Welcome back for another rousing edition of What I Ate Wednesday, sponsored by the always fabulous Jenn at Peas and Crayons. While I haven’t really talked about it this month, the theme is “Fall Into Good Habits,” and boy have I got some good habits for you, which is completely appropriate leading up to Turkey Day, where I plan on stuffing my face and leaving my in-laws house with a side of heartburn. Good times, good times. Or maybe I’ll show some self-control and leave euphoric and full, but not grossly overstuffed. Only time will tell.
In any event ,I’m gonna shake things up today because we could all use a good booty shaking sometimes (how booties got involved, I’ll never know). Instead of talking about food (gasp), I’m going to focus on what I drank this past week. Sounds weird I know; I’m an odd duck, but stick with me, and you’ll totally get why because at least I’m logically odd, if there is such a thing. Plus, I promise to throw in a few meals for kicks and a GIVEAWAY! My first ever….yep I’m a virgin, but I feel totally ready to do this. It won’t be awkward at all…at least not for me.
Let me paint a picture for you…with words, obviously because I suck at painting.
It was a beautiful and sunny Saturday afternoon roughly a week and a half ago, when the Hubby and I headed to the Cleveland IX Center for The Food Show. Dun, dun, dun…..which is as awesome as it sounds.
Talk about irony…the vegetarian poses with animals. By the way, I’m a red-head now. I change hair colors the way food bloggers bounce from one seasonal trend to the next (pumpkin much?!). And is it just me, or does pumpkin seem to follow me wherever I go? I mean really; I can’t escape it, even in an edible art form.
Back to the food show….I came, I ate, I conquered.
There were hundreds of different vendors handing out free samples of their food (!) plus a wine and beer tent for the “adults.” I threw my self-control out the window about five minutes after I walked inside, and proceeded to taste almost everything thrown my way: baked goods of every type and shape, cheeses, cocoas, coffees, dips, ice creams, jams, jellies, and spreads. I didn’t just try everything either. I came home with a bundle of loot too.
I could show you oodles and oodles of pictures in great detail of all the phenomenal purchases I made, but don’t worry, I won’t. At least not today, and the reason why is because the food was not the star of the Food Show. Ironic yes, but the real knockout of the day came in the form of H2O. My absolute favorite thing was a small sample of water from the Zing Anything folks. These people get two snaps, a spin, a swizzle and a gold freaking star from me.
Their water samples were so refreshing I proceed to buy not one, not two, and not even three water bottles. No, my dear friends, I went overboard and bought four, and I kind of want to go back and buy forty more because I think everyone needs to own one of these lovely creations. One at a bare minimum, anyway.
Ladies and gentlemen (are there any men in the audience?), let me introduce you to the Citrus Zinger. This bad boy juices lemons, limes, oranges, and pretty much any citrus fruit right into your actual water bottle. It’s as simple as press in fruit, twist, add water, shake it like a Polaroid picture and Infuse. If you wanna dance while you shake it and maybe even sing a little OutKast, well then we can be BFF’s. I’ve been putting these down like there’s no tomorrow. I’ve done lemon, I’ve done lime, and I even threw an orange in one day for kicks.
For the sake of an argument, let’s say citrus water isn’t your thing. First, that’s not normal, although I won’t judge because far be it from me to decide what’s normal. Second, it’s ok because you can use the Aqua Zinger instead. The what? Yep the Aqua Zinger, which allows you to add whatever fruit, spice and herb combination you want to your sweet little water bottle and viola…you have a wonderfully infused beverage.
You’ve already seen my cucumber raspberry concoction.
But I’ve also done a little strawberry lemon water because I love all things citrus and fruity.
I even tried some strawberry kiwi infused water, which was AH-MAZ-ZING (get it…Zing…oh well, they can’t all be winners).
And most recently, the blueberry pear infused water blew my mind or at least my taste buds. Can you say refreshing? You bet your sweet ass I can.
Water, which is my drink of choice 95% of the time, doesn’t get any better than this. Even if you’re just trying to hop on the water train because let’s be real, nobody’s drinking enough in the winter time, well then these little water bottles are perfect for you….which leads me to my GIVEAWAY (big, screamy, shouty caps). I know the suspense was tremendous, and I’m sorry I had to do that to you, but I wanted you to understand what’s at stake here.
So in honor of Thanksgiving being mere days away (shit, I better get cooking), I wanted to give something to you, my faithful readers. For some odd reason (and maybe not logical odd), you choose to visit me and my site day in and day out and say the kindest and sometimes funniest things. Your comments literally make my day, which is why I will be giving away one Citrus Zinger. This giveaway is open until next Monday at midnight EST, and it’s open to all locations worldwide because I’ll ship it anywhere for you, even if it costs me a ridiculous sum of money. You are worth it, and I truly appreciate your support.
