Long time no post!

I have been MIA from PG but I am back!  And back with a delicious new recipe.  :)  I have a slight obsession with all things pumpkin flavored and this new recipe did not disappoint.  It would make a perfect addition to your desserts list for Thanksgiving!!

Pumpkin Pudding Cake Recipe


3 eggs
1 large can of pumpkin (29 oz.)
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

1 can evaporated milk (12 oz.)
2 tsp. cinnamon

1 box yellow, spice or white cake mix  (I used yellow)

1 cup margarine (I used real butter... who uses margarine, especially when it comes to baking??)
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13" pan. In large bowl, mix first four ingredients. Add milk and spices. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle cake mix on top. Dribble margarine over cake mix. Sprinkle nuts over top. Bake 50 minutes.


Before Pic (going into the oven):

After Pic (fresh out of the oven):

Helpful hint: If you have dry cake mix spots on top after baking, melt a bit more margarine, dribble it over dry spots and broil on low for a minute or two.

SOOOO Good! 

What are some of your favorite fall recipes???

GLAM,
Ali

Bargain (but Delicious!!) Dinner

A while back a friend of my in-laws told us a little secret about these delicious mussels that look and taste gourmet but are super inexpensive and super fast to make.  Ever since then they've been a staple for a bargain, but delicious dinner of ours!  Let me introduce you to....

Pier 33 Gourmet Mussels

Enjoy a delicious and healthy gourmet meal in minutes. Rope cultured in the cold Antarctic waters of Southern Chile, immediately cooked and vacuum packed before being quick frozen to lock in the freshness and purity of the sea. Mussels are a good source of Omega 3s, iron, and Vitamin C. We’ve done the work for you – just heat, serve and enjoy!
Whole shell mussels in 1 lbs packages and four delicious varieties: Butter Garlic Sauce, Tomato & Garlic, White Wine,and All Natural
(no sauce added).

Mussel Meats (No Shells) available in 8oz. packages in Butter Garlic Sauce and All Natural.

Great appetizer served with your favorite crusty bread, or as an entrée on your favorite pasta or rice.

Ready in 5 minutes!

Like it says above - you can eat these as an appetizer or as an entree.  We have always eaten them as an entree over angel hair pasta and it's so scrumptious.  It also literally only takes 10 minutes tops and that includes the time it takes you to boil the pasta.

On top of being a great bargain to begin with, Harris Teeter had them on special last week - Buy One, Get One Free!  So I stocked up!  You can find these in your local grocery store in the seafood section.

Bon Apetite,

Stro

I HEART BLEACH!!!

OK I know I'm getting old when I am posting about a cleaning product. 
As much as I hate cleaning, I LOVE relaxing in a clean house once I am finally done.  I have recently decided that out of all the cleaning products on the market these days, there is an old faithful that is just my favorite.

That's right.  BLEACH. 
It is super cheap, it majorly disinfects, and I just love that "MAN this house is CLEAN" smell that bleach gives off! 
I recently came across this list of uses for bleach and thought I'd share with all my PGs.

1. Mix ½ bleach and ½ water to make a cleaning solution for mild dew, stain, tub-ring, shower curtain, shower door, and around the toilette.

2. Use undiluted bleach to kill weeds, moss, and algae in your yard.
3. Mix ¼ bleach and ¾ water to use for kitchen cleaning solution. It is great to kill germs on the counter top, and stove surface.
4. Add a capful of bleach plus one sugar cube in the vase to make a mixture for your cut flower to make them last longer.
5. Shine porcelain objects using bleach to rub around the outside of your porcelain, let them sit for ½ hour, then rise them out, and towel dry them.
6. Brighten glass wear by adding ¼ bleach in your warm soapy water, let them sit for 15 minutes, then wash them as usual.
7. Clean plastic lawn furniture by mixing ½ bleach and ½ water in a spraying bottle and spray them down, then rise.
8. Cure poison ivy by wipe the bleach over the affected area, and it will dry up.
9. Cure smelly feet by mixing 1 part of bleach with 3 part of hot water, soak for 10 minutes, and dry with a hair dryer.
10. Sore throat relief by mixing 2-3 drops of bleach with a 16 oz of warm water, then gargle until the glass is empty.

I'm not sure about #10, but the others are great ways to use our friend bleach! 

Do you like to clean?  What cleaning products do you use??

GLAM,

ALI~

Fast, Easy, & Economical Meals!

