The Little Blog Dress

Meeting Bethenny Frankel

When asked who inspires you, what do you say? A family member, a boss, an old teacher, all makes good sense. For me, I have to model myself after someone who is like minded and embodies that entrepreneurial spirit that I wake up every day fighting for. I have been a fan of Bethenny Frankel for quite some time, just because she seems like someone that gets it, works hard and doesn't follow the mold that is laid out for everyone else. It is just nice to know that there are ~~people~~ women out there that make stuff happen.

Bethenny is debuting nationwide her talk show on September 9th. Megan received an invitation as a Tampa blogger to come as a VIP to her Tampa stop on the Calling All My Girls tour. What is funny, is that we both entered the NYC National stop (which I hope to still win, ha ha) and I didn't think about going to the Tampa stop.

The event was at Grille 116 (which was hot as a Grille, but anyways) and we received pink carpet treatment with blogger laminate and Skinnygirl cocktails galore...oh! It was awesome.

What you may or may not know about me, is that my background is in radio. I have met every single alternative artist in the 90's you could throw a stick at. Some of them are my dearest friends...so to say that I don't get nervous to meet someone I respect isn't really a stretch. I was really excited to meet Bethenny but I was nervous as hell, haha! But, I wasn't leaving her side without telling her that I was a small business owner, she inspires me and I was so freaking excited for her next journey. I don't think I took a breath through that whole word vomit diatribe. I am sure she hears it all the time but I wanted to let her know that as a girl trying to make it happen for herself...she is quite the role model!

If this week wasn't crazy enough for Miss Bethenny, her book Skinnygirl Solutions came out today. In our fabulous swag bag came a copy and I can't wait to dive in.

So come September 9th, check out your local Fox affiliate or on her website here, you can enter your zip code.

Follow Bethenny on Facebook and Twitter and #bethennytv and #callingallmygirls

Oh, and cross your fingers that we get to go to NYC for the National stop. You can enter here too but you may be begged to take me with you. I don't snore.

What would you say to someone you really respected?? (Don't forget to breathe while doing so!)

Pin It

Never Ever Ever

I am cross eyed exhausted today. I'm waiting ever not so patiently to grab my Bethenny pictures so I can tell you ALL about my evening last night. It was perfect in every way.

This Never Ever Ever feature is fun...here we go!

I Never Ever Ever

* will regret getting a chance to tell Bethenny Frankel that she inspires me last night
* will stop laughing at the things I have googled this week in regards to Baby Making '99
* will not feel guilty about having a easy week.
* believe that I am addicted to Big Brother
* know what I would do without this blog and hope I never find out!

What would you Never Ever Do?

Pin It

Today I Skipped

I rely on my Map My Run app to run more than I ever knew. Today, I couldn't figure out what happened it had a different screen, but most importantly as a Galloway runner, it wasn't telling me when to stop or go. It was throwing everything off, only to blame that it was really early...and finally, I figured out that I am the dumbass- I forgot to switch off my spinning extravaganza off and had to put it back to run mode.

I'm so bad at math, and my inability to make myself run longer than a minute no matter what really messes with my head....then it makes me start the wave of self doubt. I know I'm not the quickest of all that is running...and I really struggle with that..Do you know what I am talking about?

So, I am sorry Map my Run that I cursed you from here to high heaven but it actually became a really peaceful morning. I shut off the app...said a couple more cuss words and decided to take the bridge.

And I saw this.

Once I got over the self depreciation, I decided to have a good morning and I walked, skipped a second, ran down the bridge (because that makes me feel real fast) and even did some walking lunges.

Taking the pressure off how fast (or not so fast) my miles are really made my morning a peaceful one. I went farther, and enjoyed the outdoors. It wasn't the most caloric loss to date but it was good for the soul.

How do you get out of the monkey brain when you run? Do I really need a Garmin, or has my May My Run app learned its lesson?!

Pin It

Thursday Things

Ok, now this is ridiculous...where the hell is the summer going!? It was just Thursday...LAST week five seconds ago!

