Chit Chat #2

Hello 

I am sorry for my recent absence but I am back in full swing!

I hope you've been enjoying the start of fall as much as I have with crisp nights and  beautiful foliage there is something really special about fall.

I've decided to make this post kind of like my last Chit-Chat post since everyone enjoyed it.

So here are the questions I have to ask you:

(All answers will be taken into consideration)

1. Would you like to see a movie review or monthly favorites post next? I would love to do either but I want to know what you would want to see first
2. What posts would you like to see more of? Are there any posts that you haven't seen enough of please leave any recommendations or suggestions below.
3. What time do you read blog post most often? I have been thinking of scheduling my upcoming post so I would love to hear what time would be most ideal for you, I think personally I love reading blog posts in the afternoon with a warm cup of tea.

Thanks for Reading!

Can't wait to read your thoughts!

-Laura

Quote Explanation: #2

Hello!

A few weeks back I did a quote explanation post and everyone seemed to respond very positively to it so I am back with another one!

I hope you will enjoy it as much as the first.

The Quote I have chosen for this post is:

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.-Jimmy Dean

When I stumbled across this quote I knew it was perfect to bring to you. Sometimes in life we forget that in life not everything will be easy.We expect things to come naturally, which they will but it will not always be the case. 

Often we compare our success with someone else's. 

But this is wrong everyone follows a different path in life and one individuals measure of success differs from person to person.

With this in mind I want to remind you that although life will not always be easy we can take the challenges and adjust to them. Making them work in our favor. 

So the next time you are encountered with something that seems difficult, Why not change your perspective or view to make your life simpler.

I hope this has helped!

Thanks for reading.

-Laura

P.S. I also just had a poll go on for a few days on my blog what did you think of it? 

I just wanted to say a quick thanks to all the new followers on Bloglovin' it means the world to me.

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese

Hello Again!

Today I am back with yet another recipe post.
I am sorry for my recent absence, I have simply been caught up in the busyness of life!

Today I will be sharing with you one of my favorite recipes of all times: Macaroni and Cheese, and I must add that making it from scratch beats any boxed type that you can buy at the supermarket.

Doesn't it look simply delicious!

Yield: 4-6 servings

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 box (454 g or 1.1 lb) pasta- any shape works
• 8 oz (226 g) cheddar cheese, white or yellow cubed
• 1 tsp mustard (the secret ingredient)
• 1/3 cup ( 83.3 g) butter
• 1/3 cup (83.3 g) flour
• 4 cups milk
• Spices to taste

Procedure:

1. Cook your pasta based on the directions on the box, cook to your liking, but I prefer to cook it so that it is al dente.
2. Whilst the pasta is cooking melt the butter in a pot, when it is completely melted add in the butter, then add in the milk, stir rapidly so nothing settles or burns.The sauce will seem very thin but once you let it rise to a boil it will thicken up.
3. Then add in your spices, I like adding in garlic and some salt and pepper. Then add in the mustard this is important to the recipe since it gives it such a nice flavor. Then add int the cheddar cheese slowly, let the sauce come to a boil
4. While the sauce is cooking drain your pasta and set it aside, then return to your sauce make sure it has come to a boil then add in any last seasonings.
5. Finally add in the pasta, adding in as much or as little as you would like. Finish off with some garnishing if you desire.

Personally I like sprinkling some corn and chives on top to give my macaroni and cheese an even greater flavor. Whats are your favorite toppings?

I thought I would not only share this recipe today because it is delicious but also because it works well if you have leftover pasta, simply toss the pasta in with your homemade sauce and you'll have a delicious meal!

Let me know if you recreate it!

Thanks for reading and have fun in the kitchen!

-Laura

Monthly Favorites: July 2014

Hello Again!

Today I'm going to tell you all about the items that I have been loving for the month of July. I tried to include a variety of items as to inspire a greater range of people.

I hope you become inspired to also purchase some of the items that I have listed!