Here’s how it works…at least how I’ve seen it done on other blogs…
If you want to enter this crazy good AND good for you giveaway,
- simply “Subscribe to to my blog via email” (it’s on my Home Page in the upper right hand corner of your PC or at the very bottom of the screen if your using an iPad) and then leave me a comment letting me know you did so. Special bonus points if you make me laugh.
- If you’re already following me (thanks, you’re pretty sweet yourself), just leave me a comment letting me know. Again bonus points for laughter.
- If you want to follow me on Pinterest that’s cool, but there’s no commitment necessary, and since I’m not on Twitter or Instragram, you’re off the hook. Although if you wanna tweet about me, who am I to argue, especially since I’ll never know.
Just to be totally above-board, this isn’t coming from the folks at Zing Anything, although I do adore their product (duh), and I did mention I would write about them one day. They’re local to the area, and you know I have a soft spot in my heart for all things local, and of course, all of you, which is what this is about today. This is me saying thanks to you. You rock.
Now, if you wanted to buy your own dozen water bottles (and why stop there because these would make perfect holiday gifts), you can do so at www.zinganything.com. Also, if you enter ZINGER10 when you’re checking out, you should be able to get 10% off your order, if it’s being shipped stateside. The Zing Anything folks did give me a bunch of coupon cards at the Food Show and told me to share them with my friends and family. I’m not sure this is what they had in mind, but I say Go. For. It.
Before I bid you adieu, I did mention there would be food, so here’s a quick peak at a recent days eats.
I had a veggie stuffed tortilla for brunch alongside some roasted red skin and sweet potatoes with a glass of beet juice. Since I ate a late and filling brunch, I skipped lunch altogether, but snacked on some kiwis and a bowl of homemade granola with a scoop of Greek yogurt, topped with fresh raspberries and blueberries (another plus of having an Aqua Zinger is the amount of fresh fruit you have handy). Dinner was Butternut Squash soup, a veggie patty and a pear, and I’m pretty sure you already know what I had to drink.
So who wants a Zinger?
Are you a big water drinker? What’s you favorite flavor combo for infused water? Have you ever done a giveaway before, and are you ready for Thanksgiving?
Hi Meghan! I looked, but don’t see a spot to follow you on e-mail. 🙁 This is me Thinking about following you on e-mail and leaving a comment anyway! I recently saw the CitrusZinger on someone’s blog. What a wonderful idea! I love, LOVE citrus in my water. Your other fruit combos sound wonderful too. I’ve been thinking about getting one, but didn’t realize there were two varieties. I would LOVE to attend a food show like that. I’ve never seen anything like that advertised in my area. Anything else I can do to win the giveaway? Do your dishes, your laundry, shop for Christmas…just let me know… 😉 Happy Thanksgiving!!
You’re funny; I may take you up on the Christmas shopping.
There should be a spot in the upper right hand corner under my little picture, which says “Subscribe to Blog via Email.” It could also be at the bottom of my blog if you’re using an iPad or similar device to view. Let me know if you still don’t see it, and I’ll tweak my post to make it a little more clear. Guess it’s really obvious this is my first time, and you definitely want one of these water bottles. I’m hooked!
These bottles seem to be the best. How come no one ever sooner thought about making this? I don’t like water… I drink herbal teas mostly. I really do my best to drink water, make myself drink a glass the moment I get downstairs in the morning and a glass with my lunch and I’m pretty much okay when the temperatures get really hot, which almost never happens in the Netherlands.
Winning this would rock and definitely help me lift up my water intake! Thanks for offering, you rock!!! ♥
Thank you for reading, and I’m kicking myself for not inventing this product myself. This little baby will definitely help you increase water consumption. I’m having so much fun with mine, and I look forward to each sip. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
I am now officially subscribed to your blog 🙂 Thank you so much for this great giveaway. I am always up for cool gadgets and fun things like that and this is just another creation that I probably can’t live without for long! Also: thank you for opening this giveaway to international readers, most giveaways are only for US residents so this is a real treat! Happy WIAW, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy cooking, baking and stuffing your face. I hope we get to see pictures of the food!!!
Thanks for reading! I really appreciate it, and of course there will be pictures…at least of the food I’m preparing, and I’ll try to sneak a few shots at the table and hope it doesn’t seem too weird. Happy WIAW to you too!
Do I still qualify even though we’re bffs?!? I don’t want it to seem like its nepotism!
