INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz. pasta rotini (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 small onion
• 8 oz. tomatoes
• ¼ parsley (fresh is preferred, I used dried)
• 2 scallions -chopped (optional) 

Vinaigrette

• 3 – 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil (you can also use olive oil)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (white or red wine vinegar is great too)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• generous pinch mineral salt and fresh cracked pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cool running water.
2. Mix the dressing, and prep the veggies while the pasta is cooking.
3. To assemble the pasta salad, add the pasta, colorful veggies to a large serving bowl, pour the dressing over top and mix well to coat.
4. Serve this pasta salad at room temperature or chilled.

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This post contains affiliate links

Attire Breakdown

• Monthly free books
• Amazon Music
• Prime TV
• Credits when you don’t do two-day shipping
• Memberships pay for themselves. Because you’re not spending more to get free shipping.

Buying Cycle

It’s very important to know the best times to buy certain electronics, appliances, and home furniture. (consumer report.com) I've found awesome deals during the holidays, summer months, and of course Black Friday. 

Travel

• Costco Travel (overall has the best rates, make sure to use eBates prior to checkout) Typically Costco will have bonuses that will make the offer better than other sites. 
• Delete cookies prior to doing your search online each prior to visiting the sites.
• Kiwi- This app is great for showing you the best time to book your flight for travel.
• Expedia is a great resource, and you can also earn rewards for being a member.
• Hotel is a great resource for last-minute hotel deals. 
• AAA offers discounts at a ton of hotels, always make sure to compare the rates from the hotel site first. 

Stop buying to just buy

I know I love a good sale. However, if you stop buying stuff because it’s a good price you will really save yourself a ton of money in the long run. 

Entertainment/Restaurants

Groupon and Living Social to get discounted rates on activities or restaurants. Try to avoid email updates just to avoid spending more money. Only shop when you actually want to purchase something. A lot of stores offer gift cards when purchasing them through the stores (i.e. Bj's and Walgreens) these are discounts typically for chain restaurants. A lot of people also purchase gift cards for Disney as well. 

Books

Buy books from your local library. If you go online it is easier to buy books from different libraries if your library doesn’t have the book. Some libraries have budgets to purchase books that residents want to read. 

Gas

• Tires-Make sure your tires have the appropriate amount of air in them.
• Speed limit- Once you go over 60 mph you burn more gas.
• When to pump gas?-Early in the morning. Try to avoid pumping gas when the gas is being filled. 
• Use the app Gas Buddy to check rates
• A lot of grocery stores like Bj's offers gas discounts, this is a wonderful time to stock up on your every day buys, and save at the same time. 

Save on Home Energy Costs

Unplug items you’re not using-Having electronics plugged in a wall still, uses energy. when not using the electronics unplug them.

Laptop vs Desktop

I know for some people you may have a preference when completing work. However, reach for your laptop instead of your desktop. A desktop computer uses more electricity.  

DIY

Make your own Laundry detergent-I started making my own Laundry detergent for several years now and it has saved me a ton of money. (You also might want to check out this post here)

Dishes

• Air-dry dishes instead of using the dryer on your dishwasher
• Try to avoid using cheap dishwashing liquid that will end up costing you more in the long run because you’re using more of the product. Dawn is one of my favorite affordable dish soaps. 

Washer/Dryer

Knowing when to wash/dry your clothing and run your dishwasher. Most electric companies have different rates for different times of the day. For example, the best time for me to run my large appliances is Monday-Friday 7 pm -7 am. Do a quick Google search to see when the best time is with your energy provider. 

• Wash your clothing in cold water.
• Air dry your clothing whenever possible. 
• Add tennis balls (or purchase the dryer balls) helps the clothing dry a lot faster. 

App Love

Receipt Pal-With this app you’re able to scan receipts to your phone and earn points which in return you can earn money or gift cards.

