Things I Love and Things That Make Me Mad

Y'all, I'm gonna apologize - I don't have any tips for you today. I have been occupied with a mighty cute man and haven't really had much time for home economics. Add to that the fact that I'm still eating chili I made the other day (told ya it would last!) and the fact that I am FLAT BROKE, and there's been very little going on at home. I'll get re-inspired asap, but for now, I'm just gonna list some things I love and things that make me real good and mad. We'll start with the mads (if you do these things, please take a moment to reflect):

-Aggressive drivers
Y'all, yours truly used to be a very bad driver. Very bad. I would tailgate, speed, cut people off, honk my horn, yell obscenities, you name it, I did it. And I got away with it for a while. But this December I got a big fat speeding ticket and a warning for aggressive driving. Folks, it's just not worth it. Slow down, get off my bumper, don't text, etc. And don't be a jerk, period. Otherwise, expect me to slam on my brakes on Dean Road and slow down to 25 mph for the next quarter mile - here's looking at you, silver Honda!

Don't be this guy.

-People who talk politics on Facebook even months after the election
We get it, you're still mad. Be a grown-up and vent in your blog :)

-Alarm clocks with nasty noises
My alarm on my phone has two tones - the quieter, gentle wake that happens 3 minutes before the real thing is called Fairy Fountain. Seriously. My real alarm is called Walk in the Woods. These are pleasant alarms, folks, and wake me up in a much better mood than the "holy crap" buzzer alarm I have as a backup. I HATE THE "HOLY CRAP" ALARM! Oh, how I loathe it. Do yourself a favor and get a nice alarm. You'll be less grouchy.

-People who let their kids scream across a store
I want to call DFACS on you so so bad. And I'm not talking toddlers - I feel for you parents. I'm talking the very overweight 9-year-old SCREAMING AT HIS MOTHER in Walgreens last night. And this wasn't a "he might have a handicap" situation, this was a "he needs five across the eyes" situation.

-Extreme couponers during grocery rush hour
Dude, I get it. Things are expensive. I applaud the coupon use, I really do. BUT FOR THE LOVE OF PETE, don't be Cathy Coupon at 5:30 PM on Monday when all I want is a pack of chicken, a bottle of wine, and some gummy worms. I hate you people.

Bet Purple Coat is using coups.

-People who get in the 15 items or fewer line with more than 15 items
Learn to read.

 

If you break the rule, those yellow hands should slap you.

-Last call
Seriously, those words are just hateful. Sometimes tear-inducing.

You suck!

-The word "feminazi"
Go away, you chauvinistic, insecure jerk.

-Leggings as pants
ENOUGH. They are a go-between for tights and pants. Yet they are neither tights nor pants. If your rear end is not fully covered by what you are wearing on top, leggings are not appropriate. And you aren't wearing pants.

Word.

-People who are mean to my best friend
I will cut you. Straight up. She's a rockstar, and you're just jealous.


Okay, so now for things I love!

-Cooking dinner
There is something about making your own food that makes it taste better. Plus, it totes makes you a grown-up.

-Cuddling
I mean, who doesn't? It's basically the greatest thing ever, especially when it's with someone you just can't get enough of. Or your dog, cause mine cuddles LIKE A BOSS.

-My job
If you hate yours, start looking for another one. Life is way too short. Whether you change locations, change positions, or change paths completely, just do it. And don't put up with a jerky boss. They suck really bad.

-Text messages
There is absolutely nothing that makes me smile faster than a text from Homegirl ("Dude. I just got dumped for taxes. Can I come snuggle? I have wine") or from a certain guy ("Hope you have a good day beautiful...miss that smile and those eyes") or anyone else I care about. Take a moment and turn someone's day around with a sweet or funny text.

Also love: Texts From Hillary

-Conditioner
I might have a teeny tiny addiction to conditioner - y'all remember that scene in Billy Madison where Adam Sandler is in the tub making the shampoo and conditioner fight? Team Conditioner, ftw!

THIS.

-Saturdays
I used to hate em, cause I used to have to work on Saturdays. Now, best day of the week, hands down. Find your Saturday and enjoy.

-My nephew
Seriously, this kid is the best. And the nice thing about nephews is that it's kinda like renting a kid. You can play with them til you're bored, then hand them right back to their parents when you want to go gallivanting. Winning.

