how to celebrate (the end of) summer

it's hard to believe that we're almost 2 weeks into august.  this summer has flown by, and now we're just over a month away from fall.  (my personal favorite season.)  but before we bid summer adieu, i think it's important to soak up every last bit of sun, surf & sand.

do this: stop by a local road side stand or farmers' market to enjoy the season's bounty.  fresh berries and fruit.  juicy tomatoes, zucchinis and peppers.  stock up while they last : )

credit {here}

eat this: ice cream.  the other day, craig, my sis (hannah), olive (our dog-baby) and i stopped at our favorite local ice cream place.  dilly's.  i ordered my "usual" - small (soft-serve) vanilla in a cone with rainbow sprinkles.  it tasted like my childhood.

credit {here}

wear this: sunglasses! chic sunglasses are a must for summer (well, really a "must" year-round, i guess.)  i often treat myself to a new pair each season.  they needn't be expensive - they just have to be stylish!  if you haven't indulged in a new pair, be certain to pick up some with built-in uv protection.

credit {here}

try this: slim calm sexy yoga.  there are still a few good beach weeks left, so if you have yet to start your summer workout regimen, don't fret.  better late than never!  even just the idea of getting fit will make you feel more bikini-confident.

enjoy (what's left of) the dog days of summer.  any end-of-summer plans???

simple toppings, dips & marinades

anything can be made better with a simple sauce or marinade.  you can turn bland chicken into a brilliant entree or a boring salad into an impressive side.  below are a few of my go-to favorites to zest up dinner any night of the week!

toppings & dips:

1 avocado + 1 tbsp minced garlic + 1-2 tbsp grated parmesan
mash all the ingredients together and use it on chicken, fish, rice or as a salad topping

credit {here}

1/4 cup mayo + 1 tsp curry
mix together and use as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, beer battered fish or homemade chicken tenders

marinades:

1/4 cup mustard (any kind) + squeeze of lemon + salt & pepper
coat 2 chicken breasts in this simple marinade and let them sit (in fridge) for at least an hour.  then pan saute in a bit of olive oil.

mustard marinade - credit {here}

2 tbsp teriyaki (or soy sauce) + 1 tsp minced garlic (bonus: + sesame seeds or sesame oil)
marinate 2 fish filets in this asian-inspired sauce for at least 30 min before cooking.  try cooking your fish "en papillote" (i.e. in a foil packet with veggies).  it makes the fish super tender and ensures that it doesn't dry out!

do you have any simple cooking secrets to share?

stacking bowls - simply green

you all know i'm a big fan of overnight oats {recipe here}.  i prep them the night before and am greeted with a delicious, wholesome breakfast waiting in my fridge each morning.  the only thing i didn't like about my overnight oats routine was the amount of foil i was regularly using to over my breakfast bowl.  in a moment of (mini) inspiration, i grabbed a small plate from the cabinet and used it to cover my oats - instead of using foil.  brilliant!

overnight oats

not only does it greatly diminish the amount of foil i use, it also allows me to stack bowls, which is very convenient if craig wants some morning oats, too.

now, don't feel you can only use this method for oats - it would work great as a replacement for any foil or tupperware situation.  leftovers, cut fruit or berries, you name it!  i'm loving this simply green solution : )

how are you simply green?

t-shirt necklace how-to

i found this project about a year back and have been making these funky, t-shirt necklaces ever since.  i love pashminas and scarves, but they're a little heavy for summer.  these necklaces work great all-year round' and you're guaranteed compliments when you wear one.  they are the perfect casual accessory and add a bit of pizazz to a simple t-shirt & jeans kinda outfit.  plus, they're simple to make...and they're "green".  simply fabulous, if you ask me.

supplies:
t-shirt (preferably one you already own, so you can "recycle" it)
scissors
needle & thread

total time: 15 min

cut t-shirt into strips

stretch the cut loops, reserving the hem of the t-shirt for later

stretched loops (and hem to the left of the picture)

gather loops

bring opposite sides together

tie one end with hem

allow for a 5-6" gap and tie other end with hem

wrap extra hem fabric back around itself

once you reach the end of the hem fabric, stitch it in place to keep it from unraveling

voila!  lovely t-shirt necklace : )

wear with a smile

m.i.a.

i know i've been a little m.i.a. lately.  my 5 posts per week have dropped to 2 or 3.  but, the truth is, some very exciting things are on the horizon that have diverting my attention elsewhere (momentarily).  i figured i might as well fill you all in on what's going on since you're probably wondering where i've been...

see, i'm still here!

(1) i'm developing (along with craig's business guidance) a very cool product that should be launching within the next couple of weeks.  this beauty product that we've been working on capitalizes on a major fad right now, so we're really excited to see where it goes.  (i know that's a tease, but i'll certainly keep you all posted as to when it's available!  ok, one clue.  pale will be the new tan.)  want to be notified when the product site launches?  leave your email address in a comment below.

(2) i've been contacting publishers about a cookbook i'm writing, entitled vegetables & vodka.  it highlights healthy (veggie-based) dinner recipes & low-cal cocktails to promote a life of healthy balance.  i'm also working with fellow lifestyle and healthy living bloggers to gather recipe submissions for the final book.  thanks to you all for your interest and contributions!!!

(3) lifestyle maven is starting a movement.  the maven movement promotes "cutting the crap" - on your plate, in your head and in your life.  it's meant to empower women to take charge and simplify their lifestyle and food choices in order to cultivate health and unearth happiness.  and, of course, be simply fabulous, too.  (see the button to the left just below my picture?  give it a click for more info.)

so, mavens, you can see why i've been a little preoccupied lately.  i hope you'll forgive my absence and stay tuned for all the simply fabulous things that await.

cheers!
cailen