happenstance home

So, this brownie recipe has been a favorite for 23 years.  That kind of says it all.  They are always delicious - and that raspberry sauce is really the most perfect raspberry sauce I can imagine.  I made them for the first time using Bob Red Mills 1 for 1 Gluten Free Baking Powder (it's dairy free too) and they were as delicious as when I use regular flour.  The texture is really great in these brownies as well - leaving some of the chips unmelted gives them that I can't stop eating them appeal.   They disappear at every gathering - and the recipe is requested frequently.  Make them tonight :)  Oh, and I usually make a half batch of raspberry sauce and it's enough, but you can make extra because it is good over so many desserts.  I have used it on chocolate ice cream, and even with my orange bundt cake recipe.




Chocolate Chip Brownies
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 t. baking powder
1/8 t. salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 t. vanilla
3/4 c. all purpose flour or sub cup for cup
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Fresh Raspberry Sauce
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. cornstarch
2 c. fresh raspberries
1/2 c. water

For Brownies:
Beat butter on low to medium speed until softened.  Add sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt and blend until mixture is fluffy.  Mix in eggs and vanilla until well combined.  Add flour and beat until smooth.  Mix in melted chocolate, and then stir in unmelted chocolate pieces.  Make sure your melted chips are cooled so they don't melt your pieces.  Spread in a greased and floured 8X8 baking pan.  I use a glass Pyrex.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 35 minutes.

For Raspberry Sauce:
In a medium saucepan mix together sugar and cornstarch.  Add the fresh raspberries and water.  Cook and stir until mixture is slightly thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 2 minutes more.  Cool slightly.

* please note - this post contains an affiliate link

Hello Monday!

Last week flew by.  I cleaned out a lot of my closet, had family over for a bbq, and had a chill night at one of my friends house's.  Anyhow - this is what I've gathered up for this weeks mix.

I've been checking out rattan mirrors - this is just one that that I thought was pretty.  Find it here.  It's a bigger one - 30" diameter. 

I found this digital download of Whippets/Greyhounds from Stone Avenue Studio.  I think it will look really nice and simple framed up and hung in a gallery wall type setting.  They have another one with 13 of these dogs lined up too. 

Over the years most of my everyday silverware has been thrown away.  There are literally 3 teaspoons left from that set.  I did buy some flatware from the Pottery Barn outlet years ago that we started using too - like $5 per place setting which I went for since I know someone in this house must throw silverware away.  Much of that has broken so I did buy a small set of white handled flatware.  Anyhow - when I see  silverware I'll check it out, but I'm picky about the size of the spoons and forks - I found this set the other day and it's all the right size and weight and it's really simple which is what I want so I would like to replace all the old stragglers with these.  You now know too much about my silverware and that it pretty boring :)

Another simple piece of art to mix into a gallery - and I like the saying.

I've been looking for a bar cart to put my mixer on in my kitchen, but I need a small and narrow cart that I can tuck beside my pantry so it will be kind of out of sight.  I want to try and make one in the size I need - but make it look like this one.   This one is on One Kings Lane - Search Rachel Ashwell.

Another thing I'm picky about is drinking glasses.  My favorites are the really thin rimmed - anyway while out the other day I saw these - they are really simple - but that curved edge at the bottom made them a little different. 

I recently got this cookbook.  I really like eating this way - a little of this and that - there are lots of good ideas in here.  I made the baked Camembert cheese with brown sugar and sour cherries.  It was really good - tasted more like dessert :)  There are lots of recipes for dips you can add to your board, and just different board ideas.

Next up - a serving board with stand.  I like how it's raised up.

I also loved the look of this bar cart - I can just imagine it all filled up!  It was also too big for my space.

Lastly, this is that stunning oriental rug that I showed on my stories this past weekend.  It is so good in person, and would be a really great way to ground a room!!!  It makes a statement yet is really neutral.

This week I'm planning on messing around and seeing if I can create some of my own modern type art.  I haven't felt very creative in awhile, but it seems like it's coming back.  Hope you all enjoy your week.  Summer is just rushing by.

* please note - this post contains affiliate links :)

This soup is so delicious!  I make it often, and sometimes even when I'm not making it I want to make it :)  I think it tastes best on the spicier side.  I like to add sour cream to cool it off a bit - other good additions are green onion, shredded cheese, bacon, Fritos, and this time I make it I cooked up some shrimp with butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.  Simple and delicious and the flavor really went well with the soup.

Black Bean Soup

2 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2 gives it a kick - for less spice start with one)
1 T. adobo sauce

4 - 15 oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed
I use Eden Organics - just a tip - their beans are easier to digest because they are pressure cooked

4 oz. can diced green chili's
4 c. vegetable broth - I use low sodium Whole Foods 365

1 T. chili powder
1 1/2 T. cumin
salt and pepper to taste

juice of 1 lime
zest of 1 lime

In a small food processor blend together the chipotle peppers with the adobo sauce plus a splash of vegetable broth.

