Good morning, and sorry for the unnannounced hiatus. The hubs and I have spent the last few weeks digging through real estate listings and talking to local builders. We are ready to move into a larger home with some land and would like to take advantage of the amazing interest rates. However, we have been a little dismayed by the multi-colored carpets and 1980's kitchens in our price range, so we have started exploring other options. We think that we may be leaning towards building, but only time will tell!
Now on to the exciting stuff! This month, I participated in the Foodie Penpal exchange over at The Lean Greenbean.
I was partnered with sender Lindsay from Itz Linz and recipient Heather at Yummy Sushi Pajamas. I had a blast putting together a mix of local and healthy goodies for Heather to try out, and Lindsay absolutely spoiled me, as you can see below:
Lindsay included all sorts of goodies from Trader Joe's (sunflower seeds, roasted plantain chips, wasabi seaweed snacks, dried mango, and cinnamon sugar pita chips). She also included a packet of Coach's Oats, a Kind Bar, a Dove dark chocolate bar, Celestial Sugar Cookie Sleighride tea, and a tube of Burt's Bees chapstick. Holy wow! It was like Christmas in July. :)
The first thing I tried out was the Kind Bar. Although I love all snack bars (especially Larabars and Clif Bars), I had never actually tried a Kind Bar. I was impressed by the very simple ingredient list. Although the bar seemed a little dry on their own, I decided it would be delicious chopped up over yogurt or oats.
Since that day, we have tried out several other goodies as well. The Dove chocolate found its way into several bowls of yogurt and berries---yummo! Since the hubs could basically eat Wasabi by the spoonful, he took the seaweed snacks to munch on in his office. The Burt's Bees found its way into my purse and is absolutely heavenly, especially with all the dry weather we've had in Indiana lately.
One of the first things I noticed when I opened the box was the Celestial Sugar Cookie tea. I love most any tea, but thought that the Christmas theme was a little odd at first. Soon, it made sense. Tucked into the box of goodies, Lindsay had included a recipe for Sugar Cookie Protein Smoothies. We haven't had a chance to make them yet, but I am excited to try a new post-workout treat.
The sunflower seeds and mango will become new additions to our usual trail mix as we prepare to go camping again in the coming weeks, and the other items will make wonderful treats as I head back to school. I am excited to participate in this wonderful program again in August.
Thank you Lindsay and Lindsay for a wonderful first month in the Foodie Penpal exchange! If you are interested in joining, head over to the Lean Greenbean to learn more!
Hi! I'm Robyn, and this is my nest. I started reading healthy living blogs last year, as part of my own weight loss journey. During that time, I kept thinking, "A blog would help me be accountable.. A blog would give me a place to share my experiences..." etc., etc., etc. Still, I always managed to find one excuse or another. Today, the excuses end, and the fun begins...
So, where to start? Let's try a few fun facts...
1. I am twenty-four years old, but I am often mistaken for someone much younger. When I did my student teaching (with seventh-graders!) almost three years ago, another teacher actually asked me for a hall pass. I am convinced, however, that this "curse" will be a blessing in another 5 or 10 years. :) Right?
2. I have been married to Lance, my best friend and the love of my life, for almost 2 years. He is an electrical engineer, and I consider him my rational, analytical better half.
3. Together, the hubby and I are the proud parents of two long-haired chihuahuas and a twenty-pound Maine Coon cat. Somehow, we ended up with the smallest breed of dog and the largest breed of domestic cat. Bella, a snaggle-toothed 5-pound chihuahua, is the alpha dog, and what she says goes!
4. I am Italian, and if weight and health were not factors, I would eat pasta for 3 meals a day.. Clearly, this tendency must be kept in check! To balance my carby-love, many of my posts will feature healthy, flavorful meal and snack ideas.
5. Although I enjoy strength training, and will grudgingly tolerate cardio, yoga is my first and greatest fitness love. Someday, I will be certified to teach yoga, so that I can share this love with others.
If you have questions, please feel free to e-mail me at myhealthynest@gmail.com. I do not claim to be an expert on anything, but I look forward to sharing my perspective and experiences!
