Wednesday, November 11, 2009

One Year + My Favorites Giveaway

Today is the day!  One year ago, I decided I would start a blog.  I had lost quite a bit of weight and people often asked me what I was doing to lose the weight, how I was doing it, what I was eating and how often I exercised.  I thought that by starting a blog, I could keep myself accountable while on my journey toward my goal weight and also, show others that it is possible to eat well while losing.  Little did I know how much this blog would change my life.  I’ve learned so much about myself, my body and what I’m capable of.  It’s been a great experience, with ups and downs along the way and I wouldn’t trade a second of it!

I am so thankful to all of my family, friends and “blog friends” for reading my blog, giving me such wonderful feedback and support and sharing in this journey with me.  Each of you has spurred me on in times of frustration and gave me the motivation to keep trying…every day.  Thank you, thank you!

A quick recap of yesterday’s eats and then, we’ll get to the GIVEAWAY!!!

I’ve been having a hard time with breakfast, lately.  Nothing is exciting me.  Time to look for some new breakfast recipes, I guess!  I finally decided on a bowl of Trader Joe’s High Fiber O’s with skim milk and freeze dried blueberries.  It was great!

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I headed over to my parents’ house to help them with some home improvement projects they are working on.  After getting dirty, my Dad and I took a lunch break.  I dug around their fridge and found a cool new product – Sonoma Jacks Cheese Wedges

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They look just like Laughing Cow

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But with even less calories!

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I decided to use it as a topping for my Boca Burger and light english muffin.  Fab!  So was the honeycrisp apple and the Jenny Craig brownie that my Mom had stashed in the freezer.  If there’s a brownie to be found, I’ll find it ;)

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I was able to fit in a quick stint at the gym while little daughter was at dance class.  I knocked out 30 minutes on The Arc Trainer and called it a sweaty day.

Dinner was another quick and easy meal- Shrimp Fajitas over Spelt Couscous.  This dinner took all of 15 minutes to make from start to finish…

  • red and green bell peppers, sliced
  • thinly sliced onion
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 9 jumbo frozen uncooked shrimp
  • 1 tsp. taco seasoning
  • 2 oz. whole spelt couscous, cooked (I used Shibolim brand )
  • 2 tbsp. salsa

In a large nonstick skillet, saute the onions and peppers in olive oil until tender.  Add frozen shrimp;  cook about 4 minutes each side or until shrimp turns pink.  Add taco seasoning and stir to coat.  Serve over cooked couscous mixed with salsa.  Serves one – of course, no one else in this house would eat it ;P

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Okay….ready????

It’s no secret that many of the items I eat on a regular basis come from my favorite grocery store, Trader Joe’s.  I know it’s frustrating that many of you don’t have one near you, so I thought I’d bring a little Joe to you!  You don’t know how badly I would love to buy up the whole store for a giveaway, but I had to be reasonable and limit myself because I am opening this up to EVERYONE (yes, Canada peeps!) and I would probably spend a zillion dollars to ship it all!  Anyway, I was able to control myself and pick out some of my all time faves for you…

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A better view…

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All this for one lucky winner!  What will I make you do for a chance to win this??  Just leave a comment on this post telling me what you like best about my blog!  That’s it!  I’ll announce the winner on Monday, November 16.  If you don’t have a blog, please make sure to leave your email address in the comment so that I can contact you .  Good luck everyone!!! 

Thanks for reading and making this a great year!!!

132 comments:

Jenn said...

Good luck to everyone!! Marisa - I just discovered your blog a few days ago and I love and adore all the easy, healthy meals you share.

I'm not a gourmet cook, but I do like to eat healthy and everything you share here certainly fits the bill!

Manderz said...

Your blog was one of the first blogs I started to read and the reason I started my own. I cannot say how many ideas/recipes you have given me!!! Your blog rocks and so do you!

