About Liz

Liz is an adventurous midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She's also a cat lady in the making. Email her at liz@eatmovemake.com

Oreo Brownie Pizza

July 25, 2017 By Liz 19 Comments

Oreo brownie pizza.

You know when you put those three words together, it’s gonna be good, right? I mean, how could it not be? And there’s something about eating a brownie (or anything) in the shape of a pizza wedge that makes it fun.

Plus, you can customize your Oreo brownie pizza with all the things you love.

Oreo Brownie Pizza

Start by crushing 2/3 of a package of Oreo cookies in a food processor or you can crush them with a rolling pin in a heavy-duty plastic bag. I admit it hurts my heart a little bit to crush Oreos into smithereens, but it needs to be done. Then mix up the batter for your favorite fudge brownie mix and stir in all those crushed cookies. Bake!

In the last few minutes, you’ll sprinkle on the remaining cookies (broken into chunks), some mini marshmallows and the new caramel M&M’s. Or you can add the things that make your tummy happy.

But just so you know, the caramel in the M&M’s is the chewy kind, not the runny kind. Ain’t nobody got time for the runs. This girl is all about the chewy caramel candies, and it took me several months to be willing to try them because I was afraid they’d be drippy. Whew, they’re not!

Caramel Fudge Oreo Pizza

Author: Liz Mays

Serves: 12

Ingredients

1 pkg OREO original cookies, divided
1 pkg fudge brownie mix
½ cup oil
¼ cup water
2 eggs
1½ cups mini marshmallows
¼ cup M&M caramel candies

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of 12-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
Put ⅔ of cookies in food processer. Coarsely crush. Cut remaining cookies into small chunks.
Prepare brownie mix according to package. Stir in crushed cookies.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until edges have firmed.
Sprinkle with marshmallows. Bake another 1-2 minutes until marshmallows are soft and puffy. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with cookie chunks and caramel M&M's. Serve warm.

Use a pizza cutter to slice your Oreo brownie pizza into wedges.

I made eight big slices, but you could easily cut it into smaller pieces for lunchbox treats and after school snacks.

Enjoy your Oreo brownie pizza!

Raspberry Pretzel Crunch

July 20, 2017 By Liz 41 Comments

Raspberries are my favorite fruit and pretzels are my favorite snack, so what could be better than to combine the two in a dessert? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing. So I bring you this raspberry pretzel crunch recipe for a bit of sweet and a bit of savory.

But… it’s a dessert, so it’s mostly sweet. AS IT SHOULD BE.

But dang it if those pretzels don’t give just a hint of that saltiness along with their delightful crisp-ity crunch.

Raspberry Pretzel Crunch

If you have a food processor, you can crush your pretzels in there. Or if you don’t want to wash anything, you can use a heavy-duty gallon plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. I went the rolling pin route.

To make the crust, the pretzels get mixed with a bit of sugar and some melted butter and quick-baked.

Then all the goody-goody goodness goes on top! First the cream filling, then the berry layer. You can use raspberries on their own or use a mixture of berries. Your dessert, your rules.

But I used a mixture of raspberries, blackberries, black raspberries and blueberries.

Pretty sure the yum factor applies to any berry combo.

Raspberry Pretzel Crunch

Author: Liz Mays

Recipe type: Dessert

Ingredients

2 cups crushed pretzels
3 Tbsp sugar
¾ cup butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
8 oz Cool Whip
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (6-oz) pkg raspberry JELL-O
1½ cup boiling water
1½ cup cold water
1½ cup mixed berries

Instructions

Mix sugar, crushed pretzels and butter in 9 x 13-inch pan. Press tightly; then bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool.
Cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar. Fold in whipped cream, then marshmallows. Spread over cooled pretzel crust.
Dissolve Jell-O in hot water; add cold water. Stir in berries and chill until slightly thickened. Pour over whipped cream mixture; chill until ready to serve.

Enjoy this raspberry pretzel crunch! It’s a great summer dessert.

Get to Know Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou

July 16, 2017 By Liz 50 Comments

Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

I’ve never lived in Louisiana a day in my life, but it’s a state that calls me home again and again. That distinctly Cajun culture and the unspoiled beauty of Louisiana’s wetlands soothes my soul.

My most recent visit to the state took me to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, just 45 minutes from New Orleans but worlds apart. Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou (Bayou Lafourche) is the place to experience the essence of Louisiana’s wetlands, Cajun history, culture, and people. It’s the real deal, folks.

Bayou Lafourche (meaning fork) runs just over 100 miles from top to bottom, and once served as a main tributary of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. As such, communities grew and flourished along its banks and it’s often called “the longest Main Street in the world”. The only way to get anywhere is to travel its length, up and down.

The perfect place to start your Louisiana Cajun Bayou experience is at the Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux, which is “up the bayou”. Locals reference location as “up the bayou” or “down the bayou”, two terms you’ll come to love and maybe even use yourself.

