And the winners of our California Cuties contest are...
We were overwhelmed by the amount of entries that came in! All across the nation, people love Cuties and shared many ways to enjoy them. But, we had to narrow it down to 10 winners, each to receive a five pound box of this delectable treat.
Thank you Joann from New Rochelle, NY, Marty from Columbus, OH, Cathy from NYC, Amanda from Chambersburg, PA, Holly from Manahawkin and Tanya from North Bergen, NJ, Misty from Tualatin, OR, Vicki from Pearisburg, VA and Amanda from Myrtle Beach, SC. We truly enjoyed the innovative ways you would eat and prepare Cuties. Expect a box in the mail soon!
For everyone else, keep an eye on our weekly contests for chances to win great prizes!
Woman we love: Getting confident with… Karen Elizaga
After years of practicing law, Karen Elizaga came to a realization: She disliked her career and yet was still able to love all the other aspects of her life. Why couldn’t she love all aspects — and why couldn’t she teach others to while she was at it? So she quit law and started Forward Options, a company that began by running seminars for girls in their teens but soon expanded to executive life coaching and workshops for women (and men) of all ages. Karen helps women all over the world harness their inner self-confidence so they can communicate effectively, clarify their goals, and move on up in their personal and professional lives. Can’t make a workshop? Sign up for her monthly newsletter at forwardoptions.com. Count us in!
Skinny Bonus: Forward Options will offer 20% off the first month of coaching when you mention Skinny! (Offer expires May, 31, 2009)
Name: Karen Elizaga
Age: 38
Location: NYC and Westport, CT
Occupation: Life/executive coach and founder of Forward Options
What makes you tick: Helping people discover (or rediscover) their “mojo.” Life is too short and too important to be playing with mediocrity of spirit.
Current project: Many! Always! Helping my clients, coaching seminars, working on our free camp for girls called Dorothy Rose 13, publishing my book If I’m so Amazing, Why Can’t I Get the Job I Want? , and writing my next one Feminine Mojo .
One life-changing moment: When I realized that nutrition is about health and vitality, not just about how I fit into my jeans.
Favorite section on Skinny: I’m OBSESSED with Obsessions. I love the breadth of what this column covers. I always discover fabulous tips on nutrition, fashion, fitness.
What you would do if you have 1 hour free completely to yourself: Meditate! I love it but don’t do it enough.
What you would do it you had 1 year free completely to yourself: Travel. I’d go back and have a couple more safari adventures in Africa. I’d visit Bhutan where they track gross national happiness (GNH) just as we track gross domestic product. I’d spend some time in Manila, Westport, Honolulu, and of course, NYC with my family (both near and extended).
Favorite quote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot. I often hear (and believed this at different points in my own life) that “it’s too late…” or “if only I had…” We can recreate our existence at any time.
Favorite indulgence: Even though I avoid most dairy, I make (at least) a weekly exception for coffee ice cream. I have tried it in virtually every form. My counter-indulgence is my fabulous gym habit. Even in this economy, I won’t give up my health.
And the winner of a 2 year supply of Extra gum is...
Debbie, 44, from Oakridge, TN for sharing the truly innovative way she beats her "snack attacks":
"My boss keeps a big basket of all the best snack-sized chocolates in her office. Anyone is free to go help themselves throughout the day. I found myself visiting the basket several times each day, taking 1-2 pieces of the goodies each time. Two years ago, in January, I decided the temptation too great for me to be able to control if I allowed myself even one piece of candy. I have not allowed myself into the basket since that day. To discipline myself, I decided that if the craving could not be overcome, I would have to purchase a candy bar from the vending machine. People think I'm crazy to pay for candy when I can get the same stuff out of the basket for free. The pay-off is great! I rarely really want the candy enough to fork out the change. I have lost about 10 pounds over the last 2 years, with this being the only "dieting" I stick to!"Who could argue with those tangible results? Thanks to all who entered and don't be discouraged; we've got contests and great prizes to win every week!
And the winner of $100 to Shopflick.com is....
Alison, 31, from Philadelphia, PA. Who is her favorite up-and-coming designer on Shopflick.com you ask?
"Stop Staring! is my pick for best new designer! The designs are classic, sexy dresses that could walk off the red carpet and into the average woman’s closet. The dresses are affordable, look great on various body styles and 100% fashion forward. I will be adding one of these to my collection! Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing this website."
Amen to that! As for everyone else, keep checking back. We have lots of contests, which means lots of chances for you to win!
Get lean, get GREEN, get Skinny
Every day, we are becoming more aware of the effects our actions have on the environment. This week, get the Skinny on how to reduce your eco-footprint, starting with cleaning up your home environment. Tune in to our articles on the web each day to learn how you can choose to be a natural beauty, make conscious decisions when in the supermarket or dining out, and get our exclusive guide so you can decipher exactly what all of these eco-friendly terms mean for you and our Earth. Get lean, get GREEN, get Skinny!Skinny Contest: Win 2 Boxes of Fling Chocolate
Skinny Bonus: We want to hear about your most indulgent fling (we’re not just talking about the opposite sex, ladies!). Tell us what it was in five sentences or less, by sending an email to contests@skinnyandthecity.com by April 22nd at 5 p.m. EST. The winner will get to indulge in two boxes of Fling chocolate. Good luck!
While you're at it, read our Obsessions article on this Skinny-approved chocolate treat!
Skinny Contest: Win your personal [me] and goji cereal mix
Skinny Bonus: Do you love cereal as much as we do? Skinny and the City along with [me] and goji is asking for your best cereal mixes. Come up with your personal concoction (using the ingredients available on meandgoji.com) and name it, too. Send an e-mail to carl@meandgoji.com with your ‘recipe’ and name by April 29th at 5 pm EST. The three people with the most delicious, nutritious, and creative mix and name will win their own creation!
Don't forget to read our Obsessions article on this great cereal site and check out our winning blends!
Energy Kitchen's Stimulus Plan
Tax Day Skinny: Stop by any Energy Kitchen location (in New York City or Hoboken) this Wednesday April 15 between the hours of noon and 2 p.m., buy any beverage, and get a free sandwich (see rules in store for details). They call it their stimulus package plan; we call it delicious and healthy. And while you’re there, look for us — we’ll be on hand raffling off Skinny tank tops!
Visit energykitchen.com for locations
And the winner of the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Collection is...
Mary, 28, from Decker, MI. This was truly a tough choice since we received hundreds of heartfelt entries. Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful stories with us! But Mary won us over with hers:
"I deserve this little spring break because I live in Michigan (which is is notoriously cold and the weather changes like monthly mood swings) and because I work in construction. Covered in 5 layers of durable workwear (read: ratty clothes) and Carhartts leaves much femininity to be desired. I would love to feel like a woman even if I am hauling shingles or covered in mud. It's not that I don't want to feel like a strong, capable construction worker, but sometimes I want to feel like a Bronze Goddess."
As for everyone else, keep checking back. We have lots of contests, which means lots of chances for you to win!
Skinny Contest: Win a case of California Cuties
Skinny Bonus: We have ten 5-pound boxes of California Cuties mandarins to give away. Email us at contests@skinnyandthecity.com to tell us, in five sentences or less, all the different places and ways you’d eat your Cuties by April 14, 2009 at 5 p.m. EST. Each of our 10 favorite answers will win a case!And make sure to check out why we are obsessed with this fruit!