October 02, 2011

My first giveaway! (NuNaturals)

You guys, I'm so excited to be hosting a giveaway! As I mentioned, NuNaturals generously sent me some Stevia products to try out. As someone who despises sugar substitutes, I was very skeptical about whether I would like these products; in fact, I actually tried Stevia before (years ago) and wasn't crazy about it.

But after trying out these products in tea, cookies, smoothies, and oatmeal, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it is!

I am really psyched to be able to host a giveaway, courtesy of NuNaturals. Not just one, but FOUR of my readers will be randomly selected to win the following:

1 (50 count) box of NuStevia Packets
AND
One (2 oz) bottle of Vanilla Stevia liquid
I've been using the Stevia packets in tea, and adding the Vanilla Stevia liquid to smoothies and oatmeal.

Anyway, this contest is open to Continental U.S. residents only (sorry!), and I'm making it very simple for you to enter. As I've mentioned before, I'm not desperately trying to increase the number of readers of my blog or anything, so I'm not requiring you to post about this on your blog or on Facebook or Twitter (I don't even have a Twitter, actually). Of course you are welcome to share this giveaway any way that you wish, but it's not required to enter.  I would love to see some loyal readers win this stuff ;)  All you have to do is:

*Leave me a comment on this entry, telling me what you enjoy reading about on my blog or what you'd like to read more about (I'm looking for feedback so I can have some direction on future blog posts).  If this is your first time seeing my blog, please tell me how you found me!

The contest will run starting now through October 7, 2011 (that's this Friday) at 11:59 PM.  I'll randomly select the winners and announce them on Saturday, and I will need you to e-mail me your info, so I can pass it along to NuNaturals.

Regardless of the giveaway, you can send for FREE SAMPLES right now--you can find instructions how to do so here.

NuNaturals is also offering a discount when you order from their website--At the checkout page, you should enter this code :  BLG1211, and you will receive a discount of  -15% on your total order.  And, you will also get FREE SHIPPING to the Continental U.S. on all orders totaling $35.00+, after the special discount. This offer ends December 31, 2011.

Keep in mind that there are FOUR winners and I don't exactly have a huge following of readers, so your chances of winning are pretty good ;) 

48 comments:

  1. So exciting! Good for you! See good things happen when you TALK and connect (blog) with others! My kids make fun of my propensity to just strike up a conversation with complete strangers, but it makes life interesting! Anyway, I love reading your blog because it is your real life, not your "Facebook" profile. You give us the good with the bad and we can all relate to it! I read your blog for inspiration in fitness, healthy eating/cooking, SHOPPING (!!!)... It's like being back in 3rd grade with a pen pal!

    Oh, and you have a HUGE following! If I had a giveaway, you'd win it ALL!! LMAO!

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  2. I found you on SO ages ago then started reading this blog, too. I love reading about your running, garage sale-ing, and just day to day info and insights. You keep an interesting and entertaining blog. Love it!

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  3. Hello! I love reading your blog because you are just so real about everything. I like how you talk about your struggles because it is encouraging to me to read about someone going through the same types of things that I am going through with such determination! + your kind of a comedian sometimes...I love it!

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  4. I read your blog daily because I feel like I can relate with you on things like worrying and having off days. I also learn from you when it comes to running and recipes. You are just really fun and I love reading what you have to say...even if it's just daily life :)

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  5. I found your blog a few weeks ago through a post from Sparkpeople.com. I come back everyday because I really just like your personality, you are inspiring without a doubt especially for me since I am going through my own weight loss journey now. I think the posts I like the most are the ones where you give more detail about your runs since I would like to start running but I also like the oes with recipes :) I guess if I had to pick something I'dlik to see more of it would be recipes just cause I am always looking for something new to try. I really love your blog and am so glad I found it :)

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  6. Wooo! I love give aways! :D

    I always look forward to your blog posts every day coming in on my RSS reader. What I like most about it is the fact that you write about not only the positive things in life, but expose the negatives as well. Those negatives that we all deal with from day today on various fitness/diet levels that we NEED to face and discuss with one another. Tummy tucks, loose skin, complete diet failures, etc. So many of us have these issues but are unwilling to face them or discuss them. More people need to be as honest and upfront like you.

    I'm also a budding running, so I like to hear about your training programs. I'm shooting for doing a half marathon sometime next year, so your training posts really help keep me motivated!

    Thanks Katie!

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  7. What I like most about your blog is how specific you are, especially in your FAQ. As someone struggling to lose weight, it is very helpful to read about others being successful in "real life"!

