GAME-CHANGING APPETIZERS

Ok, so it's not surprise to anybody that the Super Bowl is right around the corner and while the hubby and I don't follow every game this is one you just can't miss! ...and this girl never misses an opportunity to throw a themed get-together!

This year, I want to mix some new recipes with some oldie but goodies so I started on the hunt for the best appetizers I could find! Here are some of my favs! 

Individual Seven Layer Dip Cups

This is a brilliant idea! Not only does it stop you from eating a sickening amount of dip (waist-line says YES!) but you also won't have to worry about double dipping! hehe Instructions here.

Baked Hot Wings

Who wouldn't be excited about a healthier version of a Super Bowl must-have! You can find the recipe here.

Football Calzones

Using football-shaped cookie cutter to make super cute Super Bowl calzones??? GENIUS! Recipe here.



*Also, don't forget to visit my Pinterest for more yummy Super Bowl recipe ideas! Such as these loaded nachos...

**And as a bonus I found these adorable printable labels/banners by Simply Create Designs featured on Catch My Party so you can root for your team in style! Click here to find many more styles and types!

Organization Project: Greeting Card Box

So with completing my closet organization feat I feel like I can concour anything now! So, after a quick glance through Pinterest (where else?) I found this adorable idea to organize your greeting cards and I just have to share! You can find the DIY instructions here.

I have always been a big fan of hand-written notes. Whether it's a thank you, a birthday card, or just a little note to say "hello", it's such a fun surprise to receive one in the mail, or send one off to a friend! I mean, I know that I am not the only one that remembers getting in trouble for writting notes in class to friends and not paying attention to the teacher.  I guess old habits die hard!  The issue is not having a place to keep any of the witty, unique cards that I run across. Some of my favorite online retailers that I have come across are Sugar Paper, Rifle Paper Co., and Oblation Papers!

So, to start with you need an adorable box and can you believe that a co-worker of mine found this adorable snap box at The Dollar Tree!?! Don't you just love when you can find something so cute and still be frugal??? Oh, Oh, I do! I do!

Then, you can make labels with different card categories, such as "Thank you", "Holiday", and "Sympathy":

...and that's about it!

Now all your favorite cards will have a home!

You obsessed yet?  Then make one for yourself!

Shop this board:

The Container Store Multimedia Boxes $22.99/each//You're The Cats Pajamas Card $4.50//Bon Voyage Anchor Card $5.50// Gold Striped Thank You Card $4.50//The World is Your Oyster Card $4.50//Salt and Pepper Card $4.50

Loving it! xoxo

ARE YOU ROCKING THE WORLD LADIES?

Ain't that the truth! But let's be real honest right now and ask then why is it so hard to do this? I am talking about the very real but very "dirty little secret" among us women that we are not always supportive of each other. The fact is, this is a real issue and we have all at one time in our lives been either the instigator or victim? Am I right?

How many of us are guilty of saying how happy we are for someone but are covering up an “I-secretly-want-to-see-you-fail” mindset. I think all of us have dealt with this at one time or another.

I was reading an interesting article on Forbes.com entitled Women Leading Women: Supporters or Saboteurs? Now, this article is more focused on the female professional relationships but that doesn't mean that this issue does not seep into our personal lives as well. 

Taking on this blog and starting some new career adventures has made me realize how much I depend on my support group and the importance of constantly working to make it grow. I know though, that I am not the only one that is in need of this and that is why it is so imparitive we all do what can to start working on this. To start building each other up...

Can I be honest, I don't know how many times I have thought to reach out a hand or share with someone I have not talked to in a while how proud I am of them but have decided not to. Why? Why do we stop ourselves? Is it part jealousy or are we just scared of reliving some nightmare of rejection. For me, it is the fear of reaching out and it not being welcomed or recipricated. I don't know how many times I have seen someone I know and have smiled or said "Hi" just to have them blankly stare back at me all the while knowing exactly who I am. Why? Why do we do this?

How many times have you been so excited to share something you are proud of all to have a person walk up and say one thing that makes you feel insignificant? Now, how many times have you done that to someone else either on purpose or without knowing it?

So, now for the most important part, how do we turn this destructive behavior around? Well after, doing some research I ran across another article entitled 5 Ways for Women to Support Each Other and I thought it could definitely be a start in the right direction. So here are the 5 secrets to help us women be more supportive to each other.

Secret #1 – Tell it straight-up: the good, the bad and the ugly.
The author talks about a lady named Kathryn who was a participant in a workshop she conducted. She basically said that in this workshop, Kathryn was very straight-forward with her; telling her where she did well and also where she could improve. She said that hearing Kathryn honest oppinion was invaluable to her. She said the truth but did it in a way to help her learn how to be better. "Women supporting women want to see all women do well, so there’s no skipping over the constructive criticism to maintain “I-want-you-to-like-me” status or covering up an “I-secretly-want-to-see-you-fail” mindset."
*The rest of the "secrets" are going to be straight from the article.

