Till Then Smile Often

S’Mores Brownies

Can I just say that this recipe is really easy but it packs a punch! I had a family gathering this weekend and knew this would be a hit. I usually like to make my brownies from scratch but hey the recipe called for a boxed brownie mix so who was I to disagree?! I like the Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix best. For the original recipe click here.

S'Mores Brownies

Ingredients:

1 pack brownie mix (I used the Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie mix – oil, water and eggs per box instructions) ~ 2 cups miniature marshmallows ~ 4 graham crackers ~ 2 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.  Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions on the box using the oil, egg, and water.

S'Mores Brownies

 

After baking, remove the pan from the oven and set the oven to broil at 500-550 F or High. Cool brownies for about a minute then sprinkle the marshmallows over the warm brownies. Make sure to cover most of the area.

S'Mores Brownies

 

Crumble the crackers by hand then sprinkle the graham crackers on top of the marshmallows.

S'Mores Brownies

Broil with the rack in the center of the oven for 30 seconds to a minute until the marshmallows are golden brown. Watch carefully so that they don’t burn. Break up the Hershey’s milk chocolate bars into the individual squares and place on top to melt.

S'Mores Brownies

 

Linking up with Jessica and Ashley.

 

The Weekend That Flew

Do you know those weekends were they just fly by? I felt like I did nothing but then I looked at the clock and it was 9pm. Saturday was my “relaxing” day even though I did a ton of errands, stopped at the library, did all of my cleaning and grocery shopping and fit in a workout.

I decided to do my meal prep on the grill. I promise my grill was clean when I started cooking. I made about 8 chicken patties, some kielbasa, chicken tenders, and there was a ham steak too. These will all be pulled throughout the week as my protein sources. Yum!

 

food prep

I also made some S’Mores brownies for the family get together for Sunday. They were super easy to make. I will have the recipe for you soon.

S'Mores Brownies

Sunday morning I baked Seamus some homemade dog biscuits, cooked some veggies in foil packets, and completed a workout. When I was making Seamus his done bones he went into the living room, when I came back he was snuggled up on the couch. Total cuteness, right?

Seamus

 

I am trying out some new conditioners. I am normally a Pantene girl but I feel like I need to shake things up a bit because my hair doesn’t seem to be reacting as much to the old conditioner.  I tried the Dover Conditioner and I have to say I am not liking the smell but I am going to give it a chance.

 

conditioner

 I am so excited to break out this bad boy!!! The Garmin Forerunner 210 will help me track my mileage leading up to the half marathon in September. I have to say I am hella scared. My training has not gone well but I am moving forward and pushing hard.

 

 garmin

 Sunday night was a family get together. My cousin drove up from Florida for a visit with her new baby. Seriously the eyelashes on him will break a lot of hearts. He is such a cutie!

 

 cousin

What were you up to this weekend?

Do you have a specific “rest day” where you get all your cleaning done?

 

Linking up with Sami at Sami’s Shenanigans and Leann at Join the Gossip .

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Friday Brings Smiles

What can I say other than heck ya it’s Friday!!! It has been crazy busy at work so I am looking forward to this weekend. My cousin is coming up from Florida on Sunday so we are having a get together and will finally get to meet her new baby!!

One. So I know I share with you all a lot of healthy recipes but that doesn’t mean I don’t love to bake or cook decadent full of fat foods too! I just bring them to others to eat! 😉 So for my family get together these are my top choices for what to bring for dessert. What do you think, which would you choose?

A. Apple Snickers Trifle.

Apple Snickers Trifle. Like a caramel apple with chocolate.

SOURCE

B. S’mores Brownies

S'mores Brownies...ready in 30!

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Two. I saw this on Facebook and it just made me chuckle. Will you sing your order the next time you are at McD’s?

Three. I can see this in my bathroom. I posted some of my bathroom re-do wish list here and I think this would be a great addition. Maybe leaning on the shelves.

