happenstance home

The boxes are handcrafted in Chicago.  Each box is made of pine, and is reusable.  Add one of their fantastic leather carrying straps, and you are ready to go.


What I like even better is their CakeBox. (maybe because I usually don't bake pie's)


Take along a layer cake...

Here is my short list of must see movies.  While watching both of the films below you really forget that they are movies, and that the people in them are actors.  It feels like you are watching real people dealing with real life - daily struggles - heartaches - laughs.

Up first, People Like Us.   So enjoyed this.  Absolutely a new favorite.  Basically a story about a father dying, a son finding out he has a sister he never knew existed, and the complicated relationship and feelings each of the siblings have despite one having the father present, and the other being abandoned.  It was really good, and I am looking forward to watching it again very soon.



Next on my list - The Station Agent.  I adore this film.  It is one of those stories that stays with you - the characters stay with you.  I first watched this movie years ago (2003) when it first came out, and I loved it!  You really have to listen - more like listening while there is dialogue and even in the silences.  I can't say enough good things about the characters.  I was so excited to find it again - Josh, my big 16 year old,  even watched with me and truly enjoyed it.  It begins with Finbar, played by Peter Dinklage.  He is working in a train shop, and really keeps to himself aside from the shop owner.  Sadly, his friend, the shop owner passes away.  He leaves Fin a piece of property in his will.  It is an old train station in the middle of nowhere, and Fin decides to move there.  He thought it sounded perfect for a life away from people.  Little did he know he would meet Joe.  Joe is super friendly, upbeat, and a talker.   Joe does not clue in on the fact that Fin really wants to be left alone.  Joe is played by Bobby Cannavale.  I read that he starred in a HBO series called Boardwalk Empire, and also in Cupid.  Now I want to check those out as well.  Patricia Clarkson rounds out the main trio of characters.  She is dealing with a great loss, and her character is very complicated.  



When you get time to relax I think you will find People Like Us and The Staiton Agent very worthwhile watches.

Another year begins.

It will be interesting to see what this year brings.

What will be created and learned.

What might be there in the unexpected that becomes a reality.

Time passes so quickly.  I'm hoping to make better use of mine this year.

To start the new year off I want to share this cookie recipe with you.  I truly appreciate it when my friends share their great recipe finds with me, and this is one of those treasures I'm happy to be able to recreate in my kitchen for my family!

At the end of the Summer Josh and I met his classmates from his old school out at a lake for a picnic.  My friend Janalee brought a batch of delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies that were actually not bad for me to eat.  They get their sweetness from maple syrup and coconut oil instead of sugar.  They do not contain any dairy.  You will not miss any of these things.  Give them a try.  I think you will really like them, and you can feel better about feeding them to your friends and family.  Last time I made them Noah could not stop eating them, and my family was sad when I just took them to a cookie exchange.  Sad because I didn't have any extras for them.  I'm thinking I will make more very soon.  Thank you Janalee!  In her words, Enjoy!


Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies - NO Gluten, Dairy, Sugar, Soy

2 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2  cup coconut oil
1/2 cup almond slices or slivers
1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (Enjoy Life chips are dairy, soy, and gluten free)

Mix all ingredients together.  Bake at 350 degrees between 9 and 15 minutes.  Wait until they are lightly browned.

Notes from Janalee:  They usually bake in about 11 minutes for me.  I find that the almond flour that you buy in the store does not work the same as the almond flour that I order online.  Below is a link to the flour I use.  It is the finest texture that I know about.  I use the blanched flour.  Enjoy!

Honeyville Grains Blanched Almond Flour