New Year Archives - Simply Happenstance

Gratitude 2015

January 13, 2015

:: Gratitude 2015 ::

Welcome to 2015 friends! I don’t know about you, but I am still adjusting to being back in school, I loved having the kids at home for the holidays.

Last week Sara shared her thoughts on contentment. I love how she is focusing on being content in 2015 that being said, my focus is gratitude. I can’t say it’s my word of the year as it is one of many, but it is one that encompasses most of my 2015 intentions. I am not the best at resolutions, in fact by writing this post, I am hopeful that these intentions that I have wandering around in my head {and some on paper} are being put out into the universe, so I will intend to listen to them, read them in need, and keep them at heart. Gratitude is something that I am looking to continue on focusing in 2015. Sara and I plan on still sharing our favorite recipes, but we want to head back to writing what is important to us, what really started this blog. We hope you continue to visit with us, stay awhile, and maybe share your thoughts along the way. [Read more…]

Blueberry Pear Smoothie

January 8, 2015

Blueberry 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!

[Read more…]

Contentment… My Word for 2015

January 6, 2015

Contentment // My Word for 2015

It’s been a while… simply too long, in fact, since I’ve shared a post of our life in photos, or shared my heart through words. I thought the freshness of the New Year was the perfect time to do both. {Hello, 2015!}

If you follow our blog regularly, you may remember that last year I shared a focus word for the year. For 2013… my word definitely would have been TRUST. For 2014, I chose BEAUTY… and for 2015, what seems to be foremost in my heart, is seeking CONTENTMENT.

// Contentment: a state of happiness and satisfaction //

Can we add a little peace to that definition? I for sure could use a little more of that in my life…

[Read more…]

Beauty… My Word for 2014

January 7, 2014

:: Beauty… My Word for 2014 ::

With the beginning of 2014, I’ve noticed that several of my favorite blogs have posted their “best of 2013,” a look back in photographs, or a roundup of their top-rated recipes. A few have even chosen a single word to represent the New Year… a simple reminder of their personal goals for 2014. I loved this idea, so I decided to do the same.

Looking back at 2013, I’d have to say that my word was TRUST. It was a big year for my family. Exactly a year ago marked our trip to Mammoth Lakes in California… which changed everything. It got us thinking… and talking… about our lives, our goals for our family, what we valued, and what our hopes were for our sweet four. [Read more…]

Christmas Cranberry Spritzer

December 10, 2013

:: Christmas Cranberry Spritzer ::

It’s Christmas time and boy do I absolutely LOVE a fun holiday drink! This Christmas Cranberry Spritzer is a new favorite. Made with St. Germain, a little bubbly {champagne/sparkling wine}, a splash of cranberry juice, and a dash of blood orange vodka. This drink is definitely something to say “Cheers” to.

Lately, when Shane and I have had a moment to go out to dinner, we have noticed that the cocktail menus in most restaurants are creating libations with St. Germain. It is a flowery liqueur that when combined in a tangy drink it adds a hint of sweetness to a cocktail.

[Read more…]

Happy New Year, to You & Yours!

January 1, 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR, TO YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES!

So…

I was hoping to prepare a post on New Year’s resolutions for you all today…

the history,

the most common,

why they tend to fail {right?!},

how to set realistic goals,

and one’s worth reaching for.

Unfortunately, we got a bit busy over here…

but not busy in a good way.

It happens….

life happens…

so I’m forced to compromise.

We had an interesting start to our New Year.

After a full day of errands and family visits,

Husby had to rush one of our son’s to the ER due to asthma issues at 2 a.m.

Needless-to-say…

there wasn’t a whole lot of sleeping going on in our house last night!

So, Husby went off to work a 48-hour shift,

and I am writing this piece,

in a state of fog…

eyes half-mast…

{but, on the upside}

our little man is doing a bit better this morning,

and I am sitting here

{as one content mama}

now that I have my much-needed salted soy caramel macchiato in hand!

In the spirit of “keeping things simple”

{as Nicole mentioned we are both trying to do in the coming year},

I will leave you with a beautiful poem

that I was fortunate enough to hear yesterday morning.

After an hour of rigorous hot yoga we ended in my favorite pose…

savasana {corpse pose}

and the yoga instructor recited these lovely words

{The Power of One – Author Unknown}:

One song can spark a moment

 One flower can wake the dream

One tree can start a forest

One bird can herald spring

One smile begins a friendship

One handclasp lifts a soul

One star can guide a ship at sea

One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation

One sunbeam lights a room

One candle wipes out darkness

One laugh will conquer doom

One step must start each journey

One word must start each prayer

One hope will raise our spirits

One touch can show you care

One voice can speak with wisdom

One heart can know what’s true

One life can make the difference

You see, it’s up to you!

Not only was the poem eloquently written, it resonated with me…

sparking a series of thoughts.

In the New Year, I hope to focus on what is in my control

and be the best person that I can be

{in any given moment or situation}.

I tend to be super hard on myself

{as many of us are}.

I am going to try to accept myself for whom I am…

and for where I am at

{both physically and emotionally},

as long as I am trying to be the best version of “me” each day.

We are not in control of what situations life throws at us,

but we do have control over how we react.

No one can make you feel any certain way.

It is all up to you…

YOU decide.

You have control over your emotions and can choose to let things internalize and fester in you – –

or process them, learn the lesson, and move forward.

I hope to stay more present,

soak up the moments that really matter,

give myself a break {as long as I am trying my best},

and focus on how I react to various situations…

hopefully with grace and light

{that can only come from above}.

As the poem states… “one life can make the difference,”

which in my opinion…

all starts with our inner most thoughts and personal perspective.

It can really be that simple.

A change in our thoughts…

results in a change of behavior…

which can positively affect those around us and even the world.

Wishing you all an abundance of peace, happiness and blessings in the New Year…

and let’s not forget, good health, for you and your loved ones!

Happy 2013!

{Image Via: Itsy Factory}