Torani Winners-CONGRATS

Research Randomizer Results 2 Sets of 1 Unique Numbers Per Set Range: From 1 to 8 -- Unsorted Job Status:

Set #1:2

Set #2:5

The winners are....drum roll......

Alison & Chaosgal

Please contact me using the contact information tab at the top to give me your mailing address.  Remember you have only 24 hours before I pick another winner. Congrats readers! 

You will have to come back and let us know what flavors you got and how you liked it, perhaps a recipe or two!!!!

Beef Foldover

INGREDIENTS

Dough

• 1 cup Baking mix
• 1/4-1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp parmesan

Filling

• 3/4-1 pound left over roast beef or thinly sliced steak
• you probably could even use ground beef or turkey- maybe season with Worcestershire 
• 1/2 cup barbecue 
• salt and pepper to taste
• 15 oz beans (I used a mixture of 3 beans)
• 8 oz cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix baking mix and other dry dough ingredients
2. Slowly incorporate water until dough can begin to form into ball
3. Roll dough onto floured surface and roll out to thin rectangle, place on greased/sprayed baking sheet, parchment paper, or silicone mat (my fave)
4. Pour filling onto center of dough and being to fold edges over filling
5. Bake at 350 until dough is begins to turn golden brown (about 15 mins)
6. Add cheese on top of filling and bake until well melted and dough edges are golden brown

Salmon Wontons

Sorry for the generic post, I was in a hurry so it isn't as mapped out or detailed as usual...

The ingredients

INGREDIENTS: 

• Salmon (cooked)
• Wonton wrappers
• Baking Spray
• Mustard
• Honey
• Soy
• Salt and Pepper
• small bowl of water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Place wonton wrappers on sprayed baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat
3. Place small chunks of salmon on each wonton square
4. Make whatever flavors you would like
1. I used honey mustard for some (equal parts honey/mustared mixed & some salt and pepper)
2. Soy sauce or Teriyaki sauce on others
3. Wet the outside edges of each wonton square and press each square together till it forms a folded rectangle making a pouch over the salmon.
4. Lightly spray each sealed/pressed wonton with baking spray and bake until golden brown (approximately 10 mins or less, varies based on oven)

Yummy, crispy wontons filled with delicious goodness! You can dip these in extra sauce if you desire!  I paired this with some veggies.

GIVEAWAY-Win A Free Bottle of Torani Syrup

I received a few Torani products to review and blog about. Now I have the opportunity to pass on a few freebies! I have TWO vouchers to giveaway for a free bottle of Torani, any flavor...who will the lucky winners be?


Here is a link to my original post/review.

The syrups I received to review

My favorite drink so far...Iced Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Latte with Silk Almond Milk (& Fat Free Reddi Whip)

Here is your chance to win a coupon/voucher for a free full size bottle of Torani.... I will select two winners Monday Nov 27 at 12pm Eastern.

Mandatory Entry:

• Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC), post letting me know that you already or now follow

Optional/Additional Entries:

• Go to Torani's Website and post what flavor you would pick
• Follow me via Twitter  @christinlilly and post here that you are and your Twitter Handle

Good Luck and Thanks for your readership!

Torani Syrup Review *you want to check this out!*

UPDATE:
GIVEAWAY POSTED....click here to check it out


I was given an awesome opportunity to sample and try some delicious syrups from Torani through the She Speaks program.  I am pretty excited.

SHHHHH....don't tell anyone but I have been using Torani for quite a while, but getting 2 free products and some extra bonuses simply for giving an honest opinion/review was just something I couldn't pass up!!!!

I usually use the sugar free syrups since they are made with safe sugar alcohols.  I am not saying I would pour these on anything and everything or turn up and drink a whole bottle, but I do find the ingredients to be much safer/healthier than most flavoring additives and knowing they are aspartame free is nice and comforting while sipping on my fantastically frothy latte on a cold morning.

I received for review purposes a sugar free pumpkin pie syrup (can you say OMGOSH) and classic hazelnut.


Let me just say I saw the pumpkin pie in World Market and already have tried it....but I ran out-QUICKLY. IT WAS DELICIOUS!!! My other fave I have had recently was their sugar free Almond Roca. My lucky Mother-in-Law happened to be visiting while I had some on hand and she quickly fell in love too (she is getting some for Christmas-shhhh don't spoil the secret!!)


