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…]

Energizing Smoothie Bowl

energizing smoothie bowl:: Energizing Smoothie Bowl ::

Hey friends! Let’s talk breakfast… I get stuck in a rut, all too often. How about you? I typically start my day with a protein shake. {Don’t get me wrong… I actually LOVE my morning shake, but sometimes I want a little change!} Since I have a moderate allergy to eggs, that eliminates the morning scramble.

Yesterday morning, Mr. Amazing and I switched it up by making this simple, yet delicious, Smoothie Bowl! It’s honestly the easiest and most versatile breakfast {or mid-day snack}! Just whip up your favorite smoothie… making it extra thick and creamy, and add a variety of your favorite healthy toppings!  [Read more…]

S’mores Malt

S'mores Malt:: S’mores Malt ::

Let’s squeeze a little more summer time fun in with this S’mores Malt! My kids are big fans of Ruby’s. Recently we had been walking around The Irvine Spectrum {one of our favorite places to go} when we were given a sample of their new S’mores Shake.  Mason begged to go to Ruby’s!  We tried the shake and I thought it was great, but Mason {my picky eater} said, “Let’s make these at home minus the coffee”… so, here is what we came up with {and by the way… I don’t think there was coffee in them in the first place}!

Delicious S'mores Malt [Read more…]

Coconut Margarita

Coconut Margarita. Easy to make and it screams vacation!:: Coconut Margarita ::

You put the lime in the coconut and drink this Coconut Margarita all up! Oh my! Though we did a family vacation last month, I am simply dreaming of escaping to a tropical island for a week with my husband.  Sorry, but no kids and lots of Coconut Margaritas! {Love the kids but it’s been a long 9 days.} An ocean breeze, palm trees, and quiet….lots of quiet is what I think these margaritas would go perfect with.  But since that’s not happening anytime soon, I will happily drink a Coconut Margarita and pretend! [Read more…]

Firehouse Salsa

Easy restaurant style Fire House Salsa. :: Firehouse Salsa ::

It’s the day before the Fourth of July, and you need to make a quick appetizer… this easy Firehouse Salsa is sure to make your holiday spicy and fun!   Who doesn’t love a good restaurant salsa?{Not to mention some salty tortilla chips!}  They are a favorite of mine, but I have to admit I am a salsa snob. Both Sara and I are married to firefighters, and let’s just say they have to know how to cook.  Yes it wasn’t something that they knew before entering the fire department, but it was something that they had to learn.  When my husband was working as a reserve, the fire department he was volunteering for prided themselves on making the BEST salsa in the area and this is their secret recipe…..  

Fresh jalapeno and serrano peppers for Firehouse Salsa [Read more…]

Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream

peach and toasted pecan ice cream:: Peach and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream ::

I recently sat down and reminisced about my favorite 4th of July celebrations over the years. They were spent at my Aunt Jean’s house in Fullerton. She had the most beautiful Spanish style house, with a big backyard, and dreamy swimming pool. She invited everyone!  Her yard was always packed full of close friends and family. After dark… we would crowd the usually quiet street in front of her house {which was situated on a hill}, and watch the local firework show. 

Looking back, I have the fondest… most cherished memories of the 4th of July because of my sweet Aunt Jean and the wonderful annual gathering she created! The conversation was always delightful, the pool nice and cool, and the food… absolutely scrumptious! Of course, the homemade ice cream {that seemed to take forever to churn by hand}, was always my favorite!

peach and toasted pecan ice cream

Fresh peach ice cream seemed to be a tradition at her 4th of July celebrations, which is why I decided to make my own version to share with my family! I’m hoping to carry-on the lovely homemade ice cream tradition to celebrate Independence Day this year… and in the many years to come!

peach and toasted pecan ice cream [Read more…]