Rakuten (for in-store and shopping online)
Shop at Home-Shop at home is similar to Rakuten however, check the percentage off daily to see which will be the best choice for that day. 
Top Cash Back- Top Cash Back is similar to Rakuten and Shop at Home. However, they all typically vary with the amount that they are giving back. 

Target Cartwheel

When shopping at Target always have your cartwheel app handy. You do not have to worry about clipping coupons. You can also use the extension Honey to assist with shopping online to apply the best coupon code that’s available. You can always do a google search on your own. Target also offers random coupons, via mailers and through their app as well. 

TV Shows/Movies

Netflix 
Prime Movie 

(Some cell phone providers offer free streaming services. )

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This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of Garlique

 

As the seasons change, it’s so important to stay on top of your health. Your immune system plays a major role in ensuring that you stay healthy. Your immune system is your front-line defense from diseases, infections, and of course sickness. By simply adding a few healthy habits to your daily routines, you can make sure that you’re doing your part with boosting your immune system and keeping yourself healthy. Below, I’m sharing Tips to Stay Healthy and Boost Your Immune Function. 

Get Adequate Sleep

 

I know as an adult getting eight hours of sleep may sound like a luxury, however, ensuring that you get adequate sleep is so important with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and immune function. Creating a nighttime routine really simplifies the process, and staying on task to make sure that you’re in bed, and settling for a good night's rest. Prior to going to sleep I leave a notepad on my nightstand and use it as a “brain dump” for everything that needs to get the following morning or that week. It’s such a great way to have peace of mind, instead of thinking and trying to remember and stressing about what you need to get done.

 

Immune Supplement

I’m so happy that I started to include Garlique Healthy Immune Support into my daily routines. I typically take Garlique in the morning with my breakfast. Garlique formula is different from other immune support formulations. It has a unique formulation of garlic and an antioxidant-rich blend of vitamins and minerals. I love that it’s odor-free and taste-free, supports my natural immune defenses, and promotes immune health. Plus, it’s Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegetarian Friendly, and has Non-GMO.

 

 

Staying Active

Whether you go to the gym daily, take the stairs at work, or park further away at the shopping center. It’s so important to stay active and work out daily. It really doesn’t matter how you start, it’s more important that you start and stay consistent. Create realistic goals for yourself with rewards attached to them. For example, if you work out daily for a week you’ll treat yourself to new workout gear or a special dinner.

Healthy Routines

As an adult having structure and routines are so important, and this plays a major role in staying healthy. A part of my healthy routine is having a glass of water when I wake up and right before bed. A part of my healthy night routine is that I take my Garlique in the mornings, I place my Garlique in my pill organizer to make sure that I take it daily, which really helps me cut down on worrying if I took my supplements.

This post is sponsored by FOSOO. All opinions of my own. 

The changes of season, really make me want to revisit and supercharge my beauty routine. Living in Connecticut, during the winter months I spend a lot of time indoors and rely a lot more on my beauty routines. The beauty products that you have included in your beauty routine, will make or break your beauty routine no matter what season it is. Below, I’m sharing 6+ Essentials That Will Supercharge Your Beauty Routine!

 

Lips

It really all about your lips as the season changes, it’s so important to always moisturize. As the seasons change I use a lip scrub, I always use a lip treatment at night, and I make sure to use a moisturizer lip balm that mixes well with any lippies I plan on using.

Scents

When it comes to scents, wear your signature scent and something that you look forward to wearing and repurchasing in the future. I have several scents that I just love, and look forward to wearing. Even if you’re snowed in or having inclement weather, sometimes putting on your favorite scents or mix and matching your favorite scents can totally be a mood booster. Always buy what you love, even if it’s not the most popular scent around.

Lotion

The most amazing lotion I used felt like silk being rinsed off of my body during the cooler months. It left my skin feeling so moisturizered and non-greasy and left my skin feeling amazing. During the cooler months, it’s so important to have a similar feeling if not better. The cooler months can be really harsh on your skin. You want a lotion that makes your skin feel good. 

