Your Southern Peach

Spinach with Parmesan Bread Crumbs

2012-05-30T04:00:00.000-04:00

I think most of you know that I'm a huge fan of Weight Watchers. This recipe was featured in their most recent weekly reader and I knew it had to make an apperance in my kitchen as soon as I set eyes on it! I never shy away from a good summer salad but sometimes it's nice to cook down the greens just to change things up a bit. We ate this with grilled thai-peanut chicken and called it a meal.

Spinach with Parmesan Bread Crumbs: Serves 4 - 2 Points Plus

1 1/4 tsp olive oil, divided
1/2 cup fresh, course breadcrumbs (French or Italian bread)
1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 1/2 lbs. fresh baby spinach, washed and well drained
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 cup dried cranberries

Heat 1 tsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Spoon bread crumbs into a small bowl and set aside.

Heat remaining 1/4 tsp. oil in same skillet. Add garlic, cook, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Gradually add half of spinach to skillet, tossing mixture and adding more spinach as some of it cooks down. Continue cooking and tossing, until spinach is wilted and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining spinach.

Return cooked spinach to skillet, add salt and toss over low heat. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with crumbs. Garnish with dried cranberries.

Cherry Lime Mojito

2012-05-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

How was your holiday fellow peaches? We spent the weekend swimming with friends and just hanging at the house. I did find time to mix up this tasty cocktail which was much needed considering the thermometer surpassed the 90 degree mark.

I used frozen pitted cherries and fresh mint from the garden to give this cocktail a vibrant and suitable color for a Memorial Day celebration. Wouldn't this be pretty on fourth of July too?

Cherry Mint Mojito: serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen pitted cherries

1 (10 oz.) can frozen Bacardi Mojito mixer

1 cup rum

1/2 cup club soda

1 cup ice

6 mint leaves

Sunday Best

2012-05-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Joie sleeveless silk top
$79 - joie.com

Missoni twill pants
£106 - theoutnet.com

Zara shoes
$50 - zara.com

Shoulder bag
$65 - modcloth.com

BELLISSIMA bib necklace
$98 - maxandchloe.com

Kate Spade red bangle
$65 - endless.com

Marni sunglasses
$400 - marni.com

Gift sets kit
$36 - macys.com

Life at its Finest

2012-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

School's out for summer! My intention for this summer is to try as many new smoothie recipes as possible. Got one you love? Send it my way. This one happens to be mango coconut.

Speaking of school. I have a graduate (from pre-k). He lost his first tooth and now we're enjoying his new smile to show off that gaping hole. He's pretty excited about it.

We went to our first pool party for the summer. Jett loved every second of it.

And it's officially peach season at Pinkberry. Don't mind if I do!

I couldn't resist trying on this headpiece my niece brought home from the Greek festival. We giggled that the tag read, "Made in China." You're not surprised, are you?

Starting the summer with new Sperry shoes for the boys. Summertime, here we come!

Hope y'all have a great holiday weekend!

Fresh Produce Style Post

2012-05-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

Hi fellow peaches! Today I'm sharing a little style post with you featuring me and a lovely mint oxford from Fresh Produce. They were kind enough to send me this spring classic in exchange for my best modeling pose. I have a new admiration for fashion bloggers who do this on a more regular basis. Very fun but not near as easy as it looks!

I paired the Golightly oxford with a tank, a seersucker skirt and my Sperry's for a day of errands. It's a great piece for layering and I know I'll get a lot of use out of it this summer whether it's dressed up or down. The quality of the shirt is quite exceptional too which means a lot to me.

Fresh Produce also has a lot of summer clothes and simple dresses that are relaxed and easygoing which is just what the season's about, right? I envision a lot of their pieces traveling well for vacation and being perfect for life at the beach. And with shipping to over 200 countries, Fresh Produce can go just about anywhere.

Thanks again to Fresh Produce for allowing me to collaborate with them. I love my new summer oxford!