The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, and it’s an attraction designed for the whole family. Be sure to take a stroll outside to the boardwalk overlooking Bayou Lafourche. Not only will you enjoy a beautiful view, you’re likely to encounter some of the bayou’s resident waddlers – Muscovy ducks.

Muscovy ducks are actually more like geese than ducks.

Indoors, you’ll find a large space devoted to the story and culture of the Acadians who lived along Southeast Louisiana’s bayous, swamps, and wetlands. Allow at least an hour to enjoy everything.

It’s fascinating to see how early Acadians adapted to life on the bayou and the wetlands by combining their own traditions with influences from other cultures. The resulting melange brought the distinctive Louisiana Cajun culture we celebrate today.

The term Cajun developed out of the mispronunciation of the word Cadien. It’s both interesting and sad.

It’s fascinating to see how the distinctly unique music of this region came to be.

Look for the interactive Cajun and Zydeco display to hear how elements of Cajun music have been used in Zydeco and vice versa.

Navigating the shallow swamps required special kinds of boats.

Green Spanish moss served as toilet tissue (what?), seed covering and watting for firearms. They could also cure Spanish moss by submerging it in water and turning daily until the outer covering rotted away leaving a black, bristly cortex which could then be used to stuff mattresses, pillows and even dolls.

Dolls made from cured Spanish moss.

Children’s Gallery – Artwork by Promise Shinall – 7th Grade at Sixth Ward Middle

Cajun Music Jam on Monday

Take a listen to some local musicians play Cajun music at 6pm on most Mondays. If there are French speakers, they will speak in both French and English. The focus is more on the lyrics since it’s harder and harder to find people who speak Cajun French.

When I visited, the jam session started with the first Cajun song ever recorded commercially. Sung by Joe Falcon in 1928, it was called “Allons à Lafayette”, and that song and the musical recordings that followed were important because they gave legitimacy to a language that had been considered taboo.

(Seasonal) Bayou Boat Tour

In spring and fall, weather permitting, visitors can purchase tickets for a ranger-led bayou boat tour which includes a stop at either the Madewood Plantation or the E.D. White Plantation Home & Museum. The ranger talk was exceptional! She pointed out interesting birds and plant life all along the way. Advance reservations required.

The ranger pointed out several nuisance plants, one of which is the water hyacinth.

Spanish moss drapes elegantly from the bayou’s trees.

Water birds are everywhere!

E.D. White Historic Home

Cercle Francophone on Tuesday

This open get-together allows Cajun French speakers to come and speak their beautiful language in an effort to keep it alive. All French speakers can participate, and those who can’t speak French are still welcome to listen.

Historic Thibodaux walking tour

This free and extremely worthwhile ranger-led walking tour departs from the Visitors Center a few days a week and takes about 90 minutes. You’ll see two historic churches and walk into downtown Thibodaux and its neighborhoods for a fascinating peek at the area’s history and architecture.

A visit to the Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center is a must when visiting Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou. Visit the website for info and schedules. Reach out to the Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism to help you plan a trip you’ll never forget.

And keep an eye out for my upcoming posts. I’m headed down the bayou next!

Dismals Canyon – Alabama’s Mystical Glowing Forest

July 12, 2017 By Liz 51 Comments

Some say it looks like Middle Earth, some say it’s a cross between a rainforest and a fairy tale, and some simply have no words at all to describe the natural wonder that is Dismals Canyon. Alabama’s last secret hiding place is one of those sights you have to see to believe.

This lush, mystical forest is home to two waterfalls, lots of curious rock formations and some wondrous glowing creatures called Dismalites. The tiny bioluminescent larvae emit what appears to be a blue-green light, and the sandstone gorge offers the perfect habitat for their survival.

Although the Dismalites are probably the greatest fascination here, it’s the natural landscape of the canyon itself that will leave you breathless.

Visitors to Dismals Canyon receive a trail map before heading out on the 1.5-mile self-guided hike through the National Natural Landmark, and they’ll be rewarded right away with a stunning view of Rainbow Falls.

Early settlers built a mill and water wheel at the top of the falls, but it was later destroyed by a flood. Look for one of the original millstones underneath the falls.

The other waterfall, Secret Falls, is so secret that you can’t even hear the water rushing from its underground spring until you’re right next to it. It forms a natural arboretum in the canyon, and is an especially wonderful and calming oasis.

This narrow passageway is called Fat Man’s Misery, and it used to be the only way you could get into the park. Can you imagine?

Fat Man’s Misery

The map will guide you to the can’t miss highlights, but keep your eyes open because there are plenty of surprises too.

Interesting results of water erosion

Don’t miss the turtle rock! Most people don’t notice it.

Weeping Bluff

Mountain Laurel is not an Alabama native, but it lives in Dismals Canyon. It’s a mystery why it’s there!

Tulip poplar blossom

This sweet gum tree looks burnt, but it’s not. It grew this way naturally.