-Alcohol
Y'all, I don't have a problem or anything (except I'm on an antibiotic that I can't drink alcohol with, so here's to a week of no booze), but there are just some beers, wines, and liquors that are super tasty. I love being an adult and drinking the pertinent beverages!

My next 7 days.

-Blogging
I like visiting with y'all. I hope y'all like it, too.

-Saying random things in another language
Guys, German has words like lieblingsfreizeitbeschaftigung and schadenfreude. And the Spanish cervezas is way more fun than plain ol' beer. Try on some new words today.


That's all I've got. Make your own list, or leave a comment with things you love or things that make you mad. I'll see y'all tomorrow - I'll be making pot roast sometime soon, so look for my simple recipe within a week.

Not Quite Your Momma's Miss Manners - Part 2

Hello, friends, and welcome to the second installment of my little ettiquette guide! Today, we're going to cover how one should behave when invited to someone's house. As we all know, a polite guest is a repeat guest, but rude guests are unwelcome.
Let's begin.

Being a Good Guest
One of my favorite things in the world is being invited to someone's home. It is a true honor and can be extremely fun and enjoyable, if you know how to be a good guest. Always remember - your friend is opening their home to you, which is a display of trust. Don't break that trust by being rude.

1) For a Meal or Party

 

When you are invited to someone's house for a dinner or a party, here are a few simple rules to keep in mind.
A) NEVER show up empty-handed. EVER. Unless you are just hanging with your bestie (and even sometimes then) or you are headed to your mom's (although it never hurts), you should bring something for your host: wine, beer, flowers, a fruit plate, something. It doesn't have to be expensive; this is more about showing gratitude for the invite. You can always ask your host if they would like you to bring something, but even if they say "no, you don't need to bring anything," please do anyway.

 

B) Clean up after yourself while you are there, and offer to help with preparation/clean up. This is super important. Don't cast your shoes off willy-nilly in their foyer, don't forget to use a coaster, and don't leave a mess behind yourself. Also, gentlemen, put the toilet seat back down if you use the restroom (really, just do this always).
C) Keep the controversy to yourself. If you have a political opinion, save it. Unless you are good friends with Rachel Maddow (in which case, please call me and introduce me to her *political girl crush*), a party or dinner is NOT the place for politics, religion, etc. I hearken back to my sorority days and stay silent on the 3 B's - boys, ballots, and bibles. If you encounter someone who attempts to wrangle you into this type of discussion, simply say, "I'm sorry, I prefer to keep those opinions to myself. How do you like the shrimp puffs?" Unless you aren't eating shrimp puffs, 'cause then you just look silly.

Be my friend, Rachel!

 

D) DO NOT GET DRUNK! You would think this is common sense, but it bears repeating. If you are at a party with your homegirl and your entire destination is Boozetown, party on Wayne! But if you are in mixed company or a situation where you are not among intimate friends, lay off the sauce, boss! You'll thank me for this later.

 

E) Write a thank-you note. This is perhaps (for me) the most telling sign of what Southern ladies call "good breeding." Take 5 minutes and 46 cents and write a thank-you note to your host. It doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to be long. Just write it. Make sure it is not TOTALLY generic, but it doesn't have to be excruciatingly detailed. Here's an example, similar to the note I sent my homegirl's mother recently:

Mrs. L,

   Thank you so much for inviting me to stay in your home over the New Year. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and your husband, and getting to know your family. I truly value my friendship with Homegirl, and it was lovely to spend time with her and her lovely family. I hope to see you again soon.

Warmly,

Gillian

Again, we're not talking Shakespeare. Just a quick little note. I promise you are literate enough to do this.

2) Slumber Party!
If you are invited to stay overnight at someone's home, a gift is an absolute given (with the exception of besties and family, again, and still...consider it).  Thank you notes are, again, MANDATORY. Don't even play. Even for your family, unless it's Mom and Dad, go ahead and put one in the mail. All the rules of a dinner party apply, plus these:
A) Bedroom
Whatever room/sleeping space you get, make it up in the morning. It just shows respect for the house you are in. If you are on a sofa or sofa bed, fold the blankets and arrange the sofa so it can be used during the day. Also, keep your belongings in an orderly manner. No one likes clutter - especially me.

This should be you.

