Monday With Meg: Delicious Monkey Bread

Despite the fact that I am a day late posting this, I am incredibly psyched about this recipe!! I can remember making this with my mom when I was small enough to sit on the counter while helping out.  Our recipe was a lot different, but I will be trying this out with my kids because new recipes are always exciting, and Meg's recipes are beyond compare.

Family traditions, especially those revolving around holidays, are deeply cherished by Joel and me. We both grew up with special Christmas breakfasts and monkey bread was something that always graced Joel’s Christmas table. Because we still go home to visit our parents for Christmas and rotate houses each year, we have our personal family traditions every other year. Now that we have a child, we are starting to think about what traditions we want to start for ourselves. But no matter what we decide to do, I have a feeling monkey bread will always be a part of Christmas breakfast.

I love that you prepare these the night before and then simply bake them the next morning. It makes them perfect for holidays when you are working on the big dinner all day. Plus, they are ooey, gooey and sticky...what could be better?

Monkey Bread

1 pkg. Rhodes frozen rolls (36 count)
1 small pkg. butterscotch pudding (Cook & Serve)
1 cup margarine, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Place frozen rolls into 2 greased bundt pans. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the rolls. Place aluminum foil loosely over pan and then cover with a towel. Leave at room temperature overnight. Bake the next morning at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Meg blogs at Meg's Everyday Indulgence, and I invite you to "like" her Facebook Fan Page so that you can stay up-to-date with each and every recipe that she shares with the world.  You will NOT be disappointed.

Be encouraged!

Celadon Road GIVEAWAY

Do you remember the post on my Facebook page about a deliciously delightful laundry soap that I was reviewing?  I mentioned how I wanted to mix it in water and drink it up.  It smells like a fresh clean day.  That laundry soap came from Celadon Road, and I will be publishing my complete review of that product and the other products that were sent to me by consultant Jill Stover.

You can view the full catalog here.

You can view Jill Stover's Facebook Fan Page here, and if you like it you can stay up-to-date with know how and specials.

I don't want to give you too much information because that will only take away from my review, and I like to keep those as authentic as possible. So for now it's important that you know that the products are organic, eco-friendly, and made in the USA.  Items that are not made in the USA are fair trade products.

My shopping list would be 100 miles long if I were to post it all, but this is a sneak peek of what I would spend my gift certificate on if I were the winner.

My children would be getting several of these toys for CHRISTmas, and I am absolutely in love with the Noah's Ark. We love wooden toys, and I think that I may have worn a hole through this page in my catalog.

I'd also love some of the bamboo serving bowls. They are absolutely gorgeous, and I can only imagine how gorgeous a salad would look tossed in these golden fluted bowls.

You also know that I pride myself on packing a "no trash" lunch for my kiddos each day.  I do my best to use reusable containers and to stay away from plastic baggies. The lunch kits that they have are awesome, and I really see some of these in our future.

Also, none of these products are products that I reviewed. Other than the laundry soap, I'm keeping the rest a secret. You'll just have to wait!!

Jill Stover is so excited to let you spend your $40 gift certificate on any of her products, and the giveaway is SIMPLE!  To enter you MUST MUST MUST go to Jill Stover's Celadon Road Facebook Fan Page and "like" her page!.  This step is MANDATORY.  You can comment ONE TIME when you've done this.  Tell me what you would like to buy if you were the winner.

To enter a second time you MUST "like" LifeWithLissy on Facebook. This step is NOT mandatory, but once you've done it you can leave a second comment telling me that you did, and it will count as your second entry.

For a THIRD entry, visit the LifeWithLissy Facebook Fan Page and "share" the comment about the giveaway. When I see your "share" I'll post your name, and you may comment a third time.

For a FOURTH entry, "follow" me at LifeWithLissy.com by clicking the "follow" button on the right hand side. This is similar to clicking "like" on Facebook.  Then, you can leave ANOTHER comment.

Stay tuned to the LifeWithLissy Facebook Page to earn extra entries into this amazing giveaway.

One winner will be chosen at random, and the winner will be announced here and on Facebook.  Good luck! Spread the word. :)here.

