Cheesy Hash Brown Skillet

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Simply Potatoes for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now that we are into Fall Mr. B and I are into more comfort food type meals.  We are also a little bit busier in our day jobs and still trying to maintain our goal of some weight loss before the holidays hit.

We are also fond of meat and potatoes but with just the 2 of us, I don't like to buy a big bag and have them go bad.  Enter Simply Potatoes! 

I have found that the Simply Potatoes fresh potato line suits us best! They are made with the freshest ingredients and are never frozen. They save me the time of peeling and or shredding and one package goes a long way with our eating habits!

Now, a meal is easy to put together whether it is breakfast. lunch on the weekend or, of course, a satisfying dinner!  Plus, I get to sneak in some extra nutrition! Score one for Kath!

The parent company of Simply Potatoes, Crystal Farms Company, is also known for other great-tasting, high quality foods such as cheese, butter and English muffins. Almost all of their products, including the Simply Potatoes, can be found in the dairy section of your favorite store.

One of the easiest meals I've made recently was a Cheesy Hash Brown Skillet. It can be prepared and on the table in about 30 minutes!  Perfect for those busy weeknights when I don't want to spend all night at the stove after a "fun" day at work. Plus, it's all made in one pan so, no sink full of dishes to clean up after! Score one more for Kath! And!  You should have everything already on hand. That makes the score 3 for Kath!

Cheesy Hash Brown Skillet

Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (ground turkey could be used instead)
1/2 Cup chopped onion
1 Package Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 Cans (14.5 oz) Italian Seasoned Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon salt
1 Cup shredded Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1. In 12-inch nonstick skillet cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in Simply Potatoes. Spread into an even layer; press down lightly with spatula. Cook 6 to 7 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom. 2. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Turn Simply Potatoes mixture over with spatula in sections. Continue cooking 6 to 8 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender, turning again if necessary. Add tomatoes and salt. Cook until tomatoes are heated through. Sprinkle with cheese; cook until cheese is melted.

See? Just as promised, easy and oh so tasty!. Not to mention, this meal serves 6 and each serving is only about 280 calories!  Nutritious for dinner plus, leftovers for our lunches the day!

Be sure to check out Simply Potatoes on Pinterest and at Simply Potatoes Favorites for more tasty recipes using all of the other products in their line of yummy goodness!

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*New* Listerine Chevron Designs

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Listerine for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you heard the news? Listerine just introduced a brand new cute style of packaging that looks so much fancier in the bathroom.  LOVE that it doesn't clash with my decor! 

I am in love with the all-new and exclusive LISTERINE® (UltraClean & Total Care) bottles featuring oh so on trend chevron patterns that are available for a limited time only at Target right now!

Let's be honest, mouthwash is necessary for good oral hygiene and fresh breath, but, it is not a product that you would normally keep on the counter. Even my favorite, LISTERINE®, which is the #1 dentist recommended mouthwash for a clean and healthy mouth, is kept out of sight in our bathroom until it's pulled out for our morning and evening brushing routines. 

There are four fresh flavors too:  Cool Mint, Fresh Mint, Arctic Mint, and Fresh Citrus. We love the mint ones because we prefer the feeling of minty-fresh breath. And the chevron packaging makes me smile because they fit right in with my decor in the new bathroom!  
If you want one to dress up your own bathroom counter with these cool new designs, you'd better hurry to your nearest Target store because they are an exclusive limited edition! And, even better, they are a deal because you can Save Now with Target Cartwheel!

So tell me, which color would you choose to add personality to 

your bathroom decor?

Quick Meal At Home

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ConAgra Foods for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

You may remember a week or so ago I shared a post with you about the deal at  Safeway, Vons, Pavillions, Randalls, or Tom Thumb? I told you that  from 5/21-6/10, when you used your loyalty card, you would receive a FREE Express Salad Blends when you purchase $10 on any participating Bertolli Meals for 2, PF Changs Meals for 2 or Marie Callender’s Bakes.

Knowing that we were going to be going out to dinner for our anniversary, I wanted to have a fun and quick meal at home for just the two of us the night before. So, being the thrifty wife that I am, I took advantage of the offer! I was smart though and took Mr. B to Safeway with me so that he could pick what meal he wanted to try.

He had plenty to choose from but we both agreed on the Firecracker Shrimp from P.F. Chang's.  It was an easy choice as it is one of our favorite restaurants.  In fact, it was where we went to eat right after we got married 9 years ago! How sentimental are we?!

I gotta tell you, these meals are inexpensive, quick, convenient and, by adding the salad, even pretty healthy! 

 All I had to do was open the bag and drop it into the skillet.  

Cover it over medium high heat, give it a couple of stirs and, and 10 minutes later, dinner done!

Because it was our pre-anniversary dinner, I did bring out some good dishes.  

