We’ve had this conversation before, haven’t we?

The one where I admit that I hate to cook. Well, HATE is a strong word. I am just not very motivated to cook because of my lack of time and creativity.

All of the foodies out there might gasp when I say this but my preferred method of cooking is… um, well… a crock pot.  Don’t judge folks. I just don’t have as much time as I would like so the slow cooker is my friend.

If you feel the same way as I, you are probably dreading the upcoming baking-extravaganza-of-a-holiday-season. But no worries, because I may have a solution for you…

I just got my hot little hands on two books by Phyllis Pellman Good – the “Fix-It and Forget-It Christmas Cookbook” and the “Fix-It and Forget-It Kid’s Cookbook.“  Between the two there are 650  recipes the get a time-starved parent through the holidays with nary a skillet in sight.

The recipes are divided into sections including breakfast, lunches, suppers, beverages and desserts.  (Helpful tips also include how many servings the recipe yields, as well as the ideal slow cooker size.)

Recipes include things like:

Snowmobile Soup
Ranch Hand Beef
Snappy Meatballs
Turkey Breast with Orange Sauce
Company Casserole
Lotsa Scalloped Potatoes
Wassail
Ginger Tea
Home-Style Bread Pudding (To name a few)

The kid’s cookbook will have even the pickiest eaters (like mine) trying their hand at cooking. My boys were salivating at the “Gooey Chocolate Pudding Cake” and “Creamy Lasagna.” In fact, they are planning on making two recipes for an upcoming soccer party this weekend. (Bonus for mom who no longer has to cook!) And truly, the photographs in this book really motivate the kids to be creative. I am seriously impressed with the reaction I got from my tween boys.

Here’s the thing, don’t let the “holiday” theme fool you. These cookbooks are appropriate for any season. I have a feeling that mine will be out all year long.

In fact, I’m making a Hungarian Beef Stew right now… Crock. Pots. Are. Amazing.

FTC Disclosure: A lovely woman offered me the chance to review these and sent them to me free of charge. All opinions and the resulting food created are mine. Heh. Get your own.

If you are a seasoned blogger you might want to move along because I am about to wax poetic about something you have already fallen in love with…PICNIK.

I just love that website.

Picnik is online photo editing made super fun. You can do anything on there: edits, resize, retouch, frame, create a slideshow, anything…  And it is easy enough that your kids can get creative as well.

One example:

I know, right? It has a ton of practical applications, especially if you are a blogger or enjoy digital scrapbooking.  But, in the end it is just a blast to play with.

Do you use Picnik? Or do you favor another tool?

Are you a fashionista with a penchant for technology?

Oh boy, have I got a treat for you!  Take a look at these two free iPhone apps:

Can’t attend fashion week? No worries!

Style.com has developed the most fabulous app for ladies who want the latest looks right off of the runways! It literally brings fashion week  to YOU. Shortly after the live shows, you’ll get all of the latest looks uploaded to your fingertips. You’ll be the first of your friends in the know! NYC, Paris, Milan, London … how cool is that?

Ms. Wintour has done it again

That Anna Wintour.  She thinks of everything! How many times have you been left wondering about an item in an ad? (Sometimes the ads are the best part!) How much is it? Where can you get it?  Well, now Vogue has put out the Vogue Stylist app. This lovely piece of technology lists out everything in the latest fashion ads, provides details, pricing  and, of course, where  shopping gals can go to purchase. Not only that but it will let you know the latest fashion trends and even provide product suggestions. Love it!