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So it’s been awhile since I’ve done one of my “FIVE THINGS” posts but I’m happy to be back in the fold and have five, fresh new “things” to share with all of you! If you’ve been here before or even have done your own “Five Things” feel free to scroll to the bottom of this post for the “goods”. Otherwise to welcome new readers here is what my “Five Things” on Friday is all about…

Awhile back there was a survey going around on Facebook called “25″ or “25 Things” and the rules were simple: ”Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.”

This little survey spread like wildfire and was almost addicting! I’ve decided to introduce a new weekly post for Fridays called “Five Things on Friday”, the bloggers version of “25″. Each week I will post 5 random things, facts, habits or goals about myself and post my link on my twitter (@trulytrayce). From there I hope you join the fun and create your own “Five Things on Friday” post, comment on mine and leave your link! Simple as that! I’d love to get to know my readers better and have a little fun doing it!

Excerpt from my Five Things…Volume VIII 06/04/10

I hope as you read my five things you are learning and laughing and getting to know me. More than anything I hope you decide to do your own “Five Things” post and remember things about yourself that make you who you are and share them with me. Sometimes remembering your five things are the best part of doing this. Remembering things that shape who you are. Above all I believe this is a great exercise in learning, changing, and adapting. A reflection of things we’ve done, are doing, or want to do. Without further ado my “Five Things” for this week…

“Learning is the discovery that something is possible.” ~Fritz Perls

1.  I recently found out I’m allergic to SOY and Tree Nuts. Great right? Not so much, considering there is SOY or a product of soy in almost 60% of items out there! YIKES!!

2.  I have 4 twitter accounts! But most of the time I can be found tweeting @trulytrayce and my newest @1ketchuplover, come say hello!

3. Someday when I’m all grown up and can afford to buy a real piece of artwork it will be a Wyland.

4. Someone recently said “there is always more to the story”. I know this is true.

5. Today I had to go back and read every single one of my “Five Things” posts to make sure I haven’t already mentioned one of these “things” before…

I’d love to read your “Five Things”! Please feel free to write your own post and link back here or post them in the comments section!

Happy “Five Things on Friday”!

SWAGG is a free mobile app ; (download here) that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone. Buy, send or swap SWAGG GIFTS and organize your old school plastic gift cards.

For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) , up to $125,000.

Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! Download the SWAGG app and then visit the ; Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes site to enter to win a trip for two to the Sundance Film Festival. Entry deadline is January 3, 2011, 11:59pm, PST.

My best gift ever?

WOW, what a question! As I reflect on Christmas’s past I’m not so sure I can actually choose one… so I won’t. For me my “best gift ever” is not so much a physical wrapped present, but a time.  A day to be exact. A day that I have enjoyed with my family for the past thirty-two years. Perhaps taking this special evening with extended family for granted at times until it is now a time of the past, unfortunately.

Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance – each beautiful, unique and too soon gone.”
~ Deborah Whipp (1964-), web designer.

My best “gift” ever you see is Christmas Eve. For nearly every one of these past thirty-two years I have missed less than five of these special evenings with my entire extended family. Every year. Every year gathering to visit, exchange gifts, eat and spend a few hours with the ones we have not seen nearly enough throughout the year, if at all.

Our Christmas Eve tradition goes way back. To even before I was born. My mom just remembers always doing it too. Always going to Gram Gram’s on Christmas Eve.

As we got older, we got bigger in more ways than you think. Taller, older, more kids, more spouses…less space. Although however many people came there was always room in that small space for everyone. It was always the same for years. We’d gather, eat, laugh and love. And at the end of the evening after what seemed like hours and hours of waiting we’d open presents! My Great Grandma would call everyone in, we’d find a spot (as close as possible) and wait. She’d take her spot in the middle of all of those beautifully wrapped gifts and hand out each one of them one by one.

Sweet anticipation of the moment when our turn would come.

And after everyone had opened their gift Gram Gram would open her pile of gifts. You see she never just tore open a package, she’d slowly and meticulously savor each and every moment of what she would find. She’d even save the wrap for the next year! I think that it wasn’t really about the gift for her but an opportunity to seize the clock for her very own and truly enjoy each precious, waning minute with the family she loved so very much.  The evening would end with her special cherry torte that was made once a year each Christmas Eve.

