Living Simplistically

::RUNTOGRAPHY:: and people think running is boring? Crossed...

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:20:15 -0500

::RUNTOGRAPHY:: and people think running is boring? Crossed bridged and laked to run into the Pirate ship, Booty, passed some cool art work along the lake, smelled the flowers along the Lakefront while Madcon brought me on home. Have run, will shoot pics! #runtography #runner #mylife #health #fitness #runnerlife #running #bloggingrunner #blmgirls #BGR #BGRChicago #sitesisee #people #places #things

That is all…regram from @lifeismeanttoenjoy #peace #love...

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:32:50 -0500

That is all…regram from @lifeismeanttoenjoy #peace #love #happiness #happyfeelings #happyfriday #livingsimplistically

::Low Calorie Alternative to Mashed Potatoes - Mashed Cauliflower::

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:30:21 -0500

I purchased two heads of cauliflower thinking I would make another cauliflower crusted pizza however, I’ve made 4 already so…I had enough for now. I have heard of people making mashed cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes, so I decided to give this a try.

Here is what you will need:

1 medium head of cauliflower

Garlic to taste

Milk to give the preferred consistency (or not)

Salt and pepper to taste

I cut the cauliflower up into small pieces and boiled them in a large pot for 15-20 minutes. I wanted to be sure there would be no problems in the blender so I made sure they were softened. I added a splash of milk and probably didn’t even have to as the consistency was already pretty mashy. I wasn’t fond of the taste afterwards a little too bland, so I added some parmesan and romano cheese and it gave it the richness I was looking for. Chives could also be great with this one. Honestly you can do so many things with this one.

Here is the recipe I used if you are interested in using this as a reference. I didn’t take the best pictures because I thought about it a bit late in the game so I used my trusty Galaxy phone.

Though I need to work on the texture of this, it was a hit with the family. There were only two spoonfuls remaining and I didn’t get any.

Kid and husband approved! Mashed cauliflower is a great addition to any dinner table and a create way to use that head of cauliflower you may have in your fridge.

Living Simplistically!

::Couples throwback:: The ‘rents in their fro’d out...

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:32:43 -0500

::Couples throwback:: The ‘rents in their fro’d out glory. My father being silly as always but my mother…she is the absolute best. If I can be half of the woman she is, I am good! :-) #tbt #throwbackthursday #naturalhair #afros #parents #blackandwhite #photography #1960s

I can think of a better way to celebrate our upcoming...

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:49:37 -0500

I can think of a better way to celebrate our upcoming Anniversary then to revisit our married life shenanigans with a throw back. Couples that act goofy together, stay together. #tbt #vegas #mexico #couples #marriedlife #marriagefoolery #fun #mylife #throwbackthursday #anniversary #celebration #mybff #rideordie #lifepartner #livingsimplistically #travels #marriage #laughter

Chicago Fashionistas!!!! FREE Entry to Dash Me's Summer Prep Swap!

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:35:00 -0500

Still haven’t gotten your ticket to the swap? ::WIN FREE ENTRY::

You definitely don’t want to miss out on Dash Me’s Summer Prep Swap! Bad thing for me is that I will miss this one. Good thing for you Chicago fashion lovers is you get to win FREE entry to the swap on MY behalf. You can learn more about Dash Me here.

Here are the deets: “like” Living Simplistically’s Blog page on FB here, OR share my page with others, and follow Living Simplistically on Twitter OR Instagram. Simple! Winners will be announced tomorrow evening 7pm CT, so stayed tuned. **Sorry but this event is for Chicago folks only unless you plan to travel in for this event**

::OOTD - Got my head in the stars:: When I grabbed this satin...

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:05:35 -0500

::OOTD - Got my head in the stars:: When I grabbed this satin star shirt I knew it would symbolic on so many levels. Today I am on cloud 20! Top, slacks, loafers #gap Jacket #hmusa watch #asos #ootd #outfitoftheday #mystyle #mystylediary #whatiwear #fashion #colorblocking #greatday #ifb #cbn #blmgirls #livingsimplistically #photodaily photo by @rjshootspics

I literally sprung out of bed this AM :-) I am striving for...

