This post is sponsored by Life-Flo All opinions are of my own.

Balance, self-care, self-care, and balance? Ugh, it sounds like a dream right?! Well, it truly doesn't have to be. As a busy mom, I’ve learned the importance of taking time for myself, practicing self-care, incorporating more rituals into my routines, and living well and naturally. I know what it feels like to be pulled in a million directions from prioritizing family, career, body changes, to mental health, and physical health. Whether you have 5 minutes daily or an hour, practicing self-care and rituals are so important. Below, I’m sharing self-care rituals that are easy to start incorporating. 

Daily Rituals

The easiest way to start your own self-care practices is to start off small. It can be as simple as implementing a daily skincare routine or enjoying your favorite cup of coffee or tea to simply taking a long shower with Life-flo Magnesium Soap. My daily ritual is practicing yoga first thing in the morning. I learned as a mom I have to get up while everyone else is still sleeping and implement my daily yoga routine. Post-workout I’ve started adding the Life-flo Magnesium Gel which is perfect for post-workout relief. I also implement writing in my journal daily. It’s such an amazing way for me to clear my mind and unplug from social media.

Weekly Rituals 

A few years ago, I started self-care Sundays, it’s a way for me to really hone in on having a day devoted to me whether it’s for a moment or a few hours. During this time I enjoy the simple pleasures in life like enjoying a hot bath, and including the Life-flo Pure Magnesium Flakes, which is perfect for body relaxation, as it soothes muscles and softens skin. After my long bath, I like to apply the Life-flo Magnesium Lotion to unwind before bedtime. Plus it’s made with shea butter and coconut oil. Pro Tip: The Magnesium Lotion is also perfect to enjoy daily after a busy day. 

Monthly Rituals 

Monthly Rituals 

My monthly ritual is all about practicing self-discovery and utilizing natural solutions and alternatives to conventional quick fixes. For me, it is pretty much practicing my daily, and weekly rituals all in one day. Whether it’s taking a full bath or foot soak to relax muscles & joints and adding the Life-flo Pure Magnesium Oil Spray. Utilize your monthly ritual as self-discovery and a time for self-care.

Life-flo offers skincare, oils, and balance creams, in addition to magnesium for all of your self-care needs--enter my promo code TASHEENA20 for 20% off your order! You can follow Life-flo on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube), and learn more about their products here.

The Rose 

This post contains affiliate links 

How was your weekend? 

Attire Breakdown

Cardigan: Amazon Cami: Sharpermint Jeans: Gap 

It's officially pumpkin everything season and you have to try these cupcakes whether you're a vegan or not. On Friday I wanted some of my regular cupcakes and I remembered that you can substitute the applesauce for pumpkin, at first I was apprehensive about this recipe. I wanted something more of a cupcake consistency and not a muffin if that makes any sense. This recipe really exceeded my expectations. These cupcakes were super moist and flurry. I love that they do not require too many ingredients, and you can actually add your favorite frosting as well. To be honest, I had them with and without vanilla frosting and both options are super yummy.

Are you a fan of pumpkin cupcakes?

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 Duncan Hines Box Cake (sifted)
• 1 Cup of Sparkling Water
• 1 Can 100% pumpkin puree 

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients, and follow box instructions for baking.

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Happy First day of fall! I can't believe how fast summer went by. As the saying goes time flies when you're having fun! Below, I'm sharing my 2021 Fall Bucket List. 

My 2021 Fall Bucket List 

Finish One Book
Last year I got back into the habit of audiobooks. Though, I'm not where I want to be. I'm super excited about checking this goal off my list.

Find Elderberries
If you're new to my blog. I love the elderberry syrup. I had no idea that it was actually native to my state. I'm on the hunt to forage elderberry and make some yummy items with it.

Day Trip
I would like to take a day trip or even visit a new place in Connecticut. We have so many amazing sights.

Farmers Market
Though we have a farmers market in my town. I would love to actually venture off, and explore new ones in my state.

Lunch With A View
One of the things that I really would like to do before it gets cold is to enjoy a beautiful lunch with a view. As a busy mom, I hardly make time for myself with these types of things.

Bake
I would love to bake something new and exciting. I still haven't created a vegan apple crisp recipe. Drooling over the thought of making it.

DIY Fall Mini-Photo Shoot
I live next to one of the prettiest parks in the fall. It would be nice once the leaves change colors to have a photoshoot. I plan on having a DIY photoshoot and bringing my tripod with me.

