Chewy Homemade Granola Bars

 Chewy Homemade (Gluten-Free) Granola Bars from Simply Happenstance #glutenfree #granolabars

Chewy Homemade Granola Bars //

{gluten-free}

Have you ever made homemade granola bars? They have been on my “must bake” list for quite some time. I did my research, and have read numerous reviews before finally adapting this recipe from Smitten Kitchen {which was originally adapted from the King Arthur Flour site}. What I love about these chewy, flavorful bars… is that they are so easy to adjust to your personal taste! You can customize them by adding in walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, dried cranberries, cherries or apples, and sesame or pumpkin seeds… the list goes on and on. Although I think these decadent bars are already pretty healthy… you absolutely can make them healthier by changing out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar, and replacing the melted butter with coconut oil. Also… make sure if you use honey, it’s in its raw form so you can get rid of some of the processed sweeteners. 

Ingredients for Homemade Granola Bars via Simply Happenstance Blog

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Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}

Orange Blossoms

:: Weekend Lovelies {favorite things} ::

Welcome dear readers to this edition of Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}! Spring is in the air here in Southern California.  I recently had a lot on my mind {okay, I lied I always do!} and needed a little nature break.  Though, I am a huge fan of yoga, it was one of those days where I needed to be alone with my thoughts and my music.  I decided to take one of my favorite trail walks. Because I was seeking quiet, I continued down a different path that kept me away from the streets and walkways that I often end my walk on.  To my lovely surprise, I landed right where I needed to be, in the middle of an orange grove full of orange blossoms. I believe the smell of orange blossoms is one of the most beautiful smells in the world.  Have you had to the chance to experience that?  As a child, we had orange groves across the main street of our home.  When the spring sunshine came out around late February and early March, those groves would permeate the area with the most heavenly scent.  I felt that I landed there for the simple reason… to take a deep breath and take in that beautiful moment.  When was the last time you did that for yourself?

I know the hustle of life distracts us all, but I do believe we all need those moments to re-energize and refresh.  All those little worries I had jumbled in my ever thinking brain did stop {for about 10 minutes..wink}, but enough for me to let some of those worries go.  Sara and I hope that our Weekend Lovelies {favorite things} gives you a moment to enjoy some peace while feasting your eyes on some of favorite things out on the web.  We wish you a wonderful weekend, and remember if you are an Etsy Shop or Blogger, we’d love for you to link up your favorite posts of the week or your unique shop! [Read more…]

Fancy BLT Salad

Fancy BLT Salad {recipe via Simply Happenstance} #paleo #blt #salad

 :: Fancy BLT Salad ::

Nicole and I both have a thing for cookbooks… {Anyone with us, out there?} Although it’s fabulous that nowadays one can go on the internet and search for tasty recipes, I still love thumbing through traditional cookbooks.  I recently bought a new favorite a few weeks ago {which I highly recommend!}… Against All Grain by Danielle Walker. I first found her lovely paleo-friendly blog, and then bought her delectable cookbook. This Fancy BLT Salad was adapted from her Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon and Mushrooms recipe.

Fancy BLT Salad #paleo #blt #salad {via Simply Happenstance}

I am not crazy about two kinds of meat in my meals… so I left out the grilled chicken, but you could easily add that back in. I had leftover turkey bacon from breakfast that I had placed in the refrigerator. {I love being able to use extra ingredients that are already prepared and ready to go! It made this salad recipe so quick to make!} I reheated the bacon pieces in a skillet along with the mushrooms. I then tossed all the ingredients together and drizzled a homemade balsamic dressing over the top! Delicious, my friends… simply delicious!  [Read more…]

Strawberry Banana Chip Muffins

Strawberry Banana Chip Muffins

 :: Strawberry Banana Chip Muffins ::

Oh, how a long school day can take the fun out of things! Okay I am only kidding, but it does take up the majority of our day, so why not make it a little fun with some Strawberry Banana Chip Muffins as a mid-day snack.  Yes, I know… muffins are just as wonderful paired with a cup of Joe, but these little mid-day treats make the day much more enjoyable!

