I wanted to point out that I have made this blog a very loving "dofollow" blog. I have installed CommentLuv and Top Commentor

In a nutshell, I want to reward like minded bloggers for leaving *meaningful* comments on this blog by giving them a little thing called “link love.”

If you are in my Top Commentator list it means that you get a backlink to your blog from every single post on my blog!

So please, everybody, comment away!

Additionally, something I started on my weekly blog posts on FreelanceWritingGigs is a rewarding comment policy. Through the blogs I own or write for, I am committed to all my readers. If you leave a comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog. I will also do my best to “share it” in some way on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook IF I can find a nice fit – naturally there will be some topics I can’t comment on simply because I know absolutely nothing about it – but I will do my very best! This is my way of saying thank you!

Of course the same thing applies if you do not have a blog – I would love to have your comments!

Today we say goodbye to our beloved pet Jake. He was such an amazing, awesome dog. So many times we swore he was more human then dog – He just “got” us somehow. He was a shelter dog and while we rescued him over 10 years go – Jake spent the remainder of those 10 years rescuing us in ways we never dreamed. 

I love you Jakey! I will miss you every. single. day! 

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…. 

Author unknown…

As part of our plan to get fit and stay fit in 2011 – we have created a Facebook Community page for Slim Fit Mama.

Personally I would love to lose this last 20 pounds before warm weather returns and I’ve come to the conclusion that I can’t do it alone. I’m very much a team person and rely heavily on a support environment when making such big life changes. If you would like to be part of a community that focuses on getting fit – we’d love to have you join up.

There are two people in my life that have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and another with high blood pressure – this is an effort for them as well.

We’d love to share our own experiences – but would like to learn from the experiences of others as well.

So what are you waiting for? Join our Slim Fit community and lets make 2011 the year to get healthy and stay healthy.

For the last several months I have all but cut soda pop out of my diet. I may splurge and have one or even a half of one a week, but frankly, they just don’t taste so good anymore.

I’ve been drinking lots and lots of water. Most days to the tune of a gallon a day – but that gets old – quick!

While shopping recently I made my stop to pick up another box of Truvia (my new favorite sweetener) when I noticed the PureFitness line of products by Crystal Light.

There was my answer! It had to be!

I picked up a few flavors in the small quantities to sample and have found them to be a refreshing alternative to water.

The Strawberry Banana is a little too sweet for my taste – and considering I only put a half a pack in a 32 ounce cup – I can only imagine how sickening sweet the full serving would be.

The Lemon is my favorite by far – followed by Strawberry Kiwi. Yum!

I highly recommend sampling out a smaller portion before going full on with their recommended – a half pack in the 32 ounces of water is just enough to add flavor for me and keeps my taste buds very happy.

A couple of months ago I received a sample of Dr. Siegal’s Cookie Diet and tried it for 2 weeks.

I was SO impressed with the results – but was not in a financial position to continue.

It sucks that eating healthy or dieting has to cost so much more than packing on the pounds, doesn’t it?

Anyway – I decided to save back some money and am going back on the cookie diet in hopes of meeting my goal by the time my brother’s wedding rolls around in just a little over one month.

I will keep you posted on how it goes with frequent updates.