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Got Mud? Van’s Winner Announced

May 11, 2013 by 40 Fit In The Mitt

Happy Weekend! Wanted to start my post with the Van’s Natural Foods Announcement.

Van's Natural Foods

Using the Random Integer Generator. 

Here are your random numbers:

13      3

RANDOM.ORG

Congrats #13 julie

I love trail mix or a good gluten-free protein bar

and

Congrats #3 RunFastMama 

I don’t leave home without my GoSqueeze Applesauce, SunButter Packets and some Sweet Potato Chips! Matter of fact I’m heading out-of-town tomorrow for a quick trip and always bring tons more food than I need.

Congrats ladies, I emailed you with the prize information. I know you will Love the New Van’s Line. Please, enjoy. Thank-you to Van’s Natural Foods for Hosting this giveaway.

So I asked as your prize entry to tell me: “What’s Your Favorite Healthy Travel Food/Snack!” I loved all the comments, I really think I have some great snacks in mind now for my trip! Thank you all for entering. Stay tuned for another giveaway I have coming up soon from Stubb’s.

Now on to today’s post!

So I decided something….No excuses. I’ve waited all winter to hit the Farm Trail. So I planned a walk before work and thought to my self I’m walking the trail regardless of the condition. We had a long stretch of rain and I know how flooded the trail gets in the low areas, but I was packed and had the No Excuse Attitude. So when I arrived at work, I grabbed my co-worker Decal and hit the trail.

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My co-worker is laid back, she really did not care how dirty she got. She was just happy to be out walking with me. We have a hose hooked up outside our office so I knew we could get hosed off after our walk. Again, No Excuses.

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It was actually really fun to not care how dirty we got. I simply just enjoyed my walk. I figured everything would rinse clean afterwords. Life is too short to worry about getting a little muddy. Plus I had a change of cloths and I knew my shoes would dry out overnight.

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After my walk and we were both cleaned up, I had my favorite snack at my desk. Decal got a bone and went back outside to lay in the sun! It was a great way to start our day.

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I was also excited to put my Fitbit to the test. I have been wearing it for a while now, but this was first time back on the trail. I was really excited to see how far my trail walk was. I love this little Bit that keeps track of my Fit.

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Having a day time desk job, I do not get many steps in. I am tied to my desk and computer during the day. So having the Fitbit really gave my new appreciation and motivation for my before work and after work walks/workouts.

Check Ya Later.

Posted in Dogs, Hiking, Review, Snacks | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Van’s Natural Foods and Giveaway

May 7, 2013 by 40 Fit In The Mitt

Van's Natural Foods

I know most of you have heard of the company Van’s. I love their Cinnamon French Toast Sticks. I crave them. I posted about them back here and again here. Here’s a few pictures to get your juices flowing.

I love to make French Toast Sticks Sandwiches. Yummy x 10.

Van’s is a Natural Foods Company. They have passion for seriously healthy, seriously tasty foods.

Here’s some exciting News. 

Van’s has expanded their food line to include healthy snacks. Coming This Summer, Van’s Natural Foods offers healthy new snacks with its all-natural, nutrition-packed whole grain snack bars and crackers. The portable treats – perfect for day camp backpacks, family road trip snacks, pool totes or beach bags – offer a delicious and nutritious way to snack that the whole family can enjoy. (Bonus – they’re gluten-free.)

Van’s Whole Grain Cereals (MSRP: $3.99) start the day out right with a full serving of whole grains and 5 grams of fiber per serving. Available in Honey Nut Crunch and Cinnamon Heaven, these cereals are made with nutrient-rich whole grains, including gluten-free oats, brown rice, millet, quinoa and amaranth. Van’s cereals give you seriously tasty and satisfying crunch – all without dairy, egg, corn, high fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, hydrogenated oils or GMO oils.

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I poured my self a big old bowl and got to it. I love cereal anytime of the day. For me it’s like coffee. Meaning this; I take my time when I eat it and enjoy the experience. Something about just kicking back and savoring the crunchy spoonfuls. I have to say the cinnamon was really good. They sure did appropriately name it Cinnamon Heaven. It was crunchy and did not get soggy in the milk, which is a deal breaker for me. Cannot wait until my next bowl.