PS - I LOVE LOVE LOVE those sonoma cheese wedges!! I found them a few months ago and was so excited to see less calories then LC plus they were like a $1 cheaper!

Cassie said...

Congrats on making it a year, I've found your blog to be very helpful in my own weight loss journey, and especially coming up on all the food holidays! Best of luck on many more great years!

Unknown said...

I'm also a big fan of your recipes! Easy and delicious.

Lex said...

Marisa - I love all of your healthy & tasty eats you post!! Your meals & recipes give me inspriation on what to make for myself!
I also love your honesty - ie: your first 5K was VERY inspiring. I have my first 5k coming up in Dec which I am terrified about but I am still doing it! :)

100in12 said...

First of all, happy anniversary!! :-)

I love the variety you have in your meals, and how healthy they still are. So inspiring!

Also, I love how thinly you slice your apples. very visually appealing :-)

Chris said...

Congratulations. As a guy that doesn't enjoy cooking all that much and is always on the run, I enjoy all your simple and healthy recipes.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the 1 year blogiversary!

I came across your blog from reading another blog and never turned back :) I LOVE your recipes and they are the reason I stay on track with WW. I plan out my meals with your help. Thank you for inspiring me to eat better and still have delicious meals!
Eva - mrsnazario511@yahoo.com

WWSuzi said...

I have never been to a TJ's :(
I love how honest and down to earth you are in your posts!!

Barb said...

I appreciate your honesty & I share your love for Trader Joe's. You are inspiring!

Graze With Me said...

What a fabulous giveaway! I don't have a TJ's near me but I've been to one in San Fran before - talk about foodie heaven!

Your blog reminds me to challenge myself and I love your "one good thing" mentality.

annie said...

ohmygosh, how fun. congrats on the one year.
i have probably read your blog nearly every day for a year. i love the pictures and i love how "real" you are about things... i also really appreciate it when you admit that you "messed up" because it helps me understand that i can't always be perfect... even though it sure would be nice :o)

Katie said...

I love your blog because its funny, its honest, and its always there to inspire me when im losing willpower. I also love that no matter what you always have interesting pictures and foods i cant get here in the UK to tempt me!

Missy said...

Happy Blogiversary! I love your blog because it gives great tips about healthy eating. You have a great personality and I love seeing foods that I can't get here in NY!

Jill said...

I've been reading your blog for a couple of months now (Can't remember exactly how I found it, but I think it was through Heather's Leading the Weight blog). My favorite thing is all the great pictures. I love to see all your yummy meals and recipes.

Allison said...

Fun giveaway! I love how honest you are :)

Marie said...

Your blog is one of my favorites. You are honest and real. You make eating healthy realistic and easy. I see something you post that you love, and I go find it at TJ's and it really is just as good as you said it was.
I know blogging is quite the commitment, and I appreciate all the time you put into your blog. It's been an inspiration to me!
marieallen@cox.net

Lauren said...

happy blogiversary!!! I love how much positive energy you have

C.G. the Foodie said...

I love how honest and positive you are. I also really appreciate that you take time to comment on other people's blogs when they visit you. A lot of people have let that slip.

Congratulations on your blogiversary and your weight loss thus far!

I seriously need to try these Larabars that everyone raves about LOL. And now I need to find that chees too!

Mary said...

I like your blog because you have really great food ideas :)

Kinder said...

Happy Blogiversary!
I love that you show me how you can balance being a great mom with eating healthy and getting your exercise in! You are an excellent example por moi!

Chelsea said...

I love your positive attitude and he that that you never give up! You are truely an inspiration to so many people! Thanks for the giveaway! cmdrayer@comcast.net

katherine said...

1. Happy Blogiversary!!

2. I love the voice of your blog - you always seem so honest and genuine to me.

3. I love the clean design!

Anonymous said...

The best thing about your blog is YOU!