Yes, you’ll always qualify just because we’re BFF’s, and you’ve shaken your booty with me many times.
As always, your eats look amazing! I can totally understand how you bought 4 ofthe bottles- best idea ever! And I’m slightly jealous of all of those samples haha:) Glad you had a good time!
I feel like four isn’t enough either. I really am going to buy more and give them to friends and family as gifts. I think they’re the greatest invention.
I want a Zinger! While we are on the topic of Zingers and you like funny:
Q: Why do turkeys always go, “gobble, gobble”?
A: Because they never learned good table manners!
* * *
Q: What sound does a space turkey make?
A: Hubble, Hubble, Hubble.
* * *
Q: Who is not hungry at Thanksgiving?
A: The turkey because he’s already stuffed!
* * *
Q: What sound does a turkey’s phone make?
A: Wing! Wing!
* * *
Q: What’s a turkey’s favorite song?
A: “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”
* * *
Q: In what country is Thanksgiving ironically not celebrated?
A: Turkey.
* * *
Q: If you call a large turkey a gobbler what do you call a small one?
A: Goblet.
* * *
Q: What was the turkey suspected of?
A: Fowl play.
* * *
Q: What’s the best way to stuff a turkey?
A: Serve him lots of pizza and ice cream!
* * *
Q: Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
A: The outside!
* * *
Q:Why did the turkey sit on the tomahawk?
A: To hatchet.
* * *
Q: What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?
A: If your papa could see you now, he’d turn over in his gravy!
* * *
Asked to write a composition entitled, “What I’m thankful for on Thanksgiving,”
little Timothy wrote, “I am thankful that I’m not a turkey.”
* * *
Q: What key has legs and can’t open doors?
A: Turkey.
* * *
Q: Why did the turkey cross the road?
A: It was the chicken’s day off.
* * *
Q: Why can’t you take a turkey to church?
A: Because they use such FOWL language.
* * *
Q: What’s the best dance to do on Thanksgiving?
A: The turkey trot.
* * *
Q: Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building?
A: Yes – a building can’t jump at all.
* * *
Q: What do you get when you cross a turkey with an octopus?
A: Enough drumsticks for Thanksgiving.
* * *
Q: How can you make a turkey float?
A: You need 2 scoops of ice cream, some root beer, and a turkey.
* * *
Q: Why did they let the turkey join the band?
A: Because he had the drumsticks.
* * *
Q: Why did the police arrest the turkey?
A: They suspected it of fowl play.
* * *
Q: What did the turkey say before it was roasted?
A: Boy! I’m stuffed!
Oh brother. Thanks for stopping by Rocky.
You always find the best things to do in Ohio! I’m learning so much. I would say that I’m taking notes… But I can just always come back here for ideas 😀
I’ve never been to the IX Center but I have always heard that they host amazing events. I guess I heard right. Those Zinger water bottles sound amazing. So much healthier than those bottles of artificial fruit-flavored water, and I love how you can make your own flavors!
I’m so glad you posted this giveaway today! I’m going to be hosting one late December and I’ve never done one before either. How did you decide how long to make it last? I don’t want it to be too short or too long.
Happy Thanksgiving!
You’re so sweet. The Zinger bottles are amazing, and I don’t mess with the artificail flavored waters either, so they are perfect for me. I’m excited for your first giveaway. I just picked a random time for my end date. I thought it makes sense to keep it open for a few days so people have time to see it, especially with the holiday so I thought I’d extend it through the weekend. Good luck with yours; I can’t wait to participate.
I follow your blog and your pinterest. I’d follow you anywhere and with a snazzy new water bottle I could be well hydrated on that journey 🙂 Think you could put herbs in there? I love to do parsley and lime in my water or basil and lemon.
You absolutely can put herbs in them. I was thinking of trying basil or mint, and I still have some fresh ones hanging on in the yard. Mmmmm.
Hi Megan! I already subscribe to your amaZING blog and also follow you on Pinterest! These water bottles seem awesome and after reading about them in your blog the other day I actually found them on amazon and added one to my cart–I like to store things in my amazon cart a while and then order them because I tend to order a lot from amazon! LOL! But, if I win your first ever contest, I can try it before I buy it! Haha! Question on them–how does the aqua one work–does it shred up the fruit or does it qet squished/juiced when you put the cap on the fruit part? And can you refill the water bottle without having to add more fruit and still have a fruity taste?? Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!
Great pun! The aqua one has a bunch of sharp prongs in the bottom where you add the fruit. When you screw the lid on, there are prongs on the other side of the lid, so while your screwing it on and tightening it, it’s crushing up your fruit. There’s also a fine mesh grate on the lid so you get all the flavor without large chunks of fruit. Zing Anything says you can add water up to two times and still retain the same flavor. I’ve actually refilled it three times and still been satisfied. Happy Thanksgiving.
