But when it came down to choosing who the winner would be, the final decision made was to award it to SHARI W. from Tennessee for her amazing mini-quiches. CONGRATULATIONS, Shari! You just won that KODAK Printer all to yourself and I KNOW you will enjoy it immensely.
In case you missed it, here's the winning entry:
The vibrant and varied colors of this low-carb dish made it stick out
And here was Shari's description of her photo:
"These little Mini-Quiches are tasty and make the 'Picture Perfect' holiday appetizer. Simple ingredients and a simple recipe make for the most versatile of dishes. Remember simplicity is an added plus during the hectic time of the holidays. Just make your basic quiche mixture and then add your favorite veggies, meats, and extra spices to taste. A bonus with these quiches is not only are they 'low carb' but you get the added colors of Christmas on your table."
Special THANKS to everyone who entered this contest for sharing your delicious holiday dishes with all of us. I REALLY would have LOVED to given all of you the opportunity to own your own KODAK EASYSHARE 5300 All-in-One Printer, but alas I only had one to give away. But don't worry if you didn't win...there will be other contests in the near future here at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog (and you never know what may show up in your mailbox--HINT HINT!). :D
THANK YOU so much for your faithfulness to the mission of sharing the wonderfully healthy low-carb lifestyle with the masses! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Take a look at what a "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog reader just won!
One of my favorite things to do with my blog is to give people a chance to win something they can use and enjoy. Sometimes it can be something as small as a certificate for a free Atkins bar or a new low-carb book. Other times, though, the prizes you can win just for being a reader are unforgettable--like a FREE GRILL, baby!
In June 2007, I told you about a promotion Vermont Castings was holding called the "Help My Backyard" photo contest where they were looking for people to submit photographs of their pitiful looking grills for a chance to win one of three deluxe grills. I also ran a corresponding contest for some grill accessory kits with winners in June, July, and August.
Each of these entries from my readers were entered into the contest for the grand prize grill giveaways and one of them excitedly reported to me that she was chosen as the 2nd place winner of a 4-burner Vermont Castings deluxe grill! Check out her winning entry and see the winning picture for yourself:
This grill is history, because she just won a new one from Vermont Castings
Here's what she wrote:
Jimmy, thank you so much for posting this contest on your site. I would have never known about it if it hadn't been for you. I – or should I say we – won second place!
The winning entry was the 10 top reasons for a owning a Vermont Castings Grill. I haven't received it yet, but when we do, my husband has plans for trying out all kinds of grilled meat, including making use of the rotisserie for Cornish hens.
If you and Christine ever find yourself in the north Texas or southern Oklahoma area (we live right on Lake Texoma that borders Oklahoma and Texas), you have an open invitation to a BBQ!
Thanks so much for all you do for us in the low-carb world of health, happiness, and wonderful opportunity!!
Christina Robertson
Isn't that EXCITING?!?! CONGRATULATIONS Christina and we may just have to take you up on that BBQ invitation sometime in the near future. :D
Click here to read the official announcement from Vermont Castings and to find out why Christina's submission was chosen. I'm so happy for her and it just goes to show you that you don't ever want to miss your chance to win something just for being a reader of my blog. So be sure to check in every single day if you don't already. :P
In fact, you're gonna have a chance to win some really neat prizes coming up very soon. THANK YOU for reading and be sure to tell all your friends and family to check out my blog early and often, too. You get education and encouragement about your low-carb lifestyle and FREE STUFF to boot! What more could you ask for? (Well, a million bucks would be nice, but I'd have to keep that for myself for um, er, uh...oh I'd figure out something to do with it!) :D
Now that I have a camera on my new computer, I can share with you a video and a story that I'll be sharing with my grandkids someday about something that happened to me on September 11, 2001 I'll never forget. In a way, I'm glad it's a funny thing that ended up happening because the horrors of that day will forever linger.
In April 2001, I had a little bit of extra time during the day that I did not have before because I was unemployed at the time. That is when I began watching some of the morning television programs I have never seen before since they came on while I was at work. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the daytime programming. One such television entertainment show that I especially liked was one that broadcast live out of downtown Manhattan in New York City called LIVE with Regis and Kelly.