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:19:01 -0500

I literally sprung out of bed this AM :-) I am striving for better and I am in it (this life) with ALL my heart. Jesus took the wheel! I don’t know where I’m going but once I get there you will know it is only through the grace of God!! #worshipwednesday #blessed #Godisdoingsomething #faith #prayer #myGod #blessingsareontheway #justbelieve #mymindonGod #praisemode #nothingelsematters

::Got Milk??? Moisture Milk that is...As I Am Product Review::

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:55:54 -0500

Just when I thought I was done with buying more product…I happened upon a bottle of the As I Am Moisture Milk and the product junkie in me convinced me I NEEDED it and badly. So per my usual, I gave in and purchased this baby! To be honest I have been SUPER pleasantly surprised with the As I Am hair products though the prices are a little high.

- The Coconut Co-wash is the absolute best. Gently cleansing the hair of any product build-up and maintaining the hair’s moisture balance. It’s amaze-balls (yes, I said it)! You can read my review on the co-wash and gel here.

- The Leave-in Conditioner isn’t too light but is perfect for twist outs or just when your hair needs that extra push over that DRY hill… :-/

- The Smoothing Gel initially would never make my list of must-haves in the beginning. I admit, I wanted to hate this product as it could never be better than my slick-it-back-so-tight-you-can-barely-blink-your-eyes gel but…I don’t think I will ever go back to my regular gel…sadly, even to Eco styler gel. :-(

- Moisture Milk well this is the whole purpose of this post to discuss how I think I am SOLD on all of these products. The moisture milk I assume is to be similar to Carol’s Daughter’s hair milk. This product is light, perfect for dry hair and adds an incredible amount of sheen. Last night I used this product after applying my Vatika oil, using a little bit of water and then applying the milk before twisting. Post twist-out, my hair doesn’t feel weighed down, or oily.

Definitely scoring this one 5 out of 5 curls!

Living Simplistically!

Often time we believe it’s the big or expensive things...

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:40 -0500

Often time we believe it’s the big or expensive things that build character and mold a person. When we can be trusted to be faithful in the small, we are granted the opportunity to become responsible for me. This is a lesson for me to never take even the smallest of things for granted. In the small things I will continue to remain faithful as strength is birthed out of this process.

Living Simplistically!

::OOTD - Birds of a Feather:: I have fallen head over heels...

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:26:49 -0500

::OOTD - Birds of a Feather:: I have fallen head over heels with blue lately. It’s never been my color but I’m going with the flow :-) Button shirt #gap Sweater #Jcrew #thrifted Pleated bird skirt #Forever21 Heels #zarausa Sunnies #oasap Bird necklace #ASOS #ootd #outfitoftheday #whatiwear #mystyle #mycloset #personalstyle #stylediary #momsonthemove #fashion #trends #fashionlover #chicagoblogger #hotd #naturalhairblogger #ifb #cbn #livingsimplistically photo by @rjshootspics

::Motivation Mondays:: The less complex road in life is the...

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:30:53 -0500

::Motivation Mondays:: The less complex road in life is the easiest traveled, while it allows you to still appreciate some of the scenery along the way. Life doesn’t need to be complicated if we choose. #motivationmondays #inspiration #simplequotes #livinsimplistically #simpleliving #life #living #instaquote #mydesire

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mom’s out there who...

Sun, 12 May 2013 08:40:34 -0500

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mom’s out there who tirelessly give of themselves. Thank you to my Mother who serves as the perfect example of what a mother should be, and thank you for my family who in turn love me, support me, cherish me, but most importantly remind me of the amazing gift I have of being a mother! #mothersday #love #parenting

Where is your focus? Hate, less. Envy, less. Compare, less....

