I wanted to give back to. I was first introduced to this wonderful company back in 2013 when I began working with CSOA (Concierge Services of Atlanta). Open Hand has been serving those with chronic diseases for over 25 years! They seek to serve the community by empowering people to live healthier, more productive lives. I've been fortunate enough to deliver meals to those who cannot afford proper nutrition or are too sick to prepare their own meals. It's such a rewarding experience, and often times the person delivering them their meals is the only person they'll see all day. Thankful to have crossed paths with this inspiring company!



OK, so back to the food! Good Measure Meals provided us with the delectable spread of well-balanced bites, which included: Carolina Chicken BBQ Slider, Butterbean Hummus with Squash Crudité and Toasted Pita Points and Mini Lemon Ricotta Cake with a Blueberry Compote. The thing I love about Good Measure Meals is that they give 100% of its net proceeds back to Open Hand. GMM is a gourmet meal program which is both calorie- and portion-controlled, GMM meets the dietary needs of people with diabetes and related hypertension and is also a convenient and delicious way for people to manage their weight. I've been able to team up with GMM on several occasions to do Lunch & Learns for my office building, and always love hearing the tenant's positive feedback! Balanced meals that are flavorful! I've also had the opportunity to try their meal plan on a few occasions, and it is AWESOME! Yes, their meal plans deserve all caps. They have wonderful Blueberry Pancakes, Zesty Turkey Burgers, and so much more. Earlier this year, they launched a new and exciting feature, which allows clients the ability to customize their meals! How cool is that?! If you're interested in trying one of their meal plans out, just enter 'kalemekelly' to receive 10% OFF your first order! I would say enjoy, but know you will!

Through our appetizers provided by Good Measure Meals, we supported 30 meals to our community through Open Hand Atlanta!

And no meal is complete without a little bubbly! Jane St. Vodka Soda was kind enough to provide the beverages for the ladies and me. And they have gained a new fan! It’s light, refreshing and low in calories #winning Jane St. was developed as the first-ever Carbonated Vodka Soda, filled with bubbles and sweetened with agave nectar. Trust me when I tell you this is the perfect drink to serve at your next Ladies' Night, BBQ or just because it's Tuesday get together! Huge thanks to Hannah for bringing the goodies by, they were warmly received! And note to all the readers, their Pineapple Jalapeño flavor is to die for. Perfect blend of sweet and spicy.


As the event came to an end, I raffled off two giveaway from Stella & Dot and Good Measure Meals. My good friend and roommate, Jennifer Zuniga went home with this fabulous necklace set (pictured below) and Natasha will have her dinners covered for five days thanks to GMM. Don't forget you can customize your meal plan! Thanks to both companies for sponsoring! 




Special thanks again to Paige (GlowDry), Alexandra (Stella & Dot), Tiffany and Jochen (Open Hand and Good Measure Meals), Hannah (Jane St. Vodka Soda) and Elizabeth (Svelte) for supporting me in my first event! Could not have made all the magic happen without you awesome people!


Enter to win an exclusive swag bag from the event by sending me an e-mail to kmboring@gmail.com! First 3 entries will WIN!



  Kelly

6.21.2015

There's An App for That

It's hard to beat brunch on a beautiful, sunny day in Atlanta!

But when your foodie friend and blogger extraordinaire, Erica Key of Eating with Erica, tells you you're invited to Empire State South for brunch with the one and only Hugh Acheson, you know to expect two things: local, seasonal goodness and Hugh's personality (if unfamiliar, Google an episode of Top Chef).

The fabulous host 
Upon arrival, we were greeted with super cute YP (formerly known as Yellow Pages, yes the phone book) notepads and pens. YP has taken their talents to an app, as well as a full-blown website! #TheresAnAppForThat

Once I secured my "utensils," it was time to get to business! Made my way to their large bar and ordered a mimosa. If you think there's another options at brunch, not sure we can be friends! Kidding, bloody's are acceptable, too. And with it being summertime, rosé is also a brunch must! Since YP put on this fabulous event, it seemed fitting to feature a 'The YP' cocktail {Blanco Tequila, Gentian Liquer, Aloe Liquer, Lime} on the menu. I taste tested it, and it's Kale Me Kelly approved (all in the name of the blog)!

Chatting with Allie over ESS's delicious cocktails! 
With my mimosa in hand, I made my way over to the swarm of bees bloggers, who were gathered around the food table (naturally). Since I have a love affair with food, I am easily overwhelmed. My MO at these types of events is to load up, and then go back for seconds of my favorites! If I had to pick one favorite from the lineup, I'd highly recommend the French Toast! To. die. for. Check out the scrumptious spread Hugh Acheson and his staff put together!