If it weren't for YOU, the blog wouldn't exist. If it weren't for YOU, we wouldn't get the great food ideas that we get. If it weren't for YOU, I wouldn't have signed up for a half marathon next spring. (Yep, you read that right!) If it weren't for YOU, I wouldn't be getting my butt in gear to change my life and if it weren't for YOU, I probably wouldn't have realized that I hit "rock bottom" way before I actually realized it. Thank YOU!

Unknown said...

I just wanted to say HAPPY ONE YEAR! But I dont wanna enter- I live 5 min away from a TJ's and I want to allow someone else to win. :) But I this that is a very generous giveaway! :) whoo hooo!

Girl in Carolina said...

Hands down, I love your food photos! Pictures really do say a thousand words! And yours are fabulous, seriously. Although they do make me hungry...hmmm...what's for lunch...lol.

I have had a MAJOR case of the sads for a while now after discovering Trader Joe's and then realizing we dont have one here. So count me in on this giveaway! :)

Are you going to run another race soon? I am going to attempt an 8K Thanksgiving Day. I'm so nervous!

Jenn said...

Happy Blogiversary!

One of my favorite things about you and your blog is that you NEVER give up. Hip injury? Vertigo? Last person in 5K? Didn't stop you!!! Love your perseverance! The food visuals and recipes are great and so helpful too.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Blubeari said...

I love your positive attitude and all of the food pictures :-D

Anonymous said...

Yay! What a fantastic giveaway Marisa!! Gosh you posed a ridiculously easy question for me to answer. I love reading Trim the fat because I get inspired every time I read it! We have very similar tastes in food, so every meal that you make, i think "I can totally eat that" right off the screen AND still lose weight?? (It's hard to believe cuz everything looks so good. Case in point - your shrimp dinner. Oh how gourmet it looks!)

The other reason is that you seem to always have great product finds and show me products i've never seen or ones that i have wondered about - just like those TJ's high fiber O's!!! So...thank you marisa for your inspiration! Please keep blogging!!! <3

Jacquelyn said...

I love that you never give up. Today is always a new day and we should all keep moving forward :) Plus all your recipies on the fly look soo delicious! :)

electropositive said...

Marisa,

I don't comment often (but probably should), but I think you're one of the most down-to-earth everyday blogger I read. I like that you don't try to be perfect and you actually tell us when you're down.

I was also very inspired by your 5K story!

C said...

Marisa -I am just starting on my weight loss journey and stumbled across your blog about a month ago! I have been addicted ever since!! You are fantastic and such an inspiration. I plan on gettting a blog up soon! Keep up the great work. My email address is seven40il at hotmail dot com.

Kari@Onederland said...

woohooo finally something that's open to Canadians too. that's one reason I love your blog. :)
The real reason I love your blog is because I love looking at all of your pictures of foods that you eat. You keep it simple and that reminds me that the food aspect of weight loss doesn't have to be complicated! Your blog has come a long way in one year...congrats!

Michal said...

LOVE your blog aunt marisa!
thank you for being such an encourgement to me and so many others! muah!
~michal.

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

pick me, pick me! I enjoy the photo's and writeups. Like you said, "show others that it is possible to eat well while losing." It's a big help to me, unfortunately, no Traders Joes anywhere near here.

Anonymous said...

I love reading your blog. It insipires me that you take the time to cook real food for yourself even though no one else in your family will eat it. I think that would leave many people defeated and eating frozen meals or just eating what you have to make for your family. Thank you!
clengyel@umich.edu

Unknown said...

My favorite thing about your blog is your honesty.

Also, considering that the closest TJ's is about 120 miles away, I would love to win this giveaway! ;)

Unknown said...

Yay, Marisa!! One year - how awesome. I look to you for inspiration every day.
I love your blog because you make the best meals that are simple and just look soooo good. Plus, I love your attitude! You are upbeat and positive, and just tell it like it is.
Thanks for doing this awesome giveaway! I would LOVE to try all that TJ's food!!!

Wendy said...

