Your Southern Peach

Life at its Finest

2013-05-24T06:30:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't heard, school's out for summer!!! When Luke transitioned from preschool to "real" school last fall, no one warned me about May...the end of the year. ( I can see you seasoned moms nodding your head. You know what I'm talking about.) The past month has been unreal. One blogger (I forget who) referred to the month of May as "the mom olympics" and it's the truth! Award ceremonies, music programs, field days, birthday parties and end of the year parties crammed into a two week time period that seriously spent my head spinning. Nevertheless, we made it and I couldn't be prouder of my little graduate. Here's a few snapshots of life lately and I look forward to resuming my normal blog schedule soon. Hope y'all are well and preparing for the lazier days of summer too.

My little graduate who also happens to be loosing teeth on a daily basis!

Baseball was also a huge time commitment for the family this spring. Lots of fun but exhausting too.

We celebrated our best friend's daughter turning two. How cute are these bee cookies?

And these precious honey bears for the guests!

My niece turned nine and opted for a camping party with six friends spending the night. My sister is really brave.

And pretty hilarious when it comes to potato sack racing too... I hope she doesn't kill me for sharing this picture. It's pretty awesome. The boys had a blast.

Despite the chaos and busy schedule we're still trying to savor the little things like tiny little flowers.

And my pretty purple iris outside of my kitchen window.

Enjoy your weekend fellow peaches and have a very safe Memorial Day!

Weekend Cheers: Spiced Orange Cocktail

2013-05-17T06:30:00.000-04:00

How are you fellow peaches? I am over the moon that the weekend is here and am excited to share today's cocktail with you. First let me preface by saying that I love rum. It has a magical way of mentally taking me away to a tropical island where Bob Marley continually plays in the background. Captain Morgan* spiced rum gets its amber color from being aged in charred white oak barrels and is widely popular for being paired with Coca-Cola. As much as this Atlanta girl loves her Coca-Cola, I wanted to dress this up a bit and make it porch perfect. Three cheers for the Captain and hope y'all enjoy your weekend!

***** Spiced Orange Cocktail *****

// Ingredients //

1 oz. Captain Morgan spiced rum
1/2 oz. Gran Gala orange liquor
2 oz. orange juice
Maraschino cherry and garden sage to garnish

// Mix it Up //

Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Stir and garnish.

Photos by Amy Mikkelsen // Your Southern Peach

* I was not compensated for this post. However, Captain Morgan kindly supplied me with an array of rums for the summer. Captain Morgan is a brand I already loved prior to this post. For more Captain Morgan recipes, click here!

Meet me in the Garden: Master Gardener Tour

2013-05-13T06:30:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone enjoyed Mothers Day weekend! The majority of mine was spent at home just doing normal mom stuff like laundry and playing outside with the boys. But my sister and I did slip away for a few hours to the Master Gardner's Tour of Cobb County for some real peace and quiet. We considered it a Mothers Day gift to ourselves and it was truly a spectacular experience to tour these amazing gardens! We only made it to four of the six gardens since I had to rush off to a t-ball game, but I certainly didn't feel short changed. The first stop was a community garden that was adjacent to an elementary school. Several families work alongside the school to bring the community together via gardening.

Other than the community outreach of this project, my favorite thing about this garden were the unique sculptors in the space. One gardener collects and paints old hubcaps, transforming them into cute garden flowers. How precious are they?

This piece was an eye catcher and a conversation starter!

And this recycled and painted crib piece is perfect for climbing veggies like peas and beans!

The other gardens were personal homes. I took a ton of pictures but here are some of the highlights. Hoping this will provide some inspiration for any of you who like to dig in the dirt too.

Climbing roses on arch, looking over a bird bath.

Enormous rhododendron....

A precious little lilly pond...

I failed to get the name of this one but it was gorgeous!

Creative garden containers...

I think this is a type of poppy. Does anyone else know for sure?

A very mature Lady Banks Rose over a garden entry way...

This shed was built on a sink hole using stilts!

A plant named 'Sweet Tea' ... be still my heart!

More lovely arches and my pretty sister..

Rhododendron bud...

