1.08.2016

Friday Favorites + a FitBit Giveaway!

Yay! It's Friday!
Today I'm linking up with Friday Favorites!
Hosted by: Andrea, Erika & Narci

I don't know about you, but I am SO happy it is Friday.
The first week back to school after a 2 week Christmas Break is ROUGH.

This was me on Monday....
.....anyone else feel that way? Amen.

Now...onto my favorites!

{ONE}
Christmas Break was my favorite, for the 2nd week of break we headed to one of my favorite places...our cabin in Tahoe!
 We spent the majority of our 5 days there in our pj's or snow clothes.
We had slow mornings & we had lots of pancakes:
 Lots of time sledding:
 Hours of playing Super Mario Bros as a family:
 Lots of time looking out the window at the beautiful scenery:
 We had cinnamon rolls for breakfast a few times:
 It was so relaxing & there was so much snow.

Snow is my favorite. I wish I lived where it snowed. That was one of my favorite things about going to college in Colorado :)

I also was able to spend a lot of time reading in Tahoe! We don't have internet, so it is so nice to not be distracted by it, I read 4 books in 5 days!!!
I ended 2015 with reading 35 books!
Next week I am planning post about the books I read in 2015. Stay tuned!

Getting the stomach flu while in Tahoe was NOT my favorite.
We spent NYE at our cabin playing Super Mario Bros & I drank Gatorade.
Here I am in all my glory posing for a photo on how I felt.
You are Welcome. LOL!!!

I look like a hot mess. At least I was cozy in my Pajama Pants & Blardigan.
 I didn't even make it to midnight...I stay awake until midnight EVERY night...even on school nights (I am a Night Owl!) But I fell asleep on the couch at 11:40 on NYE.
Pathetic.

{TWO}
 Because I was sick on New Years Eve, we didn't get to do our annual NYE celebration with some of our best friends (they have a cabin in Tahoe down the street from us, so the past few years we have NYE together)

So on Saturday after we all got home to the Bay Area we went to dinner to celebrate a belated NYE.
It was such a fun night. 
Hanging out with them is my favorite!

{THREE}
Like most people, I like to start eating healthier in January after all the extra goodies/food/drinks I had during the holidays.
I wanted to highlight some of my favorite healthy snacks that I have been making lately:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Avocado Smoothie {Recipe HERE}
No Bake Energy Protein Balls {Recipe HERE}
 Another one of my goals is to make a healthy snack for the kids to have available every day after school while they do their homework.
This week I made my Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins (but I forgot to put in the chocolate chips!)  They were delicious even without chocolate chips....and healthier!
Recipe is {HERE}
They also love my Chocolate Chip Zuchini Muffins
Recipe {HERE}

Sneaking veggies into their food is my favorite :)
You can also make these healthier by omitting the chocolate chips!

{FOUR}
Hosting a Favorite Things Party is my favorite!

If you missed my post on it earlier this week you can see it {HERE}

I usually do Favorite Things parties in December, but you could do them any time of year!

I wanted to highlight one of the gifts that my friend brought as her favorite thing because it is also one of my favorite things!
Do you have THIS brush?
My mom told me about them 3 years ago and let me tell you....LIFE CHANGING.
My girls have the most senstive heads and brushing their hair was a pain...enter the wet brush! They don't hurt and work so well!

I have this paddle one for myself.

These are the ones the girls have.


When we were in Tahoe, the girls were wearing snow hats most of the day & I don't think we brushed their hair for a few days....ha! Claire had a huge rats nest in her hair. I was able to brush it out easily with the wet brush! LOVE it.


{FIVE}
Netflix is my favorite.
We started watching Making a Murderer last weekend.
OH.MY. GOSH.
I can't EVEN.
Please, watch it!!!!! AHHHH!!

{SIX}
Starting the year of organized is my favorite.
That got a little delayed for me since the stomach flu lingered for a few days, but this week I have been trying to get back into organization mode.
What works for me is getting my week organzined on Sunday so that I start Monday ready to go.


