Foodie Penpals

Hello loves! Hope you're having a fabulous day. I'm working out the kinks to my summer schedule. I really need to get more focused on my blog and reading my blog buddies stuff, but summer is hard. I want to be out and doing things more ya know?

It is time for Foodie Penpals! This time I had my girl Lindsay - I LOVE her and I can't say it enough. We have bonded over our love of Columbus, Ohio State and CrossFit.  I need to get to Columbus and see/WOD with her.  She is also the person behind FPP so it was a little bit of pressure.  Thankfully she liked what I sent and you can check it out here.

I got my awesome package from Kati. She blogs over at NY Cooking Adventures. We are trying to plan a trip to link up in NYC.  She needs to try CrossFit, and I really want to try the box in the city. Plus she knows some sweet grub spots to teach me! I can't WAIT to meet her! :)

Anyways - she gave me some sweet hook ups.

 

1 - Apricot Preserves - I haven't used this yet, but can't WAIT to try it!

2 -  Italian Roast Coffee - I don't own a coffee maker - I'm going to have to borrow someones or have them make it for me :)

3 - Coconut Milk Powder - um - LOVE this for cooking! Great find!

4 - Roasted Coconut Chips - holy YUM! Awesome snack idea!

5 - Trek Mix -  almonds, blueberries, cranberries, golden raisins - GONE the first day haha!

6 - Just Mango Slices - not a huge mango person, but this is a good snack!

6 - (below) Three chocolates - Truffle Pig is AMAZING! Sea Salt Dark Chocolate is fabulous! Chipotle Chili Dark Chocolate - too spicy for me. I definitely need more of the first two!! 

 

And now it’s time for some details about Foodie Penpals. In case you’re a new reader, here’s a reminder of what the program is all about:

 

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
-Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

 

If you’re from the US or Canada and are in participating for July, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by July 4th as pairings will be emailed on July 5th!

 

*If you’re from Europe, please CLICK HERE to signup.

DO IT! Sign up and join the fun - maybe I'll get you next month :)

~xoxo
M

Foodie Penpals Feb '13

Hello loves! Hope everyone is doing well. Guess what today is?? FOODIE PENPALS day!!! I received a interesting package this month -- my original penpal never contacted me, so her girl sent me a box :)

Her name is Angie from I love Tangie -- I received a vegetarian box.  New for me, but super good stuff. 

First -- Two types of Annie Chun's Roasted Seaweed Snacks - Wasabi (which was hot so I gave it to Jill because she likes HOT stuff haha) and Sesame which was really good.

Next, Pizza Flax Cracker -- again, I ate it with Jill the night of the Oscars.  It was way better then I thought it was going to be.  I was scared to try it -- funny right? I'm a weirdo with food sometimes -- the big, red RAW sticker threw me off.

I have not tried the Fat Cat sauce -- it sounds like it will be good on chicken, so I am excited about that.

The Dark Chocolate is good -- I've had it before.  I haven't ate this one yet, but once my Paleo challenge is over....it doesn't stand a chance! :)

Final thing for me were three Raw Revolution bars -- two 100 bars in Cherry Chocolate Chunk & Spirulina Dream and a Spirulina Dream big bar.

Finally -- she was awesome and sent a homemade treat for my dogs -- it was only one, so I split it and gave each girl a piece.  They LOVED them :)

Check out what I sent my girl Jill over at Purple Knee Socks. I'm so happy she likes everything :)

Click HERE to see what everyone else got this month and join me next month!!

Here are some more details:

• On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
• You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
• The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
• You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
• Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
• Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re from the US or Canada and are in participating for November, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by March 4th as pairings will be emailed on March 5th!

*If you’re from Europe, please CLICK HERE to signup.

~xoxo
M

Jan 2013 Foodie PenPals

Foodie Pen Pal Reveal for January

I LOVE Foodie PenPals -- I had the honor of getting all this awesome stuff from Darlynn at The Little Blog Dress. In all honesty, I've only been able to try the Pineapple chips and gummy bears (totally Paleo right?).

Top left was my Pineapple chips - they were very good and looking forward to getting more. Top Middle was FunkyChunky Popcorn - should be interesting. I'm hit or miss with popcorn, looks REALLY good so I'm crossing my fingers...nice little cheat snack. Top Right were Olives. I don't eat them, but I have a friend who is super pumped to try them.