 

B) Always ask.
Many hosts will say, "help yourself," with regards to food, beverage, etc. but if you aren't sure, ask.
C) Bathroom
Again, keep your belongings tidy if you leave any in the restroom. Also, don't monopolize a shared bathroom by taking a long time to do hair or makeup. And don't you dare use up all the hot water - you don't have to take a Navy shower, but keep it short of 10 minutes.

Don't be that guy.

 

D) Phones
DO NOT STAY ON YOUR PHONE! Unless you are in your room for a few minutes, put the dang thing away. You are someone's guest - you should not be on your phone with someone else unless it is an emergency.

 

While this is not an exhaustive list of all the possible scenarios, it should (when coupled with common sense) ensure that you are a most pleasant addition to any party or event. Cheers!

It's Chilly, Let's Make Chili!

Happy Monday, y'all! I hope everyone had as spectacular of a weekend as I did! Today, I'm gonna give you guys my favorite chili recipe. This recipe is an amalgamation of several that I have tried, and I think it's pretty great. You can make adjustments to suit your own tastes, time frame, and food source preferences.

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 pound hot sausage
2 cans tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cans of beans (red kidney, pinto, tri-bean blend)
1/2 onion (whichever kind you prefer)
3 cloves garlic
1 pack of hot chili seasoning
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt/pepper to taste

*I use grass-fed organic beef, organic "no-salt added" tomatoes, organic beans, etc. You don't have to, and obviously I'm not that much of a stickler for organic since I put Tennessee Pride sausage all up in this chili, but I try to be good where I can.

 

**The beans I use are the Simple Truth brand from Kroger - love love LOVE this brand.

 

You can use any kind you want - this recipe is as flexible as a Romanian gymnast. I also used pre-minced garlic, cause homegirl is busy.

 

***You can adjust the heat to your taste - this level is what most people consider "hot," I consider it to have a little kick. For less heat, use mild sausage, nix the red pepper flakes, and go with mild chili seasoning. For more, add some jalapenos, habeneros, or more red pepper flakes. Pick your poison.

 

****If you don't eat sausage, just double the beef. If you don't eat beef or sausage, you can sub in ground turkey or chicken and chicken or turkey sausage. Again, we're on the floor exercise here, so plenty of room for personal interpretation.

Okay, so here's what you do.
1) Dice the garlic and onions, put in a big sauté pan with a little olive oil and sauté until garlic is browning and the onions are soft. Put these in a bowl to the side.
2) Put the beef and sausage into the same sauté pan (don't bother cleaning it) and brown fully. Drain off the extra fat.
3) Add back the onions and garlic, plus the can of diced tomatoes. Let this all marry up for a few minutes on low heat. Drain (this is optional - if you prefer a more soupy chili, leave this liquid in. I like mine more like a stew, so I drain)
4) Depending on time, we can go two ways here:
a) If you are short on time, put the beans (rinse them first), tomato sauce, seasonings (all of them), and the meat/onion/tomato mixture into a big stock pot. Heat over medium high heat until it's bubbling, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer as long as you have time to let it simmer.
b) If you have plenty of time, do the same mixture in a crock pot, put it on low, and walk away.
5) Eat you some chili!

 

It's really, really hard to mess this up. If you're single, the ingredients cost about $20, but I get about 10-12 servings out of this, so less than $2 a meal works out pretty well. It keeps for up to a week, but I find myself eating it for 2 meals a day after I make it, and it gets better each time. You can also freeze this bad boy pretty successfully. If you want to stretch it more for less money, cut one of the meats and add an extra can of beans - it'll save you about $3-5 depending on the cost of meat at your grocery store. Again, this recipe moves with you, so feel free to play around with the quantities. For a little something extra, have some shredded cheese or sour cream on hand.

Y'all stay warm, now!

Wise Words From Yogi Tea

Namaste, my lovelies! Friday has come to us again, and this Friday, I thought I'd share with you my favorite Yogi Tea tags.

If you are unfamiliar, a) Yogi Tea is fantastic and b) the tea tags have little inspirational phrases, kind of like Dove Promises or Fortune Cookies, except I never get the same one twice. These are the ones I have in my cube at work to get me through the day:

 

Inspiration is an unlimited power.

Chances multiply if you grab them.

The beauty of life is to experience yourself.

There is a beauty in your presence.

 

 

Let your mind dance with your body.

