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Tater Taco casserole

I LOVE casseroles don’t you!!! I love them because they are typically very yummy and easy which is great for busy weeknights!!!

Here is the recipe if you like

Tater Taco casserole
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Tater Taco casserole

Recipe by The Closet CookCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ground beef

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 1 can of green chilies

  • 1 onion diced

  • 2 cloves of garlic minced

  • 1 can of black beans rinsed and drained

  • 1 can of red enchilada sauce

  • 1 bag of tater tots or tater crowns

  • 1 cup of cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup of queso cheese

Directions

  • In a medium/large skillet brown the ground beef(cook through)
  • add salt, cayenne, chili powder, and taco seasoning
  • add onions and minced garlic and simmer until onions are tender
  • add can of rinsed and drained black beans stir
  • add green chilies
  • in a 9X13 greased pan pour mixture in making sure it is even
  • pour can of enchilada sauce over top of taco mixture evenly
  • cover with cheese placing the queso down the center and sides with cheddar everywhere else
  • cover the top with tater tots or crowns(whichever is your favorite)
  • Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven 30 minutes
  • turn the oven to broil watching closely broil 5-10 minutes(unitl it gets golden brown)
  • remove and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes
  • serve with salsa, sour cream, chips and enjoy

Notes

  • when covering the top with the tater tots or crowns you can arrange them in a single layer or dump them on top… I prefer to arrange in a single layer myself
  • Serve with tortilla chips for an added crunch, loved it with tortilla chips snd salsa!!!

Give this recipe a try?

I would love to hear how you like it… tell us below

Xoxo

Danielle

History of Costume Jewelry

You probably did not know but I have a minor in history I LOVE it so much I took so many history classes in college I ended up with a minor in history…. pretty cool huh?

Anyway I was wondering where costume jewelry really came from and so I began researching it and found some pretty neat facts I am going to share with you here…

Costume jewelry was designed as a cheaper alternative to fine jewelry

In 1892 Austrian Jeweler Daniel Swarovski developed his own rhinestones to make jewelry with these stones dazzled and looked great, offering women all over a more affordable option to the “real” gemstones like rubies, emeralds, Diamonds and sapphires… Swarovski crystals are still very popular today!!!

During the Roaring 20s with the emergence of Art Deco comes Coco Channel with a great design for costume jewelry. Up to this point women who wore costume jewelry were looked down upon because they could not afford the “real deal”

Coco loved to make statements with her jewelry and therefore had a line of big bold statement costume pieces!

Fine jewelry have their place, but I for one am so thankful for costume jewelry I mean can you imagine our options if we only had fine jewelry to choose from? Our outfits would not be as fun for sure.

Jewelry is like the sprinkles on the cupcake!!! Or the frosting… which takes me back to that movie “How to loose a guy in 10 days” FROST yourself!!!! 🙂

The flapper dancers of the 20s were among the first group to perfect the arm stack, they loved stacking bangles on their wrists and wearing the flashiest of jewelry options!

Today we also refer to costume jewelry as fashion jewelry and I LOVE it!!!! you can dress up a graphic tee or a ball gown and everything in between with fashion jewelry

Come on over to my website to discover all the GREAT fashion jewelry pieces we offer at Park Lane

XoXo

Danielle

When we take things for granted

When we take things for granted…. remembering how blessed we are!!!

So you walk into a dark room and reach for the light switch and flip it… what happens?

Typically when you flip a light switch the lights come on and illuminate the room you are in.

What happens when that doesn’t happen? You realize how much you need and use electricity, you become more and more frustrated with each minute,hour, days without power.

Add below freezing frigid Temps and you start to feel desperate

The BEST investment I have ever made is a full house backup generator

Generac generator powered by propane

Literally the power has to be off for 5 seconds and it automatically powers up and turns our home power back on

We have heat in the winter, air in the summer, we have lights, we are able to cook, run the vacuum, wash clothes, take showers, be on our computer for work and play and watch TV, we have phones.

So Thursday night we got hit with an ice storm that knocked trees down, power lines down. At 3:30 AM I was woke up by a falling tree and then our power clicked off then as I layer in bed I awaited the generator, praise the Lord it powered up and started running our power.

There are thousands without power and without generators with frigid Temps I pray they are able to stay safe and warm.

Watching the weather we have 2 more winter storms coming our way next week, oh my…

my own family doesn’t have generators like we do and I just would encourage anyone living in a rural setting to invest in a generator…. no these are not cheap it will be an investment but one that is worth it for sure.