No Thought "Pedicure"

I recently posted the following on Facebook:

I miss being a teenager when I could lock myself in my room for hours painting my nails, playing with my hair, and experimenting with makeup. Now, I am happy when I can make it through a shower without being interrupted! Get ready for my no-thought pedicure solution!

I really do miss those days!!  As I type this blog, I'm sitting crossed leg on my bed with my laptop on my lower legs and feet.  I'm swaying back and forth trying to soothe my 17 month old to sleep.  To my right is a almost sleeping five year old who had a horrible headache and cold chills all evening.  I periodically reach over to rub her back and check the temperature of her forehead.  I try to focus on what I'm typing but I keep seeing the pile of clothes that are piled by my bedroom door patiently waiting to be carried down to the laundry room.  I keep thinking about our hectic holiday schedule and when I'll be able to catch up on my sleep and why I can't "keep it all together" like others moms in my peer group.

My husband teases me about my inability to multitask.  What he means is, "I can't talk to you while you type because you don't hear me."  I admit it. I can't focus on a conversation while typing anything else. I just can't. My brain goes way too fast. My fingers can't keep up. I end up frustrated.

I also think that multitasking means something different to both of us. For me, I don't think that I ever get to focus on one thing. In this very instance, I have picked up where my blogging got interrupted last night.  My one year old is now playing a very successful game of peek-a-boo as he jumps up behind the monitor of my keyboard.  Nope. Not. Distracting. At. All.

When I wash the dishes, I normally make phone calls, and I usually have a baby laughing hysterically at my side because he has learned that as mama shrinks her clothes do not. He knows that with one swift tug, he can immediately grab my attention in ways that shrieks or tantrums cannot.

Every second of my day can be consumed with multitasking, and I often miss the details of being a girl that were once so much fun.  I rarely have time for polish.  So soft skin is as far as it goes for me.  As usual my "secret" involves no rocket science or life altering changes, but you will end up with soft feet without thinking about it.

So here goes.  When you head to the shower, lay a loofah or a big "poof" on the floor of the shower, plug the drain, and add bath salts to you water.  As you take care of everything else that you need to, the bath salts will soften the skin of your feet.  I normally scrub one at a time over the coarse loofah, and it removes the dead skin. I don't add any time to my shower at all. I get to enjoy the relaxing scent of my bath salts, and I end up with some super soft toes. And you know what?? Sometimes I even get to do it without being interrupted!

Be encouraged!

Please remember as you get ready for Christmas this year:  There are many children who long for a toy under their tree this year! If you can help by donating JUST ONE toy to a child in need, please contact Amanda Friend via Facebook, email , or telephone.  You can reach her by calling or texting            570-394-7219      . Yes, ONE toy (used or new) would help! Unlike several agencies with age limits, they are prepared to help children of all ages included often overlooked older children.  This is an outreach of Christ United Methodist Church in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

Monday With Meg: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

I was so blessed as a child to have been welcomed in the kitchen. Since I was young, I helped mix batters (and licked beaters), cracked eggs, peeled potatoes and “piped” frostings. It was something I enjoyed and my parents always nurtured that love. I am so grateful that they took the extra time in the kitchen to allow me to do something I loved (even if it wasn’t always a help). I never felt rushed or as if I was a bother.

Here I am at around 3 or 4 helping peel potatoes in my little play chair in the kitchen. This is an incredibly cherished photo because it proves to me that I was passionate about cooking from the very beginning. So today I am bringing you my newest favorite mashed potato recipe in remembrance of this picture and just in time for Thanksgiving.

Could it possibly be my new favorite because of all the cream cheese and butter? Maybe. They are rich, creamy and definitely indulgent which is just perfect for stuffing yourself on holidays. Enjoy. And please don’t hate me.

Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes
recipe from The Pioneer Woman

5 pounds Russet Or Yukon Gold Potatoes
3/4 cups Butter
1 package (8 Oz.) Cream Cheese, Softened
1/2 cup (to 3/4 Cups) Half-and-Half
1/2 teaspoon (to 1 Teaspoon) Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to 1 Teaspoon) Black Pepper

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces that are generally the same size. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 to 35 minutes. When they’re cooked through, the fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not totally, fall apart.
2. Drain the potatoes in a large colander. When the potatoes have finished draining, place them back into the dry pot and put the pot on the stove. Mash the potatoes over low heat, allowing all the steam to escape, before adding in all the other ingredients.
3. Turn off the stove and add 1 ½ sticks of butter, an 8-ounce package of cream cheese and about ½ cup of half-and-half. Mash, mash, mash! Next, add about ½ teaspoon of Lawry’s Seasoning Salt and ½ a teaspoon of black pepper.
4. Stir well and place in a medium-sized baking dish. Throw a few pats of butter over the top of the potatoes and place them in a 350-degree oven and heat until butter is melted and potatoes are warmed through.

Note: When making this dish a day or two in advance, take it out of the fridge about 2 to 3 hours before serving time. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until warmed through.

Meg blogs at Meg's Everyday Indulgence where she shares even more recipes that will make you drool! You can also find her on her Facebook Fan Page, and be sure to "like" her page so that you can keep track of her daily deliciousness.

Be encouraged!

Please remember as you get ready for Christmas this year:  There are many children who long for a toy under their tree this year! If you can help by donating JUST ONE toy to a child in need, please contact Amanda Friend via Facebook, email , or telephone.  You can reach her by calling or texting 570-394-7219. Yes, ONE toy (used or new) would help! Unlike several agencies with age limits, they are prepared to help children of all ages included often overlooked older children.  This is an outreach of Christ United Methodist Church in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

Things I LOVE Thursday

There are certain things that I can't help but talk about. I've been blown away by some things lately, and I thought that I would share the news with you.  These are just a FEW things that I love, and I'm hoping to share more in the future.  So, let's get started!

Now, don't run away at the name of this product! It's only shaving cream! My friend Sheraz introduced this to me when I complained about the expense of the razors that I was using. My skin is extremely sensitive, and I was using a very expensive razor that has a huge bar of shaving cream around the razor head to prevent rashes.  I was, as usual, skeptical because I didn't want to risk it. I used a sample that she had given me, and I immediately fell in love with it. I know men that get razor burn or razor rash, and they've started using this to shave their faces!  Guess what!? They're rash free, too!  It isn't the consistency of a regular shaving cream. It's more like a lotion, and it even doubles as a hair conditioner. I've used it in a pinch, and it does work well!  If you're interested in trying it out you can email Sheraz here.  It is available in a 4 oz ($12) and an 8 oz size ($18).  It comes in Original (scent-free), peach, mandarin, acai berry, pomegranate, pear berry, grapefruit, and green tea.

My Bean Pot. Oh how I LOVE my Bean Pot.  This was actually a giveaway item in September, and I STILL have yet to review it. I feel horrible, but I just have had so much trouble relaying how amazing this product is.  I don't use a microwave, but you can use it in a microwave if you want to.  I will admit that when I first got it, I refused to use it.  It was way too pretty, and I didn't want to blemish it's shiny, creamy perfection.  Finally, I gave in, and I have NOT been disappointed.  One thing that I LOVE to use this for is to house pancakes or french toast.  I love making these treats for my family for breakfast, but I hate that I spend most of my time in the kitchen flipping them instead of enjoying breakfast with my family.  So, I make them, toss them in my bean pot, and replace the lid while the next griddle-full is cooking.  It keeps them warm and toasty, and then I carry it to the table so that we can all eat together!  I'll be showing you some more "unusual" uses for my bean pot in the review that I'm STILL working on.  If you want one of your own (they come in various shapes and styles) you need to check out Celebrating Home With Shelley Erdman for more information and about a bazillion recipes!

I may have given Vanilla IsaLean Shakes a bad name in my YouTube video review.  I feel like a tool.  I really, really do. My anti-vanilla taste buds manipulated me into being totally biased against this wonderful flavor.  Yesterday, for the very first time, I dumped a package of Citrus Want More Energy into my remaining vanilla and shook it up.  Can I just tell you that I was like a kid in a candy store? I was DROOLING. Imagine vanilla ice cream (remember how I said that I like that) floating in a mug of orange flavored soda.  Now imagine drinking that for breakfast and lunch except it's going to make you lose weight! It's not too good to be true! I promise!  I have two ladies signing up to do the next 30 day challenge with me! Will you be number three?  Email me to join the group of skinny, healthy people who are going to finally attain their goals.  And to the men reading my blog, this stuff will work for you, too!

