Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake

Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake

:: Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake ::

My milkshake brings all the kids to door {that’s right you know the Missy Elliott Milkshake tune}….hum along and you will get the picture!  This Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake is pretty tasty and a fun family treat, made even better with the addition of Chocolate Scottie Dogs from Walkers Shortbread.  I made this fun shake as an ode to a Valentine’s shake that we missed having.  I promised the kids a fun homemade treat for Valentine’s, but as a family we went away for a couple nights {a fun mini trip, while we were doing a little work around the house}, so I wasn’t able to fully get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with our usual dine in tradition.  This shake would have been the dessert I would have enjoyed with my sweethearts.

Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake
Aren’t these the cutest little cookies you have ever seen?  Sara and I love that Walkers Shortbread made a special cookie that gives proceeds back to the ASPCA.  I thought these buttery chocolate chip infused Scottie Dogs would be the perfect ingredient to my milkshake, or should I call it malt? Oh my if I was working at Ruby’s, I might be corrected, as I combined my family’s favorite flavors of; malted vanilla ice cream, caramel, milk, and these little cookie gems. Homemade ice cream or store bought…you pick because this Malted Caramel Chocolate Shake is tastalicious! [Read more…]

Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy Tomato Soup

:: Creamy Tomato Soup ::

There is nothing like Creamy Tomato Soup on a cold winter’s day.  It truly can warm the soul.  I myself love soup and I look forward to cold days when I can make a batch.  I often like to double my soup recipes, and save half for later.  It’s best enjoyed when I can’t think of what to make myself for dinner… when the kids are covered, and my husband is away for work.  When I have a plan, like homemade soup in the freezer, it makes life that much more enjoyable!

I know at this point in your lives, you have tasted a million Creamy Tomato Soups.  You have your favorite go-to place that you like to buy a bowl with lunch or dinner. Hey my favorites are Sundried Tomato and Paradise Bakery!  This Creamy Tomato Soup tastes much like one of my favorites, and that is why I love it so!  I had a severe addiction to Tomato soup during my pregnancies. 

It only takes a few key ingredients and a little bit of love and you’ll have yourself a steamy bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup in the comfort of your cozy kitchen!  A perfect start to any meal {such as Valentine’s Day}, or add a salad and some crusty sourdough, and you have a simple yet delicious meal on a Tuesday night.

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Vegan Chocolate Pudding with Coconut Whipped Cream

vegan chocolate pudding with coconut whipped cream {via- simply happenstance}

:: Vegan Chocolate Pudding with Coconut Whipped Cream ::

So… about a month ago, I embarked on a wheat-free lifestyle. So far, all is going well. I’ve tried to also cut back on sweets… but sometimes you just have to cave and give into your cravings! Am I right?! Over the weekend {while my husby was away at the fire station}, the kids and I indulged in this rich, decadent… Vegan Chocolate Pudding with Coconut Whipped Cream! It’s made using unsweetened coconut milk, good quality cocoa powder, pure vanilla, and heavenly chocolate chips! This is the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert… especially if you’re planning a date night at home!

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Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins {grain-free, dairy-free, and paleo}

Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins {via Simply Happenstance} #glutenfree #muffins #healthy #snacks #breakfast

 :: Gluten-Free Zucchini Muffins ::

These perfectly healthy Zucchini Muffins make for a great breakfast, afternoon snack, or side dish in your packed lunch! They are grain-free {gluten-free}, dairy-free, and paleo!  They are easy to whip up, using only a food processor or powerful blender, such as a Vitamix. {I even made my own almond flour by throwing a handful of raw almonds into my food processor, before getting started with the rest of the recipe!} These healthy muffins are packed full of fresh shredded zucchini, providing you with a good source of vitamin C and phytonutrients. The eggs and almond flour give you a good dose of protein, while the coconut flour provides you with much needed fiber. These marvelous muffins are ever-so-slightly sweetened with use of a single banana and honey. I know that you will love them! The batch that I whipped up was gone within minutes! Even my child who won’t eat anything green, gobbled these up, and came back for more! Enjoy, my friends! [Read more…]

Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream

Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream

:: Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream ::

Sara and I are so very excited to be Blogger Ambassadors for Walkers Shortbread!  You know your favorite plaid cookie tin that you have been enjoying every holiday since you were a kid?  We were asked to come up with  recipes using their delightful cookies. {A thrill for us, as these classic cookies are made from only four pure ingredients… and are GMO, vegetarian, and preservative free.} The family owned company still makes all of their traditional cakes and cookies in the same secluded village in Scotland that they have been running since 1898.  We LOVE that! What’s even more exciting, Walkers is sharing the love of their cookies with our readers for a limited time {until January 31st, 2014}, with this discount code on their site SHMINI2014.

I decided to create this Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream recipe using the Walkers Mini Shortbread Fingers.  I know what you are thinking! Ice cream in February? It’s been hot in Southern California. It feels like July in January, and believe me… we could use some rain! With this crazy summer like weather, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a scoop of Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream!

 Raspberry Shortbread Ice Cream

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Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}

photo of laguna beach, california {via simply happenstance blog} :: Weekend Lovelies {favorite things} ::

Hey, hey… happy weekend, friends! Nicole and I hope that you all have had a fabulous week! We’ve been keeping busy with our little ones! In addition to the normal weekly activities, both of our families have set aside time for beach days. Fortunately, we were able to soak up the sunshine before it became overcast and a bit cooler here in Southern California. We know much of the country has literally been freezing! If that’s you… we sincerely hope you’ve been able to stay warm, and have had lots of opportunities to cozy-up to those you adore most!

So… we have some really fabulous finds to share with you below! We hope that you enjoy them! Also… in case you missed it, Bethany U. was the winner of our darling bracelet giveaway from Stella & Dot! {Congrats!!!} Don’t forget… if you are a blogger or Etsy Shop owner, you can now link-up to our Lovelies post Saturday-Sunday! We hope that you’ll join us in the fun, and spread the word! Enjoy the weekend! {xo}

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