I'm not sure where this year is going and I can't believe I'm writing a post about “8 Things on My Winter To-Do List. I had so much fun writing this post last year. That I thought it would be pretty cool to write this list again this year.
This year I thrived in some areas with self-care. You can read all about my travel adventures here, However, I noticed that when it comes to daily or weekly self-care I really struggle. I really don't have any excuses. My children are all pretty much teens. So I do have some time to myself. However, I still struggle with self-care. Maybe it's the guilt of being an entrepreneur where I feel that I should always be doing something or working on something. Not sure...

Winter Photo Shoot

I'm always the one behind the camera and not in front of it. I really do not have any excuse to why this is always the case especially with a DSLR camera, tripod, and remote. I really have to step out of the box and really make this into a reality. I would love to have a really nice photo shoot with tons of cute photos. 

I have the perfect Valentines Day DIY setup idea. I was thinking about using a gold sheer curtains as the backdrop and me holding a dozen balloons with confetti falling from the sky. How cute right?!

The Big Tree

Last year I had this on my list to visit Rockafeller Center to see the Christmas tree and I never did. Not sure why. I would love to visit though. Even though I don't like being outside in the cold. I think this would be a really nice experience in one of my favorite cities.

Sports

I still haven't been to a professional football or basketball game. We do not have any professional teams in my state if I could use that as an excuse. However, it would be nice to watch a game on a whim.

Ice, Ice Baby

OK, so I'm not about to sing the whole song. However, I do have the tunes playing in my head. Ha! We have an ice-skating rink that I think would be pretty cool to go and visit. I can skate, a little. So I'm not sure how well I'll do on the ice in the cold. But it looks like fun.

Bake

I want to bake, spend an entire day baking or at least the early parts of the morning. Trying all of the recipes that I've wanted to try for the longest. I would love to make homemade caramels and truffles. I would also like to include a couple of healthy treats as well.

Create

I purchased my silhouette machine two years ago and I feel as if I never really don't make time to create. It would be really nice to sit and create all of the things that I pinned on Pinterest or at least some of them.

Read

Not sure what has been going on with me this year. However, I never really take out the time to read. I was doing so good with this, and of course, I started off the year strong. However, I really struggle with taking the time to read and just unwinding. I would like to complete at least one book this winter.

Staycation

This is so long overdue. I would love to escape and go to a beautiful place this winter. In or out of state. We have so many beautiful places in Connecticut and the surrounding area that I would like to take full advantage of visiting.

Do you have a winter “To-Do List”?

It's my favorite time of the year. I love talking all things holiday with my readers and I also love sharing tips to assist you with getting through the holidays stress-free. Whether you're hosting, or a guest or plan on having a pretty low key holiday season. Today I'm sharing 7 Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday.

Plan ahead

I can not tell you the importance of planning ahead of time whether you're hosting or a guest at a holiday gathering. If the person is hosting an event doesn't ask you to bring anything, offer. Why because if you don't you're going to be the first person that the contact when they need something last minute. From creating your shopping list in advance, create your menu plan, know what gifts your purchasing and for whom. Plan, plan, plan, you can't over plan.

Create a budget

I am huge on creating a budget for the holiday season. I wrote several posts on it here. It's so easy to get carried away with spending. If you follow me on social media. I walked into Michael's Craft the other day and wanted the entire pastel-colored holiday decor. Know what's your budget for food, holiday decor, gifts, hostess gifts, etc.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I have to be honest with you. I'm still learning not to sweat the small stuff. I remember my first year making a red velvet cake. I forgot to purchase buttermilk. I was mid-way of making the cake and noticed that I was out of milk... I noticed that my local pharmacy was open and I decided to make a quick run to purchase some milk. Long story short. It wasn't the end of the world. I purchased the milk and googled how to make homemade buttermilk.

Buy what you can't make or Create

I love Martha Stewart. However, I know that I'm not her. Outsource whatever you can. I know those DIY projects sound like an amazing idea. However, be realistic with yourself. Instead of procrastinating and waiting until the last-minute has someone make or create it for you. I have no shame in buying pre-made desserts, and sides. My family loves candy yams and they are my least favorite to make and take a ton of time. Guess what I do? I purchase the pre-made version. Learn to not sweat the small stuff.

Prep As Much As You Can

Typically when I'm hosting a holiday dinner I create a list of To-do's, a shopping list as well as a list of everything that I need to work on that week. I prep as much as I can days before like place cards, menus, etc. I also make sure that I have everything that I need. I cook all of my desserts a day or two in advance and I try my best to make everything else the night before. So the table is set, the hot chocolate bar for the kiddos has everything that it needs and is set up and I'm not running around and can actually enjoy the holiday.