How was your week? Mine was easy and breezy, not too much going on! Actually if you can keep a secret...I have already done all my work for tomorrow so I may take the day OFF!! WOO! Wouldn't that be crazy...this would also never ever happen unless I left the country.

I have a Stella and Dot shindig this weekend at my friend's house. I am REALLY loving selling Stella and Dot!! It is easy and fun and I get to wear all the product, who is luckier than me! This is my favorite pieces this week...I love layering bracelets...click here to see some of the awesome line and let me know if I can place you an order!

On Sunday, we will make the treck to Orlando to try on Alfred Angelo bridesmaids dresses for Megan's wedding. Should be fun! Hope we pick something amazing out, I am sure we will!

This week I have been searching for fun bloggers to network with and I have found some really fun ways to connect with like minded individuals. I participated in some link ups, hoping to meet some new peeps....that is what its all about right?!

One of my favorite ladies Carly of Digitwirl, just announced that she launched her new website Carly K. I am so excited for more stuff from her, she is awesome!

Poor A-Rod.

Have a great weekend! WOO

Pin It

Easy Mustard Garlic Rosemary Pork Mariande

Its awfully difficult to be busy bees sometimes isn't it? My day starts at 5am and its go go go all day. Not that this is any different from anyone else...but I really like to have fabulous meals even if it is Wednesday. So, I am constantly on the lookout for easy, seamless recipes.

The joke in our home is that I never make the same thing twice. That is not entirely true...but I like to experiment with the new..so I know this recipe is a keeper because I have made it no less than five times this year...that is good for me!

Its an easy marinade with probably what you have in your refrigerator right now. I also shake it up a little...sometimes, I use dijon and crushed fresh garlic but today I used Trader Joe's Garlic Dijon Aioli, Crushed Garlic and Pink Salt (be careful it comes out quick) plus fresh Rosemary in my garden.

In my opinion, the secret is the kind of olive oil you use. It makes a huge difference. For this I took advantage of Carbonell Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Much like Spanish wine, Spanish olive oil offers a distinctively different flavor that liberates meat, fish and vegetable dishes from the confines of traditional, expected taste. It's Spain’s #1 olive oil, Carbonell and its great to use for light summer recipes.

I adapted this recipe from The Communal Pantry and made it my own, but it is an easy recipe to follow. You know what is delicious with this? Scalloped Potatoes! Yum!

Pin It

Never Ever Ever

I will never ever ever

Not wish to sleep for a full eight hours. I did my daily work last night for today and sure enough I was up at 4a.

Not feel sorry for A-Rod, even if I am the only one. I am in a so what, who cares mode. I think they are trying a little hard to make a point. Can't take this passion and go cure cancer or something?

Stop thinking about what I am going to do for my or my husband's fortieth birthday. I know we just spent a ton of moo getting married this Spring, but that's not an excuse. I think I have decided to go to NYC for the week, staying in an AirNB apt like a real girl. Except, I just think if all goes according to plan, I will be 2-4 months pregnant...and it will be a different experience.

Want the karma gods to think that I was just complaining about potentially being pregnant during my 40th birthday celebration.

To clarify before anyone freaks out, I'm not pregnant...just what iffing at this point.

Pin It

How to Change The Fitness Fail

This week, I wasn't really feeling any sort of physical activity. I am sure initially I could say that I killed myself trying to relive my ballerina days when I did my first real Fit Barre class. So when I finally regained feeling in my legs around Wednesday, it made me really lazy.

Then I started some medicine that will kick our family planning in full gear. Wanting to rip someone's throat out with your bare hands didn't quite make it to the side effects page on the prescription sheet. I know that this will be all worth it, but it really deterred my good mood. And my ambition to do anything.

That and its Africa Hot out! I mean, it will literally be 100 degrees today. Noone wants to do anything in this weather. Right?

So, instead of beating myself down and complaining...I took a little break. I made penne ala vodka and ate it three times. And today I sit on ways to make myself get motivated for the week to come.

Music

First up, I need some songs that I can say, this is my JAM! Of course, I have been listening to Blurred Lines over and over, and the rest of the album is totally different and it is very awesome. I am just not sure I am gonna be able to run very fast to it.

