With “Back to School” approaching, I thought I’d share a quick recipe to keep the kids and adults happy. Especially after a productive day Back to School shopping at Staples!
I had the pleasure of shopping at Staples Canada for a sponsored post recently. Staples sent me a gift card to go Back to School shopping in their Back to School Centre. It’s a cool thing when you can choose to either shop online or in store. We opted to hit the store, live and in person.
We had a game plan before going in. Get what we need, stay on budget and try not to trip over our own feet in the process. Let’s just say two of those things happened, and someone fell down. Not pointing any fingers though. >me<
We knew we needed a new printer. Ours kicked the bucket not long ago and we’ve been meaning to replace it. We were lucky to get two amazing employees, Scott and Jonathon, who were happy to fill us in on which ones are a great buy. They also ran us through the ink situation, because let’s be honest folks, any time you buy a printer you want to make sure you’re not committing to a bad marriage with the ink company. It’s super important to delve into these little details so you don’t want to divorce your printer a week later. Our choice was the HP OfficeJet 6600. It was on sale for $79.92, which, quite frankly was a huge perk. We tend to be hard on our printers, so spending a big whack of money on one is not an option. This one is wireless, and able to print from any computer or device. With kids in university this was a crucial detail. We picked up the extended warranty for a great price, and extra $9.99 for 2 years instead of one. Worth every penny.
My daughter had picked up a computer not long ago and it didn’t come with some key software. So we also used our gift card to pick up Microsoft Office 365, the University edition of it. It was a bargain at $79. She has two computers, one monster sized one she keeps at home, then a small one she brings to the U every day. This software will go on the small one so she can work easily on school projects from either computer.
Another purchase she made was a moleskin shell. It’s essentially a case she can keep things like her phone and things in. She’s not a purse carrying girlie girl so this was perfect for her. It came in at $24.93, she says it will be worth it’s weight in gold because she won’t drop her phone all the live long day. So it was a good buy.
We also picked up back to school essentials. Things like paper, notebooks, binders, pencils, erasers, pens, highlighters, white out and post its. We managed to score some double-sided tape as well, because let’s be honest, kids dig that stuff at any age. Mine are always slapping stuff up on the walls with it. It works great for adhering dry erase boards to the wall so they hooligans can stay organized.
What I dig about Staples is that it’s super convenient to us. There are two stores we can get to quickly. We picked the Walker Road location in Windsor, and I have to say both the dudes who helped us at the store were friendly and knowledgeable. I also loved that they were honest, they asked questions, assessed our needs and gave honest feedback. So to Scott and Jonathon, thank you both. You really helped us get what we needed, without wasting time or money. I also know that if I need to return anything it will be easy because Staples return policy rocks.
Some things to keep in mind if you’re shopping at Staples Canada: They offer air miles in store and online, which if you travel as much as I seem to is a big deal. They also offer free delivery on purchases over $45. That’s a great thing for when you’re busy, or if you’re being lazy while watching Netflix. Seriously, you know we all do that.
The thing for me is personal attention without being annoying about it. I love when employees offer help but don’t hover. Nothing can turn me off quicker than an over eager employee, or one who tries to hard sell you. I want my experience to be laid back and easy. Our trip was fabulous and Staples hit their mark. I was quite impressed with the service. So hit your local Staples. Shop till you drop.
You can get all your back to school shopping done at their Back to School Centre. You can find Staples Canada on social media as well, because they’re cool like that. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. You can also get their handy-dandy mobile app, download it today to shop from your cell phone. Now there’s a dangerous option for all us shopaholics out there.
So all in all it was an awesome trip. Two thumbs up from the hooligan who stated this was the first time we’ve ever done all our back to school shopping in one whack. Usually we piecemeal it all together. So she was thrilled to get everything done early, and in one fell swoop. The hooligan digs you Staples. That’s a big deal, she doesn’t give the thumbs up to just anyone.
No back to school shopping excursion would be complete without pizza. I know all of us busy parents are always looking for easy and kid-friendly recipes for the back to school season. These Mini Taco Pizza Bites fit the bill. These are super easy to make, and your kids will go crazy for them. Of course that’s if you can get your hubby to leave them along long enough for the kids to get any. Mine was gobbling them up at rapid speed. So for a recipe that will please kids and adults alike take these Mini Taco Pizza Bites for a spin. It will free up more time for shopping at Staples Canada, or watching Netflix. Or both.
