blog - Simply Happenstance

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

January 30, 2014

:: Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies ::

Ok… I think I’ve been living in the dark ages! I honestly had no idea one could make FLOURLESS cookies! I didn’t have high expectations, considering the fact that there was no flour, butter, or even oil involved… but let me tell you, I don’t think I’ll be returning to my old peanut butter cookie recipe! These delectable {gluten-free} peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are heavenly! They are rich, chewy, and so simple to make! It took me no more than five minutes to whip up a batch! They tasted delicious straight out of the oven {warm and crumbly}… but also tasted just as good a day or two later!

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Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream

January 28, 2014

:: Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream ::

Sara and I are so very excited to be Blogger Ambassadors for Walkers Shortbread! You know your favorite plaid cookie tin that you have been enjoying every holiday since you were a kid? We were asked to come up with recipes using their delightful cookies. {A thrill for us, as these classic cookies are made from only four pure ingredients… and are GMO, vegetarian, and preservative free.} The family owned company still makes all of their traditional cakes and cookies in the same secluded village in Scotland that they have been running since 1898. We LOVE that! What’s even more exciting, Walkers is sharing the love of their cookies with our readers for a limited time {until January 31st, 2014}, with this discount code on their site SHMINI2014.

I decided to create this Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream recipe using the Walkers Mini Shortbread Fingers. I know what you are thinking! Ice cream in February? It’s been hot in Southern California. It feels like July in January, and believe me… we could use some rain! With this crazy summer like weather, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a scoop of Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream!

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Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}

January 25, 2014

:: Weekend Lovelies {favorite things} ::

Hey, hey… happy weekend, friends! Nicole and I hope that you all have had a fabulous week! We’ve been keeping busy with our little ones! In addition to the normal weekly activities, both of our families have set aside time for beach days. Fortunately, we were able to soak up the sunshine before it became overcast and a bit cooler here in Southern California. We know much of the country has literally been freezing! If that’s you… we sincerely hope you’ve been able to stay warm, and have had lots of opportunities to cozy-up to those you adore most!

So… we have some really fabulous finds to share with you below! We hope that you enjoy them! Also… in case you missed it, Bethany U. was the winner of our darling bracelet giveaway from Stella & Dot! {Congrats!!!} Don’t forget… if you are a blogger or Etsy Shop owner, you can now link-up to our Lovelies post Saturday-Sunday! We hope that you’ll join us in the fun, and spread the word! Enjoy the weekend! {xo}

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Stella and Dot Giveaway Winner

January 24, 2014

It’s Friday and we are so excited to announce our Stella and Dot giveaway winner from our DIY Jewelry Organizer post! [Read more…]

Healthy Taco Salad {vegetarian}

January 23, 2014

:: Healthy Taco Salad ::

Confession: When my husby is home from work… I do very little cooking. With our new life in the mountains, he not only does 100% of the grocery shopping, but also cooks, so I can focus on homeschooling our four little ones. We eat very well when he is home! He’s super creative in the kitchen {thanks to the near decade he’s spent as a firefighter}. I am truly one lucky wifey!

This healthy Taco Salad is one of our family favorites. We love it because it is so versatile, quick, and easy to prepare. You can basically cut up and add-in any fresh veggies you have on hand from your garden or market. {For meat lovers… you can grill up some chicken, or prepare ground turkey, or lean ground beef to add to the salad.} To be honest… I rarely use dressing, instead I mash up the avocado and add a dollop of salsa. {If you like sour cream or plain greek yogurt, it would make it even creamier!} For those of you that love a simple dressing… a Creamy Cilantro Avocado or Italian drizzled on top tastes divine! [Read more…]

DIY Jewelry Organizer and Giveaway

January 21, 2014

:: DIY Jewelry Organizer and Giveaway ::

I love the New Year! It’s a chance to refresh and revisit what needs to be prioritized and organized. This DIY Jewelry Organizer is a fantastic way to keep your jewelry at bay! We hope you are inspired to create your own!

