Simply Tasheena: 2017

Happy Thursday! I couldn't wait to share with you guys a roundup of my top recipes of 2017. I had so much fun completing my 2016 recipe roundup that I thought I would do it again this year.

I was a little shocked that my vegan recipes were a huge hit this year. I'm super excited about this and plan on bringing plenty of vegan recipes in 2018.

I defiantly had a lifestyle change in 2017 and I'm happy that you guys have been along with me during this journey. I still have meat eaters at home, for those who have been with me from the start, I still have a ton of recipes for you guys too.

Hopefully, I will have an upcoming post sharing my 2017 plans for the blog. One thing that I would love to change is the blog theme. More talks about that in a later post. I would also like to improve on a couple of things. However, first I would like to Thank everyone for their sweet comments. You guys really rock! As you guys know that I'm not big into New Year's resolutions. However, I try to immediately start to work on what needs adjusting...

Anywho, enough about me, do you have any big plans for 2018? I would love to read about them. Let's keep this conversation going in the comment section.

My Top Recipes of 2017

Garlicky Shrimp Bake

Detox Ginger Lemonade

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Grilled Chicken Teriyaki

3 Ingredient LaraBars

Vegan Blender Pancakes

Vegan Crepe

Vegan French Toast

Chocolate Breakfast Cake

William Sonoma Stovetop Potourri

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I'm a strong believer that you can't take care of anyone else successfully if you don't take care of yourself first. As a busy mom. It's so easy to forget about the essentials with one of them being you. I compiled a list below of ways that you can start today to ensure that your 2018 and beyond is on task.

Self-care

As a busy mom, these days are essential. Take a moment for self-care. I realized how much that I love having my nails painted. Weekly I make sure to take time out of my schedule to paint my nails. Why? Because it makes me happy. For you, it may be reading a book, going for a walk or even get a message. Let's not forget shopping. Schedule those days, you can even turn this into a family event. Maybe the kids want to read at a special place. Like going to your local library or Barnes and Noble. Figure out what works for you and your family.

Learn How To Relax

This is something that I too struggle with and plan on continuing to work on. What is working for me is learning how to be in the moment. If you're really in the moment it won't be so easy for you to react to what's going on around you.

Journal

My parents have always told me that if you don't have anything nice to say. Then don't say anything at all. I love the concept of writing out your thoughts prior to sending a text message or posting it on social media. Whether you're having the best day or a not so great day. Take some time out of your day to write down what you're grateful for. Ways that you can improve your day-to-day tasks. Take a moment to reflect on how you're feeling that moment. Trust me, it's wonderful to look back at and reflect on what you're grateful for.

Essentials

I love keeping Kleenex on hand in my home, not just for those sick days but for everyday life! There's nothing worse than needing a Kleenex and not having one around. I purchase a box for everyone room in my home. There are so many times in the past that we're watching a tearjerker movie and I have to miss part of it to grab a Kleenex. Let's not count the countless times that we sneeze and have to rush to the nearest bathroom. Since I purchase so many at a time. I love the savings and convince of ordering online while shopping at Walmart. Don't forget that you can purchase the Kleenex online and pickup in-store pickup (where available) You can also always pick them up while doing your families grocery shopping. These are all great options.

Don't forget to shop in-store or on Walmart.com this season + all year round with free 2-day shipping!

Do you have a self-care day?

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Christmas is officially over. I hope everyone had a pretty epic day. If you follow me on Snapchat you saw that it actually snowed Christmas Day. So It was a white Christmas in Connecticut sort of. A lot of the snow melted by noon. Did I mention that we lost power for a couple of hours? Michael did not get up until a little afternoon. Which a guess is a norm for teens. I guess. I'm still a kid at heart and have always been the first one to get up Christmas morning in our home.

Originally, we were supposed to host Christmas dinner. However, my cousins ended up hosting which this has been the first year in a really long time that I haven't hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. It was really nice to go home and unwind after visiting family. I did make a batch of coquito which I never realized how hard it is to find a can of cream of coconut right before Christmas in my state. I will defiantly stock up in the future prior to the holidays.

Anwho, how was your Christmas? Did Santa bring you anything special?

Christmas 2017 Pics

Coquito

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Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas from my Family to Yours!