Walk On Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Their primary function is matching resources with those who need them.  This includes  providing assistance with medical equipment, safety devices and financial assistance related to medical hospitalization. 
Walk On Foundation aims to achieve this mission by: 
•Awarding grants to individuals and families whose needs meet our mission.
• Educating individuals, communities and businesses of our purpose and the need for our services.
•Establishing community projects.
• Using the power of social networking in order to provide a better life for those dealing with medical crisis, safety hazards, and hospitalizations.
•Working along side other non-profit organizations to assist in tasks that are consistent with our mission.
Many activities happen each year to help fund this organization, and I am fortunate enough to be participating in on this weekend.  Please consider this to be your personal invitation.   There will be approximately 60 different vendors, and you're sure to have a blast.  

Here is a basic itinerary of what is going on in addition to the shopping:

9:15 am - 10 am Kingdom Kidz Puppets presents a Christmas Show.
10 am Santa Arrives via his Big Red Fire Truck. 
10 am - 1030 am Santa Mingles
1030 - 1230 Photos w/ Santa
1030 - 1130 Tae Kwan Do Demonstration by Gemberling's
11:45 12:30 Kingdom Kidz Puppets presents a show on Safety assisted by the Mifflinburg Fire Company.
12:30 - 1:30 Evangelical Community Hospital and Germ City
1:30 - 2:30 Magic Show by Galbraith Magic
2:00 - Chinese Auction Closed
2:30 - Chinese Auction Drawings, Raffles, etc. announced.
3:00 - Close of EventCome out and meet me. Let me hug your neck! Enter the fabulous FREE giveaway that I am having, and spend your money where it can impact the lives of people who are truly in need. For more information please view the invitation link or www.walkonfoundation.com.

Guest Post: Praying Through the Storm

This is a guest post from Leah at The Calm After the Storm. Her 

Praying Through the Storm

Empty. Dark. Terrified. Alone. Paralyzed. Unable to breathe.  The walls are closing in.  The floor is moving from underneath me. My hands are numb.  I’m sweating.  My heart is pounding through my chest louder than any thunder. I’d cry if I could, but I’m not breathing.  I’d breathe if I could but it feels like someone’s got their hands clamped tightly around my lungs. Am I dreaming? Sheer terror.  Am I going to faint? Am I going to die? Am I going crazy?  What’s next? This CAN’T get any worse…It’s happening again… I’m having an anxiety attack!

This went on for 5 long, exhausting months.  Worse every day.  I couldn’t even sleep in my own bed. I stayed on the couch every night for months, terrified to sleep in my bed because that is where I had my first anxiety attack.  What started as a bad reaction to cold medicine, turned into a life changing event.  I couldn’t go to work. I couldn’t stay home alone. I couldn’t be in a group of people.  I even had myself convinced that I was now allergic to all different things including most foods. So, now I wasn’t eating anything but chicken broth. Maybe some plain toast.  Plain pasta.  I was an absolute mess. I was on 2 medications which made me able to function, but I was like a zombie.   I told my husband, “this is THE WORST thing that has EVER happened”.  You know what the worst part actually was? I didn’t know Jesus.

It wasn’t until one morning I was home alone, and I started to feel the anxiety kick in.  I said to myself out loud “not again! Please Leah. Don’t do this to yourself!”  I then, for the first time in years, opened my bible and began to read.  The first scripture I opened right up to was Psalm 46: 1-3~

God is our refuge and strength,
         A very present help in trouble.
  Therefore we will not fear,
         Even though the earth be removed, 
         And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
 ³Though its waters roar and be troubled,
         Though the mountains shake with its swelling.  

I began to cry.  Not from anxiety. No, not this time.  I cried because It was the first time I realized I was not alone.  I continued reading the rest of the day. By the time my husband got home, I had forgotten that I was anxious at all that day.  The night came, and I still couldn’t get myself to sleep in my bed.  The next day, as soon as awoke, I went directly to my computer and onto Facebook. For some reason, I was drawn to Becoming a Strong Woman of God’s page, and I saw a scripture on her page that jumped out and hit me.