Griddled Bacon, egg & cheese biscuit, Tomato & cucumber salad with feta and local greens, Marinated zucchini with spring onions and wheat berries + Homemade granola with local Georgia yogurt
Sinful French Toast {sorghum, berries, hazelnut streusel, marshmallow}
Table for Two | Brunch Essentials: Mimosas, French Toast, Home Fries, Bacon, Egg & Cheese biscuit, Homemade Granola & Shrimp 'N Grits


After nibbling devouring all that amazing food, we gathered in ESS's private dining space (available to rent out for events) for a Q&A with the man of the hour, Mr. Hugh Acheson himself. But the most important question he answered was what rosé he was sipping on while making dinner the other night. 
Allie of Peachfully Chic, Hugh Acheson (nbd), Erica Key of Eating with Erica / host of the event
Selfies with Hugh
Brunch is always better with friends! 

As always, thanks to YP & my dear friend, Erica Key, for making all this happen! And a big thank you to Hugh and the folks are Empire State South for the hospitality. 






Empire State South

999 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309 
 404-541-1105  

Brunch runs from 10:30am - 3:00pm


They also have a private dining room perfect for your next event!

Follow @kalemekelly on Instagram and let me know what new restaurants you're loving! Use the hashtag #kalemekelly! Bon appetite!

Special thanks to Allie of Peachfully Chic for some of these awesome pictures! 

Kelly

6.11.2015

New Dish - "Chicken" Nuggets

About a month ago I was perusing down the Whole Food's Hot Bar when I stumbled upon the most amazing thing, drum roll please..."Chicken Fried" Tofu or "Chicken" Nuggets, as I like to say! By no means am I anti-chicken, but I definitely like to keep my taste buds guessing.

So after inhaling WH's amazing nuggets, I was on a mission to re-create them myself! As with any dish I make, I like it to be quick and relatively easy. This dish is great for the working girl or a busy Mom!

While this dish takes less than 30 minutes to whip up, it's best to let the tofu marinade overnight in the chicken broth. Click HERE for the full recipe!


P.S. - I like to pair these "nuggets" with a kale salad (naturally). This Kale Caesar is one of my favorites!

P.P.S. - The sauce (pictured above) is UNREAL and requires JUST 3 ingredients!

Sriracha Mayo
Mix 1 cup of  Fage 0% Greek Yogurt
1 TBSP Sriracha 
Pinch of Red Pepper 

As always, follow kalemekelly on Instagram and show me what recipes you are making from the blog! Use the hashtag #kalemekelly. I want to see what you're loving!

Kelly

6.09.2015

This is BANANAS...B-A-N-A-N-A-S

This past weekend, some of our Texas family was in town for a wedding! When my Mom found out they were going to be staying with us for the night, she immediately called me and said she would like me to plan make the meal.

When it comes to cooking or baking, I'm always up for a new challenge! Little did I know I would not have complete free reign over this particular meal. I was informed that I needed to make a Gluten-Free meal that was also Atkins approved.

  • A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes gluten, a protein composite found in wheat and related grains, including barley and rye.
  • Atkins diet s a low-carbohydrate diet.

So, once I knew more about the parameters I needed to work within, it was straight to "work." A lean protein is always a good start, add in some greens, a complex carb (not for Atkins dieters) and BOOM, great meal!


My favorite part of the meal is ALWAYS dessert. I mean, who doesn't love dessert?! I am semi-obsessed with bananas, and know Banana Pudding is always a good go-to at family gatherings. It was one of my grandfather's favorites! I found THIS amazing recipe on Pinterest and it was unreal. Three words: Homemade Vanilla Wafers. WHAT?!



Whether you're gluten free by choice or have an intolerance to it, this GF Banana Pudding is amazing (we ALL licked our bowls)! Click HERE for the recipe!



As always, follow kalemekelly on Instagram and show me what recipes you are making from the blog! Use the hashtag #kalemekelly. I want to see what you're loving!


Kelly

6.02.2015

Something Fishy

There's nothing I love more than a one-dish meal (actually I can think of a few things)! Lately, this salmon recipe has been my go-to. Quick, easy and minimal clean-up! The combination of the herbs and spices take this dish to the next level. 

Salmon with Roasted Vegetables 

Salmon 
Veggies (love a Zucchini and Squash medley)



For this full recipe & tons of other ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner, head on over to Bode Sculpt TODAY to get started! Best decision I've made for my body and health.

To buy Bode Sculpt, click HERE. Perfect fit for any lifestyle!

As always, follow kalemekelly on Instagram and show me what recipes you are making from the blog! Use the hashtag #kalemekelly. I want to see what you're loving!

Kelly