Protecting, preserving and appreciating our surroundings and our beautiful home — the Earth — so that we may ensure a healthy tomorrow is essential and all mankind’s responsibility. When we choose to act in support of a sustainable future for ourselves, as well as for those that come after us, this, my friends, is a profound act. Living sustainably also reinforces our sense of purpose and commitment to one another. For you see, we are all connected, and we must remember this. Every act we commit and every thought we think and manifest has a cause and effect. Therefore, it is so important that we be mindful. So remember friend, always think green and sustainable!
Entertaining with Charcuterie Boards & Airly Crackers
In my Kate Grace novels, there’s a place where the locals in Hanalei, Kauai, love to congregate – The Plumeria Café. My Simply Delicious Living blog features dishes from The Plumeria Café. Charcuterie Boards are made with a host of […]
Maryann’s Interview on The Neil Hailey Show
Fun interview with Neil Hailey talking about TIPS for a Simply Delicious Spring, WATCH ON YOUTUBE. Google+
Maryann on READ MY LIPS with host RADIO RED, Monday, February 21, 2022, 4pm PT
Maryann Ridini Spencer joins host RADIO RED on “READ MY LIPS,” 4 PM Pacific Time/7 PM Eastern Time on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel, LISTEN: https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/3958/read-my-lips-cool-conversations-with-creatives Google+
She Inspires Me (SIMA) Awards 2022
Thank you to Global Society for Female Entrepreneurs (GSFE) and the SIMA Awards (She Inspires Me Awards) for this wonderful honor. I so appreciate it! Get Your Tickets at: https://www.globalsocietyforfemaleentrepreneurs.org Google+
Tune In to Writer’s Table AUTHOR TALK, November 11, 1:00 PM PT
JOIN The Writer’s Table for A Facebook LIVE AUTHOR TALK Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 1:00 PM Pacific at Facebook.com/WritersTable with Sheila Lowe (https://books2read.com/dead-letters), Connie Hood (https://bit.ly/3aNRyP8), and Maryann Ridini Spencer (https://amzn.to/3p1kNGH), and Peg Brantley (https://amzn.to/3q0YcdR) Google+
Making Decisions From Strength to Live Your Best Life with Author Stone Love Faure
Every day we have to make decisions about our lives — how we want to live, what we’d like to do, how to respond in a confrontation or revelation…the list goes on. Speaker, Counselor, and Author of “Decision Time: How […]
It’s All About Showing Up: The Power is in the Asking
I’m very proud to have my story be included in this book,“It’s All About Showing Up: The Power is in the Asking,” featuring some amazing women in business! A purchase of this book helps The Global Society of Female Entrepreneurs […]
Coping Tips for times of Stress, Change, Crisis, and Covid!
In this Simply Delicious Living segment “Coping Tips for times of Stress, Change, Crisis, & Covid-19,” host Maryann Ridini Spencer speaks with DorotheaHealing.com’s Doris Muna, an Energy Healer, Author, and Teacher, about coping strategies dealing with stress, change, crisis, and […]
Smart, Branded Design
Eye-catching designs, straightforward and creative content that reaches a target audience, a defined mission with key values are keys to a successful company’s brand design. View how some top companies are incorporating smart, branded design into their campaigns. CLICK HERE. […]
Practical Tips for Making a Business Out of Your Hobby
By Jennifer Scott Many of the most successful companies in the world started out with one or two people doing a hobby. It makes sense because hobbies are a source of joy and revitalization; they’re a way for you to […]
Papaya Leaf Extract – Health Benefits and More
There are several great benefits of fruits such as papayas and one can truly achieve great health by striking the right balance between these fruits. That being said, Most of us know about papaya fruit, but did you know the […]
The Possibilities and Opportunities of the Pandemic Can Make for A Better Life in the New Normal
By Jennifer Scott The COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come as one of the darkest events in modern history. However, it can also be said that it did come with a bright side, and that is […]
Affordable Solutions to Your Pandemic-Related Lifestyle Changes
By Jennifer Scott If you’re like most people around the world, the pandemic has altered your life in one major way or another. Whether you’ve lost your job due to the pandemic and wish to use this time to learn […]
An Essential Home Maintenance Checklist
People from different countries may experience different problems, but there’s no reason why what works for one country cannot be applied to another. Here are some of the most essential home maintenance tips from all over the world that you […]
From Hobby To Side Hustle: How To Get It Done
We are living in the age of the side hustle. According to Small Biz Trends, there are more Americans doing a side hustle now than at any point in the past 20 years. Side hustles give people the opportunity to […]
Sustainability Now News Column
READ the “Sustainability Now News” Column in the Ventura Breeze (In Print and Online). Maryann’s articles also appear under the “This ‘N’ That” column. April 24-May 7, 2019, Page 9: “FOOD Share — Feeding Ventura County” (Interview with CEO Monica […]
The Balancing Act — How Women Business Owners Can Balance Work, Family, and Self-Care
While taking care of yourself may be low on your priorities list when you’re running your own business and trying to manage a family, it should be at the top. Read on for a little bit of advice on how […]
Safe GREEN Cleaning Ideas
“Caution,” “Danger,” “Poison,” “Keep Out of Reach of Children,” “Toxic,” — We’ve all read these words on traditional cleaning product labels that we purchase off the store shelf. While exposure to harsh chemicals can potentially irritate our skin and burn […]
What’s in season for WINTER in Southern California?