Ask For Help

This is something that I struggle a lot with. I really hate bothering people so I tend to take everything on. When we typically have Christmas or New Years' dinner. I make everything. I started asking people to bring something. Food, drinks, dessert, cutlery. Anything helps! Even if you're asking friends/family to assist you to be on the lookout for a special gift that you have to purchase. It doesn't hurt to ask for help.

Enjoy 

We get so wrapped up in the holidays and making sure that everything and everyone is okay. Don't forget to actually enjoy the upcoming holidays. Plan some "me time" and self-care dates for yourself. Remember that you're no good to anyone else if you're a mess and barely functioning.

Do you have any stress-free holiday tips?

Like many of my readers, I could spend hours upon hours inside of William Sonoma. Something about the scents of the store that just really keeps me coming back as well as the amazing items they always have. I google searched how to create their signature scent and I came up with several different recipes I created a recipe that just works for me and my family and the scent smells amazing. Especially with the holidays right around the corner. It's nice to have a scent that's not necessarily fruity but really relaxing and calming and what I love about this scent is that it's a very unisex scent which makes it perfect as a hostess gift or gifts that you may want to give to your colleagues.

I would put the contents in a cellphone wrapper and add the vanilla in a little bottle. Make the packaging pretty and you have the perfect gift. This is something that is super easy to make if you haven't tried out my holiday potpourri recipe that I made it a few years back definitely check out the recipe because I definitely love having options during the holiday both scents smell extremely amazing and is so nice and inviting coming home to. What I love about this recipe as well is that lasts for a couple of days which was perfect for me and my family I would leave the simmering pot out at night off and first thing in the morning turn it on and bring the pot to a boil and reduce the heat to simmer.

Recipe 

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NatureMadeVitaminD #CollectiveBias




It's officially the holidays and I wanted to share with you guys tips to stay healthy this holiday season. If you're following my blog for a while you know that I typically catch a cold in November and also at the beginning of the new year. I wanted to share what I've been using. But ways to stay mentally and physically healthy. Let's face it. As a busy mom, a lot of times we feel drained after the holiday season. Below I'm sharing 8 Tips To Stay Healthy for the Holidays.

Bundle Up

I never really knew the importance of bundling up until I got older. I remember my great-grandmother used to always tell me to cover my neck. I didn't get it when I was younger. However, as an adult, I always try at the very least to keep my neck covered. I know that may sound like common sense. However, it's very important to stay bundled up during the holidays to stay healthy. I always try to carry an extra set of hats/gloves in my car just in case with hand warmers. It's so easy to just run out of the house and forget the essentials.

Don't Skip Meals

I know the losing weight or not gaining weight is a huge concern during the holidays. However, your daily meals play a major role in boosting your immune system eating rich immune-boosting foods that are high in Vitamin D assists with boosting your immune system. I always carry healthy snacks with me to avoid fatigue. You shouldn't skip any meals. Try to plan out your day and even include meals. If you know that you're going to be running around. What restaurants are around and what can you bring along with you in the event that the lines are too long.

Hydrate

Water plays a major role in staying healthy. Trust me, I get it. I was one of those people who hated water. Let's not even talk about plan water. I realized that what worked for me was drinking bottled water, I know that may sound weird. However, once I started to incorporate water into my daily lifestyle I moved on to just filling my water bottle. I would set goals for myself each day and then I also started buying cute water bottles to inspire me. I'm not one of those people who loved lemon in their water at first. However, now I love it. Revisit the idea if you're not into adding lemon to your water. It has some amazing benefits as well.

Stay Active

Before I started my weight loss Journey I really struggled with staying active during the colder months. However, now I created a routine that works for me. My daily goal is still 10k steps. However, since it gets pretty cold in my state in the winter time. I have a goal of how many steps that I want to complete by noon. Maybe staying active for you is taking a fitness class or walking around the office on your lunch break. You don't have to be extreme about it. You could even park your car further away when shopping.

Avoid Stress 

I know, I get it. As a Mom, I know you're like really avoid stress? However, sometimes we take on more than we can handle. Learn how to say NO. A lot of times when we overextend ourselves it starts to bring a lot of stress on in our life. You volunteered to take make your famous cookies for your child's school bake sale, you volunteered to assist with the holiday play. You're hosting Christmas and New Years dinner etc. Learn how to say no and also learn how to ask for help. I know it's not easy because we just want to be able to do everything. One of the ways that you can avoid stress and not take on the responsibilities, to begin with, and learn how to ask for help when needed.