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  8. Wow, awesome!!! Okay, so really what I love is that you are posting everyday. I have a few pages I look forward to viewing and I love yours because you always have something to share (life, eating, running, anything)! In terms of what I'd want more of...well I'm not super helpful there. I think just hearing about your daily journey is really helpful to those of us trying to lose weight and become healthy. Thank you for what you do!

    Heidi
    cuppythecake (sparker)

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  9. Hi Katie! You already know I'm a loyal reader. You are the first website I visit each day, to check to see if you've posted yet--even before I go to Spark! I guess you could say you are my favorite blogger!
    I have found that lots of that artificial stuff tastes lots better to me this time around. In the past, I hated anything with low-fat anything, or artificially sweetened anything. But now I give it a chance. I think now I've found out I'm hungrier and stuff just tastes better to me now than it used to, so I'm not nearly as picky as I used to be. I LOVE Diet Squirt. I know I shouldn't drink diet pop, but in the past I wouldn't drink it at all--I said if I have to drink diet pop (as opposed to regular pop--and I LOVE regular Pepsi), I'll just drink water. But I have found I love it. So go figure?
    What I like reading about the most on your blog is just your daily life. I just love you & your family, your parents, kids and Jerry are all so fun to read about. I like reading too, about what you are cooking, you have so many great recipes, I've tried lots of them, and they're always good at my house too.
    Thanks for this chance Katie--it would be fun to win something, but if I don't, I will keep reading your blog anyhow!!
    Pam/Maggierosebowl/Dupster (so many aliases!), but my real name is Pam!

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  10. I love your blog! I love the when you talk aboout things I have never heard of like the powder pb! I also love to read your blog because it makes me realize that I can do this....you are such an inspiration! You are very honest about yourself and your life and I love hearing about you and Jerry! Keep doing what you're doing because there is nothing I would change about your blog! This is not my first time on your blog but I found your blog on sparkpeople!

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  11. Hey Katie :)

    I have been following you (on SparkPeople and then moved to your blog) since I started my weight loss journey back in December :) You have been an inspiration for me and I have dropped from a size 18 to a size 6, losing 82 pounds :-D

    I would love to continue to hear about maintenance (of course!), new recipes you try, cross training ideas, books you read, and whatever else you decide to talk about :) I always enjoy what you have to say!

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts with all of us!

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  12. Hi Katie,

    I love all your blogs and your recipe blog too. I especially like posts about difficult times and challenges.

    It is still hard for me to understand the motivation it takes every day to manage your eating and exercising. No wait....it isn't that I don't understand it, I just can't relate to it because I don't have it regularly. LOL. I am an on/off again healthy eater and I need to develop consistency. :)

    I imagine that at this point it is your success and new fabulous figure that keep you motivated. But when you were still overweight - how did find it within you? How did you go a whole YEAR without bingeing? I guess you did it one day at a time.

    I am in awe of you because you seem to be an ordinary "girl next door" who has achieved the holy grail. :)

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  13. I found your blog from your video that was featured on SparkPeople a few months back. I keep coming back because I enjoy your outlook on life and the straightforward way in which you talk about your life. And you're a fellow Michigan girl :)

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  14. I love your blog because I identify so well with you. And you really help people see that you really can lose the weight, but it will be a never ending journey. (And anyone who loves to thrifty shop as much as me is clearly worth following!!)

    I swear I have tried all the substitutes out there & just don't like anything but the real deal. Hopefully I'll win & get proven wrong!!

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  15. Love ur site! Would love to see what you eat more often :)

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  16. I found your blog a few months ago and I LOVE reading it! You are a huge inspiration and so honest about everything. I'd love to hear about what other exercises you do besides running (especially when you were losing weight), what you eat, maintaining weight, what motivates you, more about your upcoming tummy tuck (very exciting!), and reviews of workout cloths.

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  17. I love your blog so much, and that you are so down to earth. I read quite a bit of blogs and rarely leave comments because I don't usually have anything to say. With yours, I find myself always commenting and wanting to converse with you! I would say that I want this to continue with your blog, so don't change a thing! :) I love it all!

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  18. I appreciate your frank approach to life and the journey you're on. I seem to only ever lose and regain the same 10#, and I have much more to lose than that. It's nice to hear from someone who has accomplished the task of sticking with it long enough to genuinely experience success!

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  19. I read your blog just about every day because I totally relate. I found your page after watching your video on SP. You say the things that I find myself thinking about. With all of those similarities, it gives me confidence that I might be able to lose the weight just like you did.

