Tasty Tuesday: Undone Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Thank you Lori Sharkey, an Executive Manager with Pink Zebra, for today’s recipe from the Kraft Kitchens.  Lori’s family loved this dinner option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes     Total Time: 40 minutes   Servings: 7 at 1 cup each

You layer the ingredients of this Undone Stuffed Pepper Casserole to save time and deliver big flavor. Enjoy this stuffed pepper casserole as a weeknight entrée!

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
2 green peppers, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1 jar (24 oz.) OLIVO by CLASSICO Traditional Pasta Sauce
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Italian* Five Cheese, divided

Directions: 

1. Heat oven to 350ºF.
2. Brown meat with peppers and garlic in large skillet; drain. Return meat mixture to skillet; stir in rice, pasta sauce and 3/4 cup cheese.
3. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake 25 min. or until heated through.

So, let me tell you a little bit about the AMAZING Lori and Pink Zebra. I connected with Lori many years ago and we have been “unofficial” accountability partners over the last few years.  Getting together with Lori sparks ideas and gets my creative juices flowing.

Pink Zebra is an amazing company offering a fun twist on home fragrance and décor. She’s been a part of the company since 2013, and can go on for pages about each of our products!  Our flagship product, Sprinkles, are scented soy pieces you can use in our fun, decorative warmers. But, the best part, or most innovative fact about our Sprinkles is they can be mixed and matched to create a completely custom fragrance unique to you and your space. That’s kind of what we’re about: making things, “uniquely yours.”  Her favorite part of what she does is watching people take a whiff of any of our 55+ fragrances and recreating a fond memory. Science has shown us scents can bring us back to a place we loved as a child, influence our mood, and even help us focus and work performance so she’d love a chance to help you find the perfect fragrance for you!

And what’s the best way to take this yummy dish to a family gathering or a tailgate party?

That’s right!  Thirty One’s Perfect Party Set…The Perfect Party Set expands to hold two 9” x 13” casserole pans inside 2 interior water-resistant thermal compartments. Handle grips make it easy to carry, while the exterior zipper pocket can keep additional items like utensils, baking instructions and additional ingredients secure during transport. It’s the most convenient way to take your favorite casseroles, desserts, appetizers and more to your next family picnic, neighborhood cookout, celebration or camping trip!  Monogramming and personalization options available.  Approx. 4”H unexpanded, 7”H expanded x 16.25”L x 10.25”D

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Saturday Spotlight: Pink Zebra

Happy Saturday!!!  I used to be a candle burner but I never felt like I could smell the candles throughout the house or even in the “open” living room area.  I got an electric warmer and have tried endless ways to increase the clean fresh smell in the same space.  I stumbled across Pink Zebra (lovingly called PZ) and fell in love.  I was able to create my own scent combinations for each room.  My warmer in the bedroom focuses on relaxation.  The warmer in the living room is more a clean fresh scent.  Then you go down to the “office area” and you will find a clean scent with the help of the naked reeds and some soaks.

Lori and I connected from the start.  It could be the fact she used to be a “crazy bag lady” but then found her passion with PZ.  Here is her story…

My name is Lori Sharkey, Independent Consultant/Executive Manager with Pink Zebra. Pink Zebra is an amazing company offering a fun twist on home fragrance and décor. I’ve been a part of the company since 2013, and can go on for pages about each of our products!

Our flagship product, Sprinkles, are scented soy pieces you can use in our fun, decorative warmers. But, the best part, or most innovative fact about our Sprinkles is they can be mixed and matched to create a completely custom fragrance unique to you and your space. That’s kind of what we’re about: making things, “uniquely yours.”

Sprinkles can be used in our line of Simmer Pots, my personal FAVORITE, and in our Simmering Lights! Again, helping you create something custom and unique to you, Simmering Lights allow you to add a decorative Shade. There’s something beautiful for everyone to enjoy in your home spaces!

In addition to Sprinkles, we have a line of Soaks! Soaks are scented liquids you can use on any of our products from Naked Reeds to our own line of “soakable,” jewelry! It is so much fun! Soaks also allow you to take your fragrance “on-the-go,” with Go-Cards or Clip-It’s to use in your car along with Hang-It’s and Woolies for spaces like your work desk or other small spaces. There truly are so many options!

