July Vermont Castings BBQ Accessories Winner Announced

What this gazebo needs is a new grill from Vermont Castings

Summertime is almost over now that it's August, but you still have a chance to win one of three very attractive Vermont Castings BBQ grills as part of their "Help My Backyard!" promotion. If you haven't entered yet, you STILL have time. But HURRY! :)

Whether you have entered already or if you plan on doing so soon, be sure to enter the exclusive "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog BBQ accessories giveaway contest, too. Last month I announced my first winner Christina R. from Texas! Now I've got another winner for July:

It's MARY S. from GREENVILLE, NC!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, Mary! Here's what you've won:

- 4-piece grilling tools with case
- Grill knife
- Skewer set
- Vermont Castings apron
- Grill mitt
- Grill wipes
- Vermont Castings recipe book

ENJOY your grilling accessories and good luck in the Vermont Castings grill giveaway contest. That's a good-looking gazebo you have and nothing would look better than an attractive brand new grill. :D

Here's what Mary wrote about her need for a new grill:

"We built this beautiful gazebo with the hopes of having great BBQ dinners al fresco. Unfortunately, the grill has not cooperated. First, the auto igniter stopped, then two of the three burners decided to quit working. And as a capstone event, the regulator became faulty causing the tank to look like a huge torch. We spent all of our money on the gazebo and really need a grill!"

HA, what a story! Go get 'em, girl! :)

There's still ONE MORE BBQ accessories prize package to give away in August. Here's how you can be eligible to win:

1. Enter the "Help My Backyard" contest by clicking here.
2. E-mail me your name, address (no P.O. Boxes please!), and telephone number so we can ship your prize to you if you are chosen as the winner.
3. Tell me which photo or video is yours, including what you submitted as your "Backyard Story." Attach it to your e-mail if you can.

Special THANKS to Vermont Castings for donating these prize packages for the readers of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog. GOOD LUCK to everyone who has entered the contest. Happy grilling!

Fourth Of July Grilling Reminders From HPBA

July 4th means grilling and spending time with family and friends

We have a uniquely American experience happen on an annual basis in the United States as we celebrate our freedom. I don't know how it got started or why people enjoy doing it so much on July 4th, but it most certainly is a deep-rooted tradition.

I'm referring to firing up that BBQ of yours and GRILLING OUT as you celebrate our nation's independence with tasty foods cooked up on the barbie.

Not surprisingly, this is the #1 most popular day for cooking on the grill with a full 71 percent of grill owners choosing to cook this way on July 4th, according to statistics from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA).

The pleasure of preparing a meal with no pots and pans to clean-up, coupled with the enjoyment of the outdoors, are among the top reasons consumers grill –especially on Independence Day. Whether you are going to a barbecue or hosting one at your house, the HPBA recommends brushing up on your barbecue etiquette and grilling tips to ensure a happy holiday for yourself, friends and family.

If you are the host of the grilling party...

- Have all grilled food ready at relatively the same time.
- Offer grilled vegetarian options for non-low-carbers.
- Think of different types of foods to grill, including fruit.
- Keep uncooked food at 40°F using an insulated cooler.

If you are the guest of the grilling party...

- Feel free to bring your own BBQ sauce.
- Expect the meat to be provided by the host.
- Bring plenty of sides and beverages.
- Don't touch the grill! Leave that to the host.

Anyone who is handling food should remember...

- Thaw frozen food and marinate in the refrigerator.
- Sanitize cutting boards and counter tops with chlorine bleach.
- Boil any marinade before using it to baste the meats.
- Refrigerate leftovers immediately and consume within two days.

Anyone who is actually manning the grill should...

- Trim visible fat from meat to prevent grill flare-ups.
- Turn food often with tongs to prevent charring.
- Use medium heat to avoid overcooking or charring meat.
- Utilize a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Grill owners should follow these recommended cooking temps...

- Poultry--165 degrees F
- Ground beef--160 degrees F
- Pork (chops, ground, tenderloin)--160 degrees F
- Large cut pork roasts--150 degrees F
- Beef roasts, steaks, seafood and lamb--145 degrees F

You can get LOTS more grilling tips, recipes and info from HPBA.org.

HAVE A HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!

June Vermont Castings BBQ Accessories Winner Announced

Now that is one absolutely pathetic excuse for a BBQ grill!