So this past month I have been loving the following:

• Fancy Scissors: I've been enjoying them for making even simple lists or charts look a little nicer with a fancy little border, plus they are in such nice summer colors
• Pens: These pens are my absolute favorites and they are the Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pens, they are a bit pricier but they are completely worth it
• Studs: I have also enjoying studs because they pair nicely with many outfits whether its casual or  dressy.
• Agendas: I always enjoy pretty notebooks and stationary this particle agenda I purchased last year and I still love and use it as much as I did last year.
• Bows: They add that little something to an outfit. I have been particularly keen on coral colors for the summer since they look nice against a white shirt or dress.
• Pressed Powder: As everyone tends to be a bit more sweaty in the summer pressed powder works well in minimizing the shine. I also enjoy wearing it as is on "lazy" summer days.
• Blush: This particular blush color I picked up in the spring but I especially liked it this month since it is a nice warm rosy tint that isn't overpowering. The particular shade is natural rose 148 by Covergirl.

I hope you enjoyed reading what I've been liking!

What have some of your favorites been, let me know down below?

Thanks for reading!

-Laura

DIY: Popsicle Garland

Hello

Today I'm back with another DIY because of the great feedback I got from my last DIY.
But before I jump in I just wanted to let you know that I took the comments from my Chit-Chat post into consideration.

I wasn't able to address this in my last post because of the nature of the post!

But I wanted to let everyone know that I will not only be posting monthly favorites but I will also try posting on a schedule! I will be posting every: Tuesday.

I will also be adding in a few posts randomly.
I thought I would do this because some of you liked the idea of a schedule and others enjoyed the element of surprise. I think this idea is the best of  both worlds !

On to the DIY!
I thought that since summer was in full effect why not make this adorable and simple garland.
You don't need very many materials and you can customize it to your liking!

Materials

• Watercolors
• Paintbrush
• Water
• Watercolor Paper
• Scissor
• Popsicle Sticks
• Glue or tape (Tape will be a little easier!)
• Clothespins
• Push Pins
• String or ribbon

Procedure:

1. Figure out what size you want your Popsicle to be I made my an average width and length but you can choose to do whatever you like!
2. Once you've figured out the size cut a template for your Popsicle, I would put it on a cardboard because it'll be a little easier to trace around!
3. Trace approximately 10-12 Popsicle on your watercolor paper, I decided to use watercolor because I liked the way the medium drys quicker than other paints, I put my Popsicles on two strands so that is why I wanted an even number
4. Cut out all the Popsicle sticks and begin painting them any design you want! I went with bright summer  colors!
5. Break you Popsicle sticks in half because I found mine to be to too long for the size I had made my Popsicles .
6. Then tape or glue the Popsicle sticks onto the back of the Popsicle. Make sure that they are dry!
7. Then figure out where you want the garland to be located and use pushpins and string of any color. Have fun with it and make it your own!
8. Then use clothespins to hang the Popsicle sticks from the string!

I find that this project is quite simple and it turns out really nicely!
Let me know in the comments down below if you also gave this a try!

I thought I would also include something a little extra in the next posts so I am going to end each post with a question that you can all respond to in the comments down below!

Question: What's your favorite type of Popsicle?

Mine would definitely have to be strawberry, I just love how refreshing it is on a warm summer day.

I will also be posting my July favorites later in the week so watch out for it!

Thanks For Reading!
Have fun crafting!

-Laura

Liebster Award

HelloI was recently nominated for the Liebster Award and I'm ecstatic ! I want to say thank you so much not only for the nomination but for the support! Since I was nominated by four lovely individuals I will pick a selection of questions from each of their posts!

But prior to jumping in with the questions I'm going to list the rules!
The rules are as followed : 

• You must answer all 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you.

• You must link back to the person that nominated you.

• After completing these questions you must nominate 11 bloggers (with under 200 followers) and give them 11 questions of your choice.

• You can not nominate the person who nominated you.

You must let your nominees know that they have been nominated and provide a link to your post so that they can learn about it.

I was first nominated by Mary from http://crazyinlife1.blogspot.com/, she posts a variety of lifestyle posts that are enjoyable to read!

1. Rain or Snow?  This question is really difficult because on one hand I love how relaxing rain is but I also love how snow looks in the winter, but I think I would settle with rain because I'm not a fan of the cold!
2.  Tea/ Water/ Juice/ Coffee? Definitely juice there are so many flavors and all sorts of delicious types!
3. Are you afraid of thunder storms? I actually kind of like them, something about the sound of thunder and the sight of lightning is fascinating.

