My Year-Round Fail-Safe Gift-Buying Guide

I found this email in my inbox the other morning:

Dear Lacey,

A coworker gave me a book for Xmas. The note says, "this is one of my favorite books..." I've started reading but, as I arrive at page 10, I find no motivation to continue. I suppose I'll forge ahead for at least a chapter or two. But what does one do when given a gift full of meaning but one is unimpressed with that meaning?

Good question, friend, and one we all certainly find ourselves asking at one point or another. The short answer is to thank the person, place the book on your shelf, and forget about it.

Sack of Potatoes

What do you do with a bag of potatoes that’s nearing the end of its shelf life? 

Good question. 

I am notorious for: 

1. Ignoring the question and letting the potatoes go bad. 

2. Making and eating a monosyllabic dinner (ketchup is a vegetable, right?). 

3. Giving up and making a bowl of frosting instead.*

Here’s an inventory of what I did last night: