GIVEAWAY WINNER!!!

I used random.org to come up with a winner, and the Manna Bread Giveaway winner is...

(drum roll please)


#18 -

Nikki said...

I liked Manna Organics on Facebook.

May 13, 2011 5:49 PM

CONGRATS NIKKI! Please email me your mailing address information and the 4 loaves that you would like to try so I can send it to Manna Bread!

ThinkThinCrunch Review

Think Thin sent me a box of their new CRUNCH bars to try and review.

Mixed Nuts

11/10!

This bar was SUPER GOOD.

I love peanuts, almonds, and cashews, and they were ALL in this delicious bar!
YUUUUUUUUUUM!!

Another nutrition plus : it has 10 GRAMS of PROTEIN and 4 GRAMS of FIBER!

:)

Thank you Think Thin for letting me try your yummy bar!

I've gotta get something off my chest.

I have never talked about this on my blog before, but I think it's time...so here goes...

When I was in middle school, I went through something horrible. Growing up, I was never fat, but once I hit puberty (way before everyone else, I might add) I gained a little weight. But, I was also getting taller at the same time. Of course, kids can be cruel sometimes, and I got teased a lot about my weight. Around the middle of 7th grade, I don't know what came over me, but I decided to get healthier. It started off innocent, you know, just trying to eat healthier foods instead of junk all the time. I was also on the middle school basketball team, so I was getting plenty of exercise. After a little while, I started losing a little weight and started to get some compliments. I couldn't believe it, people were actually saying how GOOD I looked instead of how fat I was.

Fast forward a few months: I started getting a little more extreme in my healthy eating and started overexercising. I would get done with my basketball practice after school and immediately go straight to the YMCA and workout some more. Then, after a while of that, I started restricting food. Like, I wouldn't EVER eat anything that was considered "bad" for you. (which, btw, there is no such thing as a "bad" food in moderation) I started looking at the labels on every thing. At first, I tried not to eat anything with fat in it, but then started counting calories. Over time, the issue got worse. I would write down EVERYTHING that I ate and calories were all I could ever think about. I was miserable and had trouble sleeping at night. One reason is because I was constantly running numbers in my head and it didn't help that I was FLIPPIN' HUNGRY. I distinctly remember a point where I would not LET myself go over 1000 calories a day.

SIDE NOTE:
(THAT IS STINKIN' INSANE!!!! 1200 calories are the absolute bare MINIMUM somebody should eat and that is only if they don't move at all - like are sick and can't get out of bed...and still that's too little.)

Back to my story... I am VERY fortunate to have the BEST PARENTS in the world. They were always concerned with me, but of course, I begged them not to make me talk to anyone or go to a doctor. Eventually, they made me go and I am SO GRATEFUL for that. I was around 108 pounds at my lowest. I'm so glad my parents made me go before it was too late! I didn't have a period for over a year. The doctor told me I needed to put some weight back on so I would be healthy again.

My turning point was when my doctor told me that if I didn't have my period I couldn't have a family when I got older. That hit me HARD. I loveeeeeeeee kids (if you can't tell from all of my fun adventures with the kiddos I babysit). I cried and cried when I heard that and decided it was time to get back to a healthy weight. I cannot say it was easy, but eventually after many nights of fights with my parents about food and exercising, along with several therapy sessions, and a training session with a physical trainer to help teach me an appropriate workout, I got better.

I won't sit here and tell you that I don't get those STUPID voices inside my head every once in a while, but I can tell you that I recognize that they are in fact, STUPID, and don't listen to them. I try my best to eat for health, not to be skinny. I actually have that posted on my bathroom mirror as a daily reminder.

I also love the verse:
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 149:14

Without God and my wonderful, supportive family, I wouldn't have gotten through this. I am so grateful for an amazing God that loves me the way I am. He made us ALL unique. Why would I want to destroy my body? - It's kinda like saying, God, you messed up. But, God is PERFECT and doesn't ever mess up. My daddy pointed that out to me and that hit me too.

The thing that I have to keep remembering nowadays is NOT to compare myself to other people. I am the only me there will ever be and I don't want to be anybody different.

Wow...it feels good to get that off my chest. There you have it... my story.

Summer Lovin'

This summer I'm lovin'...

Sweet and Savory Bagel Sandwiches!
Berry Bagel, Strawberry Jelly, and Swiss Cheese.
Melted all together...MMMM!!!