I was also nominated by Zara from http://zarakate.blogspot.com/ who writes lots of interesting fashion realted  posts, her outfit posts are always so lovley!

     4.  What clothing item or accessory can you not live without? I would definitely have to say a great           pair of jeans, you can dress them up or down!

    5.   What inspired you to start a blog? I wanted to start a blog to help people, I want to show people           how they can lead easier, simpler lives.

    6.  What era should you have grown up in? This question is really hard but I think I would enjoy living           in Great Britain during the Victorian Period although I do not like the idea of a corset, so I think                    instead  the 1950's in suburban America, I liked how picturesque it seemed. 

I was then nominated by Louise from http://lovefromlouu.blogspot.co.uk/ , shewrites about all sort of beauty and fashion related items.

  7. What would you say your style blogging is? I would say I'm a rather relaxed yet somewhat                    informative blogger. I think I may also be considered somewhat motivational.

  8. Cookies or Brownies? Why? A hundred percent brownies, they are just so delicious and good! I              especially like them when they are chewy. 

  9. What Disney Princess would you say your most like, and why? I don't think I am like any of them          but I especially like Cinderella!

And Lastley I was nominated by Teyrn from http://www.diariesofarucksack.com/. She's been writing and photographing lovely travel locations! Her photographs are lovely! 

  10. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? This is a great question, but I             think I would love to fly, wouldn't that just be fun!

  11. Planes, trains, or automobiles as a mode of travel? Definetly car, no need to wait or to check you     baggage or anything.

I hope that by reading through my answers you have learned something about me! I decided to also  nominate a few individuals:

• Ellie: http://indiellie.com/
• Laura: http://cathaura.blogspot.co.uk/
• Ann: http://anncates.blogspot.com/
• Anika: http://anikamiller.blogspot.co.uk/
• Fran: http://francescabeauty.blogspot.co.uk/
• Sarah: http://polkadottedjo.blogspot.com/
• Jessica: http://jessicasjournel.blogspot.co.uk/
• Grace: http://everydayingrace.blogspot.ca/
• Lauren: http://www.laurengillies3.blogspot.co.uk/
• Meredith: http://solelymer.blogspot.com/
• Chelsie: http://wickedly-whimsical.blogspot.com.au/

Whew, that was quite the list, so here go the questions!

1.  What's your favorite food?
2. Do you have a hidden talent?
3. What is your favorite day of the week?
4. What is your favorite T.V series?
5. What do you do to relax?
6. What is your usual bed time? 
7. What's your favorite sandwich? Why?
8. Do you enjoy cooking?
9. Do you sing in the shower?
10. What's your favorite color? Why?
11. What would you do with your hair if you had to change it ?

So there are the questions and the nominees! I hope you take part in it, because it is quite fun! If you also do it please leave me the link to the post in the comments.

Thanks for Reading!

Can't wait to see your post!

-Laura

Chit-Chat: #1

Hello Again!

Today's post I am hoping to simply discuss some aspects of the blog with all of you. As I have quickly gained quite a following I want to make sure that you can all get the most out of this blog as possible.

Therefore I have some questions that I want to ask you!

But before I ask you any questions, I want you to know that I will take every answer into consideration because they mean a lot to me.

So here go the questions:

1. Would you like to see posts on a set schedule? I have thought about this quite a bit, on one hand I kind of like the element of surprise. Not knowing what will be posted next. But, on the other hand it would be nice to know what to expect on which day. So let me know what you would think.
2. Would you like to see monthly favorites? I have pondered the idea of possibly posting monthly favorites. It would also be nice for you to know what I've been enjoying so that you have an idea of what to buy.
3. What type of posts would you like to see in the future? I still have quite a number of posts in mind that you will see in the near future but, I would like your input if there is something you would want to see. If so, let me know.

I would love to hear what you have to say in the comments down below as your opinion matters to me and to the future of this blog.

Depending on how this post does I think I may do something like this more often so that my readers can have more input on the blog!

Thank You again for everyone that has started following me on Bloglovin', it means so much to me.

Thank You for reading and I can't wait to read the comments.