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”
~ Peg Bracken.

Those times were my best gift ever without a doubt.

You see Gram Gram went to Heaven just over seven years ago so our Christmas Eve tradition was broken. We’ve tried very hard to keep it going and gather each Christmas Eve but times have changed.  We’ve all changed. We’re all much older now, most with kids of our own and are making new traditions, counting our blessings and thanking God for the time we can share together. New traditions that will one day be as important and special as Christmas Eve pasts have been to me.

What’s your best gift ever?

P.S. Although this post is part of a sponsored series I’d also love for you to check out the Stand up for Cancer website! I have several people in my family who have have been suffered from various forms of cancer and since SWAGG is offering to donate $1 for every FREE app download up to $125,00 to Stand Up For Cancer I think it is well worth a few moments to read or download a free app. Thank you in advance for participating! Happy, happy holidays!

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Learn more about the coolest new app that revolutionizes the whole shopping, gifting, and gift card-organizing experience and Download the SWAGG app to your iPhone or Droid. I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity.

As the New Year quickly approaches and 2010 winds its way down, I came across something that I wanted to share.  A little piece of perspective to those in need of some, as well as a dose of much needed positivity…

Think Positive Thoughts Every Day…

Have hope. Because it works wonders for those who have it. You can be optimistic. Because people who expect things to turn out for the best often set the stage to receive a beautiful result.

Put things in perspective. Because some things are important, and others are definitely not.

Remember that beyond the clouds, the sun is still shining. You can meet each challenge and give it all you’ve got.

Count your blessings. You can be inspired to climb your ladders and have some nice, long talks with your wishing stars. You can be strong and patient. You can be gentle and wise.

Believe in happy endings. Because you are the author of the story of your life.

~ Douglas Pagels

Over the past few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to connect with several amazing new friends who are not only inspirational but supportive and on their own journey’s to health and well-being personally, professionally and in general overall. They’ve touched my life and this post is dedicated to them. Also know as my amazing team the “Holiday HotBodies” over at the Shrinking Jeans challenge. You can also check out their sites by clicking on their twitter handles @ro23ro, @sweating_it_off, @rachelsteffen, @KarlaBond, @PaulyBeariver, @bah, and my “IRL friend” Jaime.

Also a special shout out to Donny over at “The Adventures of Daddy Claxton” who surprised me with my very own mention on his blog that made my entire week. I’m glad I could touch someone’s life without even knowing it!  He has had his share of ups and downs this year and I’d love for you to stop by his site and say hello.

With that all said, now IS the time to begin writing your way. Write your story. Become the main character in your own amazing story and don’t forget to be positive, be compassionate and count your blessings each and everyday.

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So I’m in Barnes & Noble you know that big box book store with the big comfy chairs and delicious Starbucks…yeah you know the one.

I get that, hmmm I think I may need a tampon feeling. Yeah you know that one too! I of course have everything else in my bag, EXCEPT that. I ask my mom who is having a coffee with me and by coffee I mean a tall, non-fat white chocolate mocha WITH whip (my usual order). She of course has one left and I take it from her. I proceed to the ladies room and do my thing and while washing my hands, I eye the “candy” machine. You know the one that provides “napkins” or “tampons”….LOL napkins seriously, anyway I decide that since my mom was so kind as to give me her last purse backup I will jokingly get her one from the candy machine. So I’m digging around the bottom of my bag for a quarter when I see the $.10 sign!

I think WOW bonus only $.10!? and REALLY??

That is way cheap so I not only get one, I proceed to dig out more dimes and get THREE more backups!! Two for my mom and two for me! Woo hoo score I’m laughing about it all now and my excitement for a $.10 tampon….In reflection I would gladly pay the $.25 for one with a plastic applicator! Ha!

At least you know where to get a cheap backup though right? …

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You know what that means? Time for me (and you perhaps) to start thinking about getting those holiday cards ready and sent. Next week we will have the annual family photos taken and then I will go through several rounds of “which card should we pick?”.

First things first I am not one to send an annual “family report letter” to my friends and family. Nothing against those if you do that but for us it is just simply a nice Christmas card with recent pics of the kids and our family.

This year I had the opportunity to be part of a series of posts sponsored by Shutterfly and I jumped at the chance!

