Running for Beginners

Just attended my first half marathon this past weekend.  No I wasn't the one running.  My sweet daughter, set a goal while doing cross - fit that she would run a half marathon.  What an accomplishment for a non runner.  It was so inspirational to see so many people out to mark this accomplishment off their list.  There was actually an 81 year old, and 72 year old woman that were in the top 3 of their over 70 category that ran.  My mind was blown away.  I have dreams of being a runner, but feel that my body has limitations an injuries that keep me from this goal.

Today, I came across this Beginning Running Guide, and I think I just might try it.  Wish me luck, as I move off this couch and move forward to a stronger more healthier me!


healthy-living.global-endeavor.com

Islands of Time

Today, I am reading in my all time favorite book called "Simplify" a guide to caring for the soul, by Carolyn J. Rasmus.  I love, love, love this book!  When I feel out of control, and life is bringing little satisfaction, I often reflect back on this book of inspiration.  Her focus in this book is from these topics:

S - stillness
i - integrity
m - mercy
p - prune
l - let go
i - impossible
f - fortify
y - you

This author refers to Janet Morrow Lindbergh's book "Gifts from the Sea".  Where Janet was able to take a vacation all by herself for a week to the ocean.  She spent this week resting, relaxing, observing the creation of different sea shells, and applying their structure and form to life.  In this book Janet talks about Islands of Time.  A place to get away, to refuel, think, ponder, meditate, a spiritual renewal.

Carolyn Rasmus, in her book "Simplify", refers to "Islands of Time", but recognizes that most of us can't get away for a week to be by ourselves.  She recognizes the need for "creating an island of time, not somewhere on an exotic island but in our everday lives.  Couldn't we carve out just a little time each day to experience time to be quiet, a time when we could just stop what we are doing and experience an island of time.....consider thinking of a time each day that you could call your island of time, a time when you could escape the business of daily responsibilities.  The place matters little - it could even be in a car in some quiet parking lot.  For others, it could be a quiet bench in a park, a library, a bedroom, or maybe even the bathroom.  The place is not important as the quiet you will find - quiet time to be still, to think, to breathe deeply, and to feel His peace".

"As we think to simplify and make it a spiritual quest, we are reminded that the Lord commands us to be still and to listen.  As Elijah learned, the Lord was to be heard not in the crashing of mountains, or wind, or earthqueake but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19-12)."

"The scriptures give us ample instruction about how the Spirit speaks to us, but to hear the still, small voice we must be still and listen."  (Simplify, pg 10 & 12, Carolyn J. Rasmus)

This is my struggle in life to not get swept away in all the events, activities, and needs in life.  We go, go, go to the point of exhaustion, and then loose sight of the joy in life.  I know, when I take quiet time to read, ponder, and especially write about the thoughts or things that I learn; the peace that I feel brings such comfort, joy and satisfaction.  The understanding and inspiration that I receive about life is incredible.  Sometimes, it is a fight to find my "Islands of Time", but so rewarding it is, when I allow this time each day.

May you enjoy your "Islands of Time" this week, and throughout your life.

Marilyn

Hot Artichoke Dip Recipe - Great to use in Velata Fondue Pots

Velata Fun with Fondue (to order online:  mhilton.velata.us/ )

Hot Artichoke Dip

1 4 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and shopped up

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup Parmesan Cheese

1 (4oz) can green chilies (mild)

Mix together and bake uncovered in a casserole dish at 350 for 25 minutes.  Serve with crackers.  Fun to keep warm in a Velata Fondue Pot, and serve with crackers and breads placed around for sampling.

(At the present time, Velata Fondue Pots carry a warranty for use of their own Premium Belgium Chocolates in the silicone dish.  Personally, I have found no problem using other foods.)

Hot Carmel Recipe - Love to serve in Velata Fondue Pots

Velata Fun with Fondue (to order online:  mhilton.velata.us/ )

 Hot Caramel Recipe

Great to use in the Velata Fondue Pots

1 pound of brown sugar
1 square of butter
1 cup white Karo

1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

Combine sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan.  Stir constantly.  Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Immediately stir in condensed milk and simmer on a lower heat until it reaches a soft ball stage.  (Test caramel in a cup of cold water; when caramel starts to stick together you are probably at a soft ball stage.)

 Pour Hot Caramel into Velata Fondue Dish. Keep temperature of fondue pot low enough to just to keep caramel hot for dipping.

Wash and dry apples, slice and dip in a small bowl of lemon or some kind of citrus juice to prevent apples from turning brown.  May also use other fruit, cookies, mini marshmallows and pretzels for dipping.

Velata Fondue Pots at present only carry a warranty for use with their own Premium Belgium Chocolates.  Personally, I have used these pots for many other foods and have had no problem.

Raspberry Days and "Fun with Fondue" Velata

              Bear Lake, Utah
 
http://www.planetware.com/picture/utah-bear-lake-state-park-us-ut662.htm           

This past weekend I spent working and vacationing at my favorite vacation spot, Bear Lake, Utah.  I was there for their annual Raspberry Days, working a Velata Fondue and Belgium Chocolate Booth.  Velata is a new company owned by the Scentsy Company.  For many years now we have enjoyed wonderful fragrances warmed in nice ceramic pots, heated with a light bulb.  Now, one step further, we can now warm foods in these warmers as they now provide "Fun with Fondue".

So, this concept is brand new, and I honestly wasn't sure how this new business would fly, but fly it did!!!!  Velata - Fun with Fondue was a big hit!  I actually sold out and took many orders.  Everyone was so excited to see that they could do fondue with out fire or flame, and without such a mess.  The new Velata Fondue pots have a silicone dish that is microwave safe, as well as dishwasher safe.  They have been tested  and warrantied to use with a Premium Belgium Chocolate provided by Velata.  This chocolate is absolutely delicious.  It comes in Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, and Caramel Milk Chocolate.  Of course my favorite as well as many is the Caramel Milk Chocolate.  It is to die for!!!!

  Velata - Fun With Fondue

In the past few months I have enjoyed many parties with friends and family, and of course have served the Premium Belgium Chocolates with dippers such as Strawberries, Raspberries, Pineapple, Bananas, Pretzels, Marshmellows, etc.  But, I have been adventurous and  excited to try some other fun with fondue items such as Hot Caramel for dipping apples,  Hot Queso, and  Hot Nacho Cheese Sauce, for dipping chips.  Hot Artichoke Dip, and Hot Spinach Dip for dipping Crackers and veggies.  My favorite is to have 3 pots melting:  Chocolate, Cheese, and Caramel.  It has been a blast!! 


At my booth at Raspberry Days, I found that people were so excited to have fondue while vacationing, and so excited to purchase Fondue Pots for Christmas gifts.  I was so energized by everyone's excitement to enjoy Fondue again in a clean simple and safe way.  Thank you Scentsy Company for ingeniously creating such a fun new product.

Velata Fun with Fondue Pots and Chocolates are easy to order online:  mhilton.velata.us/


Fondue pots come in 14 different pots including various shapes and colors.