Heat the olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat.  Saute onion until translucent.  Add garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes.  Then add beans, green chili's, broth, spices, and the adobo pepper mixture.  Simmer 20 minutes.

The next thing I do I get out my immersion blender and blend down the beans until the soup is a creamier consistency.

Right before you are ready to serve add the lime juice and zest - and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Happy Monday!

I really hope to get to some other posts soon - it's seems I get this finished for Monday, and then I don't get the rest finished.  Most of it is because of camera technical difficulties.  Mine is just not working right lately.  I also have lots of renovation pictures to sort through.

Today's mix is full of things I would happily add to my own home.  I almost went with that purple pot instead of the yellow one I bought.  I still may add it someday.  I'm going to order the blue artwork in the center.  Well, I'll talk about the rest as I add my links.

I've been pretty much obsessed with Terrafirma Ceramics for years.  I don't own anything by them, but hope to someday.  Each piece is an investment, but so pretty and practical.  This first item is their wine coasters.  They come in a variety of colors - I pretty much love anything powder blue these days so I chose that color for here.  You can find the coasters here.

I did add this clock to our kitchen.  Our old oven had a clock, and our new fancy range does not so we needed something in view so we could see the time.  It's funny all of the little things that you wouldn't really think of, but that make a big difference.  Our new range doesn't have a timer either so that is another thing I need to pick up.  I also love their yellow clock.  If I had not ordered the yellow pot for the range I would have ordered it instead.

In my mom's kitchen she has an old acrylic square photo cube - probably from the 70's.  I love it.  It has pictures of our White German Shepherd that was my dog growing up - and others of life when I was little.  This picture cube reminds me of it, but it holds the insta mini sized prints.  It would be really nice to have a few on a bookshelf.  Here is also a link for a set of square photo cubes.  It holds 3.25 x 3.25 photo's.  There is also a set of three different sized square cubes here.  I love them, and people can't resist picking them up and checking out your photo's.  I'm adding them to my own house - and the price is fantastic.  I don't know why I didn't think to look them up before.

This block print linen pillow is beautiful.  It is hand block printed in India.

Terrain has so many beautiful vases on pedestals.  They have different shapes and colors.  I find myself really liking this pink vase on the brass stand.  Dahlia season from Summer Dreams Farm is coming up soon - they would look so pretty in this.

Anthropologie never disappoints with their glassware.  I've had my eye on this pitcher and the glasses for awhile.

This piece of art!  I am getting this.  I'm have been finding really pretty cyanotype art for awhile.  The other prints by a different artist that I like have sold out really quickly so I'm hoping she makes more, but I found this one that I really like as well.  The colors are so vivid.

Isn't this handwoven pitcher the best.  It would add nice texture and warmth to your table.  It's a really good find!

The lavender pot!!!  The color and shape are perfect. 

Glass canisters for your countertop and food storage.  These have white ceramic lids with gold metal clippers.  Pretty in their simplicity and very functional.  Here are the different shapes and sizes available.
Olivia 4 oz.   Chloe 10 oz.   Charlotte 12 oz.   Phoebe 16 oz.

This Faux Bois Mirror is simple with it's white paint yet has such great interest and texture.  It is one of two white mirrors that I think are perfect.

The bowl is another Terrafirma Ceramics piece.  There are so many different patterns and colors and shapes too.  Grays, greens, blues, dots, leaves, lace, etc.  See it here.

Lastly - any piece from Ave Home's raw line.  They are all good, and this desk is just one example.

So, this board really is full of home items that really speak to me.  I hope you enjoy them as well!

* this post contains affiliate links






 

This board is full of many things that I use constantly, a couple new things I've picked up, and one item that I will probably get someday.

My most used piece of clothing so far this summer is this Free People Dress.  It's one that you can just throw on and dress it up or down.  The fit is really forgiving.  It is on sale again so it's a good time to get one.

I like this simple Detroit City Sweatshirt.

I picked up this Circle Straw Crossbody Purse for Summer.  It's nice to use, and everywhere I go people love it.  Never knew it would be so popular.

I wear this pair of Rose Gold Superga's all the time - and with that dress.

I just went to AE and picked up this hooded cardigan and this peplum tank.   The cardigan is so super soft you won't believe it - the online picture doesn't do it any favors.  It's a I will live in it kind of soft.  The peplum top is just easy to wear and cute.  They both come in lots of colors.

Next I will show you some of the makeup that I use daily.

Foundation isn't my favorite thing.  I often think its too heavy or oily.  This last time I went to get a new kind I picked up this Clinique Fit.  It is lightweight and really feels just like your skin.  I actually look forward to putting a little on each day.  It is also SPF 40.  Because of all that I wanted to share it.  I use the foundation brush out of this set in the bottom corner to put it on.  This brush is amazing too - it's soft and the foundation just spreads on without the brush ever looking like it was even used.  Love both of these products so much!  I think the brush set would make great gifts.