Body Wash

Body wash can totally make or break your shower routine, I’m all for having a luxurious experience when at home. However, it’s so important to come to the realization that your current favorite summer body wash may not transition into the winter months with you. I love to always have on hand a body wash that I can use throughout the year. Make sure to do your due diligence about the body wash, and it is totally okay to have body washes that you use based on the season whether it’s due to the scent or you simply see better results during the summer month vs the winter months.

Skin Care Products

With the change of seasons, no matter when you’re reading this article, it’s so important to make sure that you’re using the products that will give you the most benefits during that season. For instance, the winter months typically cause havoc on my skin allowing it to feel really dry. During the colder months, I switch to a more moisturizing skincare routine.

Makeup

Whether you love purchasing makeup from your local pharmacy or mega beauty or luxury store. Buy well! If you’ve noticed I’m actually a huge fan of browns, and bronze color tones, and those colors can easily be transitioned into the colder months. Focus on products that you love, a lot of stores will give samples. With beauty products buy what you LOVE, when you buy what you love it can easily be transitioned throughout the seasons with the exception of foundation and concealar. Most makeup can easily be transitioned throughout the seasons when you buy well, and buy what you love.

Oral Care

When you love the products you’re using, it really makes the process so much easier. I didn’t learn until visiting the dentist that there was actually a huge difference when it came to manual and electronic toothbrushes. Electronic toothbrushes are actually recommended, and I can totally see why. I'm in love with my FOSOO electric toothbrush. Not only does it come in so many fun colors. It also leaves my mouth feeling super clean. 

Some of my favorite features: 

• All FOSOO sonic toothbrushes' operating noise is lower than 50 dB while they all have 3 kinds of intensity adjustment (low, medium, high also).
• The two-minute timer takes apart into 30-second intervals to make sure all quarters of your mouth get adequately brushed.

Additional Features

NOV and other FOSOO sonic toothbrushes:
- One charge can last 90 days
- Delivers a punchy 38,000 vibrations per minute

Learn More

You can learn more about purchasing your very own FOSOO electric toothbrush, and save 10% on your purchase HERE when you use my code SIMPLYTASHEENA.

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This Post Contains Affiliate Links  

Happy Monday! I wanted to check in to make sure everyone is safe, we had a tornado touch down in my state on Friday, and a tornado watch Sunday into Monday. The weather was actually perfect on Saturday, however, the store shelves were bare in a lot of stores due to the pending storm... I'm not sure where you're checking in from, hoping that all is well, and your family is safe.

How was your weekend?

Attire Breakdown

Several months ago, I tried the portobello mushroom sandwich at the Shake Shack and I was hooked. I'm not sure why I waited so long to try this sandwich at home, I love that this recipe is super easy to make, and the portobello mushrooms are easily accesible, you can pretty much pick them up at any grocery store which I love. This recipe is also easy to make, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. 

Recipe 

Ingredients

• Two Portobello Mushrooms
• Enough oil for frying (I use grapeseed oil)
• 1 1/2 cups wheat flour
• 1 tbsp tapioca flour
• 1 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 4-5 shakes of oregano to taste

Vegan Egg batter

• 1 cup Chickpea flour 
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Add enough oil to a frying pan and turn it on to medium-low heat.
2. In another bowl of medium size, begin mixing together the breading ingredients and set aside.
3. Cut the mushrooms to your desired size. (if the mushrooms are too large for your liking)
4. Combine all remaining ingredients for the flour mixture
5. Add the mushrooms to the flour mixture
6. Take the mushrooms out of the flour mixture and dip them in the egg batter. (the egg batter should be the consistency of pancake batter. Add more water if needed)
7. Dip the mushrooms back in the flour mixture.
8. Now place the mushrooms back into the oil.
9. Allow the mushrooms to cook for 2-3 minutes.
10. Once the mushrooms are fried, transfer them to a plate with 3-4 layers of paper towels so that some of the oil can be absorbed from the mushrooms.
11. Allow them to cool for 4 minutes before serving.