Little pathways with delicate ground covers...

Foxglove. The belle of the ball!

Iris and more dainty ground cover...

Peony. Always lovely!

A tree named 'Belle of Georgia Peach.' I think I need one, don't you?

There was lots of wild Mahonia, a very interesting plant with vivid colors and unique blue seeds.

White shasta daisy as far as the eye could see!

And more fields of flowers inter planted.... I love the wild and carefree look of this!

I hope y'all enjoyed the photos! Are you ready to start planting? A garden is a labor of love but it's one that gives back tenfold. Hoping to post some photos of my own garden later this month. Share your own garden tips or favorite flowers below in the comments if you wish!

Southern Breeze Cantaloupe Limeade

2013-05-10T06:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome back y'all! Sorry for my absence this week. Is anyone else feeling the pressure as the school year comes to a close? The month of May is insane between school programs and tying up loose ends that I feel like my head is spinning. I'm also trying to personally finish up some things before the boys are home 24/7. Hello, closet cleaning and toy purge! I can't think of a better way to welcome summer than with this oh-so-yummy cantaloupe limeade. An old friend from high school passed this recipe along to me earlier this year and I just knew I had to share it with y'all come summertime! The botanical flavors of the gin pair so nicely with the sweet cantaloupe and zesty lime. I can totally see myself sipping this poolside in a big lofty lounge chair! Who's with me?

***** Southern Breeze Cantaloupe Limeade *****

Serves 4-6

1 whole cantaloupe peeled, seeded and cut into chunks

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp grated lime zest

1/8 cup sugar
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cups Tanqueray gin **

Fresh lime and cantaloupe slices to garnish

// Instructions //

1. Place cantaloupe and zest in a blender and process until smooth stopping to scrape the sides.

2. Pour through wire mesh strainer into pitcher, pressing the pulp with back of wooden spoon. Discard pulp. (Results about 2 cups of juice.)

3. Bring water to a boil and add sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved and let cool for 10 minutes. Then add sugar water to the cantaloupe juice.

4. Next, add the lime juice and gin and stir well. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh lime and cantaloupe slices. (This can me made and mixed ahead of time if you're serving a large party!)

*photos by Your Southern Peach

** I was not compensated for this post. However, Tanqueray kindly supplied me with an array of gins for the summer. Tanqueray is a brand I already loved prior to this post. For more Tanqueray gin recipes, click here!

Sunday Best: Cha Cha

2013-05-05T06:30:00.000-04:00

"BUT THE ATTITUDE OF FAITH IS TO LET GO, AND BECOME OPEN TO TRUTH, WHATEVER IT MIGHT TURN OUT TO BE." ~ ALAN WATTS

Forever 21 tank / GANT chino / Steve Madden summer wedge / Gap gap striped tote bag / L.A.M.B. post earrings / Wet Seal fedora hat / H&M h m, $11 / Clarins beauty product / Guerlain nail lacquer

Weekend Links: From the South

2013-05-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

I know you're probably wondering where your weekly cocktail is today but I just couldn't make it happen this week. The end of the school year is ferocious for us moms and I cannot tell you how anxious I am for the lazy days of summer. Nevertheless, I couldn't leave you hanging so I'm sharing a few southern links today for you to peruse over the weekend. Hope you enjoy!

This Georgia Peach baby shower is just too much. Precious down to the last peach!

Big Mama's Biscuits: I adore this video. Big mama is such a treasure and her measurements make me giggle. A sign of a true cook indeed!

Vera Bradley: They've got some great bags on sale for Mother's Day like the weekender and the tote. I'm digging the new Island Blooms print. How about you?

Atlanta Food and Wine Festival: Is anyone going? I've never been but it looks super fun!

Front Porch Sittin': No southern porch is complete without a pair of these in the summer. Can't wait to get mine up.

Smith and Branson: Who's already thinking about Father's Day? I think Daniel needs one of their belts.

Gardening: I really, really love these garden markers. Very feminine and charming.

Strawberry Mint Juleps if you're watching the Derby and my classic Margaritas if you're celebrating cinco de mayo. Or you could just do both which is what I plan on doing!