The last two items are basics that I have been using and replacing for years.  The first is Becca Blush in Flowerchild.  It's just a really good blush color, and it goes on very easily.  Also, this IT Lipgloss in Naturally Pretty  It is not sticky and the color really is just very pretty.  It just feels soothing and good when it's on.  It's so nice when you find something that you like, and they still haven't discontinued it :)

*Please note that this post does contain some affiliate links

It's been so long since I have posted on this blog - I almost forgot where to click to add a picture.  I think I've just been feeling uninspired or just not creative.  I have some rooms in our remodel that are closer to being finished so I can start to share - and some areas need more work.  For now here is a new Monday Mix - hope you enjoy!

I always thought that the copper Kitchen Aid mixer was for me - upon a closer look I ended up choosing this frosted pearl mixer with the glass bowl.  It's simple but substantial.  The first thing I made was a batch of chocolate chip cookies.  Look for it on sale - I got a great deal.  Better than the price on it today.

If you could kinda think a bed is super intriguing this Caterina Bed would be it for me.  I love the design - and question the comfort.  I love to read in bed so I'm just not sure leaning back on it would by cozy - but maybe!

This t-shirt!  Many of my favorite nights are spent with my dog and a Hallmark movie :)

This is the next book I am reading - The Life We Bury.  Right now I am re-reading The Kitchen House.  Before that I read Glory Over Everything which was written second, but took place in time before The Kitchen House so I wanted to go back and read the other again.  They are both just so good.  These are stories where you really care and are interested in the characters.  The same characters are in each book - just at different ages.

I'm usually a really simple earring girl, but in the Winter I bought this same pair of earrings at Madewell in a burgundy color.  I wear them so much I just got the green.   I like the darker colors with my hair - that way they kinda blend in a little.

Just a nice sturdy rolling cart.

The stoneware bells are adorable and affordable.

I ran across this floral wallpaper.  It has a very hand painted kind of appearance.  Very pretty.

This is the yellow pot that I have on my range.  I'm so happy with the yellow.  It is a lot lighter than the cast iron pots you see everywhere too.

I picked up this jute rug for our garage door entry.  The round shape was just what I never knew I had needed - and it adds texture along with a little color.  I still have to wallpaper the hall (which I'm pretty sure is getting a floral) and hang up the art.

Thank you for reading with me again.  I'm feeling ready to get back to this!

I think I'm dreaming of the beach and warm weather.   It's 7 degrees in Michigan this morning.  Here are some things that caught my eye this week and/or that I want to use in our house.

I really like wearing long dresses, and thought that this dusty rose maxi cover-up looked like it would be cozy to wear.

If your looking for a one piece suit I loved this green ruffle suit and this black ribbon tie suit.  The ruffle suit also come in a tankini and a bikini.

And what to read on the beach - Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is one of the best books I've read in some time.  Eleanor and her non-understanding in social situations made me laugh out loud - and that doesn't usually happen when I read a book.  She is so endearing - and her funny is unexpected.  As I was reading this book I thought it would make the best movie so I looked it up and Reese Witherspoon has the rights and may star in it.  You can read this article for more on this book.

I bought this boho pillow from One Kings Lane on sale and with a coupon.  It is better than I thought it might be.

I'm not sure where you can actually buy this apothecary cabinet - we have this same cabinet with a gray wash of paint on it.  It stores so much - ours is filled with candles and extra pillow covers and card games, etc.  It's one of our favorite pieces of furniture.  I picked ours up at a local store.

The little wicker table is at a local antique store.  I plant to check it out this week.  This picture sure looks good!!!

I think that this will be our new coffee table for our great room.  I love this new gray wash for the wood - and that starburst in the marble.

For our dining room I'm thinking this coco bead chandelier might be the winner.  I'm fining it hard to find chandeliers that I like that are not too large but still substantial enough for a 8 foot ceiling.  Lighting companies need to realize that not everyone lives in a mansion with tall ceilings.

When I saw this dress I think my heart may have skipped a beat.  I wore a long gingham dress to Noah's graduation party, and it was one of my favorite things I've ever worn.  It was pretty and so comfortable.  I think that this dress looks like it would have that same feel.

How great is this Rope Bookcase.   It doesn't take up too much space plus it's so unique.  It seems I want my updated house to be a bit beachy.

I'm going to check out this rug for our great room.  Loving that blue and pattern.

So, I've just been working on planning out where our furniture is going, and lighting, and tile, and wallpaper, and hardware, etc.  It's fun and a bit overwhelming at the same time.  I think it is easier to pick things out for other people :)  There are just so many good choices out there!  I'm also seriously considering finishing up with blogging for good.  We will see.  Maybe it's because I don't have too much beautiful or interesting to share right now with the reno and all.  My house is a disaster!  Hope your week is great!

There is one affiliate link in this post - the book :)