Middle left - Coco Exposed Passion Fruit + Pineapple. - SUPER stoked to try this! Middle Middle (haha) - some balsamic & olive oil plus a roasted raspberry chipotle sauce(sounds fabulous doesn't it?).  Middle right - Somersaults - I'm interested to see the flavor and texture here.

Bottom left - Wild Garden Hummus to go (can't WAIT to try this!) Bottom Middle - Nutella and candy -- YUM! Bottom Right -Lemmon Mints.

And now it's time for some details about Foodie Penpals.

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.

-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!

-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!

-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)

-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.

-Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We've determined things might get too slow and backed up if we're trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re from the US or Canada and are in participating for November, please CLICK HERE (www.theleangreenbean.com/foodie-penpals/) to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by February 4th as pairings will be emailed on February 5th!

*If you're from Europe, please CLICK HERE to signup.

You can see all of the round up from this month here -- now join us :)

~xoxo

M

Foodie Penpals Month 2 :)

So this month I got a package from Liz from Oregon (thanks Liz =) ). I challenged her bc I am on my Paleo Challenge so here is my awesome box....

So the Kale Crunchies are probably my FAVORITE thing in here.  I honestly have not tried the pumpkin seeds yet.  I LOVE doing Foodie Penpals. I hope my girl liked her box :)

Want a penpal of your own?! Here are the details!

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
-Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re interested in participating for September, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions. You must submit your information by October 4th as pairings will be emailed on October 5th!

That is all! You should consider doing it.  It's a great way to try new things and see what all is out there :)

~xoxo

M

Foodie Penpals - Month 1 :)

So August was a crazy month for me -- lots of changes and new things.  One of my favorite things I did this month was sign up for Foodie Penpals over at The Lean Green Bean -- here are the rules:

Here’s a detailed explanation of the program:
-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you can choose to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
- Foodie Penpals is open to US, Canadian residents & UK residents. 

Click HERE to join the fun :)

So now for my FUN part!!

This month I was paired to send to Lindsay -- you can find her at Cotter Crunch to see what I sent to her! I had Stacy from Creating Sweet Smiles who sent stuff to me!

When I opened my box -- here is what I saw :)

Ok - so look above. That is all my AWESOMENESS (yes, I am still using that word).  So she sent me an awesome note...

...which told me how I pushed her outside of the normal thinking for her by stating I was going Paleo :)  I loved the note! MADE my day!!  Part of it told me about these...

...those are totally DELICIOUS cookies that she did not send me the recipe for because she wasn't sure they were 100% paleo (ps I still want the recipe b/c they were AMAZING and I'm sure not a bad cheat treat).  The main thing to know is chocolate and almond flour = HEAVEN!! Let me see...next we have green chile beef jerky...

...now, if you know me, you know how I do with spicy; however, this is good! A little hot, but really good! Next up, chili powder...

...what was cool about this is Stacy sent me some recipes to try with the powder.  The eggs were fabulous!! I'll post that later today! I am also looking forward to trying this on some of my meat! There is still some stuff to go (amazing, right? And all of it was NEW to me)...

This is a first for me. I had not had roasted seaweed, but it was really good.  A nice option for a snack and major goodness in it to.  The next item...

was very exciting for me as I've been wanting to try coconut milk for a while now.  This gave me a open shot to trying it.  I am definitely hooked and looking forward to trying to drink this and put it in other things. Last, but not least (and I honestly haven't tried it yet...I'm too nervous for what to put it on)...

...how fabulous is this?!? I have heard nothing but awesome stuff about this brand and about almond butter in general (hazelnut butter is new to me). 

Honestly, this whole process was way better and a lot more fun then I thought! It was like Christmas morning getting my box from Stacy and getting stuff together for Lindsay!

Can't wait for September :)

~xoxo

M

Time is Wrapping Up

This just made me smile :)

My trip home is coming to an end.  This has been one of the hardest trips home for me. For those who don't know, my parents separated about a year and a half ago and the divorce was official about a month ago.  Funny how people tell you as an adult it is easier, but I'm not sure that is the case.  You have a lot more knowledge of what is going on and what can happen.

