Simply Stated Contributor
Real Simple's favorite experts and guests from around the web.

Recent Posts By Simply Stated Contributor

Five Scarves That Won’t Make You Sweat Come May

p>Somewhere between decorative silk and warm fuzzy cashmere live scarves that are the right weight for spring. Fabrics like linen and viscose offer a bit of extra coverage, but are light enough to wear comfortably during the day.

Take a look at the 5 below, and while you’re accessorizing, browse our top 20 spring shoes under $100.

Spring scarves black

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Memories: Why I Keep a One-Sentence Journal.

One of my successful happiness-project resolutions is to Keep a one-sentence journal.

I started this journal because I’d become alarmed by how little I remembered about my own past. I decided to make a much greater effort to take photos and videos regularly, as a kind of diary to keep happy memories vivid – especially memories of my children as they grew.

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Environmentally Friendly Bands

From soy candles to recyclable centerpieces, making eco-friendly choices for your wedding has become not only more popular, but easier. But what about those items that last beyond the day itself? What about your wedding bands?

RCG009

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Haggling with your Health Insurance Company

My husband and I were recently in a battle with our health insurance provider,
United HealthCare, over a claim they denied during my pregnancy—to the tune of
more than $200. It was an expensive prescription that was required due to my
blood type, and we appealed, working our way through a maze of phone
representatives and wrong answers. We eventually triumphed (they reimbursed us
for the full amount), but it was a painful process, and it would’ve been easy to
give up.

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Do Or Don’t: Food-Scented Lotions

Is it strange and sort of gross to walk around smelling like a cocktail/vegetable/piece of candy? Or do you relish the opportunity to keep favorite food scents nearby all day?

I’ve found philosophy’s pink lemonade body butter ($25 at philosophy) to be pleasantly citrus-y and sweet but not overpowering…but still avoid using it before a (potentially perfumed) night out.

Food_lotion_philosophy

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$100 Spring Outfits: Outdoor Eveningwear At Newport News

Newport News isn’t always as of-the-moment as, say, Target , but finds abound at this affordable retailer if you know what to look for. The Shape FX dresses they carry, for example, are body-slimming miracles for less than $60. The airy evening outfit below rings in well under our $100 budget.

100newport_news_dress

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Women Who Think Too Much

I have a girlfriend, let’s call her Kate, who has an extreme case of what I like to call ‘assumptionitis’. She literally stops herself from interacting with others because she makes assumptions about what others are thinking, doing and feeling. Her thinking is actually holding her back from enjoying her life to the fullest. Kate is almost paralyzed by the […]

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Darling Felt Toy Party Favors

Looking for a unique favor idea for an upcoming kids party or baby shower? Check out these ADORABLE Felt Toy Party Favors from giftsdefine.com!

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Do You Get a Lift From Clearing Clutter?

As I’ve studied happiness over the past few years, one thing that has surprised me is discovering the mood boost I get from clearing clutter. The happiness experts never talk about this, but I’ve found that for me, it’s a quick, constructive, effective way to conquer the blues. This strategy probably wouldn’t work for everyone, but for most people, outer order contributes to inner calm.

OrderlinessBeing in a disorderly environment makes me feel overwhelmed, out of control, and irritable. The simple action of clearing clutter makes me feel more serene and more in control.

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Baby’s Breath: The Comeback Story

The upside of the current economy is that it’s created a lot of creative thinking and open minds, especially when it comes to floral decor at weddings.  Brides are doing sweet little arrangements, modern clusters of colorful carnations and yes, even Baby’s Breath has been making a comeback.Ceramicbirdsandbabysbreath

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