CSN Stores GC Winner!

Lucky Day! There is a winner for the CSN Stores $65 GC Giveaway. Thanks to everyone who entered, tweeted and voted. I appreciate all of you. This time around, out of 401 qualified entries, the lucky winner is #313

Mama Chocolate said...

I tweeted about the giveaway at approx 2:50pm http://twitter.com/#!/ChoresChocolate/status/26047952095027200

January 14, 2011 2:52 PM 

Congrats on your win! I hope you have a fabulous time shopping for the perfect item. As always, the winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or a new winner will be drawn via random.org. Thanks everyone!

I am currently working on several great giveaway opportunities for my readers. I should have more great products posted soon. And of course, Blogmania is just around the corner.

Mamavation Monday... It's not You, It's Me.

I am just not sure this is a healthy relationship.

I think we should take a little time off.

I will miss your starchy goodness, or yeasty comfort.

I hope after this is all over and done with, we can still be friends. Maybe even hang out.

Bread, potatoes and my other carb-filled loves, I think this is for the best. It's not you, it's me.

-2.6 lbs! Woo-hoo!

That is -5 lbs since starting the Move it & Lose it Challenge
(and yes, by popular demand... the striped socks made another appearance)

Today marks my start with the Cinch! diet. Today I begin the 5 day jump start. I have to say that most of the ingredients are what I already had in my pantry or freezer. It was weird not having a whole grain, steel cut oats or old fashioned oatmeal, for breakfast. This week I just felt like my diet was the missing part to weight loss success. So, for a week I will be starch and carb less and by the end of the 5 days I hope to be able to feel less bloated, run faster and jump higher. Or something like that.

This past week was great! I walked despite the weather, I made better (but not perfect) food choices and had fun. Out of the blue my DH mentioned that I was always happier when I got my daily walks in. That was a nice little boost to my motivation. My Top Trainers DVD set arrived and I love it. I crave variety and this set really delivers. I haven't done the same workout twice.

On the food front, it was a pretty delicious week... check out my Chickpea Patties recipe

and don't miss out on these Orange Cranberry Muffins

This Week's Goals: 

• Follow the Cinch! Jump Start
• 1 hour walk everyday with my kids
• Utilize my Top Trainer's DVDs, EAS active 2, and Just Dance 2 for additional workouts. I hope to choose 1 a day. I am still trying to find the right balance, but love all of them.
• Get 8 hours of sleep every night

I love my daily walks! That one will be easy. The Cinch! Jump start should be nice. I need a break from meal planning. The last one will be the most difficult for me. I tend to go to sleep at midnight or later and am up with the kids around 7 am. With more sleep I hope to cut back my coffee consumption to 1 cup a day instead of 2.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Earth Footwear.  One blogging carnival participant will receive one pair of Earth Footwear shoes.  Answer the following question in your blog post and link back to the Earth Footwear website.  Link up your post here to share with others.

Question: What does “wellness” mean to you?

Wellness, to me, is all about being healthy and active. At my current weight I don't have as much energy as I would like to, and I can't comfortably do all the activities that I would like to. My weight loss journey is a way that I can go out and hike farther, ski faster and carry more when I am with my family. I don't want to be the person asking to stop and take a break to catch my breath anymore. Wellness is about being active, eating right and living a full and enjoyable life. It is also about setting a great example for my two young children.

So, what does it mean to you?

Orange Cranberry Muffins - My Way!

I love muffins. Have your every heard the Jim Gaffigan piece where he says muffins are nothing but cake for breakfast? Oh, sad, but true. Luckily, they can be dressed up to be healthier and even taste good.

I can't take all the credit for these delicious muffins. Inspiration came from Finding Joy in My Kitchen. I strongly urge you to take a peak at her original recipe and some of the other fabulous from scratch goodies she is baking up. I have never been one to follow directions well though, so I played around and came up with my perfect version. I was able to work in wheat germ as well as ground flax seed.

Orange Cranberry Muffins

you will need:

for the muffins, 

1 egg

1/3 c. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. milk (I used rice milk)

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. applesauce

1/2 c. orange juice

2 tsp. orange zest 

2/3 c. whole wheat flour

2/3 c. AP flour + 1 Tbsp for dusting cranberries

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. vital wheat gluten (optional but great with whole wheat)

1 Tbsp. ground flax seed

1/8 tsp. salt

1 c. fresh cranberries, chopped

1/4 c. dried cranberries

Streusel Topping

1/2 c. old fashioned oats

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. wheat germ

1 Tbsp. cold butter

Preheat the oven for 350 degrees. Grease your muffin tins or line with papers. Start with the topping, in a small bowl mix together everything but the butter. Then rub the butter into the topping till all is moistened. I usually pop this back into the fridge till the muffins are ready to be topped.
 

In a medium bowl mix together your first 7 ingredients. I juiced my own oranges, but it is not necessary.

In a large bowl whisk together the first 7 dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients and stir till the mixture is just combined. Use a Tbsp. of flour to dust your chopped fresh cranberries. This helps to soak up the excess juice and keep the berries from sinking to the bottom of your muffins. Be sure to dust off the excess flour. Then gently fold into your batter.

Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and sprinkle with topping. Bake for 15- 18 minutes at 350 degrees. Insert a toothpick to check. Enjoy!

Aloha Friday #47

Welcome to Friday Everyone! In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. I feel like I am experiencing the calm before the storm of the holiday. Let's sit back, relax and enjoy a little blog hop. No heavy mental lifting today... just one simple little question...

What is Your Go-To Breakfast?

Not your favorite, but the breakfast you grab or make that requires no thought. I have a bowl of oatmeal with dried cranberries and vanilla silk. I know it will warm me up, fill me up and not put me over my calories for the day. For my husband it would be an english muffin with jam and peanut butter. What about you?

If you are looking for more Aloha Friday fun, go to An Island Life and check out the other posts on the Linky. Have a great weekend!

Enhance Flavor? Dash on some Tabasco!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love food, and love simple ways to enhance the flavor of my home made dishes. I don't want to add excess sodium, fat or calories so I reach for a bottle of TABASCO® Original Red . Not just for the spicy food fanatic, Tabasco can make average foods fabulous!

Tonight I made a lovely Chickpea Patty served with salad and Butternut Squash soup. Good food, but a bit bland.

So, with a handy little bottle of Tabasco Original Red I could add a little extra flavor to the Chickpea Patties, a little zip to the salad as well as a little extra pep to a simple soup. All with just a shake or two.

Chickpea Patties

you will need:

1 15oz. can of rinsed & drained chickpeas

1/2 c. green onions sliced. Both white and green parts

1/2 c. coconut milk

1 c. panko breadcrumbs + more for coating

1 tsp. fresh grated ginger

1 Tbsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. onion powder

1 Tbsp. Worcester Sauce

2/3 c. cooked brown rice

salt & pepper to taste

Throw the chickpeas and green onions into the food processor for a rough chop. Do not puree. In a bowl combine the remaining ingredients. Form into patties and cover in breadcrumbs. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brush with a small amount of oil. In batches, pan sear the patties. Let rest on a paper towel. As they cool they will firm up. Enjoy warm or cold.

If vegetarian dishes are not your thing, don't worry! A classic Tabasco move is to shake a bit on your favorite slice of pizza. It always makes my usual slice anything but ordinary. When I was living in Japan, I don't think I ever ate pizza without being offered a bottle of Tabasco. It is as classic as having ketchup with your french fries. If pizza is on your Super Bowl menu, be sure to have a bottle or two of Tabasco on hand for your guests. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Head over to Tabasco's site for more tips on dressing up your slice with Pizza Perfected.

Okay, so now you know how I like my TABASCO® Original Red. How about you? How do you dare to dash?

A Few More Winners!

I have a few more winners to announce here and I have also decided to post winner announcements on Mondays. I hope this keeps things more organized. I hate to hear that readers are checking frequently when I am dealing with a teething baby or potty training mishaps with my stubborn toddler.

Also, be sure to set the date for Blogmania, April 9th & 10th. There will be many blogs participating with prize packages each worth $100 or more. Cool, right? So far I will have one package for children and maybe one with a food theme. If you would like to sponsor an item for the package, contact me via email.

...And on to the lucky winners!

For the Yoplait Light Prize Package, the winner was #1 (that has never happened to me before!)
 Beth M said...

I have never tred the Cherry. Sounds yummy as I like cherry. Peach is my favorite.

January 6, 2011 12:56 PM 

(confirmed 1/26)

For the Tropical Traditions Shredded Coconut giveaway, the winner was #109

pinklady705 said...

1st daily tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/pinklady705/status/29284967557103617

January 23, 2011 1:11 PM 

Winners have 48 hours to respond to my email. If I don't hear back from a potential winner within the time frame I will redraw via random.org.  Congrats!
Don't forget the CSN Stores $65 GC Giveaway ends 1/27 at midnight. Hurry and get those entries in!

Is Your Green Thumb Itching to Garden?

It is that time of year again! The seed catalog arrived and I tore my way through it as if it was a book I just couldn't put down. And why would I? I am drawn in by the new varieties, pretty pictures and hopes for my garden this year. One of my things about moving here has been the opportunity to have a real garden. No longer am I confined to a small army of pots on a shady back porch, now I have real dirt beneath my feet and room to put in roots. I know, farmers don't have gardens. That is what I was told. Well, this girl was raised on afternoons by her Mom's garden. It is a tradition I hope to pass on to my children.

Last year was not a great one for gardening. At least for me. Our growing season was late and my little seedlings were lanky and sad. I underestimated the determination of the lawn grass which kept me battling and tired of pulling out runners. I also lost a good deal of plants to pests. That was bad for me, but a good perk for my chickens. This year I am aiming to garden smarter, not harder. I still have so much to learn!

Last year I fell in love with Chard. I planted the Bright Lights variety and had no idea that it would keep growing back all summer and through the fall. This year I plan to add a Perpetual Swiss Chard variety to the line-up since it should produce for multiple years. My biggest disappointment in the garden last year was with the insect problems surrounding my Brussel Sprouts. I am not going to give up just yet, though, and have decided to try them again. To help with both of these plants I will be adding a mulch layer. I am going to try silver mulch for its ability to keep away pests. It should also cut down on my time spent weeding. Thank goodness!