I hate the rush of having to fly in the door from work, figure out something to cook for dinner, get it made as fast as possible, and then finally sit down to eat.  By the time dinner's over, it feels like the night is gone and its time for bed already!  So, I am always on the lookout for quick, easy meals to cook on work nights. 
Here's what's on the menu tonight.......even though its not a work night......

TATER TOT CASSEROLE
This is one of our family's favorites.  Definitely not on the "light" side so avoid it if you're on a diet... but otherwise, your family will love it too!

1lb. ground beef

1/4 large onion diced
1 pkg frozen tater tots
1 - can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 empty soup can of milk
1 1/2 - 2 - cups grated cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Brown ground beef and diced onions, adding salt & pepper to taste. Drain. Pour ground beef & onion mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish. In a separate bowl mix together the soup and milk. Pour the soup mixture over on top of the ground beef layer spread evenly to cover the meat mixture. Top with tater tots, sprinkle with grated cheese over the entire casserole. Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and cheese is completely melted.  DELISH!  Its almost like a cheeseburger and french fry casserole.  :)

What are some of your quick, cheap family favorites??

GLAM,

ALI~

Hey good lookin'! Whatcha got cookin'!?

Okay, so this blog has been a little neglected lately.  That's because we've been hard at work and hard at work being mommies, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, etc.  I finally had a few free minutes so I thought I'd blog about what's cookin' for dinner!

Today is my day off so I have made a promise to myself to get things done on my days off.  That includes laundry, cleaning, errands and having dinner ready for when my hubby gets home from work.  Crock pots are a life saver because they let me do just that - get all my errands and chores done while dinner is cooking away all day and I haven't wasted 3 hours preparing, chopping, cooking, steaming and baking.  Tonight's dinner is Crock Pot Chicken and Black Beans and boy does it smell delish!!  Below is the recipe and guess what - I was a "bargain shopper" on this one because we already had all of the ingredients in our cabinet.  If this meal tastes as good as it smells it'll definitely be a keeper.  

Crock Pot Chicken and Black Beans

3 to 4 boneless chicken breast halves, cut in strips

1 can (12 to 15 ounces) corn, drained

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 onion, halved and thinly sliced

1 green bell pepper, cut in strips

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on LOW about 6 hours.
I usually leave out the green peppers and I only add 1 tsp of cumin.  But do what suits your taste.  Now warm some tortillas.  Place your crock pot mixture in the tortilla, add lettuce, cheese and sour cream. Roll it up and you have a fabulous burrito!

Bon Appetit,

Stro

Cheap-o Shopping! I MEAN CHEAP!

I have recently re-disovered the Dollar Tree.  Why have I been neglecting it all this time?  I used to shop there on occasion in college, and then somehow I must have just forgotten about all the great things that can be found there. 

We have a tradition at work of decorating co-workers desk areas when its their birthday.  The $ Tree has everything you need.  Streamers?  Check.  Balloons?  Check.  All kinds of other loud, fun, birthday decor?  Check.  Considering most of this stuff is going to be thrown away almost immediately, why spend lots of money on it?  They even have pretty cute patterns.

I have a toddler, and wow, you can make a child's dream come true by taking them to the Dollar Tree.  They will think they have hit the jackpot!  You can find anything from bubbles, to plastic bugs, to balls, water guns, etc.  Can you tell I have a boy?  Again, lots of these things will either get ruined or tossed after very little use, so why not just spend $1, and then WHO CARES if it gets messed up?!

You can also find seasonal items there.  I have found several cute Christmas ornaments, as well as different decor items for the different seasons.  We are leaving to go to the beach next week, and I found all kinds of fun beach toys.  And even a 2-pack of kites for $1! 

If you're on a budget, don't forget to check out your local Dollar Tree/Dollar Store.  It is worth the trip, I promise!  I steer clear of the food area... but everything else is super!  Have fun!

GLAM,

Ali

Crock Pot Lasagna

Is "Crock Pot" one word or two?  I couldn't remember.....so I'm going with two.  :)

If you are like me, when you get home from work at night, you feel like you are running a million miles a minute to get everything done before bed.  Cook dinner, load dishes, clean kitchen, do/fold laundry, bathe kids, get clothes ready for work the next day....try to squeeze in a little Big Brother and next thing you know its sleepy time.  I LOVE to cook, but its hard to find the time on weeknights to cook my Bettylicious specialties with all that other stuff going on.  This is why I love finding a good crock pot (crockpot?) meal.  Start it before you go to work, and when you get home, voila.......DINNER'S READY!

