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500 Followers! My Video Debut and a Giveaway

I can't believe 500 of you have such low standards. Seriously. I mean, thanks. Yeah, thanks. Anyway, in honor of hitting the big 5-0-0 I though I would try my first ever video on the blog. I enlisted the help of hubby but that may or may have backfired. Watch at your own risk.



Movie agents, hold your calls. The offers are flooding in but I really want to read each script carefully before deciding on my feature film debut.

I wanted to thank you guys by hosting another giveaway - but this time not one for anything I received for free, anything I feel the need to promote or anything that you need to like, click or follow to enter.



I read the book Born to Run over Christmas and loved it - couldn't put it down until it was finished. So I want to buy the winner a copy, along with this great cookie cookbook whose proceeds go to fund pediatric cancer research. I'm not made of money by any means, but I'll be using some of the money I earn through Foodbuzz ads from this blog. Circle of life and all that nonsense.



So- want to win the book Born to Run and the Best Bake Sale Cookbook: Cookies for Kids Cancer? Just leave a comment giving me any input at all about Gourmet Runner. What you love, what you hate, what you want to see more of - even if what you want to see more of is more days I forget to post because you hate my face. Although, really, if you put that odds are Random.org might "skip" over your name. Just sayin'.

I'll be ordering both books online so as far as I am concerned anyone can enter from anywhere in the world. You don't have to like me, click anything, follow... blah, blah, blah.

Also- the winner of the Chobani winner was Clarinda who blogs over at Tale of Two Sisters.  Congrats! Send me an email with your mailing address and I'll send it forward to Chobani!

That's it! The giveaway will end on Friday at midnight, so enter before then.

Comments

  1. Okay, I seriously laughed....especially at the very last comment from the background. Very cute :) Good husband you have there. Mike hates when I even put a picture of him on the blog.

    I vote for more Vlog-ing.

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  2. 501 now! You're awesome Vanessa and so is that video blog. Love the background sign support too. lol you Hills folks are funny.

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  3. Hah! I'm first! What I love: your self-deprecating humor, reviews and pics of your hunky husband.

    What I hate: NOTHING!

    I've been wanting to read this book for awhile - thanks for the chance to win it!

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  4. Your husband is hilarious. Mine won't even let me put his picture on my blog, let alone be in a video :)

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  5. Awesome vlog! Your husband was hysterical!

    This is a fantastic giveaway. I really love how you are so open and honest with your running. You don't sugar coat it when you have a bad run/workout and you celebrate your victories with grace:)

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  6. emily (emily_buch@yahoo.com)January 10, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    definitely love your sense of humor/sarcasm! congrats on 500!

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  7. I love your sense of humor :) cracks me up every time.

    I have really wanted to read Born to Run!

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  8. Absolutely love your blog and the first video was awesome! You are so real with all your posts and always manage to make me smile! Keep up the great work and dont change a bit! You are awesome girl!!

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  9. I love your ability to poke fun at things! Always brings a smile to my face. :)

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  10. Love your blog! Keep your sense of humor coming, your honesty, your running...but I'd like to see more of your awesome house! I think it's awesome that you guys designed it. (congrats on 500 - that's pretty sweet)

    Kiley @ DailyVitaminF

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  11. I LOOOOOOVE this book. I've been wanting to buy it since I read it last year because the information in it is priceless.

    I like the way you write- that's why I read you. So, keep it up and I'll work hard at keeping my standards low. (It's worked for me in the past- the low standards thing. I mean, how do you think I got my husband to marry me???)

    Way to hit 500.

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  12. I love vlogs - what is your accent?

    I enjoy reading your blog because it's real. I loved the post about what kinds of blogs you don't like to read because I agreed with every point. Keep bloggin!

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  13. 500 followers wow!!! jealous! you guys are so cute - i love reading your blog cause i really feel like I can relate to you :)

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  14. Congrats!!

    I love your blog - your attempts at cooking, your humor, your honesty about being hanging around in comfy clothes and workout just isn't what you want to do, and your do-it attitude.

    Cute video. :)

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  15. you put my 31 followers to shame. congrats on being so awesome and followed!

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  16. Yeah, I laughed too. Hilarious! You're awesome . . . and I'm proud to be a member of the cult. High 5's to your hubz for playing along - lol!

