Hearing holiday music yet? We’re going to have a VERY different Christmas this year, being in the South (my son asked if it’s still Christmas if it doesn’t snow…) and working on our own idea of Christmas Change (more about that to come). I’ve been learning about how to combine giving gifts to loved ones (which I just ADORE doing) with giving to the poor and needy, remembering the true Spirit of Christmas. I can’t wait to share more with you as we shift our traditions and create new, more meaningful ones.
As a part of the giving to loved ones part of all that, I’ve been feverishly working on a Fit & Healthy Gift Guide over at Lifetime Moms, and will also be co-hosting an Eco Lovely Gift Guide here at my blog along with Sara Sophia at her site Tout Est Des Roses beginning next week.
I’ll even have some fun things to giveaway (like today) and hopefully you can win some gifts for loved ones and use the money you saved on someone who wouldn’t otherwise hear the Message of the season from your heart and from your gifting — both of which the poor and needy would gladly accept.
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First up, I’m going to be writing about all kinds of gift ideas for the Fit & Healthy channel of Lifetime Moms, and we already have a sneak peek up of my top picks in each category of Spa, Food, Eco, Life and Fitness, so definitely check them out! Chocolate, pampering, THEBESTBAGEVER, seriously these are incredible.
These are some do not miss products that I have LOVED, and we have some great discount codes to help keep things paired down and budget friendly this season. The best part? Giveaways!
After you’ve read all about my top picks, come back here and have a chance to win these great prize packs:
The team behind Etsy Earth is giving away a WHOLE BAG of their adorable handmade goodies! Everything you see described in the Lifetime Moms feature, will go to one lucky winner. Amazing, no? The Etsy Earth team is a collection of Etsy artisans committed to sustainable earth friendly handmade goods.
I am in love with these products and so thrilled that you will be gifted with them too. Something for mom, for baby, for the funky t-shirt aficionado, and more. If you are an Etsy lover, this is an amazing giveaway!
Belletare products are perfect for that special lady — moms, grandmas, friends, who could really use some pampering. They are:
- all-natural, cruelty- free, and include superior natural and certified-organic ingredients.
- Include powerful antioxidants, botanical extracts, essential fatty acids and vitamins
- Use only pure ingredients – never any synthetic fragrances, parabens, petro-chemicals, or anything toxic.
- always packaged in recyclable/reusable materials.
The people from Belletare would like to give one lucky reader the Vivace Three-Phase Gift collection, which includes full size Shower Gel, Body Polish and Lotion ($98+ value!).
I will randomly choose two winners, one for the Etsy Earth prize package and one for the Belletare Gift Collection.
How to enter:
1. Leave a comment here telling me your favorite tip for staying fit & healthy through the holidays. This comment required for entry.
2. Additional Entry – Sign up for the Belletare VIP club (free) for news and offers from Belletare (leave an additional comment telling me you did).
3. Additional Entry – Peruse the Etsy Earth site and tell me about a product or store that caught your eye, and why (leave an additional comment telling me you did).
4. Additional Entry — Subscribe to my RSS feed (leave an additional comment telling me you did).
5. Additional Entry — Subscribe to my blog via email (leave an additional comment telling me you did).
6. Additional Entries — Tweet about the giveaway! Be sure to include giveaway link. Can do this once per day (leave an additional comment with a link to the tweet).
Giveaway ends December 4th at Noon Eastern. Open to US residents only. Good Luck!
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{ 116 comments… read them below or add one }
My tip for staying fit and healthy over the holidays – Keep up the exercise and fill up on healthy food BEFORE you indulge in a small treat.
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I subscribe to you via e-mail
nieceydoc@yahoo.com
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Drink lots of water! It's easy to overdo it on the salt and get dehydrated.
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Exercise, exercise, exercise! At least if I am burning calories, I don't feel so bad when I am inhaling them- HA!
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My tip is to make sure you get enough sleep. The body has to have some “down time” in order to replenish itself. This is one thing that is easy to skip…but you pay later.
pscole3467 at gmail dot com
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Make sure that you are hydrated. Water keeps you fresh, hydrated and also fills you up without the calories. It also keeps the blood a bit more fluid so that if you are flying it is a good thing.
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dont eat to much and work out as much as you can!!!
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i like the tangerine organic conditioner at the etsy shop because i love the smell of tangerine
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i like the tangerine organic conditioner at the etsy shop because i love the smell of tangerine
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subscriber
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subscriber
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tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5953017089
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i signed up for the bellatire list
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my favorite holiday fit tip is to set realistic exercise goals – and to get my whole family on board!
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My fave tip is to eat a healthy snack before attending holiday parties so you won't be so hungry that you gorge yourself on sinful appetizers.
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I'm digging the laundry detergent offered by Clean Rinse.
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Water! Lots and lots of water.
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I do yoga. It helps with keeping in shape during the holidays and it relieves stress.
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I always drink lots of water to stave off my appetite.
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http://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/59609...