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Van’s Whole Grain Crackers (MSRP: $2.99) are deliciously light and perfectly crispy. A fun addition to a school lunch or a party snack everyone can enjoy, they’re baked with nutrient-rich whole grains, including gluten-free oats, brown rice, millet, quinoa and amaranth. Available in three flavors – Multigrain, Lots of Everything! and Say Cheese! – these gluten-free crackers are full of nutrition and flavor, with 16 grams of whole grains per serving – and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

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Crackers are my weakness. I love to snack on crackers. I like my crackers solo, dipped in hummus or topped with cheese. I was really excited to try these out once I opened the bag. They have amazing texture and I love seeing the grains and oats in crackers. These little crackers were packed with flavor. You could really taste the cheddar and all the grains. Really enjoyed my Say Cheese! Crackers.

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Van’s Whole Grain Snack Bars (MSRP: $4.49) in chewy, delicious Chocolate Chip, Cranberry Almond and Peanut Butter Chocolate, are perfect for breakfast on-the-run, snack-time or an anytime nutritious treat. Baked with real, all-natural ingredients and nutrient-rich whole grains, the bars have 8-10 grams of whole grains and 4 grams of fiber per serving – more than four times the fiber of other gluten-free bars on the market today, according to our research.

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We all love snack bar. I always have a box of them in my kitchen on hand for snacks and even some as meal replacements. They are easy and some are very healthy. Well I think I just found a new favorite. Again, I have to go back to texture. I love grains and nuts and when I choose bars, I choose ones with TEXTURE. I really do not care for the bars that are all blended together and have no crunch or little nuggets of goodness. Van’s snack bars are loaded with all the things I love. Little chunks of  chocolate and grains. I enjoyed each and every bite.

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Take a look over at the Van’s Website to find these in a store near you. They will not disappoint. Now if you cannot locate a store that carries them, why not Request your local/favorite retailer to carry your favorite Van’s items. Van’s makes it easy with a Request Form you can download, check the items you’d like your store to carry, then print it. Then next time you’re at your favorite store, just hand the form to the manager! Super Easy.

Hey! Would you like to try this Healthy New Cereal and Snack Line for yourself? Well, I have Two (2) sets of Three (3) FREE Coupons to Giveaway. Here’s the details on the Giveaway.

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To Enter to win three (3) Free Coupons to try Van’s Snack/Cereal  Line: Just leave me a comment with Your Favorite Healthy Travel Food/Snack! I have a trip coming up soon and I love to hear what people bring on their travels. 

This Giveaway is Open to US Residents Only.  Two winners will be chosen by random drawing. I will contact the winners via email. Winners have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen.  This contest is open from May 07, 2013 through May 10, 2013 at 11:59 pm (ET). Your coupons will be mailed to you so you can try these wonderful products  for yourself!

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Good Luck and Check Ya Later.

Posted in Giveaway, Review | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments »

Winner Announced and Favorite Things Spring Edition

May 1, 2013 by 40 Fit In The Mitt

Hello! How’s it going. Great here. Amazing what the Sun can do for your Spirit. So let’s get to it. I wanted to announce the Winner of the Bestowed Box. 

Using the True Random Number Generator
Result:#10 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 
Submitted on 2013/04/27 at 3:02 PM by Ray S

I keep healthy by training at the gym and also running 3 miles a day! Drinking lots of water too! Thanks

Congrats Ray S. I just emailed you with the prize information. I know you will enjoy it. Thank-you to Bestowed for Hosting this giveaway. Ray, I Hope that you will comment back with you favorite item in the box! I think you have a few really good ones to choose from! It’s so fun to SHARE. I really loved this giveaway. I asked as your prize entry to tell me: “What you do to Stay Healthy” and I was blown away by the answers. It is so great to see how everyone takes such Great Care of Themselves. It truly is important and I found so many of the comments inspiring. Thank you all for entering. Stay tuned for another giveaway I have coming up soon from Van’s Natural Foods.

Today I wanted to do a post about My Favorite Things. Spring Edition.

Mason Jar with Straw Hole. This bad boy can fit 8 large ice cubes in it. Love the capacity.

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Sprouting Jar.

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3 Part Salad Sprouting Seed Mix. (Post to Follow with Seed Growth)

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Marinated Artichokes.

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Secretaries Day Gift. Flowers and Goodies.

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Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Swivel Stick. (I chap) (it’s amazing)

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Night Time Snack. – Semi-Healthy-Goodness.