-Laura

Nature:#1: The Sky

Hello, 

Today I decided to bring you something a little different. 

I had started this blog because I wanted to help you simplify your life through simple steps.

For me simplifying your life means less confusion and stress and more relaxation and happiness.
Isn't that what we all want?

In order to achieve this we need to find what allows us to relax and destress. Often nature can be an outlet for me and yourself as well!

Sometimes when life seems a little to overwhelming I look at nature.

So today I decided to start a new series of sorts. I decided to start a series appreciating and observing nature. And for this particular post I decided to focus on the sky.

The sky like us humans changes, from one hour to the next it is completely different So over the past few days I have been taking pictures of the sky during various parts of the day, the morning, the afternoon and at night. 

This little journey was something completely different and I really enjoyed it. It has taught me to look at the sky in a different manner. I look at the sky as though it is a museum.

A museum that constantly features new exhibitions, at one point its lovely and bright exhibition and the next  time it's dark and gloomy.

So with that in mind, grab a drink and enjoy looking at the images that I have snapped these last few days!

The image above I took just after the sun set and it was almost completely dark out! 

I hope you've enjoyed looking at the images and you have become inspired.

Inspired to take life a little slower, so that you can look at the world around you !

With that in mind explore the world, with an open eye!

Thank You again for all the lovely new followers on Bloglovin, it makes me very happy!

Also thank you for all the sweet comments that you all left on my last few posts it means the world to me!

If you decide to do something similar to this post, let me know in the comments down bellow!

Thanks for Reading.

-Laura

Recipe: Feta, Pesto Stuffed Croissant

Hello Again!

Today I'm sharing with you a delicious yet simple recipe that I think you will enjoy greatly. It's the perfect recipe for anyone.

Doesn't it look lovely? 

What I like about this recipe is that you do not have to be exact with the measurements you can adjust them to your liking! Plus you will only need a few simple ingredients that you may already have at home. This recipe works well as warm lunch since it incorporates lots of different flavors.

Before I write out the recipe I want to emphasize that these measurements are just guidelines, adjust them to your liking!

Yield: 4 Servings

Prep Time:   10 mins 

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time:  20 mins

Ingredients:

• 4 Croissants (store bought work fine)
• 6 oz.(170 g) Cream Cheese
• 1-2 tbsp. (14- 30 g) Pesto
• 1/2 Cup (64 g) Onion
• 4 oz. (115 g) Feta

1. You will begin by preheating the oven to 350 °F or 175 °C . Then cut your croissants in half lengthwise. (as though you were making a sandwich)
2. Then spread the cream cheese evenly onto all the halves (there should be eight pieces total), afterwards apply the pesto. The combination of the pesto and cream cheese makes it creamy and flavorful.
3. Next, place your onion onto the bottom halves only, since you'll be putting the top half onto the bottom.
4. Afterwards sprinkle the feta on top of the onion then put your croissant together. Place your croissants on a baking pan or cook sheet and bake for 7 to 10 minutes.( Check at around 5-6 minutes to see if it golden brown)
5. Serve warm with tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes (I was out of them) 

Sounds simple doesn't it? Well it really was! And it is so delicious, and you can make it your own by using different types of cheeses or adding other condiments to customize it to your liking!

I have never posted a recipe on my blog before so I'd like you to let me know what you thought in the comments down below!

I also wanted to thank all of you for following me on Bloglovin, it means the world to me!

Thank You  for reading and have fun in the kitchen!

Let me know how it turns out for you!

-Laura

Quote Explanation: #1

Hello, Hello To All

Today I decided to do something a little different.

I thought I would share a quote with you and explain the meaning behind it. You'll see what I mean if you read on. :)

The particular quote I choose is this:

We become what we think about. –Earl Nightingale

You may ask why in the world I choose it well, let me explain. I believe that sometimes in life our thoughts have too much power over us.

Sometimes we begin to enter what seems like an endless circle. Once you begin to think dark thoughts that ALL that you can think about. So I want to encourage you to think positively. Yes I know that is cliche and that you've heard four billion other times here and there but it is true.  If you want to go places in life you need to believe not only in yourself but you have to realize and accept it.

I know that it may seem like a hard task, but once you start it will come naturally. 