Strawberry Banana Chip Muffins

Let me count the reasons why I love these muffins:

  1. They are made with ruby red strawberries.  Don’t they remind you of spring?
  2. This is actually a light recipe, so yes Mommy can have one…or two?
  3. Two {hidden} ripe bananas.
  4. Of course the piece of resistance….chocolate chips, yum!

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Happy 6th Birthday, Sophia Blue!

Image via: Simply Happenstance.jpg

:: Happy 6th Birthday, Sophia Blue ::

My sweet, sweet girl… didn’t I just write about you turning 5? The year has quickly sped by…. leaving me wanting to turn back the clock, and experience the last year with you all over again.

You have grown so much this year… not only taller, but in maturity. A year ago, it was hard for me to imagine that you’d soon be starting Kindergarten. Now… First Grade is around summer’s bend. To be perfectly honest, you haven’t been crazy about homeschooling this year… mostly because you want to do your older brothers’ work, or play with your baby brother, Finn. You find coloring, cutting, and workbook pages to be “boring!” I’m constantly buying new curriculum for you… or searching the internet for projects that you’ll enjoy!

You still really love to help around the house, especially if it involves cooking or baking! You recently picked up a camera and shot some photos. I couldn’t believe your natural ability to capture beautiful moments, from your unique perspective. When you aren’t playing with your favorite dolls, you are typically singing, dancing, or tumbling around the house {or on the furniture!}. You pretty much provide us with constant entertainment!

You are the most amazing big sister, Sophia Blue! You love your baby brother more than anything! He follows you around… wearing your high heels, sparkly makeup, and tutu’s! He loves getting wrapped up in your imaginative games and practicing your fancy ballet moves! Lately, you’ve been telling your two oldest brothers that they are the “meanest brothers in the whole world!” {This is definitely a new phase we are going through.} Deep down… you do love them dearly, but those older brothers of yours LOVE to antagonize you {they really like to make you shriek!}. Although Mommy and Daddy do our best to keep the peace… we know that having three brothers will only make you stronger, more well-rounded, and confident in life. Promise! [Read more…]

Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}

words of wisdom....

:: Weekend Lovelies {favorite things} ::

Hey, friends! Nicole and I hope that you all have had a fantastic week! Any signs of spring in your part of the world? How was your week… do anything fun? My husby has been at the fire station… literally all week long. The kids and I have been carrying on at home… soaking up the sunshine when we can, doing lots of art, attempting to focus on their studies, and doing the runaround with their extra curricular activities. My two littlest ones have birthdays in the next two weeks. Such a bittersweet time…. watching them grow up, another year older. I wish I could slow it all down and keep them little longer. We spent one evening this week looking through old photos on the computer {because I’ve yet to print them… no joke}. We had so much fun reminiscing of special moments in their early childhood years! I really can’t get a grasp on how quickly the time has gone by. It’s been a good reminder to soak up this two-year mountain holiday we are on. That’s kind of how I think of it in my mind. In just shy of a year and a half, we will most likely move back down the mountain and join the real world again… going back to school, possibly work, and buying a house. For now, I’m trying to fully enjoy this time in the mountains with my handsome husby and sweet four… homeschooling, staying in our pj’s until late in the morning, and doing family movie nights and dance parties whenever we feel the desire! It’s been blissful… 

So… how about that lovely quote from Henry David Thoreau pictured above? It truly speaks volumes, doesn’t it?! {I spotted it on Pinterest and followed the link, which took me to the delightful blog… One Beautiful Life. Not only a fabulous quote, but a wonderful post about facing the fear of uncertainty. Such a good read… I think you’ll enjoy it!} Nicole and I hope that you like our other finds this week! Please feel free to link-up with your favorite blog post, or your Etsy Shop! {A BIG thank you to our dear friends Jenny from Be… and Keep Being, and Megan from Yumology, for always linking-up! We love you girls so much! You have no idea how much your support means to us!} Have a wonderful weekend! {xo} [Read more…]