Black Bean Dip...my all-time favorite (go to) party appetizer + tailgate party game ideas!

I cannot believe our 31 day series has come to an end! And I cannot believe I blogged about 1 topic for 31 consecutive days, without missing a day!!! It was so much fun! :)

I have saved the best for last! Today I am sharing my absolute favorite party appetizer...Black Bean Dip! I'm sure you will love it too, assuming you love all things Mexican like I do! It is SO easy to make and would be the perfect dish to kick-off your tailgate party!

When I was in college, my mom used to make this every Sunday for me and my volleyball team! We would go to her house to do laundry, study and just get caught up from a long weekend of games and being on the road. She made us all kinds of treats but this was always my favorite!

Ingredients:

-1 8 ounce package cream cheese
-1 15 ounce can black beans with jalapenos (or without, but I think they give it more flavor)
-1 can Rotel tomatoes
-shredded Mexican blend cheese

Directions:

Spread softened cream cheese in bottom of pan. Drain and rinse beans and layer on top of cream cheese. Drain juice from Rotel tomatoes and spread on top of black beans. Sprinkle layer of shredded cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

While your guests are munching on this yummy appetizer, have them fill out game sheets with their predictions of the game (winner, final score, player who scores first touchdown, quarters when touchdowns are scored, etc) and have prizes for who gets the closest!

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit! And be sure to join us every Friday as we continue our "Dress Up Your Tailgate" series, now that our "31 Days to Dressing Up Your Tailgate" series is over!

Linking up with:

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About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Pumpkin Bread Play Dough Recipe...keeps the kiddos entertained, while you enjoy the game!

I absolutely LOVE homemade play dough! I made my first batch this summer for VBS, and I will never do store bought again!

My little chef loves it too! He cooks up all kinds of things with his homemade dough! So cute! :)

My friend Helen recently shared with me several different "flavors" of homemade play dough and her Pumpkin Bread Play Dough would be perfect for your tailgate party, or any fall party! It keeps the kids entertained while you enjoy the game!

Ingredients:

-1 package pumpkin bread mix
-2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups salt
-6 tablespoons oil
-6 teaspoons cream of tartar
-3 cups water

Directions:

Mix and cook over medium heat, until ball forms. Remove from heat and knead.

Just make sure not to turn the heat on until you have mixed ingredients and placed them inside the pan, so you don't burn it up...it will cook fast!

It smells yummy, filling the room, and even if the kiddos accidentally eat it, at least it is all natural! :)

Don't forget to have some play dough utensils (cookie cutters, rolling pins, play dough scissors, stamps, etc) on hand for the kids to play with!

Helen actually made little containers of it for all the kids in our preschool class (as a fall party favor) and attached the cutest little poem...

"It's not a trick, just a treat! But don't forget, it's not to eat! It's Pumpkin Bread Play Dough, so play away! Happy Fall to you today!"

How cute would it be to send the kids home from your tailgate party with Pumpkin Bread Play Dough favors!

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

Linking up with:

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Football Cake Pops

When we lived in Green Bay (land of the Packers), we attended a fantastic Superbowl watching party every year...best game-watching party I have ever been to!

Everything was green and gold (including the popcorn and the snow out front), the food was delicious, the decorations were fabulous and the party games were a blast!

Last year, to top it off, she even had football cake pops!

So fun and so yummy! Little A loved them! In fact, all the kids (and adults) loved them!!

Go here for a tutorial on how to make your own football cake pops, guaranteed to make your tailgate party the talk of the town!

I hate that we will not be in Green Bay for the big game this year but I know the party will go on without us! :)

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

Linking up with:

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Southwest Seven Layer Sliders

Big A frequently fires up the grill around here...burgers, dogs, you name it! I have seen this image floating around Pinterest recently and I think it looks like such a fun twist to the regular tailgate burger!

Image Courtesy of Six Sisters' Stuff

Yum! They remind me of the Chili's Big Mouth Burgers (which we LOVE) and I can't wait to try them at home! Go here for the recipe.

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

DIY Burlap Footballs and Canvas Paws

These burlap footballs and canvas paws are adorable! Perfect tailgate party decor!

Images courtesy of My Heart's Desire

How cute would they be in your favorite team's colors?! Go here for the tutorials.

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Pumpkin Pie Croissants

This afternoon we had our annual Pumpkin Party for the boys and their friends! Look for a post soon with the details of the party. For now, I wanted to pop in and give you this quick and easy recipe for the Pumpkin Pie Croissants that I served. They would be perfect for your tailgate party, or any fall party!

Ingredients:

- 2 tubes crescent rolls
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 can pumpkin (not pie filling)
- pumpkin pie spice
- sugar

Open and separate the crescent rolls. Beat together cream cheese, 1 can of pumpkin, 2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice, 4 tbsp sugar. Place one spoonful onto each crescent and spread. Roll each crescent up and then roll each one in a mixture of 4 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes or until browned.

Recipe courtesy of Shaken Together.

So easy and a perfect party finger food!

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

(Free) Football Party Food & Drink Printables

Image Courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess

Hop on over here for a whole collection of (super cute) football party food and drink printables, including popcorn boxes, beverage holders, cupcake toppers, pretzel bags and snack baskets!

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

DIY Football Candy Pouches...the perfect tailgate party favor!

These football candy pouches that I found over at Craftaholics Anonymous are super cute and they would make the perfect tailgate party favor!

And the best part is that you can make them at home! Go here for the full tutorial.

