Best 7 Links Ever...Seriously - check it out 😉
Blogging 101 says that a successful post starts with a catchy headline…did it work?
Those of you familiar with the 7 Links deal know that this is a little tagging game that encourages us to sift through old posts and share the goodies with our readers. As mentioned last week, I’ve been meaning to complete this post for a couple weeks now.
In typical Sometimes Healthy Girl fashion, I’m a bit behind.
Anyway, I was particularly excited to be tagged by Lisa from I’m an Okie to complete this post, because quite honestly, lately, I’ve had a difficult time balancing it all: work, the blog, a respectable social life and of course, the gym. But, reading my old posts on the stairstepper this morning (look at this multi-tasking Sometimes Healthy Girl) reminded me of exactly why I do this: I love to write. I love healthy living. And I love to make people laugh.
So without further ado…
Sometime’s Healthy Girl’s 7 Links
Most Beautiful: Girls on the Run 5K – A Lesson in Runpowerment
This 9-year-old reminded me what really matters about running
This post recapped the Girls on the Run 5K, where I had the opportunity to coach an eager 9-year-old through her first-ever 5K. It was such a powerful experience to witness first-hand what running can do for young women. I felt so lucky to be a part of this special day in all of these girls’ lives. I loved sharing the day and details about the organization, Girls on the Run, with my readers.
So many smiling faces running through that finish line.
Often, as “runners,” we get so caught up in the pace and distance that we forget what is really most important about running: how it makes us feel on the inside. Running makes us feel strong, confident, empowered and unstoppable. This race reminded me of that, and I’m so grateful that Girls on the Run exists to empower girls through running at an early age.
Most Popular: My First Experience With Overnight Oats in a Jar and PB Fingers
I crossed my fingers that the OOIAJ would turn out - It did!
This was a shocker. I didn’t realize my first try at Overnight Oats would cause such a stir. But apparently, Overnight Oats in a Jar (OOIAJ) are a big hit in the blogosphere. I was surprised to see this one at the top, but then I looked at the top search term referrals and “overnight oats in a jar” was number 2 behind “Sometimes Healthy Living Blog.” Mystery solved.
If you liked this post, you’ll love my post about Peanut Butter and Jelly Oats in a Jar, where I tried to get my best friend, Emily, to embrace OOIAJ. Mission Fail.
His and Her OOIAJ - Emily didn't like her oats :-(. More for me!
Most Controversial: Um…..
Shockingly, I don’t have any posts that I would classify as controversial…yet. I try to keep things happy and uncomplicated, yet informative and entertaining here on Sometimes Healthy Living Blog. Life is complicated enough.
That being said, I can’t wait for my first negative comment. Why? Because when people care enough to write something negative, it means, you’ve affected your reader on a deeper level. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do not want to make a habit out of pissing people off. But, hey, every now and then, a little bit of debate is Sometimes Healthy 😉
Below are a couple of posts I thought twice about before writing, in fear they would rub people the wrong way:
- Wacky Food Combos: I Can’t Believe It’s Not…: I pride myself in being self-aware. And let’s face it, my idea of a “recipe” is not exactly traditional. I like to put things together that some would argue aren’t supposed to fit together, and I’m not afraid to use taboo products like “fat free cheese” and “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.” This was my first “recipe” post – I was scared you would all run away. Thankfully, you came back for more AND it’s one of my top most-read posts. Go figure.
"I Can't Believe" you came back after viewing this wacky food combo: rice cakes, sugar free syrup and Reddi Whip - Faux Pancakes. Try It.
- A Change In Plans: This was the first time I admitted to my problems with emotional eating and with weight in general – two sensitive topics. I reference the whole emotional eating thing all the time on Sometimes Healthy Living Blog…but it’s generally under the more entertaining guise of me downing a can of Reddi Whip. In this post, there was a rare moment of taking myself seriously.
The pile of laundry sent me over the Sometimes Healthy Edge...so I wrote about it 😉
- Carb v. Chocolate: A Sticky Situation: The first time I referenced my little friend, Chloe. I mention her every now and then…about once a month. Never been one to talk about this stuff in public – but for this post, I just had to do it. Carbs were on my mind and Chloe was the cause.
Most Helpful: Everyone Needs a Theme Song
“Everyone needs a theme song! It should make you feel like a million dollars.”
The “Most Helpful” post was a difficult one for me…It’s not that I don’t think I offer any value through my writings. I know that some of you find it entertaining and enjoy plenty of laughs picturing me say, squatting in stilettos…It’s just that I still don’t believe any of my nonsensical ramblings could possibly be helpful in any way.
Therefore, I turned to the BFF, Michelle, a frequent reader of my blog, to find out which post she considered to be the most helpful. This post about how everyone’s life should have a theme song (based on the above a statement from their cover model, Zooey Deschanel) was so successful, that I turned it into a weekly theme. In this post, I shared a few theme songs for my different emotions, but my overall life theme song, was Rascal Flatts, Stand,” which has helped me get through some tough times.