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

2012-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Summer is here and there's nothing finer than a light meal that's both healthy and filling. Enter quinoa stuffed peppers. For any vegetarians out there, this is a must add to your dinner list.

This recipe was handed off to me from a fellow yogi who just happens to be almost twice my age and is such an inspiration for healthy and balanced living! These peppers are packed full of veggies and protein rich quinoa.

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: serves 8 (adapted from Vegetarian Times)

Ingredients

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (1 cup)

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 ribs celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup)

1 tbsp. ground cumin

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

1 10-oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

2 15 oz. cans diced tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved

1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

3/4 uncooked quinoa

3 large carrots, grated, (1 1/2 cups)

1 1/2 cups grated reduced-fat pepper Jack cheese, divided

4 large red bell peppers

Directions

1. Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and cook 5 minutes, or until soft. Add cumin and garlic, and saute 1 minute. Stir in spinach and drained tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated.

2. Stir in black beans, quinoa, carrots, and 2 cups water. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a medium-low and simmer 20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender. Stir in 1 cup of cheese. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour liquid from tomatoes to bottom of baking dish.

4. Slice red peppers vertically into halves, starting at the stem. Fill each bell pepper half with heaping 3/4 cup quinoa mixture, and place in baking dish. Cover with foil, and bake 1 hour. Uncover and sprinkle each pepper with remaining cheese. Bake 15 more minutes more, or until tops of stuffed peppers begin to brown. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Transfer peppers to serving dish and drizzle each with pan juices.

*These stuffed peppers also freeze well for future meals!

Cover me happy!

2012-05-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Well, it's officially summertime in our house! Last week got crazy busy with the end of school and some volunteering commitments. I'm happy to say we're taking it easy today at home. I'm giving the boys some extra TLC as they're both battling colds. It's also my mom's birthday so I can't wait to give her a big hug tonight!

Last week we discussed self tanners and this week I'm sharing some sweet and very affordable (like less than $20 dollars affordable) coverups to kick off the season. You can find them all online or at your local Target stores. Now all I need is a sparkling pool and a smashing swimsuit!

Three cheers for summer vacation!

Coverups: Red. Multi. Purple. Turquoise. White. Orange

Sunday Best

2012-05-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

Oasis sleeveless dress
$115 - oasis-stores.com

Repetto flat shoes
$239 - matchesfashion.com

BCBG Max Azria metallic handbag
$88 - bcbg.com

Marni clip on earrings
€210 - nathalieschuterman.com

BELLISSIMA plastic bangle
$60 - maxandchloe.com

Stella mccartney sunglasses
$225 - forwardforward.com

Wide brim hat
$35 - cyfashio.com

Stila eyeshadow
$20 - stilacosmetics.com

Self Tan, do you dare?

2012-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Okay fellow peaches, give me the skinny on self tanners. Do you use them? What's your favorite?

Of this list, I've tried the Loreal Sublime Glow, Dove and Fake Bake. I tend to use the first two during winter months and the Fake Bake when I actually show more skin at the pool or beach.

I know there are a ton of other brands and I'd love to hear how you keep your healthy glow all summer!

After my scare this past week, I'll certainly be depending on these products now more than ever.

Top to Bottom, Clockwise: St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Lotion/ L'Oreal Paris Sublime Glow / Here Comes The Sun/ Fake Bake / DOVE Energy Glow /SUN LABORATORIES Self Tanning Lotion /Clarins /Neutrogena MicroMist

I have cancer

2012-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

But not the kind that will kill you. Hopefully. I don't share this to be dramatic but to raise awareness.

My last two years as a pharmaceutical sales rep, I called exclusively on dermatologists. I learned and witnessed a lot in those offices. The skin is so visible and the damage is literally in your face sometimes. As a late twenty-something, I vowed to take better care of my skin but do you know that 80% of skin damage occurs before the age of 18? Moms, please protect your kids. Here's my story.

