Albion Fit + Giveaway! (and discount code)

I dont know if you're like me but knowing I have cute clothes to wear when I'm working out and getting all sweaty glow-y makes it a bunch easier to talk myself into working out every morning! C'mon girls. Who doesn't want to feel sexy, right?

Let me share with you a little about Albion fit and their selection of women's fitness and swimwear and workout clothing. Plus the kind folks at Albion Fit are giving a special offer (and discount code) to my readers!

One of you will win a Classic Racerback!

(in the color of your choice)

The women's fitness and workout clothing selection is so fun! I'm completely in love with their classic hoodie  (I've been DYING to try out the fun thumb sleeves!), and go long crew (with the early morning workouts I'm sorta cold when I start and I'd love to have a little layering).

Their swimwear has stunning pieces. My two favorites are criss cross chino and show stopper! It's really making me more than ready to have spring and summer here. Now. I'm ready for sunshine!

Find them here:
Albion Fit webpage
Albion Fit facebook
Albion Fit twitter

Albion Fit is kindly offering my readers an exclusive discount of $15 off for use on any purchases $50 or more that you make on our website. Use discount code cranberryfries15. Just be sure to use it soon, it expires 3/08/2013!

So here we go. 

Go enter. 

Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To be eligible to win (use the rafflecopter above) you must do both:

~"Like" Albion Fit on Facebook  &

~ pin your favorite item from albionfit.com onto one of your Pinterest boards

Writing & Illustrating For Young Readers 2013

If you've been following me, you probably are aware how much I LOVE promoting authors and good books so it might not be much of a stretch that I want to tell you about WIFYR. 

WIFYR is a pretty incredible week-long conference that brings in nationally published authors, publishing house representation and amazing talent across the board from both authors and illustrators for young readers. There is a slew of great classes and workshops plus you get to mingle with others that share your interest and passion (and get to rub shoulders with the faculty).

Registration is NOW open!!

Writing & Illustrating For Young Readers

June 17-21 2013 in Sandy, Utah.

(Click to enlarge photo)

Check out their website, Writing and Illustrating For Young Readers for more information.

Also you can find them on Facebook & Twitter.

Top Ten Tuesday: Auto Buy Authors

My friend Jenni participates in this prompt and I thought it'd be fun to see what I came up with.

I've read enough from these authors that I wouldn't hesitate buying their next book, whatever it may be. (I'm also listing, for information sake, my favorite book by that author, though there are a handful that I love.)

1. Sarah Dessen (The Truth About Forever)
2. Morgan Matson (Amy & Rogers Epic Detour)
3. Jennifer Crusie (Agnes and the Hitman)
4. Sarah M. Eden (Drops of Gold)
5. Stephanie Perkins (Anna and the French Kiss)
6. Richard and Linda Eyre (The Entitlement Trap)
7. John Gottman (The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work)
8. Markus Zusak (I Am The Messenger)
9. Ally Condie (Being Sixteen)
10. Sydney Salter (Swoon At Your Own Risk) , Sara Zarr (Story of a Girl), Sheralyn Pratt (Rhea Jensen series), Kristyn Crow (Bedtime at the Swamp)

Is there an author (or a few) that you'd auto buy?!

Top Ten Tuesday prompt is from The Broke and the Bookish

Cranberryfries Homemade Chili

This is one of my most favorite go-to meals. I used to detest leftovers of any kind but now that I'm making smarter, healthier choices than I was before I find it way easier to stick to what I know is healthy for me. This usually means that breakfast, lunch, and snacks are pretty much the same thing every day (with mild variation). I do love doing different things for dinner though (so my family doesnt get bored).

If all goes as planned, Sunday is my meal plan day when I lay out my weeks worth of food plans and if I can, prep as much of it as needed. This week I made this chili and grilled cubed chicken (to use in tossed salads or other meals-though this week I'll be using it in my chili for more protein and for snacks).

Cranberryfries Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) red beans
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can garbanzo beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can great northern beans
• 1 lrg can (29 oz) tomato sauce
• *1 can tomatoes, petite diced with chipotle chiles
• 1lb extra lean ground beef (or any meat of your choice) (cook, drain grease and add at any point)

Directions:

Simmer on stove for 30 minutes or cook in crockpot for a few hours.

If you add all the beans above this usually makes about 10 or so cups (w/ no meat). Sometimes if I don’t have them all on hand I’ll throw in what I do have, I’d suggest at least using 4 varieties. With the 1lb ground beef I got 12 cups.

It’s pretty easy. I add a little season all to my meat when I’m cooking it but otherwise the only extra flavoring I add is in the ingredient I swear that makes this whole recipe delicious. (see * above)

It does make quite a bit so I usually will freeze half (I think it freezes pretty well) and use the other half for a week + worth of lunches for me. (My 7 y/o helps me eat it too, it's one of her favorites!)

Nutritional Information including all above ingredients (this is a very close estimate-I did enter all the info into a recipe builder):

Total ~12 cups                   1 serving is ½ cup

146 calories; 10 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates, 11 g iron; 2 g fat; 2 g fiber

(This was right after I added in all the beans,
but hadn't yet added in my lb of ground beef)

Assuming you get 10 cups out of this here is the nutritional information (without any meat) (this is a very close estimate):

Total ~10 cups.                 1 serving is ½ cup

142 calories; 8 g protein; 27 g carb; 11g iron; 0g fat; 7 g fiber

~Lots of additions! You can also add in corn, sour cream (or greek yogurt for more protein!), cheese and eat with tortilla chips.

Marriage Monday: The Six-Second Kiss

Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) where it just seems like you and your spouse are passing in the night? Each of you so busy that sometimes it feels like a fleeting hello is all you get?

While it's hopefully not something intentional here is a little tip to turn around that lack of attention for each other that could do wonders for your relationship.


"Rituals of connections (like the six second kiss) are crucial to re-establish the connection with our partners.

Attention spent on each other in transitional junctures communicates that “you’re important to me, and when you come back at the end of the day, it’s an event. You matter to me.”

The six-second kiss is “long enough to feel romantic,” says Dr John Gottman. The six-second kiss serves as a temporary oasis within a busy day and creates a deliberate break between the on-the-job mentality (i.e., going to or from work) and a couple’s one-on-one time together."


Quotes from 6 Seconds to Happy Couplehood by Theo Pauline Nestor

When was the last time you and your spouse shared an exciting 'reunion' kiss at the end of a day apart?

You can find my other Marriage Monday's here

Reading Report 4

My reading from Feb 9-Feb 23:

This latest group has a mystery, a few romance (I'm thinking it was Valentines fault), a contemporary new adult, a contemporary YA and a marriage / communication book.

 Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

 Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham

Love is Forever by Various Authors

Have a favorite you've read lately?

Fitness Check In

Here's a little of what I've been up to lately.

 In December I completed The Bertinators 31 day challenge. 

December 2012 Fitness Calendar

In January I started a 12 week program LeanMoms.com.

January 2013 Fitness Calendar

The end of January my family took a little trip to California for fun filled family reunion at Disneyland. Admittedly I had a difficult time when I got home recovering from the length, excitement, and fatigue of the trip. The first day home I slept for over 12 hours. It seemed every time I tried to work out I'd tire myself out so thoroughly I was sleeping at 7pm at night. Any who...

So far my February looks like this, so I'm hoping that I can get myself to stay on track!

What are your fitness goals this year and/or month? 

Do you have rewards for your goals?

I'm really looking forward to my reward at the end of the 12 weeks. I've promised myself a hair appointment to get some fun highlights when I complete the first 12 weeks of LeanMoms.com!!!