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As my son is getting older, I've noticed a common theme, it's so important to be organized, not only are you leading by example with your children, it really does just simplify the school process. Imagine having all of your children's early dismissals and school breaks planned out? Imagine when it's time to book appointments for your kiddos you have everything on your family's calendar. It's possible, it just takes a little organizing. Below, I'm sharing a few Back-To-School Organization Tips.

Review School Calendar
Add all dates to your planner and/or phone. Typically stay away from solely relying on my phone for important events. I typically will add things to my phone and my planner to ensure that I have the information in multiple areas.

Batch create and/or freezer cook after-school meals in advance- My teenager pretty much acts as if he is starving every day after school. I typically will have his meals created prior to him arriving home. I love the idea of having simple snacks like the list below.

• Chicken nuggets
• Leftovers if possible
• Sandwich
• Batch spaghetti and meatballs or ziti

I love creating a variety of meals and freezing them and taking them out the day or the night before.

Create a Mommy School folder
I'm not sure what year I decided to do this. However, I have a little office area in my living room and I have a folder designated to any important documents from his school. This year, I'm using a bright green folder to ensure that it's not missed on my not-to-clean desk.

Chore List
I found some really cool magnets at the Dollar Tree. Prior to school ending, we implemented in our home this idea. Every day the magnets are moved to the left side. Once an item is completed the magnet is moved to the right side and is reviewed by myself to ensure that it was completed. I love this idea. Because it's paperless. I do not have to rely on an app and it is something that my son sees every day prior to leaving.

Batch Iron
I've been doing this pretty much all of my son's life. We did go through that stage where he felt as if he was old enough to do it himself. Which was cool. However, lately or at least prior to last school year ending. I started back just ironing about ten outfits for him to wear during the week. If he decides to wear the clothing cool. If he decides to wear something else, that's fine as well. I typically do this for myself as well. I really dislike running around trying to find stuff to wear when I have to go somewhere. I typically iron 7 to 14 outfits for him. Weekly or bi-weekly.

Do you have any Back to school organization tips?

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As things are starting to pick back up, more people are traveling, and though it may seem like a luxury to be able to travel, that's really not the case. You can still travel when you're broke or on a tight budget. Below, I'm sharing some tips on how to travel when you're broke. 

How to Travel When You're Broke  

Give Something Up
This is honestly something that you have to decide on for yourself. One of the things that I gave up was the cable. I made the big leap a couple of years ago and I haven’t looked back since. Another thing that I did this year is decreased how often I went to Starbucks. One of the first things you should do is track your monthly expenses and feature out where your money is going. For example, every time you get paid, do you treat yourself to a luxury lunch or dinner? Do you eat out every day at lunchtime at work? Could you be bringing your own lunch to save money? One thing I also did was made the transition to eating more of a vegan diet. I always made the excuse that it would be so expensive to become a vegan. However, when I took the $20 challenge. I learned that it was so much more expensive to be a pescetarian. Now, what are you going to give up? When making this choice, don’t give up something that is actually bringing your pleasure and joy. If Starbucks is your thing. By all means, keep it in your life. Only take away something that you’re not using and is a waste.

Buy Quality
I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that purchasing something for a low price is actually going to save you money. When you’re purchasing something. Always buy quality. I always say how much iMac is one of the best investments I could have made. I kept on purchasing computers that I thought were a good investment and some of them for the price. It was a huge waste of money and I just kept on buying them. Because I actually needed a computer at the time of graduate school. I would have saved a ton of money and time if I just had invested in my iMac or MacBook Pro first.

Do Odd Jobs
If you're really serious about traveling. Take the necessary steps to make it a reality. When are in the day in time when you can pretty much make money from doing anything. From Uber to Walking a dog. Write down what you’re good at and try to find jobs based on that. People who own businesses are always looking for VA’s (Virtual Assistants). People who sell on eBay are always looking for people to model the clothing and/or take pictures of their clothing to list. Let’s not forget to sell items you don’t want on sites like eBay, Postmark, and Mercai.