Happy Weekending!

Kentucky Hot Browns

2013-05-01T06:30:00.000-04:00

Y'all, this is comfort food. Meet the Kentucky Hot Brown. In honor of the upcoming Derby, I just had to try my hand at this southern classic. The history of the Kentucky Hot Brown dates back to the roaring 1920's at the Brown Hotel in Louisville Kentucky. Dinner guests would dance the night away and eventually request a midnight snack from Chef Fred Schmidt. He dreamed up the Kentucky Hot Brown after guests grew tired of the normal fare of ham and eggs.

A traditional hot brown is served on a piece of bread but this recipe calls for a biscuit base, which is really quite genius. You know we southerners love our biscuits! After the biscuits are baked and halved, pile on sliced turkey and the creamy cheese sauce. Garnish with crispy bacon and slice of fresh tomato for the final touch. The other great thing about these little hot browns is that they're the perfect party size and the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to assemble and broil just before guests arrive.

Serve these with my strawberry mint juleps and your party is off to a winning start!

***** Kentucky Hot Browns *****

(serves 2-4) adapted from here

// Ingredients //

6 frozen biscuits

1/2 lb. sliced turkey

1/2 cup cheese sauce (recipe below)

2-3 small tomatoes, sliced

2-3 slices bacon, cooked and diced.

// Instructions //

Bake biscuits according to package directions, allow to cool for few minutes and then slice in half. Top biscuit halves with turkey slices. Drizzle biscuits with cheese sauce and place under the broiler for 3 minutes or until cheese is toasty brown. Remove from oven and garnish with bacon bits and tomato slices.

***** Cheese Sauce *****

// Ingredients //

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups milk

1/2 cup fresh Parmesan, grated

pepper to taste

// Instructions //

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Then gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil and cook, whisking constantly until sauce is thickened. Whisk in cheese, salt and pepper and remove from heat.

* This cheese sauce recipe makes a very large amount of cheese sauce. I refrigerated the leftovers for use on pastas and other sandwiches but you could easily cut the recipe by half for a smaller batch.

Giveaway Winner!

2013-04-30T06:30:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Natalie of The Southern Hostess! You were randomly selected by random.org as the winner of Southern Living's "Feel Good Food" cookbook. I'll be contacting you today for your shipping address and hope you enjoy the book. Thanks to everyone else who entered the giveaway!

*image found here

Little Miss Swims

2013-04-29T06:30:00.000-04:00

// 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 //

I know you're probably wondering why I'm sharing little girl suits since I have two boys but really...it's so much more fun to shop for the girls! Luke had his first swim lesson last week and I ended up frantically searching for a swimsuit that still fit him. Luckily I stumbled on one I had picked up at the end of the season and urgently ordered a few pair of trunks from Lands End this weekend. While shopping online, my eye couldn't help but wonder to these adorable little pieces for the girls. I do have lots of nieces so I always keep them in mind too! And these mini caftans here and here...I want them for myself! A girl can never have too many.

PS: Don't forget to enter to win the Southern Living cookbook, "Feel Good Food." The recipes are great and the photography is super fun. I'll pick a winner today at noon!

Good Luck!

Strawberry Mint Julep and a Giveaway!

2013-04-26T06:30:00.000-04:00

I've got a real treat for you today that involves bourbon and Southern Living! Does it get any better than that? With the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, I couldn't resist mixing up a mint julep for this weeks installment of The Weekend Cheers. Strawberry season came early here in Atlanta so I took advantage of that as well as the mint that grows year round on my back deck. And for those of you who are looking for more Kentucky Derby party inspiration, Southern Living asked me to share some fresh ideas for setting up a mint julep bar via their new cookbook Southern Living Feel Good Food. This cookbook is such a prize with approachable recipes, lovely photos and charming entertaining ideas. Lucky for y'all I'm giving away a copy to one lucky reader. But first let me share some recipes with y'all!

***** Strawberry Mint Julep ******

// Ingredients //

2 oz. bourbon

2 strawberries, chopped and stems removed

3 mint leaves

1/4 tsp. sugar

// Instructions //

In a small bowl, muddle strawberries, mint and sugar. Then add them to a rocks glass and top with crushed ice. Pour bourbon over ice and stir. Garnish with mint sprig and fresh strawberries.