 
It is one of my favorite posts on being organized is {THIS} post I wrote 2 years with tips on how to have a Not So Manic Monday & how you can set yourself up for a smooth week!
This includes meal planning for the week, etc!

{SEVEN}
Did you make New Years's resolutions?
I saw this on FB earlier this week:

If taking care of your skin is one of your resolutions, I can help you!!!

I would love to help you with your skin care needs...wrinkles, sun damage, pregnancy melasma, acne (teens & adults) senstitve ski, rosacea....we have products for ALL skin types!
Find out what is best for your skin by taking this quick 6 question survey:
 {HERE}
 Reverse is one of my favorite regimens. It got rid of my pregnancy melasma.
Seeing Before & After photos are my favorite!
 All our products come with a 60 Day, empty bottle 100% money back guarantee!

 For all new preferred customers you get $20 cash back, 10% off your order, FREE shipping AND a FREE Lip Micro-Dermabrasion stick.


It is my FAVORITE for the winter weather that causes chapped lips!
It removes dead skin cells and exfoliates flaky lip tissues in just a few swipes. This easy to use, conditioning treatment makes lips look and feel more defined and youthful by renewing the surface and reducing lipstick bleeding. I use it each morning and every night before bed. This was a life savor in Lake Tahoe with the cold snowy weather!
The stick lasts over 4 months!

Email me today with questions or to place an order!
melissa_larson17{at}yahoo.com
If one of your New Years Resolutions is to change your finances...I want to suggest joining Rodan + Fields. It has been such a blessing for us & has allowed me to stay teaching part time instead of full time.
We have a signing bonus for the 1st TWO people who join me in business this month.
Let's chat!
melissa_larson17{at}yahoo.com

{EIGHT}
Rain is my favorite!!!!
These are my favorite rain boots. So glad I can finally wear them!
 
I got them a few years ago, but then we have been in a major drought for 3 years, so they have barely been worn!

{NINE}
Planning parties is my favorite.....right now I am planning Kate's 9th Birthday Party!
I can't believe she is turning 9 in just 2 weeks!!
Here is a sneak peek of her invitation that I made:
She wanted a Roller Skating Party this year!
Bring on the bright colors, neon & roller skates!

Her birthday always sneaks up on me since it's less than a month after Christmas, I am just now mailing out the invites. Oops!

{TEN}
My fit bit is my favorite! I got one last May. My favorite part is not seeing how many steps I take, but seeing my sleep patterns!

I'm excited at the chance to give one away!!!
You have a choice of THIS one

OR

THIS one.

{I have the flex & like it because it is smaller}

To enter, use the rafflecopter below!
Hope you survived the first week of 2016...Enjoy your weekend!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

139 comments:

  1. Awesome giveaway , I love your blog and recipes I have been reading your blog for years , your monkey bread recipe is a big deal and tradition in my family since the first time I read it here :)

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  2. The pictures from Tahoe! Beautiful! Even the blardigan one ;) and thanks for the recipes! Always looking for healthier swaps come January!

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  3. Happy Friday Mel! The next time you go to Tahoe, take me with you :).

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  4. Great giveaway...I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't have one yet:)

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  5. The snow looks absolutely beautiful, can't believe I'm saying this but I'm jealous!
    Those Wet brushes, I need to try them out because brushing my 4year olds hair after a bath time is a true struggle!!

    Lauren
    learningtolovehome.blogspot.com

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  6. Happy New Year! Your party posts are my absolute favorites so I look forward to hearing about the roller skate party :)

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  7. Happy New Year! Great post and giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win. xo

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  8. great post and love this giveaway my dear friend! thanks for linking up and cant wait to follow your blog more :) hope you'll stop by mine as well!

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  9. I love those brushes for my daughter too - makes it MUCH easier!! Also, already have the Favorite Things Party on my tickler for 2016....LOVE IT!

