Morning!!! Well, I am convinced the the key to a good solid night’s sleep is a steaming cup of chamomile tea right before bed. Every time I have chamomile tea before bed, I sleep like a rock and wake up feel so refreshed and rested! There is actually research that has shown it works as a sleep aid, but I was a little skeptical. I used to drink it after dinner, but that would be at least 3 hours before hitting the hay, now I drink it right before bed and it works like a charm. Want to know what my other sleep aid is? My bed warmer

Back in the colonial times, people used to use bed warmers to keep them warm and cozy overnight since they did not have heat like the heat we know today.

I am not sure why they used these dangerous bed warmers when they had this option all along. I present, my bed warmer:

Adam and I refer to Oscar as “The Furnace”, he gets so warm when he is sleeping that he keeps me feeling warm and cozy even on the chilliest of nights. Add that to the list of a million reasons why I love Oscar so much!!!

When I got up this morning I was craving both peanut butter and jelly and oatmeal. I spend a few minutes trying to decide which one to have and then it dawned on me, I don’t HAVE to choose one or the other, I can have both I present my new favorite way to eat oatmeal, PB & J Oats!!!

It worked out well because since I received a package from Crofter’s Organics this weekend while I was in VT, I have been dying to try the Superfood Spreads they sent me. They were kind enough to send me all four flavors!!! But, you know I had to try the North America one first, little taste of home So, I added it to my oats this morning along with the PB!

It was DELICIOUS!!!!!! I really love a chunky fruit spread and this one did not disappoint! I could actually see the blueberries and cranberries in the spread. It was not overly sweet and went very, very well with PB. How could you not love an organic jam loaded with antioxidants? Seriously! I cannot wait to try the other flavors!

See the blueberry and cranberry bits?

Breakfast was accompanied by coffee, obvi

Oatmeal:

• 1/2 a cup of oats
• 1/2 a cup of water
• 1/2 a cup of almond milk
• 1/2 of a banana

Toppings:

• Spoonful of peanut butter
• Spoonful of Crofter’s North American Superfood Spread

Today’s outfit:

What is up with my blurry outfit pictures lately…sorry about that?! It is really hard to tell that it is blurry on the camera, but then when I load into the website here and it is all big I can tell. BOOOO!

Brown striped pants (Gap), White Shirt (Express), Tan V-neck Sweater (H&M), Brown Pumps (SO OLD, I forget where I got them).

Shoe close up, because some of you have asked for it…I am not a fan of showing my feet as they are bony and a little bit of a mess from running. I COULD USE A PEDICURE!!!!! That is a hint to those in my life that love me and are aware that 1) Valentine’s Day is this weekend and 2) my birthday is coming up shortly!

In Other News:

1. Don’t forget to vote for my bestie May for the Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding . May and Rick totally deserve it!!!! To do that, click here! Thanks so much! Yes, I will be nagging you to do this until you all have done it. So, if you are getting sick of looking at this, just go vote…I have no problem being a little pushy (it is in my job description at the Maid of Honor…sorry!)

2. So, I am super duper late on this! My Friday blogger interview is coming on a Tuesday… better late than never, no? I am sorry this is so late considering Anne worked her tail off to get me the interview stuff on time too. Well, I an certain you guys don’t mind waiting for an interview someone as FANNEtastic as an interview with the lovely, creative and hilarious Anne from FANNEtastic foods! I have actually had the pleasure of meeting Anne in person and she is a funny and down to earth as she appears on her blog

Blogging Related:

1. Why did you start your blog?
I’d been reading food blogs WAY too long to not have my own Plus, I had a travel blog when I was teaching English in Prague last year, and I missed writing for fun and having somewhere to post photos!

I love any blog that makes me laugh. The more ridiculous, the better.

I pretty much just try to be as awesome as possible at all times.
Juuuuuust kidding. Let’s see… a big helping of healthy and unique recipes, a dash of fitness moves and awkward videos, a sprinkling of scenic photography, and a hearty dose of silliness

Nah, I’ve found it really fun to write the posts and think of new ideas! I don’t think I’d be able to handle a full on food blog where I photographed all my eats, though… props to you Ali!!