Here are my honest reviews for the syrups sent...

Pumpkin Pie (sugar free)

• fabulous
• should be offered year round (maybe it already is)
• really, really, really tasty
• I have paid for this stuff so I can say without your thinking 'she was given this of course she'll say nice things' that it is good

Hazelnut

• Has 80 calories per 1 oz (sugar free has 0 calories)
• Wish it was sugar free...they DO have a sugar free version, just wishing the one I was sent was!
• I know the sugar free taste yummy from past experiences, but I just couldn't open this bottle of temptation since I had guilt with the calories so I am gifting this bottle-NOT because of taste but my preference to cut calories on my luxury treats/snacks and not my main meals.  The recipient is one lucky person!

Nice warm pumpkin pie latte!!

A delicious iced sugar free pumpkin pie latte (45 calories!!!!)

Favorite recipes I use with various flavors ranging from savory to sweet to fruity

• Latte
• 1 shot espresso, 6 oz Silk unsweetened almond milk (heated), and 4-5 pumps of syrup...delish
• Iced Latte
• 1 shot espresso (chilled), 3-4 ice cubes, 5-6 oz Silk unsweetened almond milk, and 6 pumps of syrup, sometimes I delight in adding Reddi Whip fat free on top
• Milkshake
• 8 oz Turkey Hill 90 calorie Vanilla Bean frozen yogurt, 2 oz FF milk (or Silk almond), 5 pumps of syrup-blend well
• Italian Sodas
• 6-8 oz chilled sparkling water and 3-4 pumps syrup
• My daughter loves these once some of the carbonation fades
• Flavored Tea
• hot tea or cold tea with a few pumps of syrup
• As a syrup/topping for...
• ice cream
• fruit cobblers

I was also given a few coupons for FREE bottles...want one?!?!?!  Perhaps a contest next week!!! Also use the embedded link below to save 10% off and see more recipes!

Half Marathon Results

I did it. I went, I ran. I crossed.


I was a bit nervous about how it would all go considering I have been 'injured' for a month and had a lovely cold/sinus infection for two weeks which between the two limited my training to zilch or a measly few miles here and there.

It was cold.  Very VERY cold. At the start it was about 34 degrees and windy, and I stood alongside many shivering participants, occasionally taking to jumping around like Mexican jumping beans, and often huddling to keep the wind at bay and attempt to 'warm' up.

I had hoped to finish around 2 hours 30-45 mins.  My time just under 2:17!!! I can't believe it!! I am just so thankful that my shin didn't ache.  I have to admit I was literally praying nearly the entire race for it not too.  I am pretty sure that is the only explanation, since it was a bit achy just the day before.  So thank you God for hearing and answering my prayers!

I was so elated after the race and felt like I could keep running, perhaps not another 13.1, but I felt great.  When I got home and tried to get out of the car. It happened, noodle-leg syndrome.  They felt really fatigued and a bit sore everywhere.  I was able to walk around and function the rest of the day but I was unsure of how mobile I would be Sunday.  Actually I felt pretty decent, just a bit sore as if I had a good hard workout but nothing unmanageable and no meds needed.


So there you have it.  Months and months of preparation, perspiration, and a bit of stubbornness, culminated in my achieving my New Year's Resolution to run a half marathon before I turn 30.  I am not sure what feats I will aspire to achieve next year, but I for sure see another half in my future.  It was awesome, fun and I just loved everything from the chilly start, camaraderie of racers, the cheering fans and family along the course, and the overall energy you could almost bottle up it was so thick.

So...can you run a half?!?!? I don't see why not. It only takes putting one foot in front of the other.  I assure you weight, age, body shape, and fitness levels should not be a reason not to try.  There were runners of all sizes, shapes, ages, and abilities. So many inspirational stories and slogans, truly reminded me of why I run...


because I can!

Race Day Approaches/ Salmon Recipe

OK folks... this Saturday is the day...YIKES!!!


