5 Random 'Get-To-Know-You' Facts

I can't help it, these 'get-to-know-you' challenges are fun and hilarious! So here are 5 more random things you may not know about me, and may regret knowing about me in a few minutes...

1. I have a ridiculous and unhealthy fear of clowns. It began when I was a kid and I sneakily crawled into the family room while my brother was watching the movie ‘IT’ with his friends. While hiding behind the piano so I could stay out of site, and right at the scariest part of the whole show, one of my brother's friends came up from behind me and grabbed my shoulders while screeching at the top of his lungs. That, combined with a terrifying experience that involved a wheelchair clown, I’m scarred for life!

2. I have found my practical and realistic dream home. I look at the plans for this home nearly every day, and I have a picture of it on my refrigerator. It's the power of the law of attraction, right? Riiiight? I hope so...

3. I love planning and hosting parties. Seriously looooooove it! The dream home I mentioned above has a lot of room for such events and it makes me happy inside thinking of all the good times to come. I want my home to be the gathering place.

4. One of my best friends in the entire world is 23 years older than me. She's great and I'm so glad that age doesn't seem to matter when friendship is doing its thing. :)

5. My most embarrassing moment of my entire life involved a whole package of wipes, a Maverick parking lot, a near death experience when I ‘swerved a little’ in my car, and a frantic telephone conversation with my sister, Sherri. It’s not the first time something unexpected has happened to me in Malad Idaho. And believe me, you don’t wanna know...

Easy Taco Soup Recipe

**Disclaimer: This is not a healthy Taco Soup recipe! Especially with the toppings I recommend you eat this with. I suppose you could alter it so that it's healthy, but why would you!? Only people with a complete disregard for health may continue reading...**

I first tasted Taco Soup when my ex Mother in-law would make it at our family gatherings. After my divorce, I realized just how much I liked  it, and finally asked her for the recipe. I also got a similar recipe from a co-worker friend of mine. I combined the two recipes, and came up with this EASY version of Taco Soup that I think you'll really love! I'm posting this mostly for my family and friends who have asked me for this recipe. So I hope you enjoy!

Easy Taco Soup Recipe

- 1 lb. ground beef (you can use ground turkey instead or just skip the meat altogether as well)
- Taco Seasoning (double the recommended amount for 1 lb. of meat)
- 1 can of Pinto beans (drained)
- 1 can of Black beans (drained)
- 1 can of Kidney beans (drained)
- 1 can of Corn (drained)
- 1 can of Diced Italian Stewed Tomatoes (or also called Italian Style)
- 1 can of Diced Tomatoes
- 1 large can of 100% Vegetable Juice (46 oz. usually)
- A few dashes of Tabasco (optional)

*Serve with shredded/grated cheese, sour cream, and chips (of your choice)*

First, open all of the cans and dump them into a large pot. You can put them in a crock pot instead, that works great too! Keep on medium high and stir often until completely heated, then reduce heat to low. If using a crock pot, I usually keep it on low for a few hours or until it is completely heated.

While you're heating up the soup, get started on your meat. In a medium sized skillet, cook your meat. Then drain and/or rinse it. Stir the meat into the pot with the rest of the ingredients. Then add your taco seasoning. I double the recommended amount of seasoning for 1 pound of meat. And I NEVER add the recommended water. Just pour the dry seasoning right into the pot of soup. Stir until completely mixed. At this point, you can add Tabasco sauce to give it a little kick if you'd prefer. I don't use it, but my husband will put some in his bowl when we have this for dinner.  

Ta-da! Your taco soup should be done. I like to serve mine with shredded cheese and chips. Some like a little sour cream on there too. Or you could even add tortilla strips! The possibilities are endless.

Comment below and let me know how yours turned out!