 Philippians 4:6-7~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Again, I began to cry.  Harder this time. So hard in fact, I fell to my knees, literally begging the Lord for forgiveness.  I felt like the most horrible, sinful person that ever walked the Earth.  I spent the next 45, or so, minutes praying, sobbing, on my knees.  I had given my life to Christ.  It was March 2011.  My new life began.  I never felt such peace before.  I waited for my husband to get home and when he did, I spilled over with excitement and told him what had happened.  He was happy to see me for the first time in 5 months, actually looking alive.  That night I said to him, “This is THE BEST thing that has EVER happened!”  I told him since I trust the Lord with all my heart, I am going to sleep in our bed tonight. If I was sure that He was in control and with me at all times, then there was no reason I couldn’t sleep in my bed.  I also said that if going through 5 months of severe anxiety, missing work, and basically hitting rock bottom, was what it took to bring me to the Lord, then I would do it all again! (I think at this point my husband may have thought I actually did go crazy. He was not saved either at the time, but is now!)

That night, we went to bed. I was in my bed for the first time in 5 MONTHS. I prayed and went to sleep feeling great.  The next thing I knew, I had jumped out of my sleep several hours later, mid-anxietyattack. It was one of the bad ones. I felt pinned down in my bed gasping for air. Normally, I would have woke up my husband, took a zombie pill and within 2-3 minutes, been back to “normal”.  But I didn’t. I didn’t wake him up, I didn’t take any pills. I prayed. And prayed. And prayed.  I cried out to the Lord telling Him I trusted Him and I that I knew he was a very present help in trouble. I started repeating Philippians 4 6-7 (the verse I read for the first time ever earlier that day) over and over and before I knew it, it had passed. The anxiety attack just slipped away as if it never appeared.  Once again I was crying. Happy tears this time. The Lord is faithful! He was with me that night and is with me right now.

I told my husband the next morning what had happened and he was so shocked.  It was the last anxiety attack I ever had.  

When you think of things you are thankful for, what comes to mind? Most of us will answer our families, kids, jobs, homes, friends…..  All good things, right? They all seem to be things we should be thankful for. What about the not-so-good things.  I am thankful for the 5 months of severe anxiety, and terror. It is the wonderful anxiety that brought me to salvation in the Lord.  I would have never thought back then that I would actually be happy and thankful for something that for months caused such horror.  I’ve learned that the Lord uses all things in our lives to change us. During our trials and hardships we must listen for what He is saying to us.   If it wasn’t for my anxiety, I may never have been saved.  Remember, when something bad or difficult is happening, listen to the Lord. Lean on Him and put all your trust in Him.  He knows what is best for us.  

Joyfully following Him,

Leah 

Leah blogs at The Calm After The Storm.  You can also find her on her Facebook Fan Page.  Be sure to stop by and visit her page.

Guest Post: I Will Be Thankful On Purpose

This article was provided by my cousin Jodi. She is a an amazing woman who I will be sharing about in the next couple of days. She didn't know that until she just read this. She doesn't have a blog of her own -yet! So unfortunately there isn't a place to link up with her and keep track of her writing. However, I am hoping that this is one of many guest posts that will feature her.  Enjoy her day and some hilarious photos that she provided!

I Will Be Thankful On Purpose

One day runs into another as I turn my alarm off at 5:45 am. I struggle as my head feels like a freight train is running full steam ahead from one ear to the other. My nose is running streams of ….well ...snot! My throat feels as if a thousand needles are being stuck into it! Oh,and then my day begins.

My first stop is the laundry room where I switch the laundry and hope that the laundry fairy comes and folds the large heap of clean laundry while I am at work which incidentally never happens! My second stop is to wake up my children. Child #1 usually takes 20 minutes to wake up so I start with her! A good shake and a kiss on the forehead as I whisper “Time to wake up sweet pea!” is normal. And as normal, I get no response!

