Phone Photos // LG G4 Sweeps via AT&T

This post is part of a sponsored campaign with AT&T 4K Seconds Blogger Program. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Summer means adventure. We’re often out hiking, biking, and otherwise running around outdoors. I don’t love lugging my bulky DSLR with us to, say, the beach on vacation because it’s a pain. At the same time, I am usually disappointed with the quality of the photos I take with my cell phone. LG’s G4 has definitely improved on this whole experience by including a manual mode (!!!) and a F/1.8 lens.

On a phone.
Seriously.

Here are three simple tips for snapping better summer photos with you phone while you’re out and about. Don’t miss the sweepstakes and contest info at the end of this post for your chance to win one of these guys to try for yourself.

Tip #1: Have Fun

I think the worst thing about my childhood family photos is that we all look so stale. We’re posing in at least 90 percent of the shots. With digital photography, you can really shoot as many photos as you want, so have fun with them. Get a good mix of posed and action shots to remember your moments by.

You want to capture what you were doing, the essence of the experience, versus just what you looked like, who was there, etc.

Tip #2: Look at the Whole Picture

When my friends ask me for suggestions on taking better photos, one of the first tips I give them is to look beyond your subject. For example, if I took this photo from the other direction, there’d be a bunch of piled toys in the background. The person or thing you’re photographing is -- of course -- the most important, but try to keep the focus on them by choosing visually neutral settings. (Unless, of course, the background is the focus, like with a mural.)

In this case, the trees/grass provide a nice green backdrop.

While we’re on background, I’ll mention that it is best to get nice, even lighting whenever possible. But, c’mon. Being outdoors and trying to capture moments, well, IN the moment can be hard sometimes. That’s where manual mode comes in. You can completely control the shutter speed, f-stops, and more. Once you get the hang, you’ll be shooting in all different lighting like a pro!

Tip #3: Get In Your Photos

Don’t pull out the album 20 years down the line and ask “where was I during all this?” I am usually the designated photographer wherever we go. So, I need to remember to hop into the photos so I don’t get cut out of all our memories.

The LG G4 also has this cool Selfie Mode that includes a skin smoother. I set it up pretty high so you can see the effect, but you can do as little or as much as you want. The other Selfie features are pretty neat too! For example, there are different voice commands you can use (like saying “CHEESE!” or “SMILE!” or even “WHISKEY!”) to take your photo without hitting anything. There are even gestures, like opening your hand and then making a fist, that start the photo timer.

In other words: The selfie just got a whole lot easier.

CHEESE!

PHONE INFO

As far as the phone goes, I’ve never owned an Android -- but it’s surprisingly intuitive! The body of the phone itself is large (5.5” display) and curved for better ergonomics. This also means that there’s more viewing area for web browsing and picture taking. I’ll admit it takes some getting used to, but there are more positives than negatives in that regard.


More:

• OS: Android 5.1 (Lollipop) OS Dimensions: 5.86 x 3.0 x 0.38” (min 0.25”) 
• Battery: removable 3,000 mAh that provides up to 21 hours of talk time 
• Camera: Rear: 16MP with F/1.8 lens; Front: 8 MP 
• Memory: Internal 32GB, 3 GB RAM; MicroSD up to 2TB capable (MicroSD card sold separately)
• Processor: 1.8 GHz 64 bit hexa-core processor 
• LG’s first IPS Quantum Display (5.5″ Quad HD) is brighter, more colorful and has excellent contrast 
• LG exclusive Color Spectrum Sensor uses white balance detection to determine accurate colors 
• Broadcast 4K content from P1 to an HDMI enabled TV using a 4K slim port adapter 

SWEEPS + CONTEST

Now’s your turn to see for yourself! The LG G4 4K Seconds Sweepstakes runs through June 20th. And in order to celebrate the awesome 4K capture capability and 2TB of storage, AT&T is giving away one LG G4 every 4K seconds (66 minutes) until June 20th, totaling to an incredible 500 phones!

For a chance to win, you need to:

1. Register at http://4kseconds.att.com/
2. Upload a picture you take on your phone. (This can be done from a mobile device, tablet or computer.) Images need to be .jpg or .png and less than 1 MB.