So that is why I am encouraging you to make you life not only happier but simpler. Relieve yourself from all the stress and pressure you put on yourself and accept the person you are.
You are GREAT!

Why complicate your life any more when you can make it simpler.

I hope you enjoyed the post and you took something out of it. 

Thank You for reading.

-Laura

DIY: Polaroid Picture Garland

Hello Again !

Today I'm back for a simple DIY that I think you will enjoy.  I am going to show you how to make a picture garland with polaroid camera edges. WITHOUT needing to have an actual polaroid camera!

The beautiful thing about this project is it is quite simple and it doesn't require any special material. I too know how annoying it can be to run out to the craft store for some special item just to make one diy project. So I've made this DIY simple for all!

Doesn't it just look lovely ? It can fit any room or place it's perfect.

Materials:

• Clothespins
• Magazines
• Scissors
• White Paper (Copy Paper will work nicely)
• Tape
• Ribbon or String (I ran out of mine so I just showed the packaging)
• Push Pins

Procedure:

Rip out multiple pages from your magazine that you will want to use. Then cut out the image (its easiest if its a square or rectangle) Then add a bit of tape to the back of the image like so:

 (Didn't even notice there was someone's legs on the back of my image until now hahaha)

Then place your image with the tape on the back on your copy paper. I like placing it on the top right or left so that one corner is already cut. I'm not lazy I'm just making my life easier :)

Now Here's the important part. To make it seem like its a polaroid picture we need to cut out a frame that resembles a polaroid and you achieve this by cutting like such: (the dotted lines is where you would cut I just added them in for the picture normally you would add that in) It's simply wider on the bottom and narrower on the sides.

( Also note how my corner aren't "perfect" if anything it adds more character so don't worry if yours are messy as well)

After you've cut it out it should look like this:

Then simply hang it onto your string using a clothespin. I like hanging it on the outer edge to allow the image to show as much as possible.

And this is what my finished garland looked like:

Now here's the nice thing with this diy there are endless options and possibilities. But I'm going to give you my advice ( for extra help)

• Picking a color theme will make the garland seem more unified, personally I choose pastels which worked well with the color of my string
• Make sure the string is super tight so that it will hold the clothespins
• Don't worry about perfection

Lastly I would like to say that this is just a starting point. You can take it various directions to make it your own such as painting the clothespins or changing the color of ribbon. 

Explore and have fun with this project.

If you end up recreating it please let me know by posting it on your blog or letting me know in the comments down below.

Thanks for reading!

-Laura

Welcome

 Hello to anyone stopping by !

       I would like to thank you for stumbling upon my page. In this little post I hope to introduce myself to the interweb. I am still a newbie to the scene but I believe I will be able to bring a different take on many issues.

   In my blog I hope to present my audience with multiple elements which are all centered around the name of the blog  Simply Easier Living.  Essentially I want to encourage you to make your life simpler. You may ask what is this "simple" I talk of, well allow me to elaborate.

  I have recently noticed that the world we live in has become very complex. People are obsessed simply with materialistic items. Items that actually serve of little value but to please the eye. So I am embarking on a journey to show you  how to live your life simply.

I aim to do this through a variety of posts all of which I hope you will enjoy. Some ideas that I have in mind for future blog posts include (but are not excluded to) :

1. Food- Sometimes cooking and recipe ideas are challenging so I hope to help you by posting recipe  ideas and suggestions.
2. DIY- Instead of spending money at a store why not make it  easier on your wallet by  making  it yourself. ( Plus it can be quite a bit of fun !)
3. Book Review- I hope to make that trip to the library just a tiny bit easier by giving you all an idea of   what new book to pick up.
4. Beauty Review- Instead of wasting your money at the store you will be able to know which product will not be worth the splurge.
5. Self-Improvement- A little advice on how to make something easier is beneficial to anyone.

Essentially I hope to report on all things lifestyle related in hopes of inspiring you to make your life less complicated. Less cluttered or confusing and more refined. So that you can be the happiest form of you possible.

If by chance this post has struck a cord with you feel free to let me know in the comments down below. Finally,  if you have any point of critique I would be willing to listen. 

Thank You

-------------------------------

Laura