We are not a nation of strikes and inaction. We will not be preached at by militant unionists with a crap whippet and a chip on each shoulder.

Teaching kids to respect rules is key.

Investing in children's education is vital.

I watch 'The Great British Bake Off' in the way I used to watch people kiss on TV in front of my parents when I was young. Cringe.

If you over-deliver and prove yourself to be an asset to the company, you will be rewarded as a result.

If you sign up for TV, expect the edit to make things interesting.

Politicians used to be leaders. Now they follow voters, desperate for a tick in a box.

I have strong opinions, and I am not afraid to share them.

There are all sorts of parents I hate - super-keen parents, PTA parents, and fat parents on a bus.

Own your problems.

Sunshine is supposed to make you happy.

Most mums are not reliable.

Anything that needs to be labelled 'The Entertainment' usually isn't - especially when it is provided by the endlessly enthusiastic Joel or Nadia wearing trainers and a whistle.

Many teachers seem to believe their opinions are right, and therefore, all other viewpoints are wrong. And they are indoctrinating our children with their beliefs.

Being a minority voice is still brave - even if the minority voice is from the right wing.

I was a really bad single mum. I used to go to the supermarket just for somewhere to go.

If I was fat and had a strong regional accent and was a bloke, I'd be a stand-up. Because I think I'm funny.

Those who are most pious and noble tend to be the least tolerant.

I really believe the stuff I say.

If summer had one defining scent, it'd definitely be the smell of barbecue.

When I look back on my childhood, my fondest memories are those surrounding the dinner table.

Betrayal is one of my biggest fears. Betrayal happens on many different levels all the time, and there is no worse feeling than realizing someone you thought you could trust has gone against you.

My number one elixir for anxiety? Comfort food.

I think it's fun to serve comfort food because it's an instant ice-breaker. If somebody's expecting fancy food, and you whip out some fried chicken, they feel like, you know, they can put their elbows on the table, and the etiquette police aren't going to come out.

Cauliflower is a great swap in so many comfort food dishes.

My dining and entertainment philosophy - I can boil it down to 'the three C's - I like my food like my fashion: casual, classic, and with a touch of couture.

There's something so intimate about a picnic with your guy.

I love to have my girlfriends over for a movie night of chick flicks. I usually make some simple snacks, and the favorite is always my Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

Ground turkey is fantastic in a comforting classic - meatloaf.

I love comfort food - it's the basis of everything.

I'm a big coffee drinker, and I like the ritual of using a French press - plus it makes great coffee.

For me, the thought of spaghetti and meatballs conjures up the image of that scene where 'Lady and the Tramp' gaze into each other's eyes as they slurp a strand of pasta into a fateful kiss.

I think friendships, true friendships, morph as our lives change into what we need them to be. I am very lucky to have some really great friends, who have been there for me during my ups and downs.

For breakfast, a grain bowl is healthy but hearty.

The rich, hearty flavor of portobello mushroom caps are a dynamite alternative to the traditional burger.

You can tap into culture by exploring what's grown or produced in the region, like going into the Blue Mountains in Jamaica to visit a coffee plantation or a rum distillery in Barbados.

Holiday shopping is a challenge. Stores are crowded; people are stressed and rude... not exactly the spirit of the season.

I'll take any excuse to have a get-together. For me, it's all about the everyday occasions, whether it's popping champagne to toast good weather, inviting the girls for brunch to rehash a night out, or just making snacks and watching a movie.

My secret for feeding a bunch of guests without seeming stingy is pork tenderloin. It's an inexpensive cut that looks impressive and is full of flavor. Plus, guys love it.

I grew up eating chicken and dumplings in my grandma's kitchen.

I don't put myself out there - I'm really a homebody.

I've always been a big fan of ribs.

I grew up cooking. I was always in my grandma's cooking, and I never thought of it as a career.

Frozen bananas pureed in the food processor make a great fake ice cream.

I once had a 'best friend' share private stories that I had told her in confidence to another mutual friend. I think the worst part, aside from the actual betrayal of trust, is that this experience affected my future relationships, as I was hesitant to be as open with my other friends.

I think it's odd when people say jeans are comfortable, because to me, they feel like sausage casings.

My zero-stress way to host a gathering: Make the guests do the cooking.

I used to think of Mexican food as a once-in-a-while type of thing because it can be so heavy, but I learned how to lighten it up easily and keep it just as flavorful. That's awesome, since it's the perfect festive dinner for hanging out with friends on a relaxed night.

I do shop on eBay. I love to buy china on eBay. I've bought quite a few sets of plates. I like to buy gifts as well. If I know somebody has a favorite writer, I look for a first edition. It's also a great place to buy vintage jewelry.

I'd rather spend my Sunday doing just about anything other than watching a football game - unless it's the Super Bowl.