We have had our generator for over 8 years and definitely a purchase I don’t regret at all

I love our generator and the little green submarine thar sits just behind our driveway

I hope everyone stays safe and warm during these crazy winter snow and ice storms

Xoxo

Danielle

For anyone wondering we got our generac at Lowes they sent a qualified electrician generator specialist out to install the generator and then we got with a local propane distributor to deliver and supply our propane!

Quick and easy Buffalo Chicken wraps

One of my absolute favourite meals to get at a restaurant … Is a Buffalo chicken wrap !

I order it both with fried chicken and grilled chicken, we have a local restaraunt Fat Patty’s and I LOVE the Buffalo chicken wraps the best!!!!

For Christmas we got an air fryer but not just any air fryer we got the ninja Foodie grill with air fryer !!!

I have had so much fun experimenting and making new meals, restaraunt quality meals right here at home!

So I was thinking what about my favorite Buffalo chicken wrap… I have been craving from a local eatery that we have not been to since before the pandemic and I miss it…

I looked in my freezer and found Tyson chicken fries although any frozen chicken would work just fine

I had tortillas in the pantry and homemade Buffalo sauce and cheese in the fridge so here we go

Put a generous amount of Buffalo sauce all over tortilla

Top that with a heaping handful of cheddar cheese(or your favorite cheese)

place chicken in your air fryer and cook according to package directions I cooked 4 chicken fries at 400⁰ for 8 minutes

Cut the chicken up into small bite size pieces and cover the cheese

Roll up burrito style tucking the ends

Place wraps seam side down in air fryer

Air fryer at 400⁰ for 3 minutes

Look at that nice and golden brown

Cheese is melted and gooey sauce is warm and chicken and tortilla are crispy mmmmmm slice your wrap in half and enjoy with your favorite ranch dressing

If you try this easy and super yummy chicken wrap let me know below

You could of course try different flavors too if Buffalo isn’t your thing!!!

Xoxo

Danielle

High end fashion for less money

Go ahead and get those designer looks for a lot less with Park Lane!!!!

Than you would think…

Who wouldn’t love to shop at the high end fashion stores? I mean yes sign me up!!!

I do not have the wallet for that kind of taste, funny I have always had expensive tastes (champagne taste on a beer budget) 🙂

I have always loved name brands and the more expensive it is the more attracted to it I seem to be whether it be a tee shirt a handbag or a piece of jewelry!

When I joined Park Lane I had no idea of how much fun I would have but also how fancy I would feel every single day, Park Lane truly gives women of every age, every style preference and definitely every budget the ability to dress up and wear the highest quality fashion jewelry in the industry!

I have never been a knock-off fan, I mean if you cant have the real thing then dont bother…. absolutely no offense if you like knock offs.

I heard a stylist say oh my goodness look at this piece of jewelry a knock off of_________. This did not set well with me because I am not a knock off fan.

Then I heard another stylist say look at this__________ a designer inspired piece!!!! YES this right here is exactly what Park Lane has… Designer inspired not knock offs

A knock off wants others to think it is the real thing the designer name brand while a designer inspired piece is not trying to be something that it is not, it is just inspired by the “real” designer piece.

I wanted to share some GREAT designer inspired pieces we have in our line!!!! High fashion at a fraction of the price!

These are just some of my favorites we have a lot more

Tiffany & Co inspired pieces

Who doesn’t love that little blue box? You may love the blue box but the price is not right for you… it is fun to dream though right?

Well no more dreaming you can have these amazing pieces in your jewelry wardrobe for way less, Park Lane comes to the rescue with their cute white boxes!!!

The next designer I want to compare is Cartier, now even if you have some Tiffany pieces (lucky girl) you may be less likely going to have a piece from Cartier but you can have the next best thing with Park Lane’s exquisite pieces

The next designer is Dior, we all love Dior right but probably more than likely we don’t like the price well check out these Park Lane pieces inspired by Dior for a GREAT price

We have so many more pieces!!!! Check them out here

Many times I actually like our version better, what do you think?

So go ahead splurge by yourself some new sparkles and save some money while doing it!!!

Xoxo

Danielle

Park Lane Price list

  • Idol necklace- $126
  • Crepe earrings- $22
  • Happy Necklace- $52
  • Sparkling earrings- $68
  • Chico earrings- $26
  • Cherish bracelet- $28
  • Tallon Bracelet- $72
  • Promise ring- $80
  • Peyton earrings- $80
  • Sparkling earrings- 68
  • Crest Ring- $44
  • Unite Ring- $38
  • Dovey- $30
  • Solei- $48

Again if you are ready to shop go here

you can also email me at rr.daniellec@gmail.com for a custom look curated just for you

or

comment below

Cheesy Broccoli cheddar and rice soup

Easy make at home soup

Who loves to go to Panera bread for their broccoli cheddar soup?