I stole this from another blog, but it was so easy and so good I have to re-post.  Its so easy, you don't even have to cook the lasagna noodles!  It makes a good bit, so be prepared for leftovers.  Strangely enough, Italian food is one of the only things I will eat leftovers of, so it worked great for us! 

CROCK POT LASAGNA
You'll need:

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (12 ounce) package lasagna noodles
12 ounces cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1.In a large skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until brown. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, and oregano and stir until well mixed. cook until heated through.

2.In a large bowl mix together the cottage cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.  It's easiest just to mix it with your bare hands.
3.Spoon a layer of the meat mixture onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of the uncooked lasagna noodles. Break to fit noodles into slow cooker. Top noodles with a portion of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layering of sauce, noodles, and cheese until all the ingredients are used. Meat sauce mixture should end up on top.

4.Cover, and cook on LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours.

YUM!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GLAM,
 
Ali~~

Easy & Yummy Mexican App Recipes

While reading a friends Facebook post last night about a mexican appetizer, I was reminded of a yummy recipe that I've made several times for different functions with my girlfriends...tiny taco meatballs!

It's super easy to make and definitely a crowd pleaser. Here's the recipe:

Tiny Taco Meatballs

2 eggs
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 envelope taco seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 lbs. ground beef
Taco sauce-optional

In a bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients. Add beef; mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place in a foil-lined 15 x 10 inch baking pan.

Bake at 400º for 14-18 minutes or till meat is no longer pink.

Serve with taco sauce, if desired.

Serves 14-16

I serve this with sour cream as well.

Another crowd favorite I've made a few times is Cheesy Tortilla Wraps!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Cream Cheese softened
1 tsp. Lawry's® Taco Seasoning Mix
4 Mission® Fajita size Flour Tortillas
8 slices American Cheese
Salsa to taste

Recipe Instructions:

1. Mix cream cheese and taco seasoning mix until well blended. Spread 1 Tbsp. cream cheese mixture over each tortilla. Place 2 cheese slices on each tortilla. Roll up tightly.
2. Wrap each tortilla securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap and cut each torilla into six rolls. Serve with salsa as desired.
3. For a tasty hot snack: Instead of rolling each tortilla, fold tortilla in half. Heat in skillet and serve warm when cheese melts.

Enjoy this delicious tortilla wraps Mexican recipe!

Hope you enjoy these yummy recipes like I have. What are some of your favorites?

**Stro**

The Game of Things

Unlike my fellow bloggers on this page I am not a fan of cooking and have very few recipes to share, nor am I truly a fan of discount shopping.

Don't get me wrong, I love to find a great sale at my favorite store, but shopping at places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or ROSS completely overwhelm me! Believe me, I've TRIED to like shopping at those stores. I feel like the people who tend to shop there are overly aggressive and would probably assault me to take the one item I've found out of my hands. I believe this in part because I hate crowds and am truly not a huge fan of shopping. I tend to design an outfit in my head and then go looking for that specific item of clothing. More often than not it is elusive and cannot be found. Therefore, I stick with Banana Republic... rarely does it fail me. When I have a coupon or find a sale, even better! Therefore my only shopping "tip" that I can give you is to sign up for the BR credit card... even if you NEVER use it you still get the AWESOME discount cards in the mail!

Back to my original thoughts (that stream of consciousness writing can really get the best of you). While I do not enjoy cooking or discount shopping, I do enjoy a good game with friends!! To celebrate the 4th of July this weekend we got together with really great friends to enjoy the sun and to cook dinner together. After enjoying a few adult beverages (all parties involved were well over 21) we decided it was time to play games!

This brings me to The Game of Things. Never have I played a more hilarious and enjoyable game. When the makers of this game say it is hilarious, they do not exaggerate!! The game consists of topics such as:
- Things you wouldn't bring home to mom
- Things you wish you could forget
- Things people say about you behind your back
etc.

Here's the main thing to remember... YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TELL THE TRUTH! I and 2 other game players did not realize this in the first round and completely called ourselves out on "Things we wish we could forget". The rest of the party goers looked at us in shock and immediately clued us in to the fact that this is not a "spill all your secrets" kind of game. It's just a game of fun. The rules are simple, you write down your answer (don't add your name), mix all the answers up, one person is the "reader" and then the person to the left has to guess who wrote what. Once your answer is guessed, you are out for the round and if the "guesser" is wrong, the guess then goes to the person to their left. You get points by guessing correctly. Believe me, even though everyone is lying, you really begin to get a grasp on a person's sense of humor.

