Cucumber Mint Green Juice

First off, HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY, friends! To be completely honest, I was posting this green juice today — without thought of the holiday! How perfectly fitting! (I love when that happens!) Now on to the recipe!

Green Juice cucumber + mint {simply happenstance}Cucumber Mint Green Juice //

A few months ago, I bought my first juicer (after watching the fabulous documentary… Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead). I did my online research, as I wanted a juicer that got the job done well, without a huge mess to clean up afterwards. I also didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on my first one (in case my new found obsession became short lived). I ended up purchasing the Breville Compact Juice Fountain, after reading some excellent reviews. (For sure do some price comparison shopping because I found a site that offered 10% off your first purchase + free shipping, so I only spent around $85! I think I got a huge bargain!) I am happy to report that I’ve been using my juicer a few times per week ever since it arrived! 

refreshing and energizing cucumber mint green juice simply happenstance

I put a lot of consideration into whether or not I should post a ‘juicing’ recipe on here, as I understand owning a juicer is somewhat of a luxury. For those of you that already own one… this is a delicious green juice recipe to add to your mix. For those of you that are considering a juicer… I say GO FOR IT! (It is such an excellent way to add fruits and vegetables into your diet!) For those of you wondering why you may want to juice, check out this lovely post on the site, Simple Green Smoothies, for information on the difference between juicing and blending. What I personally love most about juicing, is the instant boost of energy I feel after drinking a glass! It really helps in the afternoon when I am in the mid-day slump (which for me, is around 3 p.m. when the kids come home from school).  [Read more…]

DIY: Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration

#DIY: Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Arrangement {tutorial via: simplyhappenstance.com} DIY Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration //

Hello, friends! About two weeks ago, I posted a photo of the pumpkin succulent arrangement my crafty mom brought over to me. It was such a hit on my personal Instagram and Facebook page, that I decided a tutorial was necessary. My sweet mama came over with the supplies, and I photographed her in action! 

#DIY: Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Arrangement {tutorial via: simplyhappenstance.com}

There are so many things I LOVE about this project! The first, obviously being, that I was able to create this with my mom! I also love that it’s super simple, completely gorgeous, and is a “green” project {not wasting or harming the plants in order to create this lovely harvest piece}.

{This arrangement would make the most perfect hostess gift for Thanksgiving, or a great centerpiece for a fall gathering, in which you’re entertaining. It would also be a thoughtful, handmade gift for family, friends, teachers, or coworkers.}

#DIY: Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Arrangement {tutorial via: simplyhappenstance.com}

Unlike many of the pumpkin succulent pieces you may have seen floating around the web or Pinterest… there is no need to actually cut into the pumpkin. {Unbelievable, right?} The steps are easy, and explained below in a tutorial with pictures. I’ve also included helpful tips {from my mom!} for keeping your harvest decoration looking great, and ideas for planting the top of Mr. Pumpkin when he starts to expire.  [Read more…]

House Cleaning Basics 101

 

 

Admittedly, this is not my favorite topic. Not my favorite thing to do for that matter either, but let’s face it…. it’s part of our life whether we like it or not. Cleaning. That’s right. Cleaning. Not very exciting…

I used to love to clean. It was rewarding! You could see the fruit of your labor within minutes of getting started. That was until I had kids…. 4 kids. I love a tidy house. In fact, it totally gives me heart palpitations when it’s a mess. But I don’t look forward to doing it anymore. I guess that’s because as soon as I clean one room, the next room is a disaster! The kids are like traveling tornadoes…. especially my two littlest!

I have realized that I’m not the most domestic woman out there. Perhaps surprising to some… I think I just pull off a good front. Take laundry for example. I don’t mind sorting it and throwing it into the wash… but actually folding it and putting it away…. oh no! I usually wait for Husby to be home to assist with that fun job! It’s just so boring… and relentless! There is always laundry to be done, right?!!

I’ve decided in an effort to get more organized and to stay on top of my cleaning, I should perhaps adopt a schedule. There are plenty of tools out there to help with this, especially if your look on Pinterest. For those of you that also need to get more organized in this area of your life, I’m hoping that I’ve done some of the busy work for you. I’ve sifted through what’s out there to find some of the best printable cleaning schedules, tips, and even recipes for homemade cleaners. Let’s get more organized and tidy together, shall we? 

[Read more…]