Eat Before Events

Eating before events ensure that you won't end up in a food coma. However, it also comes in handy when you attend an event and you're staving and end up not wanting what's on the menu. Been there, done that! Eat prior to an event to ensure that you're getting your daily nutrients. So in all actuality, you're ensuring that you're eating properly and can enjoy yourself at the event. Let's face it, we've all walked into an event hungry and throughout the event filled our plates and ate every bit of what's on there. Let's avoid this by eating prior to the event.

Get Sleep

Getting the adequate amount of sleep is very important. We all have busy schedules during the holiday season. However, we're no good to anyone if we don't get the appropriate amount of sleep.
When you don't get enough sleep your body releases more of a stress hormone. It also will start to affect the elasticity in your skin and no one wants to look older than they already are. Create a bedtime routine to ensure that you're getting the adequate amount of sleep.

Take Your Vitamins

Living in New England our days are shorter which means that we are not getting the adequate sunlight. Let's not talk about those gloomy days that we don't get any sunlight at all and outside looks as if it's going to snow. Low exposure increases the need for vitamin D. When you take vitamin D from Nature Made, you can rest assured that you’re getting quality vitamins from the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Vitamin and Supplement Brand - based on a survey of pharmacists who recommend branded vitamins and supplements. 

Nature Made® offers several levels of Vitamin D at Walmart, including Nature Made® Vitamin D3 2000IU Tablet and Nature Made® Vitamin D3 5000IU Softgel. The 5000IU high dose product is intended for those deficient in Vitamin D as determined and recommended by their physician.

You can purchase your NatureMade Vitman D3 tables at your local Walmart or here .




† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

Happy Thanksgiving! In 2012 and 2014 I shared what I was Thankful for on the Blog here and here and I also shared last year here. It just seems like when you reach a certain age that time goes by way too fast. I remember being in high school and a year felt like forever. Michael entered high school this year and played his first year of high school football. Which has been really crazy, most nights he would come home late and still have to do his homework... We started off the year a little different with him missing the first week of school. Which has never happened before due to our trip to London. I will say that I am Thankful for a son that is super determined and a delight to be around. He's super funny and reminds me of the boy version of myself. This year our daughter entered college which was another experience. I was really worried and scared at the same time. So much happens in college. All I can hope is that she continues to use the tools and resources that we provided her with. This was also her first year playing Rugby which she's really great at. I'm Thankful for a super motivated and driven daughter that always stays true to self and doesn't follow the crowd.
I'm just Thankful for my family. You never really realize how important siblings are until you have an only child in the home. I speak with my only sister on a daily basis and it's so nice to have someone to speak to and bounce ideas off of and confide in. Thankful for support and fashion trends. I'm also Thankful for everyone that supports Simply Tasheena.com. I started this blog six years ago and your sweet comments really keep me going. Thank you! There are so many blogs out there and I don't take your support for granted. Truly Thankful for my readers and supporters.

What are you Thankful for?

I can't believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow. If your anything like me you ran to the store a couple of times in the last week. Some of those grocery store dates were due to being in the same town as some of your favorite stores and other times were due to actually tackling the Thanksgiving shopping list. If you read my post on Monday. You know that my sister is no longer hosting Thanksgiving and I'm pretty much doing what I typically do by creating a meal for my family. I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible. We're not having a turkey. However, I do plan on making a rotisserie chicken. I found this brine recipe that I switched up and added a twist to it. I'll defiantly let you know what my family thinks of it.
Anywho, I thought it would be pretty cool to complete a list of some of my favorite recipes that are perfect for making the last-minute. One of my current fav desserts hands down is the Blender coconut cake. I plan on making this cake for my in-law and bringing it to her house for Thanksgiving. My family loves this cake and it's super to make and cleanup is a breeze.

What's you're favorite Thanksgiving food?

Main Dish 

Stuffed Shells with Meat 

Sidedish 

Bake Mushroom Rice 

Semi-Homemade Jambalaya

Dessert

Blender Coconut Cake 

Raisin + Peanut Clusters 

With the busy holidays fast approaching. I love sharing tips with my readers with apps that I’m using on a daily basis to save money. I know there are a ton of apps out there. However, I only share the apps that I know, love, and use on a daily basis. I’ve saved so much money using these apps, and they’re super easy to use.

Ebates

I use Ebates anytime when I shop online. I just received my latest check in the mail the other and it was a great reminder of why I love using this app. I also love this app that if you’re shopping and have your cart filled and remember mid-shopping that you forgot to use the app. You can still click on the app and your items will still be in the shopping cart. This happens to me all the time. Ebates sends checks quarterly or you can opt to receive a gift card from your favorite store.