In addition, there’s a contest component to this program. All submitted photos (deemed eligible by the Official Rules) will also be housed on a gallery on the sweepstakes website. These will be open to public voting in order to determine a public appeal score. The photos will also be judged by a panel of judges. The photo with the highest combination score from the judges and public appeal will be deemed the Grand Prize Winner and will receive a 55” Class Smart Curved 4K OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 and a 3D-Blu-Ray Disc Home Theatre System with Smart TV and Wireless Speakers. The second and third highest ranked photos will be deemed the First and Second Prize Winner. These winners will receive a 65” Class IPS 4K UHD Smart LED TV with webOS 2.0 and 3D-Capable Blu-ray Disc Home Theatre System with Smart TV and Wireless Speakers. The winners will be announced upon completion of the Judging Period, which ends July 9th.

Thanks to AT&T for this amazing offer. And good luck!

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Kitchen Style: LG Studio Appliances + Contest

We're getting closer to moving into our new place. And though we originally had chosen a house that needed quite a bit of work, the one we've ended up with is relatively move-in friendly; however, this doesn't mean we can't still have fun tweaking it to our personal tastes. I'd say of every room, I'm most excited about the kitchen. In our current home, our kitchen is 10' x 10' and we did our best to transform it over the years to its current state of awesomeness.

Here's the new-to-us kitchen in all its 11' by 18' glory!


PROS: We finally have lots of cabinet and counter space. I won't have to knead bread dough on the floor or anything like that. It also has a gas stove, which seemed elusive in our original house search. Everything is relatively updated and working well. For the first time ever, I'll have a tile backsplash. It's the little things!

CONS: You can't see from the photo, but the appliances don't match -- some are black and others are off-white. The lights aren't really my style. Everything is dark -- wood, countertop, etc. -- and I'd rather have a bright space, which is better for photography, too. Generally, the finishes are not my style. But it's certainly workable!

Over time, a long time, mind you, we'd love to update the space with a fresher look. But since we're planning to stay in this house for the long haul, I'm in no rush. We're thinking quality versus instant gratification. And this is very difficult for me. So, I satisfy my urges by coming up with inspiration boards.

Here are some of our ideas:

sources: Allen + Roth Light, marble subway tile, rustic kitchen island, sink faucet, grey cabinets + open shelving, cabinet pulls, pantry, all things copper, simple subway tile, EAT, color: revere pewter, as well as the LG Studio refrigerator and gas range

Be sure to follow my kitchen inspiration Pinterest Board for more of my ideas!

Thing is, we could try and make our kitchen look as pretty as the ones we see in magazines -- but if the appliances don't work, there's really no point. At least for an avid cook/baker like me. Eventually we'd love to save to buy quality, stylish appliances like those in the new LG Studio line.

Any home chef can appreciate the smart look of these appliances that blends with innovative, intuitive technology. These appliances are made from premium stainless steel, they feature distinctive door handles and knobs, as well as LCD touch screen control panels and radiant interior LED lighting – all helping to achieve a refined, sophisticated look.

// LG Studio + Nate Berkus

LG Studio announced its partnership with renowned decorator and product designer Nate Berkus for its high-end LG Studio kitchen line earlier this year. LG Studio chose to partner with Nate as a result of their shared commitment to living with what is well thought out and well designed, without sacrificing personality. His unique skill set complements LG Studio’s plans to continue delivering premium appliances built with sophistication and functional elegance in mind.

Timeless design is the signature of the LG Studio Collection, a beautiful complement to the advanced technology that elevates the entire series. As the artistic advisor to the LG Studio Collection, Nate brings his celebrated style to LG's premium appliances. His sophisticated yet accessible style resonates strongly with homeowners, and he is recognized amongst them as an inspirational expert on kitchen remodeling and design.

Nate and LG Studio have teamed up to help homeowners create their signature kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home, but for many, it’s one of the most difficult rooms to design. His expertise and insight will provide consumers with useful feedback to help them create their most beautiful kitchens. The LG Studio Signature Kitchen with Nate Berkus focuses on a kitchen web series in which Nate responds to kitchen remodeling and design-based questions from his and LG’s social communities in the form of personalized videos, some of which were shot during a live event at the LG Studio Kitchen in Manhattan last week.

