Last week I spent a day at the Nutrilite Center for Optimal Health in Buena Park, California for a health and nutrition event hosted by Amway. Yes, you know, that Amway. The person at the party you don’t want to talk to because they’ll try to sell you something? Note: I am not affiliated with Amway in any way, but was invited to this event along with Jenny from Picky Palate, Emily from Busy Mommy, and Lori from 24/7 Moms for a comprehensive health assessment to determine the best health management program for my genetic type. My genetic type. I was a bit skeptical at first, but my curiosity got the better of me. I couldn’t resist. And I am relieved to report that no one tried to sell me anything or tried to get me to sell anything the entire time I was there! Whew.
The day started with having my blood drawn, blood pressure taken, and an ultrasound on my carotid artery to monitor plaque build up. Then we moved on to a bone density test, flexibility test, physical fitness tests to determine cardio and core strength, and a body fat percentage test. To my relief, the scale I stepped on to determine the percentage of body fat was almost exactly like this scale that I gave away on my blog earlier this year, and the results were exactly the same as my scale at home. I’d always wondered if that thing was really accurate! Now I know.
And finally, we did a DNA swab.
What completely fascinated me about the DNA swab was that their studies have shown it’s possible to determine the the best health and weight management program for a person by their genetic type. Basically we learned that people are genetically disposed to perform optimally on one of three diets: low carb, low fat (which would be high carb), or a balance of both healthy carbs and fats. And you know what surprised me? Only a very low percentage of the population — less than 20% — perform optimally on the balanced diet. Around 40% do best on low carb, and approximately another 40% do best on low fat. And you know what else was really surprising to me? Eating a diet opposite of what you are genetically predisposed for can cause you to gain weight. So it’s possible there are those out there strictly adhering to a low carb diet or a low fat diet and still gaining weight. The results of my tests will be here in a few weeks and I can’t wait to see what they say!
After our morning of fitness, we had a totally laid-back lunch with Nutrilite’s new spokesperson, Kurt Warner. And in a room full of giggling girls, there was a whole lot more talk about his episodes on Dancing With the Stars than his two-time MVP NFL career. :) He also told us about his wife’s new book, One Call Away, and it will be my next read. Her story sounds amazing.
The next morning we were up bright and early again for a day trip to Nutrilite’s Trout Lake Farm in Washington. For this quick trip we had the amazing opportunity to take the Amway private jet from beautiful California to Portland, Oregon, where we drove over into Washington.
No lines. No waiting. No security. No seat backs in their upright and locked position. Just go to the airport and get on the plane! I could get used to this kind of travel.
This was our breakfast on the plane. An amazing breakfast burrito with salsa and guacamole and a giant bowl of fresh, delicious fruit. Definitely not your average airplane meal!
This was my view for most of the trip.
This little basket of snacks was sitting right next to me.
When we were preparing for landing, they asked if I’d like to go up to the cockpit and sit in the jump seat. Me??!
But who am I to argue? I grabbed my camera and took off before I had a chance to change my mind!
Making a big turn for landing…
Flying over the river, which is the Washington/Oregon state line, and runs parallel to the runways at PDX. Almost there!
About to land! We’re right over the runway. I have to tell you. I don’t know if it was because I was in the cockpit, or because it was a private jet, or because our pilot was incredibly skilled, but that landing was without question the smoothest landing I have ever experienced. If my eyes were closed, I honestly don’t think I would’ve been able to tell you when the wheels touched down.
On the way to lunch we made a quick stop at Multnomah Falls.
How beautiful was this waterfall. Many people there were hiking all the way to the top!
After lunch we drove over the river into Washington.
This was my first visit to the Pacific Northwest and gorgeous views blew me away.
Trout Lake Farm is the largest certified organic herb farm in North America. Their primary crops include blueberries, echinacea, oregano, peppermint, dandelions, lemon balm and white kidney beans.
The views were just stunning. You could look one way and see Mount Hood…
And look the other way and see Mount Adam.
Pretty.
My favorite part of the farm was visiting the blueberry fields. We wandered their giant blueberry field with rows and rows of blueberry bushes as far as the eye could see.
There were 14 different varieties of blueberries at Trout Lake Farm, and not only did they all taste different, but they all looked different as well.
They were delicious, sweet, and perfectly sun warmed. I could live there. Give me some frozen yogurt and I’d be in heaven.
Oh by the way! See that football I’m holding up there in the photo with Kurt Warner? The one where I’m sweating and wearing yoga pants and workout clothes? I got it signed by Kurt and brought it back as a souvenir for a special Kevin and Amanda reader. Cause I love you guys. If you or someone you know would love this football, just leave me a note in the comments section of this post before midnight tonight. I’ll draw a winner on Thursday and announce it here on this post on Friday. See you then!
The winner of the Kurt Warner football is #203 Barbara Ford. Congrats Barbara! I’ve sent you an email.
Just saw this post….welcome to the GREAT Pacific NW. You hit some hot spots, especially Voo Doo Donuts. Hope you had a good time and get to see more. Bring the dogs, they’ll love it.
I just about burst with PDX pride as I read your post today. I love my city – and especially Cupcake Jone’s red velvet. :) You have to come back and get the big ones next time; the little ones don’t have the filling in the middle!