Secret #2 – Open doors and make introductions.
Kathryn must have the longest speed dial and email lists around. She’s quick to facilitate connections or share a recommendation for where to go, what to see, who to meet. Relationships, alliances and coalitions are the new currency of the workplace. Building those bonds between and with other women can only help advance our general standing in business."

Secret #3 – Replace the cat suit with collaboration and recognition.
Having a little milk with your snarky cat chow comments serves no one well. Kathryn is known for her supportive remarks, notes and get-together suggestions. Cease with the catty comments which only fuel the image of Ms. Barash’s dirty little secret claim. Instead, learn the background stories of your female colleagues; be a safe harbor or a sounding board for them. We’re only as strong as our weakest link."

Secret #4 – Share freely what you know.
Kathryn is quick to share articles, access and/or information. Protecting your turf by hoarding knowledge or aggregating power doesn’t expand your sphere of influence…it limits it – with both the guys and the gals. Power with is the new starting point.

Secret #5 – Like yourself so you can like others.
For most of us, the inner critic is alive and well and oh-so-quick with the negative “you aren’t good enough, smart enough, thin enough, whatever enough” script. Embrace your own goodness…you’ve got lots of it. Be confident…look at all you’ve accomplished. Revel in your own uniqueness instead of wishing you were more like someone else.

Let's start focusing on becoming successful, strong women— and bring another woman along with you!

LET'S ROCK THIS WORLD

HAPPY WEEKEND: ruffles + parrots

Just in case you were not aware... IT'S FINALLY FRIDAY!!!!!

This weekend I plan on spending it outside! The weather is supposed to be gorgeous here and I plan to take full advantage of it! That being said, I think it is safe to say my weekend necessities are going to be sunnies and a tropical bikini and what could be cuter than parrots and ruffles? Who's with me?


xx

Best New Beauty Product Awards 2013

Better Homes and Garden just recently came out with the Best New Product Awards for 2013 that shows the best department store buys! I just had to share for my fellow frugal friends! I mean, I want to look like a million bucks but don't want to spend a million bucks to do so! So, when a lists like this come out, let's just say, I take note!


Here are a few that caught my eye and you can find the rest here.

Best Shampoo: L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Cellular Shampoo

Best Pressed Powder: COVERGIRL + Olay Pressed Powder

Best Hair Color: L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference

Best Skin Profecting Cream: Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector

Best Deep Hair Conditioner/Hair Mask: Herbal Essences Honey, I'm Strong Rinse Off Treatment

Best Lipstick: L'Oreal Paris Colour Caresse by Colour Riche Luminous Lipcolour

Best Whitening Toothpaste: Crest 3D White Glamorous White Toothpaste

Best Mascara: Maybelline Volum' Express MEGA PLUSH

"I'm so tired"

I just bought this shirt a couple of days ago and I think it says it all... Now, to find a way to pair it with something chic so I can wear it to work which will hopefully let everybody to know to just leave me alone... :)

Happy Hump-Day Everybody! Halfway through the week! Yippee

Weekend Festivities!

Good morning and happy Monday to you!! I hope you had another fabulous weekend as always! As you can see the closet clean out was a success and I just had to add a couple more to show what else I was up to this weekend!

Photo 1-3: Were from Sunday. The weather was absolutely beautiful this weekend which was such a nice change from the rainy, cold weather we have been having. So to celebrate the spring-like temps we decided to go out to dinner on the water at one of our favorite restaurants called Snoopy's!

Photo 4: Was a picture of the delicious gelato that mind you, I have been craving for quite some time now! Even though, I didn't get to have my favorite flavor, (pistachio) as they literally ran out right in front of me, I was still a happy little camper with my second pick, coconut!

Photo 5-8: Are yes, the end result of the major closet make-over which took me the better part of Saturday I might say! I completely re-organized the closet and fingers crossed that hopefully it will stay like this now that I have a little bit more room.

Photo 9: Is of all the clothes that the hubby and I are donating! Whew! Five full bags and a large box full! Obviously we have clothes-hoarding issues... but no more! Well, almost no more... The hubby and I had to have a couple of... let's just say, "discussions".... He tends to get sentimentally attached to the old t-shirts that are stained and ripped... But the funniest part, after he finally agrees to get rid of them and I think he has finally come to his senses, I start seeing little folded piles of the very shirts that were supposed to be donated hidden throughout the house! Ladies and Gentlemen, he has a problem! After that, I just figured if they meant that much to him then why not keep them... and him... I love him... what can I say... even with his holy, stained shirts... ;)
Oh and P.S. Please don't mind our sprawled out cat, Larry flashing everybody!