Apple Orchard
I haven't been to the apple orchard in a couple of years. I'm actually really excited to go and explore the apple orchard by myself. The orchard that I like visiting has a market as well. It would be nice to actually explore inside and enjoy some cider.

Do you have or plan on creating a fall bucket list?

 This post contains affiliate links 

Attire Breakdown

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx

Orville Pop Kit
What can I say about the Orville Pop Kit, it’s easy to “Cut, Pour & Pop!”

Orville Pop Kit has to be one of my favorites, there's something about popcorn that really screams fall. I love how easy it is to simply make the popcorn, and it’s also three servings which is perfect for my family. I’m a newbie at making popcorn on the stovetop, and I’m so blown away by the Popcorn perfection and how delicious and easy the Orville Pop Kit is to make.

You can learn more about the Orville Pop Kit here

Reddi-wip
I’m so happy that I was able to try the Reddi-wip Zero Sugar and add it to all of my delicious fall creations. It has such a great taste! It is keto-friendly and has Zero Sugar features 0 grams of sugar. (Not a low-calorie food) The Real dairy cream is the #1 ingredient and has 15 calories per serving, No artificial flavors. Just Add Reddi-wip goodness to your delicious creations—and unleash the joy this fall and beyond

You can learn more about Reddi-wip Zero Sugar here. 

Hunt’s Tomatoes
I’m always looking for Hunt’s Tomatoes to have on hand to add a kick to my favorite fall recipes and also to get my creative juices flowing to create my own recipes. The NEW! Hunt's Basil, Garlic & Oregano Stewed Tomatoes is the perfect flavor booster for any Italian pasta, soup, stew, or casserole. NEW SIZE! Hunt's Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes is perfect for your favorite homemade chili or family taco night and perfect for any dish!

Hunt’s Basil, Garlic & Oregano Stewed Tomatoes

• Vine ripened, picked at the peak of ripeness, and naturally steam peeled

• Hunt’s tomatoes have no artificial preservatives or ingredients and are Non-GMO Project Verified

• Hunt’s tomatoes work well in many delicious and easy dishes, like chili, pasta, and stew

Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes

• Vine ripened, picked at the peak of ripeness, and fire roasted

• Hunt’s tomatoes have no artificial preservatives or ingredients and are Non-GMO Project Verified

• Hunt’s tomatoes work well in many delicious and easy dishes, like chili and tacos

You can learn more about Hunt's Tomatoes here.

Success Rice
The Success Rice Tri-Colored Quinoa & Jasmine Rice has been a huge hit in my home. I love the convenience of Success Boil-in-Bag. It’s perfect for all of your favorite recipes and of course Rice bowls. Growing up my aunt was a huge fan of Success Rice and I can see why. Success Rice is the perfect solution for a quick and easy, yet delicious meal. All you have to do is simply drop it in the bag, let it cook for 10 minutes, and rice comes out soft and fluffy every time! I love how Success Rice is a versatile pantry staple that can be used in a variety of recipes to meet any dietary needs or occasions.

Learn more about Success Rice here.

Recipe

Ingredients

1. Place a medium-sized pot on the stove and add all ingredients to the pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, making sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.
3. Once the mixture starts bubbling, reduce to medium heat and continue to stir frequently. (Do not use the same spoons)
4. Remove the pot from heat when the mixture turns golden brown. The consistency of your sugar paste should be similar to hot syrup.
5. Transfer to a bowl and let the paste cool for 30 minutes. The wax should still be warm but easy to manipulate. The wax sugar should be kept at room temperature, do not refrigerate.

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I believe it was around 2007 or 2008 that I had the idea to start my blog, I was in college when. I remember planning an event and I would do a Google search, and two bloggers' pages kept on popping up, they had DIY’s and so many other fun things going on their blog. I remember seeing the “Start your blog today” popup, and I told myself one day that I would do just that. I’m not sure why I didn’t initially start my blog right then and there… I was in undergraduate school and I played around with the idea for years. The urge to create my blog started to become more frequent. I’m not sure if it was 2009 or 2010. The only problem was I was in graduate school, and I didn’t want to add anything else to my plate.