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  10. I would love to have a fitbit! Sometimes I borrow my husband's, but I've never broken down and actually bought one of my own!

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  11. great start to the year! the cabin in tahoe looks like so much fun!

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  12. I'd love to win the Fitbit! Your blog is so nice to read :)

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  13. OBSESSED with Making a Murderer... I even dreamt about it last night! Hahaha! I didn't realize the fitbit tracks sleep too. That's awesome.

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  14. I lost my fitbit after a year and a half a few weeks ago and I really miss it!
    ps My girls night had a favorite things party in early December inspired by your blog. Really just the gift exchange part...but we loved it!

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  15. Your year looks like it's off to a great start, even with the flu! :)

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  16. Love Friday Favorites!

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  17. I would love a fitbit!

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  18. I'm a little jealous of all that snow! I love my Fitbit too and I love that it tracks my sleep patterns. I get a little sad when I see my sleep patterns with a newborn though. Have a great weekend.

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  19. I love the no bake protein energy balls, I'm all for healthy snacks.

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  20. I love the no bake protein energy balls, I'm all for healthy snacks.

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  22. what an awesome giveaway!! as always, I love your recipes. thanks for sharing!!

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  23. I would be fascinated to see my sleep patterns!!

    Your time in Tahoe looks amazing! We have also had a rough start back to regular routine after the holidays. Hoping next week will be better! :)

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  24. Great post! Love the rain!! Love the wet brush! Love the Fitbit!!

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  25. That snow is to die for! It was close to 80 degrees at Christmas time here in NC and it was terrible! It's starting to get a little bit more winter-like now, but still no snow!

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  26. That skincare looks amazing! Glad your stomach woes are over. Its going to rain tomorrow in VA and be chilly so we are looking forward to PJs all day and lots of Wii and movies. We need a rest after this first week back too!

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  27. Happy Friday!! I want to go to Tahoe now!!

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  28. I absolutely adore Tahoe, and love all the snack ideas! Happy Friday Mel!

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  29. Awesome giveaway!! As an East Coaster, your photos of Tahoe look gorgeous and I would love to be able to get out there and see it someday!

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  30. Even though we live where we get plenty of snow, Tahoe looks amazing!!

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  31. Excited about this giveaway!!!

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  32. Your IG pics from your Tahoe getaway had me and my bestie planning a trip to meet there next NYE. They go to Northern Cali for Christmas each year and we decided it would be so fun to meet there before they head back to Texas. I received a Fitbit for Christmas and am loving it!!

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  33. Been contemplating a fitbit! Love the blog!

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  34. What a fun post! I always love your Tahoe photos and I can't wait to see the birthday photos. I always want to come to your parties!!

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  35. Such a great post. I just bought a fitbit with my best friend and dad - we are all obsessed!! What a great week. Happy Friday

    www.violetandblush.com

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  36. I think I'm going to set a goal for myself this year for how many books I want to read. I love that you did that! 35 is a lot! I don't know if I will be able to do that many.

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  37. Great post! I have always wanted to visit Tahoe-especially in the winter! Living in Texas, we rarely see snow.

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  38. I love how you do a winter trip after the holidays! It keeps the holiday going rather than coming to a screeching halt :) Have a great weekend!

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  39. I love the idea of a favorite things party-how fun!

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  40. I have been wanting one for the same reason. I am such a bad sleeper and wake up multiple times per night so I have wondered how much sleep I actually get.

    Hugs,
    Trisha

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  41. I was just looking into fitbits! :) loved this post!
    - lauren door

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  42. Can't wait to try some of your recipes! The snow looks beautiful!

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  43. Oh my gosh girl everything in number 3 is killing me! I want all of it. Every last bit. But especially the zucchini muffins.

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  44. SO sorry you were sick for NY! We just started watching Making a Murderer last night. WHOA! Thanks for the hair brush tip, checking this out for J.

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  45. Tahoe is on my list to visit! Love the recipes!