Last month I told you about a pretty cool contest being conducted by our friends at Vermont Castings called "Help My Backyard!" where three lucky winners will receive their very own BRAND SPANKIN' NEW top-of-the-line BBQ grill. It's an amazing opportunity to get yourself a backyard makeover of sorts just by showing a picture of your current ugly grill or barren backyard.

As of right now, there are only 66 entries, so you have a real chance at winning! Plus, when you do enter, you will become eligible to win the following BBQ accessories right here at my blog:

- 4-piece grilling tools with case
- Grill knife
- Skewer set
- Vermont Castings apron
- Grill mitt
- Grill wipes
- Vermont Castings recipe book

The folks at Vermont Castings have given me THREE of these prizes packages to give away for June, July, and August. Here's how you can enter to win:

1. Enter the "Help My Backyard" contest by clicking here.
2. E-mail me your name, address (no P.O. Boxes please!), and telephone number so we can ship your prize to you if you are chosen as the winner.
3. Tell me which photo or video is yours, including what you submitted as your "Backyard Story."

The winner of the June BBQ accessories prize package is:

CHRISTINA R. from TEXAS!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, Christina! Incidentally, that picture at the top of this blog post is of her grill. Her caption?

"We live in Texas...without a grill we are social outcasts!"

LOL! Good luck to you Christina on winning one of those three grills! In the meantime, enjoy your BBQ accessories on that, um, er, brick, uh, thingy you call a grill. EEEEK!

Enter 'Help My Backyard' Contest And Help Yourself To A FREE Vermont Castings Grill

Are you ready to scream "Help My Backyard!" yet?

When I wanted to celebrate my two-year anniversary at my blog back in April, my goal was to find lots of great prizes from businesses that support livin' la vida low-carb to use as giveaways in a special contest for my devoted readers. But not in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to have an opportunity to give away a brand spankin' new deluxe grill to one of my lucky readers...but I did (check out who won it by clicking here)!

Just when I needed them the most, BBQ grill manufacturer Vermont Castings stepped up to the plate for me and delivered a home run with this gorgeous grill worth thousands of dollars. It was an awesome prize and I'm grateful for their generosity.

Guess what? They want to do it again, but even bigger and better this time! That's right, Vermont Castings is not giving away just one grill or even two grills. How about THREE FREE deluxe grills in a HUGE giveaway contest they are calling "Help My Backyard?"


Vermont Castings gives YOU a "Taste for the Best!"

This "Help My Backyard" contest is so so super easy to enter that I expect hundreds, maybe even thousands of my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" readers and podcast listeners to take advantage of this opportunity to get an amazing grill absolutely FREE! WOO HOO!

Here's what you need to do:

1. Take a digital photo or video of your current grill that's on its last leg or your dismal-looking backyard.
2. Go register for the contest by filling out your contact information and upload a picture or video of your current ghastly grill or barren backyard (the funkier the better!).
3. Describe as vividly as your imagination will allow why YOU are most in need of a grill makeover. Don't make it drab and dry, spice it up and go hog wild (we're talking about winning a FREE GRILL here, people, so get noticed!).

That's it! Be creative with your sad sob story about needing a brand new Signature Series Grill from Vermont Castings and you could have an EXCELLENT shot at winning! Here's a closer look at those grills (your choice of style):

1st Prize--Vermont Castings Signature Series 5 Burner Grill
2nd Prize--Vermont Castings Signature Series 4 Burner Grill
3rd Prize--Vermont Castings Signature Series 3 Burner Grill

Additionally, each of the three top prize winners will receive a nifty customized grill cover and BBQ accessories kit as well as having the prestigious distinction of having a photo or video of them and their new grill in their backyard featured at MyOwnBBQ.com.

The winners of the "Help My Backyard" grill giveaway contest will be chosen from the entries that are the most original, funny, entertaining, and creative, with eye-catching explanations of how you will use your Vermont Castings Signature Series Grill and grilling accessories to transform your backyard into a grilling haven! You'll even get to rate the entries to see which one is most compelling.

Does this sound cool so far? I'm not done yet! :)


I've got three of those accessory kits to give away!