Nate also filmed five exclusive videos offering insight and expertise on various design trends, including achieving a well-appointed kitchen, summer in the kitchen, layered design, entertaining in the kitchen, and technology in the kitchen. Visit LGStudioKitchen.com to watch Nate in the kitchen sharing his expert design tips and insights!

“My Kitchen Needs Nate” Contest

Beginning June 19 and extending to July 31, consumers are encouraged to enter the “My Kitchen Needs Nate” contest in which the winner will receive a Nate Berkus designed and remodeled kitchen that incorporates LG Studio appliances. Contestants are asked to shoot a video of themselves in their kitchen, noting the personal inspiration point they want Nate to incorporate in his design and why they’re excited about LG Studio’s line of appliances. LG Studio and Nate will choose the winner based on the following criteria: compelling design opportunity, quality of LG Studio appliance-based answer and visibility of kitchen space. Once the renovation is complete, renovation episodes, tip videos and images capturing the renovation will be posted to LGStudioKitchen.com and shared across LG and Nate’s social properties.

Readers may submit video entries at LGStudioKitchen.com for a chance to win a new kitchen renovation, designed by celebrity designer Nate Berkus and furnished with LG Studio appliances.

Does your kitchen need Nate and the LG Studio line of appliances? Send LG Studio a video and tell them all about it. Make sure to include the following:

• You are the star. Make sure you’re in your kitchen and that LG Studio can see a 360° view of it.
• Tell LG Studio your story. Describe for them the design elements that matter most to you. NOTE: They’re going to see a lot of videos, so make it great!
• Tell LG Studio what you love so much about LG Studio appliances 
• Enter the My Kitchen Needs Nate contest for a chance to win a new kitchen renovation, designed by celebrity designer Nate Berkus and furnished with LG Studio appliances

www.LGstudiokitchen.com

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Run/Walk for the WIN

This weekend was lots of fun, and it all kicked off with the Laurel Festival 10K footrace. I anxiously walked to the start line with around 100 others after a half mile warmup knowing I hadn't run this course in four years. Stephen likes to attack it whenever we're in Wellsboro, while I stay far, far away. In my memory, the hills were impossible.

Here's the elevation map:

So, you can see how the whole start it basically up, up, and more up. What we had going for us this year was the weather, though. I've done this race in the pouring rain . . . as well as in 90+ humid heat. This year? Not a cloud in the sky, zero humidity, and temperatures in the 50s. Perfect!

That first long climb is difficult . . . OK very difficult, but somehow I didn't need to walk until the very end of the hill mountain. Surprisingly, it's that second, smaller climb around mile 3 that's always the hardest for me. And it's here where I decided to employ the walk/run method. I was right next to another guy chugging his whole way up and ended up beating him by running for a count of 30 and then following with an equally timed walk "break" -- just keep moving. I truly believe walk breaks can be an amazing way to conserve energy in these types of challenging courses.

When I got to the downhill portion -- and wow, is it a long downhill -- at the end, I just let it all fly. And imagine my surprise when I got to around mile 4.5 and kept hearing "Yeah! FIRST FEMALE!" I think I told someone to shut up. I wasn't wearing a watch and I had no idea what my time was. In fact, I wasn't expecting to do well on the course that day . . . but as I turned the corner into town, I heard again and again that I was indeed the first woman in the pack.

I crossed the line around 48:20, first female and 16th overall, certainly not a 10K PR for me, but a PR on this particular course by around 2 full minutes. In the past, other gals have finished in the low 40s, so I'm not claiming to be a beast or anything like that -- still, it was cool to come in first. Most of the other women I directly competed against were mothers in their 30s, so it feels like a level playing field in that respect!

I'll write up a more detailed race report for WalkJogRun, but just wanted to share my weekend victory with you all!


This race is probably the first and last time I'll place better than Stephen (he came in second overall for men). And of all the races to win in my life, I'm thrilled to have it be one in my hometown on such a mountainous course.

Did you race this weekend? How'd you do? And have you ever walked in a race and done particularly well?

