Stop Sorting Socks

I think the hardest part of doing laundry is being the sock police! You find yourself scratching your head and asking questions like...Where's the match to this one? Did the dryer eat one? Is that a black one or navy one? Do these patterns match? Whose are these anyway? And when all else fails, you throw it in the orphan sock basket that gets sorted and matched every few months. Any part of this sound familiar?

Start keeping it simple and stop losing socks from now on. By giving each member of the family their own mesh bag to keep in or near their hamper for socks you can cut down several minutes of sorting. 

I found these great inexpensive bags that cost only $3.29 each (& free shipping). Just use a  Sharpie marker to write a name on each one. There you have it! Throw the bag in the washer, then in the dryer, then hand the clean bag of socks back to the rightful owner.

Do you have a simple solution for reducing laundry time?

Quick Recipe – Slow Cooking: Southwestern Chicken

When the boss has piled more work on your desk than you can handle, sometimes taking the time to cook meals can add to the stress when all you want to do is relax when you get home. Here is a very simple crockpot recipe that should help. It’s one of my son’s favorites. And instead of the suggested chicken? Try using the leftover turkey or ham!

Easy Southwestern Chicken (serves 4)

Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 cup salsa (thick works best)
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 pkg cream cheese (8 oz)

In a crockpot, layer beans, corn, 1/2 c. salsa, chicken breasts and top with the last 1/2 c. salsa. Cook on high for 3 hours. Slice cream cheese and layer on top of other ingredients. Cook 1 hour longer. When done, gently blend cream cheese with the other ingredients. Serve over rice, noodles or tortillas.

I am a big fan of crockpot recipes — in the winter to provide comfort food and delightful kitchen smells, and in the summer to keep the house cool while cooking.

Do you have any simple crockpot recipes you’d like to share?

Disclaimer: I do not remember who sent this recipe to me years ago, but I have seen several versions of it on the internet. If you are the rightful creator please let me know so I can give credit where it is due!