Blogging Sucks (Sometimes)

I recently published my 200th blog post. Which hey, is an AMAZING achievement for me! I never would have thought that I would be where I am now when I first started this blog.

Speaking of which... I looked back to my first post, and realized it was just over a week and TWO YEARS ago that I began writing on Clean Eating Teen.

Two. Years. 200 posts.

I don't want to sound like little miss perfect or "oh, pity me!" but lets be real. As of right now, I hardly have 150 comments TOTAL for all my posts. Most of the blogs I read easily get that many on ONE post. I'm lucky to maybe get a hundred or so views per post. I don't even have a thousand Facebook likes, despite my effort.

So... what gives? Why am I spending so much time and effort writing to an empty audience? I want to help people, inspire and enlighten others. I feel like I am working towards no real goal sometimes.

But on the other end, I really do enjoy writing. Up until I became interested in health, I actually wanted to be an author. Blogging allows me to get the best of both worlds: I still get to write, but I also am immersed in the fitness and health world.

I also like the fact that blogging sets me apart from the crowd. How many people can tell others, "Hey, you should check out my blog!" Not many.

I guess I just get frustrated. It would be a dream to have a highly popular blog or YouTube channel (just like Linda wants!) But how realistic is this? Can it be done? Successful people say they got where they did through hard work and never giving up. Well... it's been two years. 200 posts. This is an everyday activity for me, and I share it publicly. Why does it seem as if little progress is being made?

Just some thoughts. Please don't look badly upon me or be offended by any of this.

Do you get frustrated by blogging, or any other dream you
pursue?

Natalie

#FitTube Youtube Series!

Fun news for my fellow Clean Eaters!!

Recently, I shared my interest with Diatta of Femme Fitale Fit Club to help with a fitness Youtube series.

Starting on April 16th, a few fellow ladies and I will be posting a weekly video tags on Youtube with the theme being something fitness and health related.

A FitTube tag is 20 questions that each of us participating answer in a video posted on Youtube.  Our first video is going to be about getting to know us all, so keep your eyes open for the upload!

This is the first of many #fittube tags, and I am really excited to be a part of it. I haven't used my Youtube account since posting my first yoga video... so this will ALSO be a great way to again become active in vlogging, lol.

Check out the great ladies who are also participating this round: 

Diatta with Femme Fitale Fit Club
Markita with SweshFit
Tiki with Healthy Living Tiki
Pamela with Gym Free Fitness
Sheila with The Frugal Exerciser 


Be on the lookout for our first video!!

Natalie

Blog Troubles + A New Look

Woot woot! Happy FRIDAY to us all!!

This week has been a long one. Last week I only had to go to school three days instead of five due to the extended weekend holiday. So it was difficult getting back into the swing of things.


Image via Google Images 

I plan to visit The Haunt House soon. I have a family friend who has worked there for a while. These guys are no joke... they provide some VERY scary entertainment!  

I'm looking forward to the rest of October. Lots of fun events are happening... homecoming is coming up, and so is my birthday on the 31st (yep, my birthday is Halloween!) I am still trying to decide what I want to be. All I know for sure is that I am SUPER EXCITED to go to as many haunted houses as possible! They are one of my favorite things to do all year. I think I may even like them more that opening Christmas presents (well, okay. Maybe they're a close second.)

Anyways... lately I have been getting some feedback from readers that they are unable to see a comment that they post on the blog, or are simply not able to post one all together. I also have been having issues with my Blogger format in general... gadgets not working, icons and pages not even showing up!


Image via Google Images 

I've been debating whether or not to move Clean Eating Teen from Blogger and to Wordpress, which I know would have more options for me and the blog. You might have noticed me posting on Twitter and Facebook about my frustrations! However, after fiddling with it for a few days with Wordpress and trying to transfer over by the easiest means possible, I realized that I simply could not figure it out on my own.

I am not the most technology-savvy person by any means. There was no way I was going to risk messing up what content I had already produced here, so I decided to make the best of what I was allowed to do with Blogger.

One of my favorite bloggers, Heather from The Soulful Spoon, advised me to try and change my template. Some templates here are formatted for more of a journal entry rather than an actual blog... I am pretty sure that is what my problem was, because as you can (hopefully) now see, the problems I was having before are gone!

I had some free time today during classes so I used it to edit Clean Eating Teen. By no means is it perfect, and I hope to add some more pages and icons soon, but I am satisfied (especially from where it was!)

So how does everyone like the new look on the blog? Is it working correctly, and can you navigate more easily?

Also... what does everyone plan to dress up as for Halloween?! ;)

Natalie

2013 MetroCooking Dallas Expo!! I met BOBBY DEEN!

This weekend has been filled with joy! I woke up Sunday morning to a call from my best friend, Taylor. She had bought tickets to the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertainment Show in Dallas in a few months back, and wanted to know if I could tag along and use an extra ticket they had. Of course I was THRILLED!!