Plan for the Trip
I think one of the misconceptions is that traveling is too expensive. How do you know how much a trip is going to cost if you don’t break down the numbers? Yes, I get it. You’re broke. However, If you use my tips above you can afford to travel. You may not be able to travel luxury. However, you can still make things happen based on your income. Just because you're intimidated by the price because someone mentioned that it cost their family 5K their last trip that doesn’t mean that it’s going to be the same case for you. Did they travel during peak times? Write down your flight, hotel, travel spending money to figure how must this trip is going to cost you. Then actually do your research.

Do you have any traveling tips?

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The weather has offically cooled down on Sunday after the heatwave we had for most of the week. Though, I'm not compiaing because fall/winter will be fast approaching in Conntectucut. If you noticed, I haven't posted about my garden. At some point I plan on sharing an update, however I started all of my plants from seeds and I'm having a slow start. I don't believe I have one pepper plant, everytime I transfer my seelings something eats them, I'm going to continue to try. But something has been snacking on the plants in my garden, I was so hopeful about having my very own pumpkins, and I no longer see the baby plants. I even tried loafs for the first time this year... Even with the heat, my garden just seems so behind. Again, at some point I'll post a garden update... Anywho...

How was your weekend?

Attire Breakdown 

Top: Amazon Pants: FemmeLuxe Shoes: Target

As a busy mom, having a productive week for me has come with alot of trail and error. As you start to create to your own routines, and see what work for you, and your family, below I'm sharing some things you can do for a productive week. 

Things To Do Every Sunday for a Productive Week

Create a To-Do List
I've learned that I'm highly productive during the week when I create a to-do list on Monday. You can easily section the list down to items that need to be completed by a certain day of the week of prioritizing your list in any way that you see fit. This really cuts out constantly thinking on Monday or even trying to remember everything that needs to get done. You can also always add to your list.

Create an At-Home Spa Day
I know this might sound silly, however for me personally, it's so nice to start my week rejuvenated from just simply having an at-home spa day. This honestly doesn't have to take much, and you can do what works best for you.

Take your clothes out for the week
This is something that I've done since my son was in preschool. Not only do I take out his clothes. I take out my clothes for the week as well. I'll typically have several outfits looks put together if I need to leave on a whim. I'm not spending hours putting looks together.

Journal
I've incorporated journaling into my daily routines, however, if you can't journal. I would at least suggest journaling every Sunday to decompress and get your thoughts out from earlier in the week. There are so many writing prompts for journaling. Just do a quick Google search to get inspired. You don't need a fancy journal. I just use the one that I purchased from Target.

Go Grocery Shopping
Based on my menu plan, it makes it a lot easier for me to go grocery shopping. I know what I need for the week, and I'm able to get my home fully stocked, especially since winter is fast approaching, and snow days will be following closely after. Since I tend to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, I tend to go to the grocery once a week. However, do what works for your family, maybe based on your needs you only need to go to the grocery store once or twice a month. Do what works best for you and your family.

Meal plan for the week
If you've followed me for a while, you know that I meal plan weekly, for myself, and my family. It takes a ton out of the stress of "what's for dinner" everyone already knows what for dinner. I don't have to run to the store to pick up items, and many times. I can place the items in the crockpot, and it's done prior to everyone returning home for the day.

Wash clothing
Though I typically try to was load clothes at least every other day. I try my best to make sure that all the clothing in our home is washed, folded, and put away by Sunday. It just makes for a better transition into the new week, especially with having children who play sports.

Clean your home
I'm not sure if I'm the only person, but I can not function properly if my home is dirty. Let not forget about taking twice as long to look for something due to it not being properly placed in the correct destination, and/or it's covered over a pile. Take a moment to clean your home.

Review Your Planner and/or Schedule
I know this may sound simple. But it's super easy to add stuff to your planner, and/or phone, and totally forget about it. Trust me, get into the routine of checking all of your planners/calendars on Sunday to properly prepare for the week ahead.