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Drink club soda with lime instead of alcoholic drinks to be full without calories
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My favorite tip for staying healthy around the holidays is what I normally do anyways but is specially helpful around the holidays. Portion control and daily exercise. Even if you have a big meal, only take small portions. Very helpful. And no matter how busy you are, do a little bit of exercise. Always make time:) Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks!!
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I also subscribed through email.
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I tried subscribing through RSS and couldn't get it to work. Will try again in a few minutes.
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And the Etsy shop I saw that I liked was greenBubble. There are so many on there though that are neat:) Hard to pick a favorite.
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My tip is to make time to exercise. Even get up early if you have to:)
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Here's the direct link, hope this helps!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/tothinkistocreate
Thanks!
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Make sure I drink I large glass of water with each snack/meal beforehand. Also, I try to get down with my kids and play on their level as much as possible
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My favorite shop is Herbfriend. Looks like they have some neat soaps.
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do everything in moderation
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During the holiday season to stay fit and healthy I like to spend any extra time I have dancing with my kids to Christmas music!
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Only eat half your meal and save the rest for later
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The best suggestions I can give for staying fit and healthy for the holidays is drink lots of water a get plenty of sleep.
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I joined the VIP club
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I subscribed to your blog via email. Can't wait for the next one.
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I've been listening to positive affirmations. These have helped my outlook be postive and helped remind me to exercise and take my vitamins.
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Handwash! Handwash! Handwash!
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Skin Drencher – 8 oz Bottle Chocolate n Coconut Organic Moisturizing Lotion. It looks amazing!
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I know all the food,pies and cakes look so yummy! But I try to make sure I keep my portions small that way i can try still have the things I like without being stuffed like the turkey!
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I make sure the drink enough water and to enjoy the time spent with family and friends.
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Get up before everyone else to get your exercise in. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
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My tip for staying fit and healthy – veggie soup (it's filling and a tasty way to sneak in a rainbow of color) and sneaking in extra exercise when I can, be it parking a bit farther away, taking the stairs or dancing around the living room with my kids.
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After losing 150 pounds my best fitness holiday tips are stay active and have a plan. Holidays don't have to be the end of a weight loss or weight maintenance journey! Great giveaway!
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I love walking, even though its cold, I bundle myself and my little one up and go walking. We are planning on doing the turkey trot as a family, and possibly making it a tradition on Christmas too! It's a great way to burn some calories before you indulge in all the goodies! :)
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Shoveling Snow (if there is any) is always a great and productive workout
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Thanks for share good post i like your post. Thanks….! I am follow your blog.
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My favorite tip for staying fit/healthy thru the holidays is vegetable soup. I like to keep a big pot going every week. We eat bowls of it for small meals before leaving home, so we're less tempted to eat out or pig out at a party.
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Keep something of 30 minutes of activity in every single one of your days! Even if it is power walking at the mall, with the stroller :>
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After looking at the Etsy baby clothing, I think the blue organic burp cloths are adorable!
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Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, by doing some type of activity that gets your heartbeat up will surely help. Even if it is a power stroll across the mall ( with the stroller)
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My tip is to continue your exercise routine(mine is simply walking) and to eat a piece of fruit before going to the meal so you aren't starving and wanting to overeat.
mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com
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11/26 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/6097475284
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11/27 tweet http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/6114894791
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I eat right, get plenty of rest and exercise and try to keep stress low.
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Drink plenty of water and have some veggies before a big meal.
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We like to walk together. If it's a joint effort we don't mind the cold as much!
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I drink lots of water — pass up all the sodas and sugar-loaded drinks! I also try to walk as much as I can!
Frieda
momof3shops(at)gmail(dot)com
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What beautiful merchandise they have at the 'Etsy Earth' website! I especially liked all the purses and jewelry. The Lotus Petal Hoop Earrings were so beautiful!
momof3shops(at)gmail(dot)com
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I always try to eat a healthy light snack before I go to holiday parties – this helps me not eat everything in sight at the party.
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Go for a walk when the holidays seem a little overwhelming. Walking is a great substitute for random snacking and a better stress reliever.
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I stay fit over the holidays by repeating this saying, “Just because you can doesn't mean you should.”
I can take that extra helping, I can eat cookies 6 times a day. But that doesn't mean I should. What I should do is keep the holidays in perspective and be reasonable in my eating.
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Eat healthy foods before indulging, even if it means a snack before a holiday meal. And don't forget to drink water and avoid empty calories found in soft drinks and alcohol.
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My favorite tip is to drink a glass of water before a meal to keep from over eating.
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My tip is to remember its ok to indulge in the things you want, just do it in moderation.
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My tip for staying fit and healthy during the holidays? Remember that it's ok to splurge for ONE DAY but don't go overboard at EVERY holiday function. And for heavens sake don't give up a workout throughout the entire month of December. And even though it's stressful, remember that this really is the MOST wonderful time of the year–if you forget, ask a child and watch his or her little eyes light up. Happy Holidays!
