Ashley Suarez-Ortiz, News Clerk writes: It has been a very long time since I last wrote a blog and I apologize for my absence. 

I am happy to report however that despite my lack of keeping everyone in the loop that I have been finding ways to exercise and have been able to trim off some of the fat. 

I still have much more work to do and I am glad to have the readers out there to keep encouraging me and I hope that I have encouraged some of you. 

What I have done so far

I have began eating far more fiber and multi-grain enriched foods. Instead of eating something full of sugar and fat, I will grab a snack that is far healthier but still tastes great. One of my favorite things to eat are Multi-Grain Cheerios. 

I have also cut back on the amount of soda I drink. Now, instead of soda, I will substitute tea or water, making it much healthier for me. 

I have also began walking more. When I take my lunch breaks at work, I walk to my lunch destination instead of driving. I also enjoy going to the Farmer's Market in downtown Raleigh every Wednesday.  I also like to take walks with my kids on the weekends and we spend several hours at the park, running and playing together. I get my exercise and get to spend time with my kids at the same time. 

These are just a few things that I have done but it normally is the small things that count. 

I hope that all the readers out there are doing well and please feel free to leave your comments below.

Ashley Suarez-Ortiz, News Clerk, writes: 

The last few months have been hard. I am seriously sleep-deprived and I have been trying to do the best I can taking care of my two small children while my husband is away from town... needless to say, losing weight has become at the bottom of my list of priorities at the time. 

I haven't had much time to exercise, unless you count chasing my kids around the house, the countless trips up and down the stairs to my apartment and my small walks when I take my breaks at lunch, although better than nothing, they surely are not enough to tip the scales in my favor. 

I did manage a trip to the State's Farmer's Market Monday and was able to acquire the most delicious peaches I have ever eaten. I have already ate almost all of the ones I purchased and will certainly be returning soon to purchase more. 

I also plan to take my normal stroll to the Downtown Raleigh Farmer's Market, who knows what delicious treasures I may find while I am there. 

But as for now, I am doing my best to watch what I eat but things have not being going as well as I had originally planned but that is the story of life, things happen and you have to be able to run with it. 

I hope that all the readers out there are doing well and please feel free to leave your comments below. Happy reading. 

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Bath & Body Works is giving away free travel-size items from its Signature collection.

All you have to do is send your favorite mom -- or friend -- a message through Facebook and they'll receive your greeting along with a coupon for the freebie.

Head over HERE to get in on the freebie.