The one thing I like most about your blog is that you make eating healthy seem so easy! Sharing your meals with the world is a God send! I have gotten so many good eats from reading your blog! Thank you!

Wendy

Yvonne said...

Fun giveaway! I love freeze dried fruit & I do not have a Trader Joe's nearby. I really enjoy your honesty about diet temptation, and hearing about your family - I am baby/kid crazy right now & I can't wait to make meals for my family like you do!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your one year anniversary! I love seeing all your healthy recipes. Your positive attitude and accomplishmens are such an inspiration!
Danielle daniellejoette@hotmail.com

Amanda said...

I have been wanting to try those freeze dried fruits but when I got to the TJ's that kind of near me, I can never find them! I'll have to ask next time!

Please enter me in your giveaway. What I like about your blog is that I can see a different way to eat. I'm on WW like you but I think sometimes we get fixed in our own eating routine and forget there are other options. I love your grams green beans too and have even given that recipe to someone at work, who also loves it! Thanks Marisa!

And I also love when you try new ways to eat/count points/intuitive eating. It gives me something to think about.

OK, I've blabbed enough! Thanks again! And congrats on the one year blog!

Amanda said...

let me know if I win and I'll send you my email! Don't want to post it on this blog-o-sphere! lol

Sizzle said...

I read your blog every day, and I find it inspiring that you keep up with your exercise and good eating even when things don't go well. I fall off the wagon as soon as one thing goes wrong, and I am working on getting better at that. What I love most about your blog is your POSITIVE attitude! Oh, and your little recipes are pretty awesome, too. I really want to make homemade almond butter but I keep forgetting to buy almonds when I go grocery shopping. I suck at grocery shopping. Congratulations on your one year blogiversary!

Unknown said...

I like the 'one good thing' comments in your posts. They showcase the power of positive thinking!

Yum Yucky said...

I had the answer to the question before I scrolled down to see what it was....!!

What I like best, and am most tickled about, is your Trader Joe's love. It's fun to tour the store through your blog AND get inspired by the things you buy. :D

True indeed! Really, it is.

Enz said...

Congrats on your blog-iversary!

I love your blog because you don't take yourself too seriously, you're fun, light hearted but FOCUSED.

Tana@Orangeitlovely said...

Great giveaway!!
I love that you're so "real" you have the same struggles as all of us and are not afraid to admit it! It makes me want to come back and read everyday!

Kathy said...

I found your blog through Bitch Cakes blog. I enjoy seeing what you eat. I love Trader Joe's and I hope that you pick me for your giveaway.

kuhlhiggins@aol.com

Amelie said...

Congratulations Marissa!!!

I found your blog a couple weeks back and I've been a fan ever since. I love that you post pictures of what you eat and that you are honest about your journey. You're a source of inspiration to me.

Thank you! :)

Lori said...

I just found that Sonoma Jack cheese, too! It's good stuff.

Congrats on the blogiversary and I love your recaps on food and your fitness triumphs!

Lindsay C said...

I have been reading your blog for a while and I have enjoyed watching you create delicious food that is not so terrible on your weight loss goals!! please keep bloggin so that I can keep reading!!

Jen, a priorfatgirl said...

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! I haven't seen the Sonoma cheese but they sound yum!

Jonnie (JB) said...

Congrats on a year! I love the pictures you post most.
dftrew(at)gmail(dot)com

Cara said...

i love your dinnertime recipes!

Anonymous said...

Marisa,
I have been lurking for quite a while. I love your blog because I can totally relate to the picky eating husband and children and making two dinners most nights to have something healthy for myself and something "edible" (as they put it) for the rest of the family!
I appreciate your "real life" approach to the blog. Thanks for the inspiration. Dani

Ann said...

I like the way you throw together a quick dinner and it's actually something that looks appealing and something that I'd like to eat. It inspires me to plan and prepare meals at home. It makes me feel worth it.

Unknown said...