139-foot tall Champion Hemlock tree

Giant Leaf Magnolia tree

Geologists have come in number to study this distinctly un-Alabama part of Alabama, and think it’s like a little piece of North Carolina . In fact, the only other place in the world you can find Dismalites is in North Carolina. Very strange!

So about those Dismalites… the largest colony in Dismals Canyon is in and around Witches Cavern, so named because of the overgrowth of mushrooms and fungus that grows here, one of which is the highly poisonous mandrake – perfect for a witches’ brew. (The staff keeps it cut back, so you won’t see it though.)

Dismalites glow after twilight, so if you want to see the canyon walls completely aglow, you’ll need to take a nighttime tour. We happened to spot one random Dismalite glowing so brightly it was visible in the daytime, and our guide used a black light to point out a few more.

That bright speck of white light is a Dismalite. Imagine the walls around you completely lit up like stars at night!

Please be aware that the trails are only suitable for the sure-footed as the path is quite slippery in areas, especially when crossing the stepping stones over stream beds. There is also a lot of maneuvering up, over and around limbs as well as squeezing through tight spaces.

Dismals Canyon is truly a magical, other-worldly place and I hope you have the chance to see it! For more information, visit the website and for help in planning a trip to the general area, visit NorthAlabama.org

Tips for Attending a NASCAR Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway

July 12, 2017 By Liz 62 Comments

I decided to go to a NASCAR race for the first time after taking the “Feel the Thrill” tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway when visiting Cabarrus County, NC a couple of years ago. We were moving at about 60 mph in a van for the 24-degree banking and the force was intense! It was at that moment that I truly appreciated the sport, and I knew I had to experience an actual race, something I had never thought twice about doing before.

The stars and my travel calendar finally aligned, and I came to Cabarrus County as a guest for the AllStar Race Weekend in May, and I had the best time! I loved it so much that I would go to another NASCAR race in a heartbeat.

To have the best race experience, attendees to need to be prepared for the day, so I hope these tips based on what I’ve learned will help anyone attending a NASCAR race for the first time enjoy the event to its fullest.

NASCAR Race Charlotte Motor Speedway Tips

Get the app – Race day events, schedules, guides, ticket info, maps and more are at your fingertips with the Charlotte Motor Speedway app.

Stay comfortable – You’ll be on your feet and walking a lot, so wear shoes that feel great all day long. There are shuttles that travel the perimeter of the speedway, but don’t count on catching one. Bring along a padded seat cushion as the seats can feel hot and uncomfortable. Bring plenty of sunscreen (be sure to keep reapplying it), wear sunglasses and a hat, and dress in layers you can add or remove since the weather can be unpredictable. Also, rain showers can pop up so bring a poncho. (Umbrellas are a no-no.)

Plan for parking – Lots get full quickly, so be prepared to walk a fair distance to/from your car. Camping spots on race weekends are available on a first come/first serve basis as well.

Arrive early – Plan to arrive at the speedway several hours before race time to enjoy pre-race festivities and get settled into your seats. Oh, and depending on the event, there may be a flyover right before race time, so look up!

Bring water and snacks – Although concessions are readily available, save a few bucks and pack your own drinks (no glass) and snacks in a cooler no larger than 14 x 14-inches.

Consider purchasing a pit pass or garage pass. Walking on the actual race track is a treat in itself, but with a pit pass you can get an up-close look at some of the cars and teams in action as they prepare for the big race. You can also get right up near the concert stage for the music events.

Ear plugs are a necessity – This is non-negotiable. A single race car is loud enough, but dozens of them at full speed can be deafening. And the jet dryers for the track are even louder yet, so it’s essential to protect your hearing. Ear plugs will muffle the sound to a point that it’s not dangerous.

Bring trackside scanners – Scanners can serve double duty as both noise-reducing earmuffs and a direct line to the action. You can listen to general race announcements, all driver-team communications or tune into a specific frequency to hear the transmissions of a single driver, spotter and pit team. Scanners are also available to rent at the track, but remember you have to return them after the race so calculate that into your time and exit strategy.

Watch for flying debris – The catch fences are protection from potentially large pieces of debris, but the drafts from the cars and trucks may carry tiny bits of rubber, dirt and grit through the fence and into your face. (This is another reason to wear sunglasses.)

Bring binoculars and/or a camera – There are tons of photo opps on race day, so be sure you have a camera or a phone with a good telephoto lens to capture it all. To zoom in the n up-close action all the way around the track, binoculars are a must. One of the best times to capture close-ups of the cars is during pace laps when all the cars are going around at the same speed.

Be prepared for race day traffic – If you followed the “arrive early” tip, you probably didn’t have much of a problem getting to the track, but leaving is another matter entirely. Pedestrians have the right of way and police will hold cars for 20-30 minutes while those people walk from the stadium to their vehicles. By the time cars are allowed to move, those pedestrians are also driving, so it results in horrendous congestion. Traffic is blocked and directed in very specific ways and there’s no way to buck the system. If your turn happens to be against the flow, you might as well pull over, park and wait. The police will not alter traffic patterns until they feel traffic congestion has been relieved which is about two hours. Fair warning.