Okay, I’m off to do some more of my work! But cheers to a fabulous and productive week! xoxo
P.S. Happy Monday!
P.P.S Happy MLK Day!

To: My Fellow Closet Monsters...

Happy Friday everybody!... We survived another week! Yippee!

This weekend my main goal is to organize my closet, which mind you has gotten out of control! Okay, okay, has been out of control for way too long to admit without being thoroughly embarrassed! : )

To be honest with you, the closet is my vice... I am a complete O.C.D. neat freak when it comes to rest of the house but the closet... well, let's just say that's another story...

I love clothes and have way too many which I tend to try on and change frequently... The issue is, I take off hanger, try on, decide it's a no and then set in our built in shelves in the closet instead of putting back on hanger. Now, that would be fine but it piles up and then by the end of the week it is like an avalanche when you open the closet door... hehe (not exaggerating)

So with that being said, some serious time has got to be used for my closet intervention this weekend! It needs to be re-organized from top to bottom and I have to try and find a better way to store everything... Wish me luck! Yikes!

So, with it being the beginning of the year, and a lot of people's resolutions consisted of getting organized, I was able to find some great tips on closet organization! Some were so good that I thought I have to share! These tips are for the fellow closet monsters like myself...

Have a great and organized weekend!

xoxo

Dreaming BIG

Welp, I am esctatic to be able to say that is exactly what I am doing! I am dreaming and dreaming BIG! The best part is, I am working towards those dreams! For those of you that don't know, I have recently started on the path to obtaining my real estate license and as of yesterday already completed my first course! Whoop! Whoop!

I am so excited and it is so true that you just know when you are doing something that you are supposed to be doing! It has been written on my heart for some time now and as my Pastor said "what is internal is eternal"- Pastor Bill Cornelius. So the fire has been lit and nobody is going to put it out! I am determined to make this happen!

xoxo   

Straight from Pinterest to the Dinner Table

Good Morning and a Happy Monday to all! So how was your weekend? Mine, was wonderful and relaxing; spent with good friends and lots of sleep! So nice!... and needed!

So, today's post comes from our "suggestion box" and I am more than excited to do it! I have been asked by a very dear reader of mine to do a post about my favorite recipes off of my Pinterest so without further adieu...

My favorite recipe right now is....

Can I just say delish with a capital "D"! Oh my! It is so good and the perfect dish for a cold winter night! The husband said that it was, and I quote, "The BEST soup I have ever had!" and I have to agree! The flavor is out of this world so I give it two thumbs up and five stars! You can find the recipe here.

Here are some of my other favorites:

Smothered Queso Chicken Recipe here. Using Orzo instead of the normal rice gives it such amazing texture and makes it unique!

This recipe is a classic and a favorite in the Nash residence! Bottom line, if you are feeling like some down-home, southern cookin' then this is the recipe for you! So simple and so good! Just add a side of mashed potatoes and it doesn't get any better than that! Here is the recipe.

These are without a doubt restaurant quality! Absolutely amazing and since it is a crockpot recipe with very few ingredients it gets 5 stars from me as well! Recipe here.

This recipe is a twist on a classic and a good twist at that. The cream cheese gives it a unique and yummy flavor! Recipe here.

This has become a staple in our house and was the main recipe requested! The only tweeks I did was not to add the sausage until about 30 minutes before serving because it tends to over-cook and I use jalepeno instead of green bell pepper to give it a kick. Also, if you want to spice it up try making it with corn bread instead of rice. I like to do honey corn bread which gives it a sweet flavor which compliments the spice of the beans! Recipe here.

This is another amazing meal for a cold winter night! It was a hit with the hubby because let's face it, what man doesn't love meat, cheese... did I say cheese? I meant LOTS of cheese, and potatoes??? The recipe can be found here.

 I have tried some other recipes on my Recipe Board; some good, some not so good but these are definitely the note-worthy ones! Let me know what you think or if you have any recipes for me to try!

Alright, I’m off to get this week started, cheers to a fabulous and productive week!

Happy Monday Everybody! :)

And the winner is....

Jennifer Monroe!!!!!!!! Congrats Jen!:)

Happy Friday!!!!

 Well, I hope that everybody has an  amazing weekend and just a reminder it's not too late to enter to win this silver arrow necklace!

 

(Oh, wouldn't it be adorable for Valentine's Day.... wink wink.... Cupid's Arrow...)

 

All you need to do is leave a COMMENT on the blog post here or LIKE the Beauty of a Simple Life Blog Facebook Page here. Don't forget you have until 7pm TONIGHT to enter the GIVEAWAY!!! A winner will be announced shortly after 7pm! Good luck and Happy Friday everybody!