What’s in season for WINTER? Find out in this Sustainable Ventura News segment. For the filming, I went with our cameras to a local Certified Farmer’s Market at Pacific View Mall in Ventura, CA and spoke to some of the […]
4 Tips to UP Your Health & Wellness in the New Year
Be Good To Yourself! By Julie Morris for SimplyDeliciousLiving.com With the arrival of 2018, here are the top four gifts you can give to yourself to help you achieve your personal health and wellness goals. Start Moving The start of […]
Got Turkey & Veggie Leftovers? Five YUMMY Green Recipes
Got leftover turkey and veggies from holiday entertaining? Here are some creative “Green” ways to enjoy & re-purpose: Turkey Tacos In a taco shell or soft tortilla round, place some sliced or shredded turkey into the middle and combine with […]
Five Stormwater Tips for When It Rains
When it rains it drains into our storm drain system and out into our waterways and ocean. Here are five simple reminders to prevent stormwater pollution: Check your vehicles for leaks and put yourself on a regular maintenance schedule to […]
REDUCE WASTE: Celebrate with GREEN Holiday Cheer!
Did you know that during the November and December holidays, three times as much food is wasted than at other times of the year? In addition to food waste, it’s also a time when you can overspend on everything from […]
Clean Eating: It’s Good for Your Body, Mind & Soul
–By Maryann Ridini Spencer, Author of “Lady in the Window” (May 9, 2017, SelectBooks) Avoid Foods that are Processed, Preserved, Refined, and Sodium Heavy When you eat lots of processed, preserved and refined foods loaded with sugar such as […]
Green Your Holidays with Recycled and Reusable Decor!
Green Your Holidays! Recycling, reusing and repurposing items around the house are a wonderful eco-friendly way to keep “green” for the holidays. It’s also great on your budget! Here are four sustainable holiday decorating ideas to help make the season […]
Curb Holiday Food Waste with Green Stew
Many of you may know that in addition to Simply Delicious Living, and writing novels, I work as a lifestyle reporter. One of my beats is reporting environmental news (for print & TV). For this Sustainable Ventura News segment (BELOW), […]
Dine Under the Tuscan Sun in Your Own Home!
Dine in Tuscany any day of the week! Create an Italian-inspired Tuscan table with colorful plates and goblets in bright colors. For this setting, I used the painting in this PHOTO as my muse — mixing colorful plates and bright […]
Holiday Table Spice: Unique Napkin Holder Ideas
Create a gorgeous holiday table mixing and matching china in white, red, green, gold and other holiday colors as well as patterns that make a fun setting (see above). Get creative! Have fun! Add holiday flair with unique napkin holder […]
Fall Flavor
Fall is a a gorgeous season that showcases so many beautiful colors with the turning leaves — golds, reds, oranges, yellows, shades of green, coppers, and other warm hues. Some fun ways to bring these colors to your table and […]
FREE Seafood Watch APP
Our ocean sustains life on earth. That’s why the more we know about our ocean, about how to treat it and what species that live in it may or may not be endangered, ensures not only the health of this […]
Exotic Summer Table Settings
During summer, my husband and I enjoy delicious retreats at our Hawaiian home away from home. To create a tropical feeling, inside as well as outside, I like to use exotic plants for table centerpieces and in floral arrangements around […]
Baskets of LOVE for Mother’s Day
What better gift for the mothers in your life? Whether it be your Mom, your sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, good friend, every mother loves a gift from the heart — and the kitchen! Fill a basket with her favorite treats — […]
Food Waste Prevention Tips
Did you know that Americans throw away approximately 165 million dollars of food a year? This costs the average family about$1600 annually! Here’s some helpful tips to prevent food waste and keep your food fresh. Before you shop: Always make […]
Organic Labeling & Costs
“Natural” and “All Natural” Food Labeling When shopping at the grocery store, outdoor market, or other venue, what does the label “natural,” “all natural” or “organic” really mean? Ironically, foods that are labeled and marketed as “natural foods” and/or “all […]
What’s in Season for Spring?
