Welcome 2019

2018 is going to be a hard year to top, but I have a feeling 2019 is up for the challenge.

This is the year I move home to Ohio after 7 years away.

The year I begin my dream job in college campus ministry after three wonderful years in secondary ed.

The year I marry my best friend.

And the year we move into our home and begin our lives together.

There's a lot happening. Some soon (I move in less than 2 weeks). Some later (179 days until our wedding). Some that I don't even know are coming.

New Years seems to be the time that everyone sets goals and resolutions to make the coming year the best yet. I am all for goal setting, but why is it we wait for January 1st to put our best selves forward? Every day is what you make of it. Don't wait until a certain date to start anew. Start right now, where ever you are, in this moment - whether you're reading this the day it's posted or four months from now. Just start! You can do it! You are capable and you are loved.

I'm not really setting new resolutions this year, but if I had to, I guess it would be to not wait for the new year to make resolutions.

I have goals in mind that aren't 2019 specific and that I have been working toward for a bit now. I have dreams I am chasing and others I can't wait to chase with my husband-to-be. And I know there will be more dreams to come this year that I can't even fathom yet.

What a gift it is that God grants us new days, new moments, and new chances to chase our dreams
a l l   t h e   t i m e !  Take that gift and run with it friend. I can't wait to see where you end up and what dreams you catch.

Happy New Year, loves. May this be the best yet.

Peace,
Sarah

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Simple Thoughts vol. 5

One of the amazing sunsets over the Golden Gate taken from my apartment balcony.

This weekend I moved back to Berkeley for my final year of graduate studies (and hopefully final year of studies ever). It's a little bit of an adjustment getting used to new housemates and new students around, but I am very much looking forward to starting classes.

Speaking of classes, I will actually be missing my first week of them (we start on the 8th) for a trip to Ecuador with 12 students for work. We'll spend 10 days immersing ourselves in the community and learning from the friends we meet. I have to admit, I'm fighting between feelings of being excited for this opportunity and not so thrilled to be traveling again in such a short period of time. I'm really just ready to be back for school and remain home for more than a week at a time. The trip will be amazing though, I am sure. 

Well, it's September already which means Fran shared her budget link-up for August. I love clicking through the links to see what great finds everyone has. I can't wait to see how Kyle styles that yellow blouse! You can also see my budget here!

Glamour shared a short-but-sweet article explaining why simply saying "I'm fine" when asked how you are can cause do more harm than good.

This "Love Letter to the Inflatable Chair" had me feeling nostalgic about the 90s and missing my butterfly clips.

Beth from Budget Bytes has done it again with this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pizza. Good golly does it look good!

Cornbread is one of my favorites but I've never tried to make it from scratch. I guess I'll have to change that with Rosevine Cottage Girls' recent recipe.

I rarely eat breakfast, but these 4 Easy Breakfasts look too good to not try out! I mean, ricotta toast with honey and pears?!? I'm drooling.

Anthropologie is offering 30% off of sale items which is a great way to make you feel a little less guilty for splurging on this beautiful dress and these great sandals.

Banana Republic is having a 30% off sale today (Sept. 1). I wasn't sure if I liked the new sleeveless turtleneck trend, but this tunic may have persuaded me.

I'm in the market for a nice big soft white bath robe. Does any one have brand suggestions? The fluffier the better.

In Cinque Terre I had a delicious fresh-squeezed watermelon, lemon, ginger juice. I'd love to be able to recreate it and start making some other tasty juices with my own juicer.

Normally I really don't like animal print, but I've been seeing so many cute ways to upgrade an outfit with a pair of leopard print flats that I'm considering buying a pair for myself. (My little sister will be proud.)

Happy Tuesday!

Peace,
Sarah

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Simple Thoughts vol. 4

Sorry for the delay in posting this week's Simple Thoughts. I actually had the draft typed and ready to go early (what what!), but the internet decided not to work after a thunderstorm yesterday and thus I could not post. All is well though, I read a good, old-fashioned book and relaxed rather than let the lack of wifi get me down. Y'all should try it. It was great :)

On another note, this is my 50th post on SimplySarah! Thanks so much for reading. It means a lot to see a steady flow of readers that is continually growing! You are the best!

My host family had a dinner party on Saturday for a group of about 20 people, so instead of going away for the weekend I decided to stay close to Chiavari to help out with the preparations and just do a day trip on Sunday. Lucky for me, Portofino is only 3 train stops (15 min) away! 