As a special added bonus exclusively for fans of "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb," Vermont Castings has given me THREE FREE BBQ ACCESSORY KITS to give away to three of you in June, July, and August. This prize package includes everything you see displayed in that picture above, including:

- 4-piece grilling tools with case
- Grill knife
- Skewer set
- Vermont Castings apron
- Grill mitt
- Grill wipes
- Vermont Castings recipe book

I'll be drawing the names of the winners on June 30th, July 31st, and August 31st. I bet you'd like to know how you can enter, huh? I knew you would. Here's how:

1. Enter the "Help My Backyard" contest as detailed above.
2. E-mail me your name, address (no P.O. Boxes please!), and telephone number so we can ship your prize to you if you are chosen as the winner.
3. Tell me which photo or video is yours, including what you submitted as your "Backyard Story."

The sooner you enter, the better chance you'll have of winning--so don't delay! What other blog gives you a chance to win grills, grills, and more grills as well as BBQ accessory kits, hmmmm? :D But you can't win if you don't enter the contest! Let's flood them with entries and show 'em how much low-carbers appreciate their generosity donating these amazing grills and accessories!

After all, grilling is next to godliness when you're livin' la vida low-carb!

Oh My Gosh, It's Low-Carb Honey BBQ Wings!

Whip up some hot and spicy low-carb honey BBQ wings

When you are livin' la vida low-carb, one of the foods you get to know quite intimately is chicken. I bet I've eaten chicken every which way but loose in recipes that make me cluck just thinking about them. Yes, I LOVE my chicken, but it's hard to surprise me with a recipe that makes chicken stupendous again!

Well, it's finally happened with a recipe from my friends at Low-Carb Connoisseur for a low-carb version of Honey BBQ Wings. But I thought you couldn't have honey on the low-carb lifestyle because of all the sugar? That's right, you can't!

But this recipe uses a delicious low-carb alternative for honey to create the most mouth-watering, spicy BBQ wings that have ever graced the presence of your tastebuds! This is a perfect party platter pleaser whether you are livin' la vida low-carb or not. Don't be surprised when people come back begging for more!

Hey ya'll, chicken's BACK!!!

LOW-CARB HONEY BBQ WINGS
3 lbs. chicken wings, cut into drumsticks & wingettes
1 tsp. Emeril's Original Essence
1 tsp. ground black pepper
4 oz. Texas Pete's hot sauce
3 oz. Nature's Hollow Taste Like Honey
1 cup KC Masterpiece Low Calorie Barbecue sauce
Walden Farms Blue Cheese or Ranch Salad Dressing

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Separate wings at joint with sharp knife. Rinse all pieces with cool water. Discard wing tips.

Place chicken pieces in baking pan. Coat evenly with Emeril's Seasoning and pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce with honey and hot sauce until well blended; coat baked wings evenly with BBQ sauce mixture. Bake another 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered.

Serve with celery and Walden Farms Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing and ENJOY!

Oh my gosh, it's low-carb honey BBQ wings!!! WOO HOO!!!

Super Simple Low-Carb Garlic Ginger Shrimp

A sensational low-carb shrimp recipe perfect for your grill

Last night I had the pleasure of doing something I've been wanting to do ever since I started livin' la vida low-carb in 2004. For the first time ever, I fired up my very own grill and had myself a personal BBQ, baby! I won it in a contest while attending the conference in Reno, Nevada a couple of months ago sponsored by the Hearth, Patio, & Barbecue Association.

There's nothing more thrilling than heating up that grill to a searing temperature and then slapping some high-quality meats on there to cook up until it's real juicy and tender. My maiden venture on the grill included some BBQ ribs and chicken breasts. Mmm mmm! My wife Christine was very impressed and said we need to cookout early and often. Plan on it!

That's why I was happy to see a recipe today that caught my eye because it gives me another reason to crank up my brand new grill. It's a super simple and very low-carb friendly recipe that calls for grilling up some shrimp. Hmm, it just so happens I have some shrimp in my freezer right this second, so I may have to check out this quick and easy recipe this weekend! :D

Livin' la vida low-carb depends on you being ready to ward off the temptation to eat something you shouldn't. Grill up a bunch of these garlic ginger shrimp skewers in less than 15 minutes and then reheat the leftovers for a protein-packed, low-carb (and delicious!) meal!

SUPER SIMPLE LOW-CARB GARLIC GINGER SHRIMP

6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 tsp minced fresh ginger
1/8 tsp minced fresh garlic
1/8 tsp white pepper
Bamboo skewers

Preheat your BBQ grill on high!