Like what you just read? Browse more of our posts + recipes on Pinterest. You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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Mighty Leaf Iced Tea Giveaway

Summer. The season when I always -- 24/7 -- have a drink in my hand. I'm trying my best to make healthy choices because wow can I get hooked on high calorie drinks and smoothies. So, when Mighty Leaf Tea was kind enough to send us a sampling of all their summer iced teas to try, I thought -- what a perfect opportunity to clean up my ways!

No deprivation here!

First off, check out the flavors: Organic Black, Ginger Peach, Sunburst Green Tea, and Calypso Mango. All ranging in caffeine level, of which the green tea is my go-to because it's a bit lower on the spectrum. I'm always impressed with Mighty Leaf's flavors and their high-quality tea bags are just neat.

How to make iced tea? It's simple:

1. Add 1 tea pouch to a glass pitcher. This handy carafe, which you'll have a chance to win, makes it really easy to pour + store the tea.
2. Pour 32 ounces of boiling water over pouch and steep for 4-5 minutes.
3. Remove pouch and add ice to remainder of pitcher. Though -- GASP -- I'm not much for actual ice in my iced tea. I know that sounds strange. I usually just fill up the pitcher with additional water.

I could explain up and down how these teas are absolutely delicious. How they take the edge off a particularly hot day. How I am IN LOVE with the mango and a squeeze of lemon. A drizzle of honey. Maybe even some chia seeds on occasion. On and on.

Why don't you try some for yourself?
Yes. This is a giveaway post.
Thanks, Mighty Leaf!


What you'll win ($60 value) . . .

• Takeya Glass bottle
• Takeya Iced tea pitcher
• Mighty Leaf Iced teas (in all flavors listed above)

TO ENTER: Leave a comment with the word MIGHTY somewhere in the mix.
IN ADDITION: Please leave a comment about your favorite iced tea recipe + choose a Mighty Leaf Iced Tea you'd likely use to make it.
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Wednesday, July 24th at 9:00PM EST
PRIZE SHIPS: USA only.
ALSO: To win, I need your email address -- so please provide it (or your blog link so I can find it -- just some way of contacting you) or, unfortunately, you cannot win. PS: One entry per email address is allowed. The winners will be selected using a Random Number Generator and announced Monday (7/26) morning.

Good luck! I'm off to yoga with a nice bottle of chilly tea . . .



Like what you just read? Browse more of our posts + recipes on Pinterest. You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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Yellow Polka Dot Bikini + GIVEAWAY

So, I know I'm not a fashion blogger. Let's not even pretend. Most of the time, I'm dressed in jean cutoffs and an old t-shirt. (Old, but new to me, because I probably bought it for $2 at Good Will.) I rarely do my hair + makeup either.

But indulge me, please -- and you could win your very own swimsuit!

Like this vintage-inspired bikini:

I know it's hard. Just try to look past my awkward poses -- our neighbor started mowing her lawn mid-"shoot" . . . talk about embarrassing -- and look at the actual bathing suit.

It's from a great active-wear company called Albion, which specializes in women's fitness and swimwear. Basically, it's fashionable workout clothing. Who doesn't want to look good while working up a sweat?

Or while basking, as in this case. The suit is a high-quality blend of nylon + spandex. The cut is flattering, the color is vibrant, and the pattern is fun. And it goes really well with two of my other summer favorites, my gold Ray-Bans and Saltwater sandals.

I love a ton of the vintage-looking suits from this season's collection.

Here's a sneak peek from the Albion website:



And now here's your chance to win a new suit (or something else) for summer. Albion if offering one of you a $100 Gift Card or the same polka dot suit I reviewed. Pretty nice, eh?

GIVEAWAY INFO

• #1: Like Albion Fit on Facebook
• #2: Pin your favorite item from albionfit.com onto one of your Pinterest boards
• #3: Leave a comment on (never)homemaker with the link to that specific pin.
• Please only leave one comment, duplicate entries will be disqualified. If you need to add something to a comment, I believe Disqus allows you to go back in and edit
• :: Entries will be open until Wednesday, June 12th at 11:59 PM. I will announce the winner next Thursday, June 13th.

