It's Simply Lindsay

10/21/15

Simply Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

Although I enjoy cooking, I’m lucky to have a husband who is the primary cook in our family – plus, he’s ten times better than I am anyway. However, cooking breakfast food, my favorite meal of all time, is my forte. My husband is out of town, so what better way to honor the fall season and my love for breakfast than to make pumpkin pancakes for dinner?

This recipe for simple fluffy pumpkin pancakes is not only easy and delicious but can be customized in a variety of ways with condiments, sides, or add-ins to meet your taste. They’re extremely filling, so they work well for dinner, and you can throw them in the waffle iron for a yummy crunchy waffle instead.

I ate these for dinner last night with turkey sausage, and after a rough night with my daughter, I decided to put a sinful spin on my breakfast and added a smear of Nutella to start the day off right. Hey, I balanced it with a side of pineapple – that counts for something, right?

10/18/15

October Fashion Challenge (part 2)

As you may know, I’m participating in an Instagram October fashion theme challenge this month. Each day has a different theme for you to interpret, and you can see the calendar with the themes by clicking here. I love these fashion challenges because I’m pushed to wear items that have been seriously neglected for no good reason, and I find inspiration through other participants to try new things with my outfits and styling. You can see my outfit choices from the beginning of the month, including my new fur vest, fan-favorite ‘Holy Chic’ tee, and classic plaid shirt, to name a few, by clicking here.

This post features the following themes: deep pockets, finest fringe, darkest florals, we wear pink, sweater weather, bucket bags and crossbodies, and blanket scarves. On blanket scarf day, I attended my friend’s lovely baby shower first, then got creative with the theme and just snuggled up with my soft plaid blanket. I also found a perfect use for my new elephant dish, as part of my new coffee table tray – a great size for my rings!

10/13/15

DIY Carmen Miranda Costume

Last year when I was trying to come up with an outfit for my school’s Tropical Tuesday theme during homecoming week, I remembered a Halloween costume from when I was young and knew it would be perfect – Carmen Miranda, or as I called her back then, the Chiquita Banana girl.

(As you may know from prior posts, I like to go all out for theme days, so a simple tropical printed maxi dress would not do!) Check out this post on how to create a simple Effy costume from “The Hunger Games.”

Carmen Miranda was a Portuguese Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress, popular between the 1930’s and 50’s. She was easily recognized by her bright, bold colors, tropical flair, and fruit-adorned headpiece.

I did not spend any money on this easy DIY Carmen Miranda costume; however, I did use a few pieces from my childhood costume. Everything else, I had or borrowed. You can easily recreate this look with whatever pieces you already own; feel free to put your own spin on her bold look!

10/11/15

October Fashion Post (part 1)

Happy October, my lovely (and handsome) readers! This month instead of my normal weekly fashion themes, I’m participating in an Instagram challenge (#wearwhatwhereOctober) where every day has a different theme. The theme names are fun and clever and open to interpretation; I love checking out what others are wearing each day, and when I feel totally uninspired, I seek motivation through others participating in this challenge.

Here are the following days we have covered so far from October 1-October 10:

Gray Gradients, A (J) Crew of Blue, Tee Time, Denim Darling, Plaid & Gingham, A Hint of Fall Print, Emerald City,  Fall HarVEST, Orange You Savvy, and Going Bananas. I added in one bonus day of my outfit before October began. (Very exciting, I know.) Connect with me on social media to participate in the rest of the daily themes.

 

10/10/15

Starting Today: How to Get Back on Track

It happens to all of us. It generally hits me on Sundays, after I’m out of my standard daily routine from the week. All of my hard work of reaching my goals during the week sometime becomes lax. While I focus on healthy eating on a regular schedule during the week, I might make an exception for a piece of celebratory birthday cake on the weekend. Well, the one piece of birthday cake turns into indulging in some pizza the next day, and heck, while I’m at it, why not throw in a glass of soda, and since I’m off my game, I might as well skip my workout and wait until Monday to get back on track, right? That makes sense.

It can be any habit, not just food; from over-indulging in a bit of partying, losing focus on your daily prayer, letting your housework slip, or blowing your budget on an impromptu shopping spree. No matter your goals, when we let ourselves stumble, the repercussions can feel devastating. I’ve been there before – oh gosh, have I been there before! Instead of wallowing in self-pity or spiraling out of control, take charge in these moments and make the necessary change. Now. Not later. Not tomorrow. Not Monday. Now!

10/7/15

Guest Post: Rodan & Fields Dermatologists

I’m so excited to feature business and healthcare professional Nikki Carvelli as a guest blogger. Thanks for taking over the blog today Nikki – take it away! Oh, and don’t miss the SPECIAL FREE OFFER with a BONUS SAMPLE at the bottom of the post.

Whether you are looking to purchase great skin care products to help with your needs or looking to make some extra money while working from home, Rodan + Fields is your answer. After turning 30 I knew that I had to make a change with the products I was using used on my face. It is true – after 30 we lose 1% of our collagen every year, so I knew now was the time. I also spent a whole year watching my business partner have much success with her own Rodan + Field small business, so I decided why not share the great results with everyone else! I spent 5 years working in the operating room full time as a perfusionist, and I knew after having my daughter that the job, full time, did not fit for me as a working mom. I now have the opportunity to use my healthcare background to better understand their clinical research and have met many successful men and women who are also parents!  I hope you enjoy this information, and I look forward to changing your skin for the better.