Opening a BRAND NEW jar of peanut butter.
Best time to just eat a big ol' spoonful.
Then, the second dip is used for my favorite PB, Banana, and Cinnamon Wraps!


Creating new recipes... Kelsey's Krepes.
YUM!

And now, I am DEFINITELY adding my NEW CAR to my list of summer lovin'

wahoooooooooo!!!

This was my first real "BIG GIRL" purchase.

<3


What are YOU lovin' this summer?

Erin Baker's Wholesome Goods Review

Erin Baker’s Wholesome Goods

Caramel Apple

11/10

OH MY GOSH! THIS WAS SOOOOO STINKIN’ GOOD! It was so moist and flavorful. I literally ate the smallest bites that I could so it would last longer!

Banana Walnut

11/10

SOOOOOO MOIST AND CHEWY! Holy cow! So stinkin’ good!

Fruit & Nut

10/10

Once again, very moist and chewy and full of flavor! I could taste the yummy raisins in each bite. YUM!

Peanut Butter

10/10

Peanut Butter lovers beware – this cookie is so incredibly delicious and peanut-buttery!!! YUM YUM!

Oatmeal Raisin

9/10

This cookie was very tasty, but just didn’t give the ABSOLUTE wow factor like the other flavors did. It was just an average oatmeal raisin cookie. Still good though!

My friend, Nikki, tried and reviewed the Organic Brownie Bites since I HATE chocolate. Haha

The Organic Brownie Bites

10/10

It was so delicious! It had the perfect texture and an amaaaazing taste! It was chocolately with a subtle hint of peppermint! My only complaint is that it wasn't big enough ... I could've eaten about 10 more, they were so good!!

I thought all of these were soooooooo good and couldn’t believe how HEALTHY they actually are!

Here is some information from their website.

Baker's Facts

1. One Double Chocolate Chunk Breakfast Cookie has more antioxidants than a serving of blueberries, red grapes and broccoli combined!
2. One Original Breakfast Cookie has a full serving of Whole Grains
3. Our Brownie Bites are made with Belgian Chocolate and are 100 calories or less
4. Ultra Protein Power Crunch has 8 grams of protein per serving!
5. Our Homestyle Granola is only sweetened with Honey and Maple Syrup
6. Our products contain Prune Puree which has the highest antioxidant rating of any fruit or vegetable
7. All of our products use all natural sweeteners
8. Chicory Root is a Natural fiber that increases the level of beneficial live active cultures
9. Our Vegan products are crafted with only plant derived ingredients

Check out their websites:

· Erin Baker's website (www.erinbakers.com)

· Erin Baker's Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/breakfastcookie)

· Erin Baker's Twitter Page (www.twitter.com/breakfastcookie)

ERIN BAKER'S WHOLESOME GOODS ARE DEFINITELY KELSEY APPROVED WITH TWO THUMBS UP!!

Thank you so much for letting me review your products.

Myrtle's Ballet Recital

Isn't she the cutest thing? I love my little Myrtle!
:)
Btw, she totally rocked it at her recital tonight! So proud of her!



Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway here : http://fitnessfanatic007.blogspot.com/2011/05/manna-bread-review-and-giveaway.html

PICTURE TIMEEEEEEE

Building 429 Concert!!!


I caught a free t-shirt at the concert!!! whoop whoop!!!

Getting ready for the concert to start...with my friends, Brooke, Krissy, and Nick.

Me and my friend (and future roomie for 2 months), Katie at her graduation party! So proud of her!

Katie at her graduation! We're standing with my small group leaders, Kim and Tristan, and Nikki flew in from SC to see Katie and Brooke graduate!

Brooke is in the middle. But, we snapped a pic with another friend, Casey, who graduated as well. Morgan and Courtney are with us!

I love Krissy! We just started hanging out this past year and I swear we are long lost sisters. We have so much in common and always have a blast hanging out!

The Austin Peay Graduates Fan Club! From the left: Me, Krissy, Nikki, Lauren, and Morgan. It was SO much fun sitting with my friends, good thing, because graduations take foreverrrrrr. haha


This is sweet baby Andi. I'm ready for another fun filled summer of babysitting!
:)

Watch the video too...she's so sweet!

I just had to throw in a foodie pic...I'm currently diggin' sauteed mushrooms...

and...after I've eaten a handful by themselves, turning them into THIS lovely creation...

Turkey, Swiss, and Mushroom Omelette.

YUUUUUUUUM!