I had purchased these awhile back at the thrift store.  They are Johnson Bros and the pattern is "Singapore Bird".  Pretty fitting for our Asian meal, don't you think?

 

I will tell you, in all honesty, this was GOOD! We both loved it! The lightly battered shrimp, carrots, edamame, Yakisoba noodles, all covered in a spicy sauce, was this side of AWESOME!

Not only was it super quick and seriously tasty, it made our weeknight dinner feel so special!

I will be making another trip to Safeway, (or Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, and Tom Thumb) and using my club card again to try the other varieties of, the participating Marie Callender’s Bakes, Bertolli Meals for 2 and PF Changs Meals for 2 and taking advantage of the FREE Fresh Express Salad when I spend $10. I encourage you to give them a try also and let me know what you think!

FREE Fresh Express Salad Blends

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ConAgra Foods for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's that time of year friends!  You know, those days of hot weather and not wanting to heat up the kitchen creating a tasty and satisfying meal. Plus, even though the kids may be out of school, your life is still busy with summer activities. I am here with some perfect solutions for less cooking and quality time as a family without sacrificing taste!

Take your pick from Bertolli Meals for 2, PF Changs Meals for 2, and Marie Callender’s Bakes! All of these are available at your nearest Safeway, Vons, Pavillions, Randalls, or Tom Thumb! 

Plus, from 5/21-6/10, when you use your loyalty card you will receive a FREE Express Salad Blends when you purchase $10 on any participating Bertolli Meals for 2, PF Changs Meals for 2 or Marie Callender’s Bakes. How great of a deal is that?  

Just think, you can stock up on these great products and be able to put a meal on the table without heating up the stove.  Heck, make it even more special by using the good china and even using cloth napkins!

So, be sure to add some of these yummy meals to your grocery list and take advantage of the FREE offer during the dates of 5/21-6/10!

New Flavor Choices At Pei Wei

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pei Wei Asian Diner for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's the middle of April.  How's your New Year's resolutions going? Was one of your resolutions to eat better? 

Well, Pei Wei Asian Diner has introduced a nationwide reFresh in the new year, complete with fresh new dishes, a fresh look and fresh small size entrée. Their new menu options not only have wonderful flavor profiles, but have great price appeal, too.  Starting at just $6.39 for a small size entrée, you can reFRESH with Pei Wei on a whole new level in 2014! 

We love Asian inspired food. It is one of our favorite go to food choices when when we eat out. Pei Wei is now offering a new flavors on their menu that is sure to be a hit. The newest tastes to be available is the Thai Lime & Chili entree, which feature citrus flavors combined with spicy Fresno chilies.

You can also get it in a small size, or as a salad!

In addition to the Thai Lime & Chile options Pei Wei's new reFRESH menu also includes:

Wok Roasted Vegetable Salad a flavorful combination of wok-roasted cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, green beans, scallions, assorted lettuce, Napa cabbage, cucumbers and tomatoes topped with toasted sesame seeds, curry salt and tossed in a miso vinaigrette.

Ginger Orange Edamame with steamed soybeans, orange peel, ginger, garlic and sea salt.

Szechuan Green Beans with wok seared green beans with Hunan sauce, chile paste and garlic.

You can Explore the Pei Wei Asian Diner menu here

You can also keep up with new menu additions by connecting with Pei Wei on social media:

Follow Pei Wei on Twitter

Like Pei Wei on Facebook

Follow Pei Wei on Pinterest

So,  tell me, which new menu item you are most excited to try?

P.F. CHANG’S NEW WINTER SEASONAL MENU

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of P.F. Chang's for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Back, oh about 9 years ago, Mr. B & I were married.

We did it the old fashioned way, in Vegas.

Now, we didn't do the drive thru or the little chapel wedding.  

We actually kept the ceremony traditional and were married at the very nice chapel at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino and it was the perfect setting for us. 

After the ceremony we enjoyed a wonderful meal at P.F. Chang's and it's been our "special place" ever since.

Fast forward to 2014, and we are so happy to hear that P.F. Chang’s is starting the year off right with a new Winter Seasonal Menu. Some of their new menu items include the Shanghai Waldorf Salad, Red Wine and Pepper Braised Beef, Miso Glazed Salmon, and one that I especially want to try, the new Firecracker Chicken.

This chicken has a spicy and savory hoisin sauce over chicken and served with pineapple. Can't wait!

Let's not forget about dessert! 

P. F. Chang's also has two new new ones to try out: 

Chocolate Raspberry Wontons—Handmade, crispy wontons with a creamy chocolate-raspberry filling, dusted with powdered sugar, served with chocolate and raspberry sauces, fresh raspberries and mint. 

Or

Sweet Vanilla Cream Wontons—Handmade, warm and crispy wontons filled with vanilla cream cheese, dusted with powdered sugar, served with vanilla and raspberry sauces and fresh mint.