Have fun!

Keep an eye out for my upcoming post about other things to do in Cabarrus County on a race weekend (or anytime)! And for help in planning a visit to the area (#WhereRacingLives), reach out to VisitCabarrus.com

All Aboard the North Pole Express in Grapevine, TX

July 11, 2017 By Liz 70 Comments

All aboard! I know it’s only July, but tickets are on sale now for this year’s North Pole Express steam train rides in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas. Grapevine plays host to over 1,400 Christmas events in November and December, and the North Pole Express is one of the most popular Christmas activities in the area. Tickets sell out fast!

Hop on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express with the whole family for a magical ride. Guests can wear Santa hats, costumes or even jammies to get into the spirit.

The rail cars are bedecked in holiday decor, and guests sing holiday songs along with merry elves.

Just before the train reaches the North Pole, Mrs. Claus arrives to hand out special silver Santa bells.

Once at the North Pole, you’ll walk through a Christmas tree forest where Christmas magic is in the air — it’s snowing!

Then everyone enters Santa’s workshop and gathers around the stage where the silly elves entertain the kids and sing.

Finally, kids are encouraged to ring their “Believe” bells to welcome Santa, and with a bit of Christmas magic, he arrives!

Afterward, everyone gets a souvenir mug of Santa’s Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk and can take a family photo with Santa.

It’s truly an experience the kids will never forget! And adults won’t either. (You’re never too old for Christmas.)

Purchase your North Pole Express tickets here.

Tickets are $25 and advance reservations are required. Area parking is complimentary.

Be sure to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before departure. There are lots of activities, photo ops, snacks, beverages and a gift shop at the train station to keep kids busy while you wait.

The North Pole Express trains run from late November into December, primarily on weekends.

Bring your camera!

Tickets for the Christmas Wine Train and live performances and classic Christmas movies at Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre are also on sale now at GrapevineTexasUSA.com, where you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit to the Christmas Capital of Texas. And be sure to read my post about the annual ICE! show at the Gaylord Texan, another can’t miss holiday event!

Spicy (or not) Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast

July 9, 2017 By Liz 43 Comments

This Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast is so delicious and yummy! It’s a great way to have a hot and hearty meal in the summertime without using the oven. Slow cooker recipes are the best!

And you can make it spicy or not spicy — it’s all up to you.

I remember my mom used to buy a side of beef at a time, and the freezer would be packed with all kinds of amazing dinner possibilities for months on end. With six kids to feed, it’s no wonder she needed so much!

I certainly will never have the need to buy a whole side, but like my mom, I prefer beef from small, independent ranches. If you’re curious, the beef I used for this slow cooker sirloin tip roast recipe came from Crowd Cow where everyone shares and chooses their favorite cuts. It’s hard to explain how it works, so just check it out when you get a chance. They really do produce top quality meat.

Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast

Do a bit of choppin’ and measurin’, but then just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its thing for about 8 hours.

Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

8 hours

Total time

8 hours 15 mins

Author: Liz Mays

Serves: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

2-3 lb sirloin tip roast
7.5 oz can adobo peppers with sauce
2 cups water
4 beef bouillion cubes
2 Tbsp Worchestershire sauce
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp oregano
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ tsp paprika
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 red chili peppers (substitute sweet peppers if you prefer less spiciness)
Optional: ½ tsp cayenne powder
2½ lbs russet potatoes

Instructions

Peel potatoes; cut into ½-inch chunks.
Using a sharp knife, make slices across the peppers the short way about ¼ to ½ inch apart, making sure not to cut all the way through the peppers.
Mix adobo peppers, water, beef cubes, Worchestershire and spices in the slow cooker. Place roast in the middle and surround with potatoes.
Cook for 8 hours on low.

Dinner is served; dig in!

Roadtripping? How To Find Hotels Along a Route

July 6, 2017 By Liz 32 Comments

Red Roof sponsored this post, but all opinions expressed are my own.

The best part of a road trip is the freedom it provides. If there’s a scenic overlook, an interesting roadside attraction or just the need for a comfort stop, no problem. Stopping, going… it’s all your call.

The flexibility inherent in a road trip takes a lot of the stress out of traveling, so unless a destination is on the opposite coast, I’ll often choose to drive there rather than fly, and I very rarely book my hotels in advance along the route because I never know exactly where I’ll stop. In the winter, I’ll quit driving around dusk, but in the summer, I take advantage of the extra hours of light and push a bit further.

Usually, that means I pull into a hotel off the highway and check for vacancies. When I traveled with my family as a child, hotel signs flashed “vacancy” or “no vacancy”, so it was easier to find a room on the fly, but those days are over, and so when I wing it these days, sometimes I luck out, and sometimes I don’t.

