Simply Samantha

Simply Real. Simply Me.

  • About Me
  • Behind the Brand
  • Simple Living
  • Recipes 🍴
  • 🌻 Shop Simply Samantha
  • About Me
  • Behind the Brand
  • Simple Living
  • Recipes 🍴
  • 🌻 Shop Simply Samantha

Shop Simply Delicious
  • Behind the Brand

    Simply Samantha Is Growing 🌻

    September 16, 2026 /

    Two books. A new brand. An LLC. And somehow, this little idea of mine keeps growing. If you’ve been around Simply Samantha for a while, you know this space has never been about having everything perfectly figured out. It started as a place for me to share pieces of real life—the recipes, the garden, motherhood, things I love, things I’m learning, and the messy in-between parts that don’t always make it into the highlight reel. And lately? Things have been growing around here. Like… really growing. There have been a lot of little things happening behind the scenes over the last several weeks, and I finally get to sit down…

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    Sunflowers and wildflowers surrounding a rustic Rooted & Rising display with coffee, a garden journal, and inspirational messages about growth, grace, and finding joy in the messy middle.

    Something New Is Growing 🌻 | Rooted & Rising Is Coming

    August 27, 2026

    Hi, I’m Samantha — The Real Life Behind Simply Samantha 🌻

    August 21, 2026
    sunny sunflower

    🌻 Behind the Brand: Why the Sunflower

    October 24, 2025
  • Sunflowers and wildflowers surrounding a rustic Rooted & Rising display with coffee, a garden journal, and inspirational messages about growth, grace, and finding joy in the messy middle.
    Behind the Brand,  Rooted & Rising

    Something New Is Growing 🌻 | Rooted & Rising Is Coming

    August 27, 2026 /

    🌻UPDATE: IT’S LIVE! 🌻Rooted & Rising: An Adult Coloring Book for Finding Joy in the Messy Middle is officially available on Amazon! 👉 Shop Rooted & Rising on Amazon There are some things you work on quietly for a while because you’re not quite ready to say them out loud. And then there are things that suddenly become very, very real. Like getting an email saying the actual book you created is on its way to your house. So…I guess it’s time to officially tell you. I made a coloring book. Like, an actual coloring book. It’s called Rooted & Rising: An Adult Coloring Book for Finding Joy in the…

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    Simply Samantha Is Growing 🌻

    September 16, 2026

    📚 What I’m Reading, Loving, and Learning Lately

    February 18, 2026

    Hi, I’m Samantha — The Real Life Behind Simply Samantha 🌻

    August 21, 2026
  • Behind the Brand

    Hi, I’m Samantha — The Real Life Behind Simply Samantha 🌻

    August 21, 2026 /

    I figured it might be time to reintroduce myself. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning, stumbled across one of my recipes, found me through social media, or somehow landed here while searching for what to make for dinner — hi. I’m Samantha. And this is Simply Samantha. So, who is Samantha? That answer depends a little on the day. I’m a wife and a mom of three. I work full-time in health and wellness programming. I’ve spent more than 16 years serving in the South Dakota Army National Guard. I’m a homeowner, gardener, home cook, occasional DIY-er, and someone who is almost always trying to figure out what we’re…

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    Simply Samantha Is Growing 🌻

    September 16, 2026

    Behind the Brand: When Planning Meets Real Life

    December 21, 2025

    📚 What I’m Reading, Loving, and Learning Lately

    February 18, 2026
  • Recipes

    Banana Cream Iced Protein Coffee (Without the Creamer!)

    July 31, 2026 /

    Some mornings, I don’t want a complicated recipe or a coffee packed with sugar. I just want something that tastes like a treat, keeps me full, and helps me hit my protein goals. This has quickly become one of my favorite combinations because it’s so simple—and the best part? I completely skip traditional coffee creamer. The protein shake does all the work, making the coffee creamy, flavorful, and satisfying while adding 30 grams of protein. If you’ve been trying to find easy ways to increase your daily protein intake, this is proof that it doesn’t have to be complicated. My Simple Bananas & Cream Protein Coffee Ingredients: Directions Why I…

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    Outdoor wooden table with sunflower bouquet, turquoise plates, iced tea, salad, lemons, and olives

    Life Lately & the Summer Chicken Salad I’m Loving ☀️🍑

    June 26, 2026

    Meal Planning Made Simple 🍴

    September 23, 2025

    Taqueria Pork Bowls

    February 28, 2026
  • Outdoor wooden table with sunflower bouquet, turquoise plates, iced tea, salad, lemons, and olives
    Behind the Brand,  Recipes

    Life Lately & the Summer Chicken Salad I’m Loving ☀️🍑

    June 26, 2026 /

    It’s been a little quiet over here, but for good reason. The past few weeks have been filled with some additional National Guard duties, work travel, and trying to juggle all the everyday things in between. At home, we’ve had a little one who’s been sick more than healthy lately, and after a whirlwind of appointments, we’ve got surgery scheduled for next week. We’d definitely appreciate any and all positive thoughts for a smooth procedure and quick recovery. On the bright side, I’ve also been pouring my heart into something that’s been in the making for what seems like years… and I’m so close to finishing my book. I can…

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    📚 What I’m Reading, Loving, and Learning Lately