Okay, so here is the line-up. This is what I will be ordering from Territorial Seed Company (a fabulous Oregon seed company, by the way)

•  Fava Beans
• Perpetual Swiss Chard
• Asian Greens - Kyoto Mizuna
• Dwarf Siberian Kale
• Dairyu Eggplant
• Rubine Brussel Sprouts
• A Japanese style Cucumber

I also will be getting some plant starts from town and have some seeds left over. I will be posting more garden updates throughout the year. Our next project will be getting a garden fence up to keep out the dog, chickens and deer.

I would love to know, are you planning a garden this summer? Have you already been thumbing through any seed catalogs?

Wordless Wednesday - Just a Blanket

Why spend the money on special city rugs...

Who is in My Fab 5?

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend's wish!

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I started blogging because I read a blog. I read a good blog and it drew me in. Then I found more blogs, blogs about other stay-at-home moms, blogs about cooking, blogs about baking, blogs about blogs... well, you get the picture. The good, and the bad, they inspired me to blog. In honor of this, I want to share my fab five. All are very different blogs and all bring me joy in some way.

I am a Pacific Northwest blogger and first off I want to introduce Our Ordinary Life.

I love Kristin's blog. She is a media savvy lady with a blog highlighting her life, her area, as well as showcasing great products, contests and her thoughts. I found her blog through a giveaway, but stayed to read all about her adventures. I would say her life is anything but ordinary. I love that Kristin is honest, but also open to differing opinions, even if she doesn't share them. If you are looking for a great blog from a mom's point of view, give this one a try.

Since I love food and the challenge of making it myself, I enjoy reading Finding Joy in My Kitchen





This is a "drool-worthy" blog. Whether it is a cranberry oat muffin or whole wheat tortillas, she has a great recipe for you. I love that she is striving to cook from scratch and enjoy her food. You won't find any short cuts or frozen substitutes here. I can tell she has a passion for food, and a hunger to enjoy it. This is a great blog to cook along with.

For the days that I need a quick laugh, I turn to June Cleaver Nirvana.

This is the sort of blog that might require a change of pants for. If following Holly's stick figure adventures doesn't cause you to laugh yourself silly, then try out any of her other hilarious posts. Okay, they aren't all side-stitch funny, she does write some sweet and poignant posts, but I really go for the funny. Either way there is great writing that will cause you to smile and think. Follow her family, mishaps and life in general. Everything interesting happens to Holly. Make sure you don't miss out on what it will be next.

When I am feeling lucky and need a great review or to enter a giveaway, I go over to  The Not-So-Blog's Experimental Mommy.

This was one of the first Mommy Review/Giveaway blogs that I followed. I love everything about Bridgette's blog. Her theme is adorable and true to it, she handles her reviews with almost scientific precision. She doesn't just try a product, but tests it and gives her readers an honest opinion. She is a proud New Orleans blogger and covers topics near and dear to her heart. I love hearing about King Cake or her beautiful city. She covers the best products on her site, so be sure to check her out.

And when I am feeling my sweet tooth, I head to Hoosier Homemade for her Cupcake Tuesdays.

As the name suggests, Liz's blog is so much more than just cupcakes. She also blogs about food, home decorating, product reviews, etc. -but, who am I kidding? I go for the great and delicious looking cupcake ideas! I really don't see how she has the time to get it all done. AND she makes it look fabulous. If you enjoy making and decorating your own cupcake creations, be sure to catch her weekly Tuesday linky to share with others. I know when our birthdays roll around I will be heading there for some inspiration. If sweet is your thing, head over to her blog and don't complain if browsing gives you a toothache.

Of course I read more than 5 blogs on a regular basis, but these rank up there as the first blogs I read for the day. Do you subscribe to any of these ladies? I hope you will stop by and give them a try. If you like them, pay them the ultimate compliment and leave a comment. Who would you put on your fab five list? Let me know. I am always in search of new blogs to read.

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Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to support a friend's wish. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

Mamavation Monday - Step by Step

"Step by step
Ooh baby, you're always on my mind"

As I contemplated this week's post title for some reason I had New Kids on the Block on the brain. Does that date me?  I know. Where did that come from? Despite having an embarrassingly massive crush on Jordan as a 5th grader, even with their recent come back, I haven't given them much thought. But, after I took a moment to relive the nostalgia, I thought, "Eureka!" that is this week's motto.

I was pretty disappointed about not being named a Mamavation Mom. To be honest, I was crushed. I have lost weight before, but was praying for the tools and knowledge not to end up back here... over 200 lbs, unhealthy and unhappy with it. But it was not to be. I received a few DMs that night telling me to move on. I am, but with new inspiration in mind. I am going to remember to "always (be) on my mind". With each step and each mouth full I need to think about myself. Call it mindful eating, or living with purpose, but I need to make myself a priority. Without that I don't think this weight loss journey will ever be successful.

I did treat myself to a new Wii game. I have fallen completely in love with the Just Dance Kids game. I went ahead and got the game for my son and purchased the Just Dance 2 for myself. I haven't even opened my version because I am having a blast dancing with my him! Oh, yeah... from Jungle Boogie & Kung Fu Fighting to a few Wiggles and Yo Gaba Gaba classics, we have been breaking out into a sweat together. I even got my DH dancing along last night. I love that the songs are fun and the moves are simple. Just for putting a controller on her head and turning in circles, my 1 year old received points from the game. The bottom line is we are all up and moving together. I think it was my favorite activity this week. If you have tried it, I would love to hear your thoughts.

...and now for the moment of truth this week,

-1.2 lbs! Woo-hoo!

Maybe not ground breaking, but I will take the loss. As it stands I need to really crack down on my eating, but more on that later.

This week's Recipe Share is:

This was super simple to make and tasted so yummy! I will be making this again.

Tofu Saag over Brown Rice

you will need: 

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 diced onions (I like yellow for this)

1 pkg frozen spinach (thawed) or 1 lb of fresh

1/2 c. light coconut milk

2 tsp. cumin

1tsp cinnamon

1 package x-firm tofu

2 cups cooked brown rice

Saute onion in the olive oil till translucent. Then add in the broth and spinach. If the spinach is fresh, wilt it, otherwise warm it up. Add the coconut milk, cumin and cinnamon and simmer for 7 minutes. Blend up the mixture until smooth. Either use a blender or immersion blender. Transfer the mixture back into a saucepan over medium heat. Add in cubed tofu and let it simmer for 8 minutes. Stir gently so the tofu doesn't break. Season to taste. Serve it over brown rice and enjoy!


Last Week's Goals

• Complete the Yoplait Tune Up
• Continue the EA Sports Active workouts for the week (4 total)
• Meal Plan and log my food intake for the week
• Get 1 hour of walking, jogging or running a day
• Increase my water consumption and continue with the no soda, no alcohol rule.

Last week was up and down. I had a few good days and logged over 10 miles, and then hit two busy days that derailed my week. I need to make a standing appointment to walk with my kids. Eating was okay, I did go out to eat twice and had a garden burger with steamed broccoli when we went out to Red Robin, the awards dinner was harder to navigate. I think I can still do better and didn't write everything down as I should. I hope this next week being more accountable for my eating will help.

This Week's Goals

• Meal plan & stick with it. I have a few new recipes to try out.
• Continue the EA Sports Active workouts for the week (4 total)
• Log all of my food and water intake
• Get 1 hour of walking, jogging or running a day
• Get at least 2 strength or ab DVD workouts in this week

I feel like tightening things up. I am going grocery shopping for the week Monday night and will be cutting up and prepping as much as I can ahead of time. This week we will not be eating out and that should make things easier. I will link my week meal plan shortly. I know I feel better when I move more, I just need to keep myself from sitting down for long periods of time.

Sista of the Week : a big kudos to Lena! She is a hard working sista who is always asking what we had for breakfast with #breakfast club. Made her way through Shred and is always around to help motivate. Congrats girl!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Fiber Plus.   They are giving away a box of their product to everyone who enters their information in the form below, answers the following question in their blog post and links it back to their Fiber Plus site.  Two blogging carnival participants will also receive one $50 American Express Gift Card each. Link up your post here to share with others.

Question: How are you getting more fiber in your diet this New Year?

Fiber has been on my mind since the new campaign started. I am flirting with more vegetarian and vegan options for their higher fiber content. Beans are my absolute favorite fiber packed little friends. This week I am planning on having steel cut oats for one of my daily morning mini meals, and chickpea cakes are on the menu. I want to utilize the remaining carrots we have to keep cut carrot sticks handy for snacking. A little bit of crunch on hand goes a long way to keep me feeling full.  Fiber is a conscious effort I make each week.

*Disclaimer - I’m writing this post as an entry to a blogging carnival sponsored by Fiber Plus. I will be receiving free product in return.

#ABE Winner Announcement!

Looks like it was a successful A Blogtastic Extravaganza! I am happy to say that out of 338 entries, #139 

won the Beautiful Baby Package!

#139 was Andrea Paetkau

Congrats Andrea! I just sent you an email and need a confirmation with your mailing address so I can get it all shipped out to you. Please respond within 48 hours or I will have to draw another winner.

There are more giveaways and events coming up! So make sure you follow publicly with Google Friends Connect and subscribe so you don't miss out on any announcements. Thank you to everyone that entered and I hope you will be a winner soon here on Adventures in All Things Food.

A Blogtastic Extravaganza - Beautiful Baby Giveaway!

CLOSED Winner #139 TBA when verified

Welcome to the Blogtastic Extravaganza! I am #33 on the blog hop. Enter my Giveaway Package "Beautiful Baby" and then continue on with the Linky at the bottom of this post. I hope you are enjoying yourself. And good luck!

I am so excited about this prize package. If you are expecting or know of someone else expecting this package of baby related items will come in handy. I have two beautiful children and no plans to have any more, so this package is being sponsored solely by myself. All fabulous products I have either used and enjoyed or have been sent as swag. So, what goodies do I have for you?

