WHEN YOU SEE WHO MY SECRET SANTA WAS....
CNN: BREAKING NEWS
"BARACK OBAMA ELECTED PRESIDENT CNN PROJECTION"
GOLD.
SO like a BAJILLION damn years ago, this lucky girl received not one, but TWO Amazing Blogging Awards! HER FIRST ones, too!! (Ending third person mumjum...)
Now BELIEVE YOU ME (PRIME example of the superiority of the English language--- Err the irony of Ethnocentrism?) I know it's SO late to thank these girls for their acknowledgements, but I was OUT LIKE TROUT for quite some time and I figure Better Late than Never... 
THANK YOU TO THE PRECIOUS JENN FROM EATINGBENDER ! Jenn is totally THE TOP, and though I'm not the only one who adores her, I DEFINITELY DO THE MOST OUT OF EVERYONE ACROSS THE BLOGSPHERE (What... You wanna fight?). MAN, Julz is Feisty today! Hehe You Like? So THANK YOU my sweetcheeks! You and your amazing blog have brightened up my cloudy days time and time again, and I think you are SUBLIME! (Love you Mama!) OH and if you havn't yet checked out EatingBender, DO IT OR DIE... Right Jenn? (I gotchu girl!)
I would ALSO like to thank Lexi who used to run the blog Healthy Eating Blog . Unfortunately, Lex did not have the support that she deserved from her readers... Many left disheartening comments on her blog. (Those of which made me sick, disappointed, and SO creeped out. Honestly, in her situation? She was asking for kind words, warmth and love, and in turn received harsh banishment and discouragement. )That is NOT to say, however, that she did not have the support of the Bogging Community! Those of us who blog were ROOTING FOR THAT CUTE KABOOSE OF YOURS ALL THE WAY, LEXI-BABY (And we still are!) Your blog was REAL and exemplified your strength and grace, both of which were particularly noteworthy at SUCH a young age! We miss you, Lex! Thank you for this award and I hope you drop by to say hi, soon! XO
Wanna see the BEAUTIFUL AWARD?? Oh. You don't? Well, good thing it ain't YO blog, cuz you don't havva choice! 
(Watchout... I'm hot like that.)
Plus, I have to follow the rules! But since I received TWO awards (Alriiiight Alriiight we GET IT ALREADY!), i get to DOUBLE-EM UP! (You'll see what I mean in a sec!)
THE RULES:
(1) Put the logo on your blog.
(2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.
(3) Nominate at least seven other blogs.
(4) Add links to those blogs on your blog.
(5) Leave a message for your nominee on their blogs.
THE AWARD:
Isn't it GORG??!! *Sigh... I just LOVE IT!!!
And here's the Doubling up part, since I already linked y'all to My Amazing HOMEGIRL JENN . (Oh... hehe. Whoops!) BUT I'm going to give the award to not 7, not 10 (Why 10? Bc I needed a third component here, obvi.), but 14!! Hence the DOUBLING UP! Owww OWW!!
I tried to choose some Bloggers that have NOT already received the award! Though, PLEASE know... I wish I could give it to ALL Y'ALL!! (Also, I have to leave some bloggers left to receive the awards of MY recipients!)
PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM LISTING YOU GIRLS IN REVERSE ALPHABETICAL ORDER. Why? Because your S+D has a last name that begins with "W," and because it's my blog, I am OWNING THIS OPPORTUNITY to give the End-of-the-Alphabetters a SHOUTOUT and a reason to smile! (Though please know, I want every single one of you smiling ALL DAY! I know I will be! ) OH YEAH... And please hold all applause until the end! Thank You! 
(1) Sammie (Running with a Recipe)
(2) Sabrina (Rhodeygirl Tests)
(3) Mi (Whole Foods for a Whole Me)
(4) Melissa (Trying to Heal)
(5) Meghan (The Inner Workings of a College Graduate)
(6) Jenny (This Winding Road)
(7) Jennifer (Running with Food)
(8) Heather (and Mark!) (Hangry Pants)
(9) Erin and Andrea (Care to Eat)
(10) Erica (EEE)
(11) Gina (The Fitnessista)
(12) Caitlin (See Bride Run)
(13) B-Health (Body. Mind. Soul.)
(14) Amy (Coffee Talk)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FANTASTIC RECIPIENTS AND THANKS AGAIN TO JENN AND LEXI FOR THINKING OF ME... Eventhough Jenn's list was "selected at random"... hehe.