In Spotify, I found a good running playlist-I like this one because its all over the place! It has Breaking Benjamin, Coldplay and then it busts out with Stevie Wonder. A train wreck of awesome.

New Outfit

Of course, any activity will be better with a new outfit. And it is better if it is pink. I actually need to go down and get new running shoes. I don't know about you...but this is daunting. I feel like I am cheating on my original pair. But, my feet have been hurting when I run so I think its time to take a little visit.

Sign Up

A motivation to get back in the swing of things is to sign up for some 5K's and other classes to try. I will hopefully be taking my friend Keri to one of her first yoga class. There is also the monthly 5K that will be good (its at night) I also know the Dumbo 10K will be here before I know it, must wrap my head around that as well.

Try Something New

Because of my inability to eat very much before I run, I am always on the lookout for something quick and good for you before I head out. I was contacted this month by Jonathan, who started ZEGO with his co-founder Colleen, to try out their ZEGO bars.

These bars are delicious, and I am loving the sunflower (with a hint of caramel). They are gluten, soy and dairy free, low in sugar, vegan and high in protein. Best of all, ZEGO donates a full 20% of their profits to improve nutrition for low income children via the non-profit, "Campaign for Better Nutrition" Find them on the web and on Twitter and check out some of their new press. This is a great grassroots story! My favorite!

How about you? How do you stay motivated when you get in a funk?

Pin It

Sunday Social

1. What are 3 items you can’t live without on a daily basis (water, food, shelter, and clothes don’t count) My cats, my phone and an internet connection. Of course!

2. What is your all time favorite book? Why? I have a couple, but I loved Barbara Walter's autobiography...it really resonated with me at the time.

3. What is something you’d like to accomplish before the end of 2013? Just a peaceful continuation of all that it is good. I hope to continue to run and get quicker and quicker!

4. If you could go back and relive any year of your life which year would it be? 26-It was a time when I was thought I knew almost everything and I was getting pretty good at it!

5. What do you wish people knew about you without you having to tell them? That I am super sensitive about a lot of things.

Pin It

Thursday Thoughts

I was on the Today Show with Robin Thicke on Tuesday, so how was YOUR week?

If you know anything about me or this blog, I am NBC, all the time and I watch the Today Show like a religion. As many times as I have been to NYC...I have never gone down to stand in the crowd although I want to really bad. Just haven't had the time. My dream of all dreams is to sit and collaborate on my prattle on all that is um, well ANYTHING! So, the next to best thing is to have my tweet underneath the gorgeous Robin Thicke. I literally dropped my coffee. May I say, it will probably be the only time I will ever be underneath Robin Thicke but I'll take it. Can you say those things when you are married? I don't know!

I was also included in the Today Show Storify on the event and RT by their Sr. Community Manager for @NBCNews who has the coolest Instagram ever. He always makes me miss NY very bad. So, that was quite the sugar high!

I joined the Ormond Beach Chamber today, it was about time. I think it will be neat to see when you are officially being out there advertising instead of thankfully and luckily relying on word of mouth. We will see.

An agency I worked with pitched me for social media for a RFP we were working on, as well as another client and it got accepted. I can't wait to see what comes out of this. Very exciting.

Today is Thursday and I almost have the feeling in my ass back from the Fit Barre class I took on Saturday. Isn't that incredible. I really want it to work for me, but I don't know I look forward to running this weekend now that I can move without looking like an idiot.

Onward to a new month and a new weekend. I hope it is a good one for you.

Pin It

H&M is now ONLINE in the US

Ow. Ow. Ow. Excuse me that is me, pinching myself over and over. After the longest awaited launch in history-today H&M launched online shopping. I think this may be the best news since sliced bread. I literally have to drive to Orlando to get my fix. Now I can sit from the comfort of my own home. Holy Moly.

First up for sure is THIS bag-must have right now.

Get your fix by clicking here to start shopping. What is on your list?!

Pin It

Cheating on my Ipad with the Mini

I feel like I am cheating on my Ipad 2 since I bought the mini...because I haven't put her down since I got her. Last week, I saw my poor Ipad laying in the corner. A wave of guilt washed over me...because it has dust on it. And it was out of power because of non use!