1. Fisher Price - Rock-a-Stack Toy. The classic brightly colored stacking rings are a must for any curious baby
2. Bummas- 2 packs, one girl and one for boys - "After the wipe and before the dipe" these small cloths come in so handy. If you don't cloth diaper, don't worry. I have used mine as diaper wipes as well as for runny noses, sticky hands or spill control. They are soft and well made.
3. Nuby - No Spill Cups 10 oz 2 pack - Nuby makes great products including bottles. BPA free and comfortable non slip grips make this a handy addition to your diaper bag.
4. Bella Bee - Cooling Leg & Foot Cream - I adored pampering my feet while I was pregnant and beyond. Even a tired Mama needs a little pampering.
5. Mam - 9oz bottle. Another great baby bottle brand for your little one to try.
6. Mam - Newborn pacifier. I love this brand and used them exclusively for my son. He gives them 2 thumbs up.
7. Halo Sleep Sack Swaddler. I consider this a must-have baby item. 100% cotton and it comes with a removable swaddle band. This helped me with those middle of the night diaper changes when I couldn't have swaddled my babies if my life had depended on it.
8. Hotslings - Shawl Style Nursing Cover, Slim enough to slip into a diaper bag and take with you anywhere.
9. Belly Beautiful Workout DVD by Patricia Friberg. Nothing is better than being healthy during pregnancy and feeling good.

That is a prize pack valued at over $127 ARV. Excited yet, I bet you are! This giveaway is simple. One mandatory entry and then 3 optional entries. Just fill out my form below. * denotes a mandatory field so I can contact the winner. This giveaway starts 1/18 and will end 1/22 at midnight. Good luck!

Giveaway Time!!!

 This will be super easy so you can be on your way to the next blog. 

1. Mandatory entry: Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (please leave your username for verification)

Optional Extra Entries :

2. Subscribe via email and confirm the Feedburner email confirmation.

3. Tweet this giveaway (2/day 1 entry/tweet) feel free to use:

Win over $127 in @notimeMom #ABE prize pack #giveaway.

http://adventuresinallthingsfood.blogspot.com/ :: ends 1/22

*Disclaimer - I am sponsoring this giveaway and will be shipping out the winning package once the winner had been confirmed and contacted. All opinions are my own and I am not associated with the product brands I am giving away.

Premiere - Working Class (Jan. 28th)

When I finally have a chance to watch TV that doesn't involve puppets or animation, I go straight for the comedies. After a stressful day at home I like to laugh away my stress and tension. I was excited to hear about the new comedy Working Class on CMT. With a great cast, it is a comedy for the working man. In our current economic atmosphere it is fabulous to find the humor in our struggles. If you need a laugh, check out Working Class.

 

WORKING CLASS premieres January 28 at 8:00 p.m., EST/PST on CMT.

Carli Mitchell (Melissa Peterman from "Reba"), is a single mom from a rough and tumble background, trying to give her kids a better life by moving them to an upscale suburb. She quickly finds that making the transition to “the good life” is harder than she thought.

She's unwittingly befriended by her cranky neighbor, Hank (Ed Asner), her only “career” prospect is a glorified deli job at the local grocery store, and the man she falls for not only already has a girlfriend – but he’s also her boss, Rob (Patrick Fabian). With her ladies-man brother, Nick (Steve Kazee), to help her out (when he’s not acting like one of the kids

The Premiere Episode I watched was called "The Buddy System". Carli's old flame from high school shows up hoping to re-ignite his "spark" with Carli - even if it means humiliating her in front of her new boss.

I think this new show has potential. Most new comedies need to hit their stride before they can take off, this show was funny in spots with the writing just needing to tighten up a little. I look forward to seeing more episodes and seeing the show mature throughout the season.


Follow Working Class on Facebook for a chance to catch a sneek peak!

*Disclaimer - I previewed this episode as a One2One Network Member and provided by CMT. No monetary compensation took place. I was entered into a giveaway or posting. All opinions are my own.

Pledge To Make Simple Changes

2011 is here! With that came a whole list of hopes and dreams for the future. I look forward to the beginning of the year since it always feels like a fresh start.  My focus this year is to make my life healthier and more enjoyable. Though many people put down resolutions, it is a great time to rethink areas in my life where I am not as happy. The biggest thing I want to change is my weight and activities. I know, that is a big one. With 70 lbs to lose, it would be easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged. But by making simple and small steps, I can cause a positive change in my life.

Today I made a simple step. Actually many steps, one at a time over 4 miles of  those steps. Nothing complicated, just one foot in front of the other. I pushed my stroller and I took in the clean country air. All of this brings me closer to my goal of losing that weight. That is my pledge. I will move and be active with my family in order to be healthier and happier. I will not focus on the numbers, or calories... I am only focused on moving.

My inspiration for this pledge would be the two small children in the stroller in front of me. Something about being a Mother has me wanting more out of my body. I look forward to watching them grow up, and running with them in the backyard. Being overweight those things are harder to accomplish. And often times, just downright awkward! My goal is set and I am planning on walking everyday. Walking suites me better than running because I have less problems with it. I am a weak runner and bow to shin splints and side stiches, but with walking I feel like I could go on forever.  See! There are no excuses not to take my steps for the day.

