May Giveaway Winner and News

*May Giveaway Winner
*News: Jewels of the Quill
*Snacks on the Go

May Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to "Ingeborg" for winning May's giveaway that included a $10 Target gift card and autographed postcards. According to Random.org, you're lucky number 2. Thank you for following the blog and all of your participation!




News: Jewels of the Quill

Yes, it's true, I've been inducted into the Jewels of the Quill writing group. This prestigious online author club features authors in several different genres, some of whom I've been a big fan. I even have my own page. You can check it out here. Every "dame" gets to choose a gemstone, so of course I picked the beautiful Caribbean stone, larimar, because it's such a tropical aqua color and has a rich history.

Snacks on the Go

If you constantly have to fight the urge to hit fast food joints while you're running errands or on the road, it's a great idea to keep snacks in your car or purse. The solution sounds too simple, but I've found it really works. I also grab a bottle of water whenever I leave the house, so there's no excuse to stop and get a beverage. Here's a few more suggestions:


1. Nuts and Craisins: Fill a sandwich baggie with 2/3 dry roasted, lightly salted peanuts and 1/3 of Craisins. A handful of this snack tastes like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and it's filling, too.

2. Larabars: Larabars are dairy and gluten-free, made mostly of nuts and fruit. These bars carry well in a purse or stow away in the glove box for a filling snack or light meal. They have good flavors like cherry and apple. The chunkier, nuttier, Uber bar options taste better (in my opinion) and have more texture. You can buy these in bulk from Sam's Club.

3. Chewing Gum: Gum is great way to stave off temptation and fight hunger on the road so that you can get back home for healthier options. I love Extra brand gum because it comes in all kinds of crazy flavors like Rootbeer Float and Lemon Squares. My favorite is the Orange Creme Pop and the Key Lime Pie. So yummy, and only 5 calories a stick!


Stay Balanced!
Danielle Thorne