What a fun giveaway!! Congrats on the year girl!

I love your blog because of your honesty! You dont sugar coat & are honest about life's struggles!!

dclugston said...

Happy Blogiversary!

I love the pics you post of your food. You give great ideas! Thanks!

dclugston@crbc.net

Dutch said...

The thing I love most about your blog is all the food ideas you give me. They always seem so quick & easy and taste good.
Congrats on your year of blogging.

Anonymous said...

I read your blog every day. I am a 17 year old who recently lost 130 pounds all by working out at the gym and eating EXTREMELY healthy.

When I found your blog I was amazed at how good you are doing and how similiar we both eat.

My email is sby123@gmail.com

alliboo8 said...

I love all the food pictures! I'm always interested in what people are eating to stay healthy! LOVE Trader Joes!

alliboo8@yahoo.com

Shhhhh said...

Although I do like to come here to get ideas on what to eat/try, I think I like more that you share your day to day stuff. I really get a kick out of reading what you did at the gym or how your vacay is going or that the kids drove you crazy. hehehe

Happy 1 year bloggiversary!

Unknown said...

This is the first blog i've ever subscribed to and I'm so glad I found you - you make me feel like i'm not the only person out there who struggles with balancing a love for food and the desire to stay fit and lose weight. When i'm reading, I feel less misunderstood! Thanks so much for sharing!

Unknown said...

I think you are funny as heck and that is what most attracts me to your blog! You can find humor in most any situation--keep it up!

Amanda said...

Your recipes are awesome! :)

Diane Fit to the Finish said...

Marisa - what I love about your blog is that you are upbeat and honest. I still remember your 5K post that I shared with my whole family. You were are inspiration.

I love food and if it's healthy all the better. Now I don't turn down M&M's all the time though. . .

Unknown said...

i love you blog only been following for a couple months but i love your humor and love the pictures.

Anonymous said...

happy blogiversary, marisa! I love the fact that you never give up. constant inspiration! AND you juggle the life of a mom and don't let the excuses keep you from reaching your goal. :)

Kaneil, balance is best

Anonymous said...

Happy 1 year anniversary!

I enjoy your blog because you are an inspiration to me. Your struggles, ups and downs, and success make you a real person. You put it all out there, the good and the bad and I love you for that.

Also, you share my love and passion for all things Trader Joe's. I always come back to see your new finds and creative food combination.

A cheese lesser in calories than Laughing Cow? Gotta look for that one.

Best of luck and cheers to many more years of blogging.

Anonymous said...

Marisa I recently discovered your blog. I love reading about your journey and love to get ideas. I will say that I am new to the organic, but have learned so much from you and other food bloggers!

I look forward to reading about the products you find....we have no Whole Foods in Iowa. Finding good products locally is hard especially now that the farmers market is done!

Thanks for sharing!
Julie...jule26@msn.com

Junghwa said...

i love how honest you are with your blog!!!

junghwa-chung@hotmail.com

Reen said...

First of all, Marisa, congratulations on the anniversary of your blog!

What do I like most about your blog? Hmm, hard to nail it down to just one thing. I would say the author of the blog, you! Love your humor and your honesty, your way of opening up and sharing not only your successes but those days that are not so successful, and, of course, love the fact that we both did our first 5K together, even though we ran in different states!

So thanks for sharing and for being there for me!

Unknown said...

Your blog inspires me because you are a REAL woman who goes through the same weight and life struggles that many of us do. You are open about your weight issues and how you deal with them. You have come a long way and it gives many people hope.

Thank you

Taylor's Thoughts said...

Hey Marisa!
So your blog was one of the first "food blogs" that I started following and I love it! The thing that I like most about your blog is that you don't pretend to be perfect. When you have a "bad" eating day you are honest about it yet you still keep a positive attitude and try to do better the next day. I am on Weight Watchers like you were and whenever I have a "bad points day" I honestly think of you and try to turn my attitude around like you do! Thanks for everything, you've really inspired me even though you had no idea haha!
Taylor
tkad22@berkeley.edu

Anonymous said...

i lke your relationship with food. i still have disordered relationships with food, and i look to you as an inspiration to change.