So onto the bathroom I go where, let’s face it, I should have gone first! As I rush to the restroom I, of course, have my cell phone with me where I can check email and updates on Facebook. This is usually my only alone time! Then I head to the bedroom of child#2. She usually tries to scare me in the morning . She is my up and at ‘em kid! WOOP!! Praise God for her every morning !

Then as I delicately slide child#3 off his top bunk (being careful not to wake child #4 on the bottom bunk )I gently encourage him with, “Come on Bubba, It’s going to be a fun day!” He crawls to the edge of his bed so I can carry him to the bathroom (all 60 lbs. of him)! With each child’s clothes laid out I attempt to head to the kitchen to pack lunches . It usually takes three tries before I actually finish it!

I am then reminded, with a sneeze, that I am not feeling well! As I take my herbal medicine and lather on home remedies, the children clunk down the steps to remind me of that very important “thing” that they were supposed to tell me last night! OKAY got it! Their lunches are packed, and their shoes are on and tied. I am pretty sure everyone's clothes matched and got their teeth brushed and hair combed! Then we are out the door to the school bus by 6:45 am! I take a deep breath while thinking to myself, “Ahhh, I did it! A few minutes to myself!” then, child #4 comes down the steps with “good morning Mom! What are going to do fun today?”

I am reminded everyday, even when I feel like I am not accomplishing “life” well, that I was created for this! I have purpose! As a mom, even though I am not feeling well , my hair and make up are not on and I honestly forget the last time I actually went on a date and didn’t talk about my children the whole time-I have purpose and for that I am thankful!!!

Today in my Moms Bible study , I taught a devotion from Isaiah, 14:26-27. It reminds us that “all things are for a purpose”! When I think about Christ and how He knew that He was born with a purpose I begin to remember the need of a MOM! How selfless He was to live on, every day, with a purpose! He chose to love, give, listen and the list goes on! You choose to love, you choose to give, you choose to be humble, have patience, show kindness and display all of the fruits of the spirit!

Remember, in all things be purposeful! Trust me, I could totally choose to stay in bed! Let’s face it, I can’t remember the last time I actually slept in, and do you know what? That is okay! I get up on purpose , because I know that today is a day of purpose~ it may not go how I wanted it to go ~ but it had purpose!

I believe that my MOM MISSION is my purpose! I had a revelation the other day. I compare MOMS to the Navy Seals or Army Rangers!

Okay, yea I know, just give me a chance to explain! A mom has a huge mission (PURPOSE) that is to raise a child up and train them in the way they should go! I wish it was that easy, let’s face it yelling screaming and making threats is the absolute wrong approach, but that is where chosing to have peace on purpose comes in !! Remember chosing things on purpose with a purpose yeah, that is where it comes in handy! So with each child we find a different mission~ you may have to approach the mission with different tactics and strategies. This is so intense that we have to be in shape and ready to take on the task(I train in the Word of God and Turbo jam and well a little Insanity-the workout).

Come on , those navy seals have some serious training to get ready for their missions! Take this serious, our mission is so real and serious! My purpose is very important and I will accomplish it with purpose!!! My mom Bible study is a chance to debrief. It helps me recharge and prepare for my mission for the next week! I am thankful for my purpose, I hope you are too!

Remember you are not “just a mom” …..You are “MOM”!

Signing off ~ a Mom On A Mission,

Jodi 

I hope that you have enjoyed Jodi's article! Please leave a comment and let her know how much you enjoyed it!

Be encouraged!

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IsaBody Challenge

I am entering the IsaBody Challenge. I intend to do my very best to win, and I can't wait to share my results with you each month. I'm more excited about those of you who are joining me in this cleanse to release unwanted weight so that we can meet our goals together.  Please enjoy this video.  Grab a box of tissues and grab a comfy spot on the couch.  Click play and prepare to cry! Jill is amazing, and this video is something that I watched EVERY week when I need inspiration.  YOU CAN DO THIS, TOO! Let's do it TOGETHER! Email me now - because you deserve to be the best you!

Be encouraged!

My Weight Loss Secret REVEALED!

To find out just how much weight I've lost and how to do this for yourself, please check out my video.  This was all done over 30 days, and I will be surprising you with a new weight loss challenge at the end of my video. Are you ready to lose?

Be encouraged!