So, one of my plans this weekend was to spend some time with it and make sure it knew I still cared. After charging it back up I went through and cleaned off some apps that I don't use any more. Like any hoarder with attachment issues, there are probably a couple dozen apps that I don't use. I took the advice of this article, if I hadn't used it in six months or couldn't remember what it did, it was bye bye.

I made a promise to myself to use it all weekend. I am still reading Z:Zelda....its so good...I would love to live back in that time, wouldn't you? The fashion, the day drinking, the romance!

Then I went over to Feedly, my new BFF since Google Reader and found this AMAZING article from Ashley at The Middle Finger Project! Sometimes I have to look at the browser bar to make sure I am not reading my own thoughts. To say her and I would be friends is not a stretch. But, everything she writes about is spot on!

Finally, I made sure it was really clean. To do this, I used the ARTcloth, which I think you are really gonna like. I like the ARTcloth because its not flimsy like some of the other cleaning cloths. Plus, they have some really awesome designs. Look at the one I picked out!

Credit:LYNKtec

The ARTcloth is an antibacterial microfiber cleaning cloth that is great for cleaning tablets, smart phones, eReaders, glasses, and all screens and lenses. It is crafted of deluxe, dual-textured microfiber which features a soft side for cleaning and a silky side for buffing. With multiple collections and designs, the ARTcloth is the perfect accessory for your touchscreen.

You can see a short demo video of the ARTcloth here:

The ARTcloth is one of many cool products from LYNKtec find them on the web, Facebook and Twitter.

Pin It

Skinny and Clean: Hungry Grilled Romaine Salad

Summer is good for a lot of reasons...you feel really lazy, but you feel inspired to eat healthier. I don't know about you, but in the winter I want to make macaroni and cheese and carbs and more and more carbs. But in the summer, with the shorter hemlines come the need to eat healthier.

We are OBSESSED with grilled romaine....apparently this isn't as new of a phenomenon as I am making it out to be! But it is AWESOME.

July is National Grilling Month! I was happy to work again with Hungry Girl and Pompeian Oils for a yummy recipes that I can share with you! This salad was real easy to make and it was delicious! Here are some more grilling recipes that are easy including Jalapeño Peach Shrimp Skewers, Grilled Romaine Salad & Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs inspired by the Mediterranean diet & developed in partnership with Hungry Girl, Lisa Lillien.

1/2 of recipe: 135 calories, 10g fat, 340mg sodium, 9.5g carbs, 3g fiber, 5g sugars, 5g protein

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 large heart romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise

2 dashes each salt and black pepper

1/4 cup diced tomato

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

2 tbsp. finely chopped basil

2 tbsp. Pompeian Balsamic Vinegar

Directions:

Bring grill to high heat.

Drizzle and brush 1/2 tsp. olive oil onto the cut sides of each romaine half. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Lay romaine halves on the grill, cut sides down. Grill until slightly charred, 1 - 2 minutes.

Plate romaine halves, cut sides up. Top with tomato, onion, cheese, and basil.

In a small bowl, whisk vinegar with remaining 2 tsp. olive oil. Drizzle and enjoy!

MAKES 2 SERVINGS

Pin It

Thursday Thoughts

I am crying big sad tears that I didn't not go to BlogHer 13 this week!! WHAT was I thinking. I need to put my OCD cap on and get my full recap as if I was there. BlogHer is offering a pretty kick ass promotion for all of us go or go homers. Read about that here. Like Now.

This weekend I am excited to take a Fit Barre Workshop, especially since I didn't really work out at all this week. I want the Fit Barre movement to TAKE OFF here since although Pure Barre in NYC did politely agree that Pure Barre Daytona had a nice ring to it but they weren't coming here anytime soon.

I rode a thin line this week overexposing myself on social media. It was all Darlynn, all the time...Obnoxious to anyone who is my friend on Facebook but when the good news rains, who am I not to pour it all out there?