OH and BY the way... I want to start a NEW AWARD/BADGE!! This award is a reflection of my FAVORITE YOGA SANSKRIT:
"Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu: May All beings, everywhere, be blessed with Happiness."
THE GUARDIAN BUDDHA
I want to give this Buddha to three bloggers to start--- Now these are some STRONG ASS CUTIES! These girls have kicked some serious ass and have wrestled with some brutal beasts, facing tremendous obstacles -- Many of the same obstacles that I, personally, though I've never mentioned it before, have been defeated by, and many of which I am still wrestling with today (Please don't treat me any differently -- Eep -- Did I just totally make a mistake putting that out there? This makes me WHOA nervous 
). WE ALL GO THROUGH THINGS IN OUR LIVES AND EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU DESERVES THIS GUARDIAN BUDDHA BOY with you each and everyday. It was SO hard for me to choose, (I AM NOT BELITTLING ANYONES OBSTACLES... I KNOW YOU ALL HAVE BEEN THROUGH SOME RULLNESS-- RULL-NESS-- BUT I WANT THIS TO BE PASSED ON AND ON AND ON), so I merely went with those bloggers who have shared that struggle with me. I hope that each of you ALLOW THIS BUDDHA TO RELAX/HEAL YOUR WORRIES, freeing you to live a little easier, each day. I know that sometimes, the tiniest daily happenings feel as though they are the HEAVIEST of burdens and that on those days in particular, I need my inner Buddha to lift me up just a little higher. To clear my chest of the weighted emotions that feel so heavy, and to clear my mind of those terrorizing voices. I love you girls, times infin. and I cannot wait for your Buddha to guide you :) Namaste.
(1) Jenny (This Winding Road)
(2) Melissa (Trying to Heal)
(3) Amy (Coffee Talk)
So give this award to 3 Bloggers and explain your "Pay it Forward"ness, if you can. Link the bloggers, leave them a comment and sit back, relax, and allow your LONG-and-LASTING-PEACE-with-yourself to finally lead your amazing and wonderful life. <3
And last but not least, my best friend from childhood is Battling Leukemia (we just found out about two-three weeks ago) and is at Johns Hopkins going through Chemo... PLEASE HOLD HER IN THE LIGHT... If anything happens to this girl -- Man, I have not a clue what I'll do... She really needs all of the light you can give her.
Her name is Jill. She's just the dearest of the dear. Thanks guys...
Here we are a little while back (haha read 4 years!)
AND TO END ON A HAPPY NOTE: GO PHILS N GO BIRDS! I'll be at the Eagles game tomorrow!!!!
HAPPY HUMPDAY EVERYONE!! The comments y'all left on my last post... I, mean, Shucks, they just about made me the happiest blogger of all time! I can't say enough amazing things about you all! I mean, it's no surprise that I have the hottest readers EVA, but you guys surriously make my day, each and everyday! Gosh, I'm such a SAPSTER! (Pull yourself together, ol' girl!) hehehe
So yes, this post is going to be ALL ABOUT my OBSESSION--- Yes, I recognize the problem... No, I am not getting help for it... No, I do not want the help... Yes, you definitely have it too... Yes, it's a cult... YES, WE ARE....
PRODUCE CRRRAZY!!!!!!!!!
Now, I know I've pointed out some serious Produce Porn in the past, but I was DETERMINED to make each and every one of you FINE FELINES go C-C-C-Raaazy with this one! So... Without Further Ado, I ask you to get yo booties in that seat, get thee a cocktail nice and refreshing class of H2O, or a lovely hot HUGMUG (you have one, riiigghhhtttt???) of tea, and Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Riiiide! (And HOLD ONTO YOUR PANTS, VEGGIEGIRL!)
Citrusy and Flavorless!
Always eat your Papaya CHILLED!! It makes the world of a difference!
OKAY... Prepare for drool... (PS) Many of these are from spring/summer!
From up-top!
Strawberries (Organic) sale = A party!! Here with Napa Cab, Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes, Bell Pepps, HUGE Brussels, Shitakis, and some gorgeous Golden Beets!
Yellow Tomatoes for Gazpacho! (No worries, I peel them first!)
Leeks! So divine with Asparagus!
(PS) How Amazing are the BIG, FAT Asparagus right now!? I am so NOT a fan of the twigs (Any1 else?) ... Rachel Rae is--- What does SHE know?! 
j/k I just MICRO-STEAM the BIG MAMAS for 2 minutes and they are SO sweet and PERF!