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Happy Thursday!

Today is one of my favorite days. Thursday night football! I have to be honest with you guys though. Growing up, my parents were not into sports. My father liked boxing so I pretty much saw all of those fights. However, we were not a football family. Once, I got older, I started to grow an interest in sports. One of my favorite sports, as you can tell, is football.
Yes, everyone in our home loves a different team. It's really amazing how that happens. The Mister has tried to convert the kiddos into Giants fans. However, they're not budging. I'm just one of those people that don't have a favorite team. Theirs really something that I love about each team.

Over the years I've grown to be the type of person that throws mini football parties for my family and really try to bring the experience at home.
Since the football regular season is coming to an end. I thought it would be fun to put together something special for my family.

I searched a kraftrecipes.com and found this Savory Parmesan Spinach-Artichoke Dip. I've always wanted to try making spinach dip home and I so happy that I found this super easy recipe.

What's your favorite dip?

Recipe (Adapted from)

Ingredients

1 pkg. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese softened
1 jar (12 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Instructions

Heat oven to 350ºF.
Mix ingredients until blended.
Spoon into shallow baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

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It honestly feels as if it has taken forever for me to get this post out. If you're new to my blog. I visited London back in August/September and had the most amazing experience EVER. You can read about all my London posts here. You can also check out part one here. I will say that I am honestly missing London. From the street markets to the Tesco supermarket It was just an overall amazing experience. The food was amazing, the weather was perfect and the scenery was breathtaking. One of my all-time favorite experiences was walking around and seeing all of the amazing street art.

Below I'm sharing some of my favorite pictures from my trip.

London Street Art

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Hey, guys and happy Tuesday! Today I wanted to share with you guys a little recap from me in the Misters and me day date trip this past weekend to a local brewery.
I think sometimes being in a relationship you really forget to date your spouse and really show them the importance of really just stepping out of your comfort zone.

I think that sometimes people get really confused and feel that just because you're in the same area or in the same home as that person that you're actually spending quality time with that person and you're being "in the moment" and you're being present. My goal for the end of 2017 as well as 2018 I would like to work one focusing on being present in being in the moment with my spouse.

What I did notice is that I know everybody's relationship is different and everyone's experience and expectations are different but honestly in a relationship it's really easy for it to just get old real quick and I feel like one of the easiest ways to spice up your relationship or just to get the conversation going you know of course you have the everyday conversations about finances and the kids and "how was your day at work" but to really get the conversation going is to step out of your element.
I nor the Mister is a big beer drinker. However, it was nice to step out of our element.

Our conversation was just different that day. We laughed, joked around and had a good time. I plan to incorporate more of these days unplanned. Yes, at first the Mister wasn't really open to the idea if you're wondering. However, he was really happy that he went.

AnyWho I wanted to share with you guys some pictures from our past weekend I would love to know ways that you guys spice up the relationship? Let's keep the Conversation going in the comment section what are some ways that you spice up your relationship?

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Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had an amazing weekend. My weekend was super busy. During this time of year, I assist families in need during the holidays. Which Friday was the official end date of our adopt a family holiday program with my nonprofit. However, I still have a couple of things that I need to take care of.
Also, this past Friday was my daughter's first official winter break from college. It’s nice that she didn’t go to school too far away. It makes it a lot easier when it’s time for her to come home for school break. Just Thankful that it wasn’t snowing and the roads were clear.
I also forgot to mention that Michael made the high school basketball time. He’s been struggling with time management this semester so I’m hoping that he will be able to stay on task with the requirements of the basketball team.

Anywho, how was your weekend? Any plans this week? Are you done Christmas shopping?

Recipes

Garlic Ranch Chicken

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Whether you're looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, a secret Santa gift or even looking for something to complete what you already purchased for that special someone. I thought I would include a list of Ten Beauty Items Under $10.

I sometimes believe when shopping for a beauty addict or someone who is trying to get into makeup. We sometimes forget the basics. Someone that loves beauty items can never have too much of it! So think outside if the box. Maybe getting them a cute makeup cup and including a gift card inside of it. The possibilities are truly endless! As always, I compiled a list of stuff I would love to receive as a gift. Plus, a lot of these brands I own and love. Are you done Christmas shopping?