I remember a family road trip where we’d driven all day and were absolutely exhausted when we stopped to check for a hotel, but none of the hotels in the area had any vacancies because of a “Mule Days” festival. Who knew? We stopped at exit after exit and couldn’t find a single room. We ended up having to drive three more hours and finally found a place to stay at about 3 a.m. It was awful!

Fortunately, some hotel chains make road trip stays less complicated. For instance, RedRoof.com has a new “Along-a-Route” feature that can recognize your precise location and direction of travel. It serves up properties right on your route, not miles off your route because there’s nothing more annoying than taking an exit only to discover you still have to travel 7 miles to get to your getting-to-point.

I still have several road trips planned for this summer and fall, including a big one to New York State with my daughter. I’ll already be in Virginia on another road trip, so I need to fly her to meet me “somewhere yet to be determined” along my route to New York State. Once I pick her up, we’ll head to our final destination for a week before driving back home. Believe me, I’m going to be relying on the simplicity of RedRoof.com to book and secure the best rate while traveling.

The personalized content, deals, suite of media tools, including videos, photos, slideshows, and cinemographs along with full display of TripAdvisor reviews (whew) on RedRoof.com help travelers make informed decisions and find the properties and rooms that best fit their needs. And it can all be booked with a simple “Tap! Tap! Go!”

Find hotels along your route, and book your reservations now at RedRoof.com!

Summertime Uses for Johnson’s Hand & Face Wipes

July 5, 2017 By Liz 38 Comments

I have been compensated by Johnson’s® Baby for this post; however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.

It wasn’t until the baby years were far behind me that I realized there was a multitude of uses for Johnson’s Hand & Face Wipes. I’m constantly finding new ways to use them, and they’re on my regular weekly shopping list because I don’t dare run out. (See the last hack on my list.)

So if you need to replenish your stash or you realize after reading this post that these wipes are an essential (and they are), look for them in the baby section at Walmart which is conveniently located near the grocery area.

And now, since it’s summertime, let’s talk about the kazillion and one summertime uses for Johnson’s Hand & Face Wipes!

Uses for Johnson’s Wipes

If the kids have been playing barefoot in the backyard, give their feet a quick wipe when they come back inside.

Freshen up the footbed of flip flops between wearings.

Wipe bird droppings off of patio tables, swing sets, outdoor toys and cars.

Wipe accumulated dust off of bicycle seats and handlebars before summer’s first ride.

Wrap a baby wipe around sidewalk chalk so kids’ hands stay clean while drawing.

Making s’mores this summer? Baby wipes remove marshmallow stickiness from everything, not just fingers and faces!

Wash away smudge marks on doll faces and toys.

Wipe a chalkboard or dry erase board clean.

Use a dry baby wipe as a small doll blanket.

Wash hands before having a picnic or eating snacks on-the-go.

Clean off airline tray tables, restaurant tables and high chair trays.

Wipe the handles of grocery carts and shopping baskets.

Use a baby wipe to open public trash can lids and restroom doors.

Porta-potty? Wipes make a great toilet paper substitute.

Keep wipes in the car for quick clean-ups after fast food meals.

Give the car dashboard a quick refresh.

Wrap a baby wipe around a hot seat buckle to protect skin from a burn.

Wipe up gasoline dribbles on auto paint after fueling.

Wipe off the dipstick when checking oil levels in your vehicle.

Remove bug residue from windshield and headlights.

Wipe dirt off the license plate before applying a new registration sticker.

Wipe any residue from the lids of cans before opening them with a can opener.

Use a baby wipe as a grip when twisting off a jar lid.

No stain removal pen on hand? Use a baby wipe to minimize the stain while it’s fresh.

Wipes make gentle but thorough makeup removal easy.

Use on eyeshadow brushes so you can quickly change colors.

Remove deodorant marks on black clothing.

Give jewelry a quick polish and shine.

Use to moisten envelope seals.

Sweaty and hot? Swish a wipe over you for on-the-go refreshment and cooling.

Use wipes for those inevitable moments when your pets have “leftovers” on their fur after going potty. Longer-haired friends like my littlest girl are especially guilty of this. Wipes will also help pick up stray hairs during the summertime shedding season.

Isn’t it amazing how useful Johnson’s® Baby products can be when you think outside the box? Know any other uses for baby wipes? Check out this #JohnsonsBeautyHacks Pinterest board and visit Walmart to find out how you can share your hacks too!

Tater Tot Pimiento Cheese Casserole

July 2, 2017 By Liz 41 Comments

This tater tot pimiento cheese casserole is the perfect blending of my Midwest roots and my current southern home. Pimiento cheese is everywhere in Carolina (a definite southern tradition), and it’s hard to believe that until I moved here eight years ago, I knew nothing about it.

Native southerners have been enjoying pimiento cheese in sandwiches and on crackers forever, and that’s exactly how I tried it for the first time and got hooked. How can you not love the taste of real cheese with the kick of pimiento? It’s irresistibly delicious!

It finally occurred to me I should combine my Midwest casserole tradition with my new pimiento cheese love and create a brand new taste of tradition — this tater tot pimiento cheese casserole.