The only tool you need is kindness.

The heart sees deeper than the eye.

Act selfless, you will be infinite.

Love is to live for each other.

That's all I've got for today, folks, but hopefully one of these will serve as inspiration to you as you head into the weekend. I'll see y'all back here on Monday!

 

Dating Tips From An Eternal Optimist

Alright y'all, here goes nothing: single girl trying to give dating advice. Maybe I'm not the best person to do this, but really, who is? And seeing as I have a date tonight (insert nervous giggle here), I'm inspired to blather on about my opinions on dating.

1) I've Got Baggage, Too
Every last person I have ever met has some kind of emotional baggage from their dating past. I've been on the receiving end of about 80 different kinds of crazy, and I know I've probably been "the crazy one" to a few people. But at the end of the day, you gotta let it go. I try never to enter a new dating situation with the anticipation of anything short of wonderful things from the other person. This means that just because Jerk Face #4 was a dirty, lying cheater, that doesn't mean fresh, new, shiny Not A Jerk Face is. Just because Super Tool #5 was a crazy, pathological liar bordering on stalker, that doesn't mean Super Sweetie is. LET. IT. GO. Don't get me wrong - acknowledge what happened, deal with the hurt/pain/anger, but do that before you get your cute little self back on the dating market. This is best done over multiple pints of Ben&Jerry's on the phone with my best friend...wait...sorry. Like I was saying, let it go. This is not to say you should pretend it never happened - you can talk about it with your new special friend later on if it becomes serious - but no one wants you to be that heavy in the early stages. Those stages should be all rainbows and sno-cones.

2) I Know What I Want
Most important part of dating - period. Know what you want from another person, and what you absolutely don't. If you (like me) think chivalry is an art form that should be preserved, don't take any crap from guys. "Wanna hang out?" is not a request for a date, it's a request for tomfoolery 9 times out of 10 from a little boy who has yet to grow up. I don't play that, and neither should you, if you want a true gentleman. Men - this is on you, too - be that guy who opens doors, and calls when he says he will, and respects and values women. You know what I call a guy who isn't afraid to be overtly nice and considerate to women? A MAN. Man up! Also, if you don't want a serious relationship, don't get coerced into one - I have let this happen, and eventually you just end up hurting someone else. Be up front (again, not on a first date, but once you know you really like a person) about what you want. The worst that will happen is the other person saying no or pulling away and that's ok, you didn't want that one anyway - throw that fish on back in the sea! And NEVER settle for someone who doesn't want what you do out of a relationship. Life is too short to be miserable (or to eat Miracle Whip - that junk is nasty).

3) Be Classy and Fabulous
This is my nice way of saying not to go too far too fast. I won't preach to you about what you do behind closed doors - not my place - but I will say you can screw up a good thing by screwing around with someone too soon. Be patient - it always works out better that way. And, if your new friend is a total tool bag, you'll know before you got too involved.  Also, dress nicely - guys and girls. Don't put it all on display, and don't look like you were raised by wolves. Respect yourself and your date enough to put a little effort into your appearance. And please, for the love of pete, please do not excessively paw another person in public - that's not cute. Save it for the parking lot, or your car, or the privacy of an empty movie theatre or your home. PDA is like really rich food - totally fine in limited quantity. Otherwise, we're all ending up sick.

4) Express Yourself
For crying out loud, don't be fake. Don't. Why on earth do you want someone to fall in like with a you that isn't your true self? You deserve someone who likes the you that you love, so be that person. And expect the same from other people. Don't play games - I mean, don't be all crazy, but be honest about yourself, your wants, your needs. Don't be scared to tell someone you like them, don't be afraid to ask for what you want, and don't be frightened by the prospect of being alone. Sometimes you need to be.

If this seems sort of stream-of-consciousness, it may be. All of these things have been on my mind and discussed at length with my best homegirl. Just believe that there's plenty of someones out there who could be your someone. Value yourself and know that you deserve what you want out of a relationship. As for me, I'll let y'all know how this pans out. You never know...

My Favorite Things

(Today's whimsical post is brought to you in honor of Maria von Trapp, whose birthday would be this Saturday)

*ahem*

 

Hospital corners

 

and fresh-folded towels,

Clean kitchen counters

 

and beautiful flowers,

Lines on my carpet from just vacuuming,

 

These are a few of my favorite things!