Nervous, excited, hoping my shins don't ache to bad!! I thought my pains were over and then yesterday "OUCH"!!!!  I am not too sure if it was my new shoes that I ran a whopping 3 miles on Monday (which felt fine during and post run).  Overall, I am just really hoping to survive and take some rest to completely heal and start training for something else.

Can't wait to update you all on the victorious crossing of the finish line!!!



I am going to enjoy a nice protein packed pre-race dinner of Salmon with some broccoli and mixed peppers medley.

I love Salmon in a variety of ways but never skin on, I have found that the meat dept is always willing to remove the skin for me and some frozen salmon already is scale/skin free...here are two potential recipes for my pre-race dinner!!



BBQ salmon:

Pretty simple. Lightly pan grill/saute salmon until done and generously pour BBQ over. Allow to sit and simmer over low heat for 5 mins, turn salmon, turn off heat, cover and allow to sit for a few minutes. Enjoy the yummy goodness!


Mustard Salmon:

Lightly pan grill/saute salmon, seasoning with a bit of salt and pepper.  While salmon is cooking, take 1/4 cup of a very heavily seeded mustard and mix with 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey) and when salmon is finished brush on the mustard mix. Turn the mustard side down onto the pan and sear (use med-high heat) the mustard/sugar onto the salmon, while searing add mustard to the uncoated side and sear it as well.

Mary Mary Quite Contrary

How is your garden growing?

I started a contained garden this year and I believe I over-crowded it.  My daughter, in her sweet precocious three year old way, picked my only red bell pepperling so I doubt I will see anymore this year, but I am managing to grow several tomatoes so far and I have seen a yellow squash and some cucumbers coming in.


I am always looking to more seasoned gardeners for tips.  What did you planted this year?  Any tips on container planting I should perhaps try next year?

Below are the planting pics for the future 'fruits of my labor'

My peppers, tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers

I finally have a rosemary bush.  Oh the smell is magnificent!  It has nearly quadrupled in size since planting.

***I yielded about 10 tomatoes, 2 yellow squash, 5 zucchini squash, 3 cucumbers, and 5 bell peppers.  I was shocked this much grew considering how GREATLY overpopulated my containers were.  I hope your gardening faired well!!! I am excited for next year and plan to have our soil tested this winter so I can have a true in-ground garden next year!!!  I also plan on cutting a few fresh sprigs of rosemary to give alongside Christmas gifts (more on that to come closer to Christmas!)

Whiskey Peach Chicken

This is a great meal for those chilly nights!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 chicken breasts
• butter
• 1/4 onion
• 4 oz whiskey
• 1/2 c BBQ
• 3 tbsp water
• 1/3 jar peaches (around 6 oz)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup molasses

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 300.
2. Take peaches and molasses and blend.
3. Using a lidded cast iron pot- Brown chicken, remove from cast iron pot. (if you don't have a cast iron pot, use a stovetop/oven safe pot or prior to baking place in stoneware/pyrex)
4. **CHICKEN will NOT be cooked through at this point** just browned
5. Saute onion and garlic in butter.
6. Add water and deglaze pot
7. Add whiskey, BBQ, peaches and stir into onions.
8. Add chicken back into pot, cover and bake 1 1/2 hours.

Peaches and molasses 

Finished peach puree

chopped onions and garlic

Brown chicken on both sides (Chicken will NOT BE DONE!)

Saute onion and garlic in chicken juices

Add in water and whiskey to deglaze the pot (remove stuck on goodness!) Stir well and scrap sides.

Add in peaches and BBQ

Return chicken and bake (this is final product)

Giving Thanks

On my personal FB page I am going to be listing a new thing I am thankful for everyday.  I try to start out with trivial things I take for granted and work up to the things I am generally acknowledge daily my thanks for.

I will come back and update this post once a week with the thanks I have posted.  I know it has been a tough year for a lot of my friends and I can say we have also had our share of challenges, so I love to try and refocus this time of year when everyone starts to initiate their annual head colds and as I am bundling up in my uber layers to attempt to stay warm in my least favorite weather condition (COLD), to focus on the positives.

