Potlucks for the Domestically Challenged

The holiday season is notorious for meals with friends and loved ones.  A new trend is to have potlucks.  This is my nightmare as I am domestically challenged.  Yes, I could pick something up at the grocery store but I hate the judgmental stares when you take the plastic wrap off and remove the price tag.  What are my options?

I need something that is simple, doesn’t require a kitchen full of tools and will dazzle guests and hosts with my contribution. 

Ideas:

A Strange Treat:

Ingredients:

Banana Nut Bread loaf

Bag of Sliced apples

Sliced Cheddar cheese

You can either bake a banana nut bread loaf or buy it from the store.  I say buy it from the store and save the time.  Cut slices in half; add a slice of cheese and apple slice on top.  The combination of flavors is amazing.

Quick Salsa:

Ingredients:

Can of salsa

Can of whole cornel corn (drained)

Can of black beans (drained and rinsed)

In a mixing bowl combine ingredients and mix together.  Add chips!

This will give the appearance of homemade salsa.

Hummus Platter:

Ingredients

Tub of plain hummus

Jar of roasted tomato pesto

Mix together serve with pita chips and veggies.

Easy Sangria:

Ingredients:  

2 bottles of Moscato

A bottle of Ruby Red Grapefruit juice

2 – 3 cups of white rum

Fresh fruit such as pears or apples

Mix ingredients together in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

Nice People Finish Last

The other day my coworkers and I had a conversation about relationships.  The males in the group were mainly concerned with the concept that women do not like nice guys.  The females in the group answered back with, “Guys only date bitches.”  It seems as though there is a “disconnect” between these two concepts.  If both sexes believe the other is looking for a “bad” partner where does that leave us? 

I started thinking about this concept and mulling it around in my mind.  I dove into my past relationships to see if there was any truth in this concept.  What had I done in my own past to support or deny this claim?

First I had to define a few terms.  Of course when it comes to relationships there are always aspects that need defining.  What constitutes a “bad boy” or a “bitchy woman"?  Well definitely an abusive man would be considered “bad.”  Someone who abuses drugs?  I could see that falling under the category of “bad.”  A cheater?  Someone who lies?  A scrub?  Someone who is controlling?  A jealous man?  The list is racking up.

Let’s focus on the ladies.  Someone who is bitchy could possess qualities such as bossy, abusive, wants someone for money?  Someone who manipulates others to get what she wants?  Controlling?  Jealous?  Basically anyone who is on the show Bridezillas. 

When listing these qualities, they don’t sound appealing.  So what is the draw towards these people?  I personally don’t believe it has anything to do with whether a guy is a little bad or a girl is a little bitchy.  I believe it depends on emotionally availability.   Both sexes aren’t drawn to people who are too available.  They want a little mystery, someone a little withdrawn.  They want to work for it a bit.  The thrill of the chase.

We also can't forget about the gray areas.  People don't fall into either a bad or good category.  There are many places to go in between.  

What are other’s thoughts on this subject?