 

 

 

Big rolls of Bounty

and bright, burning candles,

 

Organized cabinets

 

with shiny, clean handles,

 

Cheap laundry soap

 

and a dinner with zing,

 

These are a few of my favorite things!

When it's dirty,

 

When it's messy,

 

Oh, it makes me sad!

 

I simply remember my favorite things,

and then I don't feel so bad!

 

Happy Wednesday! See y'all back tomorrow!

Not Quite Your Momma's Miss Manners - Part I

"Be polite!"

I cannot tell you how often I heard those words from my mother as a child - as an admonition, a gentle reminder, or just a reflex she must have to say it. I still hear her now (in my head) when in a sticky wicket of a social situation. Yet with today's overflow of technology and the casualness of our society, "manners" have also evolved. So how do we navigate the potential pitfalls of social interaction? We'll begin with a semi-serious topic.

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Sir Elton knew what he was talking about - for many people, apologizing can be a daunting, unpleasant task, for not only do we admit that we messed up, we are casting ourselves upon the mercy of another individual to grant us forgiveness. No one is perfect; I probably commit at least one faux pas daily. In fact, I have friends who call me F.I.M. - foot in mouth. As such, the most important things I have learned with regards to missteps are:

1) Know WHEN To Apologize
Generally speaking, if you have caused offense, damage, or been inappropriate, you should apologize and mean it. Unless you are truly not sorry and you do not value your relationship with the offended party, suck it up and humbly apologize. If you broke something, apologize. If you said something out of anger/frustration/hurt/inebriation/etc., apologize. If you made an innocent mistake that hurt someone, apologize. It never hurts you to say you're sorry, but it may heal the hurt of another.

2) Know HOW To Apologize
 A simple "I'm sorry" is all well and good if, say, you accidentally bump someone or commit another innocuous offense. Anything more, and you owe the other party a 3-part, well-intended apology:
A) Actually Say The Words
Sometimes, this can be the hardest part of the apology. This is best done in person, it is acceptable on the phone, but DO NOT TEXT unless your calls go unanswered. Even then, you should leave a voicemail. You can also go old-school and write a letter, if you like. The importance of this is ensuring the person understands that "I'm sorry" isn't a reflex, but that you actually thought it through.
B) Validate His/Her Feelings
The second part of an apology is acknowledging WHY the other person is upset. This not only makes the other person more open to believing you are sorry, but shows a depth of emotional intelligence. If you do not understand why they are upset, now is the time to clarify - something along the lines of "I'm sorry, I clearly upset you, but I don't understand what you are feeling - would you please explain it so I can apologize and avoid hurting you in the future?" But you aren't done yet.
C) Ask How You Can Repair The Damage
If you broke or damaged something valuable, you can offer to replace or fix it, although some things (heirlooms, etc.) may be irreplaceable. Otherwise, let the other person know you are truly remorseful by offering this brand of repentance - it will turn your "I'm sorry" into an accepted apology more often than not. Trust me, this can go a long way towards mending fences, even if you made a complete donkey out of yourself.

3) A Few Tips To Avoid The Need To Apologize
We will mess up - it's our nature. But a few things contribute to more apology-worthy situations than others:
A) NEVER get black-out drunk in social situations - that is for idiots and children. We've all been there, and it ain't pretty. There's not much worse than needing to apologize for something you cannot even remember doing.
B) Be careful - simple and effective. Don't be cavalier with someone else's possessions or feelings.
C) Be nice - it beats the snot out of the alternative, and no one likes a meanie.
D) Make your momma proud - if you can't stand the idea of your parent/sibling/grandparent/aunt/uncle/whoever knowing what you did, that may be a sign you shouldn't do it.
E) Be honest -  lies and deceit cut deeper than anything, and trust takes years to build but only seconds to destroy. Value your friends and family - always tell them the truth, even if you have to sugar-coat it.

These are just some guidelines I strive to follow that I have found to be effective. I don't claim to be an expert - you may be reading this and wonder who I think I am to preach (if so, call me and tell me what I did - I'll be happy to offer you an apology). And tomorrow, I'll post something happy, I promise! I just felt a need to be honest and real with y'all. Take care of each other!

Uh-Oh, What's For Dinner?