We arrived at the expo around 11:30. I knew that many people from the Food Network were going to be here... Paula Deen was expected to show either Saturday or Sunday, but we did not have the special tickets to go see her or any other personalities speaking. That really didn't matter at all though. I mean, as we were approaching the building, an ecstatic women was leaving and exclaimed "Bobby Flay is in there! He'll sign anything!"

At this point, Taylor, her mother, and I all looked at eachother and began to laugh with giddy. We were SO excited! (I did not in fact get to meet or see Bobby, sadly. I guess by the time we entered he had just left...)

We entered the building and immediately were greeted with tons of vendors. In the back, the place you got to visit with the special tickets, they were having live seminars. This was were any celebrity speakers were talking. We could still hear everything going on, and even saw what was happening on a huge screen they had overhead. To the side they had live cooking and tasting that anyone could go to.

We saw a line, and realized that these people were waiting to meet Paula Deens son, Bobby Deen! I love his show on the Cooking Channel, Not My Momma's Meals. We joined the wait and after a brief 15 minutes or so, we met Mr. Deen! I mentioned my blog and healthy lifestyle to him and he guested to his beautiful wife, Claudia, who was behind him.

I was amazed to learn that she too has a health blog and lives a healthy, fit, and "clean eating" type of lifestyle! I was given the wonderful opportunity to actually chat with her, and we exchanged blog information. Isn't that awesome?! I was seriously SHAKING as I walked away... like, did that just really happen?

Look at my bag her signed! It says "To Natalie: Keep Eating Clean!" ;)

The rest of the trip, we walked around the food vendors and had a blast...

Entering the wonderful expo...

Some of the vendors!

They were selling books, and all the authors of the books had authographed them! Above is a book from Rachel Ray.

 More from the Deens!

I thought these guys were REALLY awesome! The above the picture is of wooden cutting boards! I know, I know, you can get wooden boards from Target. But look how unique these are! They looked so natural, especially the large round one in the top left. I would love to have gotten one, but they were a bit too pricey for me.

I also really liked Salt Rox. They sell giant slabs of natural pink salt, on which you cook. It naturally seasons the food you make! Isn't that so cool? I tasted some sauteed mushrooms they had as samples, and I was really impressed. They also sold round "eggs" (pictured above) in which you stick up the cavity of a chicken or turkey while you cook it. Taylor's mom bought a pair of shot glasses made from the salt slabs, which are perfect for margaritas, according to the seller.

Above is an exhibitor from Vitamix Blenders. I have seen them before at Costco.. but in any case, it was fun to watch! That brown stuff in the sample cups is chocolate ice cream, made with leafy greens, carrots, avocado, and unsweetened chocolate baking powder. As a sweetener they used Agave nectar, which is not the best option (that stuff is NOT health food. It's so processed!), but I tried a bit anyways. It was good, but if I made it myself I would use honey.

One vendor in particular, Uncle Millie, I really adored. Their hot sauces and seasonings were THE BOMB. Taylor is a HUGE fan of spicy stuff... hence her excitement in the above picture. Taylor and her mom got the Cayenne hot sauce and I got the Garlic Serrano. Plan for a recipe sooooon!

Sorry for the blurry picture. But here we are, meeting Uncle Millie.

Soon after we left the expo. We were all really happy with what we got and who we saw!! 

Afterwards, we went sight seeing around the Dallas area. We passed all the awesome arts districts and museums, as well as the great restaurants in the area. 

We noticed a lot of strange looking people all heading to the same area. I mean, really strange stuff! There was a giant group of people dressed in cameo with Duck Dynasty beards and T shirts. After that we saw some girls as a trio of Marvel superheros. And then, oh man. We saw THIS.

Yep. We met Miley and Robin ! 

(Props to this couple!! I love the idea... Taylor and I literally JUMPED out of the car as we passed them to get this picture.)

Hahaha. We found out that there was a giant costume race or 5K in the area, hence the reason everyone was wearing their racing numbers! Taylor made a bet that 'Robins' striped suit was actually from a Beetlejuice costume. Pretty clever of her! 

Overall, this was such a great experience. I mean, it's not every day you can say you met Paula Deen's son or daughter in law (or you know, Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke...)

What have you been up to lately?

Natalie 

I'm A Contributor on Real Food Recipe Roundup!

Hey guys!! I have AWESOME, exciting news to share!!

The wonderful Kathy over at Simple Clean Living  recently told me about her website, Real Food Recipe Roundup and asked if I would like to be a part of it. Of course I was honored, and said YES!!

Image directly from Real Food Recipe Roundup home page.

Basically, the community is a collection of healthy, REAL FOOD recipes from a variety of health bloggers. Straight from the "About" page:

'My goal is to have hundreds of real food bloggers and thousands of amazing and tasty real food recipes gathered here for you to gain inspiration from, to help you create meal plans from and to make real food so much easier!"

How awesome is that?! 

I am so humbled to take part in this awesome community, and really look forward to seeing other yummy and healthy recipes posted from other bloggers as well! 

So go ahead, take a look at the site here! Oh, and also peek at the Contributors page, to not only see me, but the other lovely bloggers as well. My stomach gets butterflies when I see my face on there! 