Soak skewers in warm water. Mix all ingredients except shrimp in a medium bowl. Mix well, let sit for 1 minute, then add shrimp. Make sure to coat on all sides. Let marinate for 5 minutes.

Thread 3 shrimp on each skewer and then place on grill. Shrimp cooks quickly, so check after two minutes then every thirty seconds until browned. Flip, grill for two minutes, and then serve!

Serves 2 (but you can easily make a LOT more!).

Net carbs (check this out): ZERO!!! WOO HOO!!!

'Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show' Episode 41: Low-Carb Man Interviews The King Of BBQ

What a thrill it was to meet and interview BBQ great Steven Raichlen!

The final interview from my recent visit to Reno, Nevada for the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association Expo is with bestselling author and the host of the hit PBS television BBQ show called BBQ University and his name is Steven Raichlen. In Episode 41 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" you'll have a chance to hear from this great BBQ guru. Fire up the barbie and enjoy this fantastic interview:

 "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" Episode 41 [13:15m]: Play in Popup | Download

When I went to Reno for the HPBA Expo, I had no idea Steven Raichlen was going to be there. But when they said he would be willing to sit down with me for an interview, I was ecstatic! Christine and I absolutely LOVE his show on PBS and I urge you to give it a look for yourself (check your local PBS listings).

In Episode 41, I discuss with him the various ways to cookout on the grill, which grill is best, what the strangest thing he's ever cooked on a grill, and if there is anything that you can't cook on a grill (he even says he managed to cook ICE CREAM! No kidding!).


Steven didn't look enthused, but it had been a long day at the HPBA Expo

Check out Jimmy Moore's podcast show by:

1. Listening at the official web site
2. Going to iTunes
3. Calling (818) 688-2763 to listen via Podlinez
4. Subscribing to the RSS feed

What did you think about the great Steven Raichlen? Do you watch his show BBQ U or have you read any of his books? Why do you enjoy his perspective on grilling? Share your comments and let us know what you think!


Raichlen has sold millions upon millions of BBQ books

CLICK HERE to see all of Steven Raichlen's bestselling books.

We'll be returning to regular podcasts again on "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" starting on Thursday, so come back to hear another encouraging, educating and inspiring show! THANKS for your support!

'Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show' Episode 40: Meet The BBQ Queen, Karen Adler

I got to chat with a queen--The BBQ Queen, Karen Adler, that is!

In yet another interview from the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association Expo in Reno, Nevada recently, you'll enjoy hearing from BBQ Queen Karen Adler discuss the fine art of grilling from the female perspective in Episode 40 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore." Now it's time to heareth the queeneth speaketh:

 "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" Episode 40 [20:41m]: Play in Popup | Download

Episode 40 put me face-to-face with real royalty in the world of BBQ--okay, not really, but "BBQ Queen" Karen Adler sure was a neat lady to talk to. She and her company Pig Out Publications (ROTFL!) are bringing the grilling industry to the consumer in a new and exciting way.

Get "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" anytime by:

1. Listening at the official web site
2. Going to iTunes
3. Calling (818) 688-2763 to listen via Podlinez
4. Subscribing to the RSS feed

Did you like what The BBQ Queen Karen Adler had to share about women and BBQing? I'm curious about what you think! Provide your feedback and share your experiences grilling--male or female! She set me straight that this isn't just a man's job, ya know. Yes ma'am! :)

You won't want to miss Monday's final podcast interview from Reno with author and entrepreneur Steven Raichlen from the hit PBS television show BBQ U who shares his rather unique worldview on the subject of grilling. That one's gonna be a keeper, so do not miss the next episode of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore."

'Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show' Episode 39: Talking BBQ With HPBA's Leslie Wheeler

Jimmy Moore interviewed HPBA spokeswoman Leslie Wheeler in Reno

Continuing with the interviews I recorded recently while attending the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association Expo in Reno, Nevada today, I present my one with HPBA Communications Director Leslie Wheeler in Episode 39 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore." She talks about the state of the BBQ industry, something many people who are livin' la vida low-carb are abundantly aware of. Listen NOW:

 "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" Episode 39 [21:50m]: Play in Popup | Download

What a delight it was to sit down for a few minutes with Wheeler to discuss the BBQ industry from the perspective of an advocacy group like the HPBA in Episode 39. She was quite informative about why grilling has become such an American phenomenon and why more and more people are cranking up the BBQ all year round.