***** Julep Bar *****

from Southern Living Feel Good Food

Set up a mint julep bar with an assortment of flavored syrups at your next gathering.

mint syrup: Boil 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups water, stirring often, 2 to 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; add 15 fresh mint sprigs, and cool completely. Cover and chill 24 hours. Strain syrup; discard solids.

grapefruit-honey syrup: Prepare Mint Syrup as directed, reducing sugar to 1/2 cup and stirring 3⁄4 cup fresh grapefruit juice, . cup honey, 3 (2- x 4-inch) grapefruit rind strips, and rind from 1 lime, cut into strips, into sugar mixture with mint. For julep, muddle with 1 small grapefruit rind strip.

peach-basil syrup: Prepare Mint Syrup as directed, substituting basil for mint and stirring 2 (5.5-oz.) cans peach nectar and 1 split vanilla bean into sugar mixture with basil. For julep, muddle with 1 peach slice.

blackberry syrup: Prepare Mint Syrup as directed, adding 6 oz.fresh blackberries, halved, with mint. For julep, muddle with 2 fresh blackberries.

pineapple-lemongrass syrup: Prepare Mint Syrup as directed, reducing granulated sugar to 1 cup, adding . cup light brown sugar to granulated sugar and water, and stirring 1 cup pineapple juice, 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, and 3 (3-inch) pieces fresh lemongrass into sugar mixture with mint after removing from heat. For julep, muddle with 1 small fresh pineapple chunk.

*This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering! *

Now, let's give this book away! If you're anything like me, you can never have too many cookbooks. All you have to do is leave a comment below and be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you win whether it's your email, Twitter handle, etc. I'll pick a winner on Monday at noon using random.org. Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is only open to U.S. residents. Good Luck and happy weekending everyone!

*Photo #1 by Amy Mikkelsen (YSP)
** I received no compensation for this post and all opinions are my own.

Three Pepper Tuna Salad

2013-04-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

On the quest to eat healthier, I've been trying to eat more protein and veggies while limiting carbs and sugar. I've been keeping lots of fresh veggies on hand and throwing them on sandwiches, salads, soups, you name it! Tuna salad is a favorite standby of mine but this particular recipe has an extra kick, thanks to a terrific threesome of peppers. A pinch of jalapeno and a handful of red and yellow pepper provide great flavor and keep lunchtime from getting boring. It's really amazing what a little heat can do for an ordinary tuna salad. I'm looking forward to planting these peppers in the garden so I can enjoy this recipe all summer long!

***** Three Pepper Tuna Salad ******
(serves 2: Weight Watcher Points: 5 per serving)

// Ingredients //

2 cans tuna, drained
1 tbsp. diced jalapeno
1/4 diced red pepper
1/8 cup diced yellow pepper
2 tbsp. Dukes light mayo
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. chopped dill
salt and pepper to taste

// Instructions //

Combine tuna, peppers, mayo, vinegar and dill in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill or serve immediately.

Five Salads for Lighter Living

2013-04-23T06:30:00.000-04:00

Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad via Love and Olive Oil

Cucumber and Sweet Onion Salad via Martha Stewart

Strawberry Summer Salad via Welcome to the Good Life

Taco Salad with Cilantro Lime Ranch via Cooking Classy

Thai Shrimp Salad via Bev Cooks

Hi y'all! I'm back from a whirlwind trip to Pittsburgh where my cousin tied the knot and I danced the night away. My mother, sister and I also made the rounds with some other family as well as two stops at the best bakery in Pennsylvania. I came home toting three dozen chocolate thumbprint cookies...for the boys of course! Needless to say, I'm in need of some major detox food so I gathered a handful of delicious salad recipes I'm just dying to try out in the next few weeks. When it comes to greens, I tend to fall back on the same old combinations which quickly leads to boredom. How amazing do these look? I'm feeling lighter already.

