DIY // Natural Christmas Garland

Natural Christmas Garland | Tutorial on simplyhappenstance.comDIY // Natural Christmas Garland

I love all things gold and sparkly {just take a look at my pinecone garland from last year!}… but I also love natural things, as well! I guess it depends on what I’m in the mood for… and the purpose of the piece. In this case, it was my sweet mama who planned this outdoorsy garland to make with her grandchildren over Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, we ran out of time, but she did leave the supplies with me to complete the simple DIY with my kids. {Thanks, Mom!} I’m crazy about how it turned out… and the kids and I had so much fun putting it together for the birds in our backyard to enjoy! 

Natural Christmas Garland | Tutorial on simplyhappenstance.com

Natural Christmas Garland DIY via Simply Happenstance-29 [Read more…]

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies | Simply Happenstance:: Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies ::

Well, it’s started! The Christmas Season is officially underway! Just this weekend, my sweet girl sang in our small town light parade with her school choir! Nothing puts you in the Christmas spirit quite like a parade filled with exuberant, marching, glowing kids! {Haha!}

Now that it’s truly feeling like Christmas is near, I have started planning what cookies and bars to make for neighbors, family and friends, to celebrate the joyous upcoming holiday. I know one thing for sure! These Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies, will most definitely, be on my list! 

Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Simply Happenstance -21

Earlier this week, while doing a little grocery shopping, I picked up a bag of these little gems {Hershey’s Peppermint Kisses}! You guys! I hadn’t eaten one before! I wouldn’t consider myself a peppermint lover {although I don’t mind a little peppermint creamer added to my coffee this time of year}… well, let’s just say that I had to go out and buy bag *number two* before making these cookies! Ha! They’re really that good — and addicting, I might add! {You try just eating one!} [Read more…]

Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine Recipe using Mulling Spices from Old Town Spice and Tea Merchants in Temecula.:: Mulled Wine ::

Did you happen to check out our post about our Lorimar Winery Sleepover? The local flavors and merchants of Temecula Valley inspired this recipe for Mulled Wine.  Sara and I really enjoyed the wineries, small shops, and old town feel of the town in which we have known for some time.  It was great to visit new places and discover small little treasures along the way.  This recipe was made with tasty wine from Lorimar Winery and sensational spices from Old Town Spice and Tea Merchant.  We hope you try this easy Mulled Wine Recipe during this holiday season.  Warm and cozy it will make you remember why you love the holidays. [Read more…]

Lorimar Winery Sleepover

Lorimar Winery in Temecula. Lorimar Sleepover:: Lorimar Winery Sleepover ::

A couple of weeks ago, Sara and I were invited with a small group of bloggers, to Lorimar Winery in Temecula.  The Lorimar Winery Sleepover was coordinated by the amazing Sharon from Cupcakes and Cutlery, along with Lauren from A Fabulous Fete.  The girls put together a lovely wine adventure in Temecula Valley with Lorimar Winery hosting the event {we got to stay on the grounds in their Coach House}, as well as Visit Temecula Valley whom showed us around Old Town Temecula.  Sara and I love Temecula and have a special place in our hearts for this small/big town, but we got to experience Temecula in a whole new way!  Our Lorimar Winery Sleepover, and all it’s grandeur, inspired us to make up a great Mulled Wine Recipe {keep posted}, using locally based ingredients.

Have you ever visited Temecula? If you haven’t, read on… it’s only a short drive away, right here in Southern California.

Vineyards in Temecula [Read more…]

Pear and Apple Butter

Easy Pear Apple Butter a great gift to eat and give for the holidays.:: Pear and Apple Butter ::

Let’s discuss the fact that it’s already December 2nd! How can that be!?! Not to worry this Pear and Apple Butter is perfect for the holidays as either an appetizer {poured over a block of low-fat cream cheese with crackers}, or my favorite way wrapped up as a gift.  REALLY it is a two-fer!  I made this Pear and Apple Butter as I was preparing for Thanksgiving.  I don’t know about you, but I am not a huge fan of pears.  I don’t care for them as a fruit that I would bite into.  I like them with nice melted Brie, but my dilemma was that I had 5 pears on the verge of going bad.  Instead of being wasteful yet again with the remainders of my produce box, I made this Pear and Apple Butter….which I do have to say, is dynamite! [Read more…]

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake // Simply Happenstance:: Pumpkin Ice Box Cake ::

I love traditional pumpkin pie… but I also really like variations of it to indulge in on Thanksgiving Day! Just like me.. my kids all adore foods made with pumpkin, so I decided to whip up this ice box version and try it out on them! {I seriously had a hard time photographing the cake… as they were attempting to dive right in!} 

Although the recipe may look daunting, with day before preparations, I promise you it isn’t hard! In fact, many of you probably prefer make-ahead recipes… am I right? If you are trying to spread out your cooking/baking… this may be the dessert for you! You can easily prepare this the day before and then piece it all together just prior to serving. 

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake Recipe at simplyhappenstance.com #pumpkin #dessert #iceboxcake

What I like most about this lightly sweetened pumpkin cake is that it isn’t heavy. After eating loads and loads of appetizers, the full Thanksgiving meal, and indulging in drinks… who wants a heavy dessert?! Not me! Something light, yet boasting with flavor, is what I crave! [Read more…]