Michelle said she loved reading the post and thinking about her own life them songs. Cheesy as it sounds, music is inspirational, and according to Michelle, so was this post (but then again, she’s like my mother – she likes everything I do).
Pleasant Surprise: How to Make Your Coworkers L-O-V-E You
I bribed them with cupcakes...
I wish my life revolved around healthy living, I really do. But alas, sometimes life here in the big city revolves around my tiny little cubicle. Thankfully, I happen to work in an incredibly positive, motivating and supportive environment. It’s not necessarily my dream job, but I just adore my coworkers.
This post was about how I give back to these amazing people…mostly through sweet treats ;-). I needed to write a post about work because frankly, I had been spending a lot of hours there during that time period. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of comments this little post got.
And because it was cold inside, I also bribed them with hot cocoa...
Not Enough Success: Friday Flaw-Day
Way back when I started this blog, one of my main goals was to be clear and transparent about all of my flaws. My belief is that our flaws are a big part of what’s unique and special about us. Without them, we’d all be boring little robots or Stepford Wives.
One of my flaws was downing Reddi Whip straight out of the can...but you already knew that 😉
So my idea was to share a few of my flaws every Friday. It never really caught on…But in case you’re curious, here are the links to the other Friday Flaw-Day posts:
Post that Makes You Proud: A New York-a-Versary
This post marked my 2 year anniversary in the Big Apple. My dearest older brother pointed out that most people don’t celebrate two years of living in a city, but for me it was a major milestone.
Who takes pictures of cupcakes with the NYC skyline as the background? This Sometimes Healthy Girl!
New York seems like a Fantasy Land to any girl that’s had dreams of being like Carrie from Sex and the City, and when you come through for a short visit, it feels like the world’s at your fingertips.
But living here is quite a different story. Until you move here, you’ll never understand the meaning of the phrase, “And if I make it here, I can make it anywhere.” There were so many times in the past couple years where I wanted to throw in the towel, but I’m still going strong. And this post celebrated what I felt was quite the major accomplishment.
Forever and always in an Empire State of Mind.
I also think the “things I’ve learned in NYC” portion is an extremely accurate summation of anything and everything this great city has taught me over the years.
Thanks again for tagging me, Lisa. Can’t wait to meet you this weekend 🙂 Since I’m a bit late with this one, I invite everyone to share their links!
Off to stretch my foot and head to bed. This foot thing just won’t go away…Hopefully, I’ll have some news to share on this by Monday.
Help a Sister Out!
I want to continue to improve my little Sometimes Healthy Living Blog and hopefully grow my audience. So, give me your feedback!
Why do YOU read Sometimes Healthy Living Blog?
Which posts do you enjoy most and why?
Got any tips or ideas about improvements I can make? Remember, I’m still new at this, so I need all the help I can get!
I think seeing the picture of us with the cupcakes in the “How to Make Your Co-Workers Love You” post sent me over the nostalgic edge — I miss you guys! xoxo
Jamie! I remember the first time I read your blog, I really commiserated with your “budget/diet” challenge. As a fellow NYC-dweller … I understand it’s hard to feed yourself right without going broke!
Anyway, just saying hi. I’ve been a little MIA this summer but am back! For good! 😉
Glad you are back – and yes, why why does this city make everything so damn expensive?
Awesome links! That is so cool that you helped a little girl train for a 5k. That had to have been an amazing experience :). I read your blog because you are so real, honest, fun, and entertaining! I think that if we met, we could be friends! Honestly, I think that you should keep doing what you’re doing!
Thanks for reading! You are too sweet, and I really appreciate it 🙂
I just discovered your blog so this post was perfect for getting to know you a little more!
Jamie – I don’t actually remember how I discovered your blog, but I’ve been a loyal reader since that day. Your honesty is refreshing and your sense of humor is infectious! I say keep doing what you’re doing because you’re doing a great job!
I’m going to be in NYC for the NYC Marathon in November! I’d love to meet you!
Ditto Allie.. I’ve never been here before 🙂
I read your blog (have only recently started) because from what I can see, I think you have a fantastic outlook on life and I am in the midst of making some serious changes to mine. I think you are a great example for me to look up to because you embrace each and every part of yourself and make a solid effort not to exclude anything from your life.
One thing I would change about your blog….is that you would post more often!! Your posts always enlighten me and add some joy to my days so naturally, I want more!
I am starting a blog of my own and am just getting set up but would love for you to stop by and check it out when it’s all ready 🙂 will keep in touch…oh and any tips?? thanks!
This is the best 7 links ever 🙂
Jamie, I started reading your blog around the same time I created mine… and have enjoyed it ever since! One of the main reasons I asked you to do a guest post for me!
You are so “real” and honest and that is what I look forward to reading the most when I read other blogs. I don’t need any fake stuff ha