The issue of Influential Women came out. It was really cool, and I am only a little sad that they spelled my name wrong...haha. AND MY BLOG The headshot is terrible...but I am meeting with my friend THIS week to get new ones like a big girl.

The next day our wedding announcement came out online and this morning in print in our wonderful town newspaper, the Ormond Beach Observer. God help our town, for one week...they get to see this!! hee hee..

Also this week, I celebrated a milestone, learned about a really cool new company called Plum Ally and held my first Stella and Dot party. I am OBSESSED with this jewelry and my first party was a blast. The new Fall line just came out...wanna see??

Speaking of jewelry, an old friend will be at the Fit Barre class. She has a gorgeous jewelry collection herself...Bright Side Collection. She was nice enough to register me, because Im not smarty pants enough to figure it out. Check out her stuff!!

Saturday night, my best friend and I get to go to dinner with our husbands! Good food, great company and good wine....who is luckier than me!

I am reading Z, the story of Zelda Fitzgerald....can't put it down!!

So, How was your week?

Pin It

Didn't Make It to BlogHer 13? Join BlogHer 13 at Home!

Boy, am I really bummed that I didn't go to BlogHer13 this year....I was going to, but then I decided to not and now I am really regretting it. I should have taken the time to reread my own recaps and made the jump. So I sit here at home in not so sunny Florida, looking at Blogher on Instagram and my fellow blogging friends saying Why Why Why!

Thankfully BlogHer feels my pain and they are doing a killer promotion!

I am better person for attending BlogHer12 and I met a lot of fun people and brands. I am not gonna lie, the swag was amazeballs. It was SO awesome to bring home some of the things from the generous sponsors of the event.

They know there are a lot of us who can't make it to BlogHer '13, for reasons great and small, but they don't want you to miss out on everything! They know you'll make connections with other non-attendees on Twitter and they will share the things that you'll be glad you aren't missing... like conference feet. Oh, and there's more!

One of the fun things about BlogHer Conferences is seeing what's in the swag bag, so three lucky BlogHer at Home participants will win a BlogHer '13 swag bag and a chance for an entry for BlogHer14!

Click here for more information-and trust me, it will be just like being there-I promise!!

BlogHer 12 Selfie

Disclosure: I am receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for posting.

Pin It

A Life Threatened: Five Years Later

A reminder of what's important taken this morning
by my friend Sabrina

This is a really wonderful day for me. It is met with relief and gratitude. Five years ago today, after having headaches, blurred vision and falling over my feet one too many times...I was told it was just migraines in your thirties. but let's get you a CT scan to make sure you don't have anything serious...This afterthought by my doctor was a blessing in a disguise. Turns out that I had hydrocephalus that required emergency brain surgery. That old adage, it's not brain surgery? Was.

I was scared, but luckily I was sedated. My sister, my boyfriend, my best friends....not so much. It was a long couple of days.

So, you rise up or let the sword fall on you. I have an acquaintance that was afflicted with cancer.which is terrible...sad and terrible. She is a survivor, but she says the word I had cancer in every cuss word sentence. Its really annoying. I searched my blog to see if I have ever prattled about this before and I am glad I haven't too much. I try to not to bring it up a lot...there is some people know, but some people have no idea. I don't know which is better. I talk about it a little, mention it every once in a while and am in the same camp with migraine sufferers when the barometric pressure is high. But five years is a big deal and I wanted to write on here about it.

What's the takeaway for me? An awareness that all is not what it seems. Everything for me is black and white, there is no longer any gray area, and my lack of empathy waivers more than I would like to admit. Aw...your boyfriend cheated on your for the twelfth time and you are still doing nothing but crying over it? Did you almost die and have brain surgery...yeah...that is what I thought. Get over it...That is prob the darkest side of recovery, my lack of I give a hoot of trivial matters that are self inflicted.

The upside? I am healthy and pain free, excepts when before it rains...modern medicine is awesome....I have a bigger sense of accomplishment when I run or when I do yoga, or when I see something truly beautiful. I have an awareness of what and who are important, what matters and what doesn't. A "we will figure it out" attitude has changed me for good.