Maybe I'll even endulge in a fun seasonal cocktail like a Red Goose Cocktail.

Now, For a limited time when you visit P.F. Chang's Winter Seasonal Menu you can get $10 off of your $40 purchase which will make your meal even cheaper.

Be sure to keep up with all the news from P.F. Chang’s through their Twitter or Pinterest sites, Follow @pfchangs on Twitter or Follow P.F. Chang’s on Pinterest  

Back to School Crafts with Duck Tape® #sponsored

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Schools here have been in session for a few weeks now.  

I sure do miss shopping for school supplies with my sons! 

Especially now with the internet and Pinterest. So many great ideas out there that I could have sent them on their way with some crafty and unique supplies for their book bags and lockers!

One product that I would have used would have been Duck Tape®. 

Of course, they didn't have all of the cute patterns back then that they do now! 

One of my favorite craft supply stores, Walmart, has a huge selections of patterns and sizes of Duck Tape®.   

It is no longer the dull grey tape, it has become an art form in itself. 

Just in case you didn't know all the amazing things you can do with Duck Tape®, listen up! You can use Duck Tape® to create, embellish and decorate! 

You can make things for teachers as welcome gifts! 

You can make a custom name plate for your children’s desk or classroom cubby. 

Older students can cover their books in paper bags and embellish/decorate/customize with Duck Tape®!

I found this cute Duck Tape® locker message board on the Duck Tape website

How adorable is this?  

I could have customized it to fit both of my sons personalities and hobbies! 

Heck, I may even make one up for me!

This is a fun activity and with all the different designs 

you can buy Duck Tape at Walmart, these would be such a super cute

and unique back to school craft.

Duck Tape® has sure come a long way since my boys were kids. 

I am constantly amazed by all of the Duck Tape® crafts that are out there!

How about you?  Are you a Duck Tape® fan? 

What craft would you try making with Duck Tape®

Making Dinner Easy During A Move

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As you know, we are moving very very soon! (Are you sick of hearing about it yet?) Anywho, between showings of our house and packing everything up, dinners have been pretty darn creative the past few weeks/ months as I try to use up everything in the freezer and the pantry.
Then, Mr. B stated he wanted something not quite so creative and could I make some comfort food puleeeze?

That's where Manwich came to the rescue! Super easy and quick and it has a full serving of vegtables so I can feel great about feeding it to him. And it's versatile so I could still get creative with it.

Manwich Recipes look so yummy and you can get lots of ideas for an easy meal.

Have you seen the Manwich TV Ads lately? I like them because they are pretty darn realistic!

We luckily got to try the 3 varieties of Manwich; the Original, Bold and Thick and Chunky.

We tried the Original first.  It's been a long time since I've had Manwhich and let me tell you, at the first bite I was transported back to age 12! By adding some sides I was able to give Mr.B the comfort food he craved.

But wait!  There's more! There are tons Manwich Recipes and even on the side of the can!

Who doesn't love them a taco easy as 1, 2, 3?? Using the Manwich Bold Sauce was just the ticket!

Manwich to the rescue during this hectic time!

I can tell you this, from now on, Manwich will be a staple in my pantry from now on. I never realized before just how versatile it is and how helpful for those times when you need assistance in getting a fast, flavorful meal on the table! 

Spring Is Here!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of iBulb for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
It's spring and I am finally seeing some signs of it around the yard!  I was able to go out the other evening and clean up my back garden a bit.  To my utter delight I saw some tulips breakingthrough the still cold ground! Soon, I will see colors such as these below! There is nothing that brightens the day like cut tulips!

My very favorite type of gardening is using bulbs.  They are just so easy!  In the fall I just dig a hole, drop in some bulbs, cover it back up and wait for warmer, longer days and there they are!  It's almost like magic! Tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, lilies, the choices and colors are endless really!
iBulb is the flowering initiative from Anthos, Holland’s Royal Trade Association for Nursery Stock and Flower Bulbs. This foundation was set up in January 2012 to focus on the financing and implementation of three activities that are important for the Dutch flower bulb sector: promotion, technical research and market access. iBulb supports 85 Dutch companies in the dry sales and forcing business, which together represent more than 90% of Holland’s flower bulb business. Learn more at www.ibulb.org.
But bulbs aren't only for using the garden. Potted bulbs are the perfect solution if you forgot to plant your flower bulbs in the fall and are kicking yourself now that you see the  daffodils and tulips starting to bloom.  Keep them indoors and just repot in your own favorite pot to to bring Spring indoors.
Using thrift store finds, you could create all kinds of wonderful Spring vignettes. Or, maybe, even give some as gifts. Once again, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination! 

You can even find Ibulb potted plants at grocery stores, garden centers, and flower shops.

Find even more inspiration using bulbs here:http://pinterest.com/digdropdone/