What’s in season for spring? When you eat farm to table, fresh, in season produce from your local certified farmer’s market and/or local farm stands and grocery stores, you get the most nutrients from your foods because they don’t have […]
Green Home Renovations
“When doing a home renovation, it’s important to think sustainably and be stewards of our environment,” said Rhett Jacobi, contractor, designer, and owner of Arbor Construction. “I really enjoy working alongside a homeowner, assessing a job, and determining what materials […]
Gift Worthy Recycled Presents
Gift Worthy Recycled Presents ‘Tis the season to be jolly and green — and part of what makes the season happy and bright is giving a gift from the heart, a gift with a little extra special thought and care, and […]
Tips to Avoid Thanksgiving Holiday Waste
Thanksgiving is a joyous time of year when we express our appreciation and love by sharing a memorable meal with family and friends. In fact, food takes center stage not only on Thanksgiving Day, but during the other winter holidays […]
Composting: For a rich soil and to help fight the California Drought
Composting is the recycling of fully decomposed organic matter such as food scraps, fallen leaves and grass clippings. Compost can be used as an amendment for your garden, potted plants or lawn; it helps keep soil healthy, vital, and nutrient […]
5 Fun Green In The Sun Tips
Get ready, get set and get GREEN for summer! Here’s 5 easy tips: Green your Activity Calendar Summer is a great time to kick back and relax with family and friends as well as enjoy a host of outdoor activities. […]
Create a little Tableside Paradise
Summer conjures up exciting thoughts of glorious seaside picnics and relaxing barbecues with friends and family. However, why, not bring a little of the ocean to your dinner table all summer long? Create fun napkin holders with pieces of […]
Drain Health: Just say NO to FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease)
There’s a popular saying “only rain down the drain.” Well, when it comes to cooking and preparing meals in the kitchen, only “water down the drain” is apropos. However, more than often, fats, oils and grease otherwise known as “FOG,” […]
Set Your Table With Fresh Produce
I’m sure you’ve seen baskets filled with fake flowers and fake fruit in a many a centerpiece. However, why do “fake” when real beauty is found in nature? For a pretty (and edible) centerpiece, try filling a wicker basket, a […]
Simply Green: CoverMate Covers
Have you ever lost the lid to your favorite Tupperware container? What about the lid to a juice decanter? Are you tired of putting tin foil or saran wrap over your pitcher of ice tea in the fridge? If you […]
Meet Your New BFF
The next time you’re headed to your favorite coffee or tea shop, remember to do something positive for the environment — bring your own reusable cup. Why? Disposable cups provided at establishments serving hot and cold beverages cannot be recycled and […]
How to Dye Easter Eggs
Dyed, hard-boiled eggs make gorgeous Easter table centerpieces when placed in clear glass vases, wicker baskets or other pretty containers by themselves or with a grouping of pretty flowers. To take the mystery out of egg-dyeing, follow these simple […]
Desk-side Recycling Tips
Did you know that the U.S. (which has less than 5% of the world’s population), consumes 30% of the world’s paper?! Help save the environment and save money by placing a recycle bin by your desk at home and at […]
Beautiful Centerpieces with Reusable Boxes & Jars
Create a beautiful centerpiece or decorative item by filling reusable boxes and pretty jars with garden flowers and flower arrangements. If you don’t happen to have appropriate flowers in your garden, many grocery stores sell bunches of flowers ranging between […]
From Farm to Table
Buying local fresh fruits and vegetables, whenever possible, is a great way to support the local economy. Purchasing produce when it’s “in season” is also the best way to enjoy the nutritious benefits. For while we might be able to […]
Bring Nature to Your Fall & Holiday Tables
The gorgeous oranges, yellows, greens, golds, reds found in nature create beautiful fall and holiday tables. So bring the outdoors in! Create inviting autumn centerpieces, decorative mantles and harvest room décor with colorful autumn vegetables, acorns, pine cones, leaves, […]
Green Your Entertaining – You Can Make A Difference!
Having a dinner party or planning an event? When you do, remember to Think Green. It’s so easy and it can also make a huge impact on our environment. We all have to be stewards in order to secure a […]
Setting the Table with Herbs – A last minute idea is a big hit!
The other night, some friends called and wanted to drop over. I was making a big dish of lasagne anyway, so I said, “Sure, Come on over!” Normally, when I have guests visit, even the closest of friends, I love […]
Easy Steps to Help You & the Planet!
It’s really simple to be green. Choosing the sustainable path will also save you money as well as help the environment. Here are some easy steps to help you and the planet! It’s Easy To Be Green •If you […]
Simply Green Living: 9 Easy Everday Tips
The Road to Simply Green Living Every person can make a difference in the health and sustainability of the planet. If every person does their part — a little bit everyday — imagine what an impact this would have […]
Maryann’s Simply Delicous Living.TV “You Are What You Eat” Podcast
In this fast-paced world, we have to make sure we STOP and take the time to READ labels and WATCH what we’re putting into our mouths. For health and longevity, it’s essential to make wise choices. In this podcast, SimplyDeliciousLiving.TV‘s […]
Clean it Green and SAFE
Did you know that many household cleaning products, while even used “as directed” could be hazardous to your health as well as the environment? Many household products are toxic and can be hazardous to your health, they can also pose […]
Think Green Everyday!