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  17. That was AWESOME! I give you mad props for being able to Vlog, I just can NOT do it. Maybe if I get 500 followers one day I might :D Congrats on hitting the big 5-0-0!!!

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  18. Love seeing your cats climbing the rafters in your new beautiful house! Oh, and you're pretty darn funny, too :)

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  19. I love your posts about your eating adventures in Chattanooga! Great eating town! Love it there! I love Blue Plate and Foodworks! And Taco Mamacita is the BEST! Keep me posted about all the Chattanooga food info!

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  20. Love that video you guys are soo cute! Your hubby is funny!
    I would say you should make more vlogs :) besides that I love everything about your blog!

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  21. I am DYING to win this giveaway! Love the humor and honesty on your blog :) Keep it coming!

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  22. Well now you'll just have to do the accent blog now won't you??

    What I hate about your blog: that I didn't win the Chobani giveaway. There are about 5 stores in Canada that sell Chobani and they are in another province...so giveaways are my only chance.

    What I love: your humour. You're funny and I like it. Maybe you can fly here with a suitcase full of yogurt and entertain me one day.

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  23. Love the video! Your hubby is hilarious!! I like your blog because its honest! I find that a lot of bloggers only want to share the good about racing and we all know that life in the running world is not always good! You share the good and the bad and it makes you more "real." Congrats on follower #500!!

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  24. I love that your posts are real.
    That was deep.
    You're welcome.
    :-)

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  25. OMGosh! That was the best vlog ever. Your hubbs serious face was so funny.

    I like the way your posts seem so honest and "off the hip." Some blog seem so scripted and planned. Yours is genuine. \

    Thanks for sharing with us.

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  26. best video!!! looooove. :) woohoo for all those followers.

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  27. I like your sense of humor and the fact that you can write the way (I imagine) you speak and are in real life Some people don't pull that off really well but I think you do!

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  28. I just love everything about you. Everything. And your accent just makes you that much cooler. Love it!

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  29. ps. hubby's chuckle at the end...I die. So dang cute.

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  30. Congrats on winning the Chobani giveaway, Clarinda, and big thanks to you Vanessa for hosting :)

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  31. oh my gosh that video was too, too, too cute. I love his debut non-speaking performance! And you...have a british accent? WHAT?

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  32. I love vlogs!! And I like your voice. After I watched your video it totally reminded me of bubzbeauty on youtube. She's also from HK. Besides that I really enjoy reading your blog. Honesty and humor always wins me over.

    OMG I remember you had a post about the day you forgot your camera and made up for it by drawing stick figures. LOVE IT!! It was one of your funniest posts. I look forward to seeing more of your drawings.

    Great job with the vlog, blog and reaching 500 followers. You rock!

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  33. Ah, that video made me laugh... so cute! :D I need to post a video on my blog... I just don't know what to do/say... I know a few people requested a tour of our little piece of Korea, so I think that will be vlog numero uno (I don't know how to say "number one" in Korean, LOL)

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  34. Very cute! I am not really a fan of vlogs but I know they are going to be big!

    I would love love to read both those books.

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  35. Ooh!! I just learned about the cookies for kids campaign! I really want to set up a bake sale--possibly a blog bake sale? I'm still debating! I'm a huge cookie fan and cookies make everyone's day! I'd love to check out the recipes and then balance it out with some running!

    I'd love to see more recipes!

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  36. DANG!!! look at all those followers!! but justly deserved! i really like how u're totally honest about anything u use or try. it bugs me when all i see are glowing reviews...haha.

    hmm, i dunno if i have any suggestions tho...sorry! how about...i want to see more of those standout drawings u do! :)

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  37. I enjoy the progression through your weight loss journey and how you have been able to maintain a high level of health and fitness! You are an inspiration!

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  38. way to go husband! love the signs, nice touch! you are great on camera. I need my GR humor!

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  39. Congrats on 500! That's awesome! You're inspiring :) Keep on writing about your passions and heart- its beautiful! Would love to win those books!!!

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  40. I love your brutally honest reviews!

    I once bought some cookies for kids cancer cookies from a friend running NYC on behalf of his son, and they were so so good. I would love that cookbook.

    (Oh, and on the very off chance that I win...you know...500 followers and all...please pick a second winner for the copy of Born To Run. Not that I wouldn't want it, but I've read it before (loved it), and would want someone else to have an opportunity.)