MadScientist said...

Congrats on making it one year. I have really enjoyed finding your blog and reading through it :)

Wooo hoo for awesome giveaways.

Katie B. said...

Congrats on one year! I really like your positive attitude...you seem like a genuinely nice person :) And we have very similar taste in foods!

I love Trader Joes...I wish I didn't have to drive over an hour to get to one :(

Katie B. said...

Oops...my email address is pipanddaph@aol.com.

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

Again, congratulations on a year of blogging!

Honestly, there is so much I love about your blog (and I really missed you when you took a break over the summer!!!).

I love that you are so down to earth, honest, real, & inspiring. I love all the cool products you introduce us to (like these cool new cheese wedges). I'm amazed that you take beautiful pictures of all your meals. And I think your meals are what impress me most. Every day I read your blog I think "Wow. She eats great food every single day and every meal."

Ak said...

I love all of the pictures that you post! I wish I had a Trader Joe's close to me! After reading your blog I looked up the closest and plan on going there next chance I get!

superbecca said...

I love your recipe ideas!!! I'd love to win we have no Trader Joes :) The closest one is VERY FAR AWAY in the US

Rebecca said...

I love seeing what you eat every day and I love that you have such a great attitude. When you slip up or feel discouraged, you just dust yourself off and keep going! Here's to much more success!

itsawrap said...

I love how you keep it real and honest. Congrats on your accomplishments.

lynn said...

congrats marisa! i love your blog and how honest you are in it. what a great giveaway!

M and A said...

i'm addicted to your food & food pictures. love your blog!

MelissaNibbles said...

I love your blog! Congrats on a successful year.

Nicci said...

You were one of the first blogs I found and read. I was inspired to keep track of my weight loss though blogging after reading your posts!

Angela Power said...

*JUMPING UP AND DOWN IN CANADA*

OMG Marissa I'm sooo stoked about this!!! TRADER JOES, REALLY??? Even to MEEEEE???? :-D You are so generous!!

Well for starters, you always have such wonderfully looking and healthy meal ideas! You strike an inspiring balance between healthy eating and being honest about real life ;-) AND you are always so kind and I have always valued every one of your comments.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the last year with your contribution to our community :-)

pamela k. said...

stumbled upon your blog a couple of weeks ago & love it! Fellow WW. Love the healthy foods & concoctions & your perseverence & success is encouraging & inspiring! You also make me miss Trader Joes ALOT! Keep up the good work & thanks for sharing your life with us :)
~pamela - krapfpamela@yahoo.com

Crystal said...

My favourite thing about your blog is the photos ... I love me some food porn :)

Kelly said...

I love your food finds! I will be keeping my eye out for these cheese wedges.

Ann-Margaret said...

Yours is one of the first blogs I began to follow! I think one of the things I love the most is all the yummy and easy eating ideas I get from your daily food posts. Love it!!

Alicia said...

I love how you are determined and never let "hard" days get in the way of your goals. It is hard work to blog for a few days, let alone a year. You are so motivating and positive- and honest!

Happy one year!!

Alicia
alicia559@hotmail.com

Amy said...

I love you AND your blog!

I don't comment nearly enough, but please know that I read you each and everyday.

Hmm... what do I like the best? Seeing all your Trader Joe's goodies!

Thank you for sharing with us. Its truly appreciated! xo

Lisa said...

Just wanted to say you were the first weight loss blog I read on a daily basis, and inspired me start my own blog & get back to WW!
It has been great watching how you cope with your weight loss struggles, and how you always come out on top! You are great!
And I live right near a TJ's, so I don't need to be entered into a raffle. :)

Farah said...

I love getting new ideas for healthy foods to eat/make from your blog. Keep up the great work!!