Access "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" by:

1. Listening at the official web site
2. Going to iTunes
3. Calling (818) 688-2763 to listen via Podlinez
4. Subscribing to the RSS feed

Do you like to grill? Why or why not? Let me know what you think about my interview with Wheeler about the BBQ industry by leaving a comment at the show's site. Incidentally, I was fortunate enough to win a free starter grill while attending this conference. WOO HOO!

Tune in on Thursday as I share my interview with one of the two BBQ Queens named Karen Adler as she discusses her company called Pig Out Publications (I LOVE that name!). Don't miss it!

An Advance Peek At The Grill I'm Giving Away

Christine and I posing in front of the grill YOU can win in April!

Although we experienced a flight delay on the way home from Reno, Nevada this weekend after attending the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) Expo last week, it was such a thrilling experience to represent the low-carb community at this event. I've never seen so many grills in one place in my entire life! :)

I was able to share with many of the vendors there that they should start actively marketing themselves more openly to those of us who are livin' la vida low-carb because we as a collective group are a very strong and loyal customer base and I think I helped them realize that with my presence there.

In fact, one of the grill manufacturers who is a member of HPBA named CFM Corporation has generously agreed to donate that gorgeous four-burner gas Vermont Castings Signature Series BBQ grill you see Christine and I standing by last week when we visited their booth at the HPBA Expo. You can check out all the features on this lean mean grilling machine by clicking here.

Who says Jimmy Moore can't deliver the goods for his faithful readers?!

Start dreaming of using that grill worth thousands of dollars right now because it could be yours just in time for the summer BBQ season coming up. It's my way of giving back to YOU for devoting yourself daily to reading my blog and for helping me become one of the most successful health blogs on the Internet today. I definitely could not be doing it without YOU!

I'll announce the full details of the giveaway contest set to take place throughout the month of April very soon and it will feature about 50 PRIZE PACKAGES, including the Grand Prize BBQ grill from Vermont Castings as I celebrate two years of low-carb, diet, and weight loss blogging at its very finest.

Specials thanks again to CFM for providing this sensational prize. Tell your friends and family to start reading the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog to find out how THEY can register to win these valuable prizes. Coming soon...

I'm Stuck In Reno For A Couple More Days

Life is just so full of curve balls. Such is life.

Today, my wife Christine and I had every intention of heading back on a plane (oh boy, yet another high-carb snack to enjoy--NOT!) to our hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina. But, as luck would have it, we were one of the fortuitous folks who got overbooked and subsequently "bumped" from our flight.

Bummer.

I suppose this is bound to happen more often than not when they decide to purposefully overbook the plane by 10 people (yep, the Continental Airlines rep confirmed to me that they do it all the time! ARGH!), but this is TWICE it has happened to us in the past three flights we have taken. Oh well, so whaddya do about it, right? Grin and bear it, then move on. It's all good.

They did put us up in a hotel today and tomorrow at no charge, gave us free meal vouchers so we can eat in the one and only restaurant in the building (I sure hope they've got SOMETHING low-carb!), provided $600 worth of future Continential flights (SWEET!), and a limo ride to the airport in Sacramento, California tomorrow night.

Our flight leaves out of there around midnight on Monday morning and we'll get back home by Monday afternoon going through Houston and Atlanta along the way. The only thing I requested from them was to put us in first class for our trouble--AND THEY DID! Sweetness since my big ole long legs on my 6'3" body have been scrunched up like sardines on these multiple flights.

Well, if you are a regular reader of my blog (and why wouldn't you be since everyone else already is? *grin*), then you know me and the Mrs. have been in Reno, Nevada since Wednesday as part of the HPBA Expo looking at and experiencing grills, grills, and more grills. You gotta love it and you LITERALLY will when you find out about your opportunity to win one of the top-of-the-line grills available in 2007. More details will be forthcoming so keep reading (see, I told you it's worth your time to read my blog all the time).

It has been an exhausting trip, but so much fun and informative about the BBQ industry. We even won a FREE BBQ grill in a drawing the other day, so Christine is VERY happy about that. And so am I since a grill can be a low-carber's best friend. Just about ANY food tastes better cooked on a BBQ grill. Mmm mmm, I can't wait to strike up the barbie, baby!

You will get to hear three different interviews from people in the BBQ industry in upcoming podcast shows: Leslie Wheeler from the HPBA discussing the skyrocketing popularity of grilling, author Karen Adler who is one of the two self-proclaimed "BBQ Queens," and finally (drumroll please...here's the "famous" BBQ expert so many of you were trying to guess the indentity of) I have bestselling author and the host of the popular PBS television show "BBQ U" Steven Raichlen. Each of these interviews will give you a glimpse of what's happening now in the wonderful world of BBQ.

That's what you have to look forward to when I can get back to Spartanburg.

For now, I have FREE WiFi Internet access in the hotel I am staying at until Sunday night. Don't you know I'll be blogging away the best I know how to try to get back into my normal routine again. THANKS as always for your faithful readership to the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog.

When you see what I have for you in the month of April to celebrate my two years of blogging, then hopefully you will continue to keep coming back here and sharing with others the work I am doing to educate and encourage those who are desiring not just weight loss, but a happier and healthier life. You guys are AWESOME!

Cheerio...gotta go check out that restaurant in the lobby now! :)

Grills, Grills, And More Grills At HPBA Expo

Right now at this very moment I am incredibly frustrated with having to write this post. Why? Well, for the past two hours I have been working on a fabulously detailed account of my experience here in Reno, Nevada at the 2007 Hearth, Patio, & Barbecue Association (HPBA) Expo on Thursday. I had the entire blog post written and ready to publish when my new laptop decides to go into "thinking" mode and stayed there for 20 minutes. UGH!

So, the long and short of it is this: I don't have time to rewrite the entire post (and it was a good one!), so I'll have to give you the Cliff's Notes version since I have an appointment for an interview very soon.

Let me start with the interviews: Yep, by popular demand from my podcast show listeners, I am attempting to do more interviews with interesting people in the wonderful world of livin' la vida low-carb. And I've met a few that fit that criteria during my stay in Reno this week, so I can't wait to share them with you.

In fact, I'm gonna tease you with one of the interviews--he's probably the most famous television BBQ expert you've ever heard of and he was gracious enough to spend 10 minutes with me recording an interview on Thursday. Who is it? Put on your thinking caps, folks, because you'll definitely recognize his voice when you hear my interview very soon. He's very well known within grilling circles, though. No more hints, but feel free to guess who you think it is in the comments section below.

Speaking of grilling, man there's a whole lotta grills at this convention. Sheez, I had no idea there were THIS many different models available. But there they are in booth after booth showing all the latest gadgets and gizmos to make that food you cook sizzle! I almost hated to bring my wife Christine on the floor with me because she's been begging for a grill for about two years. It was borderline torture for her, but I promised her we'd get one.

Little did I know that time would come two hours later when we actually WON a grill in a drawing. WOW, how cool is that? I asked my wife if she had been praying for one and she said YES. LOL! II told her to start praying for a million bucks now. Hee hee! Just kidding. Make it TWO million!

Oh, and you'll be pleased to know that I have also received a very generous donation of a deluxe grill from one of the members of the HPBA who I will tell you all about very soon. But this grill is not for me, but for one of YOU who are reading my blog. That's right, you will have the opportunity to win a FREE GRILL from "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb." WHOA!

There will be other great low-carb prizes like books, resources, and delicious food in the giveaway contest I'll be conducting in April, so be sure to keep reading my blog for more details about how to enter. It's gonna be HUGE!

I hate to have to hurry on this post, but I totally lost everything I had written before and I'm just skimming you the highlights. We were able to go out to dinner last night at a very fancy schmancy restaurant in downtown Reno where I got the most tender and succulent filet mignon steak I've ever put in my mouth. Oh...my...goodness! I could eat that all the time along with the mixed veggies, spinach salad, and almond-encrusted brie. What a meal!

Who says livin' la vida low-carb has to be drab and boring, eh? NOT!

I've got at least two more interviews to conduct today and possibly a third, so my Friday is jam-packed full of activities. Then we'll be flying back home on Saturday afternoon and won't get back to nearly midnight East Coast time Sunday morning. I can't wait to get back to blogging normally on Sunday afternoon (if I'm not too pooped from the trip!) and sharing these amazing interviews and pictures with you in the coming weeks.

THANK YOU so much for your continued devoted readership here at my blog and I encourage you to always and forever stay committed to your low-carb life no matter what you are going through. A lifetime dedication to a plan that you already knows works will keep you fit and trim for the rest of your life. That's what livin' la vida low-carb is all about. SEE YA!