This gives me a platform to say exactly what I think because I know that life is too short. It made me fearless to leave a 18 year old job and throw myself into self employment. Turning lemons into lemonade and shaking my head at the people that just can't drag themselves out of their hole to see the light.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Pin It

Plum Alley, THE Shopping Site for Women Innovation

I am really excited to talk to you about Plum Alley! Plum Alley is a new venture that I am 100% behind.
Plum Alley is the destination site where women entrepreneurs and innovators succeed with crowdfunding, commerce and experts. So, when you shop on Plum Alley, you are directly supporting women entrepreneurship! I can not stay off this site, especially on the female founders area where you can read about each woman's story and the goods that they sell.

Some things on my wishlist:

GC Estate Lavender Honey-Organically grown culinary Lavender "Provence" from the O'Connell Family Vineyard Estate blended with 100 % pure Napa Valley wild honey.

From Gabrielle Leonard, read her bio here

Best In Show Cocktail Napkins

I can't stand how cute these are! Embroidered cocktail napkins with ornate dogs in bright colors.

100% linen. What a great gift this would make.

Kim Seybert's is the designer and her bio is here.

Ebb and Flow Soy Candle

This is an earthy blend with familiar scents of trees and fallen leaves. The ambre boosts with sweetness giving this scent a pleasant finish. It's for the tree hugger in all of us.

From Rupal Bindha, founder of Ebb and Flow-her cool story here

The items on Plum Alley are at all different price points and if you are like me who wishes to validate their shopping addiction, this meets that goal. When you shop on Plum Alley-you are supporting women! Plum Alley Commerce enables women and men to consciously direct their purchasing power to women entrepreneurs, making tangible contributions to the long-term growth and success of women-owned companies.

In addition to their commerce site, Plum Alley provides women entrepreneurs and innovators a way to raise money from a broad base of people through crowdfunding. Their crowdfunding platform will be live September 2013. To submit a project, please fill out this form.

Another cool aspect of Plum Alley is they have their finger on the pulse of women who invest in other women and give expert advice. Plum Alley’s panel of experts represents various fields and areas of business needed for success.
More info here

Do you know someone that would be a good match for Plum Alley? They showcase companies that have unique offerings or are best of class. The company must be 51% female owned, and receiving over $100k in revenue to qualify. Nominate your favorite female founder here.

Happy Shopping to you, and let me know what you find! Shop here, now and often!

Disclosure: I am participating in this campaign for Plum Alley as a member of The Mission List. I was compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own.

Pin It

Thursday Thoughts

How is it Thursday already? Or Mid July? We don't have children but I feel bad for them, half there summer is gone daddy gone.

I can't say it has been the most productive of weeks...it's been real slow at work for some reason. I shouldn't complain but it makes me feel guilty and lazy at the same time.

I'm horrified at the country's response at the George Zimmerman trial. I'm not going to get into it because I have a lot to say...but I'm just really saddened how this has spun out of control. I also think the social media that we love so much has given the modern day idiot a platform to spew such sad prophetic thoughts to be taken as genius. What do I know, I only sat and watched every minute of it like I was on the jury...not just got the media cliff notes each evening.

The Rolling Stone cover was unbelievable. I hate Rolling Stone. They haven't written anything musically worthy since Pearl Jam ten came out...it's all political satire of awful. Sometimes if you wait long enough, they will show their butts.

On to happier thoughts! I won two awards this week, Readers Choice and Influential Women in Volusia and Flagler County. AND my friends at the Ormond Observer is doing an article about our wedding. Because I begged! Or asked nicely!

Speaking of weddings, mine of course...today is two months. I am still signing my maiden name by accident and if one more person asks me how married life is....I don't know what is gonna happen? Why on Earth does everyone ask me that? How else would it be! It's awesome! But it's the same. And allegedly you can't kill your husband when his friend stays till midnight delivering our new cabinet...because that is illegal.

That's what is different because it is more legal when you are married. Ha.

Had a killer Junior League new member meeting, this year is gonna rock.

So, how was your week?

Subscribe to my blog via email!