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:33:05 -0500

Where is your focus? Hate, less. Envy, less. Compare, less. Fight, less. Love, more! Anything outside of this will continue to blur your heart’s vision. #love #unity #peace #joy #celebrate #share #beone #livingsimplistically #onevision #oneheart #mydesire

“If you continuously compete with others, you become...

Thu, 09 May 2013 08:24:09 -0500

“If you continuously compete with others, you become BITTER, but if you continuously compete with yourself, you become BETTER!” ~author unknown

What can you do today to be better than yesterday? Don’t mind what other people are doing, or what they might be achieving. Everyday challenge yourself to be a little bit better than you were the day before. Even if it’s a t-i-n-y bit, it sure beats being consumed with bitterness. #begreat #bethebestyou

Living Simplistically!

:::Yesterday’s outfit today -Seersucker’d:: You...

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:19:22 -0500

:::Yesterday’s outfit today -Seersucker’d:: You know it’s spring when you see seersucker. Jacket #Anntaylor #thrifted Lace Tee #piperlime Slacks #Anntaylor Wedges #express Bracelet #Marcjacobs #ootd #outfitoftheday #whatiwear #mystyle #mystylediary #mycloset #fashion #trends #spring #momswithstyle #momsonthemove #stylingforbusymoms #ifb #cbn #blmgirls #simplelooks #livingsimplistically photo by @rjshootspics

::Feature on All the Many Layers - Soulful Beauty of the Week::

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:26:57 -0500

I am extremely humbled and honored to be featured on All the Many Layers as this week’s Soulful Beauty!

“To me, soulful beauty digs much deeper than the surface. We tend to equate beauty as how we ‘look,’ but soulful beauty is an inner beauty that is birthed out of how we think, act, and in the energy we give back to the world. It is the beauty that is found deep in the soul of the individual person. Something that cannot be copied, but just exists.” Click here to read more about me…ya’ll please forgive my typos…I wrote this during finals week. :-(

We all live a life filled with many layers. Read my interview to learn more about mine :-)

Living Simplistically!

In the event my method of thought is ever questioned….ALL...

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:09:39 -0500

In the event my method of thought is ever questioned….ALL things are possible! #possibilities #possibilitarian #doubtless #believe #powerofthought #optimist #positivelifestyle #livingyourbest #livingsimplistically #affirmation #mylife #glasshalffull

::Swimming and Natural Hair Care::

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:02:39 -0500

I recently decided to start joining my kids in swimming, but after my first day of swimming I noticed the change in how my hair felt. I decided to do a little research on swimming and natural care and found the following tips. Please feel free to comment, or email at livingsimplistically@gmail.com if you have know of any other suggestions. Curly Nikki recommended the following:

1. Rinse your hair BEFORE getting in the pool.

2. Add a silicon serum like John Frieda Serum to your strands prior to your swim to help minimize how much of the chemicals will penetrate the hair strands.

3. Following your swim, wash your hair with a shampoo. Because I co-wash I will need to see if I absolutely need to use a shampoo. If you use a shampoo, make sure to use a shampoo that will remove chlorine or mineral build-up. Shampoos containing EDTA or Phylic Acid should do the trick.

4. Be sure to condition your hair. I prefer to deep condition and then add my Vatika oil.

5. For those of you who straighten your hair using minimal heat is highly suggested.

I also happened upon a video of two ladies who make up the naturalista duo Sporty Afro. They provided a video on how they care for their hair. You can see the video here.

Swim on naturalistas :-)

Living Simplistically!

::OOTD - Ode to Black & White:: Tuxedo blouse, cropped...

Tue, 07 May 2013 07:30:13 -0500

::OOTD - Ode to Black & White:: Tuxedo blouse, cropped trousers and military jacket #Gap, Heels #zarausa Necklace and sunnies #ASOS #ootd #outfitoftheday #whatiwear #mycloset #mystyle #fashion #trends #mystylediary #tuxedotop #blackandwhite #ifb #cbn #blmgirls #livingsimplistically #momsonthemove #momswithstyle #photodaily #instaglam