Being a single gal means a lot of things, but one of them is that I occasionally (read: OFTEN) forget to buy groceries planned around a meal. At some point, I will discuss meal planning and proper shopping habits, but for today, let's talk about what happens when you are hungry like the wolf and a meal needs to happen.

Mmmm....puppy!

1) Survey The Pridelands
Let's see what you have. You'll likely want an item from at least 3 of these categories:
A) Grain or hearty legume - rice, pasta, beans, quinoa, couscous, etc.
B) Meat or protein - any kind you like, or tofu, beans, etc. if you're vegetarian/vegan
C) Veggies - carrots, zucchini, celery, potatoes, etc.
D) Flavoring stuffs - garlic, onion, shallots, etc.
E) Liquid - any broth or stock, or some kind of sauce or marinade
F) Spices - you should ALWAYS have salt, pepper, onion power, and red pepper flakes (these are my fab four). Bonus points for a spice blend - Cajun, Jerk, Greek, etc. (Cavender's Greek is my personal favorite multi-purpose blend)
G) Staples - flour, butter, milk, cooking oils

SO GOOD!

So let's run down some ideas with examples. Bear in mind, you can substitute in ANY equivalent item; these are not my "best recipes," but they will feed you when you are too tired/broke/unmotivated/busy to go to the store.

You have this.

 

You wish you had this.

2) Making Food Love Out Of Nothing At All (well, almost nothing)
A) Cast - rice, chicken, frozen edamame, teriyaki marinade/stir fry sauce/soy sauce
Act I - Dice the chicken, dump it in a bag with some marinade/sauce, let it sit. Prepare rice as directed.
Act II - Sautee the chicken until 80% cooked, then add the edamame and cover.
Act III - Combine.

B) Cast - Chicken broth, canned beans, mushrooms, onion, minced garlic.
Act I -  Sautee diced onion and garlic, rinse beans.
Act II - add onions and garlic, beans, and stock to a pot. Add as much water as you used stock.
Act III - slice mushrooms and add to the pot. Use whatever seasoning you like to taste, then simmer until you think the flavors are married enough.

C) Cast - Zucchini, lemon, butter, milk, egg noodles, garlic
Act I - Boil noodles, dice zucchini and sautee in olive oil with salt and pepper.
Act II - Sautee garlic in some butter until light brown, add some milk, and cook over medium heat.
Act III - Combine garlic sauce mixture and zucchini, add some lemon juice for brightness, toss with the egg noodles.

D) Cast - Tofu or meat, flour, gravy packet, canned green beans
Act I - Mix flour with salt, pepper, onion powder (or a spice blend), dredge tofu/meat in flour mix.
Act II - Pan fry floured tofu/meat until lightly browned, add gravy packet (mixed per directions), cover and simmer for a while.
Act III - Heat green beans and serve.

E) Cast - Tomato sauce, green bell pepper, sausage
Act I - Slice sausage into 1-inch chunks, slice pepper into strips, sautee.
Act II - Add tomato sauce (1/2 the amount you would need to cover the meat and peppers) and continue to cook over medium heat.
Act III - Add any fresh or dried herb and season to taste.

F) Cast - Chutney, French fried onions, frozen cod, bread crumbs, milk, spinach
Act I - Combine onions and bread crumbs in a food processor and pulse until blended. Thaw fish and soak in milk. Dredge in the crumb mixture.
Act II - Place fish in 300 degree oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until done. Sautee spinach with garlic.
Act III - Heat chutney. Layer spinach, then fish, then chutney.

G) Cast - Flour, ginger root, parsley
Act I - Pick up your phone
Act II - Order delivery.

To date, no pizza that has come to my door has EVER looked like this.

Sorry kids - some things just never make a meal!

3) What Did We Learn?
The most important point here is creativity. General knowledge of flavors is a plus, but most of us have eaten enough meals that we have a general catalog of meal "templates," if you will. Substitute, experiment, HAVE FUN! Don't be afraid to take risks - there's always pizza! And on your next shopping trip, ensure you pick up rice, pasta, seasonings, frozen or canned veggies, some kind of meat or protein to freeze, an onion, butter, and some stock. These eight items will fill in holes and help you make meals out of seemingly nothing.

We can't all be this little guy!

Tomorrow's post will begin to cover ettiquette situations in the 21st century - how Emily Post meets modern technology and communication!