Taste Bud Tuesday

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TatorTotSurpriseIngredientsFrom time to time I’ll post a family favorite recipe.  Cooking is definitely not my forte, so I am thankful that my family is gracious to enjoy the simplest of meals.  I prefer to plan our weekly dinner menu in advance, to help with our daily schedule and routines.  Not to mention, a planned menu will assist me in keeping within our grocery budget.  Today’s dish: Tator Tot Surprise

I received this recipe over 9 years ago in a recipe exchange through a moms’ playgroup at our church.  I was eager to try this dish because it consisted of less than 5 ingredients and took less than 20 minutes to prepare.

Tator Tot Surprise

1 lb. Uncooked Ground Beef

1 packet French Onion Soup Mix

1 can Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery Soup

Tator Tots

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Layer each item in the above order in an 8×8 backing dish uncovered.  Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

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TatorTotSurpriseYou can change this recipe by adding cheese, corn, etc.  Make it your own and get creative.  Serve with a salad and you are all set!

Do you have a simple recipe to share?  I would love to add quick and easy recipes to my rotation!

Here is another Tator Tot recipe:

Taco Tator Tot Bake Recipe – Blog Chef

For more Tator Tot recipes: check out my pins on pintrest

Fashion Friday

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Distressed jeans have surprised me.  I didn’t think I would like them at first.  But I have grown to love this particular pair.  It all started at the Clearance rack at Target.  I spotted these for approximately $5.99.   I believe they were in the 75% off section.  Since the price was right, I figured I’d take them home and give it a try.  These jeans are currently my absolute favorite; not my Joe’s Jeans, not my Citizens…but Mossimo Supply Co. from Target!  What makes this pair number one?  Well, they meet two of my purchase requirements (Accessible & Affordable), they are super comfortable, and they are surprisingly stylish and Appropriate for a mom like me to wear.  They bring the fun and adventure to my otherwise conventional outfit.

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One thing you must know about me, I am a bargain shopper.  It is on a very rare occasion that I will pay full price for an item.  I prefer to shop clearance primarily.

My clearance shopping mentality:

  1. Do not purchase an item just for the discount.
  2. Ask yourself, “Would I pay full price for this item?”
  3.  Or, “Would I be able to get this somewhere else for less?”
  4. Do consider purchasing an item if it is something you have been looking for or have been waiting to go on sale.
  5. Shop 50-75% off.  The 25-30% off are great deals and probably items still in season, but only make the purchase if you can’t wait for the deeper discount or believe it will be gone before then.

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The place where I find the best clearance deals is Target.  Which brings me to my top for this particular outfit; it was a recent purchase for $11.48.  That’s right, my outfit (top & bottom) is less than $20!

Here are some similar outfits

POLKA DOTS, RED LIPS AND DISTRESSED JEANS - a house in the hillsa house in the hills

classic12.jpg_effectedsincerely jules

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So, where do you find the best clearance deals?  And did you ever take a risk on a purchase to later find it was the deal of the “century”?  I would love to know!

Appropriate: for a Mom’s Night Out

Affordable & Accessible:
Top: Target (similar)
Jeans: Target (similar)
Tote: Franco Sarto via TJ Maxx
Sandals: Old Navy
Sunglasses: DKNY (2009)

 For more distressed jean looks: check out my pins on pintrest

Nordstrom Rack App

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As of May 1st, Nordstrom Rack has its own App.  For all of you shop for less, name brand fashionistas, this is what you’ve been waiting for!  Browse at your leisure the latest values with the touch of your finger.  I’ve downloaded mine, now it’s your turn!  Also, HauteLook’s sales events are on the same app.  If you haven’t signed up for these exclusive sales, I highly recommend!  In recent years, I have become more of an online shopper.  One of the major benefits of shopping online or via an app with stores like Nordstrom Rack, is purchases may be returned or exchanged in-store at your nearest location.

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