My kids are avid sports fans and would be beyond thrilled to get an autographed football!
What a beautiful farm and scenery! Lucky you :)
I do know a special person who would LOVE an autographed football signed by Kurt Warner! ME! Thanks for the chance to win. I loved all your photos…all GORGEOUS!
I sure do know someone who would love the autographed football by Kurt Warner!! Thanks for the chance to win. I love all your photos from your recent trips. Gorgeous!
What a small world…my family owns a cabin about 5 minutes outside of Trout Lake. I’ve been camping there since I was about 10..and I’m 42 now! It is a really beautiful place..but I am partial to the PNW since I grew up here! Your photos are gorgeous.
That football would be awesome! I am an Iowan so I can remember being a little girl and watching Warner play in college at UNI! What a great opportunity!
What a great trip!
The hike to the top of those falls is absolutely gorgeous. And tiring. I’m very proud of making it to the top! I hope you had a good time in my city. You should plan a longer visit- food paradise with all the tasty carts and farm-to-table restaurants.
What a fun trip. My son would be so excited to have that football!!
Amanda!! So glad that you made it to Washington. Come visit more often. I have lived here all my life and love it!
Hi Amanda ~ I do not know if it is too late to enter the drawing but I wanted to tell you that my husband is a diehard football fan. He has been since he was in diapers. To be able to have a football signed by Kurt Warner would be a dream come true for him. He is disabled; he has been since he was 21 (he is 44 now) and has missed out on so much. Needless to say that includes attending football games. I hope you will consider making his day. Thanks for at least reading my post.
LaWanda (married to the most wonderful man in the world).
Would love the football!
Beautiful pictures! I lived in Hood River Oregon for 17 years and remember all those places fondly. Trout Lake is a great little place with wonderful farms and mountains!
Thanks so much for the generous give-away! I have three nephews who would fight over it! :)
Amazing trip and photos! Exciting news from Amway, how much does it cost to test your DNA? Curious!
How neat, I just recieved plenty of Nutrilite products today, I absolutely am in Love with the protein bars, meal bars and vitamins for me and my kiddos! Kurt Warner is awesome, and I would be so so happy to win this football signed by him!
Michelle Torres
decorater4life@aol.com
Oh no! I’m probably too late. I LOVE football and my MIL is a huge Kurt Warner fan. Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have this to either put in my football basement or give to her as a gift!!
Hey Amanda! I don’t want the football, but I did just want to comment and say WOW what a fun opportunity! Definitely let us know how your results come back and if there is anything you will be doing differently in your diet when you find out the results. :) I have some other questions for you but I’ll email them to you! :) Have a great day.
Oh would this be awesome to win. My hubby is a native of Des Moines…and remembers back when Kurt was just a Barnstormer, and sacked groceries in Hy-Vee after his career at UNI. He would be beyond thrilled to win. Kurt is an awesome individual…classy guy, with a great, never say die story!
What a fun trip! Every year my hubby and three kids do our own fantasy football league. Kurt Warner was one of our FAVES!! Thanks for sharing your amazing trip with us! Also the Trout Farm looks great! I should head up there from California. I would fit right in since our last name is Trout :)
WE LOVE KURT WARNER!! Send that football down here to Texas!
you just made me so homesick I could cry. I’m from Oregon and moved to NC about 6 years ago for my husband. I’ve wanted to move back ever since. Some day…. but by now it’s beginning to feel like just a pipe dream :(
With a football coach for a hubby and a rookie with Dolphins the football would be an awesome surprise for our 25th anniversary!
I am a huge fan and would love to win the football! Thanks so much for the beautiful Pacific Northwest pictures.
My Mom is obsessed w/ Kurt and read his book and loved it and was always talking about what a great person he is, both inside and out, when he was on DWTS. I would love to give her that football for a surprise Christmas present.
Love it! I especially love this post because I am from Oregon, but transplanted to WV……you are one lucky girl! My son would love this football!
Wow, what an amazing trip. Looks like it was 1st class for you all the way. My fiance would love that football…I’d love to give it to him! :)
Your trip looks amazing! I’m jealous! Sign me up for the football, please! Whoohoo!
I would love this football. My community service charity group, Junior Service Club if St. Clair County (IL) could auction the football at one of our charity events. Since we are right across the river from St. Louis and Kurt was a beloved Ram-what could be more perfect!
Hi Amanda,
Love the pictures you took of the beautiful Pacific Northwest where I am blessed to live! I would love to win the football… it would be an awesome auction item for my Rotary club’s upcoming auction!
Smiles,
Debbie
My husband is a huge Kurt Warner fan. This would be awesome to win for him. What a wonderful giveaway. Thank you.
I TRIED TO REMOVE THE EXTRA POSTING FOR DRAWING. I DID NOT SEE THE RESULT THAT IT HAD POSTED AND THEN IT POSTED 3 TIMES. HONESTLY DID NOT MEAN TOO.
I would love to win the autographed football by Kurt! Enjoyed your blog on this trip. Sounded AMAZING and I would love to know what my DNA would recommend!
