Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer

Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer {simplyhappenstance.com}-10:: Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer ::

If we were having a morning chat on the phone, six months ago, chances are… I would have had a cup of coffee in my hand. For years, I have really looked forward to waking up to a warm, sweet cup of coffee. Not only do I love the taste… but I also look forward to the smell. It takes me back to my childhood… always smelling a pot of coffee brewing each morning. There is something so cozy and comforting about coffee! 

Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer {simplyhappenstance.com}-7

Although I always loved the smell of coffee, I didn’t develop a love for the flavor until I was 12 and living in Venezuela with my family on our sailboat. We would frequent whatever town we were anchored outside of, and often get a cup of café con leche {coffee with milk}. Such sweet memories…  [Read more…]

Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble

Get ready for Fall with this Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble:: Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble ::

We love fall!  As soon as the temperature drops a couple degrees, I make this light and simple Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble. 

Over the weekend my husband and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary.  We spent the day going back to the town and winery that we got married at.  It was a beautiful day out in Temecula.  The weather was cooler and there was a slight breeze, a relief from the heat that we have had here in Southern California.  I know that most people don’t think that we have much of a fall, but we do have a few slight changes when this season arrives. I took full advantage of this fall feeling and I made this special Skillet Spiced Apple Crumble for my hubby.  It’s one of his favorite desserts. It was our anniversary after all {wink}! [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…]

DIY Pinecone Garland

 

DIY Pinecone Garland {via Simply Happenstance}

Since moving to the mountains a few months ago… I’ve completely fallen in love with pinecones! Of course, where we live… there’s an abundance! I knew for the holidays I wanted to make a pinecone garland because it looks natural, and fits perfectly in our new mountain setting. I figured the garland would last through Thanksgiving and Christmas, serving as winter decor, as well!  To make it a bit more festive… I added some gold paint and sparkles… because I am just a tad obsessed with gold {in case you didn’t already know that – wink, wink}… and all things sparkly! 

So, for this lovely DIY… you will need only a few supplies which can be purchased at a hardware store {such as Home Depot}, or craft store {such as Michael’s}. You will need: spray paint {I used gold metallic}, glitter  {I used Martha Stewart’s Yellow Gold}, eye hook screws {the size depends on the size of your pinecones}, and jute twine, string, or ribbon.

DIY Pinecone Garland - Supply List {Simply Happenstance}

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{weekend} lovelies

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:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Happy Saturday! What are you up to this weekend? Hopefully you have some fun plans mixed-in with some quality family time! This is actually our 50th Weekend Lovelies post! Wow! Time sure flies! As always… it’s an eclectic, but completely lovely mix of our favorite finds on the web during the last week. Thanks for stopping by our blog… we appreciate you all so much! We hope that you enjoy the links below… and of course, your weekend! 

“We’re Going to Be Friends” // Caroline Pennell  Oh my goodness… Have you guys been watching The Voice? Caroline Pennell has been my {and Miss Sophia Blue’s} personal favorite this season. Her rendition of “We’re Going to Be Friends” plays on repeat {super loud} in our house. It puts a smile on my face every time I hear it! Can you believe this talented girl is only 17-years old? Amazing! You can download her music on iTunes! 

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Creamy Corn Chowder

 

Creamy Corn Chowder {Simply Happenstance}

:: Creamy Corn Chowder ::

Have you ever had the corn chowder from Mimi’s Cafe? That soup was my inspiration behind this quick, easy, and flavorful autumn meal! {I actually haven’t been there in years… but I have fond memories of that warm, comforting dish!} This recipe is extremely easy using only a few ingredients. It can be made vegetarian, effortlessly, by omitting the bacon. It can also be made healthier by using milk in place of half & half, or heavy cream…. it’s your choice! I decided not to skimp on the creaminess… so I went with the heavy cream. {It was just one of those days!} The corn chowder turned out rich, creamy, and delicious friends! Paired with warm, crusty french bread… you have the perfect fall meal! I hope you enjoy!  [Read more…]