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Ginger People Ginger Candies, Ginger People Ginger Juice (so good on salads) and Lemon Oil Essential Oil for my skin. I love the little Gin Gins when I travel, they prevent dragon breath.

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Organic Oat Groats.

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Coconut Spray. Trader Joe’s = Love.

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Just a few of my Current Favorite Things. Check out a few of my Past Favorite Things Post. Random Eats, Drinks & Things. Things I’m Loving, Meals I Ate. 

Check Ya Later.

Posted in Favorite Things, Fresh Ideas, Giveaway | Tagged , | 6 Comments »

Bestowed Box and A Giveaway

April 26, 2013 by 40 Fit In The Mitt

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Recently I received an email from Natalia at Bestowed box asking if I would like to receive one of their boxes to review. Heck Yeah Natalia. Who doesn’t like healthy snacks delivered to your door.

Bestowed

Here’s the detail on Bestowed.

Bestowed is a company created by Heather Bauer, a nutritionist and author. Each month, you get a box sent straight to your door that is packed with five or more healthy food and snack product samples for you to try. Each item is hand-picked to bring you the best of the best. Bestowed membership is $19/month or $209/year.

Oh! Did I forget to mention that Natalia also offered a box for one of my readers. 

Do you Want to WIN a Bestowed box? Well first lets check out whats in the box!

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Check out that haul!

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With your box you also receive a full-page sheet which includes product names, “why we love” and “two tips” for each item.  This sure does make it easy to find information on the items and how they can benefit your health. You can tell the folks over at Bestowed want you to know all about the items you’re trying. I really loved this feature. Really gives you all the information you could need.

Here’s an Item Breakdown:

Gnu Foods Hi-Fiber Minis Lovely little mini bars. They have only 70 calories, but are packed with beneficial nutrients, minerals, antioxidants. Along with “phytonutrients“.  I had to look this one up on WebMD: When you eat or drink phytonutrients, they may help prevent disease and keep your body working properly. Bestowed suggests pairing them with your morning yogurt or replacing your mid-morning snack. In the end they sure did taste good and did go well with my morning yogurt.

Oloves Hot Chilli Mama Olives When I saw these I was thrilled! I squirreled them away in my travel bag. I have a trip coming up and I wanted to save these for a snack with my lunch on the go as I travel.

Nektar Honey Crystals  Genius, just genius.  Honey crystals! Fell in love, they were so good. I added them to a cup of tea and sipped away.

Kind Healthy Grains Oats & Honey Clusters Granola does not last long in my house. We love the stuff.  I also love the Kind brand. I buy the Kind Bars all the time. So I was excited to try the granola and of course the Kind Brand did not disappoint.

iTrain ($25 Gift Card): What a great site. You register your gift card, select a workout or training plan and download it. So many options to choose from.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts  I use hemp seeds in my oatmeal, yogurt cups, salads, soups, and even top off my hummus with them.  They are loaded with protein and vitamins and are a great way to add essential omegas and protein in your diet.  I also bake with them and really love to just snack on them right out of the bag. I have even started using them in smoothies. Love them, Love this brand.

EBoost I’ve tried EBoost before, and I really love it. It mixes easy and has great flavor. Plus its always great to keep in your bag so anytime you need a pick me up you just add it to your water.

I have to say that the folks at Bestowed do an amazing job at selecting quality products and healthy options. I so enjoyed receiving and reviewing this box. They are a Class Act with your health in mind.

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Okay, now back to the Giveaway! This is open to US residents only. 

To Enter to Win a One Month Subscription (One Box) from Bestowed: Just comment on this post with a way you Keep Healthy! 

All submissions MUST contain an email address at which I can contact you, if you are the winner.  Again, this giveaway is open to US residents only.  Winners will be chosen by random drawing. I will contact the winner via email, and the winner will be given 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen.  This contest is open from April 26, 2013 through April 30, 2013 at 11:59 pm (ET).

If you’d like to order your own Bestowed Box for yourself or as a gift, Bestowed has also given me an exclusive $5 off coupon code to share with you. Go onto their website, click on “Join Now” and enter code:  5OFFBSTOWED01 to save $5!

I received a free Bestowed Box for the purpose of testing and reviewing. I received no compensation for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I loved this box and would gladly shout it from the rooftop! 