Tater Tot Pimiento Cheese Casserole

I don’t make my own pimiento cheese because Price*s Cheese makes several kick-butt versions which you can find at Publix. Nothing beats the original, right? So, that’s what I use, although they do make a version with jalapenos for some extra kick if you like the spice. They also have a creamy southern style.

Oh, and you might want to pick up some of your favorite crackers for the leftover pimento cheese, because why not?! It’s the perfect snack!

Just look at that Price*s spread! See those pieces of real cheese? Those are perfect in this casserole recipe, cuz they’ll get all mmmmmm… melty!

So let’s make this tater tot pimiento cheese casserole! Brown some ground beef and set aside. In a casserole dish, combine cream of chicken soup and a cup of Price*s Original Pimiento Cheese Spread.

Then stir in the peas, ground beef and seasonings.

Lookin’ good…

Now layer mini tater tots all over the top and bake. So easy!

It’s ready!

See how the Price*s Original pimiento cheese spread makes it all melty and cheesy!

Tater Tot Pimiento Cheese Casserole

Author: Liz Mays

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 cup Price's Original Pimiento Cheese Spread
1 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 15 oz can peas, drained
½ tsp minced onion
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 28 ounce package mini tater tots, thawed in fridge

Instructions

In large casserole dish, mix pimiento cheese spread and condensed cream of chicken soup together until well blended. Stir in peas and spices, then top with tater tots.
Bake 45-55 minutes or until tater tots are golden brown.

Enjoy!

Check out these other delicious recipes using Price’s Cheese pimiento cheese and grab your $1 off coupon now while it’s available! Coupon subject to regional availability.

Travel the World From Home This Summer – Download Your FREE Netflix Passport!

June 30, 2017 By Liz 33 Comments

This post about Netflix travel shows was inspired by my participation in the Netflix #StreamTeam program for which I receive perks. All opinions are my own.

Summer vacation is our kids’ favorite time of year, and the break is well deserved, so it’s not surprising that sometimes they just want unscheduled play time and to plop on the couch and watch Netflix. (I’ll be honest… so do I!) But I think most of us want to keep those little minds engaged and stimulated while they’re not in school, right? At least part of the time.

Take advantage of their Netflix love by downloading, printing and sharing the official Netflix passport. Kids can stamp it as they “travel” the world through Netflix content and experience new cultures, adventures and sights along the way.

Download your Netflix Passport here.

When kids view content like Planet Earth and Justin Time GO!, they can earn a stamp in their Netflix passport. Whether they choose to design their own stamps or use something like this one is up to them (and you).

Here are some other Netflix travel shows that will transport you this summer:

Rock the Park
Human Planet
A Cook Abroad
Tales by Light
Street Food Around the World
Happy Feet
Wild Alaska
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Departures
Antarctic Edge
Wildest Latin America
Chasing Ice
Flamenco Flamenco
Tales of Masked Men: A Journey Through Lucha Libre
Dinotasia
Dino King
Nature: Raising the Dinosaur Giant

Happy Traveling!

Have a Wholey Cheese! Moment + Giveaway

June 23, 2017 By Liz 20 Comments

Savory snacks that crunch are everything to me, so when wandering the snack aisle, I always keep an eye out for something new and different. Guys, I hit the new snack jackpot this month with Wholey Cheese! crackers.

They are the most delightful cheese crackers in the history of snack time. And, they’re gluten-free!

Snyder’s of Hanover introduced these light and airy munchies, and they sent me the three flavors to try, all of which I took with me to the waterfront where I spent the afternoon lost in a Wholey Cheese! moment.

Hey, Snyder’s of Hanover… NAILED IT.

The delectable pillow-shaped crackers are crisp, light and airy and pack in the flavor with every bite. Baked with real gourmet cheese and available in three flavors, Mild Cheddar, Smoked Gouda and Swiss & Black Pepper , the potato starch puffs are completely gluten-free.

Don’t you just love the cheese-holes?

Smoked Gouda: This flavor oozes a rich smokiness that blends beautifully with the butteriness of gouda.

Mild Cheddar: An obvious crowd favorite, the cheddar taste is bold but not sharp.

Swiss & Black Pepper: Not only is the black pepper visible on these crackers, but the zesty spice is the perfect counterbalance for the sweet nuttiness of Swiss cheese.

The flavors are outstanding! The crackers are refreshingly light and delicate so handle the bags gently to prevent them from breaking apart into crumbs.

I can’t seem to decide which flavor I like the most because they’re so very different from each other, which is exactly why I bought all three flavors again when the first three bags ran out.

And in spite of the fact it looks like I fed the ducks (which is 100% what they wanted), I only donated two Wholey Cheese! crackers to the quackers. It was my Wholey Cheese! moment!

Look for Wholey Cheese! crackers at your nearest grocery store. You’ll love them!