I remember checking out their blogs often and simply looking forward to their content. I told myself that once I completed graduate school that I would start my blog. I remember having the discipline to hold off until I completed graduate school. I would still check their blogs often, and I learned about other blogs during that time as well and I was just so inspired. My last semester of graduate school finally came around, and I was finished with graduate school. Though entering into a doctoral program was heavy on my heart as well… My last day of graduation came, I don’t remember the day or how I felt. I remember being proud of myself though… If you’re guessing that I started my blog that same day, no that didn’t happen, it actually took me close to a month to start my blog Our Delightful Home. I’m not sure if it was fear or simply being busy from keeping house. However, I remember completing my semester in August, and I didn’t hit publish to my first blog post until September 15, 2011.

In 2017 or 2018 I changed my blog name from Our Delightful Home to Simply Tasheena, as my children have gotten older, I wanted to focus more on what “I” like and want. As a mom, it’s so easy to lose your identity, and forget to do stuff for yourself. Though I still share family content, it’s family content around “Simply Tasheena” (if that makes any sense.) I started blogging ten years ago, as a creative outlet, and as a resource to connect with so many other like-minded people. I’m blown away by how the blogging community has evolved over the last ten years. I’ve met so many amazing people, and I’ve learned so much. I remember attending my first blogger conference Blogher in 2012 in NY, and I was blown away from the experience at this conference. If you never attended a blogger event, you should… there’s really nothing like it. No matter if you know, no other blogger. You will find your tribe there. As for blogging, I'm still learning, and still figuring things out. I’m truly thankful for all the amazing people I’ve met throughout the years, I’m thankful for the people who read my blog posts, and simply take a moment to comment. I am forever grateful for your generosity to visit my blog, and sharing it with your friends and family. Thank you! I do not take your support for granted. I truly appreaite every visit, comment, and share! 

Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp jerk seasoning
• 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
• 4 ct. salmon 
• 8 oz. penne pasta
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 8 oz. penne pasta
• 1 Jar roasted garlic alfredo sauce
• Thyme to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat stovetop on medium heat and add butter
2. In a medium bowl and add all of the ingredients except for the pasta, alfredo sauce, and thyme.
3. Rub all of the seasons in the salmon
4. In a large pot, add a lot of water and salt the water. Let it get to a rolling boil, then add penne pasta and boil for about 6 minutes. Drain water.
5. While the pasta is cooking, Sear your salmon on medium heat for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked. Remove from the skillet
6. Add the alfredo sauce to the drained pasta
7. If you would like to add additional spice to the dish, add a tsp of the jerk seasoning - optional
8. All the sauce and pasta to cook on low heat
9. Place the cooked pasta in a serving dish
10. Add the sliced salmon on top of the pasta
11. Garnish with thyme
12. Enjoy!

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Where do I begin, this has been a really weird gardening year for me, I started so many plants and I'm still optimistic about a few of them, I planted my loofah seeds months ago, and I'm pretty confident that it's growing on the side of my home. I actually noticed it while I was taking the photo. This is my first time growing loofah's, and I'm really excited about this plant. While writing this post, I was going to actually move the loofah plant, however, I'm just going to allow it to run wild on the side of my home. I guess it's actually a thing that some people do. 

I planted a ton of tomatoes and pumpkin seeds, and I honestly don't know what happened to them, I'm not sure if animals dug them up or what. I was hoping to get at least one pumpkin from all of the seeds I planted. During the early spring months, I did notice my pumpkin plant growing, and I haven't seen it since. It's been so hit or miss for me with my garden this year, and I'm not sure what happened. Every time I planted a pepper plant, it didn't make it. I'm so happy to see my tomato plants flourishing,  it's such a rewarding feeling, my sage came up again this year, and I actually added more to my garden this year. None of my beans made it... Though I may have some time to add more plants, I have already started some veggies for my fall garden, and I'm excited about it. Below, I'm sharing a few pictures from my garden this year and some fall harvest ideas. 

Photos From My Garden 

Fall Harvest Ideas 

Crops that take 60-80 days before harvesting

• Beets 
• Turnips 
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower 
• Fall Cabbage
• Carrots 
• Radicchio
• Endive
• Winter radishes
• Kale
• Collards
• Peas
• Kohl Rabi
• Swiss Chard
• Scallions

Crops that grow fast 30-50 days

• Fall radishes
• Spinach
• Arugula
• Mesclun greens
• Lettuce 
• Mache
• Mustards
• Pac Choi