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Hey Arriane! I just subscribed to your rss feed and look forward to seeing all your updates in my google reader. Glad I discovered your blog. Have a fabulous day!
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Don't skimp on sleep during the holidays. You only end up cranky when you should be happy.
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Hello, I just want to say that during holidays do your exercise regularly and don't forget your diet and take hygienic food. Enjoy..
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Drink lots of water and try to eat healthy.
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Just signed up for Bellatare–looks like I'm finally a VIP!
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Love all the handbags from etsy's “infusion natural fibers” store–but how to choose just one?
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My tip is to get lots of rest and drink plenty of water. Thanks for the contest!
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I drink lots of water and do portion control that way I can eat the bad stuff but in moderation and don't forget to excercise!!
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Drink lots of water and keep up with the exercising, or running after the kids burns a few calories too.
Jamie´s last blog ..Buy One Get One Free Photo Mug at Snapfish Today Only
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I tweeted.
https://twitter.com/CoolCraftyMom/status/6317669393
Jamie´s last blog ..Buy One Get One Free Photo Mug at Snapfish Today Only
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It’s pretty hard trying to stick to a good diet during the holidays but I do try and avoid all of the cakes, cookies and pies. I try and allow myself just a taste but it can be really hard. Since I know it’s like this year after year, I just make sure that I work a little harder with exercising after the holidays. I’ll take longer walks and work out an extra day or two a week until I get back to where I want to be.
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I really like the great looking Holiday Bag from Avendano’s shop.
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I just subscribed.
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New Subscriber
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Very cool giveaway.
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This is the cute shirt I found:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30600822&ref=em
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To stay fit during the holidays, I try to watch what I eat without depriving myself. I’ll use a small plate at parties for finger foods and then stop eating.
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I already subscribe via email.
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I sigend up at belletare.
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I eat until I’m not hungry.
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The greenBubble store looks nice.
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I subscribe in a reader.
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I stay fit by exercising 5 times a week and making sure to keep a lot of fresh veggies and fruits around, for smarter snacking!
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Tweeted http://twitter.com/happeegirl/status/6327553226
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Subscribed to RSS feed
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Remain active and don’t over-do it with the calories, thanks!
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I try to squeeze in 10 minute walks whenever I can.
Chrysa ´s last blog ..LIVE Giveaway Going on NOW – Win One of 3 Books
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Drink plenty of water and let yourself indulge a bit! Take a walk after dinner and get the family or neighbors to join you. If it’s cold, bundle up! :)
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My favorite tip is don’t overindulge. Watch what you eat. Seek out healthy alternatives.
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Just staying active.. with 5 kids that’s not hard to do :)
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I try to make sure to stay busy in order to “work” off my Thanksgiving and Christmas food. I also try not to eat too much between the holidays.
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I subscribed to Belletare VIP Club.
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Take water everywhere you go.
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I try to make good choices when it comes to food during the holidays like limiting my sugar intake. I also keep exercising.
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Ugh! That is a hard one when the kids are bringing home all kinds of Holiday sweets. When Christmas Break rolls around and the kids are out of school I try to keep them busy and active rather than just lazy around the house. I plan outtings and read up in the newspaper what is going on around town to keep the kids out of the house and active. There are plenty of ways to keep kids active during break and in turn it keeps me busy and not at home munching on sugar cookies and egg nog.
Jessica´s last blog ..5 Minutes for Mom Christmas Giveaways
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I like this holiday satchel http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35430578&ref=em It is a lovely bag and carying around a holiday bag realy gets me in the holiday mood.
Jessica´s last blog ..5 Minutes for Mom Christmas Giveaways
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subscribed to your feed via google reader
Jessica´s last blog ..5 Minutes for Mom Christmas Giveaways
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Subscribed via email.
Jessica´s last blog ..5 Minutes for Mom Christmas Giveaways
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Tweeted here http://twitter.com/MACMOMof3/status/6342013319
Jessica´s last blog ..5 Minutes for Mom Christmas Giveaways
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My favorite tip for staying fit and healthy through the holidays is to control portion sizes at mealtime.
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I signed up for the Belletare VIP club.
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I love the tangerine organic conditioner!
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I subscribed by email.
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My tip is remember to take care of yourself. My hubby and I walk a challenging walk every day and we take vitamins and try to eat right. I cook from scratch and try to use healthy products for our family.
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The Rogue. Organic Cherry purse from Etsy Earth site is so pretty. I love the red color, the style, and that it is made of twill and the lining is cotton. The person who made this is really talented, as it is gorgeous!
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I subscribe=spcale at yahoo dot com.
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Subscribed to RSS feed .
The one in previous post is email subscirber.
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I follow and Tweet!~http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/6345396088
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Trying to watch the saturated fats and trans fats, taking fiber and eating right as much as you can to try to stay healthy
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Subscribed by email, lighthousee27(at)gmail.com
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subscribed by RSS feed. lighthousee27{at}gmail.com
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