If you are looking for any of the recipes, products or lists mentioned in the simple me, you can still find them on our Springpad.
Want to know more about Springpad? Check out our website. It’s a great tool to organize your life online!
Tags: blog, menu plan monday, moving, springit!, springpad, springpad blog, the simple me, works for me wednesday
Winter’s sneaking up on us, and with it: static cling. The enemy of a good hairdo, static will make your hair stick, pull and stand in ways you never wanted it to. But where there are fleece jackets and scarves, there is static. My quick and easy fix: dryer sheets! Run one through your hair and the static will be gone… and it’ll leave your hair smelling laundry fresh!
My favorite is Mrs. Meyer’s dryer sheets, they smell great! I keep one in the pocket of my jacket so I’m prepared at all times.
What are your favorite winter tips?
Tags: easy fixes, fleece, hair, jackets, mrs. meyer's, quick tips, static cling, winter, winter tips
Last week’s almond and coconut topped butternut squash soup was so delicious that I want to make more soups! I think I’m going to try making one different soup each week. Most of my recipes this week will keep me warm as it gets colder, but I did throw in a salad because I’m not quite ready for winter yet! Here are this week’s recipes:
Monday
Spicy vegan black bean burger 
Spring the recipe!
Tuesday
Tomato mozzarella basil salad Spring the recipe!
Wednesday
Beef and snowpeas with pan-fried noodles Spring the recipe!
Thursday
Hearty vegetable soup Spring the recipe!
Friday
Mushroom risotto Spring the recipe!
And for a special treat
Peanut butter blondies Spring the recipe!
This post can now be found on Springpad’s new blog.
My favorite part of any party is the food – more specifically, the hors d’oeuvres. They’re cute, easy to hold, and small enough that you can try a little bit of everything! So why not apply the concept to the rest of your meal and serve an array of finger food? Whether you’re hosting a potluck or a holiday party, they’re the perfect thing to dish out. Kids want to eat with their fingers anyway, and adults will be happy to try a variety of foods. Here are a few of my favorite finger food recipes:
Mama’s meatballs Spring the recipe!
Gingerbread mini-muffins Spring the recipe!
Vegan dosas Spring the recipe!
Toasted ravioli with a warm tomato dipping sauce Spring the recipe!
Sweet potato fries Spring the recipe!
What are your favorite entertaining tips?
Tags: dinner parties, entertaining, finger food, holidays, menus, planning in advance, recipes, thanksgiving, tips, we are that family, wfmw, works for me wednesday
I can’t believe it’s already November! This year has gone by so fast. After enjoy the last few warm days, it’s really starting to feel like fall. Most of my recipes this week are fall-inspired – warm and delicious! (Speaking of warm and delicious, last week’s apple pie was phenomenal. I’ll definitely be making it again soon! Maybe for Thanksgiving…) Here are this week’s recipes:
Monday
Turkey with maple mashed sweet potatoes Spring the recipe!
Tuesday
Mango pork tacos Spring the recipe!
Wednesday
Last-minute lasagna Spring the recipe!
Thursday
Almond and coconut topped butternut squash soup
Spring the recipe!
Friday
Cornflake chicken Spring the recipe!
And for a special treat
Carrot cupcakes with cream cheese icing Spring the recipe!
Quick Tip: change vase water with a turkey baster from Real Simple.
“Use the baster to suction up the liquid without disturbing your arrangement. Then add fresh water directly from the tap.”
I don’t have a green thumb, but this tip seems simple enough for me! It’s a great way to get rid of the smelly water in your vase and easily replace it without making a mess. (And it gives your turkey baster a use outside of Thanksgiving!).
Do you have any other turkey baster tricks?
Halloween is just a few days away, and if you haven’t come up with great costumes for your kids, you’re probably stressing out.
Have no fear- we’ve compiled a list of 10 simple and creative costumes made from things you probably have lying around the house. This way, you can make some fantastic looking costumes without spending a ton of money. Plus, many of these costumes are so simple that event the kids can help make them.
Check out the list we created- it’s got everything you need to make 10 great costumes you and your kids will love. Each costume is broken down into an individual supply list, to make it even easier for you. Check it out:
10 Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Kids
- Super hero boy
- Witch
- Cat burglar
- Cotton candy
- Bunch of Grapes
- Pirate
- String bean
- House painter
- Fairy
- Crayon
Does making homemade Halloween costumes for the kids help simplify my life? You betcha 
Photo and Recipe Source: Seasaltwithfood
These potato stacks are elegant and simple. They’d be perfect for a casual dinner party with friends.
Ingredients
24 (1 kg) Small Mixed Color Potatoes, scrubbed
¼ Cup Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Chopped Rosemary
1 ½ Tbsp Lemon Juice, or to taste
Sea Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Regular-Size Muffin Pan
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 220C (425F).
Lightly oil the 12 molds in a regular-size muffin pan.
Peel the purple color potatoes, if using. Then slice the potatoes thinly with a Mandoline or a sharp knife. Wash the potatoes, drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
Stack the potatoes and lay them sideways in a muffin pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes turn crispy on the outside and the flesh is soft.
Transfer the muffin pan to racks to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before carefully removing the potatoes. Serve warm.
Tags: dinner party, food, potato, recipe, sealsaltwithfood, side dish, springit!, starch
I’m really excited about desserts this week – the blueberry fool I made last week was so good! I’m trying out a new apple pie recipe and hoping for the best.
Monday
Baked shrimp in tomato feta sauce Spring the recipe!
Tuesday
Tortilla soup Spring the recipe!
Wednesday
Lentil sausage ragout Spring the recipe!
Thursday
Salmon with pineapple salsa Spring the recipe!
Friday
Mexi-licious egg scramble Spring the recipe!
And for a special treat
Apple pie Spring the recipe!
Does creating a weekly meal plan simplify my life? Absolutely!
Tags: grocery shopping, meal planning, menu plan monday, menu planning, mpm, org junkie, plan ahead, save money, simplify, springit!
With the weather turning cold and (gasp!) snowy, great indoor activities are essential to keep your kids occupied. You could simply pop in another Backyardigans DVD, or you could try something hands on, like building the classic blanket fort.
Spring the supply list!
Supplies
-Blankets or sheets
-Furniture
-Pillows
-Broom
-Flashlight
-Safety pins or clothespins
-books
-snacks
Instructions
Build the foundation: organize furniture (couches and chairs) around the area where you wish to build the fort. Make sure there is enough room in between the furniture pieces for your kids to sit down and play.
Create the roof: Drape blankets or sheets over sofas and chairs. Use clothespins and safety pins to connect multiple blankets. Bring a broom within the fort and place it upright, creating a tent-like effect with the blankets.
Fill in the cracks: use extra pillows to fill in the spaces between furniture. Make sure to leave some empty space for a door and windows.
Play: Bring in your flashlights, some snacks and your kids’ favorite books. Enjoy!
Does building a blanket fort help simplify my life? Definitely! It’s an inexpensive way to keep the kids occupied and they love it!
Tags: blanket fort, cheap ideas, fort, fun, kids, rainy day activities