I sure do but just wait till you see how easy this soup is and oh man the cheesy thick consistency with yummy broccoli and rice oh man what a perfect partnership.

So the next time you are craving that comforting broccoli cheese soup from your favorite Panera bread, grab the ingredients and make it yourself for a nice comfort filled evening at home with those you love most!

Cheesy Broccoli cheddar and rice soup
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Cheesy Broccoli cheddar and rice soup

Recipe by The Closet CookCourse: MainCuisine: soupDifficulty: easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes

Comfort in a bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of broccoli crowns

  • 1 medium onion diced

  • 2 celery stalks diced

  • 1 carrot shredded

  • 1 stick of butter

  • 1 cup minute rice

  • 1 can cream of celery soup

  • 1 can cheddar cheese soup

  • 1 can of evaporated milk

  • 2 cup can chicken broth

  • 4 cup box chicken broth

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder

  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • In a soup pot melt 1 stick butter and saute onions, celery and carrots until tender
  • Add cream of celery soup and 5 cups of chicken broth
  • Add cut up broccoli crowns and bring to a boil, cook 15 minutes or until broccoli is tender
  • Take 1 cup of rice and add 1 cup of chicken broth cook and add to soup
  • Add cheddar soup and stir until completely melted and incorporated
  • Turn heat off
  • Add can of evaporated milk and stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • Enjoy with crackers, toasted baguette or the soup is awesome solo

Spring/ Summer 2021 Jewelry Trends

Spring 2021 trends you will see in Jewelry

I am so excited I can hardly stand it, SPARKLE convention is this Wednesday, like literally 5 more days!!!

To get ready, I decided to do some fashion research, fun research!!!

What could possibly be in style for 2021?

I have said for weeks I have a strong feeling that silver is back for an on trend metal color, I mean for what seems forever the go to metal color has been gold and I just felt like maybe it is time for Silver to have a turn again

I feel like it is time to sparkle so I think that sparkly pieces will be in

I also feel like maybe tropical or resort wear would be back as well

Other than just my feeling I am not sure but I hope pearls stay (hey who am I kidding…Pearls are always appropriate, right?

So I began my fashion research project at Harper’s Bazaar and found these are the top trends for jewelry in 2021

  • Multi-functional jewelry- so we have seen this for some time, necklaces that double as a bag to carry your lipstick, credit card, keys just your necessities
  • Hammered metals- adds dimension and details that are gorgeous in earrings, necklaces and bracelets maybe even rings
  • Chains- big chains, little chains, chains are in again… last season we saw chains everywhere from handbags to jewelry chains were in and thankfully they are staying in for this season
  • Resort wear- maybe because vacations got postponed, rescheduled or even cancelled during our pandemic but resort style jewelry is in this season and I cannot wait
  • Make a Statement- Statement pieces are back in for Spring, the bigger the better!
  • Silver- Gold has had its place for a while now but Silver is taking center stage for Spring, I cannot wait
  • Mixed Metals- a mix of Gold and Silver is in for Spring

With Park Lane’s Launch of Spring 2021 this Wednesday I am not sure what trends we are going with but I cannot wait to see!!!!

Here is what I hope we see

  • Silver and lots of it, I absolutely love silver and a lot of my customers love silver
  • Resort wear, I think these pieces are fun
  • chains- we already have several chain pieces I hope we continue this trend with some new chains
  • mixed metals- gotta love mixed metals
  • statement pieces
  • I want to see more pieces with Stars, hearts, bees, butterflies
  • Anything that sparkles will be good for me!!!

What are some trends you are hoping to see?

Until Wednesday here are a few sneak peeks for you from the new line

Xoxo

Danielle

References: Harpers Bazaar

Cheeseburger Soup

Do you love cheeseburgers? Of course you do😂

Do you love soup? Gotta love tge comfort of warm yummy soup on a cold winter day!!!

Well here is another recipe Mashup a cheeseburger in soup form!