Beach Sign, Anchor Decor, Keep Calm And Stay Anchored, Nautical Sign, Hand Painted Wood - Customize Your Color

SOURCE

Four. I said in a business meeting yesterday that I should quit and be a dog walker for a living, no one is miserable being around dogs. Well unless you don’t have a heart! Just kidding. But seriously  being surrounded by total cuteness other than Government mumbo jumbo, no brainer I would chose the dogs!! Or cats. Meow!

hahaha

SOURCE

Five. Seamus. I just can’t leave him out. If anything makes me smile it is this little love bug! Tell me you aren’t smiling after seeing his cute little face!?!

 Seamus

 Well that is all I have for you today! Hope everyone has a really great weekend!! Keep smiling!

THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

 

 

Going Low Carb

So I have decided to go a little bit more low carb lately. I went really low carb when training for my triathlons and I will be following a similar diet. I am going to be eating very similar to how I was eating before but a little less fruits, a little less peanut butter. 🙁 It is still going to include lots of lean proteins, and veggies and a little more fats. This has always worked for me in the past to shed some pounds and I want to be lighter for my half-marathon. When I get to my longer runs I will add more veggie carbs. So on to the eats:

 

Breakfast: I made two eggs over easy and three strips of bacon.

 

breakfast

Snack: I had a 1/4 cup of toasted almonds and about 6-7 slices of sharp cheddar cheese.

Snack

 

Lunch: One Boca Veggie burger with Cheese, Salad with iceberg lettuce, 1/2 cucumber, 1/4 cup of red onion, 1/4 of a tomato – diced and one pickle.

 

dinner

Snack: I had about a 1/2 of a cucumber and 2 Tbsp of my Bacon and Caramelied Onion Dip. So yummy. Onions are little higher in carbs so only have a little of the dip. Measure it out!! Click here for the recipe!

Bacon and Caramelized Onion Dip

 

Dinner: This was a really odd combination but it was really yummy! It was about 2 cups of Iceburg lettuce, 1/2 cucumber, Slice of Tomato diced, 2 polish dill spears sliced, 1 BBQ chicken premade on my grill this weekend, and topped with some Mango Peach Salsa that I got at Target. So yummy. I think this Salsa is going to make an appearance in a lof of my recipes and only 2 Net Carbs. Win!!

BBQ Salad

Remember everyone is different and all diets are different, find what works for you. This one is easier for me to follow. I count carbs versus calories. I still eat a ton of veggies and feel full. Find what speaks to you!

 

 

 

Bacon and Caramelized Onion Dip

I am a little excited to share this recipe with you all. I tend to stay away from dips since most are served with carb heavy crackers but then I said duh, there are so many substitute options for crackers! Am I right? Of course! I served mine on top of cucumber slices. You could also pair with some celery sticks or carrots. Of course, serve with crackers for those not trying to watch their waistline! 😉

For the original recipe you can go here. She also has a great tutorial on how to make caramelized onions. Hers looked so much better than mine. I was multitasking a little too much on this one. Oops.

Bacon and Caramelized Onion Dip

Ingredients:

1 cup caramelized onions, cooled (about 2-3 onions) ~ 6 slices bacon, diced – cooked crisp ~ 1 tsp cider vinegar ~ 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper ~ 1 3/4 cups sour cream (or Greek yogurt or a combination of the two) ~ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Caramelize your onions in a skillet and allow to cool. Stir all remaining ingredients together in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 20 minutes before serving. This should last up to 3 days or 30 seconds depending on your level of hungraaay!!

Since I really like my readers I bring you a second “recipe”. This light and refreshing drink is low in carbs so it was a great pairing with the above dip. It was really only two ingredients too! Easy peasy, right?!

Citrus Twisted Vodka Margarita

 I used the Sugar Free Lime Margarita mix Walmart brand but I think Crystal Light sells this flavor too. Mix one packet with 2 quarts of water. Add to a glass some ice and a shot of Smirnoff Orange (or other citrus flavored Vodka) and top off with the Lime Margarita mix. It was so light and refreshing so watch out or it will knock you on your keister! It will sneak up on you! Enjoy!

 

Linking up with Jessica and Ashley.