Did anyone else read Pioneer Woman's post about her obsession with collecting dishes?

I found that post so interesting because I myself have an obsession with all things dishes. But up until I read her post and the subsequent reader comments, I just thought I had an abnormal shopping addiction. (Okay so I probably do have a shopping addiction - but this is something entirely different) I really need to spend more time with girls so that I know these things are NOT abnormal.

Since I moved into my first place, I have been near obsessed with dishes. Particularily stoneware like Fiesta Dinnerware by Homer Laughlin. In fact, I obtained an entire set of Fiesta dishes when I moved into my condo and then registered for a new set when I got married a couple years later. Everytime I go into a store that sells it, I find myself standing there drooling over all the things I don't have, and there are a lot of things I don't have. Yet.

I also buy bowls, all different kinds of bowls. I love looking at them in stores like Marshall's and TJ Maxx because they have all sorts of different styles to choose from.

Alas, I haven't been buying much lately because I am just out of room in my kitchen. So much so that the gorgeous red nesting bowls I bought some time ago are just sitting on my counter because I don't know where to put them.

I didn't really know much about the jadite that PW blogged about, but it appears that this is a very pricey item to collect so I'm not even going to look into it. However, I did Google "vintage dishes" and found that there is a whole online world of dish collectors. And I'm pretty sure some of that vintage Pyrex I saw can be found in my mom's kitchen. I hope she still has it; I never even thought to tell her not to throw it away.

My New Favorite Product

Don't freak out that I'm blogging two days in a row. My husband and children were awesome today and helped me out with dinner so I actually have a few minutes to sit. I even got a load of laundry in. It's a very exciting day. (and now that I am going back over this and reading this, maybe kind of pathetic)

But that isn't why I'm blogging. I'm blogging to tell you about my new favorite product. The Ziploc Zip 'n Steam bags. I saw them on TV the other day and happened to see them on the shelf while grocery shopping on Sunday. So I thought I would try them. I was inspired by the mixed vegetable medley at Outback Steakhouse and the fact that Dave and I have been saying we need to eat more veggies in this house.

So for dinner tonight I sliced up 1 giant carrot, 1 summer squash, 1 large broccoli stalk, and a handful of pea pods. All beautiful fresh veggies. I threw them in the zip 'n steam bag, salted them a little and popped the bag in the microwave for 3 minutes. It was perfect. The veggies were cooked but still crispy - just as good (if not better) than Outback. It also put canned veggies to shame. And, my kids ate it without much complaint. I did get a little groan over the summer squash, but the carrots were a huge hit.

I am all about anything that makes my life easier and healthier at the same time. So I am electing the Ziploc Zip 'n Steam bags my new favorite product!!