Taco Lasagna Anyone?

I am always looking for tasty, easy-to-make, inexpensive dinners.  This one was inspired by a "packaged" meal and is far more nutritious.  It is my Taco Lasagna!  First step is to brown a pound and a half of ground beef, drain the grease,  and then add two Old el Paso  Taco seasoning packets.  Simmer and then if you have them, sprinkle in some Tastefully Simple Southwest Seasoning, and Fiesta Party Dip Mix seasoning.  It takes Old El Paso to a new level of taste!  Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with Pam.  (My pretty "pan" is from QVC - Temptations bakeware - Love it!)  On the bottom of the pan place two tortillas.  I used a whole grain low carb tortilla, but you can use any kind.

Spread 1/3 of the ground beef mixture on top of the tortilla and sprinkle with your favorite shredded cheese.
Repeat with a layer of tortillas, ground beef and cheese two more times for a total of three layers.  How easy is that?  Bake about 20 minutes in 350 degree oven and Voila!
This dish will serve six to eight people.  I added a salad and it made a perfect meal!  I think that the next time I will sprinkle some crushed taco chips on top during the last few minutes of baking for some extra zing.

Checkmate!

While Jen and Annisa are out in Minneapolis at the Tastefully Simple National Convention where they have been sampling the new fall line and listening to awesome speakers, I have spent time with the grandkids!  It's such a tough job, but someone's got to do it!  Sasha, Clara, and Dixon spent the night Tuesday and we baked giant red velvet cupcakes, which the girls decorated beautifully! They also had fun surrounding Emme with some of their favorite stuffed animals. 

Then Wednesday evening I headed out to stay with Aidan, Ryan, and Kari!  Aidan and Ryan attended Kid's College to study backgammon and chess. 

What concentration!

On Friday they had an award's ceremony and the kids received medals for great sportsmanship and progress. Aidan almost won a third place trophy for backgammon.

Ryan was such a good sport!

Aidan was praised for coming so close to achieving third place!

Kari and I went shopping and even spent a little time at the pool.  I had such a good time with the kids playing some rigorous games of Monopoly.  Aidan trounced me both times and Ryan put up a good fight all the way to the finish.  I went bankrupt first every time and it wasn't because I didn't try. I had a blast  guys!  Miss you!

Can't wait to hear about all of the new Tastefully Simple products that Jen and Annisa have been sampling!  I am hoping that the GreenTea Peppercorn seasoning is returning to the new fall line.  It is one of my all time favorites.  Don't forget that next week is your chance to stock up on summer favorites before they leave the line!  Scroll down to my last blog for ordering details so that the proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation!

Resolution Update and Cute Pictures

It has been almost two months since I have updated the status of my New Year's Resolutions. I also have some really cute pictures to share, so here goes!

1. Books Read - I have been a reading maniac lately and since my last post in May I have read fifteen books including: Sisters Red – Jackson Pearce, In Her Shoes – Jennifer Weiner, Sweeping Up Glass – Carolyn Wall, The Painted Kiss – Elizabeth Hickey, The Gilded Chamber – Rebecca Kohn, Spoken From the Heart – Laura Bush, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo – Steig Larson, Much Ado About Jessica Kaplan – Paula M. Cohen, Elizabeth Street – Laurie Fabiano, Five Days in Paris – Danielle Steel, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner – Stephanie Meyer, Baker Towers – Jennifer Haigh, Sugar Queen – Sarah Addison Allen, Light On Snow – Anita Shreve, and If I Stay – Gayle Foreman. It is quite an eclectic list! I really enjoyed Elizabeth Street, which is a true story based on the author's ancestors who emigrated to NYC from Italy and encountered the early Italian mafia.

2. Lose 25 pounds - I am just a few pound from my goal weight in spite of a trip to Vegas and the beach. Haven't gained, but haven't lost anymore. Stagnating.

3. Anniversary - We still haven't made a decision about where to go next year for our 20th anniversary, but we are thinking about an all inclusive Sandal's resort. Anybody have suggestions?

4. Photography - No progress on the camera or photography lesson goal. However, I am taking lots of pictures! Just call me the "Nanarazzi!"

5. Write - No progress here either!

6. Big Apple Trip - Still hoping to go to New York City, but the summer is flying by.

Jim and I are going to New Orleans (Nawlons!), the "Big Easy" in August.

7. Raise $ for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Our October "Crop For A Cure" is shaping up, but I also decided to have an online Tastefully Simple Party to benefit JDRF! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Tastefully Simple products and if you have not tried these marvelous foods, you need to! For every order you purchase, the proceeds will go to JDRF and the products will be shipped to your front door! Couldn't be easier! Thanks in advance to all who purchase. Here's what to do:

1. log on to http://www.tastefullysimple.com

2. Click "Shop Our Products"

3. Look for magnifying glass and click Host/Event Search

4. Type in Martina Fegan and order away!

These pictures are just too cute!

This is a scrapbooking layout I did this week

Dixon is such an adorable "little man!"

Clara and Sasha are all smiles!

All decked out in their finery for a wedding.

How cute is this picture!

VIRGINIA BEACH TRAVELOGUE! July 4th

We have never spent July 4th at the beach, so this year was a real treat! After a day at the pool, we got ready to head for the beach to watch the fireworks. Aidan took a moment to snuggle with his Nana and Emme.Emme was so cute in her special 4th of July dress, but was oblivious to everything!
Sasha and Emme looked sweet in their red, white, and blue dresses.
At the beach, the sun was setting and Sasha and Clara were all smiles waiting for the fireworks to begin.Dixon rode in the wagon to the beach and was lovin' the ride!

The kids love the ocean and had to get their feet wet before the show began.
The Meyers clan . . .
The Andersen family . . .
Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! I will post more later!