I would love to win the autographed football by Kurt! Enjoed your blog on this trip. Sounded AMAZING and I would love to know what my DNA would recommend!
Awe…I would love the football signed by Kurt!!!!
Kurt Warner is so amazing on the football field and off – he is an inspiration! You have out done yourself with the gorgeous pictures in this post, Amanda. Thanks so much.
Dear Amanda, holy smokes. you may not realize it because you are just used to always taking amazing photos, but GOOD GRIEF your photography is amazing!! You make me want to go all the places you go and eat all the food you eat!
How interesting! We were big Amway distributors many years ago and have always loved the Nutrilite products. Your photography is AMAZING! Kurt Warner is one of my top two athlete superheros! We live near St. Louis, and about the last time I was interested in football was when he played for the Rams. Love your blog!
What an AMAZING trip! I want to be there too!!!
The football would be nice too!!!
Gorgeous photos!!! My son would love the Kurt Warner football. He’s a fan and plays tight end/defensive end on our high school football team.
What a great trip! I love the pictures. I hope it is not too late to enter the contest for the football. I would really be the “favorite” grandmother!!
Well, look at you rubbing shoulders with Kurt Warner! How lucky can you be! I hope you got another signed football for Kevin!!
Oooh fun!! I can’t believe you’d give it away, but I love the chance to win. PS I want to *be* Amanda!
My son would absolutely love to get his hands on that football!!! I love your blog and think it is so cool that you are giving this away!
As a St. Louis resident and Rams fan, that ball would be awesome!
I’m very interested to hear about what the DNA swab has to say…the whole concept is interesting.
Great pictures, as always.
I spent about a week in the Pacific Northwest last summer (my first time also) and just LOVED it! It is so fresh and beautiful.
Oh, and my dad would be super stoked to have that football ;)
I LOVE that you take photos the whole way! I am born and raised in WA state (though north of where you are) it really is gorgeous everywhere here. I can’t turn my head and not see something stunning!
My hubbs would LOVE the signed football, if you are back in WA– I blog too and would love to get together!!
Dawn
I’d love to have that for my grandson! A huge Kurt Warner fan (as am I).
Oh my, my brother in law would love this…what a wonderful giveaway!
My dad would love to have that football!
Great post and beautiful pictures, as always!
Wow, breathtaking photos! I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest and your photos illustrate to me exactly how it “feels” like that area of the country would be.
Impressed at your bravery in the cockpit of the plane too! Not sure I’d like to be front and center like that, but it sounds thrilling!
If you happen to choose me for the football, it would go to my sweet husband and eventually my son who are a football fanatic and fanatic-in-training. =) Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Huge Kurt Fan! Also, would love to know how we can partake in all that health assessment! Sounds wonderful
Winning that would make my football-loving husband very happy!
Pick me! Pick me!! I love football, and really love Kurt Warner!!
Oh my goodness what a lovely trip!!! I love all the fresh produce photos!! How fun!!
Welcome to the Pacific Northwest! Born and raised here!!
My boys would LOVE the football! Enjoy your stay.
My son would love to have the football!
Your trip sounded amazing!! I was waiting days to hear where you went! Your pictures are astounding (as always)!! It is so interesting to hear the information that you learned. I can’t wait to hear your results…And my husband would love the football, he’s a HUGE sports fan :)
Beautiful! I would love to see that waterfall! I love Washington State.
Wow! Sounds like a fantastic trip. You get to do the coolest things! Beautiful photos too. Almost feels like we were there with you. Thanks for sharing your experience. Would Love the football for my Son!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed your first trip to the PNW! We are so proud and happy to call it our new home.
What a wonderful experience and such beautiful pictures. Love football too! Thanks for the chance to win!
Looks like a once in a lifetime experience.
Every morning I open my email box… scanning through (mostly junk email), then I see a Kevin & Amanda email! Every email includes beautiful pictures along with wonderfully written stories of your trips. It almost feels like you are taking us along with you on your journeys around the US. There is nothing more refreshing than waking up at 5am to beautiful pictures and stories so inspiring. Especially when you know the day ahead will be filled with stress. For your efforts to your readers, I am (we are all) thankful. I read every single word that you write, and it brings me such delight. For the moments of reading and seeing your photos I am transported into the journey that you share with us. This football is a nice gift for you to offer. It would be an excellent edition to my husband’s bookcase where he keeps two shelves of his NFL memorabilia. Adding this football of two-time MVP NFL star KURT WARNER.. would be an awesome gift for him! Thank you for being so kind to offer it to your readers. Sincerely, Mindy
Amanda you do have great adventures!!
Gotta tell you my favorite photo. The Longaberger Bagel Basket filled with goodies. It’s so fun to see Longaberger used in fun places like ‘your’ private jet.
My boyfriend says Kurt Warner is amazing and he would love a chance to win the football! I think your trip looks amazing, the mountains are beautiful. I would love to live somewhere like that. I have lived only in Michigan and Florida, possibly the two flattest places on earth.
Wow! Can’t wait to hear about your diet type. Is there anywhere we normal folk can do these tests?
That football would, without question, make me the GRANDMOTHER OF THE GENERATION with my grandsons. Rock on!
