WOW! I am blown away by all of the entries in the ICBINB! Giveaway so far. Thanks to all of you who have commented, tweeted, linked back and voted. Plus, it means so much that you are also continuing to show your support for Bobby and me in the Crate & Barrel Ultimate Wedding contest. We are up to 440 votes right now and could not be more grateful.

Before I get to today’s lovely Guest Bender, I have a few announcements!

• If you haven’t already, head over to this post and wish Gina a HUGE congratulations!
• While you’re perusing the blogosphere, stop by ZestyCook and support a good cause

There are so many exciting things going on right now. I can’t even contain myself 🙂

I’m currently in Arizona with my family and Bobby for the long weekend. We have Monday off and could not have picked a better time — it’s currently 75* and sunny! A far cry from Chicago!

Bobby and I have our engagement shoot at 4:00 this afternoon. Wish us luck! I’m going to take the advice you gave us in this post and make sure he’s a bit “relaxed” when we get there 😉 Muahaha!

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Today’s Guest Bender is Anne from The Doctor Takes a Wife. She will be discussing her tips and tricks for enjoying the sweet things in life…with moderation. I always find it helpful to hear from other people about topics such as this one since I’m a firm believer that nothing should ever be considered “off limits” when it comes to food. I think you’ll find that Anne has a great attitude. Take it away, lady!

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Hi Friends @ Eating Bender!!  My name is Anne, and I’m the wife behind The Doctor Takes a Wife.  My blog is all about the things I love: family, food, fitness (a newer hobby of mine) and fun!!  I’m a graduate student in music and am constantly trying to find a healthy balance and zest for life 🙂

I’m so happy that Jenn called out for guest bloggers.  Would you believe that this is my first guest post??  Well, you shouldn’t be too surprised, since I’m such a newbie.  But nonetheless, I feel like I have lots of the same thoughts/ambitions/struggles as veterans!! One of them is letting myself eat the things I want, without going nutzo and sacrificing all my hard work shaking my booty at Zumba.

You see, I have an addiction.  To baking.

You know that scene in Julie & Julia where Amy Adams says she loves to cook because she knows if she adds chocolate and eggs together it will get thick??  And it’s “such a comfort”??  That’s how I feel about baking.

And exclusively baking… I have had too many dinner fails to proclaim myself a “cook.”

The only problem is, what do you do with the 2 dozen cookies or cupcakes after they’re made?  Or if a craving for a chocolate chip cookie hits, so you make a batch and end up eating half of them?  I’ve discovered the true secret.

Sharing is caring.

And there are about a million places that you can take some treats to share.

1. Do you know a boy?? Any boy will do.  He’ll eat about 10 of them.
2. Do you work in an office or take classes?? In my experience, it’s a rare occasion when someone turns down a cupcake.  Unless they’re allergic to cream cheese.  That happened to me once…
3. Do you have a neighbor who you’ve been dying to meet??  Or needed an excuse to ask them to turn their music down anyway 😉
4. I bet you’re going to a friend’s home this weekend.  Or meeting them for lunch.  Make up a goodie bag!!
5. Be a good Samaritan and drop them off at a church or shelter… as long as there aren’t any rules about perishable food.

If you’re like me, baking is part of your relaxation regimen, and is something you love to do.  But sharing is caring!!

So what about you Rachel Rays out there who don’t have this obsession with ovens and icing??  Y’all have a sweet tooth too.  I know you do.  I didn’t forget about you guys.

Try these sneaky tips to stop, or rather, give in to your cravings:

1. Make a yogurt sundae.

This has become my new favorite thing, to the point where I have one a day.  Top some yogurt with granola and fruit and trick your tastebuds into dessert.  It’s filling, filled with the good stuff, and is decadent enough to fool even you!

2. Have single servings of treats.

My brother sent me some chocolate covered cherries and raspberry truffles for Christmas.  I allowed myself one a day.  I got my chocolate fix and these yummy treats lasted forever.  Having a whole bag of something can be a positive thing too, if you exercise your own willpower.  You can have it tomorrow.  It’ll still be there.  Unless you have candy elfs hanging out at your place.  I’ve found that they love Lindt truffles 😉

3. Go halfsies. Or thirdsies.

I Heart Yogurt just opened close to campus.  I went there twice last week.  But both times I split with a couple of friends.  The point is not to take someone down with you, but quench the craving at a reduced rate.

4. Splurge.

Honestly, are you going to turn down cake at a wedding?? Or dessert after you landed a promotion?  Granted, the “smart” alternative would be to get a pedicure or massage (really, you’re so awesome you should do all these), but odds are you’ll want to treat yourself to a night out.  And you should.

You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: it’s all about moderation.  My life wouldn’t be complete without cake on my birthday, or a baking fest about once a week.  I *try* to keep myself in check, but I’m not perfect—no one is.

I mean, have you tasted carrot cake??  It tastes best post-run 😉

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I love Anne’s philosophy! So tell us, how do you make sure to enjoy treats and cravings?

Hope you get out and enjoy your Saturday! I’m off to shoot my engagement pictures…eEeE!

Abrazos!