WOW that is so cool! I definitely need to get me one of these bad boys–thanks for the info on it/them!! 🙂
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!
You too.
I subscribed. I am already hooked. I love your blog you are so funny.:) btw I couldn’t find the subscribe button at first because I came in directly to your post and it isn’t on this page, I had to go to your home page to find it 🙂
That water bottle looks awesome. I would LOVE it! I have an obsession with water bottles. Even when my husband took a trip to a video game convention in California & visited Vegas he brought me home a water bottle as a gift! lol
Doh, of course it’s on the home page; that makes sense. Thanks for letting me know; I’ll tweak the post to let others know as well, and I am so glad you are hooked and following.
If you have a water bottle obsession, then you MUST own one of these. They are the bomb.com, and yes I still use that phrase.
Oh wow i love food shows like that, looks like so much fun and you always come back with so many goodies!
Ain’t no goodies like food show goodies.
Why on earth did I not think of this idea?!?! Oh yeah because I am not a GENIUS! I totally agree that I am not drinking enough water now that the weather has cooled down but I think this would jumpstart my H2O intake. Your blog is already in my Google Reader, but what the heck, I will subscribe via email too!
Aww thanks, and it’s nice to hear I’m in your google reader. Now I need to find out how google reader works…
The water bottle is super sweet.
FOOD SHOW? That sounds & looks amazing – totally jealous! Glad you had fun 😀
Happy Turkey Day!! Eat lots and be safe! 🙂
Same to you!! The Show was amazing; a food bloggers dream.
You’ve permitted me to subscribe to your blog even though I wear crocs.
Though, since I’ve been thinking about it (please, don’t ask me why I’ve been thinking about this) unless you were at the beach with me, or doing yard work with me, you would be unaware that I am a croc-wearer as I don’t wear them ‘out and about’ so to speak.
1)I suck at drinking straight water. Must force myself to do it, which, when I do, I enjoy. I love tea, Lady Grey with half and half to be specific.
2) Since I don’t have a Zinger, I have no favorite flavor combo for infused water. However, I have a crapton (!) of blueberries and raspberries put up in my fruit/veg freezer next to the roasted garlic, soup packs, pumpkin puree, etc and I would use some of that for flavoring.
3) I’ve not done a giveaway. Though I have written 60 blog posts, which for me is no small feat. Baby steps. Plotting out the rest of Dec-Jan.
4) I’m about to start making Thanksgiving mashed potatoes for the unadventurous folks who eat my food. If it were up to me, with our (gasp!) ham, we’d be having salt roasted new potatoes from the farm share that I posted on my FB page. But they want the tradition, so it’s mashed potatoes. And then mashed potatoes with turkey next week. Then, perhaps I will realize my salt-roasted dream.
Still need to choose and make a dessert and the prep work for the other 2 sides.
So, basically, 4 pm on Wednesday and I don’t plan on making any last minute runs to the grocery store, but, no I’m not ready to Thanksgiving. S’okay. 🙂
You definitely get bonus points for making me laugh and extra extra points for using the word crapton. I love it, and I think you should make your salt roasted new potatoes while wearing your crocs. To hell with the naysayers, me included.
60 blog posts is an impressive feat, and I can’t wait to see what you post next.
By the way…it’s now 9 p.m. Wednesay before Thanksgiving, and I don’t even have my first pie in the oven. I think I’m gonna need some wine to get through this. Then again, it might just knock me out and then there will be no pie. Oh and my pumpkin pie pumpkin didn’t net enough puree, so now I’m mixing in butternut squash. I’m not going to tell anyone either so we’ll see what happens. 🙂
Did you color your hair lately? For some reason, I just don’t remember it being that red. Maybe I’m just going crazy I don’t know?? 🙂
Yep, I was a bleach blond all summer and now I’m red. Who knows what the winter holds…
Hahahahah! That was a ‘zinger’ of a post ( Clearly, I am also into the horrible (fantastic?) puns!) I just subscribed and am pretty stoked to follow you from way up North in Canada’s Northwest Territories!
Wow, Canada’s Northwest Territories. That’s pretty sweet. Glad to have you and love the awful, yet fabulous pun.
Holy cow, that Zinger looks absolutely amazing!! What a great invention
I know; it’s the best water bottle I’ve ever seen/used.
Strawberry kiwi is the best flavored water ever. I love it!
It was delicious. I’m going to throw some herbs in next time. Maybe mint or a hint of basil lime.