In the warmer months, I love to whip up a big salad to take to the office for lunch. Rip up a little lettuce and spinach, toss in a few walnuts and dried cranberries, chop up a hard boiled egg or a little meat left over from the night before if we have any, drizzle it all with a touch of vinaigrette. It is so easy to do, taking just a few minutes.

I am frequently dismayed, however, by how often people in the office say something like "Oh, that looks great. Where did you get it?"

The assumption is that I have bought a prepared salad. Why on earth? There are few things easier to make than a big salad, and it is such an inexpensive thing to throw together for lunch.

Make your own meals, people.