And, loved your post and pics. One of my best friends lives in PDX, as well as favorite cousin, so your pics make me feel closer to them today.
Thanks!!!!
I’ve added that waterfall to my list of places I must visit.
Oh I love Kurt Warner! He’s such a stand-up guy.
What an amazing trip!! Beautiful pictures:) My husband would love the signed football. He loves Kurt Warner.
My husband would LOVE to win the football!
How awesome is this!!! That could make one niiiice christmas gift :)
What an awesome life you are living!!! And all that eye candy too. ;-) I’m talking about the blueberries of course! :)
Amazing pictures!! What a beautiful area!
I just started reading your blog a couple weeks ago..I found it because of your homemade ice cream recipe! Your trip looked amazing and the pictures were gorgeous. My boyfriend and his family are huge football fans, while I know absolutely nothing about it (shh..it’s a secret)!
I buy Amway products! I have taken their vitamins in the past and kinda slacked at buying them – they can be pretty expensive. But I do love thier laundry products!! I just happen to know a couple of my friends who are distributors for Amway. :-) Anyways, my boy would love that football!
The pacific north west is a gorgeous part of the country. Glad you enjoyed it!
Not only would my boyfriend loves the football but I would too! We are both huge supporters of Kurt and all that he does! He’s not to bad on the eyes either ;)
LOL! I have to say that when I read this (in the elevator at work with the maintenance man), I literally yelled “WHAT!!!??” You were literally five minutes from where I just moved from! I would give the world my precious celebrity memorabilia to shake your hand! LOL! Portland, OR is the greatest!!
LOVE blueberries.
THANKS
Wow- what great info about diets. Cant wait to see what your results say. The pictures were stunning especially the blueberries. There is one I would rather have framed than winning the football. However, I would still be happy with the football. I love your blog and am envious of your photography skills (and equipment). Have a great rest of the week.
Would like to donate this to a Christian school fundraiser.
Thanks!
I know someone in my family would like the football! I grew up just a few miles south of where Kurt spent some time playing football while in college.
And honestly, I thought there were going to be pictures of a fish farm. Is there a lake nearby called Trout Lake? :)
If I am lucky enough to win I would have to draw names from a hat as I have eight brothers! Can’t play favorites! The pictures were beautiful.
uh Kurt Warner. i’m dying here from jealousy! not cuz i’m hot for him but because #1 he is an incredible human being #2 i’m a huge sports dork(and i live in AZ)! he’s mos def in my top of favorite athletes!
thanks for sharing your experience. i’m so jealous. i’m so jealous i just might write another comment, like later or next week WHEN IM STILL NOT OVER IT!
Thanks, Amanda, for allowing me to travel to so many fun places! I’m a southern gal who has been following your blog for a long time. I often wish you and Jenny were my bff’s Would love to travel with you guys! P.S. I have a young nephew who lost his dad (my brother) last September to a massive heart attack at the age of 44. I would love to be able to surprise him with the Kurt Warner football. Maybe I’ll get lucky!!!
I’m really not interested in having the football, but I would love to know your skin care routine and what kind of make-up you wear. Your skin always looks so radiant. Have to admit, I’m a little jealous.
Care to share?
Glad to see you in my neck of the woods! Beautiful pictures, and Kurt’s not to bad either lol.
What a great trip and gift! Crossing my fingers I will have one Christmas gift under my belt:)
Hey! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now but have never commented (thank you by the way for those cookie, Oreo, brownie things…amazing! I was the hit of my boyfriend’s birthday camping trip.
On to the important stuff. I would love to have that football. My little brother recently took a job teaching English to kids in Korea and he will be gone an entire year. That’ss right, no birthdays or holidays celebrated together. I miss him terribly and his birthday is coming up in September. I’m trying to send him a package of things that will remind him of home and that football would be perfect! Thanks and keep up the great blog work ;)
Your pictures are beautiful! I would love to give the football to my cousin – he LOVES football!!
Your pictures are beautiful! I would love to give the football to my cousin – he LOVES football!!!
Oh Amanda, What a fun trip you took! That is very informative info on the dieting stuff! Who would have Known? Anyway, I love reading your blog what an fun life you lead! You always have awesome giveaways and you are so generous with them! Thank you so much!
Hugs!
Tina
Amanda! :) So glad you got to visit Oregon. I lived the first 20 years of my life there, and I loved it (my first “job” was picking blueberries!). Now I live in the Phoenix area, and we are huge Arizona Cardinals fans. My husband has a Kurt Warner jersey, and my 6-year-old son thinks he was the best QB ever! Plus, what a great role model he is! Thanks for the chance to win! :)
I’m from arizona and love kurt warner and football. We miss him playing with the cardinals. Would love to win that football.
Hi Amanda!
Wow! A football signed by Kurt Warner. My husband would really love me for that! Thanks for a great blog!
I love the Northwest is the summer time. However I live in the Southwest, Phoenix, actually, and LOVE Kurt Warner! I can’t believe you’re going to give away that football! I know Instangram is all the rage right now, but I love your “regular” photography so much that I’ve been disappointed that you started using Instangram. Not today baby! Those pics are gorgeous! I love your blog. Thanks for doing it.