My favorite part of what I do is watching people take a whiff of any of our 55+ fragrances and recreating a fond memory. Science has shown us scents can bring us back to a place we loved as a child, influence our mood, and even help us focus and work performance so I’d love a chance to help you find the perfect fragrance for you!

Be sure to check Lori out on Facebook at PZ with Lori or on her PZ website to see all of the amazing products.  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Saturday Spotlight: Tastefully Simple

Today’s spotlight is on a company whose products I use ALOT!  Tastefully Simple offers amazing products and meal / entertaining solutions which are simple and delicious. Matter of fact most products require 2 ingredients or less to make them. They also have a huge variety of TS Eatwell products containing nothing artificial. Say hello to Lisa!

My name is Lisa Maglione and I am a Team leader with Tastefully Simple. Over the past 2 years, Tastefully Simple has provided me with many amazing opportunities.  I am a Law Enforcement Wife and have two beautiful children Anthony 4 and Brianna 2. My son has Autism and Tastefully Simple has made it possible to pay for many of the expenses we have. I am am so grateful I can work around my husband and children’s crazy schedules. Lastly, I am beyond grateful for the friendships and relationships I have with my fellow team members and customers. I love helping them make their dreams a reality and filling all of my customers needs and wants through our products.

Here are some personal favorites:

Seasoned Salt– my favorite way to eat cucumbers. I mean let’s be honest, cucumbers don’t have much taste. The seasoned salt gives them a little ZIP with just a taste of salt. I hear it is AWESOME on popcorn too but I haven’t tried it yet. I should say, I tried to sprinkle it on but since I use “no butter” microwave popcorn, there is no way for it to stick. I am think I might try microwaving my own popcorn and sprinkle some on BEFORE it pops. Could be interesting.

Onion Onion is the BEST way to add the onion flavor to a recipe WITHOUT the mess of chopping and crying. I use it is my meatloaf ALL of the time. I use it in chili and in my tuna salad. Who would love added onions to recipes without all of the chopping and burning in eyes.

Fiesta Party Seasoning is my quick solution to a lack of salsa in the house because I always seem to have diced tomatoes around. So instead of mixing the fiesta party dip with mayo and sour cream, I use a little in the diced tomatoes for salsa in a minute. I tend to make it too spicy for hubby but I love it! I can also use it as salad dressing to change it up a little bit. Of course the Simply Salsa makes a better salsa.

Corn & Black Bean Salsa is my all time favorite. I could sit and eat the whole jar with some chips or on a salad. I have even mixed some with quinoa and added some veggies for a light dinner.

 I was introduced to Magic Chicken which is AMAZING!  Here is the recipe:

ingredients
4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs or any combination of the two
2 cups water or chicken broth
4 tablespoons Onion Onion™ Seasoning
2 teaspoons Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning
1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt (optional)

directions

• Place the chicken in your slow cooker; add remaining ingredients.
• Cook on LOW 5-7 hours, until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read food thermometer and shreds easily.
• Shred the chicken. Package in 1 quart freezer bags, about 2 cups of chicken per pack.
• Makes about 8 cups.

Serving Suggestion: Use prepared chicken for casseroles, stir in any of our sauces for a pulled-chicken sandwich, top salads, add taco seasoning for chicken tacos, the ideas are endless.

I made this with just one pound of chicken breasts and wish I had of made a larger amount.  The chicken was tender – melt in your mouth.  I froze what was left with some barbecue sauce for hubby to have for dinner.  Quick and easy with some quinoa and fresh string beans.

Lisa can help you with all of your Tastefully Simple needs.  Want to try some yummy products and have a fun night out?  Join us for Christmas in July BINGO on July 13th

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Saturday Spotlight: Younique

Today’s Spotlight is on Rose Castro from Younique.  I met Rose several years ago and we hit it off from the start.  I will be honest, I am not a fan of their famous 3D mascara but I’m not a fan of any mascara BUT I do love the other products I have used.  My favorite is the Beachfront Bronzer.

Here is what Rose has to say about her journey with Younique:

What started out as a love for makeup turned into so much more after I joined Younique in November 2013. The 3D mascara got me hooked. I love our makeup and as we grow the products keep getting better and better. But it’s not just about the makeup and mascara. The friendships and customer relationships I’ve built are important to me. My earned trip to the Elite status retreat in Utah was life changing. Getting to meet Melanie and Derek (the owners) and having dinner at Derek’s house with his wife and children….just like family. I learned so much about the company and what it stands for in that weekend.