GIVEAWAY

I’d love to help you have your own Wholey Cheese! moment, so enter for your chance to win a Wholey Cheese! prize pack which includes a $50 Visa gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prizing provided by Snyders of Hanover. Opinions are my own.

RULES: Giveaway ends 11:59 pm ET, July 11, 2017. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States. Void where prohibited by law. One lucky winner will be chosen using random.org. One entry per household and IP address. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Cheating will not be tolerated, and entries will be verified for accuracy. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Entering this giveaway means you are in agreement with this blog’s Privacy/Rules/Terms of Use policy.

Amazon Prime Now Available at a Discount!

June 19, 2017 By Liz 42 Comments

This post about the Amazon Prime discount was sponsored by Amazon as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I don’t know what I’d do without Amazon Prime. It’s like my own personal gofer and hands down the best service I’ve ever used across all aspects of my life.

I’m telling you this now because Amazon just announced that customers who are part of a growing list of government assistance programs and have valid Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards can access Amazon Prime at a discounted monthly price of just $5.99 per month for one year, with the ability to cancel anytime.

And if you’re not an Amazon Prime member, you are missing out on one of the best parts of life. Yes, I love it that much.

And so does my little Pinot, since there’s always some sort of packaging to investigate (until mommy takes it away and ruins the fun).

I signed up for Amazon Prime a few years ago when my car died. Sometimes I had access to my boyfriend’s car to go to the grocery store and run a few errands, but I certainly wasn’t able to get things at the moment I needed them anymore, and I didn’t like that at all.

Since my car wasn’t going to be replaced anytime soon, I decided to try Amazon Prime on a 30-day free trial basis, and it not only saved me time and money, it reduced my stress in a big, big way. I was hooked on the unlimited fast, free shipping, and low prices, and I’ve renewed my membership every year since.

Obviously, the ability to shop without a vehicle was a key consideration at the time, but that’s not the reason I’ve continued to use Amazon Prime. I mean, I have a new car now, so I could go shopping in brick and mortar stores if I wanted to. But I don’t!

Why would I want to leave my house, fight traffic, waste gas driving from store to store to compare prices, wait in long lines at cash registers and then have to lug everything home when I can choose from more than 50 million items on Amazon while sitting on my couch. In my pajamas. No brainer.

Wondering if you qualify for the Amazon Prime discount membership? You can check on that or sign up for a free 30-day trial here: amazon.com/qualify

Honestly, the money (and time) savings you receive with the unlimited fast, free shipping alone makes the discount price worth it. But since membership includes Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading and Prime Photos too, the deal is phenomenal.

Let’s talk about those extra benefits with Amazon Prime:

Prime Video: Unlimited access to tens of thousands of movies and TV shows
Prime Music: More than two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations
Prime Photos: Unlimited photo storage to preserve family memories
Prime Reading: A rotating selection of free e-books and magazines
Audible Channels for Prime: Premium original podcasts, audio series and audiobooks exclusively from Audible
Kindle First: A free pre-release e-book each month
Twitch Prime: In-game loot on Twitch and 20 percent off pre-release digital games
Early Access: Exclusive early access to select Lightning Deals
Savings: Discounts on select products including 20 percent off diaper subscriptions
Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery: One million products, order by noon and get them today in eligible zip codes
Prime Now: Free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items in eligible zip codes

Customers can qualify for the discounted Amazon Prime membership every 12 months up to 4 times. Amazon will be also be adding other ways to qualify in the future for government assistance customers not utilizing EBT cards, so keep an eye out for that too.

Read the full press release here and learn more about Amazon Prime or sign up for a 30-day free trial.

Eat Smart – Clean Eating Made Easy

June 14, 2017 By Liz 44 Comments

This post was sponsored by Eat Smart as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Clean eating is tough when I’m traveling since I can’t see the labels of what I’m being served in restaurants. I’m always relieved when I get back home and can more easily manage my health and wellness goals by eating and serving my family products with clean ingredients. I can practically hear my body whispering “thank you”.

In truth, clean eating is fairly new to me since my mom cooked the bulk of her meals using processed foods, and I started my adult life doing the exact same thing. I simply did what I knew. I’m so glad my kids learned about how to eat clean in school because I truly believe it was through them that I learned there was a better, more nutritious way to eat.

What is clean eating?

It’s about making sure the bulk of your diet includes foods as close to their natural state as possible – unprocessed and minimally processed food like fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy proteins, and fats. When you eat clean, you’ll cut back on refined grains and things with additives, preservatives, pesticides, unhealthy fats and exorbitant amounts of sugar and salt.

Clean eating shopping tips

Shop the perimeter of the store. That’s where the bulk of unprocessed and minimally processed foods can be found.

Plan your meals around fresh produce.

Read labels on everything! When you’re shopping and you see a label with ingredients you can’t pronounce, put it back on the shelf and walk away. Look for “Clean” labels.

Fortunately, there are great products on the market that make it easy to eat clean, like those from Eat Smart, a company committed to clean ingredients and labeling. In fact, Eat Smart was the first brand in its category to make that commitment.