With that being said - pitty party over :) I really would love to move home one day.  There is something about Knoxville (or maybe that my Bro, SIL, babies and lots of my good friends are here) that makes me want to move home. I miss having the crews to train with.  However, I miss my Fleet Feet Marlton group we are training for the Rock-n-Roll, plus my CrossFit Aspire crew and Jersey favs!

Can I even admit I may miss burpees -- just a touch?!!? haha Other then that, just been enjoying time with family and friends. Last night I got to catch up with one of my best guys and his wife.  I honestly love getting time to spend time with them and catch up.  He is also a teacher which makes sharing stories fun. Plus, his training schedule is hit or miss like mine depending on school.

I need to finish getting stuff ready for my Foodie PenPals :)  I am nervous about sending my lady her package!

Enjoy the rest of your day!

~xo

M

Oh & PS -- I was spoiled today and received an iPad as a present! Thanks to my amazing mother! I can't wait to get this in my classroom!! Any apps you suggest?

Double Unders

So, you know what sucks? Waking up and not being able to walk. Kind of feels like 2 years ago when everything went down and walking didn't exist without crutches or a gimp for about 3-4 months...blah! In some shape or form I have tweaked my achilles over the weekend.  I have honestly not been in this much pain or this uncomfortable in a LONG time.  I started the day with about 30 minutes of torture with my Trigger Point gear (check their stuff out -- it is FANTASTIC).

At work today I was trying to think of what it could be.
          First thought --> upped mileage this weekend with the 8 on Saturday and then the springs with CrossFit Aspire on Sunday, but I have had NOTHING compared to this since training for the Rock-n-Roll.
          Second thought --> we got seeded shoes from Nike for the store last Thursday.  I wore them all shift Friday and all day Saturday without my Superfeet insert. BING.  I still really think this is the main cause. plus Sunday I wore flip flops (my montrails which are pretty good but not as good as the Superfeet sandals) and I think it was just OVERLOAD.

So with a whole day of Fleet Feet and an attempt at CrossFit, this is how I spent my evening...

yay! You know you love ice baths...wait you don't? They hurt like WOAH you say.  I will do whatever I can if it means I can walk normal tomorrow.  Plus, we are suppose to have a speed workout tomorrow with the group and the other coaches are out. It's just me, but I may just coach from the side. Hopefully I can squeak in a WOD in the am though :)

The BIG news for today is the little bit of class I did get tonight -- I learned about Double Unders and I got 4 :) and then I really couldn't walk, but I got them haha!!

That's really all for exciting news -- two sleeps till Knoxville.  Still trying to come up with stuff for my Foodie Penpals (click if you missed the post). Found out she is pretty fabulous, married to a triathlete and owns a healthy food business. Talk about NO PRESSURE. haha Check her out at Cotter Crunch!


The plus side is tomorrow Ohio State Football tickets go on sale -->

xoxo -- Melissa

Foodie Penpals

Oh I forgot to share my FUN news!!! So I found this pretty cool lady by the name of Lindsay on twitter.  You can also find her sweet blog over at The Lean Green Bean.  She has this awesome program called Foodie Penpals (<-- click there for full story or read on for my take haha).

Here is the deal, basically what happens is when you sign up, you will receive someone to send a package to and someone else will receive your name to send you a package. You find out on the 5th of each month and you have 3 days to connect with the person you are sending a package to.  Obviously, you want to find out their mailing address.  Plus you need to know if they have any food likes, dislikes, allergies, dietary restrictions, etc. so that you can put together a package with a variety of items (local foods, home made goodies, etc.). Your spending limit is $15 and you have to send your package by the 15th of the month.

On the last day of the month everyone writes a post (or writes when they get their box, but doesn't post till last day) about what they received and then links it up to Link Party on her blog.

 

This month, she had over 1300 people participating!!  We've already received our contact information for this month. The girl who has me emailed me this afternoon and I emailed my girl tonight.  Check back the end of the month, August 31st, to see what I sent her and what I received.

 

PS the girl that has me is from New Mexico so that could be fun! Can't wait to see what I get! Kinda nervous to back my box too! Talk about pressure!

 

xoxo ~ Melissa