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  46. I've always wanted to go to Tahoe, it looks beautiful! The wet brush is a complete life saver! I have one and my 3 year old has the mini. Happy weekend! :)

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  47. Thank you for the chance to win! Your banana muffins aren't only just a hit with my kids but also with my students. They're obsessed that I have to make double batches every other week to freeze and keep in stock!

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  48. We used to live in Grass Valley which is very close to Tahoe. Tahoe is beautiful, especially the lake. We are taking our kids to New Hampshire as a surprise next month when it will be snowing. They haven't seen snow so it will be lots of fun. Thank you for the pictures, I too love snow and remember it as a child.
    Samantha

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  49. Happy New Year to you and your family! Agree that the Wet Brush is amazing.

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  50. I'd love the fitbit to give my momma... and we LOVE wet brushes too!

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  51. would LOVE a fitbit, love your Friday favorites!

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  52. I'm going to try Chocolate Peanut Butter Avocado Smoothie!

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  53. I had a Flex, lost it, bought a Charge, and it got ran over. Ha!

    I loved Making a Murderer and I have been meaning to buy a Wet Brush forever since everyone loves them!

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  54. I would love a fitbit b/c it tracks your sleeping patterns!

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  55. You are so inspiring.. Between working, all the activities with your kids, writing a blog, and getting back into running.. You have inspired me to be a better person! My goals for 2016... Commit to focusing more quality attention to my kids and run a race.. 15k or more! Very interested in how a Fitbit would help!

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  56. I had a jawbone tracker but it broke so I would love to try another one!

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  57. I made your banana chocolate chip muffins last night. Delicious!

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  58. Tahoe is a beautiful place but I have not been there in over 40 years and that was in the summer. I live in the Northwest where we have a lot of snow and I get tired of it after 4-5 months of it. The biggest thing about it is there are so many people who drive dangerously in the snow and on ice that it makes me not want to be on the roads in the winter. I see accidents daily due to individuals who fail to slow down due to inclement weather. Another problem with the snow is that our city does not maintain the roads like one would think in the winter and stores do not take the precautions they should with ice on the sidewalks, parking lots, etc.

    Thanks for the giveaway. A FitBit would be nice to have to keep track where I am as far as fitness does.

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  59. Thanks for the opportunity. Love your favorites posts.

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  60. I would love the HR fitbit! So jealous of the favorite things party, that would be so awesome!

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  61. Been to Lake Tahoe in the summer. It looks beautiful with all of the snow. Such a cozy place. Hope you are feeling better!

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  62. I love the fitbit. Excited to read your posts about books.

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  63. I would so love to win the Fit Bit as I really can't afford one myself. I love your blog.

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  64. Great giveaway! We love our wet brushes here too!

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  65. I've been wanting to try the Fitbit for forever! Like you, I am totally interested in seeing my sleep patterns, since I normally use my iPhone to track my steps

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  66. this would be great to win since i can't afford to buy one!

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  67. 1. Being sick is the worst, especially around the holidays.
    2. I love my wet brush!
    3. I am watching Making a Murderer, too. Aaahhhhh it is so good!
    4. I would love to track my sleep patterns. I'm sure they are much worse than I think they are.

    Great post!

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  68. I hope that I am the winner of the Fitbit. Thank you .-David

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  69. What a fun read! New to the blog and love it!

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  70. I love your snowy photos from Tahoe! Snow is so beautiful!

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  71. I feel on adulting..it was a struggle going back to school this week!

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  72. Super excited about this giveaway! Thank you for offering it!

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  73. I hate when Christmas break is over. Then you have the spring break teaser that makes you hunger for summer break. It's a never ending process.

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  74. I would love to win! Thanks for the chance.

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  75. I'd love to have a fitbit Charge, thanks for the chance to win! I'm definitely trying to move more throughout the day.

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  76. I love this post! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  77. The Fitbit would be a big help with motivation!
    thank you

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  78. I would love to win. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!
    tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  79. I would love to win a Fitbit, might help me get motivated to start moving!

