Ode to Convenience

Sometimes yours truly is a traditionalist when it comes to doing certain things. For example, I believe in making your own marinara sauce and cooking it low and slow. If I ever want my husband to do anything, I make sauce. Most of my friends know that it's the #1 trick I have up my sleeve for getting shit done around here. But let's be honest, sometimes you just don't have the time, patience or gumption to cook a homemade meal from scratch every daggum night. Hence this post. I have been trying a few convenience items here and there, and for the most part, I have liked them. I don't even have very much room to talk when it comes to stress, kids, and the like... it's just my hubs and I so for the most part, I have it pretty easy. For those of you out there who've been teetering on the brink of insanity trying to balance it all, give a few of these pups a try.

#1. Kraft Easy Mac

Comes in a bazillion different flavors, pre-portioned so you won't accidentally down a bucket of mac & cheese. The triple cheese is my favorite so far. Since I'm not originally from the South, I grew up on the stuff in the blue box and I'm not ashamed to say that I still like some Kraft every once in awhile, which basically means 4-5 times per week. 3 and a half minutes in the microwave and this baby is ready to go. Perfect for lunch at work at only 220 calories for the whole thing. Gets the job done.

#2. Ore Ida Steam & Mash Potatoes

Usually I am a total purist when it comes to any and all things potato. But, due to a coupon I had, I decided to try these out. I bought the plain russet variety and Christ on a bicycle, these were good! 10 minutes in the microwave and these little nuggets of starchy joy are steamed up and ready to smash into velvety goodness. Mix in anything you want for added flavor, or you also have the option of buying the roasted garlic, three cheese or some other varieties I can't remember right now. I kept it simple and did a little milk, butter, salt and pepper. They have a great earthy flavor and could easily win a spot on anyone's Thanksgiving table. 80 calories per 3/4 cup, and about 7 servings in each bag. Or three servings if you are me.

#3. Google Chrome

The bomb diggity when it comes to internet browsers. I don't know how all the 1's and 0's work, but it's faster than IE, Safari, or Firefox combined. I highly recommend downloading it if you're not working on some locked down work laptop. You will like. Still a few bugs here and there as it is in Beta..... and by bugs I am referring to freaking Blogger right now as I am trying to edit this damn thing and I can't resize my pictures.... but I'm sure they'll figure them out.

#4. World Market Red Wine Sale. Because let's face it people, 12 bottles of wine for a mere $82 is a steal, even in this economy! About a hundred brands are on sale.  Gitcha ass over there.

The best bang for your buck

Stop what you are doing and Bang Head Here.

This shiz is written by the funniest person I know, Miss Otis Campbell.  Welcome to blogland Otie!

Rock the Vote

I have decided that I will vote for any Georgia politicians who support lifting the ban on Sunday liquor sales. It is really the only Georgia law that affects me.

Tag I'm It!!

The fabulous Heidi in STL tagged me, so here we go... 5 Joys 1. spending time with my husband, doesn't matter what we are doing 2. seeing my dog's lip get caught in her tooth so she gets that funny snarl thing going on 3. the blooming of flowers in springtime 4. spending time with extended family 5. those days when a new article of clothing makes you feel like complete hawtness 5 Fears 1. dying alone 2. being in a car accident 3. regret 4. how I will feel when someone close to me dies 5. I think the above 4 pretty much cover it. 5 Obsessions 1. checking email 2. clipping and using coupons - it's a sport 3. RB 4. CNN 5. organizing things and using my label maker whenever possible 5 Surprising Facts 1. I have been in the following musicals: Music Man, Oliver, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys & Dolls, and South Pacific. 2. New York City is my absolute favorite city on Earth. I have been at least 6 times. I went for the first time at age 13 - my grandma took me for my birthday. We stayed at the St. Moritz on Central Park South and we had a park view. I didn't know how good we had it. 3. My first job was at a horrendous late 80's/early 90's clothing store called Hit or Miss. One time, a cross dresser walked in. I couldn't tell when he was up front because I could just see his leather jacket on top, but I could definitely tell when he walked past me in a skirt and heels. 4. I stopped eating pancakes for 2 years in high school due to my employment at Gramma Sally's Pancake House. Couldn't stand the sight or smell of them. 5. I have been to 30 of 50 states. I am missing most of the Pacific Northwest and New England. I'd like to cross them all off of my list by age 40. Hmmm....who to tag?? 1. Leslie at Elite Entrees 2. Carrie at My Life in Piktures 3. Sam at Cakes by Combs 4. Trish at Bang Head Here 5. Sarah at Jagged Diary

Pineapple Chipotle Fish Tacos

I am always looking for ways to incorporate more seafood into our diet at home, so I had to post about these fish tacos.  This is a mix of several different recipes, but I didn't have all the ingredients from any of them, so I just improvised.  So yum! Pineapple Chipotle Fish Tacos from Blog Soup

For the fish & marinade: 2 medium size filets of mahi mahi, tilapia or orange roughy  1/4 c. pineapple juice 1/4 c. lime juice salt & pepper  oregano For the tacos: 4-6 flour or corn tortillas shredded lettuce or napa cabbage 1/2 cup Jack's natural salsa (I like this brand because it tastes like you just made it - can usually be found in the deli) 1 fresh pineapple spear, chopped 3 T. sour cream 6-7 dashes tabasco chipotle sauce Marinate the fish in the juices and spices for 1-2 hours.  Remove from marinade and slice into 1/4" pieces.  Add to a skillet on medium heat.  Saute, but keep an eye on them, because the sugars from the juices will allow the fish to burn. In the meantime, warm the tortillas in the microwave.  To make the chipotle crema, mix tabasco and sour cream.  Combine chopped pineapple with ready-made salsa.  Assemble tacos and serve open faced.   I like to serve these with hint-of-lime chips and pomegranate guacamole: 2 avocados, mashed 3 green onions, fine chop 1/3 english cucumber, fine chop arils of one pomegranate cumin salt & pepper lime juice Enjoy!