Homemade Raspberry Jam

 homemade raspberry jam {simplyhappenstance.com} #simple #jam #raspberries:: Homemade Raspberry Jam ::

I have always wanted to make homemade jam! What about you? I had envisioned my mom, as a child, making jam and canning fruits and vegetables in the summertime with my grandma. I hoped to create some of the same memories with my own children — so I recruited my mom to come over and help with my very first jam making session!

homemade raspberry jam {simplyhappenstance.com}

I started with four cups of fresh raspberries. You can also use frozen — just make sure they are thawed and ready to use.  [Read more…]

Greens Detox Smoothie

Healthy and Easy Greens Detox Smoothie using Aloha Greens:: Greens Detox Smoothie ::

“This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Aloha, but all opinions are my own. #pmedia #MyAloha #AlohaMoment  https://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

It’s September and school is back in full swing, which means it’s time to get back into a health and fitness routine! This Greens Detox Smoothie recipe, made with Aloha Blend Box of Daily Good Greens, is the perfect start to a busy school day!

Our summer is officially over, as our first full week of school has been completed. The new school year brings along the possibility of a fresh beginning {after a summer filled with ice cream and barbecues}.  I am excited to up my yoga routine, and to use this Greens Detox Smoothie to get my mornings off to a positive and healthy start!   [Read more…]

Chewy Monster Cookies

chewy monster cookies:: Chewy Monster Cookies :: 

Did you ever daydream, as a kid, about the kind of parent you wanted to be? Clearly my thoughts weren’t too deep, as I remember wanting to be the type of mom that had fresh baked cookies waiting on the table for my kids when they arrived home from school. Ha! Since I have been blessed with four little ones, I try to make that happen on occasion. After all, what is better than walking into a home filled with smells of warm, chocolatey cookies?! 

chewy monster cookies-34

I’ve never met a kid that doesn’t love m&m’s! My children are completely drawn to the colorful candies, when we pass them in the store! The combination of chocolate with peanut butter is always a good mix… making these Monster cookies the ultimate kid treat!  [Read more…]

Salsa Verde Turkey Chili

Easy crockpot salsa verde turkey chili. :: Salsa Verde Turkey Chili ::

Back to school, how can that be? Well it’s time to get back into the swing of things with easy weeknight meals like this Salsa Verde Turkey Chili.  Wow that’s a mouth full, but I promise if my first two days of school have any indication to the year ahead, the crock-pot is going to my new best friend. [Read more…]

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

vanilla chia seed pudding:: Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding :: 

So… I’m on a healthy recipe kick this week on the blog! Could you tell? I made this Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding for the first time last week, and absolutely LOVED it! I’ve made a few chia pudding recipes in the past, but none were successful until this recipe. I have a few tips for you that should make it thicken nicely and come out with a pudding-like consistency. I think this would be lovely as a healthier dessert, but honestly… I’ll be eating it for breakfast! There are no refined sugars in this lovely dish – just a little pure maple syrup to sweeten things up! 

I actually plan on making this pudding again tonight, in preparation for my son Ryan’s 10th Birthday on Friday! Since the poor guy has to go to school, I thought he could at least start his day on a tasty note! {Little does he know that we are also surprising him with a fun family getaway for the weekend, as well!}

vanilla chia seed pudding

[Read more…]

Chicken Sausage Veggie Bowl

chicken sausage veggie bowl {recipe via simplyhappenstance.com} #chickensausage #veggiebowl:: Chicken Sausage Veggie Bowl ::

If you happen to follow Simply Happenstance on Instagram… you may have already seen pictures of my favorite lunch! I’ve showed a couple variations, but haven’t actually shared the recipe on our blog. I thought it was about time to do so! 

A few months ago, I embarked on the Whole30. Basically, it’s an eating plan where you eat primarily lean meats, veggies, fruit, some nuts, and healthy fats. {Are you wondering why I would do such a thing? Ha! To torture myself, of course! No… I’m only kidding! If you have questions about it, just leave a comment below and I’ll gladly get back to you!} 

chicken sausage veggie bowl {simplyhappenstance.com}

While on that particular eating plan, I had to get rather creative for my meals {since typical lunches like sandwiches were out due to the bread, condiments, etc.}. I spent the first couple of weeks eating salads, but found that I needed to add more protein to stay satisfied without snacking. I then came up with this tasty meal! {Although, the Sweet Apple Trader Joe’s sausage I used for this particular recipe is not Whole30 approved… I actually ate the Aidells Chicken and Apple Sausage.} [Read more…]