blog - Simply Happenstance

Summer Pasta Salad

July 22, 2014

:: Summer Pasta Salad ::

Do you find, in the summer, that you cook less or look for easier recipes? I certainly do! Our days have been filled with outings, lots of outside time playing, and for us… packing up our mountain home in preparation for our upcoming move {not so fun!}.

During the school year, I’m fairly good at sticking to a routine of eating dinner at a reasonable time so that I can get the kids in bed around 8 p.m. In the summertime, that’s not the case! Usually, I’m throwing dinner together on a whim… with little time to spare! This recipe for a chilled Summer Pasta Salad is perfect for nights like that! [Read more…]

Changes on the Horizon

July 10, 2014

:: Changes on the Horizon ::

Today marks our one-year anniversary on the mountain! In some ways it seems like we’ve been up here forever, in others… it seems like just yesterday we were waking up amongst the trees for the very first time.

We have shared some of the sweetest moments as a family, creating memories that I hope will be imprinted in our minds for the rest of our lives.

[Read more…]

Blueberry Poppy Seed Salad

July 8, 2014

:: Blueberry Poppy Seed Salad ::

I love summer, but who wants to turn on the oven or cook over a hot stove top when it’s 100 degrees outside? This Blueberry Poppy Seed Salad is fast, fresh, and most of all tasty. What makes this salad a quick dinner fix is the use of a store bought rotisserie chicken. I love rotisserie chickens, they make life easy and you can incorporate them in so many different meals. It’s all about making life easy right!?! So let us make your life easier with this simple Blueberry Poppy Seed Salad, it’s what’s for dinner on this hot summer night. [Read more…]

Firehouse Salsa

July 3, 2014

:: Firehouse Salsa ::

It’s the day before the Fourth of July, and you need to make a quick appetizer… this easy Firehouse Salsa is sure to make your holiday spicy and fun! Who doesn’t love a good restaurant salsa?{Not to mention some salty tortilla chips!} They are a favorite of mine, but I have to admit I am a salsa snob. Both Sara and I are married to firefighters, and let’s just say they have to know how to cook. Yes it wasn’t something that they knew before entering the fire department, but it was something that they had to learn. When my husband was working as a reserve, the fire department he was volunteering for prided themselves on making the BEST salsa in the area and this is their secret recipe…..

[Read more…]

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

July 1, 2014

:: Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes ::

Well hello, friends! Happy 4th of July week! We have another heavenly cupcake recipe for you today… simply perfect for a celebration or date night at home! The cupcakes have a baked graham cracker crust, decadent vanilla cake with chunks of fresh strawberries, and an incredibly rich cream cheese frosting! Together, it creates the most divine Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes! Enjoy!

[Read more…]

Berry Tequila Sparkler

June 26, 2014

:: Berry Tequila Sparkler ::

I am so excited to officially say “cheers” to summer with this Berry Tequila Sparkler. If you haven’t caught on yet, while the rest of the country has been out on summer break for weeks, we just officially started today. So why not celebrate with a bubbly drink mixed with tequila, champagne and Cran-Lemonade. Refreshing and delicious, this patriotic Berry Tequila Sparkler is the prefect bubbly drink for your July fourth festivities.

This year we will be celebrating here in our little community. We are participating in an Independence Day Parade in the morning, and viewing fantastic fireworks in the evening. In between we will enjoy some barbeque and a few dips that will go perfectly with this Berry Tequila Sparkler. [Read more…]

Red White and Blueberry Cupcakes

June 24, 2014

:: Red, White, and Blueberry Cupcakes ::

It’s officially summer! These Red, White, and Blueberry Cupcakes scream 4th of July! With our easy Whipped Cream Frosting, blueberries, shortbread, and raspberry topping, these patriotic treats are a great way to end your summer barbecues! It’s crazy to think how quickly this year has flown by. What is even crazier, is as I blog this post, we aren’t even out of school yet. Tomorrow is the last day of 1st grade for my son, and Wednesday is the last of preschool for Madeline. I actually think at this moment, I should be doing a post about a celebratory drink that is being enjoyed over a few little tears. I can’t believe my baby will be in kindergarten next year, and my oldest in second grade. Though they are almost taller than me, I still think of them as little babies. Okay, enough about that…..let’s get ready to rock 4th of July next week, with these Red White and Blueberry Cupcakes! [Read more…]

Weekend Lovelies

June 21, 2014

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Hello, friends! I hope that you all have had a fantastic week! What do you have going on this weekend?

So, our family just returned from a trip to Arizona to visit close friends and family! We truly had the BEST vacation! One of the highlights was visiting the Phoenix Children’s Museum {pictured above}. We had been there just once before… four years ago. It was just as fun the second time around! I highly recommend going, if you’re in the area! In fact, we always research children’s museums whenever we are in a new city! It’s such a great way to explore, in a kid-friendly way, when you’re traveling this summer! [Read more…]

Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream

June 20, 2014

:: Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream ::

I recently sat down and reminisced about my favorite 4th of July celebrations over the years. They were spent at my Aunt Jean’s house in Fullerton. She had the most beautiful Spanish style house, with a big backyard, and dreamy swimming pool. She invited everyone! Her yard was always packed full of close friends and family. After dark… we would crowd the usually quiet street in front of her house {which was situated on a hill}, and watch the local firework show.

Looking back, I have the fondest… most cherished memories of the 4th of July because of my sweet Aunt Jean and the wonderful annual gathering she created! The conversation was always delightful, the pool nice and cool, and the food… absolutely scrumptious! Of course, the homemade ice cream {that seemed to take forever to churn by hand}, was always my favorite!

Fresh peach ice cream seemed to be a tradition at her 4th of July celebrations, which is why I decided to make my own version to share with my family! I’m hoping to carry-on the lovely homemade ice cream tradition to celebrate Independence Day this year… and in the many years to come!

[Read more…]

Strawberry Lemonade Fizz

June 17, 2014

:: Strawberry Lemonade Fizz ::

Who doesn’t love a good fruity summer drink… especially on a hot day? My kids really look forward to the occasional Shirley Temple! This drink is just as tasty… but way more fun! You see, there’s a secret ingredient making it one the kids will love and remember! It’s the perfect celebratory beverage… whether you’re toasting a birthday, or enjoying a holiday like the 4th of July!

So… have you guessed the secret ingredient? That’s right! Pop Rocks candy! It adds an extra bit of sweetness, and lots of pops and sizzles as the kids take sips! Pop Rocks added to the rim of each glass gives the drink some extra pizazz! [Read more…]

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