Good Luck and Check Ya Later.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

 

 

 

True Random Number Generator
Result:10Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Ray S
Submitted on 2013/04/27 at 3:02 PM

I keep healthy by training at the gym and also running 3 miles a day! Drinking lots of water too! Thanks

Posted in Giveaway, Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments »

Blogger Meet-Up

April 23, 2013 by 40 Fit In The Mitt

I had a great weekend. I had the opportunity to meet up with some fellow bloggers. I love meeting other bloggers and this was super fun because they are Local Michigan Bloggers! Say hello to a wonderful group of ladies.

Lori from Lori out Loud In the Green Sweater

Jennifer from Wine to Weightlifting Across from Lori in the Tan Sweater

Tamara from Wild Blue Wonder In the Black Sweater

Lisa from Run Fast Mama in the Yellow T-Shirt to represent the Boston Runners

We met up at Bravo in Rochester and had lunch. Conversation flowed as we all got to know each other. It was really fun and so great to meet everyone in Real Life! It was also fun to hear about upcoming races and crossfit competitions that the ladies have coming up!

009We plan on doing this again in the near future. It will be fun to plan another outing, I love getting things like this together. It sounds like were going to switch location with each meet-up. I so look forward to our next lunch date and our next adventure.

I snapped a quick picture of my HUGE Bravo Chicken Chop Salad! It was so darn good. Gorgonzola Cheese, Spiced Pecans, thin slices of Chicken, Crispy Pasta Noodles. Loved this salad, I so need to recreate this at home.

010After lunch Tamara and I hit up Trader Joe’s for a quick grocery shopping trip. She had her list, I had mine. I also got to meet Tamara husband James (super nice)! I’d say it was a perfect day. I have been wanting to Meet Tamara or (T) as I like to call her for well over a year now. We found each other though a mutual blog we both love and started talking via blog comments and emails. Now I can say that she is a Friend In Real Life.

We both got one of these!  Sorry had to rub it in.

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I also wanted to pass on some information. In August there is going to be a 2013 Michigan Bloggers Conference called Mitten Moms in Dearborn. The 2013 Mitten Moms Conference has been schedule and tickets are on sale! This year the conference will be held at the Adoba Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan on August 9-11, 2013

Mitten Moms Conference 2013I am hoping to attend this conference, but am still checking on the date to make sure I am available. One of the sponsors is Meijer. That is actually how I found out about this event. I recently reviewed Meijer New Cereal Line and started chatting with Sarah from Meijer, and she told me about this event. So glad she did because I want to spread the word to other local bloggers. I sure am hoping I can attend. Who knew there was so many bloggers in Michigan!

Here’s to New friends and fun things to come!

Check Ya Later.

Posted in Blogger Meet-Ups | Tagged | 39 Comments »

Lasagna with a Twist

April 18, 2013 by 40 Fit In The Mitt

Hello All, hope everyone is well and enjoying the Spring Weather. I know I am. It was slow to arrive to Michigan, so I am taking advantage of any time I can get outside. So with Spring here I wanted to make a light, but hearty dinner.

I love lasagna. I love spaghetti squash. So let’s make a Spaghetti Squash Lasagna.

First step is to Roast your Spaghetti Squash.

PREPARATION:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. Slice spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Drizzle cut side with olive oil, salt and pepper.
  3. Place squash, cut side up on baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Remove squash from oven and cool slightly, to handle. Into a bowl, shred the inside of the squash with fork.

Now onto the Lasagna. Okay…Here’s the thing. I know most people omit the noodles when they use spaghetti squash, but it just didn’t seem right to me. So I added noodles. I make my own rules, what can I say.

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Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

8×8 Baking Dish

Serves 4 Large Pieces

Ingredients:

  • Roasted Spaghetti Squash
  • No Boil Lasagna Noodles
  • Tofu 1 Container
  • Shaved Parmesan Cheese
  • Seasoning for the Tofu: Italian Garlic Gold Nuggets, Parsley, Salt and Pepper
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Parmesan Cheese Shaker (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press the water out of the Tofu. Crumble with a fork and season with Salt, Pepper, Parsley and Italian Garlic Gold (or any other Italian Seasoning). Mix well. Cover bottom of 8×8 pan with pasta sauce, then a layer of noodles, then spread the tofu mixture over noodles, then a layer of spaghetti squash and some shaved parmesan cheese. Repeat the process 3 times. When finished top layer should be pasta sauce and I also sprinkled in the remainder of my seasoned tofu and shaved parmesan cheese.