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  20. Hi Katie! I LOVE reading your blog!! I love reading about the challenges you have overcome - it's very encouraging! And every time I read your blog I crack up! Like when you explained that your house came with a sun room and what the f#ck do people do with a sun room?! I feel like you write as if you're talking to your best friend. I like that about you! The way you blog comes across very real...you are a real person who overcame many obstacles and you are encouraging others on their journey. Thank you!!

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  21. I first got addicted to your blog when I saw your tab about the 100 lb difference and saw so many things we had in common and other things I wanted to have in common! lol. I love hearing about your day to day life actually though. You post some of the most random things and it keeps me on my toes. lol. I liked hearing about you getting your first bike and also when you found that kitten. I think continuing to write about whatever comes to mind is just fine! :)

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  22. I found you on Spark and I think you are rad. I like your strange quirks, and I've made some of your recipes and enjoyed them (carrot bisque comes to mind)! I'm really not sure how you could improve. I like the variety in your blog posts. More recipes I suppose?

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  23. I've followed you since SparkPeople and OD because I feel like I can relate to you in so many ways. I suffer from BED and reading how you deal with the every day struggle has been a huge help. It's also good to see you do enjoy things (pizza, wine, sweets). It helps me to know I can do this without having to do some crazy diet scheme. And most of all, you're entertaining. Reading your blog I feel like it is a conversation I would have with my best friend. You don't censor yourself or hold back.
    For selfish reasons I'd like to know more about how you deal with the anxiety and depression. That is something I really struggle with and is constantly effecting my weight loss. Any books or website you could recommend?

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  24. Hi Katie!!!
    I have read your blog for a few months, since I saw a feature about you on SP!!!!
    I just finally figured out how to find the comments and comment, so you might hear a lot more from me in the future!!!! I am in MI also, I live over by Grand Rapids, but grew up in a Detroit suburb, so I love the MI references!!!!!
    I am excited to hear about your surgery!!!! Keep doing what you are doing because I love your blog!!!!!! Thanks!!!!

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  25. I have been following your blog for about a month or so. I just googled running blogs and found you somehow. I am a runner too. just started a year ago. LOVE your posts about your races and your training.

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  26. I found your blog about 4 months ago on SparkPeople and I read it daily since then. I can relate to you in so many ways (age, family, kids, WW, spark, and running, and of course the struggle). I like reading about your life because you make it entertaining. I look to your blog for fitness tips and recipes and to remind myself everyone struggles....and I always try to remember your post about how inspiration must come from within yourself. Thanks for making such a great blog :)

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  27. I love that you keep it real! I'm new to running and trying to lose a total of 70 pounds I'm down 30 already and I love that you post the ups and downs of life.

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  28. Hi Katie -
    I found your blog from the SP video and I love it. I agree with so much of what others have said. You're writing style is just so conversational - I feel like you're just chatting with me and everyone else! I also love you're sense of humor and use of bawdy language once in awhile.(I can relate:) Your daily life topics are great! I may not relate to everything directly, but I'm still interested and engaged.
    I'm older than you and have been very overweight my whole life. Never close enough to a goal weight.:( But I keep trying - it's a struggle as you well know. There's a part of me that loves to read everything about you because you're achieving something I was never able to do at your age and it's awesome! I don't feel envy - just inspired and somehow proud of you! Keep up the good work!
    Lynne

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  29. Katie,

    Thanks so much for this. I agree with so many of the other comments. I just love how you are so open and honest. You're real. You talk about all the things that most people don't put out there, like your fears, successes, stumbles, the real consequences of losing weight and how you are dealing with that. I love that you share lots of recipes too. I"m at the beginning of my journey to health and I love that you are a constant reminder of what can be, but in a real life kind of way (rather than some artificial photoshopped/ it was so easy/ BS).

    Keep on doing what you're doing. Thanks so much for sharing!!

    MJ

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  30. I found you through SP. I read because your success is AMAZING! Because you are honest and real. Because you eat REAL food and you make me laugh. I like the recipes and food ideas - so more of that is always welcome!

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  31. Yay! Thank you so much for offering such a great giveaway. I found you by searching for reviews on Vanilla Stevia liquid. I'm already a fan of the packets, but I haven't tried the liquid yet. The packets are a must for oatmeal, tea, etc. I even carry extras in my purse as a just in case. ;)

    clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  32. Fun...I enjoy your blog b/c you are straight forward and down to earth. I like reading about your weight loss issues (b/c its nice knowing we are not alone even though I know I am not the only one who binges occasionally but some times it seems like I am the only one with that issue..ha!)