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Mummy Dogs

Today I am sharing a quick and easy recipe to make for your family on those lazy weekends watching football or those crazy busy school nights.. or better yet, Halloween Night when you need a quick, yet fun food to feed those ghosts and goblins trying to sprint out the door to trick or treat!! 

I was excited when Erin asked me to share this recipe for her super cute "Dressing Up Your Tailgate" series! Erin is not only a fabulous mom, wife, sister, friend, daughter, and 'retired' volleyball player, she is also a huge inspiration to me!! Her faith, ministry, and blog has grown to help so many people in need that is truly an honor to guest post for her!!

Here is my version of "mummy dogs," a different and delish spin on the regular old, go-to hotdog!! A recipe that, for real, has all my boys (even my hubs) cheering when they see it on the weekly menu or cooking in the oven!!

Ingredients:

Pack of Hotdogs or Turkey Franks

1 can of Pillsbury crescent rolls (I use the Aldi brand)

Grab your cookie sheet. Unroll all the crescents from the can and rip the triangles into long thin strips. Wrap around the uncooked hotdogs and place on cookie sheet. Cook as directed on the crescent roll instructions. Serve with ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, hot mustard... sky's the limit!!

I got the recipe off of Pinterest... the Mother of all places to find recipes!! Ha!!

Happy Cooking ;)

Always - Abbey

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Abbey Lewis started her blog A Moments Peace just one year ago as an outlet to be creative, and to have a place for her boys to look back and see the real her! It has been that, times 100!! Abbey lives in Texas with her husband and two sons. She loves her family, her faith, her friends and she tries to put a positive spin on any thing that God has in store for her! Feel free to stroll through her blog, Sonic drink in hand, because she believes every thing is better when you have a Sonic drink!

Pumpkin Beverage Tub

What a fun way to chill the drinks at your next game-watching party! I believe this beverage tub is from Martha Stewart, but you could easily create your own, using a real pumpkin!

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

{6 Ways to Tie a Scarf}: The Fall Wardrobe Necessity

Thanks for stopping by! While you are here, be sure to check out our brand new ebook find joy in the journey: how 12 women could face tomorrow just because He lives for inspiring stories of women who found overwhelming joy despite their circumstances. These woman have been through some of the toughest, darkest times in their lives and yet stand here today to testify that through it all they have seen the face of God and Him glorified. It is my hope and prayer that each day you, too, will be filled with the kind of joy that only God can give, despite your circumstances, no matter where you are on your journey!

Does anyone else loves scarves as much as I do?! What an easy way to spice up any fall outfit!

Image from Polyvore

It is a must-have for those cold football nights and another easy way to add your team's color to your tailgate wardrobe!

In case you haven't noticed, the Infinity Scarf is super popular these days! Go here to learn how to make one from a t-shirt.

Or if you would rather wear a traditional scarf, here are 6 fun ways to tie it!

Source: 9gag.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

(Football) Deviled Eggs

Here is a super easy way to dress up your tailgate...just add "laces" to your deviled eggs!

I used a dab of green icing to make Green Bay Packers colors, since our friends from Wisconsin were in town visiting us...but you could use food coloring and icing to match your team's colors if you wanted!

I left some of the eggs without laces, in case some people preferred them without icing...but honestly you couldn't even taste the icing. It definitely did not take away from the deviled egg deliciousness. :)

Here is a great deviled egg recipe if you do not already have your own....

1. Bring the eggs to a boil. After they start boiling, cover the pot and remove them from the heat (5 minutes for 3 eggs and add 1 minute for each egg after that). So if you are making 12 deviled eggs and boil 6 eggs, then you would let them sit for 8 minutes. Then run cold water in the pot until cool and let sit for about the same time formula before peeling.  Fresh eggs are harder to peel, but adding salt to the water helps them peel easier.

2. Cut the eggs in half and scoop out the yolk into a bowl.  Mix the yolk with miracle whip, salt, pepper, paprika and shredded cheese to taste and until the consistency looks about right.  Scoop the mix back into the white hole and spread it across the top.  After you put them on your serving tray, sprinkle a little more paprika on them and use a tube of icing to add the "laces" to dress them up!

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

(Glitter) Button Pumpkins...a great party craft for kids, requires minimal supervision!

I found a fun little fall craft for your kiddos...perfect for a tailgate party, or any fall party, because it requires minimal supervision. The kids are occupied, while the adults enjoy the game!

Little E (4) pretty much made his button pumpkin all on his own, while I made dinner the other night. I simply set out the supplies and got him started. Isn't it cute?

All you need is a small pumpkin, glitter glue, a variety of buttons and some paint brushes!

We used Halloween colors, but wouldn't it be fun to use your favorite team's colors for your tailgate party? Or simply a mix of fall colors?

We used paint brushes to paint the glitter glue onto the pumpkin. Then we stuck the buttons on. So easy!

All of our supplies came from Walmart, which made it an inexpensive activity! You could even have each child bring their own pumpkin to decorate. That way you would only have to provide the glitter glue and buttons.

That's what we are going to do for the boys' annual Pumpkin Party next week, where we will be painting and decorating pumpkins with their little friends, complete with pumpkin games and pumpkin treats! Have I mentioned that I LOVE fall?! ;)

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Jelly Bean (Pumpkin) Party Favors

Wouldn't these be a cute favor for a tailgate party, or any fall party?!

Image courtesy of Parenting.com

And SO easy to make!

Simply wrap jelly beans in orange tulle and tie up with green or brown pipe cleaner.

What about you? Do you have any fun ideas for "dressing up a tailgate" or any other fabulous fall ideas that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

Go here for more ways to make your game day parties a hit!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.