Bake on 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

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I just have fun when making a lasagna. I layer as much as I can depending on the ingredients. One note to stress when making this recipe, make sure you press out all the water from the tofu. Nothing worse than a watery lasagna, and of course ricotta cheese can be used in place of the tofu. I like to use either or, just depends what I have on hand.

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Recently, Meijer contacted me and asked if I wanted to try their New Cereal. I love cereal and so does my husband, so I was so excited to give them a try.  Plus their price point on cereal is a far better deal than any national brand cereal, and I really like that.

They sent 3 boxes:

  • Blueberry Muffin Squares
  • Toasted Oats
  • Fiber Complete

 

Also for anyone interested in trying them Meijer is having a 50 Percent Off Sale on Meijer brand cereals and an In-store Cereal Party in all of their stores on April 20 (11a.m.-4p.m.). This is a great event for kids, they can sample new flavors, make cereal crafts and pose for fun pictures!  I loved all the flavors, but have to say that the Blueberry Muffin Squares were my favorite and my husband loved the Toasted Oats. Hope you can make the event and stock-up your pantry with some great new flavors of Meijers brand cereal.

 

 

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Check Ya Later.

Posted in Fresh Ideas, Meatless Monday, Recipes, Tofu | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments »

New Year New Gear April Reveal

April 4, 2013 by 40 Fit In The Mitt

Today is the 3rd. New Year New Gear Reveal. The 1st. took place on February 4th, 2013. The 2nd  took place on March 5, 2013. You can check out that post here and here. So the idea behind this program came from Nicole at Apples and Arteries. My thought behind joining the program was this: Why not motivate a friend to stay active with a New Workout Item, and at the same time receive an item that would inspire me! New Year New Gear.

 

I received my New Gear from: Dawn at The Rushing Herd. Dawn is a runner who has a passion for sharing her love of running. Her blog shows all her completed races and all her races to come. Dawn has set herself a goal..Run 30 half marathons before turning 30..Dang…That’s legit. I have no doubts she can DO IT.

Here’s what she sent me to keep me motivated:

This box was packed with goodies, I was so excited and felt so spoiled by Dawn.

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She sent these super cool DC Wonder Woman socks and a Teal colored Head Band.

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She also sent a fun variety of energy endurance products.

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To top of this amazing box, Dawn threw in my favorite indulgent snack, Biscoff Spread and some yummy Apple Squeeze Sauce. I have torn up a few jars of Biscoff in my days..But..this..Jar..Is ..Crunchy! Look out Biscoff HERE I COME.

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Thank-you Dawn for a super fun box of New Year New Gear! You really spoiled me. Good luck with your training and marathons! I cannot wait to wear my Wonder Woman Socks! They are so FUN.

I sent some Gear to: Dani. Dani is a very busy mom who has a Half Marathon planned and is very excited about it. She also has been dealing with a knee injury, but has not let that stand in her way. I have really enjoyed corresponding back and forth with Dani. We really had lots to talk about.

The New Year New Gear exchange program is open to readers and bloggers and below I have included all the information if your interested in joining up for next months exchange.

Here’s How it Works! 

Sign up with Nicole at Apples and Arteries, her email is applesandarteries@gmail.com. You will then be paired up and exchange information. You then Shop around and put together a fun package keeping to a limit of $15.  Maybe it’s a new workout top, running socks, hairbands, a pair of shorts.  You’d be amazed at the goods you can find at the outlets (Nike), TJ Maxx and Marshall’s  and department stores. Be sure to include a gift receipt (when available).

Ship the package by prearranged date and Please be so kind as to include a Note of Motivation.

If you’re a blogger, please write a blog post about the program/gear to post on prearranged reveal date, and link-up post to Nicole’s New Year New Gear post on the designated date.  If you’re matched with a reader, please ask them to include text that you can put on your blog.

Here’s the Link to the February 4th. post, and all the participants link up’s. This link will guide you through all the participants blogs, and the fun of the New Year New Gear exchange.

Don’t forget to Tweet using #NewYearNewGear

Check Ya Later.

Posted in New Year New Gear | Tagged , | 6 Comments »

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