Meet Me in the Garden: Azaleas Tips

2013-04-17T06:30:00.000-04:00

The past few days have been emotionally exhausting. My heart aches for Boston. Like many of you, I've been glued to the news for answers. Why? How? I had to step away from the talk radio and the TV for a break and it feels selfish saying that since so many people don't have that luxury. To just turn it off. To step away. They're mourning and grief stricken and my prayers are with them.

I've found some solace in my garden the past few days. We've been working on some landscaping projects which include two new trees, six new rose bushes, three hydrangea and a handful of azalea. It seems the Masters always encourages me to throw a few more azaleas in the ground. I gathered a few tips for planting and caring for azaleas and I thought I'd share them today. That's the thing I've come to love about gardening. You share, you grow and you leave the world a brighter place.

Plant azaleas with the top of the root ball just slightly above the soil level.
When watering, wet both the soil and the foliage since azaleas absorb moisture through both the ground and their leaves.
In spring, after blooms fade, fertilize with acid-forming fertilizer like Hollytone.
Don't worry about mulching in the fall. It might cause heat to remain in the soil, delaying dormancy and increasing the chance for winter damage.
Azaleas enjoy filtered sunlight and regular watering.
Prune time is critical! The best time to prune is within 3 weeks after blooming so that the plant has plenty of time to make buds for next year.
When planting azaleas, create visual interest by layering colors and various types.

*pink garden bag and tool set // hollytone // image

Stepping out with a New Look

2013-04-15T10:59:00.002-04:00

Morning fellow peaches! We're fresh off of spring break here in Georgia and wrapped up the weekend with Atlanta Steeplechase and the Masters. Talk about a double dose of prep! If you haven't attended Steeplechase before, I highly recommend this event. The races were spectacular and the people watching was superb. Anyone else watch the nail-biting finish at the Masters yesterday? I think I ate my weight in pimento cheese and white bread and I'm paying for it today.

As some of you may have noticed, my blog got a major update last week and I couldn't be happier! I hired the help of Smitten Blog Designs and had the pleasure of working with Jacquelinne. She was an absolute dream. I've been wanting to do this for over a year now and if you poke around, you'll see I'm still adding things here and there but for the most part it's presentable.

In addition to a new look, I'm excited to be opening the blog to a limited number of advertisers and sponsors later next month. Your Southern Peach is almost three years old and I feel it's the right time to do this. I want to invest in this space and bring more to y'all in terms of quality and creativity. I'm looking forward to partnering with businesses of all sizes but want to assure you that I will choose thoughtfully. I've promised myself (and I'm promising you) that all collaborations will be an appropriate fit for Your Southern Peach and my readers.

I'm so grateful for you all and look forward to another fun year together. Thank you for your time, your comments, your emails...they mean so much. Hope you enjoy the new site!

*image credit

Masters Party: Green Jacket Salad

2013-04-10T06:30:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow marks the start of the Masters in Augusta, Georgia and already golf enthusiasts are prepping for weekend festivities and viewing parties. Whether you're making the trek to Augusta or watching from the comfort of home, it's sure to be an exciting weekend! The boys and I will be watching at home all weekend and we certainly plan to get into the Masters spirit with lots of pimento cheese sandwiches and Azalea cocktails. Also on the menu is this Green Jacket Salad. The homemade dressing really brings the simple iceberg lettuce to life. After a few personal tweaks, here's my version of the green jacket salad that was originally served years ago at the Green Jacket Restaurant.

***** Green Jacket Salad *****
(makes about 1 cup of dressing - serves 4)

// Ingredients //

1 head iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped
croutons for garnish
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 tbsp. olive oil
6 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. Lawry's seasoning salt
2 Roma tomatoes chopped
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. red pepper
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/8 cup flat parsley, chopped

// Instructions //

1. Place iceberg lettuce in a bowl. Then, in a blender or a food processor, combine remaining ingredients (with the exception of the croutons and cheese) and mix until blended.

2. Pour dressing over lettuce. Garnish with cheese and croutons.

John Deere Birthday: Jett turns 3

2013-04-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

When you're a new mom, everyone tells you time will fly. And it does. Motherhood makes life go by in warp speed. Children grow and learn and move tremendously fast. Jett turned three on Friday and my, does he live up to his name! He was born fast and he lives fast. He never skips a beat. We celebrated at home with a simple family party in true John Deere fashion.