Everyone can make a difference in the health of our planet! How? By living and thinking GREEN. Follow these easy tips to Simply GREEN Living! •When you buy something packaged, think about the packaging. Is there an alternative with less […]
Simply Green Living: New Year’s Resolutions for 2013
While your making your New Year’s resolutions in your personal and professional life. Keep the environment in mind! Here are some green tips to help save the planet that can also help you save on your pocketbook! •Buy local, […]
Holiday Table Setting Ideas & Crafts: Get Creative with items you have in-house!
This holiday season have some fun with your table and home décor by using materials you already have in-house or around the house! •Decorate with pine cones (from the pine trees in your yard). If you don’t happen to […]
5 Easy Ways to Green Your Holidays!
Saving our earth and natural resources is everyone’s gift to the planet. Everyone can make a difference. So why not start this holiday season? Here are 5 easy ways to green your holidays! Mother Earth will be glad you did. […]
10 Tips for Keeping Green at Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving marks the true beginning of the holiday eating and gift-giving season. Here are some great tips to keep green and sustainable and GIVE THANKS to MOTHER EARTH! Save on postage stamps and paper. Send a FREE email invitation. For […]
Reduce•Reuse•Recycle with Creative Halloween Costumes!
Halloween costumes, can cost at a minimum, $25 dollars on up per costume. If you’ve got several children or family members to outfit, the costume bills (along with candy and other fun fare) can really start to mount. […]
The Lady’s Lunch: Creative Table Setting & Craft Ideas
The next time you have the girls over for lunch, create a table and craft ideas that are memorable! Watch “The Lady’s Lunch” video below. SimplyDeliciousLiving.tv host Maryann Ridini Spencer shares some great table setting ideas! ENJOY! Google+
GREEN Tips for Watering Your Landscape This Summer
GREEN Tips for a Waterwise Landscape This Summer Did you know that more than half of the average household’s water expense is from outdoor water usage? With temperatures on the rise during the summer months, below you’ll find some great […]
Express Yourself with Arts & Crafts!
Getting creative with arts and crafts is a fantastic way to express yourself. Not only is it fulfilling, it can give you a wonderful sense of accomplishment, boost self-esteem, and unless a more playful side of you. Spring and the […]
Conscious Eating: It’s More Than Just A Meal!
By Maryann Ridini Spencer Simply Delicious Living is, in part, about making every meal an experience and – when it comes your body-mind-spirit balance – it’s about living a healthy, creative, fulfilling and joyous life. There are certain things […]
Creative Table Setting Ideas Create The Elegant Table
Get Creative with Table Setting! Mix and match your china, wine and drinking glasses, napkins, centerpieces and more! SimplyDeliciousLiving.tv Host Maryann Ridini Spencer demonstrates some fun table decorating ideas and simple arts & crafts to make your table a place […]
No Fats, Oils or Grease Down the Drain!
Save the life of your home’s laterals — Don’t wash or throw fats, oils or grease down the drain! This video is a segment of the “Sustainable Ventura” series seen on Caps-TV’s VTV, Channel 15 in Ventura, California […]
Setting The Romantic Table
On Simply Delicious Living with Maryann®”, host Maryann Ridini Spencer sets the stage for romance with a romantic table setting that’s wonderful for Valentine’s Day — or any day! “Simply Delicious Living with Maryann®” is a FUN and Enchanting journey […]
Lawn to Ocean Friendly Garden
by Maryann Ridini Spencer, VC Style Lawn, as defined in the dictionary, is an “area of aesthetic and recreational land planted with grass and other durable plants.” It’s believed that the concept of “the lawn” developed in medieval times for […]
Great Gift Recycle Ideas
By Maryann Ridini Spencer, VC Style While exact numbers for holiday gift expenditures in 2011 are still to be tallied, according to the American Research Group, Inc., consumers from around the country planned to spend an average of $646. One […]
Shabby Chic Table Setting Ideas!
I was having four girlfriends over for lunch and a scrapbooking session recently, and wanted to create a FUN setting with a look that was both feminine and special. Light bulb! What about a shabby chic table?!!! That sent […]
Great Fall Table Decorating Ideas for under $10.00!
Want to create a beautiful Fall table under $10.00? Fall vegetables (small pumpkins and a variety of squash – acorn, ambercup, autumn, banana, buttercup, carnival, sweet dumpling squash, etc), which you can buy at your local grocery store, make beautiful […]