Pin It

Sweet Marleys' Coffee-Crazy Good Cupcakes

I am almost afraid to write this review because you all are gonna eat all my cupcakes. The downtown in Daytona Beach has its fair share of eclectic boutiques, shops, and restaurants. Sweet Marleys fits into that groove but a little more. Its urbanite-y but not in a try hard kind of way (which sometimes this area overdoes greatly)...it has free wifi, a bunch of comfy couches and a great place to work or to hold a meeting. Its a true coffee shop vibe and I love it.

The teas and coffee are excellent and they usually have homemade crocheted coozies which I could buy by the dozen. They are so cute!

But I must say the cupcakes are not good...no no not good at all, don't eat them. COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY KIDDING...I just want them all to myself! They are so delicious, and most of the time they are healthy and good for you too (as much as cupcakes can be) Below, is the peanut butter and jelly cupcake. If the pictures are a little blurry, I think I was so anxious to take another bite, I was shaking.

Like this? Share the love on Twitter!

Pin It

Bulu Box-THE Subscription Box for Fitness Fans

I am a subscription box addict. Soon there will be a TLC show with my name on it. I just like to try new products! Most of my subscription boxes are beauty related and I have more CC cream that you can shake a stick at! When I was introduced to Bulu Box, I was intrigued. I would love an opportunity to get some healthy samples each month, how fun would that be!

Bulu Box Weight Loss contains 4-5 premium samples selected to help you lose weight and feel your best. Once you're signed up you can earn Rewards Points each month by reviewing, sharing and completing short surveys about your product and samples. You can then use your Rewards Points to purchase full-size versions of the products you liked best at a discounted price! Save money, discover a healthier you and reach your goals with Bulu Box Weight Loss!

I received my box and I am SO excited!! Check out all the things that are in my Bulu Box this month!

Thera-Gesic

EatGreen Tea

GU Energy Strawberry Chomps

PowerIce

Twin Lab Power Fuel

Get your 1st Bulu Box FREE!

Purchase a 3 month gift for you or a friend, and get the first month FREE with promo code: JUMPONIT3

Note: This deal gets 3 months of Bulu Box for just $15 (compared to regular price of $30)

Get your first 3 Bulu Boxes FREE!

Purchase a 6 month gift for you or a friend and get the first 3 months FREE with promo code JUMPONIT6

Note: This deal gets 6 months of Bulu Box for just $30 (compared to regular price of $60)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Pin It

Essential Royal Baby Watching Food-Tyrell's Chips From Across The Pond

Well, I can't be there in person for the Royal Baby Watch but I can celebrate in spirit with potato chips from across the pond! OH!!! I am so obsessed with Tyrrells Chips! They recently launched in the U.S. and are all natural, gluten-free and come in seven delicious and eccentric flavors, with something for everyone’s taste: Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Mature Cheddar & Chives, Sea Salt and Black Cracked Pepper, Sweet Chili & Red Pepper, Worcestershire & Sundried Tomato and Beetroot, Parsnip and Carrots with a Pinch of Sea Salt.

Direct from the Tyrrells Farm, they use all of the potato and cook them in small batches to keep them crispy and crunchy.

Their marketing is adorable! You can find Tyrrells at Fresh Market locations throughout Florida and also for purchase online by clicking here.

I have to warn you, you are gonna have a tough time picking which bag is your favorite! Try them all!

Absolutely, they need to be eaten alone! BUT!! If you want to get a little crazy, I would suggest making this amazing dip from Smitten Kitchen Fromage Fort. It is a great recipe because you can dump any kind of cheese you have left over and have a go at it! Do this NOW! You won't regret it!

Find Tyrell Chips on Facebook and on Twitter too!

Pin It

A GREAT Use For Leftover Riesling-Peach Sangria

I am really excited to tell you about a recipe I found and adapted from Epicurious. We have a TON of Riesling from our wedding and it just isn't the first bottle that I grab. It is just a little too sweet to drink by itself, but you throw a little fruit and VANILLA in the mix, it is a win win summer drink. I would suggest making it a day ahead to allow the flavors to intensify.