You see, I have been a customer of Shutterfly for years and years and LOVE the products they offer, especially this time of year! I was asked to share a few of my favorite holiday photo cards with you from the 2010 holiday line of cards and here are just a few that I absolutely love…

The “Top 10 in 2010″ card! HOW cute is this idea? Very unique and I just love the colors which are really fun and contemporary.

I love photos and each year our card is a photo card. This card is called the “Tree of Hope” and is simple and beautiful. Just look at all the photos you can include! Not only is it a beautiful card, it also is called the “Tree of Hope” because when purchased 10% of the proceeds will go to the American Lung Association! You can also add a personalized message inside which is an added bonus! You think I like this one? I do! I do!

Another favorite of mine is the classic “Santa’s Belt”!   This is an adorable 5X7 folded card that allows for a personalized inside message and many layout options!

Although these are just a few of my favorite choices  it was really hard to pick considering Shutterfly has over 700 custom cards to choose from! Not only do they offer 5×7 cards they also have a 4×8 option as well as a very modern 5×5 sized card.

Now for the exciting part! An opportunity for YOU to get 50 FREE holiday cards by doing what you all love to do, write!  Check out the link below for further details and HAPPY HOLIDAYS EARLY!

Do you want 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly?  Click here to go to Shutterfly for information on how you can get 50 free cards this holiday season, and make sure to select Clever 1000 as the referral source.

This post is part of a series sponsored by Shutterfly. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

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Joy in simple pleasures.

Time to do your favorite things.

Friends who always understand you.

Fun in the most unexpected places.

Goals to guide you.

And Hopes to carry you.

A heart full of love

and peaceful dreams to end your day.

~ Kathy Davis

Wishing all of you an out of the ordinary, absolutely fantastic day. A day filled with opportunity and spontaneity and wishes come true…

Have an amazing day…xxoo

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I  miss my high heels.  Just had to get that out there right away. Where did they go you ask? No where in particular except the back of my closet or perhaps under my bed. But I miss them. I miss wearing them. I miss feeling taller in them. I miss how they make me feel. I even miss people asking “how can you walk in those things”?  With my standard answer being “I’m used to it”.

Not. Anymore.

I’ve always loved and wore heels. When I graduated from high school my mom even put a photo of me and this awesome quote in the parents section of the yearbook…

Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels. ~ Faith Whittlesey

Ahh yes. Backwards and in high heels. Some days I feel like I’m doing everything backwards. Unfortunately without my high heels. Perhaps that is the problem. I’m in the “comfort” zone of things. That dreaded zone I need to bust out of to get my weight loss back on track and moving forward. High heels might just work.

The good…I’ve lost another six pounds.

The bad…Over the past six months. BOO…Well to be honest I’ve lost another 10-13 pounds over the past six months and over 25 pounds gone the past nine months but it has gone up and down.  And it hasn’t really gone down in awhile. I’m hovering in that darn comfort zone.  That place that exists and isn’t filled with high heels and great looking calves. It’s that place that I’m living in which consists mostly of flip flops and the hope of great looking calves. Hmmph.

A little over a year ago I received some health news that was scary and unknown. Today I’m happy to report I have overcome that challenge and can focus on a healthy future. So six pounds be damned I’m ready to lose. I’m ready to face my challenges and come out on top. I’m ready to overcome fear and continue to believe in the power of an amazing support system which is my family and friends. I’m ready to put the past behind me and focus on brighter days.

I’m ready to wear high heels again.

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Yep friends, another LOVE BOMB is needed! A few weeks ago I had the great fortune to find a movement to which the purpose is to “Change The World” by doing weekly missions. Nate over at www.itstartswith.us also started the “Drop a Love Bomb” project. Now Love Bomb is led by the lovely Lauren Lankford! To find out more and to read about our previous missions please visit the Love Bomb site!

Love Bomb is a project of ItStartsWith.Us. Once a week we come together to drop hundreds of love bombs (in the form of blog comments) for those who need it most. Subscribe via email below or follow us on Tumblr, and join us in our missions. It only takes 5 minutes a week!

Now, I’ve teamed up with Love Bomb as a blogger partner and invite you to join us in dropping the Love Bomb’s!

Let me introduce you to Rachel our target!