Can't wait that long? 

Albion gives readers 15% off $50+ until June 9th

w/code neverhomemaker15

* Disclosure: Albion gave me the yellow polka dot swimsuit to review for this post and offered me this giveaway for all of you to enjoy. I was not compensated in any other way. My opinions are my own.

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Mighty Leaf Iced Tea Giveaway

I'm a beverage guy. Beer, coffee, smoothies, hot tea -- you name it, I'll drink it. So, when Mighty Leaf Tea was kind enough to send us a sampling of all their summer iced teas to try -- of course it peaked my interest. Unfortunately for her, Ashley's avoiding caffeine, so I'll take over this review for today.

Conveniently, each sachet makes a half gallon (64 ounces) of this cool drink, taking out the guesswork for an admittedly lazy teacher on summer break.

Plus, I have a ton of 64-ounce growlers hanging around the house perfect for re-purposing. What we always like best about Mighty Leaf is the quality of the whole leaf pouch itself. If you've tried their teas, you know what I mean. If you haven't, check out our last giveaway with a detailed photo.


The Organic Black is the variety I chose to try first. Described as a "refreshingly rich and smooth South Indian organic black tea . . . hand-picked on the dewy slopes of the Nilgiri mountains," I was surprised by how smooth it actually is. I've been enjoying it all week in this 90+ degree weather, and I can't wait to break out the flavored varieties: Ginger Peach, Sunburst Green Tea, and Calypso Mango (this one's next).


I like to control the sweetness of my beverages (well, I actually prefer to avoid sweetness -- I always take my coffee with no cream or sugar, for example). And the "extra steps" of making iced tea at home really aren't all that daunting.

1.) Add 1 tea pouch to a glass pitcher
2.) Pour 32 ounces of boiling water over pouch and steep for 4-5 minutes.
3.) Remove pouch and add ice to remainder of pitcher.

Simple, right? Though I haven't done it yet, I'd love to use iced tea as a base to a morning smoothie. I could go on, but what might be better is if you try some of this stuff for yourself. Which is why we have a giveaway for you: Mighty Leaf has offered a generous package to one lucky reader -- their Summer Brewing Package . . .


What you'll win:

• A box of each of the four new iced new teas (Black, Ginger Peach, Sunburst Green Tea, and Calypso Mango). You can read more about each on their website.
• The Bodum Iced Tea Pitcher.

TO ENTER: Leave a comment with the word MIGHTY somewhere in the mix.
IN ADDITION: Tell us about your favorite summer beverage. Iced Tea? Iced Coffee? Lemonade? Beer? We've all got our thing.
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, July 29th at 9:00PM EST
PRIZE SHIPS: USA only.
ALSO: To win, I need your email address -- so please provide it (or your blog link so I can find it -- just some way of contacting you) or, unfortunately, you cannot win.
PS: One entry per email address is allowed. The winners will be selected using Tara's Random Number Generator and announced Monday (8/1) morning.

And if you just can't wait, we have a discount code for you!

Discount Code – SUMMERTEA15 – 15 percent off all loose leaf tea and tea bags
Twitter - @mightyleaf
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/mightyleaftea

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Mighty Green Micro Muffins and Giveaway

***Giveaway Is Now Closed***

Happy Friday! Let's jump right in: We love the folks at iHerb.com. Not only do they send us great stuff to review (like the Midori Greens in this tasty micro muffin). But they are also incredibly generous to YOU all.

That's right -- they're furnishing another giveaway for us. Keep reading to see how you can win!

First, today's breakfast . . .


I'm always looking for ways to sneak greens into my diet. So, of course, I'm drawn to Midori Greens powder because it packs a powerful nutritional punch -- without weird flavor.

What's inside? Ashitaba, Japanese Matcha Green Tea, Wasabi, Whole Leaf Grasses, Herbs & Vegetables, Chlorella, and Marine Phytoplankton -- all of which support gastrointestinal health and overall well-being. How does it taste? The best I can describe is that it tastes a lot like Odwalla's Superfood drink.


In other words: It tastes green. But in a good way that goes well in breakfast foods. Trust me! It blended well into my Chocolate-Cherry Start-Your-Day-Right Smoothie the other day. And in this micro muffin, all you taste is deliciousness! (And chocolate chips.)