The great thing about this recipe is it goes along with my favorite kind of cooking...a little bit of this, a little bit of that. One thing that MAKES this work is the addition of vanilla extract.

I hope I am not the first person to tell you this but you absolutely can not buy any old store brand vanilla. One of my favorites is Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract products. Taking premium, hand-selected beans cultivated on the Bourbon Island of Madagascar, they use their proprietary cold extraction process to gently draw out and preserve the vanilla's over 300 flavor compounds. The result is a sweet, creamy, mellow flavor with velvety after-tones, perfect for cooking and baking both sweet and savory dishes. An exceptional "all-purpose" vanilla.

Find out more about Nielsen-Massey products on Facebook or Twitter or on their website.

Ingredients
750-ml bottle dry Riesling
1 1/2 cups white cranberry-peach drink
1/2 cup peach schnapps (I actually used peach nectar)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 TB Nielsen-Massey Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
2 1/2-inch-thick lemon slices
2 1/2-inch-thick orange slices
2 peaches, cut into wedges
10 fresh raspberries or strawberries
3 cups ice cubes

Mix first 5 ingredients in large pitcher.Add Vanilla. Mix in fruit. Cover and chill overnight. Mix in ice and serve.

Original recipe from Epicurious is here.

Pin It

Sweet Salt Air-A Great Summer Read

I am really glad that the summer lets you slow down and do some quick, easy breezy reading. The term "summer read" makes me really happy...even if I am not laying on an island, toes in the sand....the permission to get away from those "heavy, makes you think" novels that keep you warm in the winter is a fair trade off.

One of those books that I had the pleasure of just finishing is Sweet Salt Air by New York Times bestselling author Barbara Delinsky. From the get-go the book held my interest for two reasons...it held two of my passions-blogging and farm to table eating. I really loved this book, I think because it hit home on so many levels. Nicole is a successful food blogger, which was inspiring to read about her process and how she blogs and answers comments. It was set in Maine, which is a place I would love to visit...and I read a good part of the book on my honeymoon in Cape Cod. The strength Nicole showed to support her husband during his illness was inspiring to me as a newlywed. I also resonated with Nicole and the loss of her father, which will always hit home for me.

The other main character Charlotte was equally complex. To sleep with your childhood best friend's fiance the night before their wedding doesn't give you the most brownie points, but to follow her along the book was very moving indeed.

It was nice to read a book with an interesting perspective on farm-to-table eating and the lives of locavores, a lesson of marriage and a story of lifelong friendship all in one.

About Barbara Delinsky

BARBARA DELINSKY has been published in twenty-eight languages worldwide. A lifelong New Englander, Delinsky earned a B.A. in psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in sociology at Boston College. Delinsky enjoys knitting, photography, and cats. She lives in Needham, Massachusetts.

Pin It

Thursday Thoughts

This week has flown by. I don't know if I like that. I need time to slow down just a little bit. How has your week been? I can't get my groove at work! I feel like I should be on top of it all....but it has been like a hamster wheel lately.

I got those damn Thank You cards out. Now that doesn't sound very namaste, does it? They took forever to get just perfect. I am whacky when it comes to invitations...it has to be perfect! So three weeks later, we finally got them in the mail. I hope people like them. I also hope it reminds people that came to our wedding and drank my alcohol and ate my food and didn't get us anything that karma is not so kind.

I sprained my hand. Did you know I was clumsy? When embossing said stupid thank you notes, i hurt my hand pressing down 100 times...Can you believe it? That is ridiculous in every extent of the word.

I got a new client! How exciting! I took on a design firm. A girl I have known since elementary school works there and thought of me. That is the best kind of person to work with, isnt it?

Allegedly, I am a 2013 Influential Women in Business. I had the chance to be interviewed over the phone for it, which I HATE. You say one thing, and they print another. Stay tuned for that.

I had a lot of post marriage anxiety this week. I don't know if that is a real disease but I sure did google it. My best friend says that the first year of marriage is the hardest thing that I will ever do. Im hoping the nerves will pass.

I already told you about my Sweat Pink Ambassadorness! I am so excited!

Hope everyone have plans of greatness for the weekend!

Pin It

Pages