Weeknight Mexican

Today was a tough day at work. When that happens, normal people usually order take-out for dinner, lounge on the couch with the remote in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Let's not get crazy, I will always have a glass of wine in my hand at the end of a tough day, but I like to make dinner. Tonight, we celebrated Cinco De Mayo early, with weeknight Mexican. I went to the Minneapolis farmer's market on Sunday and bought fresh cilantro and local fresh salsa, so tacos seemed like an easy choice tonight. I looked at a couple of recipes online, but didn't find any I absolutely loved. So I decided to do my own thing and create my own avocado relish for chicken tacos. I shredded rotisserie chicken breast to keep it weeknight easy, and fancied it up by grilling the corn tortillas on the stove top. By the end of the night, my wine glass was empty and my stomach was full with home cooked comfort. I am ready to take on the rest of the week.

Easy Avocado Relish (makes 6 servings)

2 Haas avocados peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups frozen corn thawed
1/4 cup white onion diced
1 jalapeno small diced
1 roma tomato diced
1 bunch of fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients together and salt and pepper to taste.

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Gifts for the Host

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that there are a million reasons right now to throw a holiday party. Here are some examples: cookie exchange party, holiday movie night party, ugly Christmas sweater party, or maybe a let's-drive-around-the-neighborhood-and-look-at-lights-party (if you drink the spiked egg nog before driving around, consider this a walking party). Whatever the reason, holiday parties are a wonderful time to get together with friends. Hosting is not an easy job, but it makes it more enjoyable when guests show up with a nice gift. Here are some great hosting gifts under $50 to give this holiday season. A new way to keep white wine chilled A great game for the long winter nights in by the fire These throws are super soft and cozy Homemade popcorn is the best. Try this recipe with it! This reminds me of a martini shaker I would see in a James Bond film.

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Happy 4th of July!

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Lady Nine

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