Regis Philbin is the affable male host of the show who became a household name over the past couple of years with his hit ABC-TV show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (although it was surprisingly canceled after ratings slipped). Kelly Ripa, who replaced long-time female co-host Kathy Lee Gifford in early 2001, is the sexy, but quirky sidekick for Regis on the show. She also stars in the daytime soap opera All My Children and the recently nixed ABC comedy Hope & Faith.
One day in May 2001, I noticed that LIVE with Regis and Kelly was running a contest called "Travel Trivia." Everyday the show would have a contest near the beginning of the broadcast with a lucky contestant from home for a chance to win a trip to various places all over the world. Regis would spin a wheel to find out which trip the contestant would be playing for. Then the contestant at home got 20 seconds to answer a question about one of the guests from the previous day's show. Even if they got the answer wrong, the contestants were given a $250 gift certificate to various stores as a consolation prize.
After watching the show one day, I decided to hop on my computer to visit the LIVE with Regis and Kelly web site to find out more information about how to enter for a chance to be a contestant in the "Travel Trivia" contest. To my delight, there was a link right there on the web site to enter once per day. There was also an address to send postcards, but the web site seemed to be a more efficient and economic way to enter. Thus, I made the LIVE with Regis and Kelly web site one of my daily visits for the next 4 months.
And then on September 11, 2001 it happened...
I got a call from one of the producers of LIVE with Regis and Kelly at 7:30am that day. She said my name was chosen to be a contestant in the "Travel Trivia" contest. I said jokingly “I knew it had to be you guys calling me this early in the morning!” She told me that I would be asked a question about one of the guests from the previous day's show and she told me who was on the show since I admitted I had not watched that day. The producer said that she would be calling me back around 8:45am to be put on hold until the "Travel Trivia" contest took place live on the show around 9:15am.
After hanging up the phone with her, I immediately jumped out of bed and hit the Internet to research what I could find about each of the guests from the previous day's show. I went to Yahoo!, Google, and wherever else I could find and entered the names of the guests to record as much information as I could about their careers on a legal pad. I made notes of what I could find and went into my living room to turn on the television and wait by the telephone for the call.
A little over an hour after I received that exciting telephone call, the tragic attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York City began. I was literally on hold with the producer of LIVE with Regis and Kelly watching the television waiting for the show to begin around 8:45am when The Today Show began showing the first World Trade Center tower on fire. The commentators were speculating that it might have been an accident.
When it was time for LIVE with Regis and Kelly to begin at 9:00am, the producer came on the line and told me that they might not be having a show today because of the plane flying into the World Trade Center tower. She said that their studio is only a few blocks from the World Trade Center towers. At 9:00am, I was listening on the phone to LIVE with Regis and Kelly since The Today Show was still being shown on the television.
Around 9:10am, I was watching the television with the mute on and listening to Regis talking about what was happening in New York when the other plane crashed into the second World Trade Center tower. I could hear the gasps of the audience members when that happened and you could sense that something unprecedented was happening.
At that moment, the producer came on the line and said that something really bad was going on in New York City and that they will have to evacuate their building immediately. She assured me that I would be called back as soon as the next show was scheduled...whenever that would be. Somehow, that was not the most important thing to me at the time after the horrific scene my eyes had witnessed on television!
For the next few days, the producer (I found out later that her name is Linda) called me from her home to let me know that they had not forgotten about me and that I am in line to be called for the "Travel Trivia" game as soon as they are back on the air live. Because downtown Manhatten was closed for several days because of the fear that other buildings in the area might collapse, it was over a week before the show would be back on the air again live. They showed repeats of the show until LIVE with Regis and Kelly returned to the air on Wednesday, September 19, 2001.
It was on that Wednesday in September that I would have my chance to win a trip to an enchanting vacation destination...