Two weeks ago I went in for my annual skin check at my dermatologist. (Honestly, I went in for reasons more related to vanity but opted to face responsibility while I was there.) She noticed a suspicious spot on my back, biopsied it and a week later (during my beach vacation no less) she called to tell me it was a basal cell carcinoma, a non-melanoma, slow growing form of skin cancer.

I wasn't completely surprised considering my fair complexion and carelessness as a teenager. I worked as a lifeguard for several summers and frequented the tanning bed, despite the known dangers. Self tanners were just gaining popularity. Nevertheless, I was a bit sad. I felt like time was catching up with me. The ignorance of my youth was rearing its ugly head. Last week, my dermatologist completely removed the growth. The spot is still very tender but healing. I'm left with a scar about the size of a nickel and a new appreciation for preventative medicine.

The month of May happens to be skin cancer awareness month. I also can't help but share this video. Please take a minute to watch it because it's much more eloquent than my writing.

Wear your sunscreen and take care of you skin. I'll be talking skin care all week here on the blog from self tanners to cover ups as we approach summer. Also, if you live in the Atlanta area and looking for a dermatologist, I highly recommend Dr. Alan Olansky, or his physician assistant who did my procedure.

Love the skin you're in.

*original image found here

Sunday Best

2012-05-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Duffy knit top
£159 - julesb.co.uk

MaxMara high waisted white pants
€259 - jades24.com

Banana Republic espadrille shoes
$79 - bananarepublic.gap.com

Dorothy Perkins reversible bag
$99 - dorothyperkins.com

Navy jewelry
$10 - baublebar.com

Plastic shades
$17 - target.com

Blush
£65 - nelly.com

Benefit Cosmetics highlighter makeup
£25 - johnlewis.com

Life at its Finest

2012-05-11T22:45:00.000-04:00

A few snapshots from the week...

Chocolate mint growing on the back deck. It smells extremely yummy and I can't wait to experiment in the kitchen with it. Maybe in a smoothie of some kind?

More herbs growing out back. Cilantro, parsley and basil.

One stop shopping at Swoozies. I love that place. If you're ever feeling down and out just take a visit to Swoozies. It will put you in a good mood every time. And it's cheaper than Tiffany.

I took full advantage of strawberry season and made about a hundred of these babies for teacher appreciation. I snagged a few for myself too. Not gonna lie. Is there any better way to eat a strawberry?

Wishing all of you marvelous moms out there and very happy Mother's Day! Celebrate and live happy.

Shrimp Destin Linguine

2012-05-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Still riding the wave of vacation, I knew this was a must for this weeks menu. The result was nothing short of delicious. The ingredients are a simple mix that highlights the shrimp and linguine nicely. I paired mine with a chilled white wine and was right back on those white sandy beaches of the Gulf.

Shrimp Destin Linguine (adapted from here)
(serves 2)

Ingredients:

8 oz. linguine
1/2 lb unpeeled, large raw shrimp
1/4 cup butter
1/4 olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tbs. dry white wine
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Leaving tails on, peel and devein shrimp. Set aside.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
3. While the pasta cooks, melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add green onions and garlic. Saute for 4-5 minutes until onions are tender.
4. Add shrimp, wine, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Saute for 3-5 minutes or just until the shrimp turn pink. Then add dill and parsley.
6. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. Reserve the sauce in the skillet.
7. Add hot, cooked pasta to sauce, tossing to coat. Serve the pasta and top with cooked shrimp.

* My notes: I like to set aside extra dill, parsley and green onion for garnishing at the end. It adds a nice bright green color to the dish that is lost during the cooking process.

Beat the Post Vacation Blues

2012-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

How do you beat the post vacation blues? You know that feeling...somewhere between "happy to be home" but "missing life at the beach too?"

I've got a few tricks up my sleeve today. They're tried and true and sure to take away those blues.

