Always be prepared for an unexpected celebration.

Chef Nikki Shaw: Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm constantly in search of great food, fun, & adventure! I live for a crazy night on the town. My motto in life is "make it a party"! It doesn't matter, the occasion or the location ... just "make it a party"! My 7-year-old daughter is just as bad as I am. Honestly, these apples didn't fall far from the tree -- my own mom is the "Old-School Original Party Girl." She keeps a boom box & an emergency bottle of champagne in her trunk at all times (just kidding, Mom).

On the other hand, my husband is a homebody. You can always find him "in his office," which means lying on the sofa, half asleep, watching ESPN with a bag of sunflower seeds.

Needless to say, I've been forced to become a self-proclaimed "In-Home Entertainment Specialist." Sure, at first I was kickin' & screamin' -- then I finally realized that this is the only way to keep us both happy.

"NIK TIP": Always be prepared for an unexpected celebration. Keep a hidden supply of snacks & drinks stashed away in the cabinet. Our family favorite is warm tortilla chips & chunky salsa. Throw in a cold pitcher of fresh fruit sangria (a nice bottle of red wine mixed with orange, lime, & mango slices) & nonalcoholic sparkling apple cider sangria for the kids!

In this bitter economy, I'll show you how to make life sweet right at home.

Chef Nikki Shaw is the owner of Flavor Caterer in Oakland, Ca., and was a finalist on the Food Network's "Next Food Network Star." She is the host of the radio show "Today's Flavor," broadcast on San Francisco's KBLX and webcast on WBLS in New York. She is married to LA Lakers' Assistant Coach Brian Shaw and lives in both Northern & Southern California with their three children. www.chefnikkishaw.com