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Simply Samantha Is Growing 🌻
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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Something New Is Growing 🌻 | Rooted & Rising Is Coming
🌻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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Hi, I’m Samantha — The Real Life Behind Simply Samantha 🌻
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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Banana Cream Iced Protein Coffee (Without the Creamer!)
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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Life Lately & the Summer Chicken Salad I’m Loving ☀️🍑
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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Crab Salad with Cucumber & Tomato
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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Latest Obsessions (aka… what I can’t stop eating lately 😅)
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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🌻 Let’s Talk Meal Prep (But Make It Realistic)
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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🌻 Simply Samantha: It’s Been a While…
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
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…