MIGHTY GREEN MICRO MUFFINS
(Print This Recipe!)

What you'll need . . .

• 2 tablespoons flax meal
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1 scoop of Midori Greens
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon Bob's Red Mill egg replacer, just the powder
• 1/2 (heaping) teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave)
• Handful chocolate chips

Method . . .

1. Whisk together the dry ingredients (flax, flour, midori powder, cinnamon, egg replacer, and baking powder).
2. Then add in the wet ingredients (applesauce and maple syrup).
3. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Spritz a mug with canola oil and pour your batter into it.
5. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Let cool for one minute. Then turn onto a plate and enjoy!

If you like this recipe, you'll probably like our Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Micro Muffins and Banana-Chocolate Chip Micro Muffins, too!


THE GIVEAWAY:

Here's the scoop (get it? scoop?) . . .

THE PRIZE: $50 Shopping Spree at iHerb.com PLUS 1 (one) container of Midori Greens. Total value: $91.97.
TO ENTER: Leave a comment with the words MIGHTY GREENS somewhere in the mix.
IN ADDITION: Tell us your favorite way to incorporate greens into your diet.
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, January 28th at 9:00PM EST
PRIZE SHIPS: USA and International. See note below.
ALSO: To win, I need your email address -- so please provide it (or your blog link so I can find it -- just some way of contacting you) or, unfortunately, you cannot win.
PS: One entry per email address is allowed. The winner will be selected using Tara's Random Number Generator and announced Monday (1/31) morning.

(YES! This giveaway is open to both U.S. AND International residents. The winner must register at iHerb.com to claim his/her prize (it's quick and easy, I promise! And they don't SPAM you.) International winners are responsible for additional customs fees, taxes, duties.

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GIVEAWAY: The Beating of Your Heart, Baby!

***Giveaway Is Now Closed***

Congrats to lucky winner Heather, who writes: "My beating heart almost exploded last night during my interval workout! My favorite moves are STEP -- absolutely LOVE it."

We don't talk much about heart rate monitors or using heart rate monitoring to train. Here's a little secret I've been keeping from you: I've been watching my heart rate like crazy during my cross-training to ensure I'm getting a good workout, at the right intensity, and that I'm cooling down properly.


Why bother monitoring your heart rate?

Sometimes you may just want to know so you can exercise more effectively (heart rate can help define your easy days from your speed workouts, etc.). Other times, you may have certain restrictions due to health issues. Whatever the reason is, it's good to be familiar with your own numbers.

• My resting heart rate is between 52 and 56 beats per minute.
• When I'm pool jogging, I get up to around 140 BPM.
• Swimming? I can get into the 170s.
• Running -- steady pace -- gets me, again, in the 140s.
• Intervals land me near 180 BPM at times.

I'm looking to learn more about how to use this knowledge to my advantage (tips are welcomed!). But . . . how exactly DO you montior your heart rate? Well, you can do it the old school way like I've been doing -- instructions here. Or, you can enter our giveaway and WIN a heart rate monitor.

HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com, an online store that sells heart rate monitors, pedometers, water bottles, etc. -- basically everything a runner/fitness-enthusiast needs -- has been kind enough to sponsor a giveaway.

The loot: A Polar SF1 Fitness Heart Rate Monitor.


Here's the scoop:

THE PRIZE: One Polar SF1 Fitness Heart Rate Monitor. Value: $59.95.
TO ENTER: Leave a comment with the words BEATING HEART somewhere in the mix.
IN ADDITION: Tell us what your favorite exercise moves are to get your heart pumping.
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Saturday, January 1st at 9:00PM EST
PRIZE SHIPS: USA only.
ALSO: To win, I need your email address -- so please provide it (or your blog link so I can find it -- just some way of contacting you) or, unfortunately, you cannot win.
PS: One entry per email address is allowed. The winner will be selected using Tara's Random Number Generator and announced Monday (1/3) morning.

Thanks again to HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com for furnishing this generous giveaway. (And be sure to check out their selection of other great fitness products -- plus some great holiday sales!)