Thank you again Kathy for having me on your website!! 

Natalie 

Back to School Guest Post on Primal Bliss!

Recently I got in touch with one of my favorite bloggers, Kathryn, over at Primal Bliss!

I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to write a guest post for her blog. I love her posts and think she is awesome all together, so this was SO exciting for me. :)

This post was all about how to stay on track with health and fitness while the busy school days start back up as summer fades away!

Check it out here! 

My Life Lately: "I'm a Blogger" + Dynamite Peanut Butter?!

I really enjoyed posting my first "My Life Lately" a while back. Perhaps because it made me feel like other bloggers I read, whom I actually enjoy hearing about the regular things that happen to them on a daily bases. It's almost like you've got a weird, friendship-like bond that is developed over the interwebs? I am not sure how to explain it, but if you are also a blogger or an avid reader of some, i'm sure you know what I mean.

Or perhaps it just gives me an excuse to snap pictures every few seconds?

 "Excuse me mam, but there are no cameras allowed in the museum." 

"Oh no, trust me. I'm a blogger."  

I tried to explain the reasoning on posting things like this on Clean Eating Teen to my mother. She was confused, asking "why are you talking about going to a pool party when you're website is about fitness and health...", and I tried to point out that it helps improve the quality and diversity of content, plus it is fun for your audience, and fun to write... She still did not get it. Oh well, maybe some day momma! ;)   

Let's start with the ending of Vacation Bible School. I talked about this last "My Life"... I was a crew leader for a group of first graders, and boy, were they something to talk about! I was really blessed with a wonderful batch of kiddos, and for the most part things sailed smoothly. This picture was taken the last day. I'm standing next to my momma, and two of our best friends who also took part in helping out. 

They told the kids (and leaders, if they wanted!) to dress up like knights, kings, and queens for the last night, to end the week and the Kingdom theme with a bang! That's why I am wearing a crown in my hair. Actually, its just a necklace, but it worked... so no need to talk specifics. ;)

My sister often goes to a horse barn with her best friend, who actually owns one of the horses. My sister has been learning to ride herself, and my mom and I came out to watch one day. It was smelly, dusty, and HOT! I REALLY respect the owner of the place, as well as my sister and other riders, so taking so much time and effort out to take care of the horses. It is a TON of work, but they love every moment of it. 

Up top is me (please excuse my face) with a horse. Below is a picture of my sis riding! 

While out at the barn I found these... my sisters friend brought them as a snack. Not the healthiest of choices, but definitely something...uh, creative? 

I mean, REALLY Lays? I am not sure to be in awe of this creation, or in total disgust. Sure, the concept is really neat, but one look on the back of this... how in the world do they obtain "chicken flavoring" ? "Waffle seasoning"? Sigh. 

I also did my fair share in peeling and de-veining some shrimp for my last seafood recipe. Goodness, I know they taste good, but multiple times during this procedure I felt as if it wasn't worth it. Those little critters smell NASTY! 

My best friend Taylor, whom I've written about before, is just a big of a health nut as me. She LOVES to lift heavy, and boy... can she EVER! We went to the gym together (her local gym, I just got a 7 day free pass), and I was SHOCKED by how much stronger this girl is than me. My workout literally IS her warm up! 

She can leg press 200 lbs, people. With proper form. She's hardly 15 and does 1/3 the weight her dad can! 

I am in such awe... and yes, jealousy. Not only because she is a BEAST, but also because she has access to the gym and heavier weights than I do. I can only use what I have at home. 

So after one of our workouts, we walked back to her place (the gym is close) and made ourselves something to eat.

She also is a peanut butter freak. They just ran out of a jar, so there was an un-open one in need of being stirred. Oh man... the job of stirring the peanut butter. 

We both are aware of the mess it can cause (hence the reason for the massive wad of paper towels under the jar!). So we braced ourselves, got out a spoon, and got to work. And WHAT IN THE WORLD?! The peanut butter seemed to have fought us back! 

I am not joking. At all. The bent spoon in the picture is COMPLETELY done by the peanut butter. We shoved the spoon around, back and forth, and uh... yeah. This happened! Talk about some DYNAMITE PEANUT BUTTER. 

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I will end with this. 

A car in my neighborhood. 

Yep. That's Jackie Chan airbrushed on the back of that sucka'. Why? Don't ask me. 

So... whats been up in your life lately? 

Natalie 

Solutions to Your "Problems"

Hey there readers! I have exciting news!!

A while back I contacted Maria from Real Fit Mama... I told her about my passion for holistic health, and she asked if I would be interested in guest posting!

Look how awesome she is!!

I really love her blog, and the fact that she still commits to staying healthy and fit while nurturing a family is more motivational than anything to me. What she is currently doing is what I hope to be able to, once the time comes and I have children of my own. 

So many people now days feel they do not have the time, money, motivation, or support to live a lifestyle that is healthy and active. However, in my guest post, I address these "problems", and give "solutions" to them! 

Head on over to Maria's blog, and check out the post there! 

Natalie