THAT'S HOT.
I love me some BERRIES!
Do y'all like Snapizzles?
WOWZA!
Were the Blueberries not SPECTACULAR this Summer?!
LIKE BUTTA (Hey, Erinhomegirlmamacitawhatup.)
Oh, hey Buddha <3 (NAMASTE HOMES.)
NOW FOR SOME MELON LOOOOVE <3
It kinda looked like a Honeydew from the outside???
THEN LIKE A CANTALOUPE???
It tasted like a Citrusy Honeydew! Talk about Identity Issues... (I wonder what the sex/gender is...)
Regardless, it was refreshing and wonderful!
SEEN BELOW WITH THE LAST YELLOW WATERMELON OF THE SEASON!
Like my Bandaid? 
I CANNOT BELIEVE I HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR SO LONG! Thanks for your patience! It feels good to be backsters, but it also felt good to just read YOUR blogs! My GOOGLEREADER is overflowing with juicy-blogging-goodness! I LOVE COMING HOME FROM SCHOOL/WORK/GYM/CRAZIES AND SEEING MY READER SO ABUNDANT WITH POSTS!
My next post will feature product reviews and some AWARDS!!! I didn't forget about them and was TRULY TOUCHED... But more on that next time! (And don't worry, it wont be next month...)
BYE POOKSTERS! HAPPY HUMPDAY!! (IS FALL MAGNIFICENT OR WHAT?!)
(OH and BY THE WAY, I'm loooving all the Facebookings! Keep em comin!)
I'M BACK ON THE BLOGGING TRAIN!!! STAY TUNED FOR SOME PRODUCE FUN AND PRODUCT REVIEWS!!! LOVE Y'ALL <3 See you in a bitty!
CONFESSION: I. LOVE. LACTAID. PILLS.
Yes, loverbunnies, I DO realize I've already made that adoration somewhat public, but here's the deal: I HAVE SOME NEW READERS!!!!
So let's give 'em all a GREAT, BIG S + D WELCOME :)
*** Claps hands and waaaves to everyone ***
Y'all don't understand how much these things just thrill me to the gills (okay, end of cheesie-marathon... psshhh, yeah RIGHT.)!
IF YOU'RE A READER, OR JUST A PASSERBY, OR ANYONE WHO HAS UNFORTUNATELY FOUND MY BLOG INSTEAD OF WA (Watermelons Anonymous), leave me a comment and say hi anyway! I love to have newbies!
(I ADORE THE OLDIES TOO, THOUGH!)
Anyways, as previously mentioned in a past blog post, I adore my Lactaid Pills more than words can say! Because I can indulge in my faaave Greek Yogurts without the nasty side effects! Now mind you, I do have to go for 4 of the EXTRA STRENGTH CHEWABLES, but honestly, I couldn't care less! (And yes, my doctor said 4 is A.OK.)
But being the Greek-Yogurt Obsessed GAL that I am, combined with being SUPER greatful that I AM still able to enjoy the splendor of such a cool, thick, and creamy delicacy, I went on the search for other brands!
AND THUS, In the spirit of Our Cutie Patootie, Miss Emma ...
***Silence... Crickets chirp in the distance***
ALRIGHT! WOOT WOOT!
Trader Joe's : WE HEART TJ's. Seriously, we do! The staff is adorable, their products ROCK and they have some KICK BUTT GREEK YOGURT ! (Unfortunately, I was not-so-thrilled with their Soy Yogurt... Had to try it for my Vegan Girls out there!!!)
Sorry It's backwards! I took it on with my Photobooth (MAC USERS UNITE!) because I am charging my camera!
At 120 kcals per serving (1 cup, 8 oz.), with a whopping 22 grams of Protein, the nutritional stats are out of this world! (More protein than Fage's !
But how does it taste you ask: D.I.V.I.N.E! Seriously, kids, get yo omnivorous tushies (Veg's, get yo booties out there and buy some yummy WholeSoy if you don't have it in your fridge! Yes, go right now!) out there and buy this yogurt! Cheaper than Fage's and nearly just as delicious (I like the slightly tangier taste of Fage, more, personally)! It's a S.T.E.A.L!
***Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap-Clap***
Chobani : FIRST AND FOREMOST, I NEED TO SEND A HUGE "HI, HELLO, AND THANKYOU!!!" TO TIFFANY GRAY over at Chobani for sending me a BOX FOR SAMPLING! This was SO cool! I'd never been sent anything like that, before, and after failing to find Chobani Yogurts anywhere around Philadelphia, she was kind enough to send me some! THANKS TIFFANY!
