Blueberry Pear Smoothie

Blueberry Pear Smoothie Recipe via Simply HappenstanceBlueberry Pear Smoothie //

It’s so funny with the New Year, one instantly feels the need to refresh, tweak a few things around, and try a little harder… for instance with healthier eating. Am I right? I know for me… even without compiling a bunch of resolutions, I ALWAYS have the urge to clean up my act in the eating department, come January! I think I’ve seriously tried it all, you guys. I’ve done an elimination diet, become completely vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free… I’ve even done two back-to-back rounds of the Whole30! Yikes! Sort of crazy…. I know!

Well, this year is really no different. I started off thinking I may attempt 100 days of Real Food with a dear friend of mine, but I’ve already thrown in the towel. Before you feel sorry for my lack of commitment, please know that I don’t plan on eating ding dongs all day {do they still make those?}. Instead, I am just going to do my best. That.Is.All. After all, I think I know what to do at this point… and I’m sort of over following guidelines.

So, with that being said… I picked up this lovely Juice/Smoothie recipe book from Barnes & Noble over the holidays. {It was in the bargain section, which made me like it even more!} It’s a really pretty book… I highly recommend it for the pictures and for recipe inspiration! 

blueberry pear smoothie | recipe at simplyhappenstance.com [Read more…]

Raspberry Holiday Sparkler + {Giveaway Winner}

Raspberry Holiday Spritzer as featured from Simply Happenstance in Momazine.:: Raspberry Holiday Spritzer + {Giveaway Winner} ::

Did you all catch a glimpse of this Raspberry Holiday Spritzer in the latest edition of Momazine? Sara and I were featured in their winter edition of their online magazine!  {It’s available on Google Play or the App Store.}  It’s a beautifully curated magazine, chalk full of mommy moments, photography, and articles that inspire during this holiday season.  We hope you check it out!  In the meantime, we promised a few of you the recipe for this pink and sparkly bubbly drink.  It’s perfect for a date night in, while wrapping presents, or as part of a cocktail bar with all of it’s fixings handy for guests to create and enjoy!

Raspberry Holiday Spritzer

Oh, but wait! You were probably hoping to make this Raspberry Holiday Sparkler plus find out the winner of our Uncommon Goods Gift Guide + Giveaway… keep reading ahead, who knows it might be you?!! [Read more…]

Orange Marshmallow Mimosas

Orange Marshmallow Mimosa perfect for a holiday brunch or Christmas morning.:: Orange Marshmallow Mimosas ::

Cheers friends to the holidays! This month has been very busy, but we are planning to slow down, take a breather and enjoy a little downtime with this recipe for Orange Marshmallow Mimosas.  I love this time of the year, but with any holiday, you can get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle.  Sara and I have enjoyed you all stopping by, commenting, and liking our little Simply Happenstance.  We are very thankful this year for the support, but we will be taking a little break starting next week to enjoy this holiday season with our family.  I am looking forward to enjoying the good food, the good cheer, the smiling faces, and a couple of these Orange Marshmallow Mimosas on Christmas Day.  We hope you try them too!

Laetitia Brut Rose Sparkling Wine pefect for Orange Marshmallow Mimosas [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…]

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…]