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?

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!

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?

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!

Need a rule refresher?

GREAT prizes this time!

Congrats Yoga Week winners!

Winner of the Gaiam yoga mat is…

Here are your random numbers:

18

Timestamp: 2010-02-01 14:53:00 UTC

Janna (Just Flourishing) says:

January 25, 2010 at 5:26 pm

Fabulous idea Shannon. You will LOVE becoming a yogi!

I love how yoga makes you feel during and afterwards. During the class you feel challenged and focused. Sometimes the poses are do difficult that all you can focus on is your breath. Adn afterwards you have an amazing sensation of relaxation (and soreness!).

You are on my blogroll and I am subscribed

Winner of the Manduka yoga mat sling is…

Here are your random numbers:

46

Timestamp: 2010-02-01 16:53:34 UTC

La says:

January 29, 2010 at 3:09 pm

I just bought a beautiful yoga mat (Aurorae) but it needs a case! I’m a yoga beginner right now so my repertoire of poses is very narrow. Thus far, honestly my favorite pose is the tree pose. My real name means ‘tree’ so I’ve always loved trees, but I love the calm found in balancing on one leg.

&& I follow you/You’re on my blog roll <3

Winner of the Yogi Tea sampler pack is…

Here are your random numbers:

29

Timestamp: 2010-02-01 16:58:02 UTC

http://theprocessofhealing.wordpress.com/ says:

January 27, 2010 at 11:28 am

My favorite tea is simply green tea It is light, refreshing, and energizing! But I love Yogi tea!

You are on my blogroll already, I am following you in Google Reader, and I will blog about the giveaway.

The winner of the year’s subscription to Yoga Journal is…

Here are your random numbers:

22

Timestamp: 2010-02-01 17:01:59 UTC

Katie says:

January 30, 2010 at 7:47 pm

Just tweeted!!!

And finally, the winner of the be present tshirt/tank is…

Here are your random numbers:

17

Timestamp: 2010-02-01 17:05:00 UTC

Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says:

January 30, 2010 at 1:47 am

OMG I love Be Present and just blogged about them this week in a post of mine!

http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2010/01/yoga-faqs.html

WINNERS – CONGRATS! Email me your addresses (thedailybalance at gmail dot com) and I’ll get all these goodies out to you ASAP.

Everyone – thanks so much for participating!

namaste

You didn’t think that Yoga Week would take away from Fashion Friday now, did you? Quite the contrary!

be present, a yoga clothing company is giving away YOGA GEAR!

From the company web site:

be present, a clothing line carried in yoga studios, boutiques, spas and resorts throughout the United States and the World, incorporates the yoga philosophy into the design. be present began as clothing for yogis and yoga instructors, and evolved into a company rooted in the experience of yoga, but designed for those who value versatile, simple, comfortable clothing. Yoga is a centuries old eastern philosophy with contemporary devotees, and yoga clothing needed a modern look that embraced and respected the philosophy without being commercial. Our pants are designed to weather the street as much as they are designed to hit the mat. In the years since the first be present pant was introduced, our line has set the industry standard for versatile, agile and mobile yoga pants. be present has consistently been on the forefront of creativity and originality in the yoga world. As the line evolves into a company rooted in the yogic lifestyle but accessible to anyone who values high quality, fashionable and active clothing, we will continue to be a leader in innovative designs.

Pretty cool, huh?

be present is cool enough to be giving away one of their signature shirts. If a man wins, he’ll receive a men’s tee and a if a woman wins, she’ll receive a ribbed tank.

Just because we’re working out doesn’t mean we can’t be fashionable

How awesome are those?!

To enter, simply leave a comment telling how you try to “be present” in your life.

TO WIN EXTRA ENTRIES YOU MAY:

• Tweet about the giveaway
• Blog about the giveaway (if you don’t have a blog, email someone the giveaway)
• Follow me on google reader
• Add The Daily Balance to your Blogroll

Just leave me a comment letting me know that you did each of the above and you can get up to 4 more entries!! If you already follow on twitter, google reader and have me on your Blogroll, just let me know – you’ll still get an extra entry

Good luck!

Well for those of you who are true yogis, you know that yoga is never really “over”. It’s not like you wake up one day and say “ah, that was fun, but I’ve maxed out!” I mean can you ever become TOO focused? TOO balanced? TOO at peace with your body? I think not. There is always more to learn. You are never really “done” learning yoga. I mean, isn’t the whole point that you are always working on self-fulfillment, inner balance and meditation? Even the finest yogis know there is still much to learn. And for those of us starting out, well, we need the most help we can get

That’s why today’s giveaway is so great!

Yoga Journal is giving away a FULL YEAR subscription to the magazine. I cannot even tell you how jealous I am.

To enter, simply leave a comment telling me how much you love yoga Easy, peasy, right?

TO WIN EXTRA ENTRIES YOU MAY:

• Tweet about the giveaway
• Blog about the giveaway (if you don’t have a blog, email someone the giveaway)
• Follow me on google reader
• Add The Daily Balance to your Blogroll

Just leave me a comment letting me know that you did each of the above and you can get up to 4 more entries!! If you already follow on twitter, google reader and have me on your Blogroll, just let me know – you’ll still get an extra entry

Good luck!

We could probably all use a good reason to relax, am I right? And we all know that just as it’s important to workout and stretch our bodies to bring inner balance, we must also fuel them with healthy, wholesome food and drink.

You can imagine my delight when Yogi Tea offered to provide a Yoga-inspired tea package to one of my readers.

To enter, simply leave a comment telling me your favorite flavor of tea. And as always, there are multiple ways to score an entry.

TO WIN EXTRA ENTRIES YOU MAY:

• Tweet about the giveaway
• Blog about the giveaway (if you don’t have a blog, email someone the giveaway)
• Follow me on google reader
• Add The Daily Balance to your Blogroll

Just leave me a comment letting me know that you did each of the above and you can get up to 4 more entries!! If you already follow on google reader and have me on your Blogroll, just let me know – you’ll still get an extra entry

Hopefully you’ve already entered in the Gaiam yoga mat giveaway. But what good is a yoga mat if you are just going to get it all mucked up taking to class? And I don’t even want to think about the germs it might pick up along he way- yikes!

Luckily, the folks at Manduka are generously giving away a top-of-the-line yoga mat sling. Let me just tell ya- I am super jealous of whoever a scores this goodie because it is jut as stylish as it is functional.

From the Web site:

Anytime, anywhere, the Mat Sling is the perfect accessory for your yoga mat. Light, stylish, and extremely durable, the sling is made of recycled fabric and designed to adjust to every body type and any size mat. With an attachable pouch to store your wallet, keys, water bottle and essential personal items, the Mat Sling is a model of sophisticated simplicity. Whether you walk, bike, or drive to the studio, the Manduka Mat Sling makes the transition from your life to your mat fun and effortless.

Highlights

• Shoulder padding for added comfort.
• Easily adjusts to fit every body type and any yoga mat.
• Convenient carabineer attachment points to clip on items such as keys, reusable water bottle or accessory pouch!
• Smooth, durable nylon strap easily slides on and off, yet maintains a firm grip when carried.
• Clip-on accessory pouch made of recycled fabric to store essential personal items (i.e. wallet, keys, eQua® hand towel).

To enter to win, please leave a comment telling me your favorite yoga pose – or which one you are looking the most forward to learning.

TO WIN EXTRA ENTRIES YOU MAY:

• Tweet about the giveaway
• Blog about the giveaway (if you don’t have a blog, email someone the giveaway)
• Follow me on google reader
• Add The Daily Balance to your Blogroll

GOOD LUCK!!