My dad loves football and his birthday is on Labor Day. Would be a great gift. Looks like you had a great trip! How fun!!
OHHHH..Amanda…I live my life through your blog! I love coming here to see what you are up to and to find out about so much. I just loved reading about Kurt Warner and his wife and their 7 kids! I am so going out and buying her book when I can afford it. Stories like theirs make me realize I could be doing so much more with my life for God. I would love this football as a gift for my son or my husband, not sure who deserves it more right now.
Ok, the test intrigued me. I want one! Mostly I just want someone to tell me I can eat whatever I want and be skinny. ;o) I loved the pictures.. The private jet was amazing! Oh, and the football? I have three boys playing football right now and a son in law who played for Texas A&M. Someone would get this for Christmas at my house and be VERY excited!
I love the close-up picture of the purple flowers with the mountain in the background…can’t wait to visit my brother-in-law-to-be’s family in Portland someday :)
What an amazing trip and photos. The views and first class treatment is one every woman wants. Love love love the fact that you met Kurt Warner. My husband and I are huge fans. He has an amazing story. When I read about it I immediately became a fan of his. I didn’t know his wife had a book. I’ll have to check into it.
Your trip and pictures were amazing. First class flying, the amazing views and treatment. WOW!! Love love love the fact that you met Kurt Warner. My husband and I are huge fans. He has an amazing story. I’m interested in his wife’s book as well. I didn’t know she had one available.
I agree, amazing! I live on the Washington side of the river, about 45 minutes from Multnomah Falls.
My son and husband would love me if I won the footbal for them, they are huge fans!!
That burrito just sent me into orbit.
Wow what a trip wish I could do that.
I would love the football! I love your website…..you have opened me up to a whole new world of fonts! Thanks!
I am a huge Kurt fan. I lived in STL when the Rams won the Super Bowl and Kurt got his MVP. I know more about his NFL career than I do about DWTS. I did watch the first episode of his season to see him dance… but sadly I just could not keep watching.
I keep hoping he will show up coaching somewhere (because he would be great at it) but I know his family is his first priority!
My husband is a huge Kurt Warner fan! He’d love to win the ball!
What a great give-away! I’d like that football!!
I love the Pacific Northwest. The best vacation I have ever taken was to the Oregon Coast. My husband and I decided that we are going to retire to Astoria. Oh, and I have a good friend who would die if he had that football. He is a die-hard Rams fan, and he loved watching Kurt play!
This would be a great gift for my husband! He’s been working so hard lately –
I’d love for the both of us to do this DNA swab. I do believe these diets are different for each of us, and I’m one who definitely gains on a low fat diet!
I’ve never seen the Washington facility, it looks gorgeous! Our Pacific Northwest is beautiful!
Thanks for the opportunity and the wonderful photos!
Blessings, Donna
grandma4five
Being from Phoenix, we are huge Cardinals fans and would LOVE to have a ball signed by Kurt Warner in our sports case! He is such an upstanding guy and we were disappointed to see him retire.
Wow! I love your pictures + blog! That’s so cool that you got to visit the northwest.
My husband & I live in that area {Vancouver, WA}. We are both from Birmingham, AL and moved up here in January when he was offered a job. We are young newlyweds so it was a crazy moving experience for us. We recently visited Mt. Hood for our first anniversary. Looks like you had a good visit up here. :)
P.S. My husband is an Alabama grad, while I’m an Auburn grad.
War Eagle!
Love him! He is so cute and a great role model. Great father and sports figure!
Include me in your wonderful, generous drawing! And as a HUGE Auburn fan, I need to send you (as I am this year’s coordinator) info on the AU/AUM Schools of Nursing Blue Jean Ball held at Coach Pat Dye’s Crooked Oaks homestead in October! Loads of fun watching Coach Dye head up the live auction!
Looks like a fabulous trip! My daughter would love to win that football!
I would love to go to a place like that to learn all those interesting health facts!
I can’t believe you met Kurt Warner! My dad would love that football.
Still living vicariously through you, Amanda; that looks like such an amazing trip! I’d love that football for my nephew.
Great giveaway!
Looks like a great trip! And an even better giveaway!!
Being from St. Louis…. we LOVE Kurt! How exciting you had the opportunity to meet him.
What a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures! You are one lucky girl! My son, who just turned 13 and is into all things sports related would love that football! He has a small collection of autographed sports memorabilia and I know he would love to add that football to it! Thanks so much for even being willing to give it away!
Our family loves Kurt Warner!! He is from Iowa and we live in Iowa, so we have watched him from the beginning when he played for the Iowa Barnstormers!! He is such a good guy!
I love football AND Dancing with the Stars! Kurt Warner and his family seem like amazing people. How fabulous you were able to meet him. And I would love love LOVE to win that football!
My dad would love the football! Amazing pictures as well, I love the flowers and mountains so much
YIKES!!! I super LOVE Kurt Warner and his story….I would love this football!
Looks like an amazing trip! Kurt Warner is adorable!
Sorry – it went on here twice!
Looks like an awesome trip! Kurt Warner is adorable!