Schedule/plan your Week Out
As the saying goes, a goal without a plan is just a wish. Plan your week out, create goals for yourself. This really does cut back on forgetting to do stuff. Do you need a refill on your prescription, do you have to return a call or follow-up on email. This is the perfect time to plan out your week.

• Monday: Schedule Dentist Appointment
• Tuesday: Follow up on Email
• Wednesday: Looking into Doctoral Degree Programs
• Thursday: See about any new job opening
• Friday: Schedule a Lunch date with Maria

Do you have any Sunday routines?

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This is a sponsored post, all opinions are of my own. This post contains affliate links. 

Prior to doing my research, and trying Livlit Organic Pads for myself I wasn’t aware that some pads had chemicals that could harm and/or irritate your skin, it's so wonderful to try products like Livlit Organic Pads. I truly feel like these pads were made for me! Not only do they offer powerful leak protection, but they're also unscented, chlorine-free, and are simply a better choice. Livlit has varying sizes, to assist you with your lightest to heaviest days which I love. Having a variety of sizes is so important because, as a female, no period is the same.

Why Livlit Is Different

• 100% Chemical FREE
• No SAP cotton core
• Ultra-thin and strong protection

Why Make The Switch
Not only are organic pads more eco-friendly. By using organic pads like Livlit Organic Pads you're potentially avoiding harmful chemicals typically found in traditional pads.

About Livlit Organic Pads

• 100% Chemical FREE - non irritating, comfortable, hypoallergenic OCS CERTIFIED 100% Organic Cotton Top Sheet and No SAP Cotton Core: Texas cotton grown with Non-toxic, chlorine-free, and fragrance-free. Ultra-soft, breathable liners made with ethically sourced organic ingredients
• Backsheet Containing 32% Sugarcane-Biomass Film: maximum airflow, relieving frustration when worn. Less time to break down into carbon dioxide emitted from plant materials, and less fuel-dissipating carbon emissions to help prevent global warming
• Extra Cushion Absorbent Layer: Grounded and compressed cotton absorbing layer gives you fluffy sense and prevents leakage
• Even Side Wings are Cotton: Natural component for your skin reduces irritation by using pure cotton to the wings, soft-touch like underwear
• Ultra thin, Extra protection with shredded cotton technology

Why Consider Livlit Organic Pads?

Livlit Organic Pads makes a wonderful choice for these reasons:

• Organic pads are better for your body.
• Organic pads do not have any harsh chemicals.
• Organic Pads are good for the environment.
• Organic pads are known to be perfect for sensitive skin.
• Organic menstrual pads are biodegradable and compostable.

Where to Buy?
You can buy Livlit Organic Pads products on Amazon.

Overall, I'm really impressed with Livlit Organic Pads. I love how easily accessible they are, you don't have to even leave your home to purchase them. They are super comfortable and come in a variety of sizes. It's so convenient that they're color-coded which is a nice touch to know which pads to reach for during your cycle. You can try Livlit Organic Pads out today and see what your menstrual cycle's have been missing.

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Growing up, I loved going to my local Chinese restaurant and ordering some of my favorite foods. One of my favorite foods to order was the teriyaki sticks, I can't remember how many actually came with the order. however, I do remember how mouth-watering and juicy they were. I purchased thinly sliced steak for my son, and I wasn't sure what to do with it. On a whim, I decided to give making teriyaki sticks at home a try. He loved the recipe, and I'm so pleased with how easy it was to make.

Are you a fan with teriyaki sticks?

Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound of flank steak, cut into thin strips
• 20 wooden skewers (8 inches long) soaked in water

Instructions

• Preheat grill on low
• In a large resealable bag, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Seal and shake the bag to mix together. Add steak strips to the bag and seal. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours to marinate.
• Place on grill and rotate cooking on both sides until cooked

Boil Directions

• Place steak on cookie sheet on the boil setting. Boil the steak for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Enjoy!

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