Groupon

I love using Groupon. It’s perfect for options especially at the last minute for those picky shoppers. I also love it because if you forget to purchase something for someone on your list. You can easily purchase an item or a restaurant voucher. I always try to give people the gifts that I want and I love using Groupon. It’s the perfect way to learn about new restaurants as well. I’ve found some of my favorite Sushi restaurants that I use without a Groupon on Groupon.

Target Cartwheel

As many of you know that I’m a Target addict. I love Target and I was super excited about the Cartwheel app when it was first launched. I remember going to the store and some of the cashiers didn’t even know about the app. Yes, I’ve been using this app for years. I love that I can walk into the store and scan an item or search for an item using keywords to see if the item is on sale. What I love about this app is that it tells you the dates until the offer expires. You can also plan your trip prior to going to the store which I love in case you want to plan ahead.

Ibotta

I love the Ibotta app. They have so many stores in this app. I love that you can connect your loyalty card and you can also use it for mobile purchases. How cool is that? I use this app throughout the year, especially during the holidays. You can even use it for your mobile purchases with Groupon. I love checking to see what are the latest offers prior to shopping online or going to the store. You can really save a ton with the Ibotta app.

Receipt Pal

Receipt Pal is one of my favorite apps to use. You receive cash or gift cards for submitting your receipts. With all that online and in-store shopping that you’re going to have. Why not get money for submitting your receipts? When I’m doing shopping one of the first things that I do is scan my receipts to Receipt Pal. I love that you are given a certain amount of slots a week to submit your receipts and you can also submit receipts for online purchases. What I also love about this recipe is that you have the entire month to submit your receipt. Which is perfect in the event that you immediately don’t submit it.

What are your favorite money-saving apps? 

Happy Monday and Happy Thanksgiving week! I hope everyone had a pretty amazing weekend. This week is going to be pretty busy for us. just like most families. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love being able to see spend time with my family and friends. This year we're not hosting Thanksgiving dinner. We were hoping that my sister was going to host this year. However, she managed to have her in-laws host instead. I plan on creating a small dinner for my family. It will most likely not be a whole turkey. However, I do plan on roasting a turkey and making some of our favorite sides.

What are your Thanksgiving plans? 

The Menu 

Recipe 

Ingredients 

• 1.3 lb mushrooms, quartered 
• 3 1/2 tbsp butter, melted 
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil

Rice

• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, uncooked
• 1 Chicken bouillon cube
• 1 1/2 cups (dissolve 1 chicken bouillon cube in it)
• 1 1/4 cups 
• 1 tsp dried parsley 
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Dissolve 1 chicken bouillon cube in 1 1/2 cups of water
3. Cube mushrooms by cutting it into quarters 
4. Place mushrooms in a large bowl. Pour over melted butter, add garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
5. Place all the Rice ingredients in a baking pan - 22 x 33 cm / 9 x 13".
6. Spread the rice evenly in the pan 
7. Spread the mushrooms over the rice 
8. Drizzle olive oil over the pan

I am here for wellness and ensuring that I'm making better choices these days. If you've been following me for a while. You know that around this time every year I've gotten some type of cold. I spoke to my doctor earlier this year and he suggested that I have to start boosting my immune system. I know it's easier said than done. However, I've started implementing a routine with several different immune boosting products. I plan on sharing those with you guys in a later post. However, I wanted to share with you guys. What I've been taking and loving lately.

I'm not sure when I was introduced to golden lattes and to be honest with you. I was intrigued by the name. But once I found out that the main ingredient was turmeric. I quickly crossed that idea out. I recently started to entertain the idea of trying it and the fact that it's a latte really made my heart full. There's one thing to take a turmeric shot. But to actually sip on turmeric. The idea just felt weird.
I recently decided to give it a chance and boy am I thankful. I've been obsessed with this drink the last couple of days even having it twice a day. It's just that good. Plus, it's an immune booster! "You mean to tell me. Is it actually good for me? Yes, please!"

This recipe comes out so frothy and is just simply delicious! I love that I have all of the ingredients on hand so I didn't have to run to the store to make this happen.
I love that this is the perfect drink to kick-start your day or have to conclude your evening.

Recipe 

My Background Story

For the last couple of years. I've created a Wish List for myself. This year I think that I've toned my list down a bit. Typically, each year I think of four items that I really want. You know, those drool over items. I'm honestly not sure why I started creating these lists for my self. However, I think it's pretty cool to look back at. In all actuality, these lists are just fun to create. However, if anyone is feeling in the giving mood. My mailing address is P.O. Box 32, Hartford, CT 06141. Just in case!