The Northwest looks amazing – I cannot wait to visit one day. As for the football, I would give it to my brother or husband.
My husband would love this football!
What an awesome post! Beautiful photos! I was following you on instagram and was very curious to see where this private jet was taking you. Amazing!
I was a huge Kurt Warner fan on DWTS and I’m sure my husband would love the football as well! ;)
My husband is a huge football fan and would love that! Looks like you had an awesome time – it looks really pretty up there.
My husband would absolutely love this football!
Amanda! You are in my old stomping ground & seeing your pictures made me homesick!!! That is where I grew up & it is awesomely beautiful. I hope you get the chance sometime to go even further North…..it is gorgeous! I grew up watching Warner…..GO Seahawks!
What an amazing post Amanda! I love that I can live vicariously through you and your trips! Thank you for the awesome giveaway – my fiance loves football and I love Kurt Warner! xoxo
I’ve lived here in the great northwest and have never been to trout lake farms! It looks absolutely stunning! Im totally there! Thanks for the beautiful photos of our state! We are so lucky!
What a great post Amanda! I love that I can live vicariously through you and your amazing trips! I’ve been to Multnomah Falls, and it’s beautiful. And what an awesome giveaway – my fiance loves football, and I love Kurt Warner! xoxo
What a great Christmas gift this would be for my son who is a sports nut!
OMG! Kurt Warner! I would have been the only one in the room talking about his career. Only thing better than food is FOOTBALL!
Looks like you had a great time … glad the weather cooperated for your trip. :)
did you end up eating any of those snacks in the basket? I know i would’ve
What an amazing life you lead!! I would absolutely not know what to say to Kurt Warner (and isn’t he adorable?!). I’ve always believed that the pacific north west is my ideal place, seeing your pictures only further convinces me it’s true!! Thank you so much for sharing. :)
What a wonderful experience! And to have a signed football from Kurt … YES!
WOW! what a cool gift! my boys would love to win the football!
What a great trip!! The photos are just beautiful! Thank you for sharing your trip with us!! I would love to win the football- I live in Phoenix, and didn’t get a chance to go to any of the cardinals games. Love Kurt Warner.
What a wonderful trip! The blueberries look delicious! And Kurt Warner is probably my favorite football player ever. He has such a big heart.
Who wouldn’t want something Kurt Warner touched?
You are so lucky to get to go on these adventures. The scenery is breathtaking. Kurt Warner is such a great guy and family man. The football would be awesome to win.
I am so jealous you met Kurt Warner! He was such an amazing athlete, but he’s such a true stand up guy, not like a lot of the prima donna athletes you see now-a-days. Your day trip sounds amazing! The photos are breathtaking! I would love a chance to win a signed ball by Kurt Warner!
I love this idea of eating for your specific genetic type..can’t wait to see your results…we love Kurt Warner and his wife and their books are fantastic…you are in for a treat!
What beautiful country you have seen. My son Seth (12) is a huge football fan and would love an autographed football. Your blog is amazing and I look forward to reading each post.
Oh my goodness!!!! My step-son Gavin (just turned 12 on 8.15.11) would go completely ga-ga over this football!! He is in love with all things sports… He just got some football receiving gloves, how cool would it be to catch a pass that’s been touched by Kurt Warner!?
(Plus I’d be the COOLEST step-mom eVeR!!)
love, ams
You lead an exciting and amazing life!
Oh my gosh my fiance would LOOVE that football. He is a huuge Kurt Warner fan (we live in St. Louis!) and I would love to give it to him as a wedding present! :)
My husband LOVES football! That would make such a great gift for him!
What an interesting experience! Wouldn’t it be lovely to have easy access to lots of organic fruits and vegetables!
I love the Northwest also and made a couple of trips there last year. Such beauty. And how I would love to be able to give that football to my son who is currently deployed. I respect Kurt so much. Glad to see you had fun on your getaway.
How fun!!! I can’t wait to go back up there next year!
Oh My I would love that football!! Your pictures were beautiful, thanks for sharing :)
My hubs would love this!! How sweet of you to think of yuor readers to get one for a give away!!!
Ok, first of all, if that is what you look like sweating in yoga clothes, no fair. Second, what an awesome trip!
Your pictures are stunning! Mt. Hood is so beautiful! My cousins attend a ski camp there every summer. What a peaceful setting! Oh and I love football! And of course Kurt Warner!
Love the pictures from my neck of the woods! I live in WA and lived in the Portland area for many years. Your next trip should be to the San Juans. The views will amaze you even more!
My husband and I had plans to go the PNW this fall, but he’s been laid off and we’re not wanting to spend the money. Hopefully some day we’ll make it there.
As for the football…I have a 5 year old nephew who sits and watches sports with his Daddy. He’s been known to get up after bedtime to ask his Daddy who won the game/race. He’d love that football to go in his sports themed bedroom.
That buritto looked so good. My dream vacay is to the Pacific Northwest, and I can’t wait.
I have to say I like Kurt Warner and I have a football family of friends too. But also I’m off to read about your weight loss, I need to lose 50 pounds and need to find something that I will stick with.
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of Oregon and Washington. would love to be in that private jet. Awesome.