I am not sure I could do this on my own though. Besides my pint-sized cheering section I am armed with my pedometer, to track my steps as concrete proof that I am moving; as well as the RunKeeper Pro app on my droid, which gives me all kinds of fun stats like pace, time and maps my course. I can even have it automatically set it to tweet or post to my facebook wall so everyone knows I was moving. Add to this some comfy Nikes, a supportive sports bra, reflective bands and turtle fur ear warmers. They are all keeping me going in comfort, style and with an added bit of fun.

So, my question is, this year what simple changes do you want to make? Will you pledge to get moving with me?

*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece.

Wordless Wednesday - Child's Play

Giggling from the other room was because for once they were playing together.

 What does a prepared toddler keep in his purse, you ask?

For some reason baby girl didn't want to ride anymore. Little Man found new passengers.

Mamavation Monday - Remember Childhood?

As a child, what did you enjoy doing? What made your heart sing for no other reason than you really enjoyed it. Childhood is a time uncomplicated by most health problems, work or many obligations. When I was younger I remember playing outside for hours. I had a hand-me-down yellow and green bike that was my whole world. There were some days I barely moved off of that banana seat. There was a church parking lot directly across from our house and I rode around and around it. Then when I started elementary school there was a jump rope club during recess and directly after school. So, when I couldn't be on my bike I was jumping my heart out with my red and white jump rope... courtesy of the American Heart Association.

The other week I pulled out a jump rope and was filled with nostalgia. The problem was, when I started jumping my shins screamed,  my lunges were burning for air and I just couldn't keep it up. The heavy thud as I hit the floor were also not appealing. What happened? Okay, besides the added weight, age and time... Where did the love go?

This week as I hoped to join the rank of Mamavation Moms before me, I thought a lot about my lost love of moving and exercise. During hazing I came to enjoy the jumping jacks and butt kickers. They were surprisingly fun. The planks and crunches were harder and left me feeling pretty weak. I wonder what happened to that little girl who loved to move and did so all day long. At this point I still don't know the results for campaign 7, and that is okay. Regardless of the outcome, I want to find the little girl in me who still loves her bike and can't jump high enough.

...and now for the moment of truth. Here in all my BEFORE glory, is the real me.

Now I understand why folks look so unhappy in their before pictures. Oh, my! I just have to remember who I am losing this weight for

This is part of my first requirement for the Move it & Lost it Challenge ... or my first step as Mamavation Mom. Either way, take a look and know the next time you see this, it there will be less of me to love.

And my measurements are:

bust - 41.5 inches

waist - 42.5 inches

hips - 48 inches

thighs - 29.5 inches

arms - 14 inches
calves - 17 inches

My starting weight for the Move it and Lose it Challenge is:

 

A loss of 1.2 lbs!! 

Woo-hoo! - and the return of the striped socks.

 I want to thank Earth Footwear  for sponsoring the Move it and Lose it Challenge and for encouraging  all of us to live a healthier lifestyle. You can chat with them on twitter as @EarthFootwear.

Last Week's Goals

• Complete the Yoplait Tune Up this week
• Continue the EA Sports Active workouts for the week (4 total)
• Meal Plan and log my food intake for the week
• Get 1 hour of walking, jogging or running a day
• Increase my water consumption and continue with the no soda, no alcohol rule.

I had a great week! I finished up my yogurt challenge and though I enjoyed it, I want to cut out the sugar and HFCs, so will be looking at other breakfast options. I completed my daily Mamavation hazing, jumping jacks, planks, crunches, squats and even tacked some Mt. Climbers. Good times. I did keep better track of my food and stuck to my water rule, but I didn't get in the 1 hr. of walking or jogging a day. I used the weather as an excuse, but I need to put on my big girl panties and just do it!

This Week's Goals

• Cook my way through the Skinny Bitch in the Kitchen book (vegan cooking)
• Continue the EA Sports Active workouts for the week (4 total)
• Carefully monitor my portion sized and not eat over 1500 calories a day.
• Get 1 hour of walking, jogging or running a day, with aid of the treadmill.
• Increase my water consumption and continue with the no soda, no alcohol rule.

I should get my copies of Wii Let's Dance 2 and Kid's Let's Dance. So, I hope to get some good quality time in with my kids and some dancing. I am hopeful it will be a great week and I hope to see a 2 lb drop. I was 1 lb under that goal last week.

I tried my first Skinny Bitch in the Kitch recipe... I tried the French Scramble and my DH didn't even miss the eggs. - It substitutes firm tofu and tumeric for the eggs. Yum! Add to that some hot water with lemon, berry smoothie and an avocado and you have a great Sunday brunch.

There is still time to vote, and I could really use your support to be one of the next Mamavation Moms. Please vote for @notimeMom http://tiny.cc/5pewd  

Aloha Friday #46

Welcome to Friday Everyone! In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. I feel like I am experiencing the calm before the storm of the holiday. Let's sit back, relax and enjoy a little blog hop. No heavy mental lifting today... just one simple little question...

 

 

How Do You Like Your Eggs?

Winter brings us less eggs, but we still get a few from our hens daily. My favorite way to eat them, if not baking with them, is to scramble them in with a seasonal mix of veggies. My veggie scrambles are legendary!