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  80. I would love to win a fitbit! Thanks for hosting this giveaway. And thanks for all the great party ideas on your blog!

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  81. I would love a FitBit! Also to visit Lake Tahoe...your photos always remind me it's on my bucket list!

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  82. I always enjoy reading your blog posts! One of the highlights of my day - and you are so darn creative! Thanks for the giveaway as well! Happy New Year!

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  83. I have been wanting a Fitbit... Thanks for the chance to win one! Sotelofamily

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  84. Great post! Love your blog. A fit bit would be SO Fun to win! I do not own one and have been eyeing them for over a year now.

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  85. Awesome giveaway, I'd love to win one!!

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  86. If you like Making a Murdered then I think you'd really like the first season of Serial! It's about a murder trial and it's SO good! I listened to the whole first season while training for a 25K and it really motivated me to run because I couldn't wait to listen to the next episode. You can find all the episodes on itunes or their website for free. SO GOOD!! ~Laura PS. I'm starting your 10 on 10 this year! So excited to start documenting each season of my life in pictures :)

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  87. We just started watching Making a Murderer and I'm hooked! I have SO many questions though, that I fear won't be answered by the time the series is over.

    Awesome giveaway! I've had my eye on a fitbit forever!

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  88. I've heard a lot about FitBit. Thanks so much!

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  89. Happy New Year! Very excited to see what your blog brings this year.. thank you for the chance to win an awesome giveaway.

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  90. Happy new year!! Your posts make me want to go to Tahoe!!

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  91. Happy New Year!! Thanks for doing this giveaway :)

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  92. Fantastic giveaway! Those banana muffins look great1

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  93. Fitbits are awesome! My company was doing a giveaway earlier last week when we did a step challenge. you would be amazed at how motivating these little things can be.

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  94. Every time you post about Tahoe, I want to pack up and go! Looks gorgeous!

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  95. So bummed I missed you guys this break! But I will definitely see you in August (!!!!) Pete's here we come!!

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  96. I'm jealous of all the snow you seem to have! It looks beautiful!

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  97. Happy New Year! We finished Making a Murderer last week and I need my friends to catch up so we can discuss it!

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  98. I've been wanting one! Fingers crossed!! :)

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  99. My son would love a fitbit, I think it's great. I really do wonder how many steps kids take in a day vs us adults. :)

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  100. What an amazing giveaway! I've always wanted one but as a college student didn't want to fork out the money for it. Also...those recipes. YUM!

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  101. Love the skating party invites! Can't wait till my daughters are a little older and want to have a skating party!

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  102. I would LOVE one! I am an athletic trainer and would love to see how many steps I take a day caring for patients and students! And maybe it will help me go to bed sooner if I see how few hours i get! I am such a night owl!!

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  103. I can't wait to try the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins, I think everyone in my house will love them!

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  104. The invitations are so cute. Love your party ideas.

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  105. A fitbit would be great for accountability.

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  106. I think a fitbit would be a great way to be held accountable and to really make you move!

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  107. Happy New Year. :-) The snow looks beautiful.

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  108. Your blog posts are always so much fun and insightful! Great giveaway!

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  109. You've inspired me to get back into running, I have ran one half-marathon and am trying to figure out which one I want to run next! Happy New Year!

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  110. Love all your great pics! The snow looks fun, i bet the kids had a blast. We havent made it up north yet this winter to see the snow.

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  111. My daughter has really been wanting a fitbit. I would love one too!

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  112. I hope I win. My birthday is coming up.

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  113. I hope I win. My birthday is coming up.

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  114. I love Tahoe! One my my favorite places to visit, every year! Helps that I have family there too! Awesome giveaway! Happy New Year! (Tammy Horn)

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  115. i have been wanting a fibit flex for quite some time now. this would be great to have

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  116. The "I can't adult today" puppy pic is my favorite. Love it! :)

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