When I got the phone call from Linda the producer on September 19, 2001 at 7:30am, this time, I was ready for it to happen. I was probably the only contestant they ever had who had more than a week to prepare for the "Travel Trivia" game (actually, I did not do any additional research than I had done on the morning they called me). Because it had been so long since their last show, though, I asked Linda what kind of question I would get for the "Travel Trivia" contest. She said it would be the same question they would have asked if they had the show on September 11th. So I went back to the notes I made from my research of the guests from September 10th.
Finally, it was time for the show to begin at 9am. I was watching the show on my television with the volume turned all the way down while I was listening to the show on the telephone. I was so nervous that I could feel my heart beating loudly and my hands were getting sweaty. I even noticed every breath I was taking was very deliberate and shallow. The time seemed to go by extremely slow as I awaited my opportunity to be on national television. Obviously, I was getting excited because I knew I was only seconds away from having the chance to win a trip to a popular vacation spot.
Around 9:15am, it was time for "Travel Trivia." Watch what happened next when yours truly, Jimmy Moore, made his television debut long before he started or was even thinking about livin' la vida low-carb. This is hilarious, so you don't wanna miss it (you can also watch it at YouTube and comment there if you would like):
When the big wheel of prizes came down from the ceiling as the theme music for the game was being played, my knees were shaking hard. Then on the television screen was an outline of South Carolina with a big red star where my hometown was, signifying that I was from Spartanburg, SC.
My name was also plastered across the screen as Regis said, “On the phone is Jimmy Moore (he pronounced it Moooore, like a cow!) from Spartanburg, SC. How ya doin’ Jimmy?” At that moment, the phone was screeching really loud as I was saying hello to both Regis and Kelly. Regis said that they must be having some technical difficulties with their phone. Regis said “Can we hear Jimmy?” About that time, I said very clearly, “Hello?” Regis responded, “Oh, Hi Jimmy, how you doing?” I retorted back, “I’m here buddy!” Regis, Kelly and the studio audience burst into laughter.
Regis, the consummate professional able to make small talk with anyone, made the only connection he had to South Carolina: Lou Holtz who was the coach of the South Carolina Gamecock football team at the time. He started bragging about Holtz’ 2-0 record at the beginning of the 2001 season.
Kelly inquired about how Regis knew so much about college football, but Regis explained that he likes to keep up with certain teams, such as South Carolina. Kelly then says, “South Carolina, isn’t that the Tarheels?” Regis chimes in that the Tarheels are actually the North Carolina team. He explained that South Carolina are the Gamecocks. Then he said in a matter-of-fact manner looking at the camera, “Right, Jimmy?” Then I said, “I’m not a big fan, but yeah!” Again the audience and Kelly burst into laughter as Regis looked exacerbated by my statement. I tried to explain to him that I am a fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, my alma mater, but the phone started acting up again.
Regis quickly began describing a new prize to England valued at $14,000 that was added to the wheel that day. Then Regis asked what I did for a living. I explained that I was a student working on my Master’s Degree in public policy back then and that I would be graduating in May 2002 from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He wished me well in my career endeavors. Regis asked if I was married. I told him that “I am married to my beautiful wife, Christine, for six years. No kids yet, though.” Regis said that “this would be a nice trip for the two of you.”
Finally, after all the chit chat was finished, it was time to get down to business and play the game. Regis spun the "Travel Trivia" wheel to see what trip I would be playing for. As it spun around and around, I was hoping it would land on a really nice vacation spot. As it slowed down, you are never going to believe what the destination for the trip I was playing for landed on...MYRTLE BEACH, SC!
Regis started shaking his head and said, “Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, you won the prize, Myrtle Beach, SC!” Kelly perked up and said, “Hey Jimmy, you could walk there, right?” I responded that it was only a few hours away. Regis then asked me if I played golf and I responded, “Uh, no!” (I do now, by the way!).
Regis replied, “It’s still a lovely place to visit because you could walk on the beach and watch those great sunsets.” Kelly jokingly said, “You can call home, it wouldn’t even cost you anything.” Regis got a big kick out of that comment as everyone in the studio laughed. Regis explained that it was a week’s stay and included two rounds of golf.