1. Pre-order Mrs. Lilien's Cocktail Swatchbook due for release the end of this month. Any other Mrs. fans out there? She makes everyday spectacular! The simple anticipation of this books arrival on my doorstep is enough to put a smile on my face.

2. Continue rocking out to your favorite beach jams. Jimmy Buffett radio via Pandora has been playing since I got home. Music is good for the soul and also helps with the dreaded unpacking.

3. Give yourself a new shade of polish. After a week of sand and sun, you're probably due. How about this new spring color "Kiss Me on My Tulips" by OPI?

4. Continue to Self-Tan. So what if you're not frolicking in the sun all day. Fake it, right?

5. Schedule a workout date with a friend who makes you laugh. (And will possibly fill you in on any gossip you may have missed while away.)

Capture the Moment

2012-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hi there! How was your weekend? We made it home safely and wow, what a difference a week makes! For all of us. I think the boys were ready for a break and I know my husband and I were ready to unplug a bit. I really focused on being present, soaking up every precious moment together as a family.

Like our sunset walks on the beach. This is my favorite time to be on the beach. It's calm and peaceful and it's the perfect time to take in the day.

I tried to capture those tender moments... I just love these guys so much.

The boys also had a ball in the pool and Jett took to it like a little fish, despite a sunscreen allergy the first day. We found one that worked for him and he was ready for more swimming by day two. Luke was proud to be practicing his strokes, free of his arm Floaties.

And most days, we ate lunch under the gazebo. We kept things simple with sandwiches, chips and fruit but having the ocean waves as our background made it extra special.

We also flew a kite for the first time with the boys which they loved, especially Luke. I had never flown a kite before but my husband was an excellent instructor.

And for my own records sake, Luke discovered his first loose tooth! I was shocked when he mentioned it but when I looked closer, sure enough, it was wiggly! So many times, I looked at him this past week and realized he is maturing and growing so quickly. If I haven't said it before, five is really a wonderful age.

Thanks for staying with me while I took a little time off. I hope you're enjoying the simple pleasures of life today. Join me tomorrow when I share how to beat the post vacation blues.

Sunday Best

2012-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Ella Moss chevron skirt
169 CAD - dealuxe.ca

Ash metallic sandals
$159 - asos.com

Zara handbag
$36 - zara.com

Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian collar jewelry
$188 - metroparkusa.com

Aqua zigzag jewelry
$35 - bloomingdales.com

Miu Miu gold sunglasses
$390 - miumiu.com

Sue Devitt teal eyeliner
$20 - barneys.com

Life at its Finest: Beach Edition

2012-05-04T11:09:00.000-04:00

How does vacation go by so quickly? We've enjoyed our week here and I'll be sharing some more fun photos on Monday. What are you up to this weekend? Will you be watching the Derby or celebrating Cinco de Mayo? Either way, I hope you find time to do something fun.

Cheers to the weekend!

Today's Agenda

2012-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

Road Trip Cookies

2012-04-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

The family and I packed up and took a little road trip yesterday to a sandy location. I cannot tell you how much we need some family time right now. My husband has been traveling a lot for work lately and the boys and I have really been missing him at home and I know he's missing us too!

For our long haul, I packed these substantial and somewhat healthy cookies to keep us happy in the car. Made with steel cut oats and dried cranberries, these cookies are the perfect treat for those long stretches of road with no stops in sight. The drive was long but the look on the boys faces when they see the ocean is absolutely priceless!

Ingredients:

3/4 Crisco® Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon maple flavoring

1 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups steel cut oats, finely ground

1 cup dried cranberries

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

No stick cooking spray

Instructions (recipe adapted from here)

1. HEAT oven to 350ºF. Coat baking sheets with no-stick cooking spray.

2. Using a coffee grinder, finely grind steel cut oats and set aside.

BEAT shortening, sugar and brown sugar in large bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until blended. Beat in eggs and maple. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in small bowl. Beat into shortening mixture until smooth. Stir in oats, dried cranberries and chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2-inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

BAKE 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes. Place on cooling rack to cool completely.