Helloooo Sunday. Gotta love living in the Italian Riviera, amiright?

This is officially my last week working as an au pair. I cannot believe it. It honestly feels like I just arrived in Italy and I will be very sad to say goodbye. I do have a little time to myself in Europe before returning home to the States, which is nice. A trip to Poland to visit where my late grandfather’s family was from sounds like a plan to me. Bring on the pierogies.

I’ve been toying with the idea of a capsule wardrobe for about a year or so now but can’t bring myself to take the plunge. (For this you’re all shocked, I know.)  Easing my way into it with a vacation capsule might do the trick. Thanks for sharing Kimi!

Many of my friends know of my love for Mindy Kaling. I obsessively watch The Mindy Project, I’ve read her first book and will definitely be buying the second. Thus, it came as no surprise when a friend shared with me her recent “Guide to KillerConfidence” article (/book excerpt) from Glamour. As expected, it is excellent. If there is only one time you ever follow my advice and read something, this should be it. Trust me.

Um, how delicious does this pizza look?! My obsession with fruit can be paired with my love of pizza outside of the usual Hawaiian style! A big thanks to A Beautiful Mess for this realization!

Speaking of fruit, living in Italy has definitely reminded me of my love for tomatoes. Since moving away from home (aka my grandma's garden), I haven't eaten nearly as many of those red beauties as I used to. Once I'm back in the states that will be changing my friends. And it may have to start with these Pesto-Parmesan Baked Tomatoes from Skinny Taste.

Not a recipe per se, but I've also discovered a love of figs this summer. I've had FigNewtons before and never minded them, but had never eaten an actual fig until recently. So good. So so good.

Loft is having a "Buy One, Get One 50% Off" sale on sweaters and tops. I'm loving this marled high-low sweater (so many colors!) and this striped "coatigan" (yes, the name does make me love it more...) And if the BOGO doesn't tickle your fancy, just take a look at their clearance section in general which is an extra 40% off!! Such great options from this shirtdress to these sandals.

Loving the colors and pattern of this dress. Toss on a cardigan or jean jacket and it can easily transition into fall.

Mary Jane's are my favorite style of shoe. So classic, so classy. These red ones are perfect!

Anthropologie's jewelry section is usually hit or miss with me (often due to the pricing). These earrings are definitely a hit for me!

Happy Tuesday!

Peace,
Sarah

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Simple Thoughts vol. 3

Hey there, friends!

I hope you all had wonderful, relaxing weekends! Here is this week's simple thought collection. Enjoy! And as always, let me know what you think!

This weekend I was very fortunate and able to spend time in Florence which was incredible. If I'm being honest, Florence was never on my list of places to visit. Don't ask why, I just had no burning desire to go, but I am so glad that I did. It may have surpassed Munich as my favorite city in Europe! Keep your eyes out for a post about the trip!

On Tuesday I had the bright idea to challenge myself to doing 500 sit ups, just because. I completed the challenge and had a lot of fun doing it. I will say though, that my tailbone hurt a ton the next two days. After investigating online, many trainers recommend crunches instead because this is a common issue (#hindsights20/20). So if you ever have the burning desire to do 500+ sit-ups, do crunches instead and save your tush.

You may have seen that my July budget was a little off (at least until I can try the things and send what I don't like back). Well, while in Florence I scored majorly in the bag department and bought a wine colored crossbody bag and brown tote for $15-20 less than what those two cost at the NSale! Needless to say, the Nordstrom ones will be returned and now I will have a more fun story for a purse than just the sale price. I was also able to get my sister's birthday and Christmas presents out of the way. Normally I do not think this far ahead, but there were a few things that screamed her name and I couldn't resist.

This coming weekend I may just stay in Chiavari and relax in the sun. We will see. Again, if you have any suggestions of neat places to see in Italy let me know!

Check out this article about the scientific proof that being outside and in nature can change your brain!

I Spy DIY share a "DIYer's Guide to #PlantCare" for those of us with not-so-green thumbs. It was nice to see that my teacup succulents aren't completely doomed! (But I will have to see for myself when I get home...)

Not really a read, but how hilarious (and slightly true) is this Buzzfeed video about being an adult?! "And you know guac is extra."