Before we get to the tutorial… Sara and I are excited to offer you a chance to win a pretty baubled bracelet from Stella and Dot’s Spring Collection. We love GIVEAWAYS! The lucky winner can add this Amelie Sparkle Bracelet in Peach to their arm candy! {I think I might need this bracelet too, and a few others from their Spring Collection!}

Read ahead for your chance to win… but first we need to get our jewelry organized! Not a small feat, as before this project I had three old dusty jewelry boxes that were becoming more of a place to play for Madeline, than for me to actually use and see what was in them! My dear friend, Erica, inspired this jewelry organizer. If you visit her closet, she has her jewelry organized in a similar fashion. She made me see the light… that unless you have your jewelry displayed, you tend to wear the same pieces over… and over again. I decided it was high time to cut back and organize my jewelry so that I could enjoy my seasonal and special pieces more often. So first thing is first, before my run to Home Depot, I went through my boxes and made a giveaway, keep, and play pile.

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Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}

January 18, 2014

:: Weekend Lovelies {favorite things} ::

Happy Saturday! Nicole and I hope that you all have had a wonderful week! Any exciting plans this weekend? Since we have a firefighter schedule to work around, our family took a day {yesterday} to enjoy the beach! It was much needed {the quality family time, and the sunshine}! This weekend I’m hoping to catch up on the relentless pile of laundry, and get a little more organized. I tell myself every weekend that I am going to give my school room some of my undivided attention {so that I can plan some educational projects, and organize my teaching materials}. Unfortunately… it never seems to happen! {I’m wondering when you other homeschool mamas find time to plan and prepare for the weeks ahead. If you have any tips… I’d personally love to hear them!}

On a different note, you may have noticed that our Lovelies has been revamped! We are now including a link-up for all of you fabulously talented bloggers and Etsy Shop owners! We would love {love, love, love}, and appreciate you spreading the word, and linking up your favorite recent blog post to share with our readers! We know since our link-up is new… it will probably be slow to grow, but we are hopeful that in time, your blog or Etsy Shop will gain lots of exposure! [Read more…]

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

January 16, 2014

:: Gluten Free Banana Pancakes ::

It’s Sunday morning and I am not fully awake, but my kids are! A foggy slow morning calls for Banana Pancakes. A weekend favorite, but today I have decided to make a small change to this breakfast recipe. Anything for my special boy, pancakes it is, but I am switching it up a bit and giving this picky eater a chance to try Gluten Free Banana Pancakes.

Explaining less and helping out with the meal can sway any picky eater from noticing a small adjustment. Believe me sometimes I think this kid has eyes in the back of his head and a memory of an elephant {well okay that part is my fault}. I did have to trick him a little bit as my flour sits in a canister on the counter top. I measured out the Bob’s Red Mill Biscuit and Baking Mix prior to having Mason assist me with the pancake making. You gotta do what you gotta do. [Read more…]

DIY Hair Mask + Body Scrub

January 14, 2014

:: DIY Hair Mask + Body Scrub ::

The harsh coldness of winter brings about DRY hair and skin! I for one, have grown weary of my flaky skin and brittle ends! How about you? Do you happen to have a jar of organic coconut oil in your home? There are so many uses for coconut oil… in fact, you can cruise on over to Wellness Mama to view 101 uses for the magical stuff! One of my favorite ways to apply coconut oil is to my hair and skin. Nightly, I actually smooth it all over my face. {It helps to moisturize and has natural anti-bacterial properties that help fight against acne and dreaded breakouts.}

Since coconut oil is so versatile and healing, I came up with two simple DIY beauty recipes you can make on a whim, to help nourish your lovely locks and moisturize your thirsty skin. {I used all Trader Joe’s ingredients for my mixtures.} Enjoy, and please let me know how else you use coconut oil!

The Hair Mask:

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Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}

January 11, 2014

:: Weekend Lovelies {favorite things} ::

Sara and I are trying our hardest not to brag, but this is California! This is the weather we have been experiencing… crazy yet beautiful all wrapped into one. For this edition of Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}, we hope that you, our readers, are experiencing weather you adore, as well! I actually took this picture on New Year’s Eve in San Clemente. A peaceful day by the pier allowed us to keep perspective of our blessings going into the New Year. I know for January, it often seems like a slow month, but this year, it seems to be speeding along.

We hope that you can take a moment this weekend and enjoy some of your blessings…. whether it be inside snuggling and keeping warm with the ones you love, or being out and about… enjoying the weather at hand. But of course before you do all of that, take a moment to enjoy some of our favorite things! Don’t forget if you are a blogger or Etsy Shop owner, you can link-up your favorite post of the week {or your fabulous Etsy Shop}. The link information is at the bottom of the page. Enjoy! [Read more…]

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