Sunday Best

2012-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Derek Lam knee length pencil skirt
$295 - shoplesnouvelles.com

Oasis leather wedge
$60 - oasis-stores.com

Reed Krakoff genuine leather handbag
$990 - forwardforward.com

Mirror necklace
$50 - modcloth.com

Stella Dot leather bangle
$39 - stelladot.com

Yves Saint Laurent mascara
$30 - yslbeautyus.com

Clarins face powder
$30 - bloomingdales.com

Life at its Finest

2012-04-27T00:07:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, Friday. Hello friend!

My iris are finally beginning to bloom. While everyone else's are fading, mine are still waiting patiently to put on a show. Perhaps it's because I moved a lot of them last fall?

Yep, that's my soon to be garden. Hubs assembled the boxes for me and I mixed and shoveled every last morsel of dirt into those babies. 16 cubic feet to exact. I have the sore muscles to prove it too! I'm using the All New Square Foot Gardening method so keeping fingers crossed it will be a success.

The boys dinner last night. (Those are grapes, not olives.)

One of our favorite go-to breakfasts.

Sometimes I feel completely out of my comfort zone parenting boys. I wouldn't trade my guys for the world but I grew up on Barbies and hair bows. I'm considering reading Wild Things. Anyone read it before or have similar recommendations? I think it's time I re-read this one too. I'm a big fan.

Hope your weekend is fabulous!

Closet Talk

2012-04-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

This past week I worked on cleaning out my closets. Again.

Each season I try to let go of a few items. You know the ones you pass by every single day and haven't worn in two years? Why do I hold on to some of these things?

Now that my closets are a bit lighter and I'm transitioning my warmer weather clothes back into the rotation, I'm curious....

How do you organize your closet?

Do you prefer the color coordinated method?

Or do you organize by type of clothing?

via

Or are you an over achiever who does both?

via

Closet organization has never been a strong point of mine so please share your wisdom if you've got a stellar system. It's time I take control of my closet.

One more thing. Thank you so much for all your lovely feedback regarding the new blog design. Y'all are nothing short of the best!

Meet the new peach!

2012-04-24T08:24:00.000-04:00

This is something I've been working on for a while and I'm so excited to finally share it with you! I've always loved my peach logo but I knew it was time for a little makeover. Thankfully my Photoshop skills have slowly been improving, allowing me to create this little beauty.

I also enlisted the help of Lisa from Elembee Creative to help with some of the other design elements like a new header and a more functional navigation bar with a recipe index and advertising information. I still have posts labeled by category in the sidebar if you want to search for something by topic.

I'll be tweaking a few things over the next few days but just couldn't wait to reveal the new design. Thank you Lisa for putting up with me. I appreciate your professionalism and lending me your creative talent.

Cheers to the new peach!

Sunday Best

2012-04-22T04:00:00.000-04:00

Maxi dress
$550 - aliceandolivia.com

River Island wedge shoes
$91 - asos.com

Kate spade bag
$428 - couture.zappos.com

Stella Dot clover jewelry
$49 - stelladot.com

Stella dot jewelry
$148 - stelladot.com

Rebecca Minkoff sunglasses
$150 - rebeccaminkoff.com

Xen Tan bronzing powder
£22 - debenhams.com

Yves Saint Laurent blush
$30 - yslbeautyus.com

Life at its Finest

2012-04-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's Friday, Friday! What are your plans this weekend? I really want to spend as much time as possible outside. Rain, rain stay away!

A few delicious snapshots from this past week.

Macaroons from my favorite local French bakery and hair bows for my visiting niece!

Pina Coladas for mom, sisters and I. Cheers to spending time with family!

A great way to start my day. Coffee and a PB & J English muffin.

And this is so yummy leftover. I highly recommend you add it to your to-do list.

Hope you'll check back next week to see the blogs makeover! Until then, relax, unwind and enjoy life.