With the exception of a few pretty things like my drink tags from Ballard Designs.

I dressed up a few recycled tin cans with John Deere ribbon and decked out the buffet in John Deere flannel fabric which every "boy mom" should have just lying around. Just in case you know!

Y'all know I'm not a baker but "Duncan" helped me out and I piped one some green and yellow frosting to make it special. You can find the John Deere cupcake picks here.

Here's the birthday boy ready to open some gifts. Gosh I love him! He just lights up our family in all sorts of ways.

Do you think he likes John Deere Loader? It moves at warp speed but big brother still thought it could go a little faster. Jett didn't mind at all and even put his hands up to let me know he could drive with no hands. Lord help me and my grass in the back yard.

Little birthday boy making a wish. Isn't life precious when you're three?

Lilly Pulitzer: A Lovely Legend

2013-04-07T22:29:00.000-04:00

The world lost a lovely lady today but her legacy will live on for generations to come. Read more about Lilly Pulitzers evolution from savvy socialite to delightful designer over on the website. What an inspiration she was and to think, it all started with a juice stand in Palm Beach.

Weekend Cheers: Azalea Cocktail and Free Printable

2013-04-05T06:30:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week, I posted some fun links in preparation for the Masters golf tournament. It's kind of a big deal here in Georgia. Admittedly, the post appeared a week early after a conversation with my husband went something like this:

Me: "Honey, when is the Masters this year?"

Him: "It's always the first full week of April."

Me: "Okay, thanks."

At that point I proceeded to put it on my blog calendar for this week. However, that little part about "the first full week" just so happens to include Sunday. Aghh, the details...they're exhausting, aren't they. Nevertheless, I was a little relieved to have some more time to work on my Masters posts because I do have some great ones to share! Like this Azalea cocktail. Isn't it pretty?

My lovely friend Anne of Anne Hitchins designs has offered these stylish cocktail flags as a free printable over on her website so if you're planning a party, you absolutely must go grab these. I attached mine to simple bamboo skewers that I picked up in my local grocery store.

*****Azalea Cocktail for a Masters Party *****

// Ingredients //

2 parts gin
1 parts lime or lemon juice
1 parts pineapple juice
splash of grenadine

// Instructions //

In a cocktail shaker, combine ingredients. Pour over ice into a small mason jar because we are in Georgia y'all! Garnish with Masters cocktail flags from Anne Hitchins.

Masters Week Preparation

2013-04-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

For golf fans and Georgians alike, the first of April brings lots of excitement and anticipation. Every year during the first full week of April, the Masters golf tournament is played at Augusta National in the little town of Augusta, Georgia. The official tournament starts next week but for those of us who can't get enough of this springtime tradition, here's some more links you'll definitely want to check out before tee time.

Insiders Guide to Masters Week

Miss Janice's Masters celebration

My Pimento Cheese Recipe

Classic Arnold Palmer Drink

Tour Augusta National Clubhouse

Be sure to check in next week as I share some more Tee-Time recipes!

Sunday Best: Easter in Black and White

2013-03-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

OUR LORD HAS WRITTEN THE PROMISE OF RESURRECTION, NOT IN BOOKS ALONE, BUT IN EVERY LEAF IN SPRING TIME. - MARTIN LUTHER

Michael KORS dress / Karen Miller leather pumps / Nine West clutch / pearl earrings / Chloé glasses

Easter Candy Terrarium

2013-03-27T06:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I spent a good bit of time putting together these Easter candy terrariums which I absolutely adore! I've seen a few of them floating around on Pinterest lately but I first saw them last Easter when my aunt made them for the boys. I just fell head over heels for them and knew I wanted to try this project for myself this year. To add some special touches, I hand stenciled the bottom of the jars and topped them with a monogrammed carrot and green polka dot ribbon.