Almost 90% of Eat Smart products already wear the clean label, including the cut veggies, salad blends, Vegetable Salad Kits and the recently launched Salad Shake Ups, and the remainder of products will be labeled with easy-to-understand clean labels by the end of 2018. Everything will be free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, hydrogenated fats as well as artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners – something consumers can feel really good about.

The nutrient-dense gourmet salad kits are available in Sweet Kale, Strawberry Harvest and Sunflower Kale and include a packet of dressing. For a protein boost, I sometimes like to add some grilled chicken on top.

The newest additions to the Eat Smart family of products are the Salad Shake Ups, which come in deep bowls along with mix-in toppings, dressing, and a fork. Add everything into the container, put the locking lid on and shake it up to mix. It’s a brilliant way to eat clean, and I feel great about what I’m feeding my body.

Salad Shake Ups are available in three flavors:

Avocado Ranch, a crunchy blend of cabbages and vegetables, crispy toppings, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing
Tropical Lime, vegetables and dried fruits blended with a creamy coconut lime chili dressing
Raspberry Acai, vegetables and dried fruits with a variety of seeds (hemp, flax, and chia) and a tangy raspberry acai dressing

Tropical Lime

Avocado Ranch

The Eat Smart clean label salad kits offer a healthy option for consumers looking to achieve and maintain their personal health and wellness goals. Visit the Eat Smart website for more information and to sign up for the monthly e-newsletter. Look for the “Receive Exclusive Offer” box in the lower right corner of the homepage.

Do you strive for clean eating? What are your favorite “eat clean” foods? Have you tried the Eat Smart clean label salad kits yet?

Summer Comedy Must-See – The House Movie in Theaters 6/30 + $50 GC Giveaway

June 13, 2017 By Liz 176 Comments

This post about The House movie is in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures.

Know any overboard parents? I can’t even say the words “overboard parents” without rolling my eyes, but when I watched the trailer for The House movie (in theaters June 30), I had all these omg flashbacks and realized I was an overboard parent too!

Watch this trailer for The House movie and see if you can find a little bit of yourself in there too… watered down of course. (The conversation about $401,000 made me burst out laughing!)

So the gist of the movie is that after Scott and Kate Johansen (Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler) lose their daughter Alex’s college fund, they become desperate to earn it back so she can pursue her dream of attending a university. With the help of their neighbor Frank (Jason Mantzoukas), they decide to start an illegal casino in his house.

While I never dabbled in illegal activity, I was in the same boat as The House parents with trying to raise funds, but my overboard parenting days were centered around Chanelle’s high school activities, rather than college. She was involved in everything under the sun: captain of the pom squad, marching band, student council, jazz band, National Honor Society, Key Club, musicals, float building, and more.

She managed to do it all while maintaining excellent grades, so when things would come up where she needed money… how could we say no?

We had no extra money in the family budget, but I was pretty much willing to do anything to help her. I returned everything we’d bought at stores and didn’t need, had monthly garage sales, collected cans and bottles for the deposit money, got the star high school quarterback to sign plastic footballs so we could sell them at the football games to fans, sold chocolate, gift wrap, cookies, cheese, candies and my soul. Well, maybe not my soul… but I kept that option in my back pocket.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to go to the extremes they went to in The House. I guess that’s what makes the movie so funny, and I can’t think of two actors more suited to take on the ridiculousness of the overboard parents in this movie. It’s definitely a summer comedy must-see!

Look for The House movie in theaters June 30th.

The comedy “The House” also stars Nick Kroll (“Vacation,” TV’s “Kroll Show”), Allison Tolman (TV’s “Fargo”), Michaela Watkins (TV’s “Transparent”), Ryan Simpkins (“Arcadia”), Jessie Ennis (TV’s “Veep” and “Better Call Saul”), Rob Huebel (“Horrible Bosses 2,” TV’s “Transparent”), Cedric Yarbrough (TV’s “Reno 911!”) and Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner (“The Town,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Arrival”). Rated R.

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #TheHouseMovie

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a $50 Visa gift card to have a ‘wild Parents night out at the movies’ with THE HOUSE.

Prizing provided by Warner Bros. Pictures. Opinions are my own.

RULES: Giveaway ends 11:59 pm ET, July 2, 2017. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States. Void where prohibited by law. One lucky winner will be chosen using random.org. One entry per household and IP address. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Cheating will not be tolerated, and entries will be verified for accuracy. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to respond to the notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Entering this giveaway means you are in agreement with this blog’s Privacy/Rules/Terms of Use policy.

About Liz

Oreo Brownie Pizza

Raspberry Pretzel Crunch

Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

NASCAR Race Charlotte Motor Speedway Tips

Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Roast

Uses for Johnson’s Wipes

Tater Tot Pimiento Cheese Casserole

What is clean eating?

Clean eating shopping tips

Buy Chanelle’s eBook!