I love me a good smoothie, but have never heard of making them with tea before. Excited to try this Strawberry Watermelon Mint Tea Smoothie from Journey to a Healthy Me once I'm back in the states!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for NiceCream! Guilt free desert? Sign me up please. Thanks for sharing, Lisa (Strum Simmer Sip)!

I also cannot wait to try this inexpensive, mouth-watering Smoky Paremsan Roasted Cauliflower recipe from Budget Bytes. I love cauliflower and I love saving money, so this recipe is pretty much made for me ;)

While the NSale may be finished, there are definitely some other great savings to be found!

There is an extra 50% off of women's sale items at Banana Republic! I'm loving this unique, eyelet-hem angled skirt.

Sometimes all you need is a simple, striped tee. Loving this red one which is 40% off along with everything else at the Gap!

Watches and I have a love hate relationship. I love the idea of them, but go through phases of always wearing the same one, or never wearing any. Lately I have been wearing the inexpensive watch that I bought this January in South Korea (seen here and here), but I would love to get another to mix things up a bit. I'm loving this Kate Spade one and also this one from Daniel Wellington.

The number of times I have put this BaubleBar ring into my online shopping cart and never purchased it is a little crazy. I'm seriously in love with it, but still can't push myself to buy it... Maybe someday.

I'm officially in a fight with my Old Navy sleeveless blouse (seen here). The degree to which it wrinkles in minutes is not ok. I love the idea of the shirt and the style, but I am going to have to buy a new one from different store that hopefully doesn't wrinkle as quickly. This J Crew Factory top may be a solution, but I'm honestly scared to waste money on another top that I end up love/hating. Any recommendations?

Happy Monday!

Peace,
Sarah

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Simple Thoughts vol. 2

Another summer week come and gone... can you believe it?! I know they say time flies when you're having fun, but this is ridiculous.

Cheers to a fresh week - because someone needs to be an optimist :)

As you may have seen on my Instagram, I spent this past weekend wandering around Cinque Terre and oh boy was it beautiful! I will definitely be posting soon about the "5 Lands", so keep a look out!

--On a side note: I'm not entirely sure where in Italy I plan to visit this coming weekend, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

This week my host mom taught me how to make pesto! I took took some notes and snapped some photos (shocking, I know), so there will be an Italian version of "From That to This" making its way to the blog soon!

I'm officially half way done with my stint as an au pair! Man does time fly! While I will hate to leave Italy and Europe, I have to admit that after over a month abroad so far, I am starting to feel ready to be home. But rather than dwell on what is to come, I definitely plan to make the most of the time left until August 27th.

Oh, and don't forget to enter the PayPal Cash Giveaway!

Have y'all heard that they found a new Dr. Seuss book?! I am a huge fan of Dr. Seuss. I loved his books as a child and love reading them to the kids I babysit for. The books have a beautifully simple way of educating children on important issues like caring for the environment (The Lorax), focusing on more than the material (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and so much more! What an unexpected treasure!

Jenna (from Jenna Rose Colored Glasses) recently shared a great lesson of the value of taking time away from your cell phone. Her ability to find the good in a bad situation is definitely admirable.

Loving the new Dubai inspired Mystic Bazaar Kendra Scott collection. Thanks for the introduction, Jessica (Here&Now)!

Kale, Sweet Potato and Bean Soup?! Sign me up please! Not only does Sheryl (Fab Food for Life) provide readers with this awesome recipe, but she also discusses the benefits of the vegetables in the soup!

Over on Delicious Meets Healthy, Neli offers a healthier way to enjoy a breakfast fave - Pass the Paleo Pancakes, please!

I've been considering getting a spiralizer for about a year now (#indecisive) and Julia (from Oh My Veggies) may have just pushed me over to the "yes" side of the fence with her Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodle recipe. It looks SO good.

The Gap is having a 40% off sale online and I am loving this striped peplum top and a dress version of my cut-out skirt (last seen here)!

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale will end this weekend, so be sure to return to your online shopping carts before the prices go up!

If you've read my first Countdown, you may remember that my beloved cognac sandals are falling to bits...which gives me permission to frequently stalk this pair of Steve Madden sandals, right?

I have a slight obsession with Anthropologie and their dresses. Currently pining over this floral beauty...

Lastly, a fun flamingo pool float. Just because they look so darn fun! I'd be willing to settle for the swan. Or donut ;)

Happy Monday!

Peace,
Sarah

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Simple Thoughts vol. 1

Happy Tuesday everyone! We’re nearly through the hardest day of the week and can keep pushing on until it’s the weekend again – one day at a time…

I’ve been brainstorming some blogging ideas while the little one naps in the afternoon and have decided to begin a sort of weekly round-up of thoughts and interests that accumulate throughout the week and weekend. (Normally I plan to post these on Monday, but Ema did not want to sleep yesterday. What can you do?)

As many of you know, I am spending the summer as an au pair for a family in Italy (near Genoa). I’m entering into my second week of the job and wanted to share a few random facts I’ve gathered along the way:

1)  On Friday, my host mom was showing the babe a few YouTube videos of Italian children songs. As one began, she said, “this one is from when I was young”. The music sounded familiar and then it hit me! It was the chicken dance! I immediately started doing the dance (which I don’t think is Italian…) and explaining that it was a song we dance to at parties and weddings without lyrics. And so, the chicken dance is Italian! Maybe I am the only person who didn’t know this, but I am still so amused. (Here's the video they showed me.)

2)    You know that delicious Italian appetizer of bread and tomatoes "bruschetta" that we pronounce with a "sh" sound? Well guys, in typical American fashion, we are saying it wrong… The “ch” in Italian makes a hard "k" sound meaning it should sound sort of like "brusketta". My hosts have been teasing me about that one… Thanks, English.

3)    Italians (and Spaniards) don’t really use air conditioning. Ever. It’s definitely a rough transition, especially in 32 degree celsius/ 90 degree fahrenheit weather #sweatygirlprobs

In other news, in order to avoid gaining 500 pounds from all of the pizza, pasta and gelato, I am resorting to the 30 Day Shred. I’m on day 5, I’ll let you know how that goes. (Hey, it was either start working out regularly or stop eating the pasta. What would you do?)

We spent this past weekend hiking around Santo Stefano d’Aveto, which was an adorable little town about an hour into the mountains from where I’m staying. The weather was gorgeous and the views were breathtaking. I’ll be sharing a full post about it fairly soon, so keep a look out!

This coming weekend I’m going to take the train to Cinque Terre (less than an hour away, what?!) which has been on my travel bucket list for ages. I’m still gathering ideas of what to do while I’m there, so if you’ve been I would love any advice you have to share!

If you don't read Jessica's "Weekend Guide" over on Bedknobs and Baubles, you're surely missing out. This week's included an article about why we still love Gilmore Girls which definitely hit home!

Roxi from Golden Polkadots just shared the third part of her "Meet Another Blogger" series! I am still so honored to have been asked to participate (you can read her interview with me here) and am loving getting to know other bloggers I had not yet stumbled upon!

You are what you Tweet... "What My Landlord Leaned About Me From Twitter". A reminder that social media can impact your daily interactions whether you like it or not.

Apparently I have a sweet tooth this week because the recipes I have gathered are all desserts… Sorry I’m not sorry?

How delicious do these Vegan Chocolate Turtles look?! Fork-and-Beans is one of my absolute favorite food blogs. Cara shares so many delicious allergen friendly foods and I always love trying them out!

I literally cannot read Strum-Simmer-Sip’s “Food LinkFriday” without book-marking recipes to try. Last week Lisa shared these S’mores Cookies from The Kittchen which look to be a delicious take on the summer bonfire classic.

And last, but certainly not least, a recipe for the Girl Scout classic: Samoas Cookies (you know, for when you finish your last box and have to wait for the sales to begin again…)

Let’s start with the obvious: Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, which is open to the public until Aug 2^nd. Many items are already sold out, so act fast if something catches your eye. Nordstrom has speedy shipping and free returns, so if it doesn’t end up suiting you, you’re not stuck! I ended up using some birthday money to splurge and purchase these turquoise flats and I can’t wait to see them! 

Loft is having a 70% off of sale items today until 3am EST with the code: hotstuff ! I'm loving the color of this dress and the pattern of this top!

Even with the great sale, some of the Nordstrom goodies are WAY beyond my price range. However if I had a million dollars (cue music), I would definitely purchase:

1) The perfect pair of fall boots. 

2) Some beautiful and unique gold stack rings.

3) This classic dress with an interesting and unique print. It's anything but square! (See what I did there?) I'm loving the green color! Gorgeous!

Here’s to winning the lottery someday…

Thanks for reading!

Peace,

Sarah

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