GOOD LUCK!


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Operation Beautiful: Giveaway

It's only appropriate on the day we post all the new info about the Foodie Book Club to announce a book giveaway, right? We're celebrating a pretty big milestone for us: This week, we passed the 2,000 subscribers mark (2,218, to be exact)! I can't even begin to tell you all how thrilled we are that you guys and gals are liking the site. We're changed it quite a bit from the early days back in November 2009 . . . from a Home/DIY blog to one dedicated to Fit Foodies.

We really feel we've hit our stride. Posting content that is near and dear to our hearts is so much fun. And we love all the emails, comments, and tweets about your own journeys toward healthy lifestyles. Keep 'em coming!

Anyway, here's a big THANK YOU. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We hope you'll continue to read (never home)maker and enjoy our recipes/fitness tips/etc.


I'm sure most of you have heard about Caitlin Boyle's recently released book (image source), Operation Beautiful: Transforming the Way You See Yourself One Post-It Note at a Time. If not, here are some reviews from the Amazon site:

"Operation Beautiful is an amazing book and movement that greatly helps women take control and start slicing out self-hate, stitching up self-esteem, and finally start healing from all the body drama that's making us sick!"
- Nancy Redd, New York Times bestselling author of Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers

"In a time when so many people have their self-esteem and inner sense of wellness determined by plastic and often unrealistic standards, Operation Beautiful guides the way to loving oneself in a wholesome sense and to being the healthiest, best you can be!"
- Jennifer Ashton, M.D., CBS News Medical Correspondent and author of The Body Scoop for Girls

"Operation Beautiful is tea and sympathy, a kick in the pants, and a pep talk from a trusted friend all in one. Caitlin walks the walk and expertly weaves her own deep-held secrets in with life-changing stories of women from all around the world...should be mandatory reading for women everywhere."
- Stepfanie Romine, SparkPeople.com

Even if you already own a copy of this book -- it'd make a great gift! Entering isn't hard -- and selection will be at random (using Tara's Random Number Generator).

Here's the scoop:

THE GOODS: One (1) copy of Caitlin Boyle's book titled Operation Beautiful. Value: Approx $17. Really, though. The stories are priceless.
TO ENTER: Leave a comment with the word BEAUTIFUL somewhere in the mix.
IN ADDITION: Tell us about one random act of kindness that has impacted your life.
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, September 3rd at 9:00PM EST
PRIZE SHIPS: USA and Canada only.
ALSO: To win, I need your email address -- so please provide it (or your blog link so I can find it -- just some way of contacting you) or, unfortunately, you cannot win.
PS: One entry per email address is allowed. The winners will be selected using Tara's Random Number Generator and announced Tuesday (9/7) morning.

GOOD LUCK!

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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Shutterbug Giveaway

If you've missed our Foodie Photography Series, you can check out Part I and Part II now! Yet another tip for taking great food pictures is to use a colorful and fun background. And this tip isn't just reserved for food photos -- Sherry and John at Young House Love have been snapping adorable shots of their daughter Clara this way -- using a different pretty background for each week of her first year (check out the pics on their Flickr site).

Though our food isn't quite as cute as babies are, we've used the patterned background method ourselves to add spice to the blog. Usually, we just use a pretty plate or trivet. Here are just a few examples:





When I bought this super adorable carrot trivet, I just had to get two. Of course, this means that now YOU -- yes YOU -- have a chance to win it!


Entering isn't hard -- and selection will be at random (using Tara's Random Number Generator). Here's the scoop:

THE GOODS: One (1) cheery carrot-printed trivet perfect for using in your food photography (among other things).
TO ENTER: Leave a comment with the word SHUTTERBUG somewhere in the mix.
IN ADDITION: Tell us your food photography tips and/or stuff you find difficult to shoot.
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Wednesday, August 11th at 9:00PM EST
PRIZE SHIPS: USA only.
ALSO: To win, I need your email address -- so please provide it (or your blog link so I can find it -- just some way of contacting you) or, unfortunately, you cannot win.
PS: One entry per email address is allowed. The winners will be selected using Tara's Random Number Generator and announced Thursday (8/12) morning.


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