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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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Meal Planning Made Simple (Family Dinner Ideas)
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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
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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…
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🌻 Simply Samantha: It’s Been a While…
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Meal Planning Made Simple (Family Dinner Ideas)
March always feels like that in-between season — not quite spring, not quite winter. I’ve learned that having dinners planned ahead makes our evenings calmer and helps me avoid the 4:30 p.m. “what’s for supper?” scramble. Here’s what we’re eating this month — a mix of comfort meals, different proteins, leftovers (because real life), and a few family favorites. Some recipes are my own, some are favorites from Tastefully Simple, and a few are inspired by other creators — I’ve linked everything so you can easily find what you need. 🌻 Week 1 Meals KFC Bowls A cozy, layered comfort meal with mashed potatoes, corn, crispy chicken, gravy, and cheese.…
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🌻 Let’s Talk Meal Prep (But Make It Realistic)
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Taqueria Pork Bowls
These Taqueria Pork Bowls are bold, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. The seasoned pork comes together quickly in one skillet, and everyone can build their bowl just the way they like it. It’s one of those flexible meals that works great for leftovers, too. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) For the Pork For the Bowls Instructions Step 1: Brown the PorkHeat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Add ground pork and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt and pepper. Step 2: Cook the AromaticsAdd diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the onions soften and…
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Potatoes recipe is one of those hearty, crowd-pleasing dinners that always disappears fast in our house. Crispy roasted potatoes, juicy seasoned chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and plenty of ranch make this the ultimate comfort food bowl. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but filling enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) Instructions Serve warm and enjoy! For a fun twist, we love drizzling Tastefully Simple’s Bold Buffalo Ranch over the top. It adds just the right kick and takes these loaded potatoes to the next level. 🛒Shop the Ingredients I Used In this recipe, I used one of my favorite Tastefully…
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Easy Pizza Sliders (Perfect for Busy Nights)
These pizza sliders are one of my go-to dinners when I need something quick, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast. They’re cheesy, warm, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or even casual get-togethers. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) Instructions Tips & Variations 🛒 Shop the Ingredients I Used In this recipe, I used one of my favorite Tastefully Simple seasonings: You can shop these (and browse my full collection) in my online store here:👉 https://tastefullysimple.com/?ref=samchristensen9291 Disclosure: As an Ambassador for Tastefully Simple, I may earn a commission from purchases made through my links. I only share products I personally use and love in my own…
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KFC Bowls (Easy Copycat Dinner)
These cozy “KFC-style” bowls are one of my favorite comfort meals — mashed potatoes, corn, crispy chicken, gravy, and lots of cheddar. Perfect for busy nights and super kid-friendly! Ingredients (Serves 4) Instructions Notes & Tips These make great leftovers — store components separately if you can, then reheat and assemble. Want extra flavor? Add a sprinkle of pepper, a dash of garlic powder in the potatoes, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Simply Samantha 🌻Simply Real. Simply Me.
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📚 What I’m Reading, Loving, and Learning Lately
This is one of those “behind the scenes of my life and brain” kind of posts—what I’m reading, what I’m loving, and what I’m learning in this season. We’re already a good month and a half into 2026, which honestly feels a little wild. This is usually the point in the year where people fall into one of three camps: No matter where you’re at—I’m here to remind you: you’re not behind, you’re not out, and you’re definitely not done. You can fall off the rails and get back on. There is absolutely nothing that says one rough week (or month) means the whole year is a wash. 📖 What…
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🧑🍳 Oven Sliders — Our New Favorite Weeknight & Game-Day Bite!
Lately at our house, oven sliders have become the go-to recipe for busy weeknights, casual game nights, and anytime we want something comforting without a lot of fuss. They’re simple to make, totally customizable, and always disappear fast! Below are four of our favorite slider recipes — from classic ham & cheese to savory Philly cheesesteak. Each one uses pantry-friendly ingredients and bakes up in under 30 minutes! They are also easily customizable, so follow to a T or switch up with your favorites! Note:This post contains links to recipes from other food bloggers we love. All credit goes to the original creators, and I encourage you to visit their…
