Posts Tagged ‘contest’

Try it – Do something you never thought you could

BIG NEWS!

First, a quick story…

A few months back, I received an email (via Foodbuzz) about a recipe contest that Beringer was running to find the perfect steak/wine pairing. The contest rules instructed participants to submit a steak recipe with a wine from the Beringer collection that would best complement the flavors.

Not knowing much about steak, but knowing lots about FLAVA, I put something together and hit “submit.”

Flash forward to a few weeks ago when I received an email congratulating me that I was a REGIONAL FINALIST! Me and 8 other finalists will be competing NEXT WEEKEND in Michigan at the Arts, Beats and Eats Festival. If I win, I’ll be flown to California for the National competition, compete in front of a panel of FOOD NETWORK judges and appear on the Fine Living Network!

Needless to say, I’ve been practicing a lot.

Anyway, it reminds me of an old joke about a poor man who prayed to God each week. He said. “God, Please oh please let me win the lottery.” And week after week he was still as poor as ever. But he kept going back to God, kept making promises that he’d pray more, be a better person if he could just win the lottery. Finally one day he got a response from God! In the midst of his cries God spoke. “I would love to grant your prayers, but you must first buy a ticket!”

My point is, had I never taken the few moments (or potential for embarrassment), I would never have this amazing opportunity. Would I like to make it to the finals? YOU BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR! But I have to put in the work, the time and everything I can to know I did the very best I could. So if you’ll excuse me, I have some practice to do.

P.S. – Detroit/Ann Arbor readers: I’d LOVE if you could come out to the event, it’ll be super fun and I’d love some familiar faces in the crowd!

P.P.S. My recipe is pretty epic, I can’t wait to share with all of you!

Have you ever tried something you thought you’d NEVER had a chance at? Why/why not? What happened? What’s stopping you?

Daily Delish – Pizza, Pizza!

Time to announce our PizzaPal giveaway winner!

Thanks to the random interger generator, CONGRATS TO… KRISSIE!

krissie says:

August 2, 2010 at 4:12 pm

Can I get them all?

If I have to pick one I’ll go with Pete! I like it spicy ;)

Krissie, shoot me an email with your address and I’ll send over your new pal, Pepperoni Pete!

For those of you who can’t live without a PizzaPal, you can buy one on Etsy or on the bigcartel websites.

Alright, I’m off to pack for NYC! If you are going to BlogHer, let me know so we can meet up!

Fashion Friday – Bringin’ back the fashionistas!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Lots of entries this week, so I just decided to share just one outfit – I’ll leave the rest of the fun to the Fashionistas!

Sorry for the terrible photos! My photographer (the Mister) was pressed for time every morning I needed a photo!

In the mix:

Shirt: Anthropologie

Cardigan: SAKS

Skirt: It’s actually this dress from Anthropologie

Shoes: Gucci

Welcome, Ann! How cute is she? I LOVE this layered look. As you all know I am all about mixing textures, colors and patterns and Ann has mastered this technique with this laid back outfit. Not only does it look cute, but incredibly comfortable, too! But of course even a paper bag would look pretty on Ann ;)

  • Top tank top: JCrew (cream with applique flowers)
  • Bottom tank top: JCrew (dusty pink)
  • Shorts: Banana Republic (black and white check)
  • Jacket: JCrew (brown and cream)
  • Flipflops: American Eagle (white)

Welcome, Jake! As much as I love all you ladies, I am quite thrilled to have another man participate (it’s a rare occurrence!). Men — take note from Jake and PARTICIPATE. It’s so much more fun ;)

I’m pretty much obsessed with this sweatshirt that reads: Free Nature. So comfy! Jake said it’s from Urban Outfitters, and I may just have to buy myself the Mister one ;)

Trista’s outfit makes a fun, casual weekend look. Of course I love the bright blue accent color and the neutral tone of the scarf to balance it all out.

  • Jeans: Express
  • Shoes: Target
  • Jacket: Burlington Coat Factory
  • Hat: H&M
  • Shirt: JC Penney
  • Scarf: TJ Maxx

LOVE THIS, Donna. Classic weekend look. I’m quite impressed by the neutral shoes and denim bag. They both keep the look from looking too dark or heavy. Genius!

How lovely is this? So feminine. So spring-like. So vintage. This reminds me of something from Mad Men (and you know I love me my Joan Halloway ;) ), but with a modern twist on it. I love the muted color palette. Great look, Marissa!

And this week’s randomly selected winner is….

Here are your random numbers:

1

Timestamp: 2010-05-21 13:36:08 UTC

ANN!

Email me your address and I’ll get your prize pack right out!

I hope to see more of you participate next month! I got lots of emails saying you WOULD, but no follow-through! Prizes are at stake, people!

Have a great afternoon and I’ll see ya’ll later for the Daily Delish.

Yes, I just said ya’ll.

p.s. Grey’s last night. SERIOUSLY?

Fashion Friday – The fashionistas are back!

Happy Friday! I have lots of photos this week so I’m going to stop my babbling and get right to it!

In the mix:

  • Skirt: Talbot’s
  • Brown suede shirt: Nordstrom
  • Scarf: Anthropologie
  • Boots: Dillard’s

In the mix:

  • Skirt: Nordstrom
  • Top: Boutique in Florida
  • Boots: Boutique in Chagrin Falls, Ohio (Winds of Change)

Katie

Welcome, Katie! How chic is she?! I LOVE those shoes! And it’s so great that they are such a neutral color – you can basically wear them with anything! The dress is such a classic and looks great with her beautiful skin tone. I also dig the belt and the fact that it accentuates her tiny waist – SO CUTE! Katie’s dress and shoes are from Banana Republic and her watch is Tag.

Lindsay

Next up, Lindsay! Now, before we get to the clothes, Linday’s house is STUNNING ;) My wood floors are jealous of her wood floors – I don’t think mine could look that clean if they tried! (And I am jealous of her SHORT SLEEVES!) Anyway, moving on… how adorable is this girl? I LOVE the bag! Is it Marc Jacobs? Kate Spade? I tend to have a good eye… ;) I admire the simplicity of this outfit – it screams casual chic! And look how a sparkly necklace can take an outfit to the next level – so sophisticated!

Marie

SO charming! I smiled when I saw this sweater (p.s. any piece of clothing that truly makes you smile — BUY IT!). She tells me it’s from Wet Seal, and I kind of refuse to believe her! Tell me that does not look like it was pulled straight from Anthropologie! So DARLING! This is the type of sweater I need to feel like spring is in the air! So cute.

Aimee

Never underestimate the chicness that one solid color provides. Aimee looks artsy, stylish AND comfortable! And I love that she decided to change it up at the bottom with a different colored ballet flat. If it were me, THAT is where I would add my pop of color — maybe bright pink, emerald green or yellow — with black as your base-color, you can really go with whatever you’d like! Those pants are great! Are they just skinny jeans or thicker leggings? (jeggings!) Such a relaxed feel – I envey your “cool factor.”

Thanks to all who participated!

This week’s winner is….

Here are your random numbers:

1

Timestamp: 2010-03-05 13:58:56 UTC

KATIE!

Katie: email me your mailing address and I’ll send out your prize pack!

To everyone else: thanks to those who entered and I hope more of you participate next time! Katie will be receieveing a year’s subscription to YOGA JOURNAL, some yummy nut butter, a collection of hot tea, and some other goodies — see? it pays to participate!

CALLING ALL FASHIONISTAS!!!

Make sure you email me your photos tonight to be entered in the Fashion Friday contest! Email address: thedailybalance [at] gmail [dot] com

Need a rule refresher?

GREAT prizes this time!

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