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  41. I love the way you write, humorous and honest - don't change it, thank you :-)

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  42. So bummed that the video is no longer available. Sounds like it is a fun one. Congratulations on 500 followers! What an accomplishment.

    Thanks for hosting another giveaway!

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  43. Won't let me watch the video...says it's unavailable. Bummer. I like your blog!

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  44. I love the honesty of your blog. It's like you're a real person :) I enjoy reading every day!

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  45. Love reading your blog! You have an easy-going attitude and funny writing style. I'm also a grammar cop, so I appreciate when bloggers know their commas & semi-colons, and you definitely do :) (Yeah, I'm so one of those people.) Keep on it!

    I'd love to read Born to Run! It'll give me some magical inspiration to get start running again after baby!

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  46. I love your humor and all your giveaways!

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  47. Congrats on 500! Your blog is down to earth and always makes me giggle.

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  48. Your blog is always entertaining :) Great vlog too... Proud member of the GR-Cult ;)

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  49. Wow, congrats on 500!! That's awesome! I like reading this blog because there is a good variety of topics and not the same thing over and over again! Keep up the great work! :)

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  50. Love that reading (and now watching!) your blog doesn't put me to sleep. Some people just don't have the knack for it but you do!

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  51. Haha - congrats on the big 5-0-0!! Love the vlog - you're funny, and your husband is a good sport. :)

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  52. hehe I love reading your blog! and your hubby is a cutie!

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  53. Cute video loved it! I've been nervous about adding video to my blog I record them then never post em...

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  54. I really enjoy reading your blog, and I especially like that you seem so "real". Happy blogging!

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  55. I'm not one to watch vlogs (mostly since I sneak my blog reading in at work) but I love reading all your sarcasm :) so fun and entertaining!

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  56. Congratulations on the 500 milestone! I'm a recent reader, but I've really enjoyed your sense of humor on this blog. Also, I'm waay into food, so I always like to creep on what other people are having for dinner when I'm looking for ideas. :)

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  57. Oh fun I would love to win. Everyone talks about Born to Run and I still haven't read it. I think your blog is a fun mix of fitness/food/and life. I always love your sarcasm and positive attitude. :D

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  58. LOVE the video! You are hilarious, and the husband is super cute. :-) Lucky you!

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  59. Wow, 500! I don't even have 60 :) The video is great. Your hubby is a good sport.

    You two totally need to do more videos. It could be like a comedy act. I guarantee everyone will wait in anticipation for the day of the week your videos air :)

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  60. Loved your vlog! And your husband was hilarious. Keep 'em coming.

    Already have BTR, so don't enter me. Just wanted to say congrats and well done!

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  61. Sometimes told me to come by today! Last night I noticed you were at 499....I regretted getting a new follow box b/c later I realized I could've just switched the url and had my "followers" follow me.....so not I only have 60 lol

    Anyway CONGRATS and I LOVED your vlog. I like doing and watching vids b/c then you get to see the people in real life. I didn't even picture you'd have a kind of english accent ;) hahaha I love it. And Tim was hilarious!

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  62. Congrats on 500!
    I loved your video, and I love your accent!
    I hope we can meet at the Publix Marathon (that I am totally unprepared for, cannot seem to hit the long runs, etc...)

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  63. Congrats on getting 500!!! Great vlog…I especially love when your hubby cracks up at the end after being so serious :) I love the topics you blog about and your sense of humor!

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  64. OMG! You are so charming! LOVE IT! I definitely am a fan of all of your food posts! Congrats on reaching 500 followers, that is an amazing achievement!

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  65. is it ok to admit i love the giveaways? ;-) runner_girl5k at yahoo dot com

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  66. Born to Run is on my list of books to read. I'm on hold for it at the library, but even better if I win one of my own! I wanted to watch your video but it said it was unavailable. Sad. I'll check back later though. Congrats on 500 followers! Feedback for your blog, let's see...I like it the way it is. You have a good mix of humor, giveaways, fitness stuff, and recipes. Just keep doing what you're doing!

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  67. Woohoo 500, that's exciting :) That video was too cute by the way! I like how when you write you have humor attached most of the time.

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  68. Awesome giveaway combo! I'm a relatively new reader, so I can't see I have a lot of feedback for you, but I love sharing running journeys, ups and downs, and fueling with other runners. :)

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  69. I love actually hearing voices of the bloggers. Not always what I expect, especially those with accents. I love your Hubby's comments.