100th Blog Post! GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Well, it's official and I am pretty darn proud! Today marks the 100th post of Beauty of a Simple Life! Can you believe it???? I can't... it seems like just yesterday that I started this! Now, nearly 5 month later, it has become an addiction of mine; my dirty little secret that I just can't help but share! So with this celebration, I just want thank you by doing a giveaway because if it wasn't for the readers it would be kind of hard to keep going on. The prize is going to be this cute silver arrow necklace to symbolizes to keep going and that if you keep aiming you will eventually hit your bullseye! I feel like with all of you and this blog I have hit the bullseye! To see the page views that continue to steadily rise means the world to me! So here is my way of saying thank you!

So I know your wondering, How do I win this adorable necklace??? and the answer is simple complete one of the following below or all for extra chances to win!

• Leave a comment below with your name and email address. 
• "Like" Beauty of a Simple Life page on Facebook 
• Click on the Join this Site button and become a member on Beauty of a Simple Life Blog 

Entries must be posted by Friday, January 11 at 7pm, and one winner will be chosen at random and announced shortly after.

Good Luck and cheers to 100 entries!
xoxo

rainy day blues

Well folks! I love a rainy day and Lord knows we need it here but not when I have to get out in it! It should seriously be a law that if it is rainy and gloomy it should be a manditory work from home day. What do you think? ---Oh and Starbucks should deliver on those days too! 

So anyways, it is exactly that, a rainy, gloomy day here and unfortunately we have all been told that the weather is only supposed to get worse from here. So, with the threat of severe thunderstorms lerking this afternoon, it means it's scramble time! With having to deal with the endless calls from concerned parents it means a whole lot of last minute changes to schedules and games. Got to love how parents will let their kids walk endless miles and cross dangerous streets with no sweater to get to school or stay out until all hours of the night but heaven forbid their kid has to get wet during a school function. Anyways, with today being pretty gloomy, I figured I would brighten the mood a little with a little rainy day fashion post and the best part.... IT'S PINK!

Have a terrific Tuesday everybody! Stay dry!

xoxo

Not so sweet Monday...

It's Monday again. Not just Monday, but the first full week that most of us will have worked in the new year. So, besides it already being that kind of Monday, dread filled my morning anyway as I had to go and get a health screening at work for my insurance. It was pretty much manditory since if you didn't you would be forced to pay $60.00/month! Joy to the start of the many new "improvements" of Obamacare... : /
They had to prick my poor little finger and it is still sore, even a little bit bruised... I made it through but honestly almost fainted... Yes, I am that much of a baby...
So, I found out that I am pretty much a perfect specimen except for one little, itty-bitty thing....
My sugar levels were a little high. I completely blame my mother-in-laws Mississippi Mud Cake... Oh, it was just too good I might have over done it a bit... Do you blame me with something that looks like this?!? No one can say no that goodness!

So bottom line, no more sugar for me for a while... which isn't necessarily a bad thing... #bikiniseason eeeekkkk!

Happy Monday Everybody!
Hope it's a sweet one! :)

the first pictures of 2013

hello 2013!

Good Morning! My apologies for the non-existent posts during this holiday break. Even though I had nearly two weeks off, it went by too fast but we had such an amazing time with friends and family that I just wanted to take advantage of every minute.
So...2012, I liked you... A LOT! You handed me a lot of curve balls, an enormous amount of blessings, and definitely some new experiences. More than anything - this year I realized the importance of my loved ones. Bottom line, I needed each moment spent with my family and close friends.
We were also blessed to be able to get out a little more than normal while either spending time with each other or visiting family and friends in and out of state. Robby and I celebrated 5 years of marriage this year and are filled with more love and happiness than ever. So, thank you 2012, for allowing me to understand the importance in each of those times and to live them to their fullest.
So, 2013.... The big question... 3 days in.... What is your New Year's resolution(s) and how have you been doing so far?

Every year, I have many things I want to change, work on and take on and this year is no different! Now, as to not overwhelm myself, I try to take on one physical and one emotional resolution to start off with... I figure that it keeps me centered and helps me remember to be beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside.

For my physical resolution, I decided that I am going to start walking with my husband in the evenings again. I know some of you are like "That's it?" and yes, that is it... but it is something special to me. With this cold weather (and the dreaded holiday laziness that inevitably sets in) I have really been slacking and most of all, I miss it! It is the time that me and Robby really get to bond and talk. So with the New Year, I am going to pledge to start walking every night again and maybe even get in a run or yoga session too! why not? ;)

My emotional resolution, (which is the one that I think most people skip over but need desperately) is going to be to aid in the flourishing of others. I think this year is going to be a great year for many and I am excited try to do what I can to help other's make this the best year yet! To be honest with you, I know the feeling of having certain people in your life that are always critical and well, negative and this year I am going to do everything I can to counteract that! Let's let 2013 be for the dreamers and lets help make those dreams come true! Who's with me?