Joanna Sutter said...

I think I keep coming back to your blog because you are real. Don't change a thing!

Congratulations on one very rewarding year of blogging! I look forward to reading year #2!

Anonymous said...

I love the meals you post. Especially the pictures. I love the recipes and I love the fact that they are simple. I also like the product reviews because I don't have to spend money on something that isn't tasty.

Thanks for giving us a chance to win a geveaway! Your blog is great!

katecooks said...

congrats on one year marisa! i love your recipes, new TJ finds, and most of all, your HONESTY!!! your blog is definitely one of my faves :)

Laurie said...

I love the simple yet delicious recipes! So easy to incorporate into my own eating. Gah I am SO jealous you have a Trader Joe's near you! There are none in Texas :(

xo, Amanda said...

I like your blog because you have such a positive attitude about moderation and health without letting it get boring or too strict.

Ibu said...

Whao congrats!
Happy anniversary!

I started reading your blog at the beginning of this year and I love how open you are.

I love how simple you lay out the details of your eats for the day.

I'm planning to run a 5k soon because you did it and coming 2nd in your age group category just made me believe that I can do it too.:)

Keep up the good work.
(ibkpash@yahoo.com)

OldGoogleAccount said...

Waaaaaaaaah! Why aren't there Trader Joes in Canada?? Why??

I would love to win this but I'm also happy for the opportunity to tell you what I love about your blog and seeing as there is no "one thing you love about my blog" rule, I have two!

1. Your sense of humour. You really crack me up sometimes.

2. Your food. I have gotten great recipes from you but also ideas of things to try from the meals you make. I've added several of your posts to my favourites so they are easy to find later.

In short, you rock!

Unknown said...

Congratulations and Happy Blogaversary!!! Love your food pics and hearing about your hubby and daughters! Thanks for the great giveaway and here's to many more years of the blog!

Brandi brandipants08@gmail.com said...

I love how you take pictures and you are a good blogger. I have been following for a few months and I just enjoy reading your blog. It gives me ideas on how to make healthier meals and it keeps me inspired. Thanks for it all.

Sarah said...

Congrats on 1 year! I love reading your blog for all your different food ideas and pictures. I really like hearing about your day too. I also like the 'one good thing' you've started doing recently at the end of your posts.

Kimmi said...

Ack I'm just catching up on blog posts and I'm running behind!

Anyway I love your blog for the pictures and the honest posts. Plus your recipes are AMAZING!

Jonelle said...

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! I really enjoy reading your blog and your healthy choices are inspiring. I also sense the love you have for your family and that is wonderful.

I even e-mailed you for a cherry Larabar recipe and you graciously responded.

Thanks for sharing your life (and your food). God Bless.

Jonelle (jonellesims@bellsouth.net)

Melissa said...

I love all the food porn pics. :)

Anonymous said...

Marisa - I really like seeing your meals and getting ideas for my own shopping list. I also like hearing about your adventures in running since I struggle with running SO much. Keep up the great work and I would love the care package since I also (heart) TJ's.
Karen
d8t8k@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I love your honesty - some days are good eat days, some are bad, but you stick with it!

Great giveaway!!

Naomi(Onefitfoodie) said...

wow what a fantastic ggiveaway! I love that you postedyour favorite thinsg and are giving the chance to one lucky reader to try all these goodies!

I love the descriptitons of all your foods, it makes it so easy to understand how to make all the delicious foods you eat...you also love trader joes, therefore i love you :)

emily said...

I've only been reading your blog for a month or so, but I love your writing, and of course what you eat. Also you are very down to earth and real about what's going on in your life.
Congratulations on your year anniversary!!

Jessica @ The Virtual Scrapbook said...

Your blog is so my favorite! And guess what I did because of your motivation!!! I just signed up for a triathlon!! I thought if you can do the 5k, I can train and eventually do the half-iron triathlon in Victoria in June! Thanks for the motivation :)

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary! I just found your blog today and I just love all the pictures :)

And I love TJs! It is the best!