Cheeseburger Soup
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Cheeseburger Soup

Recipe by The Closet CookCourse: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6-8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ground beef

  • 1 medium onion diced

  • 3 celery stalks diced

  • 2 small carrots shredded

  • 12 oz Velveeta cheese sauce

  • 29 oz tomato sauce

  • 3 cups beef broth

  • 2 tbsp worshteshire sauce

  • seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 tsp hamburger seasonings

  • 1 packet of onion soup mix

  • soup thickener

  • 1/4 cup pickle juice(dill pickle)

  • 2 tbsp corstarch

Directions

  • In a large soup pot brown meat with salt, hamburger seasoning
  • Add onions, celery, carrots and simmer
  • Add the onion soupmpacket, and worshteshire sauce
  • Simmer 5 minutes stir so not to scorch
  • Add tomato sauce, beef broth and simmer to low boil 15 minutes
  • Add 12 oz of Velveeta cheese sauce stir in and simmer 5 minutes
  • Add soup thickener see below
  • Stir and simmer 15 minutes
  • Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and fries
  • soup thickener
  • In a bowl add 1/4 cup of pickle juice and stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch stir any lumps out until smooth

I hope you enjoy this cheeseburger soup

Let us know if you try it how did you like it!!!

Xoxo

Danielle

Fashion Friday

I am so excited to begin this blog series

All about Fashion on Fridays!!!

I will be featuring items from Walmart, TjMaxx, Marshall’s Macys Backstage pass

I Love fashion but I also believe that we don’t have to sacrifice fashion for our budgets.

I will be sharing how you too can be on trend, fashionista while sticking to a tight budget!

I remember a time when wearing outfits from Walmart got you made fun of(thanks a lot jr. High and high school)

Walmart fashion used to be pretty plain Jane but still the fact that wearing outfits from there should not get you made fun of… so sad.

Walmart has made a complete 180 and is now offering high end fashion at Walmart prices and I am here for it!!!

Check out this sweet outfit I put together

Top is from arie and probably the most expensive piece… ummm no wait my jewelry is more expensive!

The super cute pants are from Walmart Time and True brand stretchy with a side zipper make these dressy pants super comfy

Shoes are Unionbay and come from Macys Backstage pass

Jewelry is from Park Lane

Necklaces: Raja a sweet necklace with an elephant and Roman that chunky chain trend in deep blue

Earrings: sparkling studs

Bracelets: Denali set

Be sure to come to my Park Lane site and see the gorgeous jewelry here

xoxo

Danielle

Italian Stuffed Pepper Soup

Italian Stuffed Pepper Soup… all the taste of your favorite Italian Stuffed Peppers in soup form!!!

Oh my goodness do you like stuffed peppers? You are going to live this recipe!!!

In 2020 I shared 2 recipes every week!!!! Wow what an accomplishment 👏

In 2021 I want to slow down a bit and only share 1 recipe per week some weeks I will have a bonus recipe(maybe more)

I hope you have enjoyed the recipes so far and hope you will continue to follow this year for some more yummy recipes that are easy to fix right at home any night of the week!

I absolutely love green bell peppers and the idea of stuffing them with ground beef, rice, tomato sauce is just perfect but what about winter and you feel like soup instead? No problem I’ve got you covered with my Italian stuffed pepper soup recipe that is sure to be a hit with the whole family!!!

Italian Stuffed Pepper Soup
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Italian Stuffed Pepper Soup

Recipe by The Closet CookCourse: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

all the deliciousness of a stuffed pepper in soup form! Perfect for those chilly winter nights!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups rice(minute rice)

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 6 cups beef broth

  • 1 small can tomato sauce

  • 3 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 medium onion diced

  • 2 bell peppers(1 green and 1 yellow)

  • 1 clove garlic minced

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • 2 tsp basil

  • 1 tbsp parsley

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • mozzarella cheese for garnish

  • 1 green onion sliced for garnish

Directions

  • In a large pan place 2 tbsp olive oil and saute onions and peppers until tender, remove from pan
  • In the same pan brown ground beef until fully cooked and brown through
  • Add Worcestershire sauce add onions and peppers and simmer
  • Add tomato sauce, tomato paste and beef broth bring to a boil
  • Add rice turn heat down to low stir, put lid on and allow to simmer for 10 minutes
  • Take lid off and stir soup allow to simmer with lid off 10 minutes
  • Put garlic bread in oven to brown
  • Laddle soup into bowls top with a pinch or two of cheese and green onions
  • Allows our to sit in serving bowl for 5 minutes as tge soup is extremely hot also gives the bread a chance to finish toasting
  • Enjoy!!!

I hope you enjoy this soup recipe and please let us know if you tried it… what did you think?

Xoxo

Danielle