My next vacation is going to be to the Pacific Northwest. SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
Looks like you had a blast!!! Would love to use that football at a charity auction!! Thanks for all the fun pics to look at this morning!!
My son would LOVE that football!!!
Your pictures are absolutely stunning, especially of the waterfall. I’m glad you had a great trip.
I want your life . . . and that football for my hubby!
looks like an awesome trip!
My nephew would absolutely love this! What a terrific trip and a wonderful opportunity you got to go do! I love your blog Amanda. :)
The pictures were awesome and my husband would be a happy guy if I were to win the football!!
My fiance would love that football! It would definitely make the perfect birthday gift!
OMG I am a huge football fan. My team is the Steelers but the Cardinals are a close second, thanks to our boy Kurt and superstar RB Larry Fitzgerald. Would LOVE to have that ball (and my husband would probably think it was pretty cool too)!
I love reading your blog! My husband would love the football. Great giveaways!
Karen Kessen
My ten-year-old turns eleven in a few weeks and he LOVES football–I can only imagine how crazy excited he would be to open up this football on his birthday!
I really enjoy reading your blog and looking at your pictures!
Thanks for the fun giveaway!
What a cool trip! Can’t wait to hear what they say your diet type is…..where can the average Jane get a test like that?
I just love your blog and today’s is so interesting. I can’t wait for the follow-up on the diets. How exciting to meet Kurt Warner, he such a fine example of what’s good about professional football. Would love to win the signed football for my hubby! Thanks.
Man, I am really wanting that burrito and guacamole. I’ll admit to not knowing who Kurt Warner is, but I’m sure I know someone who would really appreciate the football, should you pick me. And the genetic type thingie intrigues me.
What a fabulous trip! Wondering if the TriLite Health Institute is for Amway only? And where else is the DNA testing done? Very interesting. And then to top it off with meeting Kurt Warner!!! Football is like religion for the men in my family…the signed football would be a wonderful thing for my two hard working men! Personally, I would love a trip to the Institute and Trout Lake Farm!
I am so envious… but envy isn’t a good thing to be, so I’ll change it up and just be so HAPPY for you that you got to have this amazing experience. My husband and I have been IBO’s with Amway for years. We <3 their products! Nope, not going to try to recruit you or anyone else – won't try to sell you anything either. We became IBO's for the discount on the products we use every day. Anyway – Kurt Warner and his wife are my large family heroes!!! I am actually reading Brenda Warner's book "First Things First" right now! Would love to meet them and their gorgeous family some day, but probably not going to happen, so I'll settle for winning that autographed football! ;-) Thanks for the chance!
I can’t wait for your follow up post after you learn your genetic type. This topic interests me very much, and I am considering have the analysis done. Oh, and I’d love the football, too!
Sounds like you had an exciting trip. Loved the photo of the purple coneflowers with the snow covered mountain in the background.
The signed football is a neat giveaway!
Gorgeous photos and would love that football for my son’s room!!
Hi Amanda!! I love your blog. It’s the first one I go to every morning. I love all your pictures and your little doggies too!!
Oh wow my husband would love and deserve this wonderful football. He’s a football fanatic and I love him.
Your blog is just amazing! (Have I ever mentioned… I want your life!! :) as long as it includes my kiddos.) My hubby would love the football.
Very interesting info! Would love to win the football. :)
Wow, how awesome! My hubby would LOVE that football! Even though we are Saints fans all the way down to our bone marrow, we love Kurt Warner because he’s such an awesome guy. Thanks for the giveaway Amanda!
PS those blueberry patches look divine! Yummy!
Awesome photos! Thanks for sharing!
Loved reading about your adventures. Love that cute, adorable Kurt Warner too!
Thanks for the fabulous blog. By the way, you look adorable in the photo. Appreciate the opportunity.
Your trip looks amazing!!!
This autographed football would be an incredible gift for my husband, who is returning soon from an overseas tour of duty.
Ok, I’m not interested in the football (but thanks anyway! ;). What I want to know more about are the diets! Can’t wait to hear more about them. Please, please do tell! Is there any way we can find out our ‘optimal diet’ without doing all of the stuff you did there?
Love your blog! :) And love, LOVE the pictures!!
Look at you in your private plane Ms Fancypants! This gets me very excited to plan a trip to the PNW. We want to go to Oregon and see the “goondocks” from The Goonies and we have friends in WA to visit finally and see the beautiful scenery.
You were lucky to meet Kurt, I’d be lucky just to have his autograph!
Looks like a wonderful trip. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place.
Would love to win the football…my son is a St. Louis Rams fan and had a
Kurt Warner jersey when he was 5!
What a great trip – thanks for the pictures. I’ve always wanted to visit the pacific nw – this might just be enough to convince my husband!
Hi, I love your website! I also love all of your info about eating and dieting. You look amazing. My hubby would love the football. I would love to give it to him for our anniversary. We celebrated 31 years yesterday!
LOVE love the pictures – especially the cone flowers!
I would love to have that football to donate to my daughter’s school benefit sale!
I would love to give this football to my husband for our anniversary in September. What great pictures!! Looks like you had a great time.
