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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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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
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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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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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…