The mission: Drop as much love on her in the form of  comments as you can!

She lost her dad and ever since has dealt with eating disorders, and is struggling through life without him. Her mom avoids serious conversations with her and she is afraid to get help. She’s in counseling, which is wonderful -  but we all know how irreplaceable personal words of encouragement are.

In one of her recent posts, she bullet-pointed a list of things she had to show for nearly being 18:

- I drink too much
- I have social anxiety
- I’m failing school
- I’m ugly
- I’m fat
- I can’t even get the courage to meet my own sister
- I lack the energy to even fake happiness
- I have recurring thoughts of self-harm
- I keep relapsing into “disordered eating behaviours”

In her last post, the one we’ll be commenting on, she ends with,

“What I need is some inspiration. I need someone I admire to tell me every thing’s going to be alright. That they believe in me. That I’m not the fat failure I think I am. – unfortunately I can’t see that happening any time before it’s too late, if it’s not already too late.”

Alright guys. You know what to do. We ARE Rachel’s inspiration, encouragement, love, and support.  It’s time to tell her how beautiful and valuable she is. I want to blow her away.

To comment on her blog, go here: whatyouneverknewaboutme.blogspot.com
Also we’d love you on our team for our weekly missions! Please sign up below!

Time to drop a Love Bomb, friends!

As I sit here writing this post I’m enjoying a freshly brewed cup of my Fitness Coffee. Really and yum!  A week or so ago I discovered Fitness Coffee on twitter and was excited to find out they were offering their product on OpenSky! I’m even more excited to say that I have partnered with them to offer their “gourmet Italian blend” fitness coffee in my OpenSky shop!  I was even sent a complimentary sample this week and am thrilled to report I LOVE it! The delicious aroma that fills my house is almost enough to get me out the door running a 5K even before I take a sip….ha! Okay perhaps that is a little overboard, but nonetheless the smell to me is like home-made banana bread! I’m not sure why it reminds me of banana bread but perhaps it is the patented blend of ALL NATURAL herbs and spices. The same spices that are listed here and are known for their health and nutritional properties.

To be clear, I’m a coffee drinker. I truly enjoy a fresh brewed cup (or two) in the morning. I also have been getting healthy and fit over the past year and think that this Fitness Coffee blend will be an excellent addition to my morning routine. The blend is 100% natural which I love and includes16 nutrient-rich herbs and spices.  This antioxidant blend claims to “help boost energy levels and burn fat. Support metabolism and aid in weight loss”. Of course I must note that those things won’t happen miraculously and you should always follow a healthy diet and add some moderate exercise in there to maximize these extra benefits!  But why not try a cup for yourself and see what it does for you?

Bottom line though for me is taste. Personally I don’t really care how healthy something is for me unless it tastes halfway decent and that is not always possible.  But Fitness Coffee is not just halfway decent, I think it is GREAT!  I enjoy the taste and I like Fitness Coffee. A lot. And each day a bit more if that is possible!

I also had the opportunity to do an e-mail interview with Brad Boyle over at Fitness Coffee as part of my on-going “5 questions with OpenSky” and would like to share it with you here…

trulytrayce: 1.  Why OpenSky?

Brad Boyle: Opensky is a very unique offering that is allowing bloggers to help promote themselves, and actually see some sort of return for their work. We have used bloggers in the past to help us spread the word, but it has usually been done to enter a contest. We have done free bags of Fitness Coffee (http://www.fitnesscoffeeusa.com/blog/?p=115) and we have also given away an Ipad (http://www.fitnesscoffeeusa.com/blog/?p=64). However, like any contest only one or a few will be rewarded. However, with Opensky it allows users to be rewarded for their help in promoting and selling the product. Everyone likes to give recommendations, Opensky now lets people be compensated for doing so.

tt:  2. What are three words that describe Fitness Coffee and why?