Younique’s was started in 2012 by a brother and sister team with their mission of Uplifting, Empowering & Validating women. Younique has a foundation that helps sexually abused women. Every Younique order placed has the option of donating to the foundation by rounding up your order to the $.

What I love about Younique?? It’s not just quality cosmetics….it’s a family.

Be sure to “like” Rose’s Business Page and check out her website for more awesome products.

Once you have shopped with Rose, you will need a place to store all of your new products so you have easy access…. Why not try Thirty One’s Glamour Case? Organize cosmetics and toiletries in style with our amazing Glamour Case. It has roomy compartments to fit everything from lip gloss or a compact to full-size bottles. 4″ H x 9″ L x 5 1/4″ D

You can check out all of her AWESOME products at our upcoming BINGO event:

What is your favorite Younique products?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Sizzle not Fizzle

Here we are at the last day of June and rolling into another “J” month.  For some in direct sales, they dread these two months.  WHY?  The summer is here, people are headed to the beach, lake or pool to have fun with little thought of hosting a party.  For those of us who rely on our business to pay our bills, it means getting creative.

I honestly used to hate “J” months but it is definitely a mindset.  Yes, what you speak into the Universe will happen.  I used to say “no one wants to party” or “sales are awful in the J months”.  The result, horrible sales with few parties in January, June and July.  Truth be told, I headed into June this year with NOTHING on my calendar.  I am ending the month with over $2,000 in sales. Why?  Because I changed my mindset and got creative.

Your direct sales party plan business doesn’t have to stop when the summer heats up.  You actually can make money and have fun during the summer months.

Here are some tools from Misty Kearns, CEOofMe.com you should pack in your business beach bag so you can have a sizzling hot successful summer.

Swim Suit = Parties! Parties are the core of our business so be sure you always have parties booked. Cancellati­ons and reschedule­s are higher in the summertime so be sure to over book. Offering fun, summer time themed parties will help you book more parties and have higher attendance at your parties too. A few of my host & customer’s favorite party themes include Luau, Garden Party, Party at the Park, Pool Party & Ice Cream Party. You can do these as home and online parties and even have fun with themed catalog parties too.

Sunscreen = Don’t let yourself get burned out in your business! You should apply training often. Attend your team and company’s regular training events. Stay connected with your fellow team members for accountabi­lity, motivation and support.

Sunglasse­s = Have your Business Glasses on & look for new business everywhere­! Always be on the lookout for new people, places and opportunit­ies to share your business this summer. Take your business with you as you are out and about, doing summer activities and traveling.

Water Bottle = Stay hydrated & motivated. It’s important to keep yourself hydrated physically and mentally. Make personal developmen­t a daily habit. Surround yourself with positive influences and other motivated business owners. Read some new books this summer, catch up on training series you signed up for but didn’t finish or complete some business projects you have been putting off. Take care of your health too so you are able to work to the best of your ability.

Shovel = Determinat­ion! Be prepared to dig deep & work hard this summer to reach your goals. Don’t let yourself get lazy. Stick to a (flexible) schedule and be sure to do all the weekly activities you should be doing in your business.

Beach Ball = Build a Team & Bounce Up to Leadership­! It’s not really much fun to play on the beach by yourself. You need a team to play with. Focus on recruiting­, finding new team members and helping them get off to a strong start this summer. You’ll enjoy an increased income, leadership promotions and most of all be able to help others reach their goals.

Bucket = Something to carry all the money you will be making! That’s right, if you work your business consistent­ly and apply these ideas you will be carrying home a big bucket full of money instead of just sand at the end of the summer. Buy yourself a beach bucket from the dollar store and write your goals for the summer on it. Put your beach bucket on your desk for daily motivation­.

Flip Flops = To remind you to keep on moving. Remember NO means “next opportunit­y” and gets you one step closer to the next YES! Keep on sharing your business & moving forward no matter what!

I am teaming up with three other friends in direct sales for a BINGO night.  A chance to book some parties, get some sales and expand our customer base.  

What are you doing to make your summer sizzle?  Share your best tips with us..

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!