Your pictures are incredible! Looks like a lot of fun. I know several people who would love that football, but I think I would keep it for me! haha
Sounds like an amazing trip, so jealous! My husband is a football freak so thanks for the chance!
What an amazing photographer you are Amanda!!! Amazing photos from a fabulous trip!!!:-)
Love, love, loved these pics! Your work is amazing! I have family in Washington, but I don’t get to visit that often. Seeing Mount Hood again reminds me of my family and that beautiful state! Thanks for the memories!
I’m very impressed by that airplane meal – wow! Definitely not your typical flight. What a beautiful place!
That would be so awesome to know your optimal diet type. Thanks for the giveaway.
Gorgeous pics as always! The scenery, the food, Kurt Warner! What a great guy…and dancer! Thanks for sharing with us so faithfully, Amanda.
I had no idea there were so many varieties of blueberries! How wonderful to get to do a taste comparison.
Your pictures of the ecchinacea with the mountains in the background are stunning. I love your photography.
I’m also intrigued by the idea of different diets being good for different people, and am looking forward to hearing what yours is. Wouldn’t it be great if you lost weight on cake and icing?
Thanks for sharing these glimpses into your life. I always look forward to your email updates.
Kurt and Brenda are amazing people. My husband would love this football. I can put it next to my signed San Diego Charger one!!!
What an amazing trip!!!! The photos were so beautiful. I think the genetic testing is very cool!. Looks like you had a great time!!!
My sister is a military wife and used to live in that area. although I never got the chance to visit her, living so far away in NC, she would always talk about how beautiful it was. I know the perfect person to give that football to. I would love to win it! Thanks for the opportunity.
sixcherriesontop(at)gmail(dot)com
Kurt Warner is soooooooo cute!!!!! My husband would love that football! Thanks Amanda for a great read today
Always love your photos, its like being right there with you.
What an opportunity, and thanks for sharing with your readers.
Would love to win the football. Kevin does not mind?
How do to I get to be like you when I grow up? I am so envious of the experiences you get to have! I’ve never been to the NW but have always longed to go there…your pics are fantastic!
You take such beautiful photos. Love the ones with the Falls. Looked like a great trip!
Gretta
ps. My son would just love that football!
What a fabulous experience. Looks like this was one amazing trip. Your photos are great, you give me inspiration to improve my photography. Thanks for sharing, and would love that football!
Oh that would be a wonderful gift to give to my grandson some day… What awesome pictures you take. I am such a picture person….everyone knows I’ll always have my camera with me where ever I go. Just got to have pictures to scrapbook, right??? hahaha
Thanks for thinking of us….
unbelievable photography!!!!!!
Wow awesome! My friend is a football collector and she would die for this…thanks Amanda! What a great xmas present this would make…..
I LOVE FOOTBALL! and Kurt Warner isn’t that bad to look at either.
Your photography is stunning!!!! Those blueberry pics are yummy & the scenic shots show nature in it’s Godly spendor!!
The football would be a great Christmas gift for my nephew who lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa where Kurt played college ball and worked at Hy-Vee the local grocery chain!
My brother would LOVE that football! Blueberries look absolutely delicious.
Your pictures are incredible. The waterfall photos are amazing! It sounds like such a special trip.
Oh, and I love football and Kurt Warner, so the chance to win the football is so nice!! Thank you! :)
Oh my goodness!! What an amazing experience!! I still am just amazed by your photos and am in awe of the wonderful experiences you get to enjoy! a football lke that would be an awesome present for my Dad, the ultimate sports guy!
Have a great week!
-Ali
Boston,MA
My 12 year old cousin would LOVE LOVE LOVE that football.
I hope you had a wonderful trip!
My husband would absolutely love that football!
Your trip looks amazing! :)
If by some chance you choose me, please let another of your commenters have the football. I just want to say, I can’t help but think about all of the truly, utterly wonderful opportunities you have had because you love food and you love to blog. Isn’t it awesome? You are such a doll and from what I can tell it couldn’t happen to a sweeter person!!
Hoe incredible Amanda. Personally I love Amway even though I don’t buy them. Not sure why really. I used to but I guess I just forgot all about it. I actually grew up on amway. Fantastic products.
I think it’s wonderful all these amazing places you are going and able to share with us. This looks like an incredible trip and I would be in heaven to walk through that farm. I don’t like boxed or prepackaged anything and this farm is fabulous.
Great post AB and lovely lovely photos as always!!!
Wow! What an amazing trip for you! Love all of the pics – they could be in a travel brochure. Thanks for sharing!
It looks like you had a really great time, Amanda. Your pics are amazing!
To say this is a spectacular post would be the understatement of the year. WOW!!
Amanda, not only was the event clearly awesome…private planes kinda do that :) but your photography. Holy moly lady…you rock!!! The waterfall!!! WOW!!!
Ha! Ha! I just realized you’re posting is for Wednesday and it’s still Tuesday for me. I’m such a dork – but I have a chance to win! Yippee skippee!
It may be too late, but it’s only 9:37 pm in Hawaii – I love Kurt Warner! How awesome that you were able to meet him. Thanks for sharing your fun adventures.
That burrito looks awesome!
You know, I thought the blueberries were grapes? How silly of me.