Guest Post: Lauretta's Foodie PenPal Reveal

My friend {Lauretta} participated in The Lean Green Bean's Foodie Penpal Program this past month, the same one that I was a part of in October.  Because she enjoyed it so much, she asked if she could write a guest post about the fun goodies that she received from her penpal.  So without further ado....here's Lauretta!

I’m so excited to be Tracy’s guest blogger! I’ve been following The Runner’s Palate since the first post and check it literally EVERYDAY.  Not only can I relate to a lot of the stuff Tracy posts about, but she is one of my very near and dear friends.  We haven’t known each other very long, but we have a ton in common from our hometowns, high schools, running, teaching, loving wine, etc., The list goes on and on…

Tracy did a fun thing last month through The Lean Green Bean blog called Foodie PenPal.  After reading her post, I immediately wanted to try it out! So much of life is through social media and online, that getting something in the mail with a {handwritten} note nonetheless is an anomaly!

I didn’t give too much information about myself to my penpal before she sent me a package.  Melissa seemed to know exactly what my body was craving- snacks!!!  I just started teaching full-time in the fall and it is absolutely amazing how I never sit down.  Teaching middle school P.E.  requires being on your feet almost all day.  Even during my 25 minute lunch time, I don’t sit down.  There is always equipment to put away before the next class, a jammed locker, or locker room supervision.  I hate to admit it, but there are days where I don’t even get to my lunch.  Anyway, Melissa included a hefty portion of wholesome snacks that are easy to take with me to school and they were pretty tasty!

The kit included:

• Cheesy Kale Chips- Spicy and NO cheese
• Honey Puffed Corn- Reminded me of Puffs cereal, they were okay but I don’t know if I’d buy them on my own.
• LaraBars- Blueberry Pie and Cherry Chocolate were awesome and full of dates and cashews!
• Local {from Ohio} Granola- just a bit of honey for sweetness with walnuts and dried fruit
• Chocolate Nibs from Trader Joes- everyone needs a little chocolate right?

On the whole, it was a great kit!  It made me realize that it is easy to eat healthy snacks while being on the go.  When life gets busy, it is easy to grab something not-so-healthy because it is available.  I also found myself more alert and not as tired when I included a few of these throughout the day!  I’m so happy that Tracy let me be her guest blogger for the day.   

Thanks, Lauretta!  If you get a chance, check out Lauretta's personal blog at  www.misslauretta.wordpress.com.  I miss her, but I know I will see her soon. 

If you missed my link on the Foodie Penpal Program, you can catch it here.

Enjoy your day!

 

Foodie Penpal Revealed!

Good morning and Happy Halloween!  This past month I took part in a fun little foodie penpal exchange that was put together by Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean. 

Lindsay organizes these exchanges monthly, so if you are interested in participating, check her out at the link above and send her an email ASAP since penpal matches are sent out by the 5th of each month.    

First I have to say that I am jealous.  Jordana {the foodie who sent me goodies} has a Trader Joe's in her area and I do not.  All of my treats came from TJ's and I am seriously green with envy because they haven't moved into eastern PA as of yet.  This is what arrived at my doorstep...a box full of fun and tasty treats.  Check out the cute little pumpkin she included for seasonal decoration... 

So, what's in the box??

• Zesty Nacho Kale Chips

• The Dark Chocolate Lover's Chocolate bar with 85% Cacao -- Delicious with red wine

• Organic, stone ground Dark Chocolate Salt & Pepper -- A traditional, Mexican-style chocolate, stone-milled in small batches.

• Pumpkin Butter - great for this time of year!

• Jerry's Homemade Dark Chocolate Boardwalk Crunch with marshmallows and popcorn.  Delish!

I am slowly making my way through everything.  Plus, my husband is a big fan of this program too, since he wanted to know if I will have a penpal every month. Thank you, Jordana!!!  You were an amazing penpal!

I also was assigned a penpal, and I sent her a box of goodies as well. My gal was Analisa from Texas and here is a glimpse at what she received from me...

I included some of the things that I like to eat/drink such as my favorite protein bars, a bar of dark chocolate, a bottle of Hint pomegranate water, a box of Wegman's Farro {plus recipe ideas}, organic, whole wheat animal crackers, plus some Haribo candy disks wrapped up in small packages {they are the same taste and consistency of their gummy bears}.  I also included a supplemental magazine from Wegman's that included neat little articles about food, health and wellness.   

This was a fun way to meet new foodies from across the country.  Plus, you get to try some new snacks!  For more information, you can click here and the link will take you to Lindsay's site.  

Enjoy!