Time flies when you’re having fun! This blog just turned 4! I think back to how little I knew about blogs and blogging when I started. Heck, I’m sure that I still have a lot to learn. Last year, I wrote about some lessons learned and I think they all still hold up very well. The most critical ones are to write about what you enjoy and share enthusiasm and, as Marcia says, “keep your eye on your own paper.” Comparison is in fact the thief of joy!
Last May, I hit a bit of a blogging slump and it felt like I needed some changes. I did a survey and changed up some of my formats. I ditched my Friday Finds – even though deal finding and finding new things was what I started with initially. It seemed like people liked the apps, ideas and sales that I shared, but not enough for the amount of effort it took to compile them each week. I started linking up with the DC Trifecta’s Friday Five and made some great new connections. I kept up with co-hosting the Wednesday Giveaway Round Up with Smitha and continued offering awesome giveaways. While I do not want to only be a giveaway blogger, I do enjoy working with great companies/people to spread the word about products and services that I love. I try to share and give away only products I use/want to try/love. I know giveaways are not for everyone, so I try to make sure to include interesting content and have other kinds of posts, too.
This blog has added so much to my life. I’ve met SO MANY amazing people. I’ve attended a ton of fun events in Chicago and met terrific companies/people at the Chicago Sweets and Snacks Show, Expo West and the Good Food Festival. I have taken tons of exercise classes, done great workouts and so much more. I’ve eaten all the foods and drank all the drinks. I’ve learned that it never hurts to ask to try a new product or service and for every “no,” I get three “yeses.” The blog has helped me to be more optimistic and gives me the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for health, fitness and wellness (and everything else that suits my fancy). Writing this blog has opened my eyes to what’s new and what people are trying. It has made me more curious and open minded.
I am excited to have been selected as a brand ambassador for some great new companies since last year, too. In addition to Peanut Butter & Co, Janji, Esprit de She, Simple Squares and Kindrunner, I now am a brand ambassador for CEP Compression, Run Gum, SOS Rehydrate and the San Francisco Marathon.
So with gratitude and joy, I am celebrating turning 4 with what I do best… a giveaway from some of these great companies!
The Prizes:
1. PB & Co 31 Days of Dark Chocolate Dreams Cookbook + 2 jars PB! ($25 retail value)- A cookbook with a Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter recipe for every day of the month – the 31 Days of Dark Chocolate Dreams Cookbook! Plus a jar of Dark Chocolate Dreams PB + a jar of White Chocolate Wonder PB (not pictured), too!
Winner Jill! 2. CEP Compression Socks ($60 retail value) The only compression socks made by a medical products company with medical grade materials. My man Meb wears these and so do I! Check out Wendy’s review of CEP Compression socks HERE. You pick the size and color. (You can trade for compression sleeves or any item of a lower retail cost, as well)
Winner Susie! 3. One item from Janji – you pick!– (up to $75 retail value) Janji is an awesome running clothes company. Janji donates a portion of every sale to organizations who are providing on-the-ground solutions to real problems all over the world. Not only does each purchase provide a tangible relief for hunger and thirst around the world, but wearing the brightly colored clothing helps raise awareness. Plus, you look awesome. Here is my original review post.
Winner Ellen! 4. One bag of each flavor of Olomomo Nuts (7 kinds!)- ($35 retail value) You may remember Olomomo nuts from my giveaway a while back. Their roasted nuts are a micro-batch, premium, high-energy, amino acid and protein-rich snack. They are also gluten free and strive to use organic and fair trade ingredients. They now come in 7 awesome flavors including flavored almonds, cashews, pecans and walnuts! They just rebranded and put them in resealable bags. It’s the year of the monkey!
5. Runner pack from SOS Rehydrate and Run Gum – ($35 retail value) Try my fave flavor of SOS Rehydrate – Berry and a great BPA free water bottle plus a 10 pack of Run Gum performance gum (5 mint and 5 cinnamon!) The Run Gum will get you moving and the SOS Rehydrate will keep you hydrated.
How to enter: Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. The giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years of age or older and is void where prohibited. The giveaway will be open through 4/25. Winners will be selected and notified on 4/26. Winners may choose a prize in order of the draw. One prize per winner.
Thank you for reading my blog! Your comments and feedback make me so happy. Please let me know what you want me to find in the year ahead and I will do my best to make it happen.
Please note: I was provided some of the prizes at no cost from these awesome vendors. I was not compensated for this post. I will purchase some items at a discount due to my relationship with the companies. All opinions are my own.