Kim @ Kim and Mikey said...

I love looking at your food pics and using the receipes you share. Moreover, your food has often been an inspiration for me to creat new dishes all my own.

Kristi said...

The thing I like most about your blog is how realy you are. You have never been afraid to say when you went overboard with something or when you gave it your all and really accomplished something. When I read a blog, I look for the persons real personality to shine through and I think yours does just that! I want to see that someone else has the sqame struggles as I do and I want to see how they overcome them. You are very inspirational and for that I keep coming back to read your blog!

janetha b said...

wow marisa happy 1 year! your blog was one of the very first food blogs i ever read and i honestly LOVE it. there are so many reasons! i love your healthy outlook and your desire to keep calories in check. you make great meals/recipes. you aren't afraid to have some fun and splurge! you are an amazing person and i am so happy to "know" you! :) xoxoxo

Jessica said...

I love how you post so many pictures! It really helps having a visual of different foods and recipes! I really hope I win...alot of those things I can't get around here!!

KH said...

Your blog first caught my eye because of your yummy food pictures. You made healthy food look appealing! Now, I keep returning and find myself following your meals very often. If Marisa has a wrap for lunch, hmmm ... that sounds good! Keep up your hard work.
klhedman@sbcglobal.net

Ginny said...

Congratulations on your year of blogging! Your honest posts are very motivating! Thank you for sharing your journey!

♥ Dee ♥ said...

Trader Joe's? Throw my hat in the ring!!

m i c h e l l e said...

Happy One Year Blogaversary Marisa!

I am not entering the contest (am leaving the country until the end of the month) but wanted to let you know how much I love your blog - mostly your down to earth way and food combinations (always inspiring). I'll tell ya, you got my whole family on those dark chocolate crisps for TJ's!

Lynn said...

I love your blog and your candid honestly...and all those delicious recipes dont hurt either... :)

Anonymous said...

I love your blog definitely for the food and the recipes. It's great to read and see what you're doing and eating for meals. That delicious pizza you had up the other day alone still has my mouth watering. mmmmm I can't wait to try the recipe myself this weekend!
Thanks darling!

Nelley said...

argh, pressed return too quickly:
I love your blog definitely for the food and the recipes. It's great to read and see what you're doing and eating for meals. That delicious pizza you had up the other day alone still has my mouth watering. mmmmm I can't wait to try the recipe myself this weekend!
Thanks darling!

Regina Martinez said...

I love your variety of recipes and that most of the products are from my FAVORIITE store Trader Joe's. I can spend hours in that store if my kids would let me.

I love your blog and you truly are an inspiration! I love that your meals are easy to make and can be done quickly. Keep up the good work!

Regina Martinez

regina.martinez@pro.sccgov.org

Cait said...

Hello Marisa!
I found your blog about 2 months ago and have been following daily. I love food blogs and healthy living blogs, and your combination of the two is great! I really like that you post not only your triumphs, but the times when you slip- I slip up once in a while too, and it is refreshing to read about someone who is going through the same struggles I am. I also am a fan of your posting 'one good thing' every day, it reminds me that even on bad days, there are so many things to be thankful for, and it has helped me look at my life in a different way. thank you. :)
-Cait
ck9@geneseo.edu

janine said...

I have been reading your blog for a while now and I love how honest and real you are. I also love all your recipes too!! You are very inspiring to me since I'm also trying to lose weight the healthy way!

Abby (Nibble, Nourish, Run) said...

I love your blog because you make such fabulous food! Your recipes are creative, delicious, fun and not scary to try! I've made s ton of your recipes and they're some of my faves!

Ashley D. said...

Yours is a blog I read regularly because of your different ideas on how to eat that I normally eat and love, but would also love to revamp to keep from being stagnant and boring. Thanks so much! Congrats!