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- 1 package of pillsbury french bread
- 1 cup prepared pizza sauce
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup prepared and seasoned taco meat
- Optional Toppings:
- Tomatoes diced
- Shallot sliced thinly
- Onion sliced thinly
- Peppers sliced thinly
- Lettuce shredded
- Salsa any kind you prefer
- Sour cream to taste
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Pop the package for the french bread. Lay it on a cutting board but don't roll it out. Leave it intact and then cut slices off it, sort of like slicing cookie dough. You should be able to slice off 18 to 24 pieces.
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Spray two muffin tins with non-stick spray. Line each one with the french bread round. It helps to take your palm and flatten the dough a bit.
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Spread a little sauce on each one, to taste.
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Toss the cheddar cheese over each one.
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Spoon on the taco meat evenly.
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Place in oven and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
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Remove from oven and use a spoon to help remove the pizzas.
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Top each with whatever toppings you dig.
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Serve with a big old back to school smile!
Recipe Source: Cravings of a Lunatic
Now get into your back to school groove, make these Mini Taco Pizza Bites and head to Staples Canada to shop for all your back to school needs.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Staples and BlogHer. I was provided a gift card so I could write about my back to school shopping experience. I was also compensated for this post. Sponsored posts help keep the blog alive and kicking. All opinions are always my own and honest.
Toodles and smoochies! xx
[email protected] Riffs says
Love those little pizza bites! Great recipe. And it sounds like you scored some really good deals. Wireless printers rock, don’t they?
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks John. As you know I’m totally addicted to pizza and tiny food, seems sensible to combine them as often as possible. We did great on our trip. My son is here now so hoping he can get the printer working, mini-me’s pc doesn’t have a disc drive so I think we have to download it another way. He popped in at the perfect time. Love our wireless printers. The only way to go nowadays.
Helene D'Souza says
Yeah pizza bites!! I just fell in love, again. =)
We would have needed them during the world cup.
I hate buying printers, it’s just a problem every time and in time they all go down due to the high humidity and continues electricity cuts. The printer on top looks quite solid though.
Hope you have been doing fine Kim =)
Kim Beaulieu says
Bite sized is perfect for soccer, among so many other things right.
We are having a ton of luck with HP products lately. I was able to purchase any brands I wanted and I headed right for HP. We had the last one for years, and the whole family abused it like mad and took it. And it was on sale too, so I think the previous one was $50. Have you tried going to a camping store, or ordering online even, that stuff that you put in a dish in humid spots to absorb moisture? We use it in our cellar to keep the moisture down and the smells too. But I think you can only find it in camping stores. I think it likely has charcoal in it, which helps a ton. Do you want me to find the name of the stuff so you can try to find it? My sis suggested it to us and it had never occurred to me to use something like that.
I’m good. Summer is crazy busy so I barely visit blogs, but September is right around the corner and I’ll be back into my routine again. My son flew in today so he’s with us for 10 days. I’m essentially taking 10 days off, but as you know, super hard to actually take 10 days off blogging right.
Choc Chip Uru says
What an adorable idea (though I would very much eat enough to equal one whole pizza :P)
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Kim Beaulieu says
Ha, you and me both. I am such a pizza addict.
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
I love pizza bites! I love anything portion controlled (although I bet it’s difficult to just eat a couple of these!) I am sharing, pinning and stumbling these babies! 🙂
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks Lauren. I love bite sized food. Any small food really. Something about it just makes me way too happy. Thanks for the love. I’ll pay it forward this evening.
Are you going to IFBC? I can’t remember. I start K’s bootcamp Monday so I’ll likely be visiting your site often for inspiration. This is going to be interesting as it unfolds. My goal is to be running again by Christmas. Wish me luck. xx
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
We too did all of our school supply shopping at Staples, in July as I can’t take the craziness of last minute shopping. I love how well stocked they always are. Your little pizzas are going on my Back to School dinner list too my dear! Genius.
Kim Beaulieu says
I’m the same way, I think from being an at home mom I’ve gotten sort of spoiled about not having to shop on weekends or busy days. I get twitchy if the stores are packed.
Thanks. I love small food. It’s like an addiction at this point.
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Oooo! Pizza bites! I bet these were gone in a flash! Also, LOVE Staples!!!
Kim Beaulieu says
They were. Mostly because I’m a little piggy when it comes to pizza.