    I also enjoying hearing about your runs we are sort of similar runners so I some times compare your times to mine etc...

    And finally, your funny recipes/food concoctions ...I am always up to try some thing new with food.

    So, keep doing what you do...

    Thanks for the chance at any thing free too..

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  33. Hi! I have followed for a while. Kinda a silent follower I guess. I love your blog you are soooo inspirational. And I can see you are such a good hearted down to earth type of person. I love reading how you can admit your mistakes of eating 5 cookies :) but then run faithfully every single day.

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  34. I'm trying desperately to think of something original to say at the end of these 33 comments! But all I can think of is that I would be really really sad, if you stopped blogging. I love reading about your daily life, you write well. You really should consider writing a book maybe in blog/chapter style or something. I KNOW IT WOULD SELL and girlfriend,,, you wouldn't be on such a tight budget anymore! Go for it!!! Anybody, that has lost over 100 lbs., keeps it off AND is as interesting telling the story as you are, CAN CERTAINLY SELL a book.

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  35. Oh, and by the way...officially as of today, I have lost 25 lbs. Because of the inspiration I feel when I read your blogs!

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  36. Wow! There's quite a response to your giveaway! :) I love your straight out honesty in your writing. Even down to the crossed out words! That always makes me laugh! You're real, the good & the bad...and that's not always easy to see in people. I just enjoy whatever your write about...your family, your struggles with food, your new food creations, and running. You just have a way of writing that's fun & easy to read. And I'm not just kissing up! :)

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  37. I found your website from SparkPeople, I think maybe a success page or something. I'm starting to get more & more attached, you give me hope that one day I'll be a success story.
    I'd like to read more about how you overcome the urges & temptations to eat badly/binge. I always envision the next day will be the day I am able to be strong & reduce my caloric intake & lose weight but daily I'm still me with the same urges & tendency to eat foods I'll regret later.

    Thanks for all you share & give!

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  38. Hi Katie,
    I love how you are honest about how you feel and that weight loss is not about fads or other unhealthy choices. I enjoy that you share recipes and other helpful food information. Thank you for all the encouragment this bog gives others in the same situation.

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  39. I just discovered your blog last month. I found it as a link from another blog that I read. You are so down to earth. I love how you post about your daily struggles, because it helps me to realize that there are others that struggle with the same thing I struggle with. The post that I related to most was the post this past week where you posted about your struggles with depression earlier in life and how those struggles with depression don't go away. I think your blog is motivational to me and to my journey to a new healthier and happier lifestyle.

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  40. Since finding you on Spark and then following your blog I have started counting calories and have lost 15 pounds. I feel like I am reading a letter from a friend when I read your blog. I accidentally said "I got this recipe from my friend Katie" the other day. Your struggles are so similar to mine and I really identify with you. Thanks for everything "friend"!!

    Lynn (Lynnannlangdon@gmail.com)

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  41. I also found you from your spark page. (I'm LITTLETEALOVER over there.)

    I love that you interact with your readers. I hate it when bloggers try to be formal and stand offish. I love peeking into your life.

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  42. I have been reading for quite a while. I would love to see more of what your eating & any exercise you do especially as you work towards losing those 20lbs. I love reading about your daily life you always make me laugh!
    Deb N.

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  43. Katie, I love that you are so honest in your blogs. Whether its the f word or telling other people the story of you binging you are so real. I found you from a Sparkpeople video and I check every day to see what you have to say. I don't comment all the time, but as for feedback I don't think I have much to say. You are doing an awesome job. Thanks for being so real! And posting almost every day, even on days that you don't want to.

    Dena

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  44. Hi Katie, I have been reading your blog for about 6 months. I found it through sparkpeople. I really enjoy it and am disappointed when there isn't a new blog each day! I have tried to comment before, but finally figured out how to...new to the blogging world. Take care.

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  45. Love your blog, just keep doing what you're doing!
    taunya11@yahoo.com

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  46. I love your blog, and I really enjoy the humor! I even find it funny when an expletive slips out occasionally (you know we all think them from time to time)
    I really like to read about your running, as well as what accessories you find helpful. I'm interested in finding out any more thoughts/opinions you have onthe Beck Diet Solution book, and am also wondering what adventures your old Garmin has been on so far.
    Thanks!

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  47. I love reading your blog because youre so honest and down to earth!! I love reading about your running!!! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  48. I Love reading your blog. I found out about you on Sparkpeople. Your video blog, makes me cry everytime I watch. You are such an inspiration to me. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Vickie- jvlease@live.com

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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