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  70. congrats on 500!!!!
    I am pretty sure there are more than 12 of us who read!
    your husband gets points! he is hilarious!

    I enjoy your blog because it is not just about cooking or just about crazy running numbers
    you are funny and honest and I like that!

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  71. Your vlog seriously cracked me up. You guys are just stinkin' adorable!

    What I love most about GR? Your sense of humor! You always get a giggle out of me. :)

    Plus your husband is hot.

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  72. Great video blog! IT was fun to hear your voice! I enjoy the variety on the blog - running, life, eating!

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  73. Great video blog, your husband was cracking me up!
    Congratulations on 500 followers! That's amazing!

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  74. Brilliant. So much humor in 41 seconds!

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  75. Congrats on 500 followers! I think its my first time saying hi, am newer here! I really love the nutrition series and your posts. I think a 'best of', or 'start here' page would be cool, with your favorite posts, or on your about page so it would be easy to catch up. Thanks!

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  76. You two are so adorable! Congratulations on 500 followers! Your accent is not what I was expecting, simply because I think of you with a Southern accent, but I create my own "voices" for everyone. You should do more vlogs!

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  77. I love reading your blog. And, I like seeing your cute face!

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  78. Your blog is so entertaining! There isn't anything I don't like about it. PS I might be running the Publix Georgia half marathon!

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  79. I can't see the video :(
    I love your blog because of your humor and writing style. I keep coming back because you never fail to make me laugh :)

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  80. 500, you are popular :) I couldn't see your video, said it was not available. I like your recipes. I only have 38 followers hint hint....

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  81. Congrats on the big 500! That is such a wicked accomplishment and a huge compliment to your blog/writing style. Your video is adorbs and makes me want to visit the south in hopes I'll pick up the slightest bit of an accent :-)

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  82. Cute video. :) Now, you'll have to tell us all your secret for getting so many followers. There are so many things I love about Gourmet Runner. The reviews. The giveaways. Your honesty and quirky sense of humor. I also really love the questions at the end of each post that you ask and answer yourself. That just cracks me up.

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  83. I'm new-ish (couple months I guess??) but I've loved your blog since I found it. Entertaining and enjoyable, like the vlog too, always interesting to hear how people sound!

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  84. Oh my gosh you two are too cute!!! Love you and your blog, so funny when you finally hear a bloggers voice for the first time. I always pictured you with a British accent for some crazy reason.

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  85. What I like best about your blog is how you seem to have captured yourself in your blog (as though you're writing a letter to a friend) and that you come across as a regular person. Some running blogs make me feel guilty for taking a day off or for being a slow runner, but I never feel that way reading your blog, even when you do race reports or workout recaps.

    I also really enjoy your recipes because I love to cook and it's always fun to get new ideas/suggestions from others. As for your accent, you sound like someone who learned to speak in England, but has lived here long enough that only faint traces remain. You also sound vaguely NZish, but perhaps that's an emerging drawl from living in the south? :)

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  86. That is such a great vlog, your accent definitely surprised me, I don't know why, but I pictured you having either a slightly southern accent or none at all - but it's not a bad one, very unique!

    I like that you are pretty honest and aren't afraid to be yourself (whetehr it can be corny, sophisticated, scared, worried, excited) have been and will remain an avid follower!

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  87. 500?! Whoa, I thought my 32 were awesome! :)

    I love reading your blog because you are funny and don't make us slow pokes feel bad about not being able to run a seven minute mile. Keep on bloggin'! :)

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  88. 500 followers! That's awesome! I love stopping by here for my daily dose of entertainment :)

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  89. Love your writing and I think you're funny without trying too hard. I would like to read more about your workouts. And I'd also like for those two books to come to Europe!;)Congrats on the 504!

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  90. Congrats on 500 followers - woo hoo!! Love the vlog - I'm way too scared to do that!

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  91. I know I am late to the party here, but I love the vlog!!!! Your husband was so funny in the video. I showed my husband and told he better step it up!

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  92. This video was hilarious. Well done. I know this is weird to say but I love hearing bloggers' voices, because you never know how they sound in real life! You guys look so cute!

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  93. Hilarious! I love it! Congrats on reaching 500 followers!

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