Vacation

I honestly don't really have a state or country in mind. I just want it to be warm and in the winter time. I'm not picky at all. I would love to do my couple of days per usual. If you've been following me for a while. I embarked on solo travel and it has been a game changer for me. You can read all about here.

Camper

I'm a little obsessed with the tiny house movement. I would love to purchase a camper and deck it out to my taste and have it parked in a warmer state so I could visit it in the colder months. Can a girl dream?!

Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART DG HSM Lens for Canon

This year I'm getting really specific about the lens that I want. I've been waiting two years to upgrade my iPhone to only sit back and say I can't see myself spending that much on a phone. I've been really obsessed with this lens for the last couple of years and I would love to add it to my collection.

Canon - PowerShot G7 X Mark II 20.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black

I've been a little obsessed with this camera over the last couple of years. I really love vlogging. However, I would love to have a separate camera for it.

Ok, enough about me.

Do you have a Christmas Wish List

I wanted to give a quick check in to share how things went with the $20 a week money challenge I created for myself. If you're new to my blog. You can read all about it here and here. I tried my best to carry over what I learned from last month. I'm proud of myself for staying under budget and not focusing on wants and more so focusing on needs. When I first started this challenge. I was embarking on a Vegan challenge as well. At first thought, I assumed that I would spend way more money as a vegan on food. However, I'm coming to the realization that spent way more money as a pescatarian on food. I still struggle with being an impulse shopper. I literally was at the Dollar Tree on the 31st and I purchased three items knowing that it would possibly bring me over budget for the month. Because I was worried that another store might not have the same items. I just have to do better! It's not that serious! I'm also really proud of myself for meal planning and using what I had on hand and not creating meals just below. I do plan on continuing to do these updates to try to inspire my readers to live broke on purpose and to try and live a debt-free lifestyle.

What helped

• Learning wants from needs
• Going to the store with a shopping list
• Meal Planning

Improvements

• Not being an impulse shopper

Total spent: $78.30 October 

If you tried my regular vegan blender pancakes recipe. You're in for a real treat and you're going to love this Vegan Blender Pumpkin pie recipe. When I made this recipe. I had no intentions of having this for breakfast. I was going to have the norm which is my two rice cakes with peanut butter or homemade almond butter. Out of nowhere, I thought to myself. "I still have pumpkin leftover in the fridge" I knew I was out of oats and was running low on my homemade oats flour. However, I looked in the oats container and seen I pretty much had an enough for this recipe. I started playing around with ingredients and voila! These pancakes taste simply amazing! If you're looking for a recipe to make on a whim or something special for your family Thanksgiving morning. Look no further!


These pancakes are...

• Yummy
• Flurry
• Flourless
• dairy-free

I prefer to make my pancake recipe the day of using it. However, you could always prep the items needed for faster cooking.

Are you a pumpkin lover?

Recipe 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or your favorite no dairy milk)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt (or whatever you have on hand)
• 1 tablespoon walnuts (optional)
• Pam Cooking Spray

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add all wet ingredients to blender, add dry ingredients and mix on high until smooth.
2. Turn your stove onto medium high heat, using a non-stick, spray pan with Pam Cooking Spray scoop 1/4 of batter into your pan. (I used an ice cream scooper)
3. Flip once the edges start to get firm and you see small bubbles
4. Serve warm and enjoy with maple syrup and your favorite toppings!

Please note
The batter will start to thicken which may require a scoop

Happy Menu Plan Monday! 

What's on the menu for this week?

The Menu Plan 

Recipes Mentioned 

Arctic Zero 

My Thoughts 

Cake Batter Dipped in Red Velvet 

These were my favorite hands down! I loved that Arctic Zero had this option. Sometimes as busy moms, we just want to grab and go. This flavor combo and texture was out of this world and I honestly forgot that I was eating healthy. I loved every bite of this frozen treat and I'm looking forward to restocking more in our home.

Brownie Blast 

Cherry Chocolate Chunk 

Cake Batter

Peanut Butter Swirl 

Salted Caramel

Rocky Road Trip 

Verdict 

I love that Arctic Zero frozen treats are something that my entire family can enjoy. My son and the Mister raved about it. When I told them that these were actually healthy treats. They were in disbelief until they read the packaging. I love that even when I'm enjoying these delicious treats. The quality and taste were amazing across the board. I plan on telling everyone about this yummy treat. Perfect to keep on hand!

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