Love Staples, we have two nearby and frequent them often. Heading back there soon to get some stuff to organize my new blog room.
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
We bought all of our back to school supplies at Staples this year- one stop shopping!! I’m thinking these pizza bites would be awesome for football season too!
Kim Beaulieu says
It really is, their back to school centre is amazing. I love that place. Plus they have wicked good stuff for home offices too. I’m headed back there when my blog room is finished. I need some more baskets and things to keep things handy.
We love these for football season, bite size is the way to go for that. They are wonderful as appetizers too. And even kids parties. I’m a bit of a pizza addict. I must make some form of it 2 or 3 times a week. We do it a lot on weekends when the kids are busy or have friends around.
sue/the view from great island says
Other people love wandering around the mall, I’m happy haunting the aisles of Staples — it’s my favorite store! Love the pizza bites, btw!
Kim Beaulieu says
Same here. I’m addicted to organizing things and Staples rocks for that, as well as school stuff.
Thanks. I am a sucker for pizza.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
My boys would go crazy for these little taco pizzas! Staples is my go to place for back to school and office supplies!
Kim Beaulieu says
I think the love of pizza is like a universal thing right. Kids and adults alike. I love these for after school snacks, or also for a light meal before sports. My daughter horseback rides so we’d do stuff like this instead of heavy meals before jumping lessons. Safer. Lol.
Love Staples, I can’t wait to go back and grab some stuff to organize the new office.
Shawn @ I Wash You Dry says
I’m super excited to start back to school shopping! Just a few more weeks till my kids start! I love these mini taco pizza bites too, taco pizza is one of my family’s favorites!
Kim Beaulieu says
I went early to avoid the crowds, but my kids are older so we don’t have to wait for those lists from the teacher these days. One nice perk of them getting older. But then they start dating and driving and moving away. Scratch that, I want them young again.
We are total pizza addicts. My daughter worked in a pizza place for years and makes a mean pizza. She’d beat my butt in a pizza-off. She can toss it, and she hand stretches it. She always complains if I don’t do homemade dough, but I really like the store bought on occasion.
Nikki @Seeded at the Table says
I really wish we had a Staples here! We had one right around the corner from us in California, but none here in the Jackson, MS area! 🙁 Staples, can you hear me? We need you!! 🙂 Although I can’t back to school shop at Staples, at least I can make these taco pizza bites for them! 😉
Kim Beaulieu says
Ha, I love it Nikki. A plea for a new Staples. We should start a petition for you.#NikkineedsStaples
You will love these. I love pizza bites. Not sure what it is about tiny food that makes me so happy.
Diane {Created by Diane} says
loving these taco pizza bites, my kids will be begging me to make them I’m sure! I love that Staples has such great items, it a great place for one stop shopping.
Kim Beaulieu says
Your kids will love them. Mine go nuts for pizza bites.
I loved you ALS ice bucket challenge, you did great.
I’m a Staples girl, love popping in there on a regular occasion. I need to pop in this week for baskets for K’s closet. I got her some of those cubes when we swapped rooms. Her closet looks awesome.
Christi @ Love From The Oven says
These look amazing, I can’t wait to try them! I am hopelessly addicted to school supplies. I might get a little too excited for all the pens and highlighters and post its! 🙂
Kim Beaulieu says
Ha, a girl after my own heart. I was like a kid in a candy store. I love all the colourful supplies out there. I am dying to make your board that you posted some time ago to organize the kids activities. I actually picked up supplies awhile ago, I just need to settle in and make it. I’m thinking it would be cool for menu planning too. After my son moved away I’m finding myself throwing out food for the first time ever. So we’re going to go back to planning to avoid so many leftovers.
Carla says
I don’t have any kids, so obviously no back to school shopping for me. However, I do use Staples for their print center and their post office (because my post office decided to close for a random hour when I needed to buy stamps….). Even though I don’t have any kids, I’m always looking for quick, easy dinners so I can finish the rest of my day’s to-do list. Usually I do veggie pizzas, but I think it may need to be taco pizza night soon!
Kim Beaulieu says
It’s funny because I just did a mini veggie pizza but now you have me thinking the taco ones with mounds of extra veggies would be wicked good.
I love Staples. I go in there for school stuff, office supplies and they actually have really cool organization supplies which I totally dig. I need to go back when my blog room gets finished.