The game really is hilarious and so much fun. If you don't end up hysterically laughing then you are taking the game to seriously! Don't be afraid to "go there" with your answers, it makes it more enjoyable for all!

A few other fantastic games include Apples to Apples and Partini. Enjoy and have fun at your next party!

Amazing Pasta Salad for any family gathering!

Ok ladies...i know y'all are busy bargain shopping but take a break and have some "you" time in the kitchen as well. I don't know about y'all but I sometimes find cooking a great time to myself too and kind of get into a "zone" a Paula Deen Zone that is. I have been wanting to make my own Semi-homemade pasta salad forever and haven't taken the time so I decided this 4th of July weekend I would give it a whirl! I just took different ideas from pasta salads that i've enjoyed in the past and threw together what sounded like the best recipe for my taste buds...well i was RIGHT!! It was definitely a HIT with my hubby and family members. That is always a good feeling when you try cooking something new and everyone tells you it's good...i mean that is truely rewarding. So I wanted to be sure to share my secrets with you.

1 box of pasta ( i choose Cavatappi - it's my fave and something different)




3-4 Home-grown SC tomatoes (not in my backyard but at the Pig they had James Island maters)

1 large cucumber

1 pack of Athenos Tomato & Basil feta cheese



1 bottle of Paul Newman's Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing (i pour about half of the bottle in it)



Oregano - use your judgement at how much you pour in there but I just covered the top of it with oregano and then stirred it all together and it was just the right amount. If you were measuring it I would say try 2 tablespoons.

Bon Appeti`t,

DUNC

Ross & TJ Maxx - 2 Little Pieces of Shopping Heaven

I have been a TJ Maxx fan just about as long as I can remember.  When Ross entered the scene several years ago, it too became a frontrunner in my store preferences.  What I like about these stores is you can find the exact same brands, items, etc that you'd find in a department store, but for 1/2 the price (or even less!).  Why pay full price when you don't have to??
I usually get off early from my job on Fridays, and I have made it my weekly ritual to swing by our local TJ & Ross after I get off.  This is is my "ME" time... no kids, no interruptions... just me and some good old fashioned bargain shopping.  :)  This past Friday I did add Belk to my shopping list since Stro (below) had passed along the great sales they were running.  I got 2 rompers and a shirt for $20.00!  Savings of around $80.00.  Here is one of the rompers I got:

After those fabulous finds, I hit TJ & Ross.  Ross has been a little disappointing lately in the clothing department, but I still appreciate it for the shoe, purse, home decor, and beauty departments.  I was browsing the lotions/shampoos/etc area- which, btw, if you didn't know, this is another great saver.  You can find lots of salon brands at both TJ & Ross for much less than you'd pay at the salon.  I was SO excited to find and bring home this blast from the past this week:

Who doesn't remember this stuff?  If you've never tried it, you should, just for sheer kitsch if nothing else.  :)  I have been enjoying the smell of my Mane N Tail hair all of this long holiday weekend.

If you've never given Ross or TJ a shot, go now, go today!  You won't be sorry.  Tell us GRITS what your favorite finds are when you go!

GLAM,

Ali

Bargains at Belk

With pretty much every holiday comes a holiday sale at your local department store. Now I don't know about ya'll, but I LOVE Belk! I can always find a bargain, a good sale and always something fabulous, cute and sassy.

Friday, I went to find a cute 4th of July outfit for my daughter, Stella, but of course I had to browse the Junior Department sale racks and boy did I find some great finds. They had things marked down 50% and 75% off and then an additional 50% off at the register.

I love the look of rompers during the summer time but have always been nervous to try them. However, for $4.50 - now was the chance to try one. This is something similar to ones that I purchased, except mine has straps. Super cute huh!?

I purchased 2 rompers, a dress, a shirt, pj's for my daughter and a 4th of July outfit for my daughter all for $45. I had a gift card with $12 left on it so that brought my total to $33 - what a steal! Another thing I love about Belk is they tell you how much you saved on the bottom of your receipt. My savings for this purchase = $133!!! Boy did that make my hubby happy! And of course he loved the festive outfit I purchased for Stella.

I'm sure there are sales that continue to run even after the 4th of July so take a break from the hot summer sun and go bargain shopping! Happy 4th of July everyone!

TTFN,

Stro

Targey` the best french store in the USA

Do you find yourself going to target quite frequently? say 2-3 times a week? every friday night and maybe again on sunday? well that's me and my fam. I have been shopping at Target since I was little but the store wasn't all it is today. It is such a great one-stop-shop now...i just wish we would get a Super Target in Columbia, SC or anywhere in SC for that matter (if you know of one let me know). It would be great to go there for groceries too! I think it's just become more of a ritual than anything for us. Not much changes but there are always so many great deals that you just can't pass up.

Red dot on right enter -> head to dollar racks to see if there are any diamonds in the rough - doggie toy for Daisy Mae CHECK!!!-> to your left, Merona and Isaac Mizrahi- work capri pants CHECK!!-> on your right accessories galore- earrings and new purse CHECK!! -> turn the corner to the shoes...ahhh...shoes ;) dream about owning them all and pick up a new set of flip flops CHECK!! -> Baby clothes- well she definitely needs some new pjs, a new dress, maybe this top (it's only $4), and a bathing suit (oh and let me run back to the shoe section and get her those sandals) oh and let me just browse the clearance rack...dress for $3 SOLD!!! -> toy section...ok i'll get her one more ball and maybe this baby doll (she only has 7 so this makes 8) -> tolietries - same ole same ole - ahhhh let me try this Queen Helene cocoa butter my fellow PracticalGRIT suggested and maybe this Pantene Smooth Serum
-> cleaning products CHECK -> oh Steel Magnolias is only $5...that is just a must-own CHECK!!! -> I've gotta get out of here before I spend too much money- ohhhh cool they have this new hand santizer I was going to try ... wait Jake and Vienna broke up??? NO WAYYYY i MUST buy this People Mag. I think I may have a coupon too ;)

I'm sure you can all relate and share in my love for Targey`. Maybe they have some sort of Target intervention program but until then...I'm happy to continue our ritual and devote my paychecks to this store of goodness.

Ali's Bargain Beauty Products

What girl doesn't like a good beauty product?  And what is better than finding a good deal?  Us GRITS like to use real products, for real women, on a real budget.  Here's just a few of my favorites.

Queen Helene Cocoa Butter

This comes in a HUGE 32oz bottle and it lasts forever!  It has that yummy coconut smell that reminds you of summertime and suntans, and it leaves you feeling perfectly mosturized... not greasy.  Can be found at any Wal-Mart or Target for under $3.

Dial Antibacterial Soap

My mom gave me this beauty product tip when I was in middle school.  The boring, yellow Dial antibacterial bar soap makes the best face wash!  It leaves your skin feeling SO clean and fresh.  And it leaves it looking clean and fresh too!  This is a steal at under $3 for a 3-pack.  It can be a bit drying, so use moisturizer if needed.  Queen Helene works great for this.  :)

Pantene Pro-V Smooth Serum

I have fine, thin, straight hair and that equals lots of flyaways.  I found this little gem on clearance and I had a coupon for it so I gave it a shot.....and it was well worth it!  You just rub a little in before blow drying and it makes your hair sleek and smooth and smelling great.  Costs around $6 normally but if you find a sale (and use your coupons) you can get if for under $3.

Dental Floss Picks

I am all about some oral hygiene.  These seem much easier to me to use than traditional floss.  They are also great to keep in your desk at work or even in your car for easy, quick tooth cleaning.  I'm not brand particular here, they all seem to work about the same and they are in the $2-3 range.

Nivea Touch of Sparkle Body Wash

This is another product I tried only because I had a coupon (and the coupon made it free!).  I will continue to buy it now though, because I'm hooked!  While there is technically no real "sparkle" about this stuff, it just makes you feel like a woman!  It smells SO good.  I think I last bought it for $3.99.

That's it for now, but I have lots more to share.  What bargain beauty products do YOU recommend?

GLAM,

Ali

Let me introduce you to some Southern Ladies...

Here in the South, we like our Grits, flip flops, pearls, palmetto trees, and of course our sweet tea (2 cups of sugar is just right). We also like a good bargain. Meet the PracticalGRITS...just a group of good ole' southern ladies who love to gab together on their daily email thread and discuss life, celebs, fashion, reality tv, and remininsce about the good ole days circa 2000 (pre-real world). Now that they are all in the "real world" it's time to save, save, save!! The PracticalGRITS aren't scared of a bargain, they aren't scared of buying their clothes at TJ Maxx, of couponing (thanks Coupon Mama ;)), or visiting "The Red Dot" store daily. Nope these ladies are "Real". We hope you enjoy the tips that the PracticalGRITS have to offer. These are tips that help all of us out in our daily lives as mommies, wives, friends, and working women. Cheers!!!