Then Regis got this bright idea look on his face as he explained that this would be the perfect opportunity for me to learn how to play golf while I was in Myrtle Beach. He said that if I learned how to play golf, I would always remember that Regis and Kelly were the ones who made it happen for me. Regis then said that in order for me to win, though, I have to answer the trivia question correctly first.
The question was about professional tennis player Lleyton Hewitt, who had just defeated Pete Sampras in the 2001 U.S. Open. The trivia question asked “What country is Lleyton Hewitt from?” Being a sports fan and looking at my sheet of notes from my research, I knew the answer right away. I said the answer emphatically--“Australia!” Regis said “You got it, Jimmy!” The announcer came on and described my vacation, which he said was valued at $4000 (had to pay the taxes on that trip, too! EEEK!).
I also enjoyed picking a number so an in-studio guest could win a prize. At the time I was 29 years old, so I just added a "1" in front of my age to come up with "129." As you will notice in the video, the winner was a mom there with her young son and daughter and the genuine look of excitement on that little girl's face is something I'll never forget. I was so happy she won.
Before I hung up the phone, Regis said, “Jimmy, have a wonderful time down there in Myrtle Beach. Will you do me a favor?” I said, “Yes, sir.” He continued, “Will you write me after you take advantage of this vacation and tell me that you took golf lessons while you were there?” Thinking quickly, I told Regis that he would have to come with me. Regis retorted that his back problems prevent him from playing anymore. He then wished me well again as they went into a commercial break.
So, Myrtle Beach, SC is where Christine and I went on our anniversary in 2002...compliments of LIVE with Regis & Kelly. The ironic twist to this story is that I was NOT able to take advantage of those two rounds of golf. I broke the nevicular bone in my left wrist in May 2002 and it had not healed well enough for me to swing a golf club yet. Oh well! At least I can always say that Regis Philbin paid for my vacation! :D
That's my Regis & Kelly 9/11 memory I'll never forget!
August Vermont Castings BBQ Accessories Winner Announced
There's something rather "fishy" about this grill
It's been an awesome summer, but all good things must come to an end. The kids are headed back to school, the scorching hot weather is expected to cool down soon (THANK GOD!), and life gets back into regular routine mode again.
But before we do, I need to announce my third and final winner in the Vermont Castings "Help My Backyard!" contest which I have enjoyed hosting this summer. Contestants submitted their photos to Vermont Castings with their pitiful looking grill and they were vying for one of three brand new deluxe grills. It's been a GREAT opportunity by everyone involved and GOOD LUCK to those of you who entered.
In addition to the chance to win a free grill, readers of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog could also win an exclusive grilling kit from Vermont Castings which I have previously highlighted. We've already had two winners from June and July: Christina R. from Texas and Mary S. from North Carolina respectively.
Now we have our third and final winner for August:
GAYLE O. from OREGON!!!
Congratulations, Gayle! That adorable photo at the top of this blog post with the fish in her current grill was her entry in the Vermont Castings contest. Here's the caption she wrote for her submission:
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have great opportunities to catch and grill big fish! Unfortunately, this little barrel grill just isn't up to the challenge. A Vermont Castings grill would transform my backyard and allow me to showcase my grilling and fishing skills. Salmon Lover
TOO CUTE! You guys have been very creative and I wish you could all win one of those grills. THANKS for participating in my contest with Vermont Castings this summer and stay tuned for even more chances to win some really neat prizes just for being a faithful reader of the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog.
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!
While the deal was you get 20 percent off of your entire purchase, one lucky winner would be drawn at random to receive an incredible 50 percent off! That winner was chosen today and just happens to be one of my blog readers:
BARBARA F. from Port Orchard, WA!!!
CONGRATULATIONS, Barbara! I know you'll enjoy saving a few extra bucks on your order. I'm glad you were able to take advantage of this special offer from our friends at Low-Carb Connoisseur.
Special THANKS to Elaine for conducting this "Secret Sale" contest.