I’ve just met lots of fun new friends! It’s especially awesome when we hang out and people ask how we met, and we have to explain that we met on the internet. Awwwwwkkkkwarddddddddd. (Any awkward turtle fans out there??)

6. Do you have the support of your family?
Definitely! My parents especially love my blog. My dad will email like 0.2 seconds after I post saying it was the best thing ever. I have no idea how he knows so quickly that I’ve posted, lol.

With my current blog, just since September, but I had my Prague blog from October 2008 til June 2009 when I came home.

8. How has your blog changed over the years?

I’ll let you know once I’ve been blogging for years

9. What new directions do you see taking it in?

I’m pretty sure my blog will take over the world in approximately 2.3 months.

I’m obsessed with Greek yogurt, so probably that

Running! Or anything outdoors, like hiking. Sunshine = heaven. I’ve also been getting into yoga recently!

I try to do SOMETHING every single day, even if it’s just a short walk!

For the most part, yes, although I didn’t always eat this healthy! I was always super active when I was younger (gymnastics, swimming, tennis, etc.), but didn’t really get interested in healthy eating until college. I remember in high school my friends and I would go to McDonalds and order a bunch of large fries, then dump them all in the middle of the table in a huge mountain and have a “fry feast.” So healthy

Plain Greek yogurt and fruit. Can’t go wrong

Did I mention I like yogurt? No? I like yogurt.

Onions!!!!! Blechhhhhhh

A microwave!!! I didn’t have one in Prague and it was maddening. I had to heat leftovers in a skillet.. it wasn’t pretty.

All of the above

Damn, Ali, are you hitting on me? It’s cool… I like it.

Today’s outfit is brought to you thanks to casual Fridays at work! The jeans are from Express, the tank top is from Old Navy, the cardigan is from Target, and the shoes are Bandolino (from Macys).

But my favorite part of my outfit today is my earrings! I’m obsessed with fun dangly earrings. I have no idea where I got these, but I wear them all the time

I’m a writer/editor for an engineering company. It’s less than thrilling but the people are cool I’m also a part time student… hopefully starting back full time in the fall to get my Masters in Dietetics to become an R.D.!

Oh man do I have to pick one!?? I have so many… but I’d have to say “A Christmas Story” is one of my all time faves. I watch practically the entire 24 hour marathon on Christmas Day. I’m also obsessed with “Forrest Gump.”

Anything involving friends, good food, wine, and laughing so hard it hurts.

I’m loving the flat boots! I bought some flat boots in Prague last year because it was impossible to walk in heels on cobblestones, and I love that they’re in fashion here now, too!

24. What are your plans for 2010?
Hopefully moving somewhere new in the fall and starting a masters program! R.D. or bust!!!

Thanks, Anne!! I am excited to see you in Baltimore at Fit Bloggin‘  in a little more than a month...YAY!!!

3. GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! Oh, yes and it is a good one too!!!! Do you find yourself drooling over this waffle sammies I make for breakfast from time to time?

Well, then you are in luck. The fabulous people at Van’s have offered to give 3 lucky FFF readers a coupon for one FREE product!!!! The coupons are so much better, considering the food is frozen, so it may thaw out by the time you get it if they ship directly to you.

So how do you enter, there are a few ways:

1. Go to the Van’s website look around and tell me which product you would love to try and how you would eat it.Straight up with syrup? Topped with yogurt and fruit? As a sandwich? Get creative here people!

Wait, you want extra entries….wow, you guys are seriously pushing it Okay, Okay fine! Get an extra entry by:

1. Tweeting the giveaway - and let me know you did that. If you are not currently following me on Twitter here is the link to do so.
2. Post the giveaway on your blog and e-mail me the link to show that you have done so.
3. Put the giveaway (with link) as a facebook status and send me an e-mail letting me know you did so. FoodFitnessFashion@gmail.com

Each one of these gives you an extra entry, so each person has the possibility for 4 entries…make sense? You have until tomorrow at 10 pm to enter and then I will be announcing winners. Good Luck!

4. I am still excepting “Ask Me Anything” Questions so don’t forget to submit your anonymous question you want to ask me by clicking here!

See you guys at lunch!