BB: Innovative - We do not see any real competitors out there in the Functional Beverage world that utilizes Coffee as the medium to deliver as rich of antioxidants as Fitness Coffee contains. We have 3.5 times the antioxidants as Green Teas and a significant amount more than Red Wine. We have helped over 83% of our test pool lose significant weight, without changing their diet or exercise routine. We have a great tasting product that produces results, in a fun and delicious blend of all natural gourmet coffee. Gourmet - We use only the top ingredients in preparing the blend. We did not want functionality to intrude on your taste buds. We use the highest quality coffee beans, only government authorized suppliers for our supplements and have had the product tested for  nutrition and healthy properties. Even taking out the supplements, the coffee is of the highest quality.  Fun - We think that being healthy should be fun and exciting. We have brought Fitness to Coffee, both of which are passions for millions of Americans.

tt:  3. I’ve read Fitness Coffee is manufactured in Bracciano, Lazio a region of Italy! I’ve been to Italy and have had some amazing coffee! Why was this area chosen to manufacture Fitness Coffee?

BB: Everyone loves Italy, and there are so many wonderful places there. I am a big fan of Rome because of the history and the people. There is not a people on Earth that take their food more serious than the Italians, and Coffee is at the top of that list. Italians are also very healthy people that understand the importance of being fit, without compromising the excitement of gourmet food. Lazio region is just outside Rome where great suppliers, skilled labor and clean coffee production can be found. It is a pristine area that allows us to accomplish what our consumers need.

tt:  4. I know that there is NO added caffeine or other stimulants added to Fitness Coffee. Why is this not necessary and why is this important to note?

BB: It has been fun to see over the past couple of years everyone buying energy drinks that are loaded with turin and other artificial stimulants. I believe the long term effects of these drinks will start to show up in the coming years. We have chosen to use an all natural product to help speed up our metabolism and help create energy. We believe that the earth has all that we need to help us prevent the long term effects that our environment is putting on us. Humans have existed for thousands of years, it is only in the last century we have started putting artificial flavors, colors, corn syrups, fake sugars, etc. Our bodies do not know how to process these un-natural products leading to obesity, diabetes and other preventable diseases. We also do not decaffeinate our product as that is chemical process that is un-natural.

tt:  5. Fitness Coffee was introduced to the market in 2007 and has made amazing strides in the market! What exciting things can we look forward to in 2010/2011 with Fitness Coffee?

BB: We have other formulas that are ready to be sold, but we have not introduced them to North America. One of them is the Energslim product which has more metabolism boosting supplements in them to give you even more energy and fat burning properties. We have some more fun products, but you are just going to have to wait!

Thank you so much Brad and everyone over at Fitness Coffee!

Please stop by my OpenSky shop to check out my entire selection of hand-picked items and Fitness Coffee or buy a bag now! Enjoy!

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The fine print disclosure: I was sent a complimentary sample bag of Fitness Coffee. All views and opinions expressed are always my own. Thank you for stopping!

As part of my on-going Hello OpenSky “meet” feature blog posts, I had the opportunity to ask Élan five questions about her designs and business in general. The photos featured here can be found on her website www.flavourdesign.com.

trulytrayce:  1.  Why OpenSky?

Élan McPherson: I thought it was a good way to bring bloggers together with their customers.  You find something cool but now you have a way to share and sell it to your customers.  It just makes sense.

tt:  2.  What are three words that describe your line of handmade bowls?

Élan: Ergonomic. Cozy. Handmade in the USA.

tt:  3.  I love that you said this on your website: “I believe that the items you choose to surround yourself with should be interesting. They should enable you to strike up a conversation or at least make you smile.” PERFECT and exactly the type of product I’m looking to share with others! What is YOUR favorite piece that makes you smile?

Élan: Good question….I think my “hot seat” stool makes me smile the most.  It just makes such good sense and is such a perfect kitchen stool.

tt:  4.  Tell me a “must have” for everyone’s kitchen!

Élan: A must have for everyone’s kitchen besides my buddha bowls…which are really the only dish you need because we all eat on the couch or around the house.  But other than that a must have would be a good set of pots, spatula, and chai.

tt:  5.  flavourdesign has gotten some amazing press, what great things are in store for you in 2010/2011?

Élan: In 2010/2011 I am working on a new appetizer dish which I hope to launch for Winter 2010.  I am a stay at home working single mom of one so I would like to obtain a bigger space out of my home studio.

Élan, it’s been a pleasure getting to know you and I just want to say thank you SO much, only amazing things are in store!

Please check out all of the fabulous Flavour Design Bowls I have in my OpenSky shop and stop back here for tomorrow’s featured OpenSky supplier Fitness Coffee!