    February 18, 2026
    sunny sunflower

    🌻 Behind the Brand: Why the Sunflower

    October 24, 2025

    Behind the Brand: When Planning Meets Real Life

    December 21, 2025
  • Bowl of shrimp and cucumber salad on outdoor table with sunflowers and glass of lemon water
    Recipes

    Crab Salad with Cucumber & Tomato

    May 6, 2026 /

    Some recipes just feel like summer. My last post was about taking deli crab salad (or homemade crab salad) and eating it with cucumbers… well, I’ve officially taken it a step further and combined it all together into one easy, refreshing salad! This crab salad is cold, crunchy, creamy, and somehow feels both light and filling at the same time. Plus? It takes almost no effort, which honestly makes it even better. And before anyone judges the imitation crab… listen. I’ve loved this stuff since I was a kid, and apparently that obsession followed me right into adulthood. 😂 If you need an easy lunch prep idea, quick side dish,…

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    🧑‍🍳 Oven Sliders — Our New Favorite Weeknight & Game-Day Bite!

    February 2, 2026
    Bowl of Mediterranean bean salad with kidney beans, chickpeas, white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs

    Latest Obsessions (aka… what I can’t stop eating lately 😅)

    May 5, 2026

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes

    February 28, 2026
  • Bowl of Mediterranean bean salad with kidney beans, chickpeas, white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs
    Recipes

    Latest Obsessions (aka… what I can’t stop eating lately 😅)

    May 5, 2026 /

    Do you ever find a snack or meal that you are instantly in love with… and then you eat it on repeat until further notice? Because same. I am that person. Right now, I’m fully in my Mediterranean Bean Salad era and honestly… I don’t see an end in sight. It’s fresh, filling, and gives that “I’m eating something really good for my body” feeling without being complicated. And if you know me, we’re all about simple, doable wins. This post may contain affiliate links, including products I personally use and love. 🥗 Mediterranean Bean Salad (current obsession #1) Ingredients: Dressing: Directions: Serve immediately… or meal prep it!I’ve been throwing…

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    🤠 Cowboy Casserole (aka Cornbread Casserole)

    October 12, 2025

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes

    February 28, 2026

    Easy Pizza Sliders (Perfect for Busy Nights)

    February 28, 2026
  • Six glass containers with assorted healthy meals including vegetables, grains, and proteins on a wooden table.
    Meal Planning

    🌻 Let’s Talk Meal Prep (But Make It Realistic)

    April 24, 2026 /

    A new month is right around the corner, and that usually means one thing… let’s start thinking about meal planning. Summer is nearing, and everyone is in their “flat belly for sunshine and swimsuits” era.Okay, maybe not everyone… but a lot of people. And honestly? I’m here for it. But also… I’m kinda lazy. 😅 Not lazy lazy—but I’m at a point where I just can’t add another huge, time-consuming habit into my life. I’m focusing on small, doable steps that actually stick. And for me? Meal prepping healthier options is one of those steps. Because here’s the truth: So let’s help out the pocketbook and our bodies a little—and…

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    Meal Planning Made Simple (Family Dinner Ideas)

    February 28, 2026
  • Field of sunflowers with yellow petals and brown centers under blue sky
    Rooted & Rising

    🌻 Simply Samantha: It’s Been a While…

    April 17, 2026 /

    It’s been a while. And if I’m being honest, no amount of sticky notes or calendar reminders have been keeping me upright lately. Part of it is just the season we’re in. My husband is inching closer to his busy season—and if you know, you know. And his busy season is just that… a season(s). Not a weekend, not a week, not even just a couple of weeks. Heck, with both of us in the Guard, we’re well acquainted with time apart—it happens every single year. And lucky us, some years (like this one), we’re gone during the same couple of weeks. That means our kids with no parents, which…

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    🌻 Rooted & Rising | Sunday, March 22

    March 20, 2026
    Sunflowers and wildflowers surrounding a rustic Rooted & Rising display with coffee, a garden journal, and inspirational messages about growth, grace, and finding joy in the messy middle.

    Something New Is Growing 🌻 | Rooted & Rising Is Coming

    August 27, 2026
  • Rooted & Rising

    🌻 Rooted & Rising | Sunday, March 22

    March 20, 2026 /

    Rooted in what matters. Rising into what’s next.Simple rhythms for a full life. ✨ A New Rhythm: Rooted & Rising This week I’m starting something new 🌻A simple rhythm to reflect, reset, and step into the days ahead with intention. As we head into a new week, I’m focusing on small steps that help me feel a little more grounded, a little more prepared, and a little more like myself. 🌱 Rooted (3 things to ground you) Simple, practical, doable. • Starting my mornings without my phone (putting it in my purse right away so I don’t get sucked into things)• Prepping one “easy meal” to fall back on during…

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    Sunflowers and wildflowers surrounding a rustic Rooted & Rising display with coffee, a garden journal, and inspirational messages about growth, grace, and finding joy in the messy middle.

    Something New Is Growing 🌻 | Rooted & Rising Is Coming

    August 27, 2026
    Field of sunflowers with yellow petals and brown centers under blue sky

    🌻 Simply Samantha: It’s Been a While…

    April 17, 2026
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Disclosure: This site may contain affiliate links, including Amazon and Tastefully Simple, and links to my own products available on Etsy. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission or receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use and love. Thank you for supporting Simply Samantha. 🌻
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