Introducing the overall HERO of our Holidays.......

Today it's back to work.....
The kids are both still here.
Which means that the 3-meals-a-day thing will continue.
Because of that....yesterday, I made an extra run through the tunnel and over the bridge to Trader Joe's to pick up a few of our new favorites.
With all the cooking and entertaining I did this holiday season, I must give some extra credit where credit is due--to Trader Joe's.
I made two pre-holiday runs on my lunch hours to Trader Joe's and was saved hours and hours of prep work--especially on Feast of Seven Fishes night.
Everything.....and I mean everything.....was of exceptional quality and commanded rave reviews.
And, the prices were so amazing, I felt like I was robbing the place. Sort of.
From the Tempura Shrimp to the Seafood Blend to the Coconut Shrimp to the White Bean and Basil Hummus to the Cranberry Oatmeal Dunkers to the Fresh Mozzarella Medallions.....it all made me look good!
With just a few extra touches and some tweaks to the presentations, some of my cooking jobs and kitchen duties were cut by 60%. Giving me more time to do the things that took me forever to do....like dishes and pots and pans. And make martinis.
I wish Trader Joe could send a few dishwashers, organizers and pot scrubbers....

So, as I head back to work.....not to mention work and motherhood (with 2 children at home!).....my mind is focused on how I can s.i.m.p.l.i.f.y. my world without sacrificing what I have come to love about my world. As complex as it may be.
One thing that would really help me out is if they really do put a Trader Joe's within a few miles of my house....
Yes, that would make my life so much simpler!
Love you Trader Joe's! Come to me!