Recipe: Mama's Meat and Beans

My Mom is a wonderful cook and came up with this simple, quick, and super affordable recipe when my sister and I were little kids. In our house it is called simply Meat and Beans. To give her the credit for the recipe, we are calling it Mama's Meat and Beans. Appropriate, don't you think?

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 can of Ranch Style Beans
1/2 TSP of Suckle Buster Texas Gold Dust All Purpose Seasoning
1 Box of Jiffy Cornbread Mix

Toppings:
Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Jalapenos, Hot Sauce, Salsa, Sour Cream, or any combination of theses.

Directions:
*Mix cornbread according to the directions on the box.

*While the cornbread is cooking, brown the ground beef. When the meat is about half way done, sprinkle in the Texas Gold Dust All Purpose Seasoning.

*Finish cooking the beef and drain. Add the Ranch Style Beans and heat through.

*Serve with cornbread on the side or crumble the cornbread into each bowl. Mama's Meat and Beans is great by itself or you can add any of the toppings.

I hope you enjoy this simple, but tasty family recipe. Do you have any budget friendly meals that were passed down from your family?

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Recipe: Chicken and Rice

Almost Healthy Banana Bread

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

Wedding Wednesday: Groom's Cakes

The bride picks the colors of the wedding, decides which linens will look best, and plans every detail to the last degree. Some brides choose to surprise their grooms with a custom Groom's Cake and others let their husbands-to-be pick out their own cake.

Whichever way you decide, the Groom's Cake is meant to show off the groom's personality and add a little sweet tasting flair to the reception. Check out these marvelous Groom's Cakes from bakeries here in the DFW area.

Cowboy Stadium from Creme de la Creme Cake Company

Fireman's Hat by Panini Cakes

Bass Groom's Cake by Candy Haven

Air Force Groom's Cake by Cake Memories Inc. 

You know I had to include an Air Force cake for my husband, Kevin.


Other Posts You May Enjoy:
Cupcakery: A Local Treat
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever
Wedding Wednesday: Who Pays for What?

Recipe: Chicken and Rice

Everyone is back to the grind after a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. If you are like us you grill for the holiday, and now have some leftover chicken that you are wondering what to do with for dinner. I have a delicious, quick, and easy recipe to share with you.

Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:
1 Cream of Chicken Soup (small can)
1 Rice-A-Roni Chicken Rice
2 Shredded Grilled Chicken Breast
1/4 cup Half and Half (if looks too dry)

Directions: 
*Start the rice and follow instructions on the box.
*While the rice is cooking, shred the grilled chicken with two forks. (May cut into bite size pieces if you prefer)
*Once rice is almost fully cooked add the chicken, cream of chicken soup, and half and half (if desired).
*Heat through and serve.

It is a go to meal in our house when we have extra chicken or need a fast meal to prepare. Let me know what you think of the recipe. I would love to hear from you.

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

Almost Healthy Banana Bread

Chocolate Secrets: Yum

Etsy Friday: Baseball Baby Shower

A baseball themed baby shower is a wonderful idea for the sports lovin' mama-to-be. With these items I found on Etsy, you will have a one stop shop for planning your family or friend's baby boy shower.

K Designs On Etsy

These invitations can be customized and include thank you notes to match.

Vens Paperie

All the decorations are included in this package!

Embroidery Beauty
How cute is this personalized onsie? Now your baby gift shopping is done as well.

Party Place

Thinking of party games is half the battle when planning a party. These adorable bingo cards will keep the guests busy while the mom-to-be opens her gifts.

Make planning a party simple and enjoy the party you are hosting. Let me know if you use any of these products. I would love to hear from you.

Other Posts You May Enjoy:
Sports Themed Baby Shower
Etsy: Sports Themed Baby Shower Invitations
Western Themed Baby Announcements

How Much Seating Do You Need for a Party?

One of the questions I get asked most is, "How much seating do I need for my party?" Depending on the size of your guest list, and the atmosphere you want to maintain during the evening determines the seating.

Dinner Party: I know this is self explanatory, but for a dinner party you need to have enough chairs for everyone to be able to sit around the table.

Contemporary Dinning

House Full of People: For a birthday party or a more casual party where you want your guests to mingle, allow enough seating for half of your guests. This will encourage your guests to walk around and talk to others, and keep a sense of movement to the party.

Come and Go Party: If you are having a large party at your business that is come and go, then you will only need a couple of couches or benches. Don't worry about providing seating if you do not have the space. Most business owners want their guests looking through the merchandise and talking with staff.

Do you prefer people to mingle at your parties? Let me know what you think.

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

How to Dry Silver

How To Be a Friendly House Guest

Checklist for Children's Birthday Party

Wedding Wednesday: Real or Fake Flowers?

Flowers play an important roll in the wedding decor, but they can come with a hefty price tag. Would you consider using cloth or fabric flowers in your wedding? Do you like the look these non-traditional arrangements offer, or is it strictly a budget decision.

DIY Paper flowers by Rock n Roll Bride

DIY instructions for making your own cloth bouquets by Wedding Bee

 I used silk flowers at my wedding and as a result I was able to keep my wedding bouquet and didn't have to worry about the flowers wilting. We were also under a very tight budget, so I was able to get the colors I wanted at a price we could afford.

If price was not a problem, which direction would you go? Let me know your thought.

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Etsy Friday: Lingerie Shower Invitations

Inexpensive Wedding Reception Centerpieces

Wedding Wednesday: Who Pays for What?

Great Finds at Frisco Mercantile

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. My husband and I visited one of my favorite places to shop this weekend. Frisco Mercantile has a ton of great little booths full of vintage antiques, clothing, jewelry, and many other treasures. Here are a few pictures of some of the great finds.

I looked for the longest time for a cake stand with a lid. This one is gorgeous, and it was only $20.

This trunk would be great for a coffee table and added storage.

I don't know where I would put this, but I thought it was awesome.

The ruby ring is the one I was going for in the picture. I think it would be a nice anniversary present since we got married in June. 

Didn't think I would see this with the antiques, and my husband was glad he came with me. 

This small fan is a slate blue. Love it!

Again, I don't know where I would put this since I have two little boys. It is so pretty though. 

This would be a perfect gift for a hostess, mother, or sister if you included a fabulous hand soap or lotion.

I love crystal. Need I say more?

For my Mom, the seamstress. 

This would be great for a little boy's room or a game room.

My husband, the cook was taken with this stove. It had a pressure cooker in the range.

Do you love to go antiquing? I would love to hear about your treasures. 

Other Posts You May Enjoy

Chocolate Secrets: Yum!

Birth Gift Ideas for a New Mom

How To Dry Silver