To complete this project, I used Martha Stewart Adhesive Stencils and Martha Stewart Paints and simply hand cut the carrot tags. Also, one other key thing to mention is that I opted for Smooth Ball mason jars (quart size) for aesthetic and photography purposes. Most craft stores should carry them but they are much cheaper online by the case. For the candy I chose a simple chocolate bunny that fit the width and height of the jar as well as mint mint M & M's and orange jelly beans. A few simple strands of Easter grass and a green ribbon complete the project. Once the kids (and myself) consume the goods, I'll most likely re-purpose these painted jars into flower vases or Easter decor for next year. Wouldn't they look precious with some daffodils or white tulips?

Pineapple Casserole

2013-03-26T06:30:00.000-04:00

This is not a dish I grew up eating because my mother is by birth a Yankee. I was born and raised in Georgia but I'm not one of those girls who grew up in a southern kitchen which is one of the reasons I started this blog. I wanted to explore recipes and traditions that are so indicative of southern culture and put a few of them in my back pocket for my own little family I'm raising. I discovered this recipe when it was mentioned in conversation with some fellow yogis and I knew I had to try it. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I knew I had to try it. Turns out, I dont' like it...I love it. If you haven't had this before you're gonna have to trust me on this one. It's reminds me of a cobbler although it's typically served as a side dish in the south. I can't think of a better time to serve this than Easter, along side a gorgeous ham. You know we southerners love our ham! I'd love to know if any of you grew up with this dish. Do you love it as much as I do?

***** Pineapple Casserole *****
(serves 8-10 - adapted from Ezra Pound Cake)

//Ingredients//

1 (28 oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 cup fresh pineapple chopped *
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 cups good quality shredded cheddar cheese
2 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup butter melted

//Instructions//

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Add canned pineapple (with juice) and fresh pineapple to a medium saucepan and warm over low to medium heat. Then add sugar and heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.

3. In a baking or casserole dish, layer the pineapple mixture, cracker crumbs, butter and cheese until you have three to four layers. Sprinkle remaining cheese and cracker crumbs on top.

4. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden in color. Garnish with fresh pineapple and a cherry!

* I like the addition of fresh pineapple because it gives this dish more texture. I also recommend reserving a tablespoon for garnish.

*photos by Amy Mikkelsen

Five Spring Cocktails

2013-03-22T06:30:00.000-04:00

Grapefruit Mint Mojito

Daydreaming about these gorgeous cocktails from none other than the queen herself...Martha Stewart of course! Spring officially arrived a few days ago and while the weather isn't quite on board here in Georgia, I suspect that will soon change. I love tinkering in the yard and the garden this time of year to see what is blooming and budding. Unfortunately, the rainy weekend forecast has put a damper on any sort of outdoor activities. Still, I will continue my indoor spring cleaning, getting the boys rooms back in order. I'll also plan my Easter Day menu and perhaps try dyeing some eggs with the boys.

Enjoy the weekend!

*photos via Martha Stewart

Lunch On the Run: Deli Roll Ups

2013-03-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

This lunch is brought to you today by my hips. Yep, that's right. Years ago when I joined Weight Watchers, I quickly learned that bread was the fastest way to use up your points before dinner even arrived. Who needs bread anyway? (Don't answer that) Honestly, I really love these deli roll ups, as I refer to them, and eat them almost everyday for lunch. I can eat a few of these and a banana in the carpool line and stay full until dinner. My flavor of choice when it comes to the proteins is provolone cheese with Boars Head Buffalo Chicken but the key to these "rolls ups" is to stuff them full of veggies. Tomatoes, spinach, avocado, etc. The sky's the limit. Just get creative and your hips will thank you later.

*photos by Amy Mikkelsen

Irish Raspberry Cream Cocktail

2013-03-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Since today is my birthday, I felt it appropriate to share a cocktail because birthdays are meant to be celebrated! My Irish inspired cocktail went live yesterday over on Society Social and I tell you she's a real springtime treat. I combined Bailey's Irish cream, Godiva Raspberry Vodka and a splash of milk and it's practically perfect in every way. And if you haven't picked up a bottle of Godiva vodka yet, I highly, highly recommend it. No bar (or birthday) should ever be without it! Head over to Society Social now and grab the recipe here.

*photo by Amy Mikkelsen