If you are looking for more Aloha Friday fun, go to An Island Life and check out the other posts on the Linky. Have a great weekend!

Giveaway - $65 CSN Gift Certificate

One stop shopping from the comfort of your own home? Yes. 

200+ online stores open for your shopping schedule and busy life? Absolutely!

An amazing selection of products from trusted brands you already love to modern dining room furniture?

Well, I must be be talking about CSN Stores.

I have had the opportunity to bring you great product reviews and giveaways from CSN stores over the past year and you will not be disappointed with this opportunity either.

I live in a small town with limited shopping options, so online shopping has saved me many times. Every transaction I have made with CSN Stores has been an enjoyable experience. From decking out my kitchen with bake ware and appliances to shopping for both of my children's birthday gifts, CSN Stores is among my favorite sites to frequent. Take a peak, I am sure you will be surprised at the selection they offer.

If you haven't had a chance to try CSN Stores yet, or even if you are a frequent visitor there, you are in for a real treat! I have a $65 Gift Code to give away to one luck reader. Are you ready?

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Mandatory Entry is easy! Stop by www.csnstores.com and choose an item you would like to have. Please be specific.

For optional extra entries, do any or all of the following and leave a comment letting me know after you do the mandatory entry mentioned above:

• Follow my Blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry) 
• Subscribe via email (2 entries)
• Vote for me to be the next Mamavation Mom. Vote for @notimeMom on the Mamavation Mom site (ends 1/17)
• Tweet about the Mamavation Contest: "Vote for @notimeMom for #Mamavation Mom to change her life & help her inspire others http://bit.ly/f6yPHB Plz RT" (2 tweets per day, 1 entry per tweet) Contest has ended, so this tweet entry method has expired. (1/17)
• Follow @CSNStores on twitter

• Follow me on twitter (@notimeMom) & tweet about this giveaway. (limit 2 tweets a day) Be sure to leave the tweet URL in your comment. (1 entry/tweet) Feel free to use:

Attention Shopaholics: $65 CSN Stores GC #Giveaway @notimeMom  http://bit.ly/fiolBt :: ends 1/27

* Disclaimer - Open to the US. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to get full credit. Giveaway ends on January 27th at noon PST. A winner will be chosen via Random.org. and will be emailed.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. The Gift Code was provided by CSN Stores and is good for one item. Shipping not included. I did not receive anything in exchange for hosting this giveaway.

Giveaway - $25 Amazon Gift Card

I am so excited to be a Mamavation Mom Finalist! Woo-hoo!

I joined the Mamavation Sistahood over 3 months ago and love it. But, now I hope to be a part of their fabulous group who choose to loose and blog about the process openly. Yeah, I am going to put myself out there and in exchange I will be given coaching and resources to aid in my 7 week weight loss challenge. To be selected, I need to first finish in the top 2. Can you help me?

Well, I have a $25 Amazon Gift Card to sweeten the deal.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Mandatory Entry is easy! Just got to the Vote for Mamavation Mom post and vote for @notimeMom

For optional extra entries, do any or all of the following and leave a comment letting me know after you do the mandatory entry mentioned above:

• Follow my Blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry) 
• Refer a friend to vote. Make sure they put your name in their mandatory entry ("Missthing" sent me, etc.) I will verify each referral for your extra entries. (1 entry per referral.)
• Follow me on twitter (@notimeMom) & tweet about this giveaway. (limit 1 tweet per hour) Be sure to leave the tweet URL in your comment. (1 entry/tweet) Click my retweet button at the bottom of this post or use: 

#Win $25 Amazon GC & support a #Mamavation Mom #giveaway. @notimeMom is a Finalist. Simple click to vote. http://bit.ly/hVoeJO :: ends 1/17

Open to the US. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to get full credit. Giveaway ends on January 17th at noon PST. A winner will be chosen via Random.org. and will be emailed.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. After confirmation, I will send the electronic gift card information.This gift card will be paid for by myself in order to gain support for my Mamavation Mom campaign.

Wordless Wednesday - Yam Gnocchi With Maple & Sage

Okay, not the lowest calorie dinner, but we enjoyed a few with a big salad. My DH said it tasted like French Toast for dinner. Giada De Laurentiis  is an enabler.

Please take a moment to help me become one of two new Mamavation Moms. Vote for @notimeMom

Upcoming CSN Giveaway. Excited? I am.

Shopping online is so convenient. That is how I avoided a lot of the hustle and bustle this past holiday season. I live in a small town and our store choices are limited. So, everyone tries to cram into them the busiest times of the year. Unfortunately selection always leaves something to be desired. Whether it is a birthday gift, or just something I want for around the house, CSN Stores are my first one-stop-shopping choice.

Through CSN Stores 200+ online stores you can find from the smallest item, such as a toy or baking pan, to much larger pieces such as modern dining room furniture. With so much to choose from, where would you start shopping first?

Yes, I did say giveaway... Check back tomorrow for your chance to win a $65 gift certificate to use on any item on their sites. See you then!

