A Birthday, a Meal Plan & a Giveaway!

Happy first birthday to Wholesome Bits!

I created this space to unload my ideas and inspiration for living a healthier life. Our family has made changes... drastic changes... over the last 5 years and when you see visible changes with your eyes, it can't be contained. Hence, Wholesome Bits. You can read more about our 3 part journey to health starting here.

I have enjoyed this year's journey with you. I have been humbled by reading some of your emails of how this little blog has helped you in your journey too... Here is a one,

I am almost headache free. I certainly don’t get them every day or even every week but every now and then one creeps up on me. I lost 19 pounds so far. I have more energy. My BM’s are more regular (uh, you’re a nurse, you can handle that, right?), I have more energy. I have more clarity of mind, I can focus and concentrate whereas before, I was unable to even read a simple newspaper article. The other day I noticed another new change, my nails are healthier and stronger for the first time in my life! I’ve always had very thin brittle nails and assumed that was hereditary. Nope. It was lack of proper nutrition! My skin looks healthier and younger. I sleep better at night. I’m not as irritable and cranky. I’ve been enjoying getting out more and socializing. My joint pain is GONE! Ooo, I even convinced my husband to get rid of some of our carpet and install hardwood and ceramic.

And another one writes,

Your Wholesome Bits blog is a big source of encouragement for me... PLEEEESE keep blogging.....I thrive on your posts and links....they keep me motivated.

So this year has been a complete blessing to me to have readers like YOU who have encouraged me along the way as well!

So thank you!

I look forward to another great year of healthy living and hope you will continue to join in the fun too!


Now to this week's meal plan!

This week I am needing to stay within budget and again am trying to force myself to not run to the store. Do you understand the dismay this puts upon a foodie like myself? It's just not natural to not be surrounded by the beautiful fresh foods in my local produce section several times a week. Oh well... I. will. do. it.

Monday
Honey Sesame Chicken
Brown Rice
Roasted Carrots

Tuesday
"Creamy" Tomato Soup from Pretty Delicious Cookbook
Wasa crackers
Blueberry Smoothies

Wednesday
Cinnamon-Oatmeal waffles
Turkey bacon
Homemade applesauce

Thursday
Foil-Baked fish with black beans and corn (thanks to Pinterest for helping me discover this recipe!)
Purple cole slaw

Friday
Grilled chicken sausage pizza with LOTS of veggies! (never tried grilled, but we'll see what happens!)
Spiced pumpkin cookies


Now for the giveaway! I love giving things away and in celebration of Wholesome Bits' first birthday, here's the goodies one person will get!

First, one of my favorite healthy cookbooks is none other than,

Power Foods: 150 Delicious Recipes with the 38 Healthiest Ingredients.


Written by the editors of Whole Living, this cookbook is organized into chapters on breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, soups, salads, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. The recipes are accompanied by simple instructions and beautiful photographs to keep you inspired to eat well at any time of the day.

The next giveaway is another favorite. A pantry staple I am never without. Great for cooking, baking, frying and even effective in treating eczema, dry skin and much more... 16 oz. jar of extra virgin, organic coconut oil. Here is a more detailed blog post of all the reasons I can't get enough of coconut oil in my life.


And last, how about a bar of shampoo soap?

Its 100% vegetable oil formulation lathers quickly, cleans well, and rinses out and easily, leaving you with healthy, beautiful, and clean hair. It will not strip the natural oils from your hair (there are no detergents) for this reason most people do not need a conditioner! It just smells clean.

So there you have it! Three fun, healthy items just for one person. Please leave one comment saying what healthy thing you will strive do in the year 2012. If you like Wholesome Bits on Facebook, you'll get another entry, just say you do.

Contest will close in just days on Wednesday at midnight.

Due to shipping, entries are limited to those living in the 48 contiguous United States.

Good luck!

Look Whose Turning...

** Sorry... this is a bragging blog post ***

I am a blessed woman. I have been married to my best friend for over 15 years now. He is turning 38 tomorrow. I am blessed for many reasons and here are just a few reasons why...

1. He listens. The other day he returned from a week long, work-related trip. I didn't realize how much I needed to tell him about my week. But after about 20 or so minutes... he remained there... standing, listening... really listening. There is just something about a man that really listens to you.

2. He is humble. My husband has had many great accomplishments lately... and most of the time, people don't even know. He doesn't really care that people know. He doesn't brag about himself. He would rather brag about good things... godly things... his family.

3. He works hard. Since being married to him, my husband has been a seminary student, a golf caddy, a pastor, a freelance writer and now an editor. Whatever he is doing, he never does it casually. He puts his everything in it and finishes things well.

4. He is satisfied at home. My husband is a home-body. I love this about him. He would rather sit at home, reading, being with his family, watching a movie and wrestling with his boys than out being busy. Don't get me wrong, we do enjoy getting out and doing fun things, but it isn't what drives us. I love that he spends his energy, after he's done with work, with us... not other people or things.

5. He likes my food. I am a crazy foodie. I love trying new dishes and rarely do I ever make the same meal twice. I think sometimes this frustrates him although he never complains about it. He compliments my cooking and is open-minded to my new food adventures. He cares deeply about my feelings and he encourages our sons to be food adventurers too!

6. He loves a laugh. Rarely does a day go by that we don't find something humorous to laugh about. He is witty and loves to bring a smile to whoever he's around. He says I don't laugh at his jokes like I did when we were dating, but I think otherwise. He always brings a smile to my face.

7. He works through tough issues. A couple months ago, I was really bothered by some things going on in our lives. I was to the point of losing sleep over it. This in turn, bothered him. He researched ways and sought out advice from others on how we could deal with this and in a matter of days, he had a solution. When I am falling apart, he is pulling me back together.

8. He doesn't change. In this I mean, his self... his personality... Brian. He is dependable. He is usually predictable. I am never surprised by an abrupt demeanor or a changing mood. He is constant and calm. While I can be up and down and all-over-the-map sometimes, he always levels me out.

9. He leads well. I trust him with our family's lives. I know he has a godly vision for our sons and us. We may not have all the money in the world or an amazing portfolio, but I feel our future is truly secure because of the godly example and guidance he gives us daily. I feel he is one of the best dads (and obviously husband too!) ever and what more can a mom want than to see her sons grow in godliness and manliness through the years? These are things money can never buy.

10. He is wise. Like I said earlier, I can be all over the place with things... things I think are great ideas or investments, but he sometimes will see clearer and may need to bring me back to reality on them. When turmoil or issues come up, I know I can immediately run to him for wisdom and guidance, every step of the way. And after 15 years, I can finally say, he is usually right about things we may differ on.

Thank you, Brian, for being you. For not changing with the wind. For being a man I'm always proud of and quite often amazed by. Your wisdom is something I cherish. Your love and hard work bring me great security in this crazy life. I love you.

Happy Birthday.