I was immediately hit with the delicate smells of Fresh Blueberries!!! That's because, unfortunately, one of my blueberry yogurts had opened! I quickly disposed of the little guy (sorry, fella!)...
... And excitedly returned to check out the rest of my flavors! Weeeeee, just like Christmas!
How cool is that?!
The little ones were very well-behaved for the camera, indeed! :)
REVIEW: Personally, I do not care for sweetened yogurts. It had NOTHING to do with the sugars in them, honestly! I've just never been a fan of sweet yogurts! I like a nice tang to my yogurt, and a refreshing, cool, taste! I tried each of the sweetened ones, though, (my family happily consumed their remains!!!) and I have to say that the smells were D.I.V.I.N.E!!! And there were real pieces of fruit! But for me, there was waaay too much of it. I like to eat fruit with my fage/plain-greek yogurt, but NEVER do I add honey or something to sweeten it. (Just personal pref!)
So yes, fruit is great, but the sweetened, syrup[py] stuff at the bottom? This just had too much of it for me! If you are someone who likes the sweetened yogurts though, I'm sure you'd go GA-GA for these babies! For as I mentioned above, my family members A.D.O.R.E.D. the sweetened ones! Literally, my dad's response after his first mouthful of the peach flavor: "WOW." He is a man who is QUITE difficult to please, especially with his yogurts! (TIFFANY, I'VE NEVER SEE THE MAN HAPPIER haha, thank you! He was in Heaven!)
As for the plain flavor, and after talking to Our Emma about this one, I think the flavor was pretty good! For some reason it tasted a little sweeter to me, but there's no added sugar! As mentioned before, I appreciate a good tang to my yogurt!
[NOTE on "The Tang": This is NOT to be confused with the slightest taste of anything sour! Sour = bad, regardless of whether it's plain or not. If it tastes "sour," feed it to your garbage!]
Nutrition-wise, it's still rockin! The plain, non-fat contains (per 8 oz serving), 140 kcals and 23 grams of Protein! It also contains FIVE active-yogurt cultures (S. Thermaphilus, L.Bulgaricus, L.Acidophilus, Bifidus, and L.Casei), whereas TJ's' contains four (S.Thermophilus, L.Bulgaricus, L.Acidophilus, and Bifidus), and Fage's contains only two (S. Thermaphilus and L.Bulgaricus). I wonder what the difference is with each of these live cultures? Anyone know? (I know that the probiotics are good bacteria that aid the body in absorbing minerals, lowering bad cholesterol, cleaning out the colon, etc... Thanks World's Healthiest Foods !) I'm curious about the individual cultures, though! Lend me your knowledge! hehe
I think this one just had a little less of the tang, which perhaps made it taste a little sweeter... Regardless, it just wasn't as refreshing for me! And after speaking with Miss Emma, I felt that my tasting was not as fair as it could have been, considering that she said it is REALLY THICK AND CREAMY, and mine was rather watery! This I attributed to the length of travel... Though the package was filled with those freezer-keeper things, my yogurts appeared to only be about half full of yogurt, with about another 1/4 of the container filled with liquid!
I hope that, someday, the stores around me carry Chobani, though, because, I sincerely trust Emma's food reviews, and I strongly believe that the length of travel without proper refrigeration caused this to happen! No worries, Chobani, I won't give up on you! We shall meet again, someday :)
What are your favorite Yogurts or Favorite ways to enjoy these yogurts? What are some of your favorite recipes that include your favorite yogurts? Let's chat! I'd LOVE to know!
***Just to mention: I purchased an Oikos Greek Yogurt , at Whole Foods, as well, but my Daddy ate it before I got the chance to do the Product Review! I know the Hottie-Tottie Healthy Ashley posted about loving this yogurt, though! Has anyone else tried it? I'll be sure to include a review this week!***
(Pops and I both adore Greek Yogurt! In fact, we have pretty much the same tastes, in general! We do a lot of the same things, too, actually... Par Example... Do we look alike? hehehe)
HINT FOR NEXT POST...
<3 FRIENDS FOREVER <3
(Please excuse my Sunday Morning Laziness... Complete with PJ's and sans make-up, haha... My apologies, but I wanted to say HI!)
OMG AND I ALMOST FORGOT...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!!
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