NOVEMBER

1. Thankful for smiles and those who help you smile even when you just can't imagine anything worth smiling about!
2. Thankful for seasons, literal seasons and those of life. Whether you like the weather outside of the weather of your life, a new 'season' is always on the horizon.
3. Thankful for physical activity and the blessing of being able to walk, run, bike, climb. I may not always have the motivation to work out but so thankful that I can and that motivation is growing each day.
4. Thankful for prayer, the blessings it brings, the joy it bestows, the questions it answers, the protection it provides. Thank you to all you prayer warriors who have 'battled' in prayer for me and over me and my family, whether I know about it or not. I wouldn't be alive today without prayer!
5. Thankful for my dogs. Yes they bark, stink, eat a lot of food, but I love them!
6. Thankful for the sunrise and sunset. I may complain about daylight savings time and the ridiculousness of it, but I am thankful that there is a daylight that breaks through the darkness everyday!
7. Thankful for adoption.  I look forward to adopting 2 children into our family. There are days it seems daunting, un-doable, and out-of-reach. But someway, somehow, God always reminds me that the work He began, He will finish. I just have to walk in faith towards the finish line!
8. Thankful for simple moments. The ones you usually overlook, but occasionally are reminded of just how precious the little things can be.
9. Thankful for modern conveniences. Some make life soooo much easier and some if used too much take away from the quality of lives we should be striving for, but over all......so thankful I was born now and not 'way back when!!' I wonder what life will be like for my future family when they can call the time I live 'way back when'?!?!?!
10. Thankful for food. I have never been without it and sometimes forget to be grateful for that.
11. Thankful for the autumn leaves. They are very inspiring this morning and I am so glad they have 'hung' around so long this year!! I am looking forward to running past all their brilliant colors tomorrow during my first half and knowing how awesome God's masterpieces are!
12. Thankful for military, those past, present, and future. I am proud to have military ties in my family. So proud of them both!!!! May God protect and keep you always and thank you for being willing to sacrifice so much for our freedoms.
13. Thankful for church. In all honesty I usually dread getting all dressed up and going, but I have yet to regret going, even on days I had nursery!
14. Thankful I survived my first half marathon and thankful for the support my family and friends gave me along the way!
15. Thankful for hugs. I am not touchy feely AT.ALL. (seriously I could be a hermit)But I have to admit when I am having a bad day a nice squnch just melts the sadness away!
16. Thankful for my car. Even though I have taken up distance running, I find great convenience in getting in the car to go somewhere!! I can't imagine walking or riding a horse long distances.
17. Thankful for my home. On this cold, rainy fall day (and every other day) I am thankful for the roof I have been blessed with. Today I passed by a homeless man on the street bumming money and I was reminded of how blessed I am to have a safe haven to come 'home' to. It reminded me to buy extra food items to donate to our local food bank. I pray that man will have his needs met, find restoration, and a safe haven too!
18. Thankful for my dogs. They stink, have bad manners, and even annoy me (& a local skunk apparently) but I love them and the excitement they have when I come home, even if it has only been 15 mins.  
19. Thankful for friends. Those that stick to you forever and those who you know you best.  Whenever I reflect on memories, both good and bad, a dear friend has always been there to make those moments so special or lend a helping hand! Thank you all my friends! I love you dearly and hope you know how special you are!!!
20. Thankful for holidays. The sights, smells, food, family, friends...what's not to love. They get me so excited and it can become sooo easy to overlook their true meaning at times in all the chaos. I hope I can leave a legacy from my children to remember the importance and true meaning of each holiday and not get too wrapped up in all the trimmings and festivities.
21. Thankful for volunteers, people who work for free, but touch the lives of many. Found all over and seldom thanked. For anyone who has ever volunteered your time, talents, treasures- thank you!
22. Thankful to be a mom. I always said I never wanted kids and I was told it was impossible anyways, told my body wasn't strong enough, but God said yes you can and changed my anti-kid heart & mind literally in one night with a precious dream of a little girl who even named herself! I am so thankful to hear her precious voice each morning, watch her grow (albeit WAAAY too quickly), and enjoy her presence in my life. I am also thankful God has grown my heart for adoption. Even though I probably could have more children, this is where he has placed my heart. For me motherhood is my purpose and my joy! Thank you Lorelei for being my 'dream come true'! Love you kid!
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Feel free to leave a comment or comments about things you are thankful for!