Monday With Meg: Honey Mustard Chicken and Bacon Panini

When I was a child, my mom packed my lunch every single day. Occasionally, I would open my lunch box to see a note written on my napkin. "Hope you are having a good day," "good luck on the test," "I love you." It always brightened my day and was usually exactly the encouragement, reminder or pick me up that I needed. She still does the same thing for my dad. How awesome is that?

So today in honor of the lunch note napkin, I am going to bring you a great lunch idea...the Honey Mustard Chicken and Bacon Panini. Making a sandwich into a panini just makes it seem so much fancier. We love panini's around our house and make several different varieties. They are a great lunch or quick dinner on a busy night. Serve with a fresh green salad to get your veggies!

Honey Mustard Chicken and Bacon Panini
recipe from Homemade by Holman

4 slices bread of choice (we used French bread)
2 slices smoked mozzarella cheese
4 slices bacon
2 pieces of Dijon chicken (See below)
2 tsp. Dijon mustard or Honey mustard

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Drain on a paper towel. Remove bacon grease and wipe out pan with a paper towel, return pan to stove and reduce heat to medium. Thinly slice chicken breasts against the grain. Lightly butter one side of bread slices, spread mustard on non-buttered side of one piece of bread. Add one slice of cheese, 2 slices of bacon, cut in half, and half the chicken to each. Top with remaining slice of bread and place buttered side down in the skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes until golden brown and flip. Cook about another 3 minutes until cheese is melted and sandwich is golden brown.

Dijon Chicken Marinade

1/3 cup Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine mustard, vinegar, and honey in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Add spices and stir. Prepare chicken breasts and place in a large plastic storage bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, close bag and shake bag gently and squeeze to evenly coat chicken. Refrigerate one hour. Preheat grill, oil lightly and add chicken over medium heat. Cook 5-6 minutes and turn (if chicken sticks, give it another minute or so), cook about 5 minutes more until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil for about 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Meg blogs at Meg's Everyday Indulgence, and you can find her at LifeWithLissy every Monday where she shares a new, exciting, delicious recipe each and every time.  You can also check her out on her Facebook Fan Page so that you don't miss a thing!

Meet My SPONSORS!

Give a big hug to my current sponsors.  Be sure to check out their pages and let them know that you saw them here!  If you click the photos, it will take you STRAIGHT to them!  Without these sponsors, my site no longer exists! Take a moment and show them some love!

Those lovely cupcakes were made by the ONE AND ONLY Meg from Monday With Meg.  You will find mouth watering recipes that never disappoint, and some cute stories about her family when you venture off to her blog. Her Facebook Fan Page is a MUST "like" in my book. You do NOT want to miss out on what she's got cookin'!

I earn all sorts of prizes using Swagbucks.  Swagbucks is a FREE web search that rewards you for using it! I like to redeem mine for $5 Amazon.com Gift Cards. CHRISTmas is coming! Shop for FREE! Win some SWAG!  (If you're interested in Amazon.com, I'm sharing some thrifty tips at the bottom of this post)

This book is a devotional that not only gives us direction on getting our homes in order, but it also helps us get our hearts in order. If you're up for exciting challenges, then I highly recommend this book!  The best part is that you can do it OVER and OVER again, and learn something new each time.

Gold's Gym of Lewisburg is MY fitness headquarters. You've seen the YouTube videos, and now it's time to give them a call and go get your sweat on!

Shabby Apple offers the finest in clothing for women and children. If you click this link and use the coupon code "ivy" you will get 15% off of your order. It works for ANYTHING on the site!

JScarves is unique and exciting, and they are also our current giveaway. Enhance your look by adding one of their customizeable scarves to your collection of accessories!

Kris My Booty will be hosting a giveaway VERY soon, and Kris can whip your booty into shape in NO time! Visit her site for class information and times, a wide line of clothing, and general fitness information. Stay tuned for information on her new fitness studio!

If you'd like to be a sponsor, please email me.  I am also sponsored by Amazon.com and you can click ANY of the ads on my site to shop at a discount! NO JOKE!  Amazon.com even offers a deal of the day that you can see by scrolling all of the way to the bottom of LifeWithLissy.com!

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