Who Am I? I Hope to be the Next Mamavation Mom

Has there been an event that has changed your life forever? Mamavation Mom campaign #7 just might be that moment for me.  My name is Andrea and I have to change my life in order to live the way I want to. For that I need your vote.

You see, locked inside this body is the heart of a gal who wants to get outside and do so much more! I am currently at 207 lbs, and at 5 ft. 4 inches that is just too much to carry around. I wasn't always this weight. I have always loved trying new things and being active. I have a wonderful husband who loves me, and am blessed with two small children. So how did this happen? Well, it didn't happen overnight.

I gained a little more than I should have with my first pregnancy. I really enjoyed eating for two! And after my son was born I started to lose the weight. But, then we found out that he had a rare genetic disorder called, PKU. In the past 3 years I have spent so much of my time and energy learning how to take care of him and now his sister, also with PKU, that I forgot how to take care of myself. Between clinic visits, various specialists, logging their food & learning how to do their blood tests, I ceased to be anything but their Mother. I ate as we traveled, and spent many hours in waiting rooms... waiting. It was a full time job. So full, that we made the decision to stay home and care for the kids.

Currently I am trying to find myself. The first step is becoming healthy. I don't have a magical goal weight and I don't have a quick solution to my problem. I am just hoping to receive some one-on-one coaching along with tools to help me live again. The program supports the Moms with coaching, workout DVDs, a treadmill and some food. Along with this comes a commitment to support the rest of the Sistahood, keep a food journal, blog about my journey and ...*gulp* put myself out there with photos, weight and measurement. I know, what am I thinking? All will be worth it for a chance to permanently change my life and health. I want to share my journey... the ups, downs and the ugly... to inspire other Moms out there like me. We are more than just Moms, and our families need us to be strong individuals.

I want to lose this weight and be successful at keeping it off.  I am a Stay at home Mom and am married to a hard working farmer. We are simple and down to earth. Cooking and food are my passion . I love from scratch recipes and sharing them on my blog. I don't see this as a conflict, but an opportunity. I hope to use my skills and interest to share healthier and delicious recipes that other struggling Moms can enjoy. The great thing is, our families can  benefit from our healthier lifestyle. I hope my children will grow up with better tools to handle their food and exercise pitfalls later on.

Voting is easy! Support is done with just a click for "@notimemom" on Mamavation.com. With your vote you can send me straight into bookieboo's Mamavation Mom bootcamp where I will start getting back on track. Bootcamp, coaching and exercise materials are the jump start I have been hoping for. Isn't it amazing what just one vote can do? One vote per person, so I need a lot of votes to win. Feel free to share this with you family and friends. Maybe you know someone who would benefit from the  Mamavation Sistahood support.

Also check out my current Tutu Giveaway to gain more support for this campaign. For your vote, you will be entered to win a hand made tie-style tutu. I am happy to do all I can to make this more exciting for you!

You can catch me on twitter where I am committed to supporting others seeking healthy lifestyles: @notimeMom.

Thanks for taking a moment to get to know me better! I am so nervous about this campaign, but know that I have already chosen to make myself over as the best person I can be.

Giveaway - Glam Up Your Girl With a Tutu!

I love tutus! When I had my little girl I knew that I wanted to dress her up and have fun. Tutus were a fabulous way to do just that.

They are simple, and simply irresistible on a little cutie. I have made my daughter her own tie-style tutus, and have given them away to our friend's children for gifts. But, I would love to give one away to one of my readers! This is your chance to get a Valentine's Day tutu... or just an everyday tutu for a little girl in your life.

I applied to be a Mamavation Mom and am now one of 12 finalists.  I am sponsoring this giveaway for votes. If chosen, my public weight loss journey will be there to inspire others to also become a better and healthier Mom, wife, and woman. I hope you will support me by voting... and maybe win your own tutu!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Win a baby or girl's tie style tutu. 1 winner will win a tutu in their choice of size, children size 6 or smaller. I will contact the winner to get measurements before it is made. I currently have some Valentine friendly colors in my stash waiting to be used.

Mandatory Entry:  Vote for me for Mamavation Mom. I am listed as @notimemom . Just click the box by my name. One vote per person. Be sure to leave an email address if your profile is not public.

For optional extra entries, do any or all of the following and leave a comment letting me know after you do the mandatory entry mentioned above:

• Follow my Blog via Google Friend Connect (1 entry) 
• Have a friend vote for me. Ask a coworker, family member, etc. This program is about changing families one Mom at a time. It is open to any Mom trying to be healthy and lose weight, so why not share that info. Have your friend leave your name in the comment after they vote for their first entry.
• Follow me on twitter (@notimeMom) & tweet about this giveaway. (limit 1 tweet per hour) Be sure to leave the tweet URL in your comment. (1 entry/tweet) Click my retweet button at the bottom of this post or use: 

#Win a Tutu & support a #Mamavation Mom #giveaway. @notimeMom is a Finalist. See how you can help her win! http://bit.ly/eMSxwK :: ends 1/17

Open to the US. Please leave a separate comment for each entry to get full credit. Giveaway ends on January 17th at noon PST. A winner will be chosen via Random.org. and will be emailed. They will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. This tie-style tutu will be handmade by myself in order to gain support for my Mamavation Mom campaign.