No 2014 resolutions here.

Nope. Not me. Not going to do it.

Not because I’m not into it, I totally am. I had a list of things that I was going to tell you I was going to do, but then fail at them.  Which is what I usually do, but no worries, because it never really bothers me much anyway. Which, is probably WHY my resolutions go no where FAST.

It never bothers me because I’m of the vain, that everyday I wake up I try to be better. Some days I am better. Other days (like yesterday) I am way worse and I suck.

Anyway.

Last night, while sitting in my bed, trying to remember to drink plenty of  water!, read the Yoga Journal, and text my best friend funny-yet stupid witty texts, I had a Eureka! moment.

No resolution this year.

Instead I’m going for a Mantra.

What am I striving for everyday? What is my goal? Something that I seek in everything I do?

SIMPLICITY!

That’s it. And that’s so damn awesome.

Just saying it is like a load of crap off my chest. Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

I’m sure you may notice a thing or two change around here with my new mantra.

Simpler food. Easier. Faster. Cleaner.

Simpler clothing. Comfy. Fashionable. Free-er?

Simpler schedules. Pair down the activities! Enjoy the moment. Relax. Have fun.

Simplicity.

Aaaahhh.

I think even if I forget to do anything of these things, I’m good. Just knowing what I want out of life is a breath of fresh air.

What are you thinking about changing (or not) this year?

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

LOOK at this.

Isn’t it amazing?

And it follows my new Mantra. Simple!

So good for you it’s leaping off the screen begging for you to take a bite. And it only takes minutes to prepare and cook. And you’ll feel like a Master Yogi, super granola and stud-like warrior.

And life will be as it should.

15 Minute Dinner: Marguerita One Pot Pasta

Extremely, loosely, very remotely, inspired by A Beautiful Mess, who was inspired by Martha Stewart. Which to me says, it’s a super good recipe that you can tweak to make your own. You’ll be seeing this bad boy again, with shrimp and creaminess and maybe some other veg. Believe that.

Ingredients:

28 oz. crushed tomatoes
5 cloves garlic, minced
Large handful of Basil, chopped (about 3 large sprigs)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 tablespoons chopped chives
1/4 cup olive oil
5 cups water
2 packets/cubes chicken bouillon seasoning
2 – 12 oz packages dry fettuccine (I like the type with added vegetables)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Add the first 9 ingredients to a large pot. Stir to mix. Bring to a rolling boil. Add the dry pasta. Return to boil. Cook the pasta and sauce an additional 9 minutes longer or until the pasta is al dente. (While the pasta is cooking be sure